Familiar Face

...

"I'd like to trade for something in exchange for the two Rank 6 Gu you still owe me."

Lang Ya Land Spirit's expression brightened. As a new immortal, Fang Yuan should be asking for some resources—something Lang Ya could easily part with. Pleased, he asked, "What will that be?"

"I want the Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable's signature killer move, Familiar Face," Fang Yuan said with a friendly smile.

In an instant, Lang Ya Land Spirit's mood shifted from happiness to shock. He stared at Fang Yuan, stunned, before blurting, "How do you even know I have this killer move?"

Fang Yuan's smile deepened as he replied in an honest tone, "I'm Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable's inheritor, so I had some clues. And with my wisdom attainment, it wasn't hard to deduce the rest."

Lang Ya's eyes grew more complicated. After a pause, he finally admitted, "Indeed, I possess the Familiar Face killer move. Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable traded it with me long ago."

With a sigh, Lang Ya's gaze turned distant, recalling past events. "Back then, Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable sought out my main body to refine the Space Escape Gu. My main body was equally interested, and we worked together for twenty-one years. That's by normal time of the five regions—if calculated with Lang Ya Grotto-Heaven's time, it would be much longer!"

He smiled wistfully. "In those twenty-one years, my main body and Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable made countless attempts, but each one failed. His resources were drained, and even my treasury was nearly empty. Naturally, my main body wasn't willing to make a loss. In the end, Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable had to offer some of his own assets to purchase more materials from me. Unfamiliar Face, Vaguely Familiar Face, and Familiar Face—this set of killer moves was part of that exchange."

Lang Ya snapped back to the present and scrutinized Fang Yuan. "Your ability in the wisdom path is remarkable. Did you ascend as a Wisdom Immortal?"

"No," Fang Yuan shook his head. "I chose to ascend as a Transformation Immortal Gu Master. That's why I want this killer move—it has some insights into the transformation path that could help me deduce an immortal killer move of my own."

Fang Yuan spoke with complete honesty. Maintaining trust with Lang Ya was crucial, and it wasn't difficult for others to discern which path someone had ascended into.

"Ah, Transformation Path." Lang Ya paused, then remarked with surprise, "I didn't know you also cultivated transformation besides refinement and wisdom. It's rare to see someone cultivate three paths at such a high level of attainment."

Fang Yuan remained humble, replying politely, "I still have much to learn. Compared to truly remarkable figures like you, my friend, I've barely scratched the surface. I've always admired Long Hair Ancestor. In my heart, he's the true leader of the refinement path."

Lang Ya beamed at the flattery, pride tinging his voice. "Hehe, though I've reached the peak of the path, there are still two others like me. So, I won't claim to be the leader just yet."

After a moment of shared amusement, Lang Ya's expression turned serious again. "But even though we're friends, this killer move is worth far more than two Divine Travel Gu."

"I know, my friend," Fang Yuan answered warmly. "I've already prepared something of a huge value to you. Besides, you once promised to give me a friendly price if there was something I truly needed."

The last time Fang Yuan visited, after acquiring the Second Aperture Immortal Gu and trading the Divine Travel Gu, he had set this condition in motion.

-----

FLASHBACK

Fang Yuan's smile broadened. "Just like before, you'll owe me the price of this Divine Travel Gu. And if you have something of little value to you but great value to me, you'll sell it at a friendly price."

Lang Ya Land Spirit had relaxed back then, his posture growing more confident. "Fine, we'll do it like that."

End of Flashback

-----

From the moment Fang Yuan set foot in the Northern Plains, he had been preparing for this Killer move. He had targeted the Attitude Gu afterward, knowing he had a high chance to get it.

Every action, every step was part of his meticulous plan, carefully crafted for this very moment.

All for the greater plan. 

..

Lang Ya Land Spirit, remembering his earlier promise, felt slightly embarrassed. "Yes, I did say that. Hmm… what is this thing of great value to me?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Fang Yuan smiled, brimming with confidence. "It's information about your next earth calamity… and about a group of immortals planning to attack you at that time."

Lang Ya was stunned. "What? That's impossible! No matter how high your wisdom attainment, it's not something you can simply deduce!"

Fang Yuan nodded calmly. "I had clues about the group planning to attack you. As for the earth calamity, it was something I couldn't deduce through normal means—it was an accidental gain." His tone was mysterious, leaving the land spirit in suspense.

"Honestly, I was going to tell you this information regardless. After all, we're friends. But since I don't have anything else of equal value to trade for Familiar Face…" Fang Yuan's voice grew somber, a hint of sadness in his expression.

Lang Ya Land Spirit could feel Fang Yuan's sincerity, and it wasn't just an act. Fang Yuan truly seemed to be speaking from the heart.

"How about this—if the information is wrong, I'll complete recipes for you until my debt is fully paid, my friend," Fang Yuan offered, looking down at the ground, clearly embarrassed by the situation. He avoided Lang Ya's gaze, as if afraid that his friend and idol would refuse him.

Fang Yuan's expression seemed heartbroken, as though the idea of Lang Ya betraying his trust hurt him deeply.

Lang Ya, feeling guilty for doubting him, softened. Though he was a land spirit, the sense of being "mean" weighed on him. And if the information was true, it could be invaluable—knowing about the group of immortals intending to attack him could prevent serious damage to his grotto-heaven.

After a moment of deliberation, Lang Ya finally relented. "Alright, I agree to this deal."

Fang Yuan's face lit up with happiness and gratitude. He looked at Lang Ya Land Spirit with genuine warmth. "Thank you. I'll remember this favor. You truly are a great friend."

Fang Yuan handed over a Gu that contained all the information he had. "Here. This Gu has everything on the immortals planning to attack you, and as for the next calamity—it will most likely be 'Endless Thunder and Lightning Rain'. I'm 80% certain this will be your next earth calamity."

Lang Ya, though still processing everything, handed over the Familiar Face killer move to Fang Yuan.

As Lang Ya began reviewing the information Fang Yuan provided about the future attackers, he visibly relaxed. There were only five weaker immortals involved, and once he made proper preparations, he believed he could turn them into his slaves.

Meanwhile, Fang Yuan, having secured what he came for, prepared to leave. He and Lang Ya discussed the price for their future cooperation in completing the incomplete recipes.

"Then, Lang Ya, my friend, I'll take my leave now," Fang Yuan said, bidding farewell.

"Alright. I look forward to seeing those completed recipes next time!" Lang Ya replied, his excitement clear.

...

As Fang Yuan returned to the stone forest, his thoughts raced.

"I've established a solid relationship with Lang Ya Land Spirit," he mused. "All thanks to the Attitude Gu. Truly, it's as incredible as the legends say—worthy of being a Rank 8 Gu."

With time still left before he needed to return to his blessed land, Fang Yuan shifted his focus.

"I need to prepare the way to increase my luck. That will help tremendously in refining the Immortal Gu I desire."

With his decision made, Fang Yuan set off, heading toward the path that would lead to greater fortune.

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Next chapter: Child of Luck

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