No need to thank me

( I didn't make the end have any cliffhangers in previous chapter. My weak heart couldn't do something like this to you. Just remember this good deed.)

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Hei Alliance

"H-Hong Yun, how did you manage to get all this wealth?!" Zhao Lian Yun's eyes widened as she stared at the mountain of Primeval Stones before her. It was a staggering amount—something only Rank 4 Gu Masters or higher could dream of possessing.

Hong Yun puffed out his chest with pride, a wide grin on his face. "Hehe, Master gave it to me before he left! He said I need to learn how to manage money. Look now, Lian Yun, we are rich, aren't we?"

Zhao Lian Yun couldn't help but marvel at the sheer generosity—or perhaps foresight—of Fang Yuan. "This is outrageous! The kind of wealth that could move mountains and buy loyalty, all handed to this blockhead?" She composed herself quickly, her thoughts turning cold and calculating.

"Yes, it's… impressive," she murmured.

Then Hong Yun, as guileless as ever, beamed and pushed some stones toward her. "Take some, Lian Yun. You said last time you needed money, didn't you?"

The offer was tempting, but Zhao Lian Yun had greater ambitions. 'Why settle for scraps when I can go for the whole feast?' she thought, pushing the stones back.

Zhao Lian Yun didn't take anything, her thoughts racing. "I have to focus on the bigger picture. Taking these Primeval Stones would make it obvious that I'm only using Hong Yun for my own benefit. If I can build a connection with a Rank 5 Peak Gu Master, improve my relationship with them, or even become their disciple, this kind of wealth will be trivial in comparison."

She cast a calculating glance at Hong Yun, who was still smiling proudly. "And if that plan fails… well, this idiot is so simple-minded. Controlling him would be child's play. Worst case? Marry him and take full control of his actions."

Zhao Lian Yun's lips curled into a smile. "No, I can't take any of this. It's yours, Hong Yun."

The boy looked flustered, scratching the back of his head. "But… but you need it! I want to help."

She laughed lightly, already prepared for this response. "I don't need charity," she said, her tone sweet but firm. "Actually, I have an idea that could make all this wealth multiply many times over. And since it's my idea, I'll take half the profits. How does that sound?"

Hong Yun's curiosity was piqued. "Really? That sounds great! What's the plan?"

After explaining her scheme, Zhao Lian Yun watched his reaction closely. To her surprise, he had a stunned expression for a moment before chuckling awkwardly.

"I actually thought of that before," Hong Yun admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "But Master gave me so many Primeval Stones that I didn't need to go through with it."

Her brows shot up in astonishment. "Oh wow, blockhead. You actually thought of smuggling public property and abusing your position in upcoming battle against Dong Fang. I'm impressed."

Hong Yun flushed red. "U-uh, it's not that bad! I mean… it's just a thought!"

Zhao Lian Yun shook her head, biting back a laugh. "If you say so." This fool might have potential after all… but he's still just a tool for me to use.

The conversation shifted, and the two began discussing other ways to grow their wealth. But Zhao Lian Yun's mind was already working ahead, plotting her next steps. Hong Yun was useful—she just had to make sure she stayed in control.

---

Southern Border - Shang Clan

A woman sat quietly by the window, her gaze distant, lost in thought. The soft rays of sunlight streaming through the glass seemed to frame her figure in a halo of warmth, yet her heart felt cold and restless.

"My lady, do you still miss him?" a maid asked hesitantly, her voice gentle but filled with concern.

Shang Xin Ci gave a faint nod, her lips barely parting. "Mm."

Shang Xin Ci was a vision of ethereal beauty. Her silky jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. Her eyes, clear as moonlight. Her snow-white skin contrasted against her pink, tender lips, which curved faintly in a smile so pure and innocent it could soften the hardest of hearts. In terms of beauty, she was truly once in a thousand years.

"Lady Xin Ci, don't worry," the maid said, her tone laced with reassurance. "That lord is surely fine. I'm certain he'll return soon."

Shang Xin Ci remained silent. Deep within her heart, a vivid image of a man surfaced—a figure she held dearer than anything in this world. A single thought consumed her mind:

If only I could see him now, how wonderful that would be.

The maid's eyes sparkled as she continued, her voice brimming with admiration. "The news says he refined two Immortal Gu worms all on his own! Now, even just a rumor about him is worth the wealth of a Rank 5 Gu Master."

Shang Xin Ci's lips moved again, her voice soft and filled with longing. "I only hope he is safe now."

Her love was pure, overflowing with boundless depth, a rare gem in a world as cruel as theirs.

It was a love so intense, so unwavering, that it defied all reason and logic. If Shang Xin Ci were near the legendary Rank 9 Love Gu at this moment, the Gu would surely resonate with her emotions, acknowledging her devotion.

