Chapter 176: Teleport Tattoo
One month passed after the battle of Lang Ya blessed land.
Inside Fang Ming's immortal aperture, a tiny tattoo floated above his palm.
The tattoo was no larger than a fingernail. Thin dark lines twisted into a compact circle, forming a mark that looked simple at first glance, almost plain. But when Fang Ming's will brushed across it, the space around the tattoo trembled faintly. The fluctuation was weak, but sharp. It felt like a folded blade hidden inside a sheet of paper, waiting for the moment it would be opened.
Fang Ming looked at it quietly.
This was not an ordinary one-use tattoo killer move.
It was the first successful one-use teleport tattoo.
Compared to the tattoo killer moves he had been selling, this one had taken far more effort. Ordinary one-use immortal killer move tattoos were already difficult, but they were still mostly about storing an activation sequence, preserving enough power, and making sure the tattoo did not collapse before use. Attack methods, defensive methods, and movement bursts all had their own problems, but their direction was clear.
Teleportation was different.
A mistake in an attack tattoo might weaken the attack. A mistake in a defensive tattoo might cause the defense to break early. But a mistake in a teleport tattoo could tear the user apart, send them into the wrong location, or leave half their body behind.
Distance, target lock, spatial correction, activation timing, destination stability, and interference resistance all had to be considered. Even this first successful version was crude. Its range was limited, the activation process was not smooth, and it had strict requirements for use. But it worked.
That alone was enough.
Fang Ming's fingers closed slowly around the tattoo.
Teleport person.
Teleport group.
Teleport object.
Teleport formation.
Many branches could grow from this first result. The version in his hand was only the beginning, but it proved the road existed. As long as the first piece was placed down, the second piece would be easier. Then the third, the fourth, and finally enough pieces would gather to support the operation he had been preparing for.
Fang Ming stored the tattoo carefully and stood up.
He did not remain seated to admire it for long. Satisfaction was useful only for a moment. After that, it became a waste of time.
His orders were sent out immediately.
Fairy Huang Sha, Fairy Qing Su, Fairy Fen Meng, Bian Si Xuan, and Ju Go all received his message. Fang Ming ordered them to gather at Free Market blessed land as soon as possible. The reason he gave was simple: they would undergo special training involving ancient battle formation coordination, aerial combat, and strict command practice.
The replies came quickly.
None of the Eagle Sect Gu Immortals refused.
They had already grown used to Fang Ming's style. When he gave a direct order without explaining everything, it usually meant the matter involved either profit, combat, or both. Asking too many questions would not make him explain earlier. It would only make them look slow.
After sending the messages, Fang Ming turned toward his tattoo production system.
The formations that had been producing one-use immortal killer move tattoos for external sale were all ordered to stop.
This was not a small change.
Fang Ming's tattoo killer moves had already become a recognized commodity in treasure yellow heaven. Their supply was limited, their use was practical, and the price was fixed enough that many buyers had formed a habit of waiting for his monthly production. Some bought them for self-defense. Some bought them for ambushes. Some bought them as emergency methods for dangerous expeditions. Others bought them only to resell later at a higher price.
Now, Fang Ming stopped the entire external supply.
The production lines were not destroyed, but their direction changed. Attack tattoos, defensive tattoos, ordinary movement tattoos, and other popular one-use methods were pushed aside. The formations were redirected toward teleport tattoo variants. For the time being, outside buyers would receive nothing.
A short message was sent into treasure yellow heaven.
All tattoo immortal killer move sales were suspended indefinitely.
The reaction rose almost immediately.
Many Gu Immortals had been waiting for Fang Ming's monthly tattoo production, and the sudden announcement struck them like a stone dropped into still water. Some buyers hurriedly asked when the sales would resume, while others directly raised their offers, hoping that a higher price could make Fang Ming release a few hidden reserves. There were impatient Gu Immortals who cursed openly, accusing Fang Ming of cutting off the supply at the worst possible time, while several long-term buyers tried to contact him through old trade channels and private messages.
Fang Ming ignored most of them.
The tattoo killer moves had been sold to the outside world because they brought profit. Now that he needed the production for himself, the outside market could only wait. Immortal essence stones were useful, but at this moment, teleport tattoos were worth far more in his own hands.
