"Huff, huff, huff..."
Fang Yuan floated in the air, breathing roughly as he looked at the battlefield.
An intense battle had ended.
The battlefield was completely deformed, there were many pits with mangled corpses of ice spike divine apes inside, flames that were created with fire path killer moves were still burning quietly. There was frost mixed with blood, snapped bones and flesh, as well as leaves from the desolate plant snow willows.
The Gu Immortals were either injured or dead.
They were all injured, but the one that died was the theft path female Gu Immortal.
She had not been killed by the heavenly dragon, but was killed by the cooperation of Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's clones when she rushed to assist in the battle, losing her life.
Fang Yuan was also injured.
His left lung was punctured by an ice spike, an icicle with the size of a javelin was still stabbed into his chest.
His lower limbs were covered in a thick layer of frost, much of his flesh had already gone necrotic.
The sovereign immortal body had a huge advantage, that was the non-conflicting dao marks. But this was also a major flaw. Once Fang Yuan was hit by an attack that penetrated his defenses, he would take the damage fully, the attacks would not be weakened by the dao marks in his body.
In this battle, Fang Yuan learned deeply about the weak point of the sovereign immortal body due to this trait.
"My defensive killer move is still too weak."
"Blood asset Immortal Gu is still recovering, I cannot use bloodstained conqueror's robe. My time path defensive methods are not exemplary either."
Even though Fang Yuan obtained Hei Fan's true inheritance, the true core Immortal Gu, Years Flow Like Water, was sealed. This Immortal Gu had a huge flaw, once its aura was leaked, it would draw immemorial year beasts to it.
Once something of rank eight battle strength entered Fang Yuan's sovereign immortal aperture, he would definitely lose, he would only be able to leave his body as a soul and give up on the sovereign immortal body.
Hei Fan's true inheritance had very outstanding defensive methods, but they used Years Flow Like Water as the core.
Fang Yuan's current defensive killer move used year Gu, the effect was weaker. It was what Hei Fan used in his earlier days. When he reached rank seven, he stopped using it.
"Heavenly Lord Bai Zu is an enslavement path rank eight indeed, truly formidable!"
"Even though he is outside the grotto-heaven, and only using his clones to battle, he can still fight to this extent, I am truly inferior."
"And the distortion of space to send desolate beasts and ancient desolate beasts into the grotto-heaven, it is truly extraordinary!"
In this battle, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu sent in a hundred ice spike divine apes and a large number of desolate plant snow willows. During the process of fighting, distorted shadows appeared constantly, even though the Gu Immortals desperately tried to block them, two icefall divine apes still managed to get in.
Ice spike divine ape.
Icefall divine ape.
The two were closely related.
The former was a desolate beast, it had jade green eyes with frosty azure pupils, the hairs on its body were like icicles all over it. The latter was an ancient desolate beast, its body was like snow, its eyes were bloodshot, its fur was like icicles stabbing towards the sky.
Fang Yuan was familiar with the ice spike divine ape, long ago, Lang Ya blessed land had one.
Later, Fang Yuan borrowed it to defend Hu Immortal blessed land, he defended against a wave of attacks from Immortal Crane Sect.
After that, the ice spike divine ape died during the battle to defend Lang Ya blessed land.
Fang Yuan had also fought against the icefall divine ape.
That was during Hei Lou Lan's immortal ascension, the tribulation in the northern icy plain, because of Reckless Savage's true meaning, it turned into the divine ape.
"Right now it seems, the icefall divine ape created from the tribulation cannot match a real divine ape in battle strength."
"Actually, if these desolate beasts and desolate plants are all there is to it, it is not difficult to deal with even though it is troublesome. Most importantly, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's clones are manipulating and controlling them, that makes a completely different story."
"Especially the desolate beasts and desolate plants, they form into troops and move as one. They have incredible battle strength when enslavement path killer moves are used, it is very shocking."
Fang Yuan recalled the entire battle, he could see how powerful a rank eight Gu Immortal was.
Even though his main body did not enter the battlefield, by just directing the battle in the grotto-heaven, Fang Yuan was not his match.
They were able to win in battle because all of the immortals gathered their strength.
"Such a miserable battle, if we were to fight a few more of those, my green grape immortal essence would be completely dried up."
"Year Gu has fallen in terms of years, I need to parallel refine it."
"Healing my injuries also consumed a lot of time and immortal essence."
Fang Yuan could not bear such expenditure.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's losses were more severe than Fang Yuan's.
Fighting up to this point, Chu Du's side had been relying on Hei Fan grotto-heaven, dragging on this battle into a deadlock, the two sides were truly in a battle of attrition.
The Gu Immortals expended their immortal essence, while Heavenly Lord Bai Zu expended the foundation in the grotto-heaven. Both sides could not back down, they were trying to see which would be unable to continue first.
The following battles became more intense.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's attempts might have failed, but there was an effect.
He had attempted to create temporary bases in Hei Fan grotto-heaven, after he stabilized a foothold, he sent in ancient desolate beasts, causing Chu Du's side to have much difficulty in defending.
Looking at the entire battle in Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu had initially sent clones to attack the different resource points and target Chu Du's foundation. He succeeded.
Next, he sent in large numbers of desolate beasts and caused the battle to tilt in his favor.
Now, he changed his battle tactics, he built temporary bases and forced the Gu Immortals to attack him instead.
Even though Chu Du, Fang Yuan and the rest had the advantage in numbers, and Heavenly Lord Bai Zu was just alone, he controlled the entire situation, suppressing Chu Du, Fang Yuan and the rest.
Even though Fang Yuan and the others resisted strongly, they could not stop the situation from tilting in Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's favor.
Both sides were persisting.
But Fang Yuan was the first to lose in attrition.
He was a rank seven Gu Immortal on the surface, but in truth, he had been using green grape immortal essence the entire time.
Chu Du's expression was quite ugly.
Especially when he was alone with Fang Yuan, he put away his front and showed an expression of worry.
He said to Fang Yuan: "I have already recruited all the people I could possible rope in."
"But this battle's eventual winner will be Heavenly Lord Bai Zu. Even though we did not fight against his main body, we are unable to challenge the foundation of a rank eight."
"The real key in deciding victory is not in this battlefield, but the Bai Zu tribe outside."
Chu Du was clear about the situation.
He and Fang Yuan had the same idea, after all, great minds think alike.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu himself had no weakness, his only weakness was the Bai Zu tribe that he had just recently created.
Chu Du's arrangements were taking effect in Northern Plains' Gu Immortal world.
Rumors were spread.
"Heavenly Lord Bai Zu is attacking Hei Fan grotto-heaven, if he succeeds in getting the place, his strength will rise to a new level."
"Even though Bai Zu tribe has just been built, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu is holding it up, their only weakness is their weak foundation. Once Hei Fan grotto-heaven becomes Bai Zu tribe's territory, in decades, Bai Zu tribe will surpass every Huang Jin tribe."
"Heavenly Lord Bai Zu is a lone cultivator, he does not have Huang Jin bloodline, the strengthening of Bai Zu tribe is actually beneficial towards the survival of demonic and lone immortals."
...
All sorts of rumors and discussions were going on, the main topic was on Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's threat, and the emphasis that he was not a descendant of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's bloodline.
Not just this, there were some Gu Immortals pretending to be from Bai Zu tribe, causing trouble everywhere and provoking the super forces.
Bai Zu tribe's leader, Bai Zu Wei, had already died on the battlefield, and Bai Zu tribe's new leader did not have enough capability, he was facing huge trouble, he was telling Heavenly Lord Bai Zu about the difficulties and danger Bai Zu tribe was facing, and that they had enemies on all fronts.
But Heavenly Lord Bai Zu was unmoved.
He replied: "This is Chu Du's ploy. Chu Du is neither from the righteous path nor has the Huang Jin bloodline, if our Bai Zu tribe deals with him, those people from Huang Jin tribes would be most pleased."
"Chu Du let out these rumors and pretended to be us, purposely provoking those tribes, this is his scheme, it shows that he is weak now on the inside, only putting up a front."
"The other tribes are not idiots, they could tell what Chu Du was doing, but because of my deterrence as a rank eight, they did not dare to do anything."
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu has excellent astuteness, he was clear of the situation, he was determined to take down Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
He had chosen the best timing.
Yao Huang and Old Ancestor Xue Hu were busy refining Gu. Five Elements Grandmaster was busy dealing with Longevity Heaven, and even though Prince Feng Xian was doing nothing on the surface, he was secretly retrieving blessed lands.
For Fang Yuan, it was becoming harder and harder to endure as time passed.
To increase his amount of green grape immortal essence, he had to start selling desolate beasts in treasure yellow heaven.
He originally had two spinefin star dragonfish, he sold them to replenish his immortal essence stones out of necessity.
This was starting to harm his immortal aperture's foundation.
