Chapter 12: Fang Yuan regains consciousness
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Fang Yuan slowly opened his eyes, then rose from the massive bed beneath him.
The round bed was large enough to fit fifty people, covered with a luxurious silk blanket, red with golden rims. As he glanced around, he took in the splendor of his surroundings. He found himself in a grand bedroom, one that exuded opulence at every corner.
Beside the bed, a stove burned incense, filling the air with a fragrance that stirred subtle feelings. The walls were made of golden bricks, and the floor was paved with silver tiles. Every piece of furniture—the tables, chairs, and dressing table—was adorned with pearls, agate, diamonds, and other precious gems. The entire room was a testament to its previous owner's immense wealth.
"This is a beautiful home," Fang Yuan muttered, stepping down from the bed.
Then, with a light voice, he called out, "Little Hu?"
Swoosh.
The Hu Immortal land spirit appeared instantly before him. Her cheeks flushed red as she looked shyly at the ground.
"Master, you are finally awake," she said softly, her voice carrying the same timid tone as always.
"How long did I sleep?" Fang Yuan asked, his gaze sharp.
"Master, you were asleep for six days," Hu Immortal replied, her large, shining eyes blinking as she spoke.
"Six days?" Fang Yuan murmured. "Just one day less than the original owner, despite healing my soul injury before collapsing."
He wasn't surprised, however. He understood it clearly—he had pushed himself to the brink both mentally and physically, even sustaining a soul injury.
The constant wariness of Bai Ning Bing's coming betrayal, the looming pressure from Heaven's Will, and the schemes he had to enact to outwit the land spirit had left him drained. From the moment he pretended to refine the second aperture, to successfully refining the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu amidst the torrential light stream, and consuming the top four wines to acquire Divine Travel Gu—each step had been fraught with tension.
The weight of his actions had been crushing. He had created an impossible situation, pulling off the Hu Immortal Inheritance right under the noses of Central Continent's top Gu Immortals. It had been like playing with fire, making enemies of all ten great sects and even the Heavenly Court.
If not for his knowledge of future events knowing that Heaven Court was assisting Heaven's will right now and would even go to indirectly protect him, he might have been deeply worried about his future.
Once he had become the blessed land's owner, Fang Yuan's first command was for the land spirit to shut the entire blessed land. That act alone gave him some reprieve, and exhaustion claimed him, forcing him into days of rest.
Now, as his thoughts cleared, he asked, "During this period, did any strong enemies attack the blessed land?" His mind, sharp as ever, added, Always be wary of the unexpected.
Hu Immortal shook her head gently. "Master, during the six days you were asleep, nobody attacked."
"As expected of He Feng Yang. He didn't let me down," Fang Yuan thought, a rare flicker of appreciation passing through him. The sacrifice He Feng Yang had made to give up the One's Own Way Immortal Gu to protect him was not a small matter.
He Feng Yang had bravely defended him, blocking the advances of the other nine sects. Yet Fang Yuan knew he couldn't allow himself to be lulled into a false sense of security.
His brows furrowed slightly as he thought of the looming threat. "The next earthly calamity is in a year and three months, correct?"
Hu Immortal's eyes widened in amazement. "Master, I was just about to inform you. You're incredible, already knowing this!"
"Yes," she continued, her voice tinged with anxiety. "The blessed land has already survived five earthly calamities. The sixth is indeed just over a year away."
Fang Yuan nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps. The future was still filled with danger. Heaven's Will loomed over him like an invisible predator. Spectral Soul Venerable's revival was inevitable, his clones schemed in the dark, Shadow Sect was lurking with unknown plans, and both Heavenly Court and the righteous path immortals hungered for his downfall. Even the demonic path could not be trusted; many would gladly see him dead if it benefitted them.
It could be said that everyone wanted to kill Fang Yuan.
Yet, amidst this web of enemies, he remained unfazed. His mind, sharper than any blade, was already working out the strategies that would turn these dangers into opportunities. Every calamity, every tribulation, was a stepping stone. Each adversary could become an unwitting pawn in his grand design.
The sixth calamity? It would be no different. Fang Yuan's confidence was unshakable.
Obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise, Fang Yuan thought coldly. I will overcome them all, and in the end, it is I who will profit.
The storm that surrounded him was intensifying, but Fang Yuan had no fear. He thrived in chaos. The more dangerous the situation, the greater his gains would be.
His ambition was limitless, his patience unyielding, and his will indomitable. This was the nature of Fang Yuan—one who walked the demonic path without hesitation or regret.
He was still the same Fang Yuan.