316 RI

"This luck..." Fang Yuan frowned slightly.

Over this period of development, his luck had some growth, but the suppression from the three venerables had become even more clear now.

"I am growing day by day, but the three venerables are indeed beyond ordinary, they have stabilized the situation again."

"There may be some changes if my luck manages to solidify."

Fang Yuan sighed inwardly.

At present, he needed to stabilize the sovereign immortal aperture. The troubles in the sovereign immortal aperture were continuing to increase, unlike Fang Yuan's previous expectations where he thought the abnormal changes would decrease with time.

With no choice, Fang Yuan placed many of the variant human alliance's Gu Immortals inside. With these Gu Immortals working day and night along with himself taking frequent action, they managed to stabilize the unrest in the sovereign immortal aperture for the time being.

Moreover, he still needed to create a suitable combat system.

And the most important thing was to become venerable in refinement path!

Becoming a venerable would produce qualitative change.

Refinement path was divided into two major Gu refinement styles: hairy man heaven and earth style and human isolation style. Fang Yuan's hairy man heaven and earth style had already reached the peak and he could not improve anymore, currently, he was exploring the peak of human isolation style.

He gained a huge insight from Qing Chou's style and the accumulate virtue Gu refinement technique of Paradise Earth's true inheritance.

And the Ni clansmen could condense Immortal Gu in their bodies, it was the result of Ni clan Gu Immortal Ni Ren using a human path Gu refinement technique back then. In fact, this was very similar to Red Lotus Demon Venerable's method of destroying fate Gu and preventing it from emerging again!

"If I can reverse deduce Ni Ren's Gu refinement technique from Ni clan, I will be able to fill a huge gap in refinement path. Maybe, I can even ascend to refinement path supreme grandmaster!"

The best situation was if Fang Yuan could ascend to venerable before entering Crazed Demon Cave.

That would be the most stable.

If he could not become a refinement path venerable before then, the second best would be to raise his strength to the limits.

One was to get rid of the problems in the sovereign immortal aperture and annex all the two heavens' grotto-heavens, reaching the maximum accumulation.

Second was to form his own combat system.

Crazed Demon Cave was the greatest challenge Fang Yuan would face.

Because he was not facing just one Immortal Venerable, but several!

Currently, it looked like there was only Star Constellation, Spectral Soul, Giant Sun, Paradise Earth, and Limitless. But almost all the other venerables had entered Crazed Demon Cave and explored it.

When the time arrived, who would decide to jump out would be really uncertain.

Especially when the River of Time was so chaotic, even if Fang Yuan's Spring Autumn Cicada was raised to rank eight, it could not be used.

Fang Yuan only had one chance!

Finally, Fang Yuan's gaze moved to the surface of the pillar of silver light.

The previous clouds represented heaven's envy Immortal Gu, Fang Yuan already knew of it.

But what was this indistinct projection of a protruding hill?

Fang Yuan was not sure.

Southern Border, Rotten Mud Mountain.

"Nature is really amazing. There are actually qi path Gu materials in this Rotten Mud Mountain!" Feng Tian Yu praised.

These Gu materials had no value to Ni Jian.

Because Ni Jian could only recover his strength by increasing his earth path dao marks.

What Feng Tian Yu did not know was that these mud containing qi path dao marks were not a natural creation. It was the result of Kong Sheng Tian's will activating his killer move with the help of Hu Land.

Kong Ri Tian, Central Continent's four great obscenities, and Wang Xiao Er were able to escape because of this. It was unknown where they were now.

"This is strange, this amount of qi path mud is quite a lot. Is there a qi path immortal material buried deep under the ground? How could there be so much qi path mud with no rhyme or reason?"

Feng Tian Yu moved around, feeling increasingly odd.

He was a refinement path master, and had a lot of knowledge and experience.

He searched around before finally stopping at one area and ordered Ni Jian to dig.

However, even after digging for two days and nights, Feng Tian Yu did not discover any good loot.

After Wu clan's Gu Immortals secretly took away Hu Land, they had naturally cleaned up the scene. Even Gu Immortals would not be able to find out anything from just this qi path mud.

After all, qi tides had swept the world before, and qi path Gu materials emerged everywhere.

Western Desert.

Sand Heap blessed land was exposed because of qi tides, and Gu Masters continued to enter and explore it.

However, the environment here was extremely treacherous.

Wind raged and carried rough sand that cut like knives.

On the ground, sand waves rose and fell. If one was even a little careless, they would be buried under sand waves tens of feet high.

The only areas where one could stay in were the sand heaps that appeared inside the sand waves.

The sand heaps were of all sizes, even the smallest ones were the size of a hill.

There was space inside the sand heaps, not only was it tranquil, there were also a large number of cultivation resources.

At this time, inside a sand heap, a group of Gu Masters were surrounding a rank five Gu material. The atmosphere was solemn.

"I saw this wisdom bead grass first."

"Bullshit! We were clearly the ones who discovered it first."

"Everyone deserves a share, what is the use in talking about who discovered it first?"

While the Gu Masters were arguing, someone suddenly attacked.

The others were caught unprepared, and the person who got sneak attacked was heavily injured, shouting furiously: "Mo Li, you have such guts, you dared to attack me!"

Other Gu Masters immediately split up and stared at the attacker while also being vigilant of one another.

This Gu Master was a middle aged bearded man, he was wearing a white scarf on his head, and his triangular eyes let out a sinister light.

He sneered: "I was most wary of you. Now that you are heavily injured, my greatest obstacle is gone. Hahaha, all of you, die!"

The Gu Masters were stunned before erupting with fury.

"Mo Li, you have lost your mind!"

"Alright, let me see what ability you have to speak such words."

"Hehe, you have angered all of us. Everyone, attack together, let's get rid of this bastard first!"

Facing the group attack, Mo Li felt even more thirst to battle.

"Come, I will let you know my true strength." His whole body began shining with blue electricity.

He slowly rose to the air.

The chaotic and disorderly electric arcs became clear electric threads that covered Mo Li like they were clothes.

The killer move was activated successfully, Mo Li shouted: "Golden-red armor!"

Crack crack.

Pieces of armor floated out from his body, the hundred or so pieces followed the electric circuit and pieced together into one complete armor.

In an instant, Mo Li was dressed in full-body armor.

This armor let out metallic light, the golden and red lights emitted a domineering aura.

The armored Mo Li charged at the Gu Masters like an eagle.

At first, the Gu Masters attacked wildly, but the golden-red armor did not suffer any damage, there was only some soot left on its surface.

The Gu Masters were pale with shock as they began to evade and defend.

The armored Mo Li only charged around like a brute and many Gu Masters immediately died from the collision.

The remaining Gu Masters lost their will to fight and began to run everywhere.

Mo Li laughed coldly inside the armor, he then activated the armor's killer move.

At the next moment, the golden-red armor stretched out both hands, a circular marking shone on both his palms before several electric arrows flew out abruptly.

Swoosh swoosh swoosh!

The electric arrows flew with extreme speed, killing all the fleeing Gu Masters.

The battlefield became quiet immediately.

Mo Li slowly landed on the ground, the golden-red armor separated into pieces and disappeared. After that, the electricity weaved clothing also dissipated slowly.

Mo Li half-knelt on the ground, his breathing was rough and his face was sweating profusely.

"Although this golden-red armor has absolute might, the expenditure is too high. In just tens of breaths of time, my primeval essence, stamina, mental energy, and thoughts have been emptied. If not for your complete support, I would have only lasted half the time." Mo Li mumbled.

Peng Da's soul floated out: "Don't we have wisdom bead grass now? We can refine electric brain[1] Gu with it, with its addition, the consumption of golden-red armor will reduce by more than half and the time it can be maintained will increase by at least double!"

"Yes." Mo Li smiled and picked up the wisdom bead grass.

After Mo Li killed Peng Da and seized his Thieving Heaven true inheritance, he had been cultivating painstakingly. The killer move golden-red armor was his greatest achievement.

With this killer move, Mo Li's battle strength was able to surpass rank five Gu Masters for a short period of time.

And the reason Peng Da was cooperating with Mo Li was because Mo Li had encountered a life and death crisis before this, if Mo Li died, Peng Da's soul would also disappear. Mo Li promised Peng Da that as long as he helped, Mo Li would help resurrect Peng Da.

Peng Da and Mo Li reached an agreement.

"Let's go, we have ransacked this place already." Mo Li came out of the sand heap and arrived outside.

The strong wind almost blew him into the sand waves.

Mo Li activated his defensive method to endure the devastating sandstorm as he observed the surroundings.

He could not see other sand heaps and could only sand waves crashing down loudly.

Mo Li endured for about seven minutes before he finally saw a new sand heap.

"Such a large sand heap! This is the largest sand heap I have seen! There must be a lot of resources inside." Mo Li was exulted and was just about to jump into it.

Suddenly, the sand heap exploded.

Several figures flew out of it.

"Gu Immortals!" Mo Li's heart shook, he immediately retreated.

The Gu Immortals were fighting in the air, their fight seemed to shake heaven and earth, and even dispelled the large sandstorm.

"This is the power of a Gu Immortal, so frightening. Even if I have golden-red armor, I cannot endure the collateral damage of their confrontation." Mo Li watched secretly, his heart jumped wildly and his mouth was dry.

