The Lie Tribe continued on its path, their morale improving to some extent after they had grown accustomed to working at full capacity. Fortunately, their route was free of the raging beast groups that had been attacking them from all directions.
At the front of the caravan, the Lie Tribe Leader carefully observed his surroundings with utmost vigilance. At the same time, a Gu worm resembling a white moth flew toward him and landed on his palm, which was partially covered by his robe.
The Lie Tribe Leader sent a portion of his golden primeval essence into the Gu worm, and a stream of information flooded into his mind. It took him a moment to process it.
"There is a gathering of several Tribes a hundred li to the east?… It seems there is also a tribal market?"
The Lie Tribe Leader summoned the elders who did not occupy vital positions within the caravan and said, "The scouts sent a message stating that there is a gathering of several Tribes a hundred li ahead… They also spotted a large tribal market." He paused briefly before explaining his intent.
"I have gathered you to consult whether we should continue on our path without stopping at the tribal market… or stop at the market to rest, exchange materials and Gu worms, and attract more manpower from mortals."
The Lie Tribe Leader swept his gaze across the elders, waiting for their opinions.
However, he felt a slight disappointment as none of them spoke.
He sighed inwardly in frustration. I cannot entirely blame them. In recent days, we have faced many hardships and suffered heavy losses. At first, the elders were willing to offer their opinions and solutions, but after several setbacks, doing so now would only backfire on them. If their suggestions fail, they will bear the blame and pressure from the entire Tribe.
"Tribe Leader, is this meeting truly necessary…?"
An elder named Chi Han spoke loudly, breaking the tense silence.
The Lie Tribe Leader was immediately drawn out of his thoughts. He was not angered; instead, he felt a sense of relief—at least some elders were still willing to speak.
"Oh? What do you mean exactly, Chi Han?"
"Tribe Leader, I will speak directly, and I hope you will accept my words and listen… You are aware of our dire situation, yet you still gather us in formal meetings merely to preserve our dignity. Without a doubt, you are a great and kind leader to consider our feelings… but are we children, Tribe Leader, for you to act this way even now?"
Chi Han paused briefly, observing the expressions of the surrounding elders and the Tribe Leader.
He An's expression did not change much. His gaze remained fixed on Chi Han, offering no hint of his emotions.
"Continue, Chi Han."
Chi Han bowed deeply toward the Lie Tribe Leader and continued with gratitude, "The fact that you still called us here means you believe this situation can be salvaged… and you must already have your own judgment regarding this matter. Therefore, what I wish to say, Tribe Leader, is this—do what you believe is right. Do not rely on our opinions at such a critical moment. The future of our Tribe rests in your hands!"
The leader's tent fell silent for a moment before voices erupted again.
"Chi Han is a true man to speak his mind!"
"Tribe Leader, listen to Chi Han—his words are correct!"
"We are men of the Lie Tribe, descendants of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable! But before that, we are men of the Northern Plains—we do not fear even death if our Tribe Leader commands it!"
The Lie Tribe Leader closed his eyes briefly, as if tasting the flavor of authority on his tongue. But more than that, a warm feeling surged within his chest toward his tribesmen.
"If that is the case… we will join the tribal gathering and the market for a few weeks to rest and reorganize!"
Inside the Large Lizard House Gu.
Fang Tian held a Rank five Gu worm in his hand, examining it with great focus. The Gu emitted a strong aura of the transformation path and began to float around his head, circling within the enclosed space.
After a while, Fang Tian stopped observing and let out a relieved and delighted breath.
"…My refinement path methods have improved tremendously. I was able to refine a Rank five Gu on my own without relying on the Land spirit of the Old Strength Blessed Land… Moreover, this Gu is extremely important to me."
The Rank five Gu was called Appearance Change Gu. It was a very famous Gu throughout history and considered one of the core Gu of the transformation path. Of course, it was not the Rank five version that was renowned, but rather the Immortal Gu—Appearance Change.
The Immortal Gu Appearance Change had been used by Reckless Savage Demon Venerable, who even refined it to Rank nine. After his death, many experts in history managed to refine the Immortal Gu Appearance Change, though it was usually at Rank seven or six. Those who refined it to Rank eight were exceedingly rare.
Naturally, the more famous an Immortal Gu was, the more Immortal Gu Masters researched it. They did not come away empty-handed—mortal Gu recipes for Appearance Change soon appeared in Treasure Yellow Heaven and spread widely.
Thus, Fang Tian obtained the recipe through the Land spirit of the Old Strength Blessed Land before coming to the Northern Plains. Now that he had settled, he found it necessary to refine Appearance Change Gu. After all, he had anticipated needing a method to alter his appearance and aura—and now that matters had reached this point, his preparations proved correct.
"I can change my appearance using Appearance Change Gu, and also use Breath Concealment Gu to alter my aura. Fortunately, Breath Concealment Gu does not require immortal essence to activate—only Appearance Change Gu will place a burden on me."
Fang Tian infused his primeval essence into Appearance Change Gu. The Gu trembled slightly within his aperture before emitting a faint light.
His jaw extended and became sharper, while hair grew along the sides of his face and chin.
His shoulders broadened and tightened, and his skin darkened with a faint tan.
Within moments, Fang Tian had completely transformed into a different person. Even his aura shifted—from Rank three initial stage to Rank three peak stage.
In a hoarse voice, he spoke, "…This should be good enough."
Fang Tian moved from his spot and withdrew the Large Lizard House Gu into his aperture. Instantly, the scenery of the Northern Plains appeared before him.
And within his line of sight, a long caravan was heading toward a massive tribal market.