Once the production change was settled, Fang Ming activated Teleport Gu.
His figure vanished from his immortal aperture.
When he appeared again, he was inside Lang Ya blessed land.
The blessed land had changed after relocation. The old battlefield was gone, and many damaged arrangements were still being repaired. The loss of half of Refinement Cauldron had left wounds in the foundation, but Lang Ya blessed land was still Lang Ya blessed land. Its depth was not something ordinary blessed lands could compare to.
The new Lang Ya land spirit was standing inside a hall, speaking loudly to several hairy men. His body was tall and muscular, covered in thick hair, and his voice was full of confidence that did not match the damage his blessed land had recently suffered.
"Humans have ruled for too long! Our hairy men cannot keep hiding forever. We need Gu Immortals, we need formations, we need desolate beasts, and we need real battle strength. Refinement alone is not enough. If the next enemy comes, are we going to cry while hiding inside a Gu House again?"
The hairy men below him looked ashamed, but there was also excitement in their eyes. The new land spirit's words were rough, yet they touched the sore spot left by the invasion.
Fang Ming walked into the hall.
Lang Ya land spirit turned his head and immediately recognized him. His expression shifted from anger to interest.
"You came at the right time. I was just talking about strengthening the hairy men. Are you finally here to join my Lang Ya Sect?"
Fang Ming looked at him calmly. "I came to deepen our cooperation, not to become your subordinate."
Lang Ya land spirit snorted, but he did not look disappointed. "Cooperation is also fine. Say it then. What do you want, and what can you give me?"
"I came to strengthen your hairy man Gu Immortals."
The hall became quiet.
Lang Ya land spirit's eyes moved slightly. "That sounds pleasant, but I do not believe you came here out of kindness."
"Of course not." Fang Ming's tone was natural. "Kindness is not stable enough to build cooperation on. Benefits are better."
Lang Ya land spirit laughed loudly. "Good! I like this answer more than empty righteousness. Speak clearly."
Fang Ming did not circle around the issue. "Your hairy man Gu Immortals have cultivation, immortal essence, refinement skill, and the support of Lang Ya blessed land. But their combat ability is terrible. During the last battle, they used Heavenly Giant Solor, had more numbers, and fought on their own territory. Even then, most of them moved like frightened mortals."
The hairy men in the hall lowered their heads.
Lang Ya land spirit's face darkened, but he did not refute.
Fang Ming continued, "If my Eagle Sect Gu Immortals use a rank six ancient battle formation against your hairy men using Heavenly Giant Solor, your side will still lose even with twice the numbers."
Lang Ya land spirit's brows rose. "You are saying that my rank seven Heavenly Giant Solor will lose to your rank six ancient battle formation?"
"I am saying your hairy man Gu Immortals will lose while operating it."
"That is even more unpleasant to hear."
"But it is more accurate."
Lang Ya land spirit glared at him for several breaths. The hairy men around him did not dare speak. In the end, he gave a heavy snort and sat down.
"Continue."
Fang Ming said, "My first proposal is training. Your hairy man Gu Immortals will use Heavenly Giant Solor. My Eagle Sect Gu Immortals will use my Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation. I will personally guide your hairy men for a few days, assign basic roles, and teach them how to stop wasting the formation's strength. Whether they become useful afterward or remain trash depends on how much they practice."
Lang Ya land spirit rubbed his chin. "Training against outsiders in ancient battle formations… That is not a bad idea. My hairy men lack real combat, and the last battle proved it too clearly. But what is the cost?"
"Each side bears its own immortal essence loss and damaged Gu. Both sides must restrain themselves and avoid damaging the core Immortal Gu of either battle formation. This is training, not a life-and-death battle."
Lang Ya land spirit nodded slowly.
Fang Ming added, "Relying on outsiders is never a long-term solution. Last time, you needed Fang Yuan, Mo Tan Sang, and me to stabilize the situation. But can you rely on outsiders every time? If your hairy men remain useless, Lang Ya blessed land will always have a hole in its foundation. If they become capable, you will at least have people you can command directly."
These words entered Lang Ya land spirit's heart.
The new land spirit wanted hairy men to rise. He wanted hairy men to become strong, self-reliant, and capable of fighting humans instead of only refining Gu for them. Fang Ming's words were blunt, but they matched his ambition.