Mo Li observed carefully and gradually saw the actual battle situation — several Gu Immortals were attacking one person.

This besieged Gu Immortal provoked them while laughing wildly without any worries.

Amidst the chaotic battle, a shadow suddenly intruded.

This intruding Gu Immortal left shortly afterwards, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The Gu Immortal, who was sneak attacked by this figure, roared: "Ling Hu Xu, you dare to steal my Fang clan's possessions!"

Ling Hu Xu laughed loudly: "Who asked you to be the nearest person to me? I didn't expect you to actually carry so many soul cores. Looks like Fang clan's plans in green ghost desert were quite successful."

The Fang clan Gu Immortal was restless and furious: "Ling Hu Xu, I will advise you to leave those soul cores alone! You are provoking a huge trouble."

"Haha, will I be intimidated so easily? Goodbye!"

-x-X-x-

Ling Hu Xu was a Western Desert demonic immortal who cultivated theft path.

Gu Immortal Fang Dong Xi of Fang clan could not restrain his anger. Sand Heap blessed land appeared too suddenly, Fang clan was unable to take out manpower within a short period, and could only mobilize him, who was the nearest to the blessed land.

He had not expected that the batch of soul cores he harvested in green ghost desert would be stolen by Ling Hu Xu during the chaotic battle.

"These soul cores are to be handed to Fang Yuan! I cannot lose them!" Fang Dong Xi was quite unlucky, he had a lot of resources in his immortal aperture, but what was stolen was the stuff that could not be lost.

Fang clan and Fang Yuan's cooperation could not be exposed.

Fang Dong Xi could not announce it and could only give chase.

Ling Hu Xu's cultivation had recently advanced to rank seven and his speed was extremely fast. Fang Dong Xi had already decided to chase him without resting.

But just as he was about to leave, he was obstructed by Shi Kang's killer move.

"Shi Kang, what are you trying to do?!" Fang Dong Xi shouted.

Shi Kang smiled coldly: "Fang Dong Xi, you and these people attacked me for so long, and you want to leave just like this?"

Fang Dong Xi's eyelids twitched in anger: "Shi Kang, you should rejoice that I am not going to attack you. Did you make some agreement with Ling Hu Xu in secret? The grand Shi clan is actually cooperating with a demonic bastard!"

The moment Fang Dong Xi spoke, he immediately made false charges.

But because of this disturbance, Ling Hu Xu had already disappeared.

Shi Kang laughed madly: "I have been in closed cultivation for several years, this is my first battle after coming out, it must be famous throughout the world. Don't even think of fleeing, come fight! All of you are the stepping stones for my name to spread far and wide."

The other Gu Immortals' faces darkened upon hearing that.

Fang Dong Xi said through gritted teeth: "Shi Kang, you are the one who spoke insolently and provoked us, which was why we encircled you. But because we are all from the righteous path, we did not use our full strength. Now, you have not only allied with Ling Hu Xu, you are showing so much contempt towards us, you are really looking for death! Everyone, attack!"

"Good, I also want to see what methods Shi Kang has gained over these years."

"Shi Kang, I have not seen you for several years and your guts have become so big. You think only you made progress?"

This time, Fang Dong Xi took the initiative to attack first, other Gu Immortals also attacked seriously from the sides.

Fang Dong Xi fought for a while before swapping with another Gu Immortal. Several Gu Immortals fought Shi Kang in turns!

Shi Kang did not get any breather, the pressure on him was several times higher than before.

The battle was rapidly becoming disadvantageous to him, but he was laughing with excitement: "Come, come!"

The Gu Immortals continued to battle intensely, and having observed the battle for a long while, Mo Li flew to that largest sand heap while clenching his teeth.

The Gu Immortals had flown out of this sand heap, they must have left many resources which had no importance to them.

"Fortune is found within danger!" Mo Li was originally a merchant. Right now, his spirit of taking risks was stimulated.

Mo Li entered the sand heap, he could still hear the sounds of the Gu Immortals' battle. Shortly afterwards, he found that his choice was correct.

As he moved deeper, he collected a large number of Gu materials on the way.

Previously, there were many wild beasts and vicious plants inside the sand heap. But because the Gu Immortals had already explored it, the beasts and plants were already killed off.

There were corpses of wild beasts everywhere, from thousand beast kings to even myriad beast kings.

These resources were insignificant to Gu Immortals who tossed them aside casually, but they were incomparably abundant gains to Mo Li.

It was like he had picked countless battle spoils for free.

"I have struck it rich, we've struck rich!" Mo Li was extremely excited.

He also saw many giant craters as well as terrifying poisonous blood.

It was obvious that the desolate beasts and ancient desolate beasts were taken away by the Gu Immortals, but the huge ruins quietly displayed the horror of immortal fight.

"If I were exploring it, I might have become food for these ferocious beasts."

Thanks to the Gu Immortals who explored it already, Mo Li entered the core area of the sand heap.

Originally, this was the place with the most valuable resources, but Mo Li did not make any gains.

This place was already ransacked by the Gu Immortals.

"If an immortal material was left out, even if it was only a leaf, it would be an enormous fortune!" Mo Li was not resigned, he was going to search this area completely.

He really ended up discovering a large rock buried under the ground.

"This is a rank four Gu material, flying rock, it contains qi path and earth path dao marks." Mo Li sighed, this gain was far below his expectations, but it was better than nothing at least.

Mo Li was just about to lift this flying rock when the rock split apart.

A young man fell out from the split rock!

"What is this?" Mo Li was shocked before being curious.

This youngster was clearly a mortal, how could he appear here sealed in the flying rock?

Mo Li woke up this mortal young man.

The young man stated his identity: "I am Wang Xiao Er, from Central Continent. Uncle, thanks for saving me. Where is this?"

Mo Li gave a malevolent laugh as he grabbed Wang Xiao Er's clothes: "Speak, how did you appear here?"

Wang Xiao Er stammered: "I... I don't know."

Back then at Southern Border's Rotten Mud Mountain, Kong Sheng Tian's will had activated the immortal move using Hu Land and transported everyone.

But he had forewarned that the killer move would transport them to random locations.

Like that, Wang Xiao Er was sent to Western Desert and coincidentally fell here.

And for some unknown reason, he was sealed by the flying rock and fell into deep sleep.

Although Wang Xiao Er knew some reasons, he wanted to preserve the secret of the whereabouts of the four great obscenities.

Mo Li had plenty of worldly experiences, he could tell from Wang Xiao Er's expression that he was lying.

Bam.

Mo Li punched Wang Xiao Er so hard that Wang Xiao Er's nose bled: "Tell the truth, tell me everything you know, otherwise I am going to make you wish for death!"

Peng Da's soul suddenly came out and stopped Mo Li: "Stop!"

Mo Li stared at Peng Da's soul with an ominous gaze: "Brat, what are you trying to do?"

Peng Da's soul said through clenched teeth: "Uncle Mo Li, you are a rank five Gu Master, and he is only a child, a mortal. Why do you need to resort to cruel means against him? The Uncle Mo Li that I met was a person who saved me in the desert, and told me about living outside and helping each other. Uncle, don't deceive your conscience because of hatred! You are not this kind of person!"

"Shut up!" Mo Li shouted and smacked Peng Da's soul to the side, "How do you know that I am not this kind of person? Even if I was not like this before... humans change!"

Mo Li walked towards the frightened Wang Xiao Er: "Since you don't want to speak, I can only soul search."

Wang Xiao Er suddenly screamed, pointing towards Peng Da's soul: "Ghost, there is a ghost, a ghost!"

Peng Da's soul: "..."

"Stop making a fuss! Do you think that I will turn you into a ghost as well?" Mo Li punched Wang Xiao Er to the ground.

He had just finished speaking when a strange existence appeared while laughing: "Good, amazing. Young man, I have a high opinion of you."

Mo Li, Wang Xiao Er, and Peng Da's soul turned solemn, the three pairs of eyes stared at this existence that had appeared all of a sudden.

Wang Xiao Er shouted: "A talking pig? But why is there only the head and no body?"

Mo Li, however, shook with excitement: "Idiot, this is Sand Heap blessed land's land spirit!"

Mo Li walked towards the land spirit: "Speak, land spirit, what is your condition for acknowledging a new master?"

The pig-head land spirit floated above Wang Xiao Er and looked down: "My condition is simple, the person who can take the most beatings will be my master."

It then laughed towards Wang Xiao Er: "Young man, I think highly of you."

Peng Da's soul realized at once: "I understand, no wonder the Gu Immortal named Shi Kang was so rampant outside, he is trying to be beaten up through all means."

The pig-head land spirit smiled: "That Gu Immortal took a beating from ancient desolate beasts for a while, so he saw me and learned of the conditions to be my master. But he doesn't realize that it is not the one who can take more fierce beatings who will become the blessed land's master. Taking a beating is a grand cause. Not only do you need the ability to resist the beatings, you also need to have a firm and indomitable spirit to take the beatings!"

"Look at this youngster, he is obviously lying but even if he is beaten and is facing someone he cannot defy, he is still stubborn. This spirit to take a beating is worthy of admiration."

"So there is this way." Mo Li's eyes shone brightly as he saw hope of contending for the ownership of the blessed land.

The battle in the sky was still continuing.

