Got it. I'll treat chapter prose = full paragraphs by default from now on. Here is the same Chapter 177 remade properly, with the Tang clan trade correction included and the point-like spacing removed.
Chapter 177: Tang Clan
Western Desert was not a land that welcomed outsiders. From above, the desert looked endless, but it was not empty. Sandstorms moved like wandering beasts across the yellow earth, oasis chains formed the bones of trade routes, and hidden paths crossed beneath the sand, protected by formations, guarded by clans, and remembered only by those with enough strength or enough money to use them. In the far distance, a long belt of sand moved slowly across the world. The dunes there did not remain still; they shifted year after year, following a vast curved path as if heaven itself had dragged a brush across Western Desert. No oasis existed inside that path, no beasts lived there for long, and even rocks were buried and swallowed. Western Desert's people called it the impassable dunes, not because no one had ever tried to cross them, but because too many had tried, and too few had returned.
Fang Ming stood on the edge of the moving sand belt, his robes fluttering in the dry wind. Yellow sand brushed past him, but none of it touched his body. His gaze moved from the impassable dunes toward the oasis chains in the distance. Western Desert was different from Northern Plains. Northern Plains was open and direct; tribes fought across grasslands, blessed lands hid in empty regions, and Gu Immortals often solved problems by strength. Western Desert was more layered. Here, a route had value, an oasis had value, a hidden node had value, and a clan's token could be worth more than a small resource point because it turned closed roads into open ones. Super forces did not only control land; they controlled passage, water, trade, and information.
Fang Ming had not come here to wander. He had a target: Tang clan. Their territory lay beyond several oasis chains, protected by desert formations and guarded trade routes. Fang Ming could have hidden his aura and approached secretly, but he did not choose that method. He had come to trade. At least, that was the cleanest path. The broken information-blocking battlefield formation borrowed from Lang Ya rested in his possession. It was incomplete, but useful. Fang Ming had not borrowed it only for decoration. If trade succeeded, the formation would keep sensitive matters silent. If trade failed, it would serve another purpose: a sealed battlefield, a few isolated Tang clan Gu Immortals, and a forced negotiation. Trade was cleaner, but Fang Ming had never treated force as something separate from negotiation. It was only the other hand of the same body.
After confirming the direction, Fang Ming moved. He did not conceal his Gu Immortal aura. Several days later, outside Tang clan's central protective formation, two rank six Gu Immortals appeared in front of him. One was a young man in a pale brown robe embroidered with flowing sand patterns. His expression was steady and cautious, and although his face still carried some youth, his posture was careful enough to show that he was used to receiving outsiders on behalf of the clan. His name was Tang Yunhe. Beside him stood a young woman in light yellow clothes. Her hair was held by a jade pin, and her eyes were bright and observant. Compared to Tang Yunhe's caution, she looked warmer, but the sharpness in her gaze did not lose to his. She was Tang Yuexin.
The two stood before the formation light, blocking Fang Ming's path politely but firmly. Tang Yunhe cupped his fists first. "Fellow immortal, this is Tang clan's territory. You have come directly toward our headquarters without hiding your aura. May I ask your name and purpose?"
Fang Ming returned the salute. "I am Fang Ming, a lone cultivator from Northern Plains. I have come to trade with Tang clan."
Tang Yunhe and Tang Yuexin exchanged a glance. Tang Yuexin's voice was calm, but her eyes remained on Fang Ming's expression. "Fellow immortal Fang Ming, do you have an arrangement with one of our clan's Gu Immortals?"
"No," Fang Ming answered. "This is my first time visiting Tang clan."
Tang Yunhe frowned slightly, but his tone remained polite. "Northern Plains is far from Western Desert. Crossing regional walls is not something a Gu Immortal does casually. If fellow immortal has no prior arrangement, why come directly to our headquarters?"