Lang Ya land spirit leaned forward. "You said this is the first proposal. What is the second?"
"Desolate beasts."
Lang Ya land spirit frowned. "Lang Ya blessed land is a refinement foundation. I can buy desolate beasts from treasure yellow heaven when I need them. Raising too many beasts inside the blessed land is a waste of space and resources."
"That is true if you raise them normally." Fang Ming waved his hand, and an Eagle Nest Formation appeared from his immortal aperture. "But my formation bypasses part of that problem."
Gu worms flew out and arranged themselves in midair. Formation light spread across the ground, and a large nest-like structure gradually formed. Layers of formation path, enslavement path, feeding management, growth stimulation, and aerial control fused together. This was not merely a beast pen. It was a specialized production and control system.
Lang Ya land spirit stood up.
His formation attainment was not low. After only a short inspection, his expression changed.
"This formation does not only raise eagles. It controls them too."
Fang Ming nodded. "It specializes in eagles, so its control is more efficient than general enslavement methods. It can produce desolate eagles at regular intervals, manage eagle groups, and support aerial training grounds. You have enslavement path Immortal Gu, but a general tool and a specialized system are not the same."
Lang Ya land spirit walked around the formation several times. The more he looked, the brighter his eyes became.
Fang Ming did not interrupt him. He waited until Lang Ya land spirit had seen enough before continuing.
"You keep buying desolate beasts from outside, but the market is unstable. Sometimes what you can buy is old, injured, weak, or unsuitable. Even if the beast is good, supply depends on others. If enemies return and you need beasts urgently, will treasure yellow heaven always have what you want?"
Lang Ya land spirit's expression became thoughtful.
Fang Ming continued, "Desolate eagles are also training partners. Your hairy man Gu Immortals lack aerial combat experience, dodging experience, pursuit experience, and pressure experience. Let them fight eagles regularly. If they cannot even survive training against desolate beasts under controlled conditions, then there is no need to talk about fighting human Gu Immortals."
This time, Lang Ya land spirit did not immediately argue.
Fang Ming pressed on. "One Eagle Nest Formation is not enough. You should buy four. With four formations, your eagle supply will grow faster, your hairy men will have more training partners, and you will eventually have extra desolate eagles to sell."
Lang Ya land spirit's eyes widened. "Four? You think immortal essence stones grow from cloud soil?"
Fang Ming looked at him calmly. "You want hairy men to rise, but you hesitate when it is time to buy the tools. That is stingy."
"You dare call me stingy inside my own blessed land?"
"If you were not interested, you would already have thrown me out instead of arguing over the number."
Lang Ya land spirit choked for a moment. Then he grumbled, "Two. I will buy two. Four is too much for now."
"Each Eagle Nest Formation costs four thousand immortal essence stones."
Lang Ya land spirit's thick brows jumped. "Four thousand for one?"
"It contains an Immortal Gu core, produces desolate eagles, controls eagle groups, and helps train your hairy man Gu Immortals. You almost lost Lang Ya blessed land last month. If this price still makes you hesitate, then your ambition is cheaper than I thought."
Lang Ya land spirit clenched his teeth.
The hairy men in the hall did not dare breathe loudly.
After several breaths, Lang Ya land spirit waved his hand fiercely. "Fine. Two Eagle Nest Formations. Eight thousand immortal essence stones. But if the formation is worse than you claim, I will come find you."
"If it is worse than I claim, you would not have agreed after inspecting it."
Lang Ya land spirit glared at him again, but this time there was no real anger in his eyes.
Fang Ming then brought out another formation.
"This is Jungleflow food beast formation."
Lang Ya land spirit recognized it immediately. He had bought food beasts from Fang Ming for a long time. Lang Ya blessed land had a massive hairy man population. If he added large eagle groups and desolate eagles, food consumption would only rise further.
Fang Ming said, "You usually consume about three formations' worth of food beasts from me. I will sell you one Jungleflow formation with two Immortal Gu cores. It will not make you fully self-sufficient, but it will reduce dependence and stabilize your internal supply."
Lang Ya land spirit looked at the formation. His earlier excitement became more practical. Food was not glorious, but it was foundation. A force could speak about ambition all it wanted, but if it could not feed its people and beasts, it would collapse before battle.