But the attacking Gu Immortals had started to feel something amiss.

"Shi Kang, is this your strength after closed cultivation? You have been beaten to the point where it is difficult for you to even speak, if not for us holding back, you would have already died!" A Gu Immortal scoffed.

Shi Kang's face was already swollen and blue from the beating, his vision was blurry but he still laughed: "Nonsnc! I few grat. Peak conditon, fight five hundr ronds, no problm."

Another Gu Immortal said: "On account of our two clans' close relationship, Shi Kang, just retreat. How much blood have you coughed from the beatings? Anymore and you might not have any left."

Shi Kang opened his mouth to retort but coughed out a mouthful of blood: "Bulsht! I haf lot o' blood, can cough coupl o' mthfuls."

Fang Dong Xi sneered: "Shi Kang, even if you are most specialized in defensive killer moves and can turn into a rockman, you cannot hold out for long. You have already become the laughing stock of Western Desert's Gu Immortal world in this battle, if we fight any longer, you will be crippled. If you are sensible, then take out some resources to compensate for our losses. My Fang clan will let bygones be bygones!"

Western Desert's righteous path had rules, they did not go overboard in their contest over the inheritances. These resources in Sand Heap blessed land were not worth it to stake their lives.

Shi Kang was beaten so miserably that it had already surpassed the usual standard of contending. Could they kill him and attract the retaliation of Shi clan, causing this dispute to escalate? This was something that all the Gu Immortals including Fang clan did not want to see.

Shi Kang raised his head and was about to speak, but the slight exertion caused his right leg to crack in a crisp sound.

Shi Kang held his right leg and pressed it on the broken area while activating a killer move, rocks filled the gap and his rockman transformation was back in one piece for the moment.

Shi Kang still did not want to show weakness, he shouted at Fang Dong Xi: "Cme, I cn stil fiht!"

-x-X-x-

With the situation in this state, Fang Dong Xi and the rest stopped attacking.

"Strange!"

"This is really odd. Something does not make any sense."

"Shi Kang is not a suicidal person, there might be great benefits involved for him to push himself this hard."

As for what benefits, the Gu Immortals had a similar guess.

"Shi Kang entered with us and had only gone into that sand heap earlier. Could it be?"

The Gu Immortals suddenly flew down and entered the sand heap again.

Shi Kang was really anxious this time as he gave chase.

He yelled and cursed but no one cared.

The immortals arrived at the center of the sand heap within moments and witnessed a painful scene.

They saw Mo Li lying on the ground with his legs spread open, he was gnashing his teeth while his body shook from the intense pain.

Wang Xiao Er was standing in front of him and fiercely kicking the part between Mo Li's legs, the most vital area of a man.

On the other side, Peng Da's soul was also attacking Mo Li.

What attracted the Gu Immortals' attention was the pig-head land spirit.

The pig-head land spirit was cheering loudly: "Good, this way of taking a beating really makes people marvel! What moves me even more is this spirit, what kind of spirit to take a beating is this! Exposing your vital area openly and allowing such fierce attacks. And you, Mo Li, have persevered without a thought of giving up. What fearless courage! Your dazzling spirit continues to move me."

"Ah ah ah! Then, then you... ahh! Are you moved... ahh! Will you recognize me... as your... your master?" Mo Li's tears fell from the pain as he shouted.

The pig-head land spirit said with a solemn expression: "Soon, soon! You have already surpassed that Shi Kang."

Mo Li wanted to cry: "You, you, you... ahh, you said that just before... ughh!"

"Stop them!" Fang Dong Xi shouted first.

"A mere mortal wants to obtain a blessed land?" The Gu Immortals made their moves.

Shi Kang was also among them, his head was soaked with cold sweat as he rejoiced. The other Gu Immortals discovered this secret, if not for that, he might have been defeated by this audacious mortal.

Immortal moves shrouded the entire place, they descended like a tsunami.

Mo Li's group was deathly pale.

"Mother!" Wang Xiao Er held his head and tried to run.

"Land spirit, save me!" Mo Li was lying on the ground, his legs tremblings intensely.

The pig-head land spirit shook its head and flew away: "I cannot save you. To become my master, you need to have the spirit to take a beating, but even more than that, you need to have the strength to take the beatings."

But right as Mo Li was about to die miserably, there was a loud sound, and all the killer moves were destroyed.

"Who?"

"Come out!"

Three mysterious figures appeared from the corner.

Their bodies were shrouded in a layer of profound light, hiding their appearance and gender.

They stood silently, but their auras were closely connected and actually suppressed the side of Western Desert's righteous path.

Fang Dong Xi and the rest became solemn like they were facing a huge enemy.

"This profound light and this kind of image...."

"You? You are the legendary Yi clan!"

"Western Desert's Yi clan? There really is this super clan?"

There existed a hidden super clan in Western Desert, with powerful strength and a long history, seemingly existing since ancient times.

But this was only a rumor between Western Desert's super forces, and there had never been clear evidence.

"Since you know of our Yi clan, then retreat." One of the three mysterious figures spoke. Their voice was also modified, gender-neutral and hoarse.

Fang Dong Xi snorted coldly: "Cowardly people who dare not show themselves, who knows if you are really from Yi clan."

"You want us to retreat just like this? Aren't you too arrogant?"

"You are even more arrogant than Shi Kang."

Shi Kang rubbed his nose and was about to speak when another person said: "Look at the price of Shi Kang's arrogance, your outcome will be the same."

Shi Kang: "..."

A chaotic battle broke out.

Yi clan's three Gu Immortals had tacit cooperation, they had clearly trained together for years. They immediately gained the upper hand.

Western Desert righteous path might have been suppressed but they had superiority in their numbers.

The pig-head land spirit floated near the edge of the battlefield and watched the battle excitedly.

Gu Immortals prioritized defense to become the blessed land's master. They did not dodge the attacks they could dodge, and even moved towards the attacks.

They were also fighting for Mo Li; after all, he was the person who was thought highly of by the land spirit. If they could help him get the ownership, they would win this battle.

Finally, after a strange, fierce battle, Mo Li was taken away by Yi clan.

Wang Xiao Er was captured by Fang Dong Xi.

And the person who became the blessed land's owner was Gu Immortal Shi Kang. He had not wasted his efforts after all.

Fang Dong Xi returned to Fang clan and reported the outcome of the battle.

The matter concerned Fang Yuan, Fang clan's first supreme elder Fang Gong immediately convened the clan's Gu Immortals to discuss about it.

"We should kill Ling Hu Xu!"

"The issue now is, how do we explain this to Fang Yuan."

"We will tell the truth and let Fang Yuan kill Ling Hu Xu! But we need to hide our transaction with Fang Yuan. Fang Yuan is the number one demon in the world who cultivates all paths. We are unable to deal with Ling Hu Xu because he cultivates theft path and is proficient in escaping. If Fang Yuan were to take action, Ling Hu Xu would definitely die an extremely miserable death."

"That is not appropriate." Fang Di Chang shook his head, rejecting this suggestion.

His soul was traded to Fang clan by Fang Yuan, and he obtained freedom once again. Right now, he had possessed a rank five Gu Master's body and was preparing to undergo immortal ascension again, he was part of this discussion right now.

Fang Di Chang continued to analyze: "Do you think that possibility is likely, or is it more probable for Fang Yuan to find trouble with us instead?"

"What is the reason for Fang Yuan's transaction with our clan? It is because our clan is the closest to green ghost desert, and he needs countless soul cores to cultivate his soul. After all, he inherited Shadow Sect's true inheritance."

"If my grand Fang clan cannot even handle this properly, we will no doubt lose our value in Fang Yuan's eyes. At that time, what do you think he will do?"

Fang clan's immortals felt their hearts turning cold from this analysis.

Fang Gong nodded: "I approve of Fang Di Chang's words. Fang Yuan could step on Heavenly Court, it is very easy for him to deal with Fang clan. We cannot fight him!"

"Besides this, our clan also benefited plenty from transacting with Fang Yuan. The numerous immortal materials in Fang Yuan's hands are the most important transaction gains for our clan."

Fang Dong Xi was troubled: "But this time's soul core quantity cannot meet the requirement. Tomorrow is the day to hand over the goods, what reason will we use to delay it? If Fang Yuan wants to investigate this, he can easily realize the truth. But if we don't lie and say the truth, won't our value fall greatly in Fang Yuan's eyes?"

Fang Di Chang said: "We must tell the truth. But since the soul cores are not enough, we will use other things to compensate for them. Won't it be okay as long as Fang Yuan is satisfied?"

Fang Hua Sheng was worried: "Fang Yuan has a large number of venerable true inheritances, his standards are extremely high. Our Fang clan does have some items that can satisfy Fang Yuan, but every one of these items is a foundation of our Fang clan. We cannot hand over our foundation because of Ling Hu Xu, can we?"

Fang Di Chang laughed: "You are thinking too deeply. In my opinion, this matter is easy to resolve."

Fang Gong asked: "What plan do you have?"

Fang Di Chang: "Didn't we already soul search Wang Xiao Er? Although he is only a mortal, his body is mysterious and his experiences are also quite amazing. We know about Hu Land, this secluded domain of heaven and earth should already be in Wu clan's hands now. We will hand this information to Fang Yuan, it should satisfy him."

