Dark and heavy clouds covered the bright moon, casting a patch of gloomy shadow over a nameless plateau. Winds howled and caused the tall trees to bend and creak, their branches forced in one direction as many of them broke and splintered. Flowers and grass flew amok, uprooted by the dangerous wind. Across the trunks of the tall trees split several thin but deep gashes as if the wind was fatal and sharp. Such gusts of wind would slice humans in several thick chunks. But the power of this wind was not truly impressive. Rank 3 gu masters were strong enough to defend against such gusts of wind.
Sitting on the ground, untouched by the wind or dirt, was an old man in flashy red robes. The sharp tempest could not even sway the hems of his robes. He appeared no different from a saint, untouched by worldly desires. But the truth was far from it. He was none other than Old Man Hong Guang, the veteran rank 6 light path gu immortal, who Lo Jik beat black and blue—and he was filled with desires. His greatest obsession was to deduce a lifespan extension method to resolve the crisis of his impending doom.
Humans had a limited lifespan. Hong Guang may be a gu immortal but his lifespan did not increase with his ascension. Coupled with tribulations constantly damaging his foundation, the old man had been unable to do anything about his lifespan. He was also the part of the majority of the rank 6 gu immortals still unable to acquire any immortal gu worms. So, he lacked the necessary foundation to pay others renowned for their lifespan extension methods.
Lifespan Gu was the best lifespan extension method but nobody would sell this mortal gu to him. Every other method had its drawbacks, but Hong Guang couldn't do anything about it. He was willing to endure such disadvantages for a longer and fuller life.
But how can such methods be deduced easily?
Hong Guang was a solid light path gu immortal but it had already been 30 years since he started deducing this method and ran into several obstructions. His research was bottlenecked by his lack of attainment. Not even a century would be enough to ensure a breakthrough and only a chance enlightenment could help him resolve the most recent block. Even then, he was far from completing this research. One breakthrough did not suggest he would not suffer from creativity blocks later down the line.
It wasn't long before Hong Guang opened his eyes. He looked in a particular direction as a figure flew through the terrible wind on a yellow cloud. This cloud let out a conspicuous yellow trail wherever it flew.
'A rank 5 gu worm… but what aura is this? Is… is this a food path gu worm?'
Hong Guang instantly deduced a few things before observing the gu immortal riding the conspicuous cloud under the night sky.
The distance was enough for Hong Guang's investigation killer move to view the gu immortal. The other party had a plain face and a bald head. His eyes were pale-blue. This man wasn't exactly handsome and the corner of his eyes and dark eyebrows naturally tilted upwards, giving him a fierce appearance.
The gu immortal flew towards Hong Guang after discovering him as the latter's heart jumped.
'I was using my concealment killer move. This killer move can be sold for four-and-a-half immortal stones in Treasure Yellow Heaven. How did he discover me? Does he have a better investigation killer move or does his investigation killer move naturally counters my method?'
Gu immortals like him paid attention to every detail. Getting beaten up like a dog was rare for someone like Hong Guang and wouldn't occur when encountering every other gu immortal.
The strange gu immortal got closer to Hong Guang but didn't approach him. He waited for a moment before sending out an information path gu worm.
Hong Guang cautiously accepted the information path gu worm and studied it. His expression eased slightly after discovering no traps inside the gu worm. He deactivated his concealment killer move and transmitted his greeting, unaffected by the howling gusts of wind.
"I'm Old Man Hong Guang, sir. We discussed the proposal in Treasure Yellow Heaven."
The stranger observed for a moment before lowering his cloud. Stepping off the cloud, the food path gu immortal greeted respectfully.
"Well met, Old Man Hong Guang. I go by the name—Faceless Transformation Immortal."
The former nodded and inquired with probing intentions.
"Excuse my ignorance, Sir Faceless Transformation, but I have never heard about you. Yet looking at you, one can feel your impressive power and cultivation."
Faceless Transformation, despite his naturally fierce appearance, maintained a polite demeanor as he smiled gently.
"I remained secluded and cultivated in a ruin I discovered accidentally in my youth. There's not much to be expected here. I'm just one of the many fortunate lone gu immortals. I wonder if sir is willing to conduct the transaction."
Old Man Hong Guang had already steeled his heart for the matter. He currently lacked a lot of funds and resources. That's why he was willing to find trouble with Lo Jik and get rewards from the gu immortals planning from the shadow. Unfortunately, he did not complete his mission entirely and only earned a fraction of the promised remuneration.