Earlier, he had been in a positive feedback loop due to his financial management and growth, but now, he was facing a vicious downward cycle.
Undoubtedly, this was a warning signal.
"In terms of blessed land foundation, I surpass Chu Du, but green grape immortal essence is my greatest weakness, thus, I was the first to burn out among the immortals. It seems that after this battle, I need to advance to rank seven as soon as possible!"
The battle situation was becoming more intense, temporary camps were already being built, Chu Du had to act in person and destroy them all.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu chose very good timings, on multiple dangerous occasions, he nearly managed to arrive with his true body.
Fang Yuan secretly asked Lang Ya Sect for help.
He said to Lang Ya land spirit: This was the best chance to recruit Chu Du.
But Lang Ya land spirit caved in when faced against a rank eight Gu Immortal. He clearly expressed that Lang Ya Sect would not help. If something happened to Fang Yuan, he had to keep Lang Ya Sect a secret, if he revealed anything, the alliance agreement would kill him.
"Even though I can still hold on, I have thought about it, the battle result has been decided, there is no point in wasting more resources." Chu Du decided to give up. He did not conceal this thought from Fang Yuan, he looked for Fang Yuan to talk about it.
Fang Yuan had already been wanting to back out, he quickly agreed.
However, just as Chu Du and Fang Yuan were talking about their retreat plans, the commotion in Northern Plains' Gu Immortal world changed.
All of the Huang Jin tribes, the righteous path super forces, united and wanted to pass judgment on Bai Zu tribe.
To think that at the final crucial moment, a change for the better had arrived!
-x-X-x-
Some days ago.
Longevity Heaven.
This was Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's rank nine grotto-heaven! Golden light enveloped the Four Desolations, an azure hue shone over the Eight Extremities.
Four Desolations and Eight Extremities, these formed the terrain of Longevity Heaven, much like how sovereign immortal aperture had the nine heavens and five regions.
And at the heart of the Four Desolations, at the center of the Eight Extremities, an Immortal Gu House was shining in a profound white light, shooting towards the skies. It resonated with the entirety of Longevity Heaven, emitting a loud humming sound.
Rank eight Immortal Gu House, Calamity Luck Altar.
Three floors of round altars with multiple pillars holding it up, white jade railings and shining aurora.
Eight Gu Immortals in Longevity Heaven were standing at the center of the nine corners of Calamity Luck Altar, doing their best to concentrate in controlling the operations of Calamity Luck Altar.
At the center of Calamity Luck Altar, lightning was flashing, dragons were dancing, luck was steaming, as clouds enveloped the area.
A Gu Immortal's figure was seated on the ground, resisting the might of Calamity Luck Altar.
Around him, there was a ring, it was flying around and surrounding his body, emitting light in five colors.
"Five Elements Grandmaster, you might have rank eight cultivation level, but inside the Calamity Luck Altar, you cannot turn this around! I urge you to surrender, when our Four Desolation Immortals awaken, perhaps you might have a chance of survival." The leader of the eight Gu Immortals, Heaven Extremity, snorted and said.
It turned out that the Gu Immortal trapped in the center of Calamity Luck Altar was one of the five rank eight existences in Northern Plains — Five Elements Grandmaster!
Five Elements Grandmaster laughed loudly: "The rank eight Immortal Gu House is nothing impressive! You Eight Extremities have combined forces to manipulate it, after suppressing me for this long, even using the might of Longevity Heaven to try and kill me, but now, you have not even broken through the first layer of my five elements ring. Heaven Extremity, you have the face to ask me to surrender?"
Heaven Extremity sneered: "That is because you do not know the mystical power of Calamity Luck Altar! Its true ability is to reverse calamity and luck, turning calamity into luck, and luck into calamity. By interlinking calamity and luck, it becomes unceasing. This is the profundity of heaven and earth luck! As a mere lone cultivator, how can you possibly understand?"
Hearing the words heaven and earth luck, Five Elements Grandmaster's smugness vanished, disappearing from his face.
Giant Sun Immortal Venerable created luck path, his entire life's cultivation was summarized into three parts, self luck, all living being's luck, and heaven and earth luck.
Among which, heaven and earth luck was created during Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's later years, it was grand and deep, deciphering the mysteries of heaven and earth. Five Elements Grandmaster had stalled in his advancement now, he could not break through on his own, thus, he sneaked into Longevity Heaven and tried to steal the heaven and earth luck true inheritance.
But to think that even though the Four Desolation Immortals were asleep in Longevity Heaven, the defense still exceeded Five Elements Grandmaster's expectations.
After some fighting, Five Elements Grandmaster was trapped inside Calamity Luck Altar, he was suppressed by the Eight Extremities, unable to get free.
"Giant Sun Immortal Venerable had three rank eight Immortal Gu Houses in his life, I've known about Calamity Luck Altar since long ago. But reversing calamity and luck, just what constitutes as reversing calamity and luck?" Five Elements Grandmaster thought for a moment before asking.
The Eight Extremities looked at each other, evidently surprised.
But soon, they reacted.
Heaven Extremity sighed internally: "I have long since heard that Five Elements Grandmaster has an incredible thirst towards knowledge, when he was mortal, he hid his identity and went around learning from different masters. After becoming a Gu Immortal, in order to obtain some experience and guidance from Gu Immortals, he was willing to be at their beck and call. This time, he actually asked his enemies for guidance inside the formation. He is truly passionate! However, an ignorant person fears nothing, if I inform him of the truth, I can strike a blow at his confidence and morale!"
Thinking of this, Heaven Extremity spoke: "Right now, the outcome has been decided, it is fine even if I tell you. Calamity Luck Altar was purposely left in Longevity Heaven by Ancestor Giant Sun, it was to defend Longevity Heaven. Reversing calamity and luck, we can turn calamities and tribulations into our own good luck. Right now, you came to invade Longevity Heaven, it was our human calamity. By using this Calamity Luck Altar, we can turn this difficulty into good luck, turning disaster into fortune. You will end up contributing to Longevity Heaven's eternal existence."
"Superb, brilliant!" Five Elements Grandmaster listened with shining eyes, he asked again: "If a human calamity is like this, then what about earthly calamities and heavenly tribulations?"
"We naturally reverse them as well, heavenly tribulations and earthly calamities do not cause any damage, they instead become nourishment for our Longevity Heaven." Heaven Extremity said proudly.
Five Elements Grandmaster had wide opened eyes: "Longevity Heaven is a rank nine grotto-heaven and has not absorbed any fragments of the immemorial nine heavens. By relying on Calamity Luck Altar, it can go through all of its calamities and tribulations?"
"Hahaha! You are already a rank eight Gu Immortal, but you do not even know about the origins of calamities and tribulations?" Heaven Extremity laughed in disdain.
Five Elements Grandmaster was not upset, he asked humbly: "I hope you can teach me, Heaven Extremity."
Heaven Extremity sensed Five Elements Grandmaster's earnest attitude and the disdain inside him vanished, turning into traces of admiration.
He sighed, answering: "Why do humans have calamities and tribulations? The truth is, not just humans, but desolate beasts and desolate plants also have them. Like the thousand snakes haze tree, it faces the tribulation lightning."
"The origin of calamities and tribulations is in the principles of heaven. Heaven takes away surpluses while replenishing deficits, it emphasizes on balance and maintains this over cycles. Any existence which breaks the cycle of balance will face calamities and tribulations."
"But humans possess the greatest intelligence. Thus, we are more of a threat than beasts or plants. Gu Immortals can manage their own small worlds, it draws wariness and attacks from heaven."
"What is calamity? What is luck?" Heaven Extremity suddenly asked.
Five Elements Grandmaster had a realization, he spoke immediately:" I understand. Heaven takes away surpluses while replenishing deficits, the so-called calamity takes away surpluses, while luck replenishes deficits."
Heaven Extremity raised his eyebrows: "You answered correctly, that is exactly the case! And my Ancestor Giant Sun was extremely talented, he created luck path. It targets the operations of the principles of heaven. Self luck true inheritance replenishes oneself. All living being's luck takes away others' surpluses to replenish oneself. While heaven and earth luck takes away heaven and earth's surpluses to replenish oneself."
"So that's it." Five Elements Grandmaster sighed deeply: "No wonder Giant Sun Immortal Venerable did not enter Heavenly Court during his life."
Heavenly Court followed the will of heaven, and upholded justice for heaven.
Meanwhile, Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's luck path usurped the authority of heaven and earth. When nature operated according to the principles of heaven, and an individual was determined to be too strong and breaking the balance, it would generate calamities and tribulations to suppress them. Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's luck path avoided calamities and tribulations, and in the section of heaven and earth luck, it directly turned calamities and tribulations into fortuitous encounters. Heaven and earth suppresses me, it wants to take away my surpluses to replenish others' deficits, then I shall go ahead and take away heaven and earth's surpluses to replenish my own deficits!