"Is that going to work?" Some were doubtful.

Fang Di Chang shook his head: "Don't treat Fang Yuan like us normal people. Spectral Soul and Qing Chou are already dead, Demon Immortal Qi Jue is suppressed, Qi Sea Ancestor was defeated by him. He is now the number one person in the world! Even if Wu clan is the number one super force of Southern Border... Hehe, they still won't be able to protect Hu Land."

Fang Gong nodded: "Then, let's do that. If Fang Yuan is not satisfied, we can only incur a greater loss once again."

He then sighed: "Such a pity about Hu Land. If only my clan knew of it, we would definitely conceal it and dig it up secretly. Now, we can only give it to Fang Yuan."

Fang Di Chang said in a heavy tone: "Fang Yuan should be satisfied. This person is terrifying! The most terrifying thing is not his strength, but his broadmindedness instead. He doesn't bother about trifling matters in order to accomplish the major goal, his broadmindedness and shrewdness are unfathomably deep and vast like mountains and seas."

"What gives me chills is that even though he is the strongest person in the world, he is still willing to trade with us and will not resort to brute force if he can."

"This kind of person is not someone our Fang clan or Heavenly Court can deal with. I am afraid that only the rumored venerable revival can curb such a terrifying demon."

Inside the sovereign immortal aperture.

Mini Yellow Heaven.

At some corner of Ni clan, a Gu Master who had been unconscious for several days woke up dazedly from his bed.

"An Immortal Gu condensed inside my body!" The Gu Master looked weak and pale, but he could barely hide his joy.

"From today onwards, am I going to rise up towards the peak of my life?" The Gu Master was extremely excited, he had rank four cultivation and knew of Ni clan's secret.

"In the whole of Ni clan, there are three Gu Masters who have passed the difficulty of bloodline condensation and survived, and with me now, there are four who possess Immortal Gu. Now that I have an Immortal Gu, I will be Ni clan's fourth elder even though my cultivation has not reached rank five!"

The Gu Master's mind was filled with plans for his beautiful future, little did he know that his condition over the past few days as well as the thoughts going through his mind right now were all seen by Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan fell into thoughts: "Ni Ren's method is indeed an ingenious human isolation style refinement technique. After the event of the gold fragment current, although Ni clan lost a lot of Gu Masters, the surviving Gu Masters passed the cruel trial. After they returned to the clan, the phenomenon of bloodline condensation appeared successively. Over forty people got a fever and fell unconscious, but only two woke up successfully and refined Immortal Gu inside their body."

Right at this time, a message disturbed his thoughts.

"Hmm? Hu Land?"

-x-X-x-

Southern Border, Wu clan.

Over fifty Gu Masters were gathered in the hall.

"First supreme elder! Supreme elder Wu Qiao, supreme elder Mountain Moving." Gu Masters greeted together with solemn expressions and hardly concealable excitement.

Wei Shen Jing was among them.

He had finally emerged from the cruel competition and obtained the opportunity to become an immortal.

Besides him, there was Divine Doctor Sheng Shou and Wu Shen Tong, these two had been revived through the dead sea life retrieval formation. There was also Zhong Yi, the Western Desert Gu Master who had inherited Fire Thunder true inheritance.

These fifty or so people were geniuses of their generation and were Gu Master elites selected by Wu clan.

"You may stand." Wu Yong was sitting on the main seat, to his left was Mountain Moving Old Monster, and to his right was Wu clan's rank seven Gu Immortal Wu Qiao.

"The information on immortal ascension and the matters to pay attention to regarding immortal ascension have already been given to you. Over the following period of time, you should start closed cultivation and come out only when you feel you have the certainty to ascend to immortal. Our Wu clan's Gu Immortals will help you resist the immortal ascension tribulations with all their strength. You may leave now." Wu Yong raised his hand.

The group of around fifty Gu Masters retreated.

Wu Yong smiled towards Mountain Moving Old Monster: "Supreme elder Mountain Moving, I shall hand the matter of these Gu Masters' immortal ascension to you."

Mountain Moving Old Monster was not a Gu Immortal originating from Wu clan, his surname was Qin and his name was Jing Sheng, he was previously a lone immortal.

When Fang Yuan was disguised as Wu Yi Hai, there was the issue of Mount Snail where he reached an agreement with Mountain Moving Old Monster. Mountain Moving Old Monster obtained most of the benefits of Mount Snail, but this immemorial desolate beast still belonged to Wu clan in name.

But in the end, Fang Yuan's identity was exposed and Wu Yong went after him.

Mountain Moving Old Monster's situation immediately became awkward.

Wu Yong was a formidable character, why would he let go of this opportunity? He immediately exerted pressure on Mountain Moving Old Monster; using both forceful and persuasive measures, he made Mountain Moving Old Monster become Wu clan's external supreme elder.

Back to the present, Mountain Moving Old Monster quickly agreed to Wu Yong's command: "I am in deep admiration of first supreme elder's broadmindedness. I will stake all my strength to make sure the tribulations cannot harm anyone."

"Good." Wu Yong laughed, "I, Wu Yong, guarantee that the Wu clan I govern is fair with rewards and punishments."

"I shall take my leave and make preparations." Mountain Moving Old Monster left.

He knew the meaning behind Wu Yong's action.

He was an external elder of Wu clan, external elders were usually ostracized.

But Wu Yong's move was too revolutionary, he actually supported so many Gu Immortal seeds at once. What raised Mountain Moving Old Monster's attention the most was that these fifty or so Gu Masters were mostly outsiders.

Wu Yong ordered Mountain Moving Old Monster to be in charge of this matter: on one hand, he was worried of Wu clan's Gu Immortals being biased towards the clan members if they were put in charge; on the other hand, it was to reassure Mountain Moving Old Monster, using action to tell him — I, Wu Yong, am different from ordinary leaders!

When Mountain Moving Old Monster left, Wu Yong's gaze moved towards Wu Qiao.

Wu Qiao had been keeping silent and was feeling uneasy under Wu Yong's gaze.

Wu Qiao had been Wu clan's third supreme elder with high authority and status. But he was enticed by Qiao clan and had supported Fang Yuan, who had disguised as Wu Yi Hai. This action was the same as betraying Wu clan's benefits!

Later, Wu Qiao was in charge of guarding Corpse Emperor Yu Ding Tian but lost it to the enemies. This was a great stain to his reputation.

After Wu Yong took the position, he suppressed Wu Qiao to the limit. Wu Qiao's situation declined day by day and he was even stripped of his third elder position.

"Wu Qiao." Wu Yong spoke, "What do you think of my decision to support so many Gu Immortal seeds?"

Under Wu Yong's gaze, Wu Qiao's forehead became covered in sweat. He took a deep breath before standing and bowing, saying in a sincere manner: "Lord Wu Yong, I think this action has far more benefits in long term. I give my full support to it!"

Wu Yong laughed, he raised his tea cup and took a sip, before asking leisurely: "Then tell me how you will give full support?"

Wu Qiao took a deep breath and said what he had already prepared before.

Wu Yong did not comment and only nodded as he put down the cup: "Do it."

Wu Qiao was exulted, he quickly requested for leave. He did not leave directly like Mountain Moving Old Monster, instead he stood at the door and bowed deeply towards Wu Yong before leaving slowly.

This attitude was extremely respectful.

Only Wu Yong remained in the discussion hall.

He was expressionless, but was sighing inwardly.

This time, he invested all the resources of the clan to support the immortal ascensions of over fifty Gu Masters, this move could be considered crazy.

His move had caused dissatisfaction in many Wu clan Gu Immortals.

The main reason was that among these over fifty Gu Masters, less than half were Wu clansmen while the rest were outsiders.

Many Wu clan supreme elders including Wu Ba Chong thought: Wu Yong's action was shaking Wu clan's foundation!

"These short-sighted people." As Wu Yong recalled the recent times, when these people admonished his actions openly or secretly, he could not help but snort coldly.

Wu clan's greatest issue was the lack of Gu Immortals, there was not enough manpower to guard their territories. Let alone when they were planning to expand in the future.

However, Wu clan had few Gu Immortal seeds as well.

Even when they lowered the standard and revived some Wu clan Gu Master elites, the number of Gu Immortal candidates was only eighteen.

Although Gu Immortals could deal with the tribulations, the crucial point in immortal ascension was the balancing of three qi. Outsiders could not help in this, the Gu Master had to rely on themselves.

Eighteen Wu clan Gu Immortal seeds, according to history, only one or two among them might succeed in immortal ascension.

That would not do!

What use was there in gaining one or two rank six Gu Immortals for Wu clan?

This simply could not satisfy Wu Yong's ambition!

Thus, Wu Yong disregarded his subordinates' opposition and recruited outsider Gu Masters to be Gu Immortal candidates. Moreover, Wu clan treated them fairly and gave them full support.

"It is not that these people cannot see the situation, but they raised opposition because it threatened their own benefits."

"They have really disappointed me. Their vision is too narrow, without the five regional walls now, our Wu clan's enemies are not just Southern Border forces, but the entire five regions. And among the five regions, the most terrifying enemies are in Central Continent."

"Central Continent's sect system..." Wu Yong sighed.