"How much?" he asked.
"Five thousand immortal essence stones."
Lang Ya land spirit's face twitched. "You really came here to empty my pockets."
"I came to sell you what you need."
"That sounds even worse."
"But it is true."
Lang Ya land spirit stared at Fang Ming for a long moment before suddenly laughing. "Fine! Five thousand. I will buy it. If I want hairy men to rise, I cannot be afraid of spending immortal essence stones at every turn."
The transaction was completed quickly.
Two Eagle Nest Formations sold for eight thousand immortal essence stones.
One Jungleflow food beast formation with two Immortal Gu cores sold for five thousand immortal essence stones.
Thirteen thousand immortal essence stones entered Fang Ming's hands.
This was a large sum, even for him.
His monthly income was high, but his expenses were also terrifying. Teleport tattoo production required resources. Ancient battle formation adjustment required resources. Copying, Counterfeit Refinement, Virtual Refinement, and the special operation he was preparing for all required immortal essence stones. Fang Ming did not lack businesses, but having businesses was not the same as having enough liquid immortal essence stones at the exact moment he needed them.
This sale arrived at the right time.
After receiving the immortal essence stones, Fang Ming did not leave.
"Last time, you said you would keep my reward account," he said.
Lang Ya land spirit crossed his arms. "I remember. Do not look at me like I am that stingy. You helped during the invasion, and I said I would reward you."
"I need to borrow a battlefield formation that blocks information from leaking out."
Lang Ya land spirit's expression changed slightly. "You know I have that kind of formation?"
"I guessed you would. Lang Ya's foundation is deep, and Long Hair Ancestor dealt with many Gu Immortals in his life. A battlefield formation that prevents information from escaping is not too strange."
Lang Ya land spirit hesitated before saying, "I do have one, but it is broken and incomplete. It can still be used after repair, but it is not something I can give away casually."
"I only need to borrow it for a couple of weeks."
Lang Ya land spirit's eyes became suspicious. "What are you planning?"
"Something that requires silence."
"That does not sound reassuring."
"It is not directed at Lang Ya blessed land."
"That is barely reassuring."
Fang Ming smiled faintly. "This is repayment for helping defend Lang Ya blessed land. It is separate from today's sale."
Lang Ya land spirit clicked his tongue. "I had plans for that battlefield formation. Once my hairy man Gu Immortals become strong enough, I planned to have them set it up, trap human Gu Immortals, and assassinate them one by one."
The hall became quiet.
Lang Ya land spirit froze.
Then he cursed loudly. "Damn it! Why did I say that out loud again?"
Fang Ming looked at him with a strange expression.
Lang Ya land spirit's face darkened. "Do not look at me like that. It is a good plan."
"It is a good plan for the future," Fang Ming said. "But if you use it now, your hairy man Gu Immortals will be the ones trapped and killed."
Lang Ya land spirit glared. "You think they are that bad?"
"They will need decades before they can become good solo fighters. Right now, their fighting skill is close to mortal level. They do not understand immortal combat, they cannot judge openings properly, and they panic too easily. A battlefield formation can block information, but it cannot give them battle experience out of nothing."
Lang Ya land spirit's anger deflated slightly.
He knew Fang Ming was right.
After a while, he waved his hand impatiently. "Fine. A couple of weeks. I will lend you the broken formation as part of your saved reward. But if you damage it further, you pay."
Fang Ming replied calmly, "That depends on whether the damage was already there before I received it."
"You really are not a good person."
"You only noticed now?"
Lang Ya land spirit snorted, but he still handed over the damaged battlefield formation method and the related Gu arrangement. The formation was incomplete, but the core concept was intact. With repair and enough fuel, it could block information leakage within a limited area for a short period.
That was enough for Fang Ming.
A broken tool was still useful if it was used at the right moment.
After the deal was complete, Fang Ming activated Teleport Gu again.
One by one, the Eagle Sect Gu Immortals arrived.
Fairy Huang Sha appeared first, her yellow dress fluttering slightly as she stepped out of the spatial fluctuation. Fairy Qing Su followed with a calm expression, her eyes quickly sweeping across the surroundings. Fairy Fen Meng arrived next, smiling faintly but saying nothing. Bian Si Xuan's figure appeared like a shadow cutting through air, while Ju Go landed last, his gaze filled with curiosity and caution.