As the saying goes, there is nothing to say if there were opposing objectives!
"If heaven cannot use calamities and tribulations to destroy Longevity Heaven, it will use human calamities to destroy it." Heaven Extremity continued: "And you, Five Elements Grandmaster, were subconsciously influenced by heaven's will, eventually becoming the human calamity that is here to destroy my Longevity Heaven! What a pity that you, a great rank eight, were influenced by heaven's will without even knowing it."
"Hahaha, I have learned much." Five Elements Grandmaster laughed grandly: "Even if it is heaven's will influencing me, so what? This is also my own intention! And I believe that man will triumph over heaven. No matter how vast heaven's will is, it cannot compare to the will of humans. Throughout the long history of humanity, we were so weak and feeble, pushed aside and humiliated everywhere, until we became the overlords of the world today, suppressing all variant humans and other life forms under our feet! The human race is the one that destroys the balance the most, but can heaven suppress us? There were ten rank nine venerables in human history, and countless Gu Immortals among us, we roam heaven and earth, we can capture stars and overturn mountains and rivers, what can heaven do?"
Heaven Extremity laughed, the other seven also expressed joy.
This joy was the joy of meeting a companion, someone who shared similar understanding and aspirations as oneself.
Heaven Extremity's laughter faded: "It seems that you, Five Elements Grandmaster, have also been reading <
"Of course. <
Heaven Extremity nodded: "Indeed."
Five Elements Grandmaster went on: "I am a Northern Plainsman, born and bred here. Even though I do not have the Huang Jin bloodline, I admire Giant Sun Immortal Venerable greatly. Human path triumphs over heaven path, Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's luck path is deeply using the essence of human path! The trend of the rule of humanity cannot be overturned, it cannot be defied. Even heaven is not its match! Do you all agree with me?"
"Of course that is the case." Heaven Extremity replied arrogantly.
Five Elements Grandmaster smiled lightly: "The trend of humanity is clear to everyone here. But the trend of Northern Plains, can you see it clearly?"
Heaven Extremity's expression changed: "What are you trying to say?"
Five Elements Grandmaster said calmly but loudly: "Right now, Northern Plains' trend in terms of humanity is that the demonic path is rising up while righteous path is shifting lower. Eighty-Eight True Yang Building collapsed, allowing many lone immortals and demonic path members to gain strength. Heavenly Lord Bai Zu created Bai Zu tribe personally, allowing the righteous path to have a different bloodline."
"Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's hereditary monarchy was indeed a grand aspiration, but it was really quite restrictive, Northern Plains is not his to begin with. It belongs to all Northern Plainsmen. The death of a person is like the snuffing of a candle, Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's influence has affected Northern Plains for so long, so many years! It is time to change!"
"A load of nonsense!!!" Heaven Extremity was furious, the other seven extremities also started berating angrily.
Five Elements Grandmaster was very tranquil: "You are angry and furious, that is because of the fear in your hearts. Giant Sun Immortal Venerable, Huang Jin tribes, they have dominated Northern Plains, ruling over it, it is starting to decline now. Just like the ten great ancient sects in Central Continent, they seem strong, but they are rotten on the inside, there are many internal conflicts and useless members. What about the lone immortals and demonic cultivators? Look at Northern Plains' rank eight Gu Immortals, how many have Huang Jin bloodline?"
"Old Ancestor Xue Hu is demonic path, I am a lone immortal, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu turned from lone to righteous path, Prince Feng Xian is a member of Gong tribe, but he is not of Huang Jin bloodline. Only Yao Huang alone is holding up the Huang Jin tribes' reputation."
-x-X-x-
Five Elements Grandmaster: "Eighty-Eight True Yang Building is a forewarning, while Bai Zu tribe's creation is an obvious sign. Next, the influence of the Huang Jin tribes will start to fade away."
"Because this is the trend of humanity in Northern Plains!"
"You say that I was affected by heaven's will, that is not so! I was rushed here by the tide of humanity, Giant Sun Immortal Venerable's reputation can no longer intimidate me, he has been dead for too long!"
"Next, more Gu Immortals will be discontent with the Huang Jin tribes, and covet your wealth. Northern Plains is full of battles, Northern Plains Gu Immortals have bravery and fighting spirit, suppression would only be met with even more resolute and crazed resistance."
"I am just the first person to come to Longevity Heaven. Next, more and more will come here. Are you prepared for it?"
There was silence.
The Eight Extremities were so angry they were trembling, having cold expressions.
Heaven Extremity had a stiff expression, he smiled forcefully: "Amazing rank eight Gu Immortal, amazing Five Elements Grandmaster. You want to convince us that instead of being wiped out by this trend, we should merge and ride the wave, imitating Gong tribe to take in more lone immortals and demonic cultivators, to recruit a rank eight Gu Immortal like you?"
"We do not have a deep feud, we can cooperate." Five Elements Grandmaster said solemnly: "Even though the Four Desolation Immortals are rank eight, they have little lifespan, they cannot move around freely. I have no such problems."
Heaven Extremity laughed maniacally: "Hahaha! You? You are looking down on the foundation of the Huang Jin tribes! Or rather, you are looking down on Ancestor Giant Sun! If not for you, us Eight Extremities would have gone to rebuild Eighty-Eight True Yang Building already. And that Bai Zu tribe is merely a short-lived flicker. Such impure bloodline and he wants to be in the righteous path? Heavenly Lord Bai Zu? Is he worthy?! The righteous path of Northern Plains are the Huang Jin tribes!"
Liu tribe's base camp.
Xuan Bai blessed land.
"Ah, the Longevity Edict!" Liu tribe's first supreme elder was extremely shocked, he quickly knelt down and received it.
Liu tribe was one of the super forces, a Huang Jin tribe, the descendants of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable.
Meanwhile, Longevity Heaven was the rank nine grotto-heaven of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable, among the Huang Jin tribes, it represented supreme authority.
Liu tribe's first supreme elder received the Longevity Edict.
The Longevity Edict was golden in color, it resembled a token, but it was in essence, an information path Immortal Gu.
He felt a sensation and understood the information in the Longevity Edict.
Liu tribe's first supreme elder frowned: "Longevity Heaven has orders for us Huang Jin tribes to work together and deal with Bai Zu tribe?"
This order caught him off guard.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu was fighting with Chu Du, the entirety of Liu tribe's Gu Immortals were happy to see this.
Bai Zu tribe took over Hei tribe, their forces bordered Liu tribe. Because Bai Zu tribe had a rank eight Gu Immortal, Liu tribe had a very vigilant attitude, while feeling deep wariness.
And Chu Du had a feud with Liu tribe, his reputation as Domination Immortal was mostly due to Liu tribe to begin with.
The contest between these two, in Liu tribe's opinion, was one foe fighting another. Liu tribe was watching on the fence, wanting to see them both suffer losses.
Chu Du was in trouble, Liu tribe felt good seeing it, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu had taken revenge for them.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu suffering losses would cause Bai Zu tribe's reputation to fall in the future, it was a great thing for Liu tribe. Nobody would want a fierce tiger to live around them, a weak neighbor was better than a strong one.
"But now that the Longevity Edict is out, we have to follow it."
"My Liu tribe is close to Hei tribe's former territory, once this battle starts, we will face pressure many times that of the other tribes."
Liu tribe's first supreme elder left his information on Longevity Edict, on the Immortal Gu, before letting it go, as the Longevity Edict tore through the sky.
Next, this Immortal Gu would continue to visit the other Huang Jin tribes.
Back to the present time.
Inside Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
Chu Du and Fang Yuan, who received this information, were surprised and overjoyed.
"All of the righteous path super forces, the Huang Jin tribes are attacking Bai Zu tribe, this way, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu is bound to retreat." Fang Yuan spoke with a smile.
"The Huang Jin tribes that have never gotten along are acting in unison at such speed, I wonder what happened." Chu Du was confused.
Fang Yuan's eyes shined: "Perhaps Longevity Heaven sent an edict."
"Longevity Heaven?" Chu Du's expression changed, he thought for a while: "It seems that is the only reason."
In fact, the situation of the forces in Northern Plains' Gu Immortal world was quite similar to Central Continent.
Central Continent had ten great ancient sects, Northern Plains had the Huang Jin bloodline super forces, Central Continent had the Heavenly Court ruling above, while Northern Plains had Longevity Heaven that stood in the sky.
More similarly, the ten great ancient sects were the lower level sects of Heavenly Court, while Longevity Heaven similarly had great influence on the Northern Plains Huang Jin tribes.
Perhaps in the past, Giant Sun Immortal Venerable had imitated Central Continent, purposely creating this situation.
"Why did Longevity Heaven suddenly send an edict, ordering the Huang Jin tribes to work together and deal with Bai Zu tribe? Bai Zu tribe is backed by a rank eight Gu Immortal." Chu Du thought, feeling doubts.