His lifespan was nearing its end. Such a desperate time called for a desperate measure—and said measure stood before him.
Yet, when faced with his ray of hope, Old Man Hong Guang couldn't help but reveal his true nature as he stalled.
"Of course, I am willing, Sir Faceless Transformation. But… would it not be better for you to invite an information path gu immortal to set an alliance contract?"
Hong Guang's need for a lifespan extension method had been exposed by Lo Jik in Treasure Yellow Heaven after the former tried to suppress the latter. Such a vicious attack left Hong Guang furious yet despairing. Of course, Hong Guang had many enemies, and now they knew of his desire for Lifespan Gu and lifespan extension methods. They could scheme against him by restricting the sale of such methods and gu worms to Hong Guang by bribing all the known parties in Central Continent.
But fate smiled on Hong Guang.
He was approached by Faceless Transformation in Treasure Yellow Heaven and was offered a lifespan extension method. This method wasn't free. Naturally. But Hong Guang also couldn't pay the mentioned price for such a method. So, the pair came to a verbal agreement.
Faceless Transformation would use his lifespan extension method on Hong Guang for half the price as long as Hong Guang spread the news and publicized Faceless Transformation's method.
Hong Guang knew he stumbled upon a great opportunity instantly.
Faceless Transformation was likely a secluded cultivator with no reputation in the gu world. Naturally, lifespan extension method had a booming business with a never-ending demand but gu immortals only sought trusted and reputable sources for such a method. By helping Hong Guang, Faceless Transformation hoped to gain reputation for his business and establish himself properly.
Such an event was not rare.
Central Continent was the number one region in terms of the population of gu immortals. There were too many secluded gu immortals hidden from the public view. One of the most famous secluded gu immortal of the past was none other than Feng Jiu Ge, whose strength shocked the entire gu world after his emergence.
So, Hong Guang and Faceless Transformation were both making use of each other. However, the former's words instantly left the latter gloomy.
Faceless Transformation Immortal fell silent as anger flickered in his gaze. He revealed the disposition of a true secluded gu immortal who had little contact and chance of socializing with the rest of the world. Such gu immortals needed time and effort to mask their true thoughts and emotions. Hong Guang risked the entire deal getting ruined but he waited patiently.
"It is not impossible to invite an information path gu immortal, sir." Faceless Transformation Immortal spoke after a few short seconds. "But it's an additional cost. An information path gu immortal will not facilitate our deal without a commission. I hope Sir Hong Guang will pay the previously discussed portion of resources instead."
Hong Guang smiled bitterly internally. He couldn't help but look at Faceless Transformation Immortal in a new light. The man reigned his anger and countered with an equally devastating idea. He might lack experience but every person at their level was a talented individual. Faceless Transformation Immortal did not lack wit and control.
The older gu immortal desired Faceless Transformation to pay from his own pocket and invite an information path gu immortal. It was for his own assurance. But he did not dare push the unknown food path gu immortal because Hong Guang's need for lifespan extension method was greater than Faceless Transformation Immortal's need of advertisement and reputation. The earlier exchange already revealed Faceless' impatience and impressive control. Pushing the man any further might truly destroy any hope for transaction. Faceless Transformation Immortal might even collude with Hong Guang's enemies to further push him into a desperate corner.
"Forget my words." Old Man Hong Guang smiled. "Why should we muddy the water by inviting an information path gu immortal?"
He also did not suggest the use of mortal information path methods because they wouldn't work on gu immortals. The dao marks inside mortal information path gu worms were a fraction of the dao marks inside information path immortal gu worms. Such gu worms could not bind gu immortals, who had complete dao marks carved on their bodies.
Only the use of gu worms like Accumulation could elevate a mortal killer move to the level capable of binding weaker gu immortals.
"Let's conduct the transaction." Hong Guang agreed with a sigh. He would never do things so shadily if not for his helplessness.
Faceless Transformation hesitated briefly before nodding.
Of course, the lack of an alliance agreement was a double-edged sword. Just as Faceless was capable of hurting Hong Guang, the latter could also pay half the price but not spread the word about his lifespan extension method.
However, the duo had already conversed extensively in Treasure Yellow Heaven.
"Please."