The five Gu Immortals cupped their fists toward Fang Ming.
Lang Ya land spirit looked at them, then looked back at Fang Ming.
"These are the Eagle Sect Gu Immortals you brought?"
Fang Ming nodded. "They are the ones who will operate Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation for this training."
Lang Ya land spirit looked them over again. "There are only five of them. My hairy man Gu Immortals have more people, and they will be using Heavenly Giant Solor. Are you sure this comparison will be meaningful?"
"Numbers are useful only when the people know how to fight," Fang Ming said. "Your side has stronger formation foundation, more Gu Immortals, and better resources. My side has fewer people and a weaker ancient battle formation. If your hairy men still lose, then the result will show exactly where the problem is."
Lang Ya land spirit's face darkened. "You really do not know how to make your words pleasant."
"I am speaking practically. Pleasant words will not make your hairy men survive the next invasion."
Lang Ya land spirit opened his mouth, then closed it again. In the end, he only snorted.
"Fine. Let them fight. If my hairy men lose too badly, I will make them train until they vomit blood."
"That would be a good start," Fang Ming said.
Before the training began, Fang Ming personally entered Heavenly Giant Solor.
The hairy man Gu Immortals gathered inside the formation looked at him with complicated expressions. Some were embarrassed, some were curious, and some were clearly unhappy about being judged so harshly. But after the last battle, none of them could confidently say Fang Ming was wrong.
Fang Ming did not waste time comforting them.
"You will not all think at once," he said. "That only creates noise inside the formation. From now on, you will follow assigned roles. There will be a defense group, an essence supply group, a movement group, an attack support group, and a reaction group. When the main controller gives an order, you execute first and think later. If you hesitate, the formation slows. If you panic, the formation twists. If you start crying during battle, leave the formation before you drag everyone down."
Several hairy man Gu Immortals lowered their heads.
One hairy man muttered, "We are not that useless…"
Lang Ya land spirit shouted from outside, "If any of you cry during training, I will throw you into refinement labor for a hundred years!"
The hairy man Gu Immortal immediately shut his mouth.
Fang Ming guided them through several rounds of Heavenly Giant Solor's circulation. He corrected their rhythm, divided their responsibilities, and forced them to understand that controlling an ancient battle formation was not the same as refining Gu in a safe room. In refinement, hesitation could sometimes prevent failure. In battle, hesitation could create death.
During this process, Fang Ming felt Heavenly Giant Solor's core again.
One month had passed.
His copy cooldown had refreshed.
The final core he needed was now within reach.
Giant Spirit Gu.
Rank six, strength path.
His copy method activated silently.
No one noticed.
Soon, Fang Ming had obtained what he needed.
With all three core directions in his hands, his own ancient battle formation framework became much more complete. It was still not a true Heavenly Giant Solor. His metal path core was rank six, not rank seven, and his structure had been adjusted around his own needs. But it could function.
After leaving Heavenly Giant Solor, Fang Ming turned to his own people.
Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation was set up.
Compared to Heavenly Giant Solor, it was smaller and rougher. Its combat body was not a silver giant with three heads and six arms, but a heavy barbarian-like figure covered in dark armor. Its aura was clearly only rank six, but its structure was compact and brutal, focused on close combat, armor, direct pressure, and controlled force.
Fang Ming explained the formation patiently to the Eagle Sect Gu Immortals.
"This formation is weaker than Heavenly Giant Solor in raw foundation, so do not try to overpower it directly. Huang Sha, you will handle frontal pressure. Qing Su, you will control movement correction and prevent the formation from becoming stiff. Fen Meng, you will watch for disruption chances and strike when the silver giant's rhythm breaks. Bian Si Xuan, you will assist side movement and evasion. Ju Go, your role is stability. When output shakes, you reinforce the circulation. Do not chase credit. If the formation remains stable, that is your contribution."
Ju Go cupped his fists seriously. "I understand. I will not act on my own."
Fairy Huang Sha smiled. "So we are not expected to win by strength, but by rhythm?"