What made him unable to comprehend it was, if Longevity Heaven wanted to deal with Bai Zu tribe, the best time to strike was when Hei tribe had just been destroyed.
But at that time, Longevity Heaven did not act. So why did they wait until now? Was Longevity Heaven also interested in Hei Fan grotto-heaven?
Thinking of this possibility, Chu Du's heart sank.
"No matter what, we need to make use of the remaining time and talk to Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, ending this conflict. Immortal Gu 'No' and 'Care' were prepared for this moment." Fang Yuan reminded.
Chu Du came back to his senses, he said solemnly: "You are right."
He immediately sent his clone to converse with Heavenly Lord Bai Zu.
Right now, Chu Du was the owner of Hei Fan grotto-heaven, he had made many arrangements here, the Gu worms that he sent out were not detected by others.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu had more information than Chu Du.
He knew that right forces, the righteous path forces were coming at Bai Zu tribe because Longevity Heaven had directly sent a Longevity Edict!
He was very shocked, he did not know why Longevity Heaven was suddenly finding trouble with him.
In the past, when creating the tribe, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu was worried about Longevity Heaven, he was waiting for a response from them.
Longevity Heaven's silence made Heavenly Lord Bai Zu feel like he had probed its bottom line. He thought: As a grand rank eight, Longevity Heaven might not want to deal with him, after all, there was no good reason for it.
The commotion and change in Northern Plains' Gu Immortal world made Heavenly Lord Bai Zu very perplexed.
"Yao Huang and Prince Feng Xian are righteous path Gu Immortals, Prince Feng Xian might not come, but Yao Huang is a true Huang Jin bloodline member. Other than that, there is still Longevity Heaven. Hmm... Five Elements Grandmaster has a good understanding of Longevity Heaven, I might be able to get some information from him."
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu thought quickly, the situation was turning for the worse rapidly, he felt immense pressure on him.
He was still unaware that Five Elements Grandmaster was already fighting with Longevity Heaven. In fact, the current situation was caused by the conversation between Five Elements Grandmaster and Heaven Extremity.
"As for Hei Fan grotto-heaven..." Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's gaze became dark, he assessed: "I cannot take it down for now, I should stop. I cannot waste any time and energy now, I need to put all my effort into defending my hard work."
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu wanted to retreat.
The reason why he wanted to take down Hei Fan grotto-heaven was due to the loss of his reputation, it might cause a commotion and result in severe losses to Bai Zu tribe's interests.
But now, Bai Zu tribe was in a crisis. Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's own interests were severely infringed now.
This situation was truly the worst, how could Heavenly Lord Bai Zu have any effort to spare for Hei Fan grotto-heaven!
But in this situation, Chu Du's Gu worm arrived in Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's hands.
"Oh? As expected of the Domination Immortal..." After understanding Chu Du's intention, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's gaze became dark and eerie.
The contest for Hei Fan grotto-heaven ended at once!
What made the Northern Plains Gu Immortal world shocked was, Chu Du not only came to a resolution with Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, he even gave up a portion of Hei Fan grotto-heaven, and created an alliance with Heavenly Lord Bai Zu!
After achieving the alliance agreement, Chu Du let Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's main body into Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
Using Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's deterrence, he went on to deal with those demonic path and lone immortals that he had invited earlier.
These Gu Immortals were facing Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's main body, how could they dare to resist, they could only lower their heads to Domination Immortal.
Chu Du successfully resisted Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, using the power of Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, he forcefully subdued many lone immortals, gathering everyone and creating Chu Sect on that very day.
Chu Sect.
Using Chu Du's words in his speech: This was the first Gu Immortal sect in Northern Plains' Gu Immortal world! It had extraordinary meaning.
Fang Yuan watched coldly from the side, even though Lang Ya Sect was the actual first sect in Northern Plains, Fang Yuan could not help but gasp in admiration towards Chu Du's incredible performance.
Chu Du had truly outdone himself.
He gave up a portion of Hei Fan grotto-heaven, but he managed to obtain a rank eight reinforcement, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu!
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu was also a deep schemer.
Northern Plains' situation gave him huge pressure, he had to find external allies.
And Chu Du could guess his mentality, thus he created Chu Sect, it was far easier than for Heavenly Lord Bai Zu when he created Bai Zu tribe.
Chu Du was not all alone, these last years, he had nurtured many strength path Gu Immortals.
And with Hei Fan grotto-heaven, he had a huge basis for development.
Meanwhile, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu needed Hei Fan grotto-heaven as a backup plan for the entirety of Bai Zu tribe.
Thus, the two sides turned from enemies to allies.
Chou Lao Wu and Hao Zhen, who accidentally killed Bai Zu Wei, were just punished mildly, before they were spared.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu could no longer bother with these two insignificant figures at this point.
Thus, Hao Zhen and Chou Lao Wu felt immense gratitude towards Domination Immortal, they became the two most loyal people in Chu Sect.
Northern Plains' Gu Immortal world had changed too rapidly.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, who was at the peak of his life earlier, having created his own tribe, was now facing the attack of all the Huang Jin tribes.
Chu Du and Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, who were fighting to the death earlier, were now allies.
Ordinary Gu Immortals might be dazzled by these turns of events, but for people like Fang Yuan, it was very clear.
No matter what commotion or changes there were, the key concern throughout was still benefits, it had never changed!
-x-X-x-
Inside a Gu formation.
Fang Yuan sat quietly on the ground.
Chu Du, as well as the wills of Pang Shan and Not Immortal, were in front of the formation.
"Start." Chu Du said plainly.
The wills of Not Immortal and Pang Shan formed into human shapes, nodding as they activated their Immortal Gu.
One rule path Immortal Gu — No.
The other was also a rule path Immortal Gu, top ten in the List of Mystical Gu — Care.
Red date immortal essence was rapidly expended, the two Immortal Gu were shining in their own profound lights. The two profound lights had different colors, one was black and empty, the other was red and warm like fire.
The black and red lights entered the Gu formation.
Chu Du took action at an appropriate timing, activating this Gu formation, to fuse the power of Immortal Gu No and Immortal Gu Care into it.
The two profound lights fused under the guidance of the Gu formation, creating a half black and half red spiralling pillar of light.
The light pillar completely covered Fang Yuan's body, without any leaks.
A moment later, the light pillar stabilized, it was no longer as distorted as before.
"It is ready." Chu Du reminded.
Fang Yuan thus said: "You will not be able to imagine what is hidden under the northern icy plain, I almost died there…"
He spoke quickly, detailing what happened when he was undergoing tribulation in the northern icy plain, and the terrifying human calamity that he had faced.
The secret of the snowman and rockman tribes in the northern icy plain was revealed to Chu Du.
"To think that there is such a situation! The empty northern icy plain actually has such a powerful variant human force, they have been hidden all along!" Chu Du was extremely shocked.
The wills of Not Immortal and Pang Shan also shook, showing their stirred emotions.
A moment later, the black and red lights faded, the Gu formation stopped its operation, Fang Yuan slowly stood up, getting out of the Gu formation.
He was safe!
Originally, he was a member of the four race alliance, and a guest elder of Lang Ya Sect, he was not able to expose the secrets of the snowmen and rockmen to outsiders.
But because of the Immortal Gu No and Care, along with Chu Du's cooperation, Fang Yuan was able to breach his alliance agreements without facing any harm!
These two Immortal Gu were meant to be used by Chu Du.
Chu Du's intention was to come to a consensus with Heavenly Lord Bai Zu. After defending strongly and refusing to relent in battle, they would eventually settle at an agreement, defending Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
Chu Du had long since planned that if there was no choice, he would secretly sacrifice Hao Zhen and Chou Lao Wu, to protect Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's reputation, and express his sincerity.
But the actual situation was far better than he had expected.
Perhaps the alliance of all the righteous path forces in attacking Bai Zu tribe had made Heavenly Lord Bai Zu feel strong external pressure.
Because of that, Heavenly Lord Bai Zu did not list any requirements of executing the murderers, he only gave them a light punishment on the surface.
"It is to the credit of these two Immortal Gu, otherwise, I would have no way to explain this situation to you." Fang Yuan pretended to be relieved, he sighed deeply to himself.
Of course, he had withheld some information from Chu Du.
For example, Fang Yuan did not expose Lang Ya blessed land.
Fang Yuan was a vigilant person, he was not going to tell Chu Du everything, he was used to keeping trump cards at hand.
Chu Du said in a heavy tone: "By the looks of it, we cannot continue to undergo tribulation in the northern icy plain."
"Indeed." Fang Yuan nodded, he started to avoid mentioning things related to the four races alliance.
Because the two Immortal Gu No and Care had stopped activating, if Fang Yuan breached the alliance agreements again, he would face intense backlash, he would either be severely injured or dead!
The two Immortal Gu, No and Care, had incredible abilities, but they had to be activated constantly.