Faceless Transformation Immortal pointed ahead as an immortal gu house emerged from his blessed land with a bright light.
This immortal gu house was a human-sized coffin constructed from pitch-black wood. It appeared ominous and terrifying, and did not give Hong Guang the same feeling of food path as Faceless Transformation Immortal and his previous methods.
"This was one of my gains from my fortuitous encounter," Faceless Transformation Immortal introduced on his own. "It's an incomplete immortal gu house called Recovery Coffin."
An incomplete immortal gu house!
The aura of an immortal gu within the gu house made Hong Guang extremely envious. He restrained his urges and realized Faceless Transformation Immortal's demeanor was only surpassed by his strength. How could someone with an incomplete immortal gu house be a simple character?
Hong Guang no longer dared maintain any stupid intentions and appeared subdued.
"Enter it, and you shall recover your youth." Faceless Transformation Immortal smiled. "Of course, in the spirit of complete transparency, I must warn that this method does not compare to a Lifespan Gu. Once used, your body will grow younger, but you will age twice as fast. That is because this immortal gu house is still incomplete."
Hong Guang glimpsed and inquired quickly.
"What are the effects of the completed gu house?"
Faceless Transformation Immortal's eyes glowed.
"The issue of aging twice as fast will vanish. Instead, it will shave off a year of your natural lifespan by one year every time it's used! So, you could use this immortal gu house for at least 59 times if your natural lifespan ends at the age of 60. Of course, Lifespan Gu will become ineffective for you as long as you use this method enough times."
Hong Guang sucked in a breath of cold air.
This was a top-notch lifespan extension method!
Most methods couldn't even be used for ten times, much less 50.
After some consideration, Hong Guang chose to risk things and entered the incomplete Recovery Coffin. Of course, he also let out a lump of will with some immortal essence and gu worms to monitor Faceless Transformation Immortal in case he had any malicious intentions.
Fortunately, the whole thing was a success.
When Hong Guang stepped out, his flashy red robes were too big for his small body. He appeared no different from a ten-year-old child.
"I- It worked!"
Hong Guang cried joyfully as he teared up. He quickly changed into clothes more appropriate for his size before thanking Faceless Transformation Immortal profusely and paying the agreed amount unhesitatingly.
Faceless Transformation Immortal and Hong Guang exchanged information path gu worms to keep in contact before parting ways.
"Amazing! This method is truly amazing! Even if I will age twice as fast, I still obtained years of time and can hope to deduce my own method. It's all thanks to Faceless Transformation Immortal."
Hong Guang's expression changed as he thought of Faceless Transformation Immortal and his incomplete immortal gu house. He was green with envy and smiled coldly.
'Oh, Faceless, you are truly naïve. How could you flaunt such wealth without even setting an alliance agreement? You want me to advertise for you? Hehe, I will. Everyone will hear about a lone gu immortal with an incomplete immortal gu house possessing a lifespan extension method. I'm sure the supreme elders of the ten great ancient sects will seek you for pointers.'
Hong Guang was devious and lived for a long time. He intimately felt the suppression of the ten great ancient sect and was aware of the indignation nurtured within the hearts of lone gu immortals. Being a lone gu immortal with such an amazing method, Faceless Transformation Immortal was bound to attract the attention of these supreme elders who did not want to see the rise of lone gu immortals. The wisdom path gu immortals of the ten great ancient sects would most definitely understand the threat this secluded gu immortal posed.
Hong Guang had already started contacting several gu immortals in Treasure Yellow Heaven and spread the news. The lump of will he let out earlier also had an information path gu worm that recorded the entire process. Such an evidence instantly caused a huge commotion in Treasure Yellow Heaven.
Immortal gu houses were no jokes. They were a foundation of a super force. Not only were the supreme elders of the ten great ancient sects instantly alerted, many lone and demonic gu immortals also started eyeing Faceless Transformation Immortal.
'Oh, he actually did it.' Lo Jik smiled as he flew on a yellow cloud. This cloud smelled like sandalwood and left a long and conspicuous trail of clouds in its wake.
It was a food path movement gu worm. Lo Jik wasn't the one who deduced this recipe. He acquired it from the same inheritance that held Wine Drinker Immortal Gu recipe.
Faceless Transformation Immortal was none other than Lo Jik.
Lo Jik could effortlessly leave Hu Immortal Blessed Land ever since he created a fake aperture to store Love Immortal Gu. It was a huge boon. He was already in contact with Hong Guang for a long time and finally managed to convince him into completing the trade.