With his foresight and wisdom, he was already clear of the superiority of the sect system. That was the reason he gave full support to outsider Gu Immortal candidates and recruited outsiders to become Wu clan's external supreme elders.

But even with his prestige, he encountered such opposition and resistance, it could be imagined what the situation in other super forces would be like.

Wu Yong had excellent political skills, he dealt with this situation by deploying Mountain Moving Old Monster and supporting Wu Qiao.

Mountain Moving Old Monster was an external supreme elder, for the sake of his own future in Wu clan, he would definitely do his best to support those outsider Gu Immortal seeds in their ascension.

And Wu Qiao was an astute person.

He saw Wu clan's situation and Wu Yong's plan.

To get back onto Wu clan's political stage, even if he did not approve of Wu Yong's move, he had to grab this opportunity, becoming Wu Yong's dog and standing against those opposing supreme elders.

Like this, Wu clan's internal disorder was quickly resolved by Wu Yong.

"There will be five or six among these seeds who will succeed in immortal ascension. I hope one of my Wu clansmen becomes a qi path Gu Immortal. Hu Land can be used then."

"In the future, if I am lucky enough to refine eight-faced prestige wind, my strength will rise by another level. Adding on Hu Land, my Wu clan will be among the top super forces in all five regions."

Wu Yong's mood turned much better when he thought of Hu Land.

He thought very highly of Hu Land.

If not for him cultivating wind path primarily and having accumulated a lot of wind path dao marks, he might have converted to qi path for Hu Land.

Wu Ji did not choose qi path and persisted on strength path, which had actually disappointed Wu Yong.

Hu Land's value was extremely high, this could be seen from Demon Immortal Qi Jue.

As long as a set of killer moves involving this kind of secluded domain of heaven and earth was created, the Gu Immortal would have near pseudo venerable battle strength.

Hu Land could be taken as a quasi-rank nine Immortal Gu, while it would be extremely difficult for Wu clan to obtain a rank nine Immortal Gu. Even refining a rank eight Immortal Gu was a huge trial to Wu clan.

Inside the sovereign immortal aperture.

Be it Mini Blue Heaven's Star Collection City, Mini Western Desert's Inkman City, Mini Northern Plains' Triple Sacred Mountain, or other areas, Gu Immortals were cheering in excitement.

Just the previous moment, Fang Yuan had issued the latest contribution board, mission board, and exchange list.

The contribution board and mission board were issued long before, but it was the first appearance of the exchange list!

It was this exchange list that made all the Gu Immortals in the sovereign immortal aperture excited.

The exchange list contained a large number of rank six and rank seven Immortal Gu, a dazzling lineup of immortal moves, Immortal Gu recipes, and countless immortal materials.

The Gu Immortals in the sovereign immortal aperture only needed to spend their accumulated contribution points to exchange for any cultivation resource on the exchange list.

"I have never seen such a rich list of immortal materials and such enormous immortal material reserves!" Even Lang Ya land spirit, who was extremely knowledgeable, was dumbstruck when he saw the exchange list.

"There are rank six to rank nine immortal killer moves, including common killer moves, battlefield killer moves, the present age Gu formations and Gu Houses, and even ancient battle formations. Eh? What is this totem killer move? I have never heard of it before." Many Gu Immortals exclaimed in shock.

The Gu Immortals who came from the variant human alliance cared much more about the Immortal Gu in the exchange list.

"Even these Immortal Gu can be exchanged?"

"Am I dreaming?"

"How difficult is it to refine Immortal Gu, but here, we only need to accumulate a certain amount of contribution points to exchange for an Immortal Gu?"

All of the Gu Immortals were moved.

They suddenly realized that becoming subordinates of Fang Yuan was a really fortunate thing!

"Our future is so bright after following master!"

"This is too good, looks like Lord Fang Yuan wants to nurture us."

"I have never seen a force have such wealth. Master's foundation is truly inestimable."

The Gu Immortals' eyes shined with excitement, their faces reddened, and some even cried in joy.

Some quick ones immediately looked at the mission board.

Previously, the tasks they completed were mandatory and they did not have much enthusiasm. But it was completely different now!

"Eh? The first task is so strange! Request for Lord Fang Yuan to protect us from tribulations, and we also get such rich contribution points in return?"

-x-X-x-

Fang Yuan was secretly observing his subordinates' reactions.

He had issued the exchange list after careful consideration.

Previously, Fang Yuan had thought the sovereign immortal aperture's chaotic phenomena would pass with time. But they were instead becoming more severe.

Sometimes, some strange situations occurred, which were so serious that Fang Yuan's main body had to deal with them.

If he could increase the strength of the sovereign immortal aperture's Gu Immortals by a level or two, the chaotic state of the sovereign immortal aperture would be dealt with much more properly.

Fang Yuan had no way to completely resolve the issues in the sovereign immortal aperture, so he could only alleviate them.

Naturally, regardless of how he strengthened them, these subordinates would not have the ability to take part in the contest within Crazed Demon Cave. Fang Yuan also did not have such extravagant hopes.

Nurturing these subordinates required a large amount of resources.

Fang Yuan had devoured many of the two heavens' grotto-heavens and plundered the countless years of accumulations of these grotto-heavens, he naturally did not lack the resources to nurture them.

On the basis of cultivation resources, Fang Yuan had already surpassed most of the super forces in the world.

Even if Heavenly Court and Longevity Heaven had much more accumulation than Fang Yuan, they could not copy his action.

Fang Yuan possessed Four Elements Square Regret Blood Refinement Pool, it was extremely easy for him to refine rank six and rank seven Immortal Gu. That was why he could domineeringly place all kinds of Immortal Gu on the exchange list and let his subordinates exchange for them.

If Fang Yuan needed to use some Immortal Gu that they exchanged for in the future, he could just throw a compulsory mission at the person. Who would dare to go against Fang Yuan's decree?

At that time, Fang Yuan would give even more contribution points in exchange, the subordinate whose Immortal Gu was seized might even be quite happy.

The heated reactions of his subordinates was within Fang Yuan's expectations.

These Gu Immortals who were stimulated by the exchange list began to crazily accept the tasks, and took the initiative to go to various areas of the sovereign immortal aperture to work like bees.

As for the first task on the mission board, the Gu Immortals were discussing if Lord Fang Yuan had made a mistake?

But even after a few days, the task content had not changed.

The Gu Immortals became increasingly covetous, the contribution point reward of this task was sizable.

Shi Zong was the person to study the new exchange list for the longest time.

Recently, Shi Zong had been distressed over a huge issue.

He was the first supreme elder of Northern Plains' rockman tribe, he was rank seven and was about to face his third grand tribulation.

Rank seven Gu Immortals faced an earthly calamity every ten years, a heavenly tribulation every fifty years, and a grand tribulation every one hundred years.

Earthly calamities and heavenly tribulations were not big issues to Shi Zong. But a grand tribulation was huge trouble, the previous two grand tribulations had almost destroyed Shi Zong's confidence.

The third grand tribulation was imminent, Shi Zong was thinking of ways to delay the grand tribulation.

But he had turned the whole exchange list inside out and was still unable to find a trace of hope.

"The exchange list doesn't have any methods to delay calamities and tribulations!" Shi Zong frowned.

"Does master not have such methods? Obviously not!" Shi Zong's gaze locked on the first task in the mission board.

"Looks like master is encouraging us to accept this task."

Shi Zong was enticed.

His rockman tribe came from Northern Plains' northern icy plain, Fang Yuan had forced them on his ship.

But by now, Shi Zong found that this ship had already become a warship with a bright future and unimaginable fortune.

Since ancient times, the main criteria of a leader was — making use of both benevolence and authority.

Fang Yuan had no lack of authority, so when the exchange list appeared, it changed many people's hearts.

Shi Zong did not dare to betray Fang Yuan and had seen the benefits of following Fang Yuan, he thought for a long while and decided to take the risk, accepting that task!

He accepted the task openly and did not conceal it.

And soon, the news regarding him accepting the first task spread throughout the sovereign immortal aperture's Gu Immortal world.

"Shi Zong is a veteran rank seven Gu Immortal. If he can pass the tribulation successfully, he will become a rank eight!"

"Let's see what's going on with this task."

"Sigh, I also wanted to accept this task. I did not expect Shi Zong to seize the initiative. This is a good opportunity to express loyalty to master."

Not long after Shi Zong accepted the task, he was summoned by Fang Yuan's time path clone.

The time path clone was going to manage Shi Zong's immortal aperture and make preparations for the tribulation.

Shi Zong opened his immortal aperture, Fang Yuan's time path clone personally took control and stuffed earth path immortal materials inside his immortal aperture.

Worry soil, green pond rotten soil, diamond soil, great lake soil, concealing heaven dust, grand soil, region sand, impermanence rock, smoky warm jade, thousand year frost jade essence, dark inkstone, marrow sucking stone, regret water rock, round kun stone, hibiscus stalactite, stone heart liquid, eight-parts jade, and so on; the large number of earth path immortal material made Shi Zong speechless.

After coming to his senses, Shi Zong's heart jumped in fright.

"Gu Immortal calamities and tribulations are the result of Heavenly Dao seeking balance. Right now, my earth path foundation has increased to such an astonishing amount; my grand tribulation will become even more terrifying. Ordinary Gu Immortals want their calamities and tribulations to be as weak as possible, but master is completely the opposite, it is as if he wants the grand tribulation to become a myriad tribulation!"