Because they had to be used together to allow the Gu Immortal to breach alliance agreements without suffering any damage.
But they could not remove the restrictions of Fang Yuan's alliance agreements completely.
This was a method that resolved the situation but did not solve the underlying problem.
"Regarding this, what are your opinions?" Fang Yuan asked directly.
The wills of Not Immortal and Pang Shan looked at each other.
The former shook his head: "Crazed Demon Cave contains the secret of eternal life, our main bodies would not leave it. As long as humanity is not extinct, we will not come out. The variant humans can develop all they want, even if they become many times stronger, they are not the match of humans."
The latter said: "If we are to deal with the variant humans, it is easy. We just need to announce this information, and the entire Northern Plains Gu Immortal world will go after them."
"No, that way, the northern icy plain will get destroyed. If a huge battle occurs, the icy plain will not remain. And we would not be able to get anything from it, we might even get exposed and implicate Brother Liu." Chu Du shook his head.
"I'm just saying." Pang Shan's will grumbled.
Indeed, if the variant human force underneath the icy plain was exposed, a huge battle would occur. By then, Fang Yuan would be trapped in the middle, he would not have an easy time.
Fang Yuan listened to their words, the worry inside him dissipated by a lot.
Fang Yuan had to tell Chu Du about the situation in the northern icy plain, because they had set an alliance agreement. There would be many opportunities to cooperate in the future.
If Fang Yuan concealed it, he would be greatly restricted.
Chu Du did not attack the variant human force in the icy plain, that was within Fang Yuan's estimations. After all, right now, Chu Du's focus was no longer on tribulations and Reckless Savage's true meaning, it was how to control the situation and cooperate with Heavenly Lord Bai Zu to resist the attacks of the righteous path super forces.
And the wills of Not Immortal and Pang Shan also made Fang Yuan realize the mindset of the Three Crazed Demon Eccentrics.
"It seems that these three are bent on researching Crazed Demon Cave. The commotion in the outside world cannot lure them out."
Fang Yuan thought about it, he could understand the Three Crazed Demon Eccentrics.
If he did not have so much trouble, he would also do the same thing as them.
Unfortunately, Fang Yuan was in a lot of danger, not just Shadow Sect, but also the pursuit of Heavenly Court and other various aspects.
"However, if they know my true identity, how would they react?" Fang Yuan looked at the three, his thoughts were drifting.
After talking for a while, Chu Du kept the two Immortal Gu and the wills of Not Immortal and Pang Shan in his own immortal aperture.
Next, he and Fang Yuan left this underground camp together. After leaving the cave, they got back to the surface of Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
Hei Fan grotto-heaven was currently developing.
Large numbers of variant humans, rockmen, feathermen, and minimen were laboriously working.
Many Gu Immortals would often raise variant human slaves.
Right now, Chu Sect had allied with Bai Zu tribe, these variant humans were slaves that came from Chu Sect and Bai Zu tribe.
"Greetings to first supreme elder and second supreme elder." Hao Zhen saw Fang Yuan and Chu Du, quickly taking the initiative to greet them.
Chu Du took the opportunity to create Chu Sect, he even roped in Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan was originally unwilling, but Chu Du gave him special treatment, Fang Yuan's alliance agreement for Chu Sect was very loose, it was not restrictive.
And because Fang Yuan intended to continue working with Chu Du, this allowed them to have another layer of relationship.
Chu Du asked about the development status of Hei Fan grotto-heaven, Hao Zhen answered that they were all at the initial stage, but the different Gu Immortals had taken out their resources and relocated them here. There was a crucial point, Fang Yuan had also put in a lot of effort, contributing a lot of resources.
These resources were originally from Hei Fan grotto-heaven.
After going through many places, they were back at their original spots.
Even Fang Yuan did not expect that.
Why did he contribute this huge amount of resources?
Firstly, using the two Immortal Gu No and Care was not free, Fang Yuan had discussed with Chu Du, using this as the compensation.
Secondly, Fang Yuan sold some resources to Heavenly Lord Bai Zu.
Inside Hei Fan grotto-heaven, a large portion was Chu Sect's territory, but a small portion belonged to Bai Zu tribe now.
The entirety of Hei Fan grotto-heaven became the symbol of alliance between Chu Sect and Bai Zu tribe.
Fang Yuan and Chu Du said goodbye to Hao Zhen, after flying for a while, Fang Yuan said to Chu Du: "Alright, you don't have to send me off."
Chu Du had a worried look: "Didn't you just obtain Hei Fan's true inheritance. In my opinion, delaying the calamities and tribulations by slowing your immortal aperture's rate of time is most stable. After all, you have just undergone so many battles, if you undergo tribulation after going back, there is a huge risk."
Fang Yuan smiled: "How can there be gains without risks. Furthermore, you are around, if I encounter any sudden danger, I will seek help from you."
Chu Du had an apologetic expression: "It is a pity that Chu Sect was just created, we have strong enemies against us, there is unrest now, otherwise, I would go with you. Have you chosen the tribulation location?"
"Not yet, I need to think about it." Fang Yuan shook his head.
Chu Du opened the grotto-heaven's entrance.
"See you." Fang Yuan stepped out of the grotto-heaven, flying away without looking back.
Chu Du shut the door again, sighing internally.
Fang Yuan was not easy to control, he was very decisive. And Chu Du still had desire towards the immortal tribulation tempering aperture method, but the current situation was very complex.
Fang Yuan's battle strength and his status with the variant humans made Chu Du see a lot of value in him.
Fang Yuan wanted to deepen his cooperation with Chu Du, wasn't Chu Du also thinking the same?
As Fang Yuan left Hei Fan grotto-heaven, in Southern Border, Bai Ning Bing arrived at Jade Pot Mountain.
"Why did you bring me here?" Bai Ning Bing asked directly.
Hei Lou Lan and the others were wondering too.
Ying Wu Xie, who was leading the way, stopped walking, he turned around and smiled: "Bai Ning Bing, you are too weak. This Jade Pot Mountain has our Shadow Sect's arrangements, it has already formed an Immortal Gu. We will take it out and increase your battle strength, so that you can deal with the bet of the Five Xiangs."
"Bet of the Five Xiangs? What is that?" Bai Ning Bing frowned.
Ying Wu Xie laughed loudly: "It is too early to tell you now."
Bai Ning Bing frowned even more deeply now, snorting coldly: "The part about you I hate the most is that air of mystery that you use."
"Insolence!" Shi Nu stared angrily at Bai Ning Bing, he was very unhappy about Bai Ning Bing's arrogant attitude towards Ying Wu Xie.
"No matter, it's no bother." Ying Wu Xie laughed, he did not mind Bai Ning Bing's attitude at all.
-x-X-x-
Fang Yuan successfully returned to Lang Ya blessed land.
At this moment, his divine sense was in the sovereign immortal aperture.
"I have inspected it eighteen times, there should be no problems. But even if any problems occur, the newly hatched upper extreme heavenly eagle is only at the power of a desolate beast, even if it rebels, there is no danger."
Fang Yuan thought in his mind.
He was inside Mini Purple Heaven in the sovereign immortal aperture.
An ordinary eagle nest was floating in the sky.
Inside the nest, other than an upper extreme heavenly eagle egg, there was nothing else.
Within the surrounding hundred li, Fang Yuan had placed many strength path immortal zombies, desolate beasts, and even the walking meat tree here temporarily, to ensure there were no accidents.
He hatched the upper extreme heavenly eagle once again!
Fang Yuan began to move.
A large amount of fresh blood was taken out by the strength path immortal zombies, before activating Gu worms and fusing the fresh blood perfectly into the upper extreme heavenly eagle's egg.
Fang Yuan had done this once before.
But back then, Fang Yuan used Hei Cheng's blood. This time, Fang Yuan was amply prepared, not only did he change the upper extreme heavenly eagle's memories, he even did some changes to Hei Fan's arrangements left on the upper extreme heavenly eagle.
This way, Fang Yuan could use his own blood to hatch the upper extreme heavenly eagle. It was not like before, using familiar face to conceal himself and become close with the upper extreme heavenly eagle, obtaining the acknowledgement of this immemorial desolate beast.
He went step by step, smoothly progressing, there were no unexpected mishaps.
Eight days and nights later in the immortal aperture, the upper extreme heavenly eagle hatched again, as the baby upper extreme heavenly eagle emerged.
"Chirp, chirp."
The upper extreme heavenly eagle saw 'Fang Yuan' and immediately jumped at him affectionately.
This 'Fang Yuan' was not Fang Yuan's real body, it was a strength path immortal zombie, using familiar face to turn into Fang Yuan's appearance.
Even though it had just hatched, it was not small, when it raised its head, it had the height of a youngster.
The young eagle treated Fang Yuan as its parent, it surrounded him and flapped its wings, chirping and jumping around, extremely happy.