As for Hong Guang's malicious intentions? Lo Jik was quite happy to see that.
The thing about Hong Guang was that he appeared like an asset for someone like Lo Jik but in reality, he was nothing but a liability.
With Accumulation Immortal Gu, Lo Jik could use Meaning of Life immortal killer move or Descendant's Debt Trap to enslave Hong Guang but what would that achieve? He might be a light path master at best. His light path dao marks foundation was quite rich and deep, but Lo Jik still had no method of plundering someone's blessed land with extreme efficiency. And he did not require a gu immortal to manage his blessed land because he had many clones. Enslaving Hong Guang, however, created a connection between them. Should Hong Guang get captured later on, a devious party might cause problems for Lo Jik using this connection.
As of right now, Lo Jik was in quite a secure position with all his defensive methods coupled with Divine Concealment. Others could not deduce or divine him. He was also concealed from Heaven's Will. There was simply no reason to deliberately create a connection using Hong Guang and expose self-inflicted weakness.
But Lo Jik could use Hong Guang's envy to spread Faceless Transformation Immortal's name.
An immortal gu house!
That would already cause a great commotion.
But an incomplete immortal gu house designed for a lifespan extension method?
That would shock everyone into moving and deducing everything about Faceless Transformation Immortal.
The truth was, Lo Jik needed a steady approach of nearing other gu immortals and sneak attack them. That was a reasonable way of seeking and targeting talents with great attainments in their respective paths. Sure, a few gu immortals might approach him with ill intent, but would Lo Jik be afraid of fighting them?
The very same gu immortals hoping to antagonize would be on the cautious side instead because an incomplete immortal gu house was still an immortal gu house. It was not something to be trifled with.
And in the event Lo Jik's identity gets exposed…
What about it?
Truly, what would happen?
He would still remain Spirit Affinity House's supreme elder.
He would still wield Love Immortal Gu.
If anything, his status would skyrocket due to the incomplete immortal gu house and lifespan extension method. Even the likes of first supreme elder would treat Lo Jik with more consideration because an immortal gu house could already resist and escape from a rank 8 gu immortal and who didn't require assistance in the department of one's lifespan?
It could be said the person with the greatest malice in his heart in this entire arrangement was Lo Jik himself.
It was preferable to stay hidden and do things discreetly, but Lo Jik had also accumulated enough strength to act more directly. If need by, why couldn't he act willfully?
As for incomplete immortal gu house?
Lo Jik sneered and observed his blessed land.
Hong Guang had been fooled. This gu house might give the aura of an immortal gu house but this incomplete immortal gu house had no immortal gu.
Lo Jik was a formation path quasi-supreme grandmaster. It was not weird to declare that he was the number one person in comprehending the complexities of formation path and refining immortal gu houses. Immortal gu house differed from immortal formations because complete immortal gu houses were portable formations. They could move from one place to another. Meanwhile, an orthodox formation stayed in one location and were challenging to constantly dismantle and arrange without the use of special formation path immortal gu worms.
Gu immortals usually used immortal gu worms to construct immortal gu houses. But formation path's foundation itself allowed a gu immortal of Lo Jik's caliber to refine an immortal gu house with immortal materials and mortal gu worms alone!
This method was quite cost efficient. Immortal gu worms were unique but immortal materials could be grown and nurtured.
Unfortunately, this technique was not without its flaws. The dao marks within the crucial immortal materials will continue to expend as long as the immortal gu house would be active, but that was of no issue!
Lo Jik could simply repair the immortal gu house by replacing the consumed and listless materials with new and vibrant ones!
***
Alternate Title: I am Hong Guang, and I'm filled with desires; Author watching Hong Guang suffer from creativity block *He's me fr*; Recovery Coffin appears; Faceless Transformation Immortal is real!; Bai La about to rock Faceless Transformation's shit; Bai La once she realizes Faceless is Lo Jik: Proceeds to rock his shit again!; Completing a trade; Hong Guang is truly a sneaky bitch; The true malicious party—Lo Jik; Lo Jik watching great talents nearing him: Oh, no. Anyway *Blasts them with dream path*; A new stage of an immortal gu house; Number one gu house creator; Effects of Recovery Coffin; Top-notch lifespan extension method; The secluded Faceless trades
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