Several days later, the time to undergo tribulation was here.

Fang Yuan's main body arrived at an ordinary sea area of Eastern Sea and opened his immortal aperture, letting Shi Zong out.

Shi Zong greeted Fang Yuan first before placing his aperture in the outside world.

The blessed land's door was opened and started absorbing a large amount of the outside world's heaven and earth qi.

Fang Yuan stood outside the entrance.

He could not go in.

He had too many dao marks; previously, when he attacked Fire Plain grotto-heaven, he was unable to go in as well, let alone this tiny rank seven blessed land.

The grand tribulation was on time.

First was the arrival of heaven path dao marks, then these heaven path dao marks transformed into dao marks of other paths based on the state of Shi Zong's blessed land.

Most of these dao marks were of earth path.

The transformed dao marks used and expended heaven and earth qi to turn into calamities and tribulations.

If Fang Yuan used big family qi Gu right now, he could absorb the tribulation qi and weaken the grand tribulation.

Right now, Fang Yuan was looking forward to the grand tribulation becoming even stronger.

Soon the grand tribulation took shape, Shi Zong's face turned pale.

"Yellow sky dust cloud! Heavens, it saw my immortal aperture was very prosperous and I had too many earth path resources, so this is specially targeting them."

Yellow sky dust cloud would gain increasingly powerful suction force along with time and absorb the immortal aperture's earth path resources.

The more earth path resources it absorbed, the stronger it would become, its range would increase and it would become denser with much more powerful suction force.

Among all the grand tribulations, yellow sky dust cloud was absolutely among the top few hated grand tribulations.

Shi Zong tried several killer moves, although they were effective, the effect was very little on such a large yellow sky dust cloud.

"I can only rely on master now!" Shi Zong's expression was dismal.

Right at this time, Shi Zong saw multi-colored and dazzling totems fly out of Fang Yuan's body and enter the blessed land, before charging into the yellow sky dust cloud.

These totems were of various types and shapes. There existed ferocious tiger and leopard, agile deer and rabbit, lush trees, as well as spinning flying rocks.

But no matter which one, they all emitted rank eight aura!

Shi Zong's body and mind shook together: "Oh heavens! More than twenty killer moves, all at rank eight level. Master actually has such terrifying strength!"

These were all totem killer moves.

Ever since Fang Yuan obtained the cultivation method of thousands of basic totems from Zhan Bu Du, he would cultivate this move whenever he had some free time.

Myriad Beast Fusion Color Heaven was the sacred land for cultivating totem killer moves, it was very difficult to cultivate totems outside of this place. Because there was no such food path environment, almost all the food recipes would lose their effect when placed in the outside world.

Fang Yuan, however, was different.

He had deep food path attainment, he modified these food recipes and turned them into killer moves.

With the help of these food path killer moves and countless Gu materials, Fang Yuan was able to cultivate over twenty totems.

These totems were all at rank eight level and were carefully selected by Fang Yuan, their power naturally would not be low. What was even more amazing was once these totem killer moves were formed, they were extremely easy and convenient to activate.

Fang Yuan willed, activating over twenty totems at once. In other words, he activated over twenty rank eight killer moves in an instant!

It was because he possessed the sovereign immortal body that he could fearlessly cultivate totems of so many paths. If it were other Gu Immortals, they would never be able to accomplish this.

Shi Zong watched with a stupefied expression.

Because at that moment, the extremely thick yellow sky dust cloud that covered the sky was shredded by these totems.

"Too vicious, too terrifying!" Shi Zong's thoughts fluctuated intensely.

But although the grand tribulation was destroyed violently, it did not stop. Instead it was trying hard to condense again.

However, the moment a trace of yellow sky dust cloud condensed, it was instantly torn into pieces by the totems.

Heaven's will did not give up but the totems were even fiercer.

Inexplicably, Shi Zong suddenly felt that the grand tribulation was somewhat pitiful.

Immortal killer move — Heaven-Human Sensation.

Immortal killer move — Human Executing Heaven's Work.

Immortal killer move — Unrestrained Heavenly Mark!

Fang Yuan made his move from outside the entrance, refining all the heaven path dao marks from the grand tribulation.

But the unrestrained heavenly marks fell on Shi Zong's blessed land.

But it was not a problem.

Fang Yuan took out an Immortal Gu House, it was the repaired Thieves Den.

Thieves Den's killer move — Steal Dao!

The theft path killer move's working principle was to use theft path immortal materials as the catalyst, the theft path dao marks in the immortal materials would be consumed instantly and the dao marks in the outside world would be stolen. The stolen dao marks must be attached to these theft path immortal materials.

So, if the stolen dao marks were disorderly, the immortal materials would have no value, like those immortal materials found everywhere in Crazed Demon Cave.

In short, Thieves Den had the ability to steal the outside world's dao marks but did not have a method to use them.

Moreover, Thieves Den was already a peak level creation and could not be modified, it had no room or potential for improvement.

These stolen unrestrained heavenly marks formed a heaven path immortal material.

Fang Yuan took this heaven path immortal material and activated a food path killer move — Devour Heaven and Earth!

This killer move was Fang Yuan's gain from his recent cultivation.

Fang Yuan's food path attainment level was grandmaster, he had countless food path killer moves and deep wisdom path attainment, it was not difficult for him to create a killer move to devour heaven path immortal materials.

-x-X-x-

After consuming this heaven path immortal material, Fang Yuan's sovereign immortal aperture gained nine more heaven path dao marks.

The grand tribulation that sent Shi Zong into despair, when turned into heaven path dao marks, merely amounted to nine. Moreover, this grand tribulation's strength was much higher than normal, a normal grand tribulation would give less than nine heaven path dao marks when transformed.

"Probably around seven." Fang Yuan estimated.

This could not compare to the gains from annexing the two heavens' grotto-heavens.

Each of the two heavens' grotto-heavens gave Fang Yuan several thousand heaven path dao marks. Fang Yuan devoured grotto-heavens one after the other, his sovereign immortal aperture's development had already reached eighty percent.

At present, his heaven path dao marks numbered over two hundred thousand!

Fang Yuan wanted to become venerable through refinement path, so he prioritized annexing refinement path grotto-heavens, which increased his refinement path dao marks to over six million!

"Currently, the sovereign immortal aperture cannot annex any more grotto-heavens. So I can only use this method to gain heaven path dao marks."

"Although the increase each time is small, Gu Immortals undergoing tribulations is a process that will never stop. Little droplets of water make a mighty ocean, I can accumulate a substantial amount with this method."

In the long run, this path of helping Gu Immortals undergo tribulation was quite bright.

The two heavens' grotto-heavens accumulated for a million or so years to have such foundations. But if Fang Yuan annexed one, there would be one less.

There was, however, an unending stream of Gu Immortals.

Shi Zong's tribulation succeeded and he advanced to rank eight.

When he returned to the sovereign immortal aperture, he immediately received the congratulations of many people and was asked about the exact details.

Shi Zong was already prepared, he had used Gu worms to record the complete video of his tribulation.

When this video was spread, it brought a strong impact to the sovereign immortal aperture's Gu Immortal world.

"Master is so strong!"

"He used over twenty rank eight killer moves in an instant, is he still human?"

"These are totem killer moves? They look quite convenient!"

From the start, the Gu Immortals were attracted by the totem killer moves. When Thieves Den appeared, they exclaimed in shock again.

When the video reached the end and the yellow sky dust cloud was completely destroyed by Fang Yuan, the Gu Immortals sighed, deeply moved.

"Master's methods are unimaginable, he can really destroy calamities and tribulations beforehand."

"In history, these calamities and tribulations will calm down only after they have vented everything. But Lord Fang Yuan has unfathomable powers, he can get rid of calamities and tribulations ahead of time."

"It can be inferred that this task is a huge fortune. Not only can we increase our cultivation level, we can also get a sizable amount of contribution points."

"Didn't you hear what Shi Zong said? Although he passed the tribulation and became a rank eight Gu Immortal, he did not gain any new dao marks."

"Ah? There was such a thing. No wonder this task compensated us with contribution points."

Shi Zong did not hide this, he was somewhat hesitant at first, but after the tribulation, Fang Yuan personally ordered him to publicize the truth.

No gain in dao marks, this news was like a bucket of cold water that poured on these excited Gu Immortals.

The Gu Immortals began to calm down.

This result needed to be properly considered.

No gain of dao marks was a huge loss to Gu Immortals. After all, undergoing tribulation was the main way of gaining dao marks.

Over the next few days, there was no movement. But when Shi Zong used these contribution points to exchange for two rank seven earth path Immortal Gu and three earth path killer moves, another person accepted the task of undergoing tribulation.

After that, more and more Gu Immortals began to imitate this, and it soon formed a wave in the sovereign immortal aperture's Gu Immortal world.

These Gu Immortals were shrewd, they had calculated the gains and losses.

Although they would lose a batch of dao marks, the value of the gained contribution points was far higher than the losses.

The Gu Immortal's battle strength and immortal aperture's environment would indeed weaken from the loss of these dao marks, but dao marks was only one of the factors.