"Alright, alright." Fang Yuan smiled warmly, stretching out his hand and stroking the upper extreme heavenly eagle's head.
The upper extreme heavenly eagle obediently stayed still, its chirping became softer and more intimate.
"Come, eat." Fang Yuan took out a thick and long heavenly crystal.
The heavenly crystal was white and gold, in a translucent state, placing it in front of the young eagle, all of its attention was drawn to it.
Its dark eagle eyes shined with bright light. It began to peck the heavenly crystal, as it broke apart like tofu, the young eagle ate it and swallowed the crystal very quickly.
The young eagle trusted Fang Yuan deeply, it did not hesitate in consuming the heavenly crystal in Fang Yuan's hands.
After eating six heavenly crystals, it stopped in satisfaction.
Its tummy was bloated, the young eagle had become plump, it sat on the ground and chirped, slapping its tummy with its wings continuously, it was very cute and lovable.
"Full?" Fang Yuan smiled warmly, sitting down while leaning on the eagle.
The eagle felt a strong sense of safety, it let down its guard, shutting its eyes as its head lowered, lying on Fang Yuan's lap as it fell asleep.
Fang Yuan stretched out his hand, stroking the young eagle's feathers.
Its newly born feathers were yellow and soft, together with its body warmth, it was very comfortable to touch.
In the following days, Fang Yuan manipulated the strength path immortal zombie as he stayed by the upper extreme heavenly eagle's side.
Other than deepening their relationship, he was also keeping a close eye on it, in case of accidents.
"I have enough heavenly crystal eagle nests." Fang Yuan's divine sense left the eagle nest.
Taking a look, in the surrounding hundreds of li, there were many eagle nests.
There were nearly a hundred eagle nests, Fang Yuan had taken them from Iron Eagle blessed land.
Fang Yuan chose the largest eagle nest as the temporary home for the upper extreme heavenly eagle.
The original heavenly crystal eagle nest had already been completely eaten by the previous upper extreme heavenly eagle, nothing was left.
But now, even though the heavenly crystals in the nests could not nurture the upper extreme heavenly eagle, there was still a pile of them, taller than an adult.
Among these heavenly crystals, a small portion came from Lang Ya land spirit. Fang Yuan had exchanged for them from Lang Ya land spirit using sect contribution points.
The bulk of them were obtained from Heavenly Lord Bai Zu, after Chu Du and Heavenly Lord Bai Zu allied, Fang Yuan had transacted with Heavenly Lord Bai Zu through Chu Du.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu was a rank eight Gu Immortal, he had a grotto-heaven, he had a huge stock of heavenly crystals.
In order to get this transaction, while revealing the secrets of the variant human in the northern icy plain to Chu Du, Fang Yuan also told him about the upper extreme heavenly eagle.
Actually, this was already no secret.
Chu Du might have known, while Heavenly Lord Bai Zu definitely knew, because he had taken in the supreme elders of Hei tribe as his subordinates.
Heavenly Lord Bai Zu desired the upper extreme heavenly eagle greatly, but currently, he needed Chu Du as an ally. And Chu Du wanted to deepen his cooperation with Fang Yuan, because of all these reasons, Fang Yuan easily succeeded in getting this transaction.
Fang Yuan paid a lot of resources.
But these resources were originally from Hei Fan grotto-heaven anyway. To purchase these heavenly crystals, Fang Yuan sold them all without hesitation.
Be it Chu Sect or Bai Zu tribe, they needed these resources greatly.
Because of their battle, both sides had expended a lot of their foundation, they needed replenishment. And the even better thing was, these resources were originally produced in Hei Fan grotto-heaven, they suited the environment and did not need to adapt.
After successfully hatching the upper extreme heavenly eagle, Fang Yuan settled down and observed it for some more days.
After he confirmed that the upper extreme heavenly eagle had no issues, Fang Yuan immediately left, using Lang Ya Sect's teleportation Gu formation to get to Tai Qiu.
The sixth earthly calamity was about to arrive, there was little time, why was Fang Yuan going to Tai Qiu?
He could not undergo tribulation in Tai Qiu.
Because it was too dangerous.
Ancient desolate beasts and ancient desolate plants lacked intelligence, they were easily influenced by heaven's will, and would form into a giant beast tide.
Fang Yuan followed a route and moved.
He used familiar face, constantly changing his appearance, disguising himself as ancient desolate beasts or desolate beasts to travel, moving in Tai Qiu.
Fang Yuan did not dare to go to the center of Tai Qiu, it was extremely dangerous, there were many wild Immortal Gu there and even immemorial desolate beasts!
Thankfully, his destination was not at the center of Tai Qiu, it was at the fringe.
Three days later, he successfully reached his destination.
The ground in front of him was uneven, even though there was a lot of giant grass, it could not conceal the traces of battle here.
Some mangled corpses were scattered here.
Fang Yuan's gaze swept through the surroundings, he did not discover any danger, he let out a breath of air and relaxed.
"In the previous earthly calamity, I gained a lot of dark path dao marks. This time, I used Dark Limit to hide from heaven's will, the effect is many times better! Thus, I am still safe."
"Then next is…" Fang Yuan mobilized his Gu worms, inspecting the surroundings.
He was very careful, he searched meticulously.
There was a rank seven Immortal Gu in his immortal aperture, Fang Yuan had specially borrowed it from Heavenly Lord Bai Zu. Lending Immortal Gu was also part of Fang Yuan and Heavenly Lord Bai Zu's deal. Other than this, there was an immortal killer move.
With this rank seven Immortal Gu as the core, Fang Yuan used the immortal killer move.
Not long after, he had a discovery.
"Good, I recalled correctly! It is here!"
The immortal killer move allowed Fang Yuan to discover a blessed land. It was hidden in empty space, concealed here in the air.
"Good eagle, it is up to you now." Next, Fang Yuan opened the immortal aperture, letting out the upper extreme heavenly eagle.
The upper extreme heavenly eagle had grown multiple times in size after these days, but it was still young, it had shiny feathers and sharp eagle eyes, it was quite strong and vigorous looking.
It flew in the sky, carrying Fang Yuan on its back as they flew multiple times in a circle, under Fang Yuan's guidance, it sensed something and changed directions, aiming towards the ground and about to crash.
When it was three meters from the ground, the upper extreme heavenly eagle suddenly went through an entrance, as it vanished from Tai Qiu along with Fang Yuan.
At the next moment, Fang Yuan arrived at a completely new blessed land!
-x-X-x-
This blessed land was very unique.
The entire terrain was a shallow beach.
Jade green water that was less than three meters deep, large numbers of rocks piled on the beach, like ink on a casually drawn canvas, they resembled strokes and lines that weaved together.
There were many pools of green water, some formed lakes, some formed tiny seas, it was distributed like a pieces of a chessboard.
"This is quite similar to Dong Fang tribe's Jade Pool blessed land." Fang Yuan thought to himself.
But he was aware that this place was different from Jade Pool blessed land at its core.
Jade Pool blessed land was filled with many deep pools, there were tens of thousands of them, resembling the stars in the sky, forming a beautiful sight. And inside the jade pools, the water was different and bred countless aquatic species.
But the water here was connected to the same source. Because there were crevices between the rocks that formed the terrain of the beach.
Fang Yuan looked, there were large numbers of fish and prawns, all sorts of aquatic insects and mortal Gu. Under the beach, in the crevices, there were seashells, mussels, seaweed, and others.
But what was most abundant was a type of snake.
This snake was pinkish red in color, it was small and delicate, about the size of an adult's thumb, smaller ones were only a few centimeters.
This was a spirit snake.
Gu Immortal Han Dong specialized the most in this transformation.
This was Han Dong's blessed land.
Han Dong was one of the Traveling Three Elites, back then when Dong Fang Chang Fan possessed Dong Fang Yu Liang and tried to revive, he had used the immemorial ruin bat corpse to create a temporary base.
By the time Fang Yuan and the rest got there, Gu Immortal Han Dong from the Traveling Three Elites had already died here.
The Traveling Three Elites were Lu Qing Ming, Su Guang and Han Dong.
They were lone cultivators, rather famous ones.
When the three worked together, they could use an immortal killer move that gathered light, forming a chariot that could travel quickly.
In the Gu Immortal world, when some Gu Immortals develop close relationships, they would help each other and cultivate together. As time passes, when they become more familiar, if they were talented, they would comprehend and create new joint immortal killer moves.
The Traveling Three Elites were like this, the wind thunder roar of Chou Lao Wu and Hao Zhen was similar.
Among the three of them, Lu Qing Ming was a wind path Gu Immortal, his signature move was entangled wind, it was very powerful and maneuverable.
Su Guang was a light path Gu Immortal, while Han Dong cultivated transformation path!
He was a transformation path rank six Gu Immortal, this Han Dong blessed land was a rank six blessed land.