Fang Ming smiled faintly. "Because I came for serious trade, not trouble. If I hid my aura and wandered around your territory, that would be suspicious. I came openly because I want Tang clan to know I am here. It is indeed harder for a Northern Plains Gu Immortal to enter Western Desert than to travel toward Eastern Sea, but trade between regions is not impossible. I was delayed in the regional wall for months before finally arriving. Since I have already paid that cost, naturally I would not come here for ordinary business."
His answer was direct, and because of that, the two Tang clan Gu Immortals relaxed slightly. Tang Yuexin's expression changed a little as she asked, "Then what business is fellow immortal engaged in?"
"Food beast business, formation production, and long-term supply trade," Fang Ming said. At first, Tang Yunhe was not surprised. Many outside cultivators claimed to have trade goods, but most of them exaggerated their value when speaking to a super force. Then Fang Ming continued, "I sell Jungleflow food beasts in treasure yellow heaven. At present, the public supply is about two formations' worth of food beasts."
This time, both Tang Yunhe and Tang Yuexin became more serious. Two formations' worth of stable food beast supply was not small. For a rank six lone cultivator, that was already a rich business. Many ordinary rank six Gu Immortals could not build such steady income even after hundreds of years. Only those backed by strong forces, high-grade blessed lands, or special inheritances could usually reach that level. Tang Yunhe looked at Fang Ming again, and the caution in his eyes was now mixed with respect.
"So fellow immortal is the seller behind those food beasts?"
"I am."
Tang Yuexin's tone became warmer. "Your business has some reputation. Food beasts are practical, and stable supply is even more valuable. If fellow immortal came to discuss such trade, Tang clan is naturally willing to hear more."
Fang Ming nodded. "Then may we speak inside the formation? Some matters are not suitable to discuss outside your clan's protective boundary."
Tang Yunhe did not answer immediately. He and Tang Yuexin exchanged several transmissions. Fang Ming waited calmly, showing neither impatience nor nervousness. After a short while, Tang Yunhe raised his hand and opened a path through the formation light. "Fellow immortal Fang Ming, please enter. Since you came openly and brought proper trade intentions, Tang clan will not treat you rudely."
Fang Ming stepped into Tang clan's protective formation with them. The moment he crossed the boundary, the sandstorm outside seemed to fade into another world. The wind became softer, the sky cleared slightly, oasis lakes reflected pale sunlight, yellow stone halls stood among palm forests, and Gu Master settlements were arranged around layers of defensive formations. Tang clan headquarters did not look overly extravagant, but every part of it carried the stability of a Western Desert super force.
As they walked, Tang Yunhe asked, "Fellow immortal mentioned food beast business and formation production. Are you here to sell food beasts, or the formation itself?"
"Both are possible," Fang Ming said. "I can sell food beasts, formation production methods, Jungleflow food beast formations, and even Immortal Gu if the price is right."
Tang Yunhe's steps slowed, and Tang Yuexin also turned to look at him. "Immortal Gu?" she asked.
Tang Yunhe's voice became lower. "Fellow immortal Fang Ming, Immortal Gu are not usually sold directly."
"That is why I came to a super force," Fang Ming replied. "Ordinary buyers cannot afford what I am willing to sell."
The two Tang clan Gu Immortals became much more serious. After they walked deeper into the formation, Fang Ming seemed to hesitate. Then he sighed softly, as if finally deciding to speak. "Since I have already entered Tang clan's formation, I should speak more honestly. Food beast business is only part of the reason I came. My true request is more personal."
Tang Yuexin's eyes softened a little. "Personal?"
Fang Ming lowered his gaze. "My wife is also a Gu Immortal. Almost a year ago, she faced a tribulation. Unfortunately, the tribulation involved dream path. Since then, she has been trapped, with no clear sign of life or death. I searched across Northern Plains and asked many people, but no one could help. In the end, I paid a great price to ask Dong Fang Chang Fan for a wisdom path deduction. His result pointed me to Western Desert, Tang clan, and a man named Tang Fang Ming."
Tang Yunhe's eyes narrowed slightly. "You came for Tang Fang Ming?"
"Yes," Fang Ming said. "Dong Fang Chang Fan said Tang Fang Ming has dream path attainment and may be able to help. I did not mention dream path outside the protective formation because I did not want to put Tang clan on guard in the open. For that, I apologize."