There were many factors which determined a Gu Immortal's battle strength. For instance, Immortal Gu was a main factor, immortal killer moves as well were much more important than some thousands of dao marks.

The immortal aperture's environment would be influenced, but the Gu Immortals could exchange for all kinds of immortal materials to create even more resource points to fill this gap.

What made the Gu Immortals choose this path was that there was a special entry in the exchange list that allowed the Gu Immortals to supply the immortal materials and expend some contribution points, to ask for Fang Yuan's clone to use food path killer moves to increase their corresponding dao marks!

These various reasons created an unending supply of Gu Immortals who underwent tribulation.

Fang Yuan's heaven path dao marks continued to increase.

Southern Border.

Ke Xin Hong was flying through the clouds.

He was communicating with his friend.

"You don't know that all the Gu Immortals are accepting the assisted tribulation task. Some Gu Immortals whose tribulations are still far away will choose an option in the exchange list, it requests master's time path clone to accelerate their immortal aperture's time flow! They are using every means possible to accept this task."

Ke Xin Hong read up to here before replying with the information path Immortal Gu: "It is because the contribution points for this task are sizable, moreover, whoever obtains the contribution points first will be able to move a step ahead and do more missions, entering a beneficial feedback loop. Look at that Shi Zong, he has been thriving recently. His strength has surged, he can do and take on more difficult tasks, obtaining even more contribution points much faster."

"Unfortunately, I received a mandatory task now and have to go on a diplomatic mission to Wu clan. Otherwise, I would have been the first to accept this task."

His friend replied soon: "You need to be careful, you are going to Wu clan's headquarters to demand Hu Land. That is a secluded domain of heaven and earth, and Wu Yong is the Southern Alliance's Leader!"

Ke Xin Hong, however, was confident: "I am quite hopeful for this trip. Even if it fails, Wu Yong won't do anything to me. You have not personally realized and witnessed master's power and influence. Alright, I have arrived, I will contact you later."

Ke Xin Hong slowly flew down.

Below him was Wu Yi Mountain.

Wu clan's headquarters was located here.

Seeing Ke Xin Hong, two Gu Immortals immediately flew up from Wu Yi Mountain, at the front was Wu clan's second supreme elder Wu Ba Chong.

Ke Xin Hong had already notified them before coming here.

Wu clan's earnestness could be seen, they had sent Wu Ba Chong to welcome him.

"Envoy, please come in." Wu Ba Chong led Ke Xin Hong to Wu clan's headquarters.

"You came from afar and must be tired, how about resting for a while." Wu Ba Chong was polite.

Ke Xin Hong shook his hand: "Let's get down to business first."

"Alright. Please wait a while, our first supreme elder is handling some clan affairs."

Ke Xin Hong nodded and waited patiently.

He could understand that the leader of the great Wu clan could not be available so casually. Whether he was really busy or not, they had to put up this show.

After five minutes, Wu Ba Chong came again and led Ke Xin Hong towards the guest hall.

Ke Xin Hong saw Wu Yong there.

Ke Xin Hong did not speak nonsense and said directly: "Lord Wu Yong, I come with master's sincerity to have another transaction with your noble clan."

Wu Yong and Wu Ba Chong looked at each other, they had profited a lot in the previous transaction. Wu Yong asked with a smile: "I wonder what transaction it is?"

Ke Xin Hong smiled: "Master is willing to pay a price to buy the Hu Land in your possession."

Instantly, Wu Yong's pupils shrank and killing intent surged in his heart!

"What?!" Wu Ba Chong could not sit still, he stood, "What Hu Land? How could my Wu clan have this secluded domain of heaven and earth? Fang Yuan is definitely mistaken."

Ke Xin Hong smiled and did not refute.

Wu Yong's expression was dark as he interrupted Wu Ba Chong: "Alright, Ba Chong."

Wu Ba Chong immediately stopped denying it, but there was indignance and anger on his face. Veins popped up on his clenched fists as he stared rigidly at Ke Xin Hong.

If gazes could kill, at this moment, Wu Ba Chong would have already killed Ke Xin Hong a hundred times with his gaze.

Ke Xin Hong only looked at Wu Yong, turning a deaf ear to Wu Ba Chong.

He bowed: "Lord Wu Yong, what is your reply?"

Wu Yong suddenly showed a smile: "Since Fang Yuan wants to trade, of course we can. I believe he will definitely pay a satisfying price."

Ke Xin Hong could not help but feel a chill when he saw Wu Yong's attitude.

Wu Yong was really terrifying, in such a short period of time, he accepted this fact and made the most sensible choice!

Ke Xin Hong took a deep breath and said the price: "Master is aware that Lord Wu Yong desires rank eight Immortal Gu, Eight-faced Prestige Wind. Master is willing to personally refine this rank eight Immortal Gu."

"What?" Wu Ba Chong's expression changed again as he bellowed furiously: "Hu Land can be seen as a quasi-rank nine Immortal Gu, Fang Yuan is not taking out even one rank eight Immortal Gu and wants to exchange with such conditions. You are too insincere!"

Wu Yong said through clenched teeth: "This is indeed somewhat too overboard."

Ke Xin Hong smiled: "Wu clan excels in wind path, your only qi path foundation is in Sheng Tian true inheritance. Although Hu Land is a secluded domain of heaven and earth, it doesn't have much value for Wu clan."

Wu Ba Chong immediately refuted: "You can't say that, any path's attainment can be developed. Although my Wu clan excels in wind path, could it be that we cannot excel in qi path in the future? With Hu Land, I would rather change to qi path and replace my vital Gu! With such huge prospects, which super force would be willing to give it up?"

Ke Xin Hong glanced at Wu Ba Chong: "Second supreme elder, you are spot on, quite insightful. It is indeed correct, with Hu Land, the prospect of qi path is highly favorable. But..."

As he said this, Ke Xin Hong intentionally paused before saying deeply: "The prerequisite is... you need to possess Hu Land."

"You!!!" Wu Ba Chong's killing intent erupted and he looked ready to attack.

Ke Xin Hong's hidden meaning was that Wu clan could not keep Hu Land. Since they could not keep Hu Land, it was useless to mention any qi path prospects.

Ke Xin Hong looked towards Wu Yong and bowed again, saying respectfully: "Lord Wu Yong, I will be frank. If your noble clan is not satisfied with this price, we are willing to refine three rank eight Immortal Gu for your clan."

He then continued with a bitter smile: "This is my side's bottom line and there won't be any concession. Lord Wu Yong, please understand. I am only a messenger, I cannot make decisions."

Wu Yong was silent for a while before smiling: "You are an excellent messenger. I agree to your conditions. Wu Ba Chong, bring Ke Xin Hong to take Hu Land and send the rank seven fan wind Gu as well."

"First supreme elder!" Wu Ba Chong was indignant.

"Go." Wu Yong was solemn.

"Sigh!" Wu Ba Chong heaved a deep sigh as he looked at Ke Xin Hong with hatred.

"Follow me!" Wu Ba Chong quickly moved past Ke Xin Hong and walked out of the hall.

Wu Yong sat on his seat without moving.

The guest hall had bright lighting, but Wu Yong's face was dark and heavy.

Losing Hu Land had a huge impact on him!

"How did Fang Yuan know about Hu Land? Did he capture Kong Ri Tian?"

Wu Yong had a lot of doubts but he did not want to investigate it. Since the matter had already reached this stage, there was no meaning in talking about this.

After a long while, Wu Ba Chong returned to report: "Ke Xin Hong has left. Lord, should we send some people in disguise and ambush him?"

Wu Yong shook his head: "With Fang Yuan's wisdom, how could he not have expected such a loophole? Don't do unnecessary things."

Wu Ba Chong said through clenched teeth: "Damn it. Our grand Wu clan cannot protect Hu Land!"

Wu Yong said with a heavy voice: "We need to remember this. In here, in Wu clan's headquarters, we were forced to sell the secluded domain of heaven and earth! This is my disgrace, and also Wu clan's disgrace. In the future, if there is a chance, I will clear this humiliation and pay it back a thousand fold. Fang Yuan, just you wait!"

-x-X-x-

Fang Yuan was holding heaven's envy Immortal Gu in his hand.

Under the continuous supply of rank eight white litchi immortal essence, heaven's envy Immortal Gu let out a light, crystal-like radiance.

This Immortal Gu seemed like a flea made of crystal, it was as large as a fist and was curled up like a ball.

Suddenly, the crystal radiance from heaven's envy Immortal Gu burst, turning into countless broken crystal lights that shone dazzlingly!

"Success!" Fang Yuan was shocked, at that moment just now, he had actually refined this rank seven heaven's envy Immortal Gu.

The curled-up crystal flea stretched its body and meekly lay on Fang Yuan's palm.

"I am probably the first person in history to completely refine heaven's envy Immortal Gu."

At this moment, Fang Yuan had created history!

But, within an instant, his excited emotions calmed down.

He already had many unprecedented achievements.

"In this recent period of time, I have repeatedly helped my subordinates undergo tribulations. Although the heaven path dao marks gained each time are small in quantity, the numbers accumulate eventually."

"Adding these heaven path dao marks, I am finally able to refine heaven's envy Immortal Gu completely, breaking the previous limit."

"My guess was right!"

The fact was proved in front of him: As long as the unrestrained heavenly marks reached a certain number, heaven path Immortal Gu could be refined.