"Exactly," Fang Ming said. "Heavenly Giant Solor has more power. But power that arrives late is useless. Make them slow. Make them waste essence. Make them turn too far. Make their arms block each other. Once their rhythm breaks, strike."
Fairy Qing Su's eyes brightened slightly. "Then this is not only training them. It is also training us to fight stronger formations."
"That is why I brought you here."
The five Eagle Sect Gu Immortals became more serious.
The two ancient battle formations activated.
On one side stood Heavenly Giant Solor, silver and imposing, three heads and six arms shining with the aura of a rank seven ancient battle formation. Its body was huge, and its presence alone pressured the air.
On the other side stood Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation, smaller, darker, and rougher. Its armored body looked less majestic, but its stance was steadier. It gave off the feeling of a beast crouching before a larger opponent, not frightened, only waiting for the right angle to bite.
Lang Ya land spirit stood beside Fang Ming with his arms crossed.
"Begin!"
The two formations moved.
At the first clash, Heavenly Giant Solor showed superior raw strength. Its silver arm swept forward, and the air roared from the force. Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation did not block head-on. It shifted sideways, absorbing part of the pressure through its armor while avoiding the center of the strike.
The hairy man Gu Immortals inside Heavenly Giant Solor reacted slowly.
One group poured immortal essence too early. Another group adjusted movement too late. The silver giant's second arm moved, but its angle was poor, giving Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation enough room to slip away.
Fairy Huang Sha controlled frontal pressure, forcing the smaller formation to remain aggressive without being reckless. Fairy Qing Su corrected movement again and again, keeping the formation from becoming heavy. Fairy Fen Meng waited until Heavenly Giant Solor's rhythm broke, then guided a sudden strike into its side. Bian Si Xuan helped the formation shift around the silver giant's arm, while Ju Go quietly stabilized the internal circulation whenever the pressure rose.
Boom!
Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation struck Heavenly Giant Solor's side.
The silver giant staggered.
Lang Ya land spirit's face darkened.
"Again!" he shouted.
The hairy men tried again.
This time, they were more careful, but careful did not mean skilled. Heavenly Giant Solor's raw power remained terrifying, yet every movement showed hesitation. When they should advance, they delayed. When they should defend, they overcorrected. When they should use their advantage in size, they allowed the smaller formation to control distance.
After several exchanges, Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation found another opening and struck the silver giant's knee.
Heavenly Giant Solor shook.
The result was becoming obvious.
The Eagle Sect Gu Immortals were not elite monsters. They were using Tyrannical Barbarian Ancient Formation for the first time, and the formation itself was only rank six. But they had real battle experience, discipline, and a clear commander's structure. The three Hua fairies were veterans. Bian Si Xuan was sharp. Ju Go obeyed orders quickly and did not try to show off.
The hairy man Gu Immortals had more numbers, a stronger formation, and better foundation.
They still lost.
Lang Ya land spirit watched with growing despair.
"That damned old me…" he muttered through gritted teeth. "He raised Gu Immortals into refinement dolls. They have immortal essence, but no battle bones!"
The hairy man Gu Immortals inside Heavenly Giant Solor felt ashamed, but this time Lang Ya land spirit did not let them retreat. He forced them to continue, round after round, until even the slowest among them began to understand where they were failing.
Fang Ming watched for a while.
The training could continue without him now.
He turned toward his subordinates. "You will remain here and train. Follow the restrictions. Do not damage core Immortal Gu. Fight seriously, but do not cripple the hairy men. Your goal is not to humiliate them. Your goal is to become familiar with the formation and improve under pressure."
Fairy Huang Sha cupped her fists. "We understand."
Fairy Qing Su added, "We will control the intensity."
Bian Si Xuan glanced at Heavenly Giant Solor and said quietly, "Even if they are weak now, the formation itself is worth studying."
Fang Ming nodded. "That is why you should pay attention."
Lang Ya land spirit looked at Fang Ming. "You are leaving already?"
"I have other matters."
Lang Ya land spirit scratched his head. "Forget it. Go do whatever you are planning. But return my battlefield formation on time."
"I will return it when the agreed time ends."
"And do not bring trouble back to Lang Ya blessed land."
Fang Ming smiled faintly then he activated Teleport Gu.
His figure vanished from Lang Ya blessed land.
The next destination was Western Desert.