Tang Yuexin looked at him with a gentler gaze. "So that is why fellow immortal crossed the regional wall and came all the way here."
Fang Ming smiled bitterly. "A year is long enough. If there is even a chance, I have to try."
Tang Yunhe sighed. "Fellow immortal's loyalty is admirable. Many Gu Immortals speak of Dao companions, but few would cross regions and offer Immortal Gu for a possibility."
"I am not admirable," Fang Ming said quietly. "I am only unwilling to give up before I have exhausted every path."
Tang Yuexin nodded slightly. "What exactly are you willing to offer for Tang Fang Ming's help?"
"Two food path Immortal Gu, depending on what help he can provide."
The two Tang clan Gu Immortals were shocked again. Two Immortal Gu. Even for a super force, this was not a light offer. Tang Yunhe's expression became solemn. "I cannot decide this matter myself. I will report it upward."
"Of course."
The three entered a side hall and waited. During this time, Fang Ming spoke with them about food beasts, formations, Northern Plains markets, and Western Desert trade routes. His words were polite, smooth, and measured. He did not act desperate despite the story he had told. Instead, he gave the impression of a man who had suffered for a long time but still kept his dignity. Tang Yuexin asked several questions about treasure yellow heaven prices, and Fang Ming answered without hiding too much. Tang Yunhe listened carefully, occasionally asking about formation production costs and the stability of supply. The more they spoke, the less he treated Fang Ming like a suspicious foreigner and the more he treated him like a serious trader with deep capital.
After some time, Tang Yunhe received a reply. His expression changed slightly, and he stood. "Tang Fang Ming is willing to meet you."
Fang Ming rose as well. "Then I will trouble fellow immortal to lead the way."
Tang Yunhe glanced at Tang Yuexin. "Yuexin, I will bring fellow immortal Fang Ming over. Please remain here and handle the report."
Tang Yuexin smiled faintly. "Go. Do not make our guest think Tang clan lacks manners."
Tang Yunhe coughed lightly. "I know how to receive a guest."
"That is exactly why I reminded you."
The exchange was brief, but Fang Ming saw Tang Yunhe's expression soften for a moment before he turned away. Tang Fang Ming's station was not at the most central hall. It was located near a quieter oasis, protected by several formations. The place was peaceful, with a small lake, pale sand, and several low buildings made from yellow stone. It did not look like the residence of someone with great authority, but the defensive formation around it was far more refined than the outer halls.
When they arrived, Fang Ming turned to Tang Yunhe and smiled. "Thank you for the trouble. This small gift is not much, but please accept it."
He took out a pearl. The pearl was round, warm, and faintly blue. Under the Western Desert sunlight, it released a soft watery glow, looking completely different from the dry yellow world around them. Tang Yunhe's eyes lit up despite himself.
"This is…"
"A rank six material pearl. It is rare even in Northern Plains because it can only be cultivated properly in Eastern Sea. In Western Desert, it should be even harder to find."
Tang Yunhe carefully received it, his earlier steadiness almost breaking. The pearl was not only a rank six material; it was beautiful. In Western Desert, where water-type materials were already rarer, this kind of pearl could easily become a precious gift. His mind clearly drifted elsewhere. Fang Ming noticed and patted his shoulder lightly.
"Do not let Miss Yuexin get away. A pearl like this is rare, but a woman who looks at you with patience is rarer."
Tang Yunhe froze for a moment, then his face became slightly embarrassed. "Fellow immortal Fang Ming, you really have sharp eyes."
"Not sharp. You were simply too obvious."
Tang Yunhe laughed awkwardly, but his mood became excellent. He stored the pearl carefully and cupped his fists. "Then I will not disturb your meeting. I hope fellow immortal's matter goes smoothly."
"Thank you."
Tang Yunhe left with lighter steps than when he had arrived. Tang Fang Ming had been watching from the side without interrupting. He was a young-looking Gu Immortal with calm eyes and a refined bearing. His aura was not strong, but Fang Ming could sense that his thoughts were active and his attention was sharp. This was not someone who judged only by surface.