Fang Yuan floated in the sky, at this time, a pinkish red spirit snake slithered over towards Fang Yuan.
"Hiss hiss hiss!"
The spirit snake was translucent without scales, its flesh was pinkish, it did not have bones, just one red line held its body from head to tail together.
It hissed at Fang Yuan, showing animosity in its tone.
This was different from the other snakes.
Fang Yuan could understand it, as the hissing turned into words in his ears: "Who are you? Why did you invade my home? Quickly leave, you are not welcomed here!"
Fang Yuan smiled lightly: "I came here because I want to be your master, what are the conditions for that?"
"Hiss hiss hiss!"
The pinkish red spirit snake hissed unhappily.
Fang Yuan nodded, feeling overjoyed, he thought to himself: "So Han Dong's obsession before death has to do with Lu Qing Ming and Su Guang."
It turned out that Han Dong blessed land's condition was very simple yet strict.
The spirit snake in front of Fang Yuan was the blessed land's land spirit, created after Han Dong's death, fusing his obsession with heavenly power.
This land spirit would only acknowledge Lu Qing Ming or Su Guang.
When either of them arrived, this blessed land would belong to them.
From this point, the Traveling Three Elites truly had a close relationship. Han Dong's obsession before dying was to leave all of his assets to his two good friends.
"In that case, I will bring Lu Qing Ming here. We are good friends." Fang Yuan spouted nonsense.
"Hiss hiss hiss!"
Spirit snake asked: "Is that true? You can find Lu Qing Ming? That is wonderful."
"In fact, he is nearby. Because your main body died here, Lu Qing Ming and Su Guang have been thinking about it. But Tai Qiu is too dangerous, thus, they asked me for help, and we finally found you after so long." Fang Yuan started his chain of lies, he neither was flustered nor did his heart beat faster.
The spirit snake slithered around, moving its body, it was very excited.
Next, it made an agreement with Fang Yuan, in just a few minutes, Lu Qing Ming would arrive.
"Thank you, truly, you are a good person!" The spirit snake's attitude changed, it was very welcoming as it opened the entrance, sending Fang Yuan out.
"You must find Lu Qing Ming!" Seeing Fang Yuan off, the spirit snake closed the entrance longingly.
Fang Yuan flew in a circuit outside, storing away the upper extreme heavenly eagle and using familiar face to become Lu Qing Ming.
He came back and waited for a while, before the blessed land's entrance opened.
"Lord Lu Qing Ming... sob sob sob." The spirit snake was at the entrance, seeing 'Lu Qing Ming', it started to sob uncontrollably.
Fang Yuan consoled it as the spirit snake's mood lifted.
The spirit snake asked: "Lord Lu Qing Ming, where is your friend from earlier? He is a nice person, he actually brought you here."
"He is a kind and helpful person, he is very dependable. He has already left, he said that there is no point in staying here, he has already done his part." Fang Yuan continued with his fairy tales.
The pitiful land spirit could not see through familiar face, it thought he was speaking the truth, immediately acknowledging Lu Qing Ming as its master.
"Hiss hiss hiss!"
The spirit snake coiled around Fang Yuan's shoulder: "From now on, you are the owner of this blessed land."
Fang Yuan immediately changed his tone: "Wonderful, I've thought about it, I will give this blessed land to that friend of mine from earlier."
"Hiss?!"
The spirit snake was stunned.
Fang Yuan smiled lightly: "Since I am the owner of this place, I have the authority for that, right?"
"Hiss... hiss."
The pinkish red spirit snake lowered its head, it was upset but it still responded, acknowledging Fang Yuan's words.
Fang Yuan immediately left, in a moment, he got rid of familiar face and returned in his original appearance.
Very successfully, the spirit snake acknowledged him as master.
"Hiss hiss hiss!"
The spirit snake said: "From today onwards, you are the owner of this blessed land. Sigh, even though I am sad, this is Lord Lu Qing Ming's wish."
Next, there were even more saddening words coming out of Fang Yuan's mouth: "Since you acknowledge me as your master, work with me, assimilate this blessed land into my own blessed land."
"Hiss? Hiss, hiss, hiss, hiss hiss!"
The spirit snake was completely stunned, before becoming frantic: "What? Why must we do that? If we do that, I will disappear!"
"Of course I know that. But by fusing into my blessed land, I can skip multiple calamities and tribulations, it is helpful to me." Fang Yuan continued.
The pinkish red spirit snake thought of something and cried out: "To annex my blessed land, you need to be at least a transformation path master."
"I primarily cultivate transformation path, I am a grandmaster!" Fang Yuan replied mockingly.
The spirit snake lost all its vigor, its head was lowered to the ground: "Fine, you are the owner of the blessed land, you can do whatever you want, I will cooperate."
Immortal apertures could annex one another.
There were many restrictions and requirements in this.
Firstly, a smaller immortal aperture could not engulf a bigger one.
Secondly, dead apertures could not devour others.
Finally, annexing immortal apertures required specific attainment levels. To annex a rank six blessed land, one needed to have master attainment level in that path. For rank seven blessed lands, one needed grandmaster attainment level. and for rank eight grotto-heavens, one needed great grandmaster attainment level!
Once these requirements were met, another person's immortal aperture could be devoured and become part of one's own immortal aperture!
There were many benefits in this.
Firstly, the resources inside the annexed immortal aperture would be completely transferred into the other immortal aperture without any need for relocation.
Secondly, one would gain a portion of its dao marks.
Thirdly, and the most crucial point, the skipping of calamities and tribulations!
For example, Hu Immortal, an enslavement path lone cultivator from Central Continent, had died during her fifth earthly calamity, from the blue charm lightning shadow. Even though the blue charm lightning shadow remained, the fifth earthly calamity of Hu Immortal blessed land was passed.
If a Gu Immortal annexed this blessed land, they would gain all of the resources inside Hu Immortal blessed land, at the same time, they would receive a portion of the blessed land's dao marks, and they would skip at least one calamity or tribulation, to a maximum of five. Furthermore, the countdown towards their next calamity or tribulation would be reset.
Southern Border, Jade Pot Mountain.
Ying Wu Xie's group arrived at the interior of the mountain.
"To think that Jade Pot Mountain has jade soil on the surface, producing beautiful jade that is renowned in Southern Border, but the interior is actually an icy land, it is truly another world here." Bai Ning Bing stood inside the icy cave, sighing in shock.
As they got deeper into Jade Pot Mountain, the temperature lowered, frost energy emanated, even though the Gu Immortals had defensive methods, they still felt a strong chill assaulting them.
Ying Wu Xie suddenly paused his steps, he seemed to have sensed something, he spoke while looking forward at the empty space: "We are here. This is a rank six immortal aperture left behind by a strength path Gu Immortal of Shadow Sect."
Next, Ying Wu Xie turned around and said to Hei Lou Lan: "Hei Lou Lan, this is for you. You have enough strength path attainment level, you can annex this immortal aperture. This way, your upcoming calamities and tribulations will be bypassed."
Hei Lou Lan's expression changed.
She had the Great Strength True Martial Physique, one of the ten extremes, her calamities and tribulations were immensely powerful.
Annexing an immortal aperture could resolve her problem, but it sacrificed her potential for growth in the future, only to obtain some short term benefits.
She hesitated, but eventually gritted her teeth, walking forward.
Ying Wu Xie internally nodded at this, he understood Hei Lou Lan's feelings, he spoke: "In a Gu Immortal's cultivation journey, pursuing potential and long term growth is not wise. If you cannot survive the upcoming tribulation, then there is no future to speak of. Don't worry, this blessed land contains strength path dao marks that are not fewer in number than your ten extreme physique tribulation. Shadow Sect's cultivation methods are not something you can imagine. But how much you can actually absorb is up to your own fortune. Because the annexing of others' immortal apertures will often result in a reduction of dao marks gained to some extent. It is far less than stuffing a Gu Immortal's corpse into your immortal aperture directly and allowing it to break down naturally."
Hei Lou Lan's body shook, the anticipation in her gaze became heavier.
Ying Wu Xie could not help but think of Fang Yuan, he added in his mind: "Of course, the sovereign immortal body is exempt from this."
-x-X-x-
"What is going on?" Fang Yuan was confused.
Under the cooperation of the blessed land's pinkish red spirit snake, he successfully annexed Han Dong blessed land, turning it into a portion of the sovereign immortal aperture.
Thus, a shallow rock beach appeared in Mini Northern Plains, within the sovereign immortal aperture.
In the shallow beach, there was clear jade green water, with all sorts of fish and prawns in it, they could be seen swimming in the clear water. Between the crevices of the rocks, algae and seaweed flowed with the waves, there were even seashells and conchs.
There was a great number of pinkish red spirit snakes, some were moving alone, exploring the crevices. Some formed into groups, swimming in the green water, resembling a ball of red threads as they moved together. Some spirit snake groups moved in hundreds, it was a grand sight.