Her feelings were unmatched—an impossible, burning light in the darkness of the Gu world.

---

Lang Ya Blessed Land

[Alert: Heaven's Will is attempting to read the host's memory. Detected source: Spring Autumn Cicada Immortal Gu.]

Fang Yuan's expression hardened. The sudden notification distracted him for a moment, just as a tribulation attack descended, disrupting his refinement process. The result was immediately clear—the refinement of the Change Form Immortal Gu had failed.

[A.I. Chip automatically activated its protection protocol, shielding the host's secrets. Only pre-approved memories are accessible.]

"So this is the true move of Star Constellation's Will," Fang Yuan thought grimly, his sharp eyes glancing at the fading dark clouds. "She used the will hidden in the Immortal Gu to test whether I'm still a suitable pawn in her game."

"Was the actions of Shadow sect also in her plan?"

His mind raced, analyzing the implications. "At least I've prepared. The A.I. Chip has perfectly crafted the memories I allowed to be accessed, simulating flawless continuity in my recent actions. Still, it's a pity—I didn't obtain the Gu."

Just as Fang Yuan was calculating his next moves, a subtle fluctuation caught his attention. Immortal Gu aura lingered faintly in the area.

(A/N: Guess what?)

Before Fang Yuan could act, Lang Ya appeared behind him with an excited expression.

"Wow, Fang Yuan, you're really lucky!" Lang Ya exclaimed, his massive frame shaking with laughter. "It's incredibly rare for a failed refinement to leave behind a semi-finished Immortal Gu."

Fang Yuan narrowed his eyes, concealing his surprise. "It must be the effect of my extraordinary luck. Dog Shit Luck Gu truly is the essence of self's fortune in Luck Path."

Lang Ya patted Fang Yuan's shoulder, beaming. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to punish whoever caused that foolish attack during the refinement." But before Fang Yuan could respond, Lang Ya's tone shifted. "Now, the good news is that there's still a semi-finished Immortal Gu here. Do you want to use your third and final chance to refine it?"

Fang Yuan frowned, his tone cold. "Why should I waste my last chance? The refinement failed because of your people, and technically, it shouldn't be considered a complete failure since the semi-finished Gu remains."

Lang Ya scratched his head awkwardly, trying to avoid the topic. "Failure is failure, Fang Yuan. You're just fortunate to have something left instead of nothing."

Fang Yuan's gaze darkened. He knew Lang Ya's reasoning was technically correct, but he wasn't about to let it slide without compensation. "I need proper compensation for my losses, Lang Ya."

Unexpectedly, Lang Ya nodded, his expression serious. "Fair enough. Actually, Fang Yuan, I wanted to discuss something with you."

Lang Ya's face broke into a sly grin. "I'd like to officially invite you to join our Hairy Men Alliance. If you agree, I'll personally refine the Immortal Gu for you one more time and compensate you for the earlier incident."

Fang Yuan feigned surprise, but inwardly he was calm. He had anticipated this invitation. Lang Ya had been subtly showcasing the power and unity of the Hairy Men in the blessed land for precisely this moment. Joining the alliance—and eventually, the future Lang Ya Sect—was already part of his long-term strategy.

After a brief pause, Fang Yuan nodded. "Fine. I'll join."

Lang Ya burst into laughter, clearly overjoyed. "Hahaha! Excellent! You won't regret it, Fang Yuan. I'll begin refining the Gu immediately."

"Don't use the Hairy Man Heaven and Earth Refinement Style!" Fang Yuan's sharp voice echoed.

Lang Ya nodded obediently, and the two of them began the arduous process of refining the Gu together. Fang Yuan's high luck, coupled with Lang Ya's expertise, pushed the refinement to its limits.

For days, they were refining, meticulously advancing step by step until finally, the final moment arrived.

Change Form Immortal Gu, completed!

(A/N: The coin toss was heads.)

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(A/N: Hmm, let me pull you behind the curtain for a moment. Flashback to the decision-making process: I used a one-time coin toss to decide whether Fang Yuan would get the Gu or not—heads meant success, tails meant failure.

Yes, you heard that correctly. It wasn't about the refinement's success but whether he'd ultimately lay his hands on the Gu. And guess what? It was HEADS.

Now, thinking back to my note at the start of the chapter:

No cliffhangers? Weak heart? Hahaha! You truly believed false truth?

I feel satisfied knowing I've kept you on your toes and, perhaps, nudged you toward understanding the dangers of society. A little lesson in trust, manipulation, and survival—just as Fang Yuan himself might teach.

No need to thank me; the pleasure was all mine.

...