After Tang Yunhe left, Tang Fang Ming smiled faintly. "Fellow immortal Fang Ming, please come inside."
Fang Ming returned the courtesy. "Then I will disturb you."
The two entered the residence and sat across from each other. Tea was served, but neither drank immediately. Tang Fang Ming looked at Fang Ming first. "I have heard the general story. Fellow immortal came from Northern Plains seeking help for your wife, who is trapped because of a dream path tribulation."
"That is what I told them," Fang Ming said.
Tang Fang Ming's eyes shifted slightly. Before he could ask further, Fang Ming raised his hand, and a Gu appeared above his palm. Its body was faint and dreamlike, as if woven from mist and moonlight. Its aura was soft, but the moment it appeared, Tang Fang Ming's expression changed completely.
Fang Ming spoke calmly. "Fellow immortal, look at this dream path Immortal Gu."
Tang Fang Ming stood up. His eyes fixed on the Gu in Fang Ming's hand, disbelief written across his face. "Dream path… Immortal Gu?"
"Yes. Its name is Leave Dream."
Tang Fang Ming stared at it for several breaths before slowly sitting back down, but his posture was no longer relaxed. "What does it do?"
Fang Ming did not hide it. "Leave Dream Immortal Gu allows a Gu Immortal to leave a dream realm they are currently exploring. When the user senses that a dream realm is turning against them, or that failure is approaching, this Gu gives them a safe way to withdraw instead of being dragged deeper. It also gives the soul a layer of protection during dream exploration, reducing the damage suffered when the dream realm presses against the explorer."
Tang Fang Ming's breathing changed. Fang Ming continued calmly, "Dream exploration is difficult because entering is only the first step. Many people can enter a dream, but once they are trapped inside its rhythm, leaving becomes the real problem. Leave Dream Immortal Gu solves that problem. For a dream explorer, it is an immortal-level life-saving method."
Tang Fang Ming understood immediately. For someone like him, this Gu was not merely useful. It could change how he explored dreams altogether. Many dream realms were not impossible because the explorer lacked courage; they were impossible because retreat was uncertain. With Leave Dream Immortal Gu, the risk of each attempt would be reduced greatly, and that meant far more opportunities to test, learn, and survive.
After a long silence, Tang Fang Ming looked at Fang Ming with a serious expression. "Then the story about your wife is false."
Fang Ming smiled slightly but did not deny it.
Tang Fang Ming's voice became sharper. "With this Immortal Gu in your hand, your purpose in coming here cannot be so simple. A Gu Immortal who can bring out Leave Dream Immortal Gu does not need to cross Western Desert merely to beg me for rescue."
Fang Ming nodded. "Correct."
Tang Fang Ming narrowed his eyes. "Then why come to me?"
"Because we are both dream explorers."
This time, Fang Ming took out several mortal dream path Gu. Tang Fang Ming's gaze moved again.
"These mortal dream path Gu were created by a friend," Fang Ming said. "I cannot allow you to examine or use them. I am under a pledge not to share his creation without his agreement."
Tang Fang Ming looked at the mortal dream Gu, then at Leave Dream Immortal Gu, and finally back at Fang Ming. "You have explored dreams for a long time."
"I have."
"And you came to exchange experience?"
"Experience, and one specific method."
Tang Fang Ming's expression became cautious. "What method?"
Fang Ming looked directly at him. "I want Tang clan's method to seal and relocate dream realms."
The room became silent. Tang Fang Ming did not answer immediately. Fang Ming continued, "I know this method is not ordinary. I also know it is not something Tang clan would casually sell. That is why I came personally and brought a price worth considering."
Tang Fang Ming's fingers tapped the table softly. "And your price is?"
"Leave Dream Immortal Gu."
Tang Fang Ming's hand stopped. He stared at Fang Ming. "You are serious?"
"Completely."
"You are willing to trade a dream path Immortal Gu?"
"I am willing to trade Leave Dream Immortal Gu," Fang Ming said calmly. "But fellow immortal Tang, dream path Immortal Gu are not common Immortal Gu. Even among rank six Immortal Gu, this is a top-tier treasure. Tang clan wants it because it can advance your dream exploration. You understand its value better than most."
Tang Fang Ming did not refute him. He could not refute him. Dream path was still too new. Dream path Gu worms were rare, and dream path Immortal Gu were even rarer. A Gu like Leave Dream did not merely increase strength; it changed the safety and efficiency of dream exploration itself. For Tang Fang Ming, who lacked enough dream path tools, it was priceless.
Fang Ming continued, "So the exchange cannot be only one method for one Gu."
Tang Fang Ming's gaze became deep. "Then what do you want?"
"Three things," Fang Ming said. "First, Tang clan's method to seal and relocate dream realms. Second, one rank six strength path Immortal Gu. Third, three thousand immortal essence stones."
Tang Fang Ming fell silent. The price was heavy, but not absurd. A rank six strength path Immortal Gu was valuable, but it was still an ordinary Immortal Gu compared to a dream path Immortal Gu. Three thousand immortal essence stones was not a small sum, but Tang clan was a Western Desert super force. As for the dream realm sealing and relocation method, that was sensitive, but it was also precisely what Fang Ming wanted most.
Tang Fang Ming looked at Leave Dream Immortal Gu again, and his eyes were no longer calm. For him, this was almost certainly the greatest dream path opportunity he had ever encountered. With this Gu, his future dream exploration would become completely different. He could test deeper dream realms, retreat from danger more safely, and accumulate experience at a speed that other dream explorers could not match.
Fang Ming leaned back slightly and allowed him to think. He was not anxious. Dream path Immortal Gu were rare enough that the pressure was not on him. After a long time, Tang Fang Ming slowly exhaled.
"Fellow immortal Fang Ming, you are asking for a sensitive method, an Immortal Gu, and immortal essence stones. If this were any other Gu, Tang clan would reject you immediately."
"If this were any other Gu, I would not ask for this price."
Tang Fang Ming looked at him for a long moment, then smiled. "Good. Very good. I thought I was meeting a desperate husband. Instead, I am meeting another dream explorer who knows exactly what he is holding."
Fang Ming smiled as well. "The desperate husband story was only the door. This is the real conversation."
Tang Fang Ming laughed softly, and the atmosphere changed. The two began discussing dream exploration. Tang Fang Ming spoke of dream instability, dream realm boundaries, the difficulty of moving fragments, and the danger of causing dream collapse during relocation. Fang Ming spoke of safe withdrawal, dream damage, signs of failure inside dreams, and how different dream Gu interacted with dream realm pressure. Both concealed much, but both revealed enough.
Tang Fang Ming became more certain as they spoke. Leave Dream Immortal Gu was not just valuable in theory. Fang Ming understood dream exploration, and the Gu's function matched a real need that Tang Fang Ming had felt many times. This Gu could become the cornerstone of his dream path development.
Fang Ming also felt satisfied. The strength path Immortal Gu was useful to him. The three thousand immortal essence stones were a proper addition, and the dream realm relocation method was essential for his coming plan. Losing Leave Dream Immortal Gu was acceptable because his larger target was far greater than one rank six Immortal Gu. If he succeeded, the price was nothing. If he failed and the river of time turned again, this knowledge could be obtained by another route next time. For now, the deal was worth making.
By the time the first negotiation ended, both sides had already agreed in principle. Tang Fang Ming would help arrange the exchange with Tang clan's upper levels. Fang Ming would provide Leave Dream Immortal Gu. Tang clan would provide their method to seal and relocate dream realms, one rank six strength path Immortal Gu, and three thousand immortal essence stones. Even with those conditions, Tang Fang Ming knew this was still a good deal for Tang clan. That was how valuable a dream path Immortal Gu was.
After the main deal was settled, Fang Ming raised another matter. "Fellow immortal Tang, I still have a small favor to ask."
Tang Fang Ming