What was worth mentioning was that there was a desolate beast pinkish red spirit snake.
It was resting in a crevice between some rocks, it seemed to be in deep sleep.
Even when the entire blessed land was engulfed, it did not wake up.
Fang Yuan moved the whole of Han Dong blessed land over, the assimilation was simply perfect.
Normally, if Fang Yuan took out these resources and planted them into his sovereign immortal aperture personally, he would need to dig rivers and create their habitat.
In that case, because of the change in environment and difference in dao marks, much of these resources would wither and die. Like what happened when Fang Yuan took away Hei Fan grotto-heaven's resources, he had to constantly sell the resources in the outside world.
Because these resources could not grow in the sovereign immortal aperture.
It was not worth the effort in trying.
But now, Fang Yuan directly annexed the immortal aperture, he saved a lot of trouble.
The resources in Han Dong blessed land, be it the fish, prawns, or plants, did not need to adapt to a new environment. Because Fang Yuan moved the entire environment over directly!
This way, Fang Yuan had completely, with one hundred percent efficiency, taken over all of Han Dong's accumulation of resources over his life, and instantly absorbed them.
"Han Dong blessed land only produces one valuable thing, that is the spirit snakes. He can already nurture desolate beast level spirit snakes, even though this blessed land is low grade, to reach this extent of development is already outstanding."
Thus, Fang Yuan could inherit Han Dong's business and sell the spirit snakes.
Spirit snakes were a type of mutated beast, but they had a high ceiling of growth, they could reach a peak of ancient desolate beast level.
Fang Yuan assessed it, this rock beach was the foundation for raising spirit snakes. The profits it generated for him slightly exceeded the star fragment grass fields that were in Mini Blue Heaven.
Fang Yuan put these resources aside for now.
There were other, stranger matters.
Firstly, Han Dong blessed land's land spirit, that pinkish red spirit snake, was still around in the rock beach.
It did not die!
"Hiss hiss hiss?!" The pinkish red spirit snake twisted its delicate body, shaking its head, even the land spirit itself was confused.
The blessed land was annexed, the land spirit would die, this was common knowledge in the Gu Immortal world. But when it came to the sovereign immortal aperture, logic was meant to be defied.
Fang Yuan did not expect this at all, he was mentally prepared to sacrifice the blessed land's land spirit.
But to think that this happened.
Fang Yuan's will descended to the rock beach, forming into a human shape.
THe pinkish red spirit snake slithered over, happily hissing at Fang Yuan: "Hiss— hiss hiss hiss!"
"Master, master! What is going on, I actually did not die. I am still alive, master, master, you are amazing!"
Fang Yuan's will laughed: "Of course, this is my secret art, solely created by me, it is unique in this entire Gu Immortal world. You think I wanted to harm you? But you are truly loyal, you were willing to sacrifice yourself, and give everything to me."
The pinkish red spirit snake's eyes were shining, it had deep admiration towards Fang Yuan: "Hiss hiss hiss!"
"Wow, my master is so amazing, master's talent is higher than heaven! I am truly so blessed to have a master like you."
Fang Yuan's will nodded in agreement: "Alright, even though I have created a secret art to annex immortal apertures of others, this is the first time I used it. How much control do you have over this rock beach?"
The spirit snake answered: "Same as before, master, master, you are so amazing!"
"Oh?" Fang Yuan's will pondered, before saying: "Then, little spirit snake, can you control any other areas?"
The spirit snake tried and shook its head: "No master, I cannot."
"It can only control its original territory huh..." Fang Yuan's will thought and said: "Then, can you try and leave this rock beach?"
The spirit snake was very obedient, it immediately tried.
Unfortunately, as Fang Yuan had predicted, it could not leave the rock beach at all.
"Thus, the little spirit snake can only manage this rock beach in the future..." Fang Yuan felt a slight pity.
He lacked a capable individual to manage the sovereign immortal aperture for him. Earlier, he had hoped that there would be someone like Little Hu Immortal to manage the place for him.
After all, the sovereign immortal aperture was just too big, Fang Yuan's divine sense needed time to just look over it completely, it was a hassle to manage. It used up a lot of his time and energy over typical days.
The appearance of the pinkish red spirit snake was a somewhat unexpected and joyful surprise.
Fang Yuan had wanted to let it manage the sovereign immortal aperture for him, but now it seemed, forget about the sovereign immortal aperture, it could not even manage the whole of Mini Northern Plains.
Because it could only move around in its original territory.
"Forget it. This rock beach can be taken care of by the pinkish red spirit snake, it can sense any issues immediately if they occur. Why must I be unsatisfied?"
Fang Yuan quickly got over it and continued thinking calmly.
The pinkish red spirit snake was not destroyed, it still existed, this was just one aspect that shocked Fang Yuan.
The other aspect was in dao marks.
"I annexed Han Dong blessed land, but I actually absorbed all of the dao marks of the blessed land, what is going on?" Fang Yuan was puzzled.
According to the logic of the Gu Immortal world, when Gu Immortals annex immortal apertures, the dao marks they gain would be greatly reduced from the total amount.
But Fang Yuan obtained everything!
Before annexing the blessed land, Fang Yuan had used perceivable dao Immortal Gu to inspect the number of dao marks in Han Dong blessed land. Its transformation path dao marks were the highest in number, about seven thousand, followed by water and earth path dao marks, about a thousand each. Time path, space path, fire path, and other dao marks were mixed in and varied in numbers, some were less than a hundred, some were a few hundred.
These dao marks were all absorbed by Fang Yuan. As Han Dong blessed land completely fused with him, it became a part of the sovereign immortal aperture.
Results by testing with perceivable dao Immortal Gu proved this point.
"I kind of understand why." Fang Yuan thought for a while, realizing something.
What caused this situation was very likely to be the trait of non-conflicting dao marks that the sovereign immortal body had!
Ordinary Gu Immortals, even those of the ten extreme physiques, when annexing immortal apertures, would face conflicts between different dao marks. The Gu Immortal's dao marks were like the owners of the house. And the annexed dao marks were like guests.
If guests want to enter the house and refuse to leave, even attempting to become the new owners of the house, the original owners would chase them away.
Eventually, the original owners will take in a batch of guests that they like, and these guests would suit the nature of the owners, they would be of the same path. As for the other paths' dao marks, they would be chased out, few of them could enter the house and become new owners.
But Fang Yuan's sovereign immortal body was different.
This house was open and invited any guest to stay. Because dao marks did not conflict, the original owner could allow any newcomer to stay without any issues!
"It is all encompassing. Not only are dao marks non-conflicting, even land spirits can be taken in, it is like the huge world outside, there is nothing it cannot contain." Fang Yuan suddenly felt a trace of Spectral Soul Demon Venerable's incredible fortitude and resolution.
The sovereign immortal body was formed from sovereign immortal fetus Gu, it was deduced by Spectral Soul singlehandedly, expending a great amount of time, effort, and resources, eventually refined through great danger.
This Immortal Gu was the embodiment of Spectral Soul Demon Venerable's beliefs and mindset.
Fang Yuan could not help but praise internally: "Spectral Soul Demon Venerable reached the apex through killing, he created soul path and was invincible in the world. But after he died, his soul went to the door of life and death, he went a step further and broke the limits he faced during his lifetime, reaching a state of being akin to that of a sea which all rivers flow into, becoming an all-encompassing being, he was truly incredible!"
Non-conflicting dao marks made Fang Yuan's body very fragile, but the advantages greatly outweighed the disadvantages.
Fang Yuan could use strong defensive methods to negate this weakness. But the great benefits it brought could not be replicated through other means!
After annexing Han Dong blessed land, Fang Yuan's final gain was also his main objective — skipping calamities and tribulations.
He succeeded.
Originally, his sixth earthly calamity was impending.
But after annexing Han Dong blessed land, not only was the sixth earthly calamity skipped, the countdown until the next calamity, and he even jumped forward by four calamities.
"I have already passed five earthly calamities, with the sixth coming soon. Now that I skipped four, I have already passed the ninth earthly calamity, and my first heavenly tribulation would be next!"
Gu Immortals pass tribulations time and time again, it is like they were obtaining the acknowledgement of heaven and earth.
The achievements of predecessors would be enjoyed by the person who annexed their immortal aperture.
Even though Fang Yuan was not very clear on the reasoning behind this, it was proven countless times in history by many Gu Immortals: Annexing other people's blessed lands would allow one to skip their tribulations.
This was also a way to undergo tribulations, but in actuality, there were huge restrictions and tough conditions to meet.
And the disadvantages were not small.
"Sigh, after annexing this strength path immortal aperture, even though I gained a lot, I lost a lot of future potential in exchange for the current gains." Inside Southern Border's Jade Pot Mountain, Hei Lou Lan had also annexed an immortal aperture.
But her expression was very gloomy.