In the long river of history, there were countless Gu cultivators with geniuses as numerous as stars in the sky, and the ten venerables like ten large suns. But none of them truly cultivated heaven path.

Limitless Demon Venerable and Paradise Earth Immortal Venerable might have grasp of the killer move unrestrained heavenly mark, but from what Fang Yuan knew, they had not delved deeply into heaven path.

The former cultivated rule path and the latter cultivated earth path. Maybe Limitless Demon Venerable researched unrestrained heavenly mark to cultivate heaven path, but he had already become a rule path Demon Venerable at that time and could not turn back anymore.

From this, the advantage of the sovereign immortal aperture could be seen again.

Cultivate every path!

A brand-new unknown path emerged before Fang Yuan.

Heaven path!

Unrestrained heavenly mark was the key to starting heaven path cultivation.

This path had huge prospects and terrifying advantages, even mortals could understand a thing or two!

"Heaven path comprises everything and balances everything, all living beings, be they immortals or mortals, powerful or weak, are included in heaven path. All kinds of Immortal Gu, secluded domains of heaven and earth, are also under the restrictions of heaven path. Heaven path controls calamities and tribulations, it controls lifespan Gu. Venerables were powerful for an era, but when compared to heaven path, they are like a burning torch."

"If I walk this path...."

Fang Yuan could not help but daydream.

Apart from anything else, just lifespan Gu and fate Gu, these two factors made him feel a trace of excitement.

Every venerable in history was troubled by lifespan Gu, and fate Gu had never been directly controlled by Heavenly Court. Even Star Constellation Immortal Venerable did not have any solution, she could only become one with the Dao to interfere with heaven's will and distort the power of fate Gu.

"Among all the paths, the starting threshold of heaven path is the highest. One must grasp the killer move unrestrained heavenly mark first."

"I have only stepped on the road of heaven path, I still need to walk a long distance before I can touch the deeper profundities like lifespan Gu and fate Gu!"

"The battle of Crazed Demon Cave is imminent, I won't be able to accomplish this before the battle."

Although he had officially stepped on the cultivation path of heaven path and its prospects were bright and huge, Fang Yuan did not intend to fully delve into it.

The situation did not allow him to do so.

"At most, I can invest once more in heaven's envy Immortal Gu."

Cooking Luck Pot brought enormous convenience to Fang Yuan, letting him know that heaven's envy Immortal Gu might be the key in the battle of Crazed Demon Cave.

Heaven path's cultivation road was going to be long, and Fang Yuan had just taken the initial step. But heaven's envy Immortal Gu could be developed further.

"I have completely refined heaven's envy Immortal Gu, but it is only at rank seven. If I create its corresponding killer moves, it might be quite impressive at rank eight level. However, in my battle with venerables, rank seven will not be enough."

"I need to raise heaven's envy Immortal Gu to rank eight!"

Fang Yuan possessed Four Elements Square Regret Blood Refinement Pool, but this was slightly troublesome.

Fang Yuan had a batch of heaven path immortal materials. It might not be enough if he were to try to refine many heaven path Immortal Gu, but it was enough to use on just heaven's envy Immortal Gu.

However, Fang Yuan's heaven path attainment was ordinary, he was not even at master level. Although his refinement path was as high as quasi-supreme, it would be quite difficult to research heaven's envy Immortal Gu's rank eight recipe.

It was not that there was no chance of success, but it would take too much time and energy.

In his initial estimation, it was going to require two to three years of deductions at the very least.

This was undoubtedly not feasible for Fang Yuan.

"Looks like I need to copy Wu Yong and raise some Gu Immortal seeds, before helping them undergo the ascension tribulation." Fang Yuan quickly found a way.

Fang Yuan did not care about the minimal gains in heaven path dao marks from immortal ascension of rank five Gu Masters. But when Gu Masters undergo immortal ascension, they would have a one-time opportunity to experience natural inspiration.

With this opportunity, the Gu Master questioned heaven and earth, and almost all their questions would be answered.

Since heaven and earth could produce heaven's envy Immortal Gu naturally, it definitely had heaven's envy Immortal Gu's recipe.

Fang Yuan did not demand much, he only needed a correct version of the Immortal Gu recipe of heaven's envy Gu, he could rely on his refinement path attainment to modify it to suit himself.

Moreover, Fang Yuan could also ask for some insights when asking heaven and earth.

For instance: "On the basis of certain kinds of heaven path immortal materials and the current situation, which heaven's envy Immortal Gu recipe is the easiest to refine?"

As he thought of this, he put a new task on the mission board and listed it at number one.

"Search for loyal and devoted Gu Immortal seeds who are suitable to undergo immortal ascension!"

Almost at the next instant, all the Gu Immortals in the sovereign immortal aperture knew of this task.

Ever since the establishment of the exchange list, these Gu Immortals had gone crazy!

Many of them had not even slept for months, using Gu worms to forcibly maintain their conditions, to complete tasks and earn contribution points.

Fang Yuan offered them the most suitable environment, reducing the difficulty of these Gu Immortals' cultivation to the minimum. Almost every day, they could feel their strength increasing.

Even if this increase was only a little, a little progress every day would accumulate to a terrifying amount after several days.

It was this euphoric feeling of experiencing the increase in their cultivation and strength that made these Gu Immortals unable to stop.

What gave Fang Yuan a pleasant surprise was that one of the human Gu Immortals developed an incomplete transformation path Immortal Gu recipe because of this — hard liver Gu.

This human Gu Immortal primarily cultivated transformation path, he was Solid Rock Warrior, who came from Beast Calamity grotto-heaven.

Hard liver Gu strengthened the Gu Immortal's liver, giving them lasting and vigorous energy which then allowed them to complete all kinds of laborious tasks without needing to rest. But if it was used excessively, the liver would harden to the limit and trigger a terrifying explosion, inflicting heavy injuries and even death.

After Fang Yuan got familiar with the Gu, he modified and completed it, and even created rank six to rank eight Gu recipes.

After using Four Elements Square Regret Blood Refinement Pool to refine it, rank eight hard liver Immortal Gu was used as the core of a Gu formation.

Fang Yuan named this Gu formation as liver life formation[1], it operated all year round and collected a fee for every use. If the Gu Immortals were interested, they could hand over some contribution points to enter, after they come out, they will be full of energy and motivation!

"Did you liver today?"

"How much longer can you liver for?"

"I feel like my liver is about to explode."

Such conversations had already become a common daily topic between the Gu Immortals.

So, when Fang Yuan put up this task, the Gu Immortals were like red-eyed sharks that had smelled blood.

"Great task!"

"It was published by master himself."

"The reward is extremely abundant!"

"I cannot, I have not slept in three months. I want to rest a little."

"What rest! Go and liver! The great era is in front of us, we must grasp this excellent cultivation opportunity!"

The Gu Immortals moved out towards all kinds of places to gather Gu Immortal seeds.

In just a short while, this task was completely taken.

The Gu Immortals who could not take it were extremely vexed.

Some shouted regretfully: "Oh, this task was quite excellent, but I missed it!"

Every task on the mission board had a limited quota to prevent Gu Immortals from taking just the tasks with the highest rewards, which would result in unreasonable and wasteful distribution of manpower.

Fang Yuan handed the task of gathering Gu Immortal seeds to his subordinates.

He estimated there would be quite a lot of Gu Immortal seeds, it was going to surpass super forces like Wu clan.

It was because Fang Yuan had annexed many forces like Lang Ya Sect and the two heavens' grotto-heavens, which had extremely deep foundations and long history. They definitely did not lack Gu Immortal seeds.

Using the little spare time he had, Fang Yuan personally went to strengthen Ni clan.

He quietly set up a year essence sub-pool in Ni clan's territory, forming a time path zone.

Ni clan's time would pass much faster, which would increase the rate of Immortal Gu production, it would become much more convenient for Fang Yuan to comprehend Gu refinement profundities of human isolation style.

"The sovereign immortal aperture has a huge number of variant humans, but not many humans."

"Most of the humans are from Beast Calamity grotto-heaven, but it can be foreseen that in the future, Mini Yellow Heaven's Ni clan will probably become the top human force."

Fang Yuan thought to himself.

He had just finished setting up the time path zone when Ke Xin Hong's message arrived.

The latter's diplomatic mission to Wu clan was successful and had obtained Hu Land.

Immortal killer move — Heaven and Earth Travel!

At the next moment, Fang Yuan moved from Eastern Sea to Southern Border, appearing in front of Ke Xin Hong.

After putting Ke Xing Hong in the sovereign immortal aperture, Fang Yuan returned to Eastern Sea.

He secretly arrived in a nameless sea area and toyed around with Hu Land as he waited for Qi Sea Ancestor.

"For you." Fang Yuan handed Hu Land to Qi Sea Ancestor.

The Qi Sea clone quickly received it and said excitedly: "Good, good, I have a premonition! With Hu Land, my combat system will be completed!"

"I will wait in anticipation." Fang Yuan's main body left shortly after.

He was also pondering about his combat system and had made much progress, but was still far away from completing it.

[1] In Chinese medicine, the liver gets damaged/heaty if one does not sleep properly at night. In this case, 'livering/ liver torture' is a common Chinese Internet term for staying up all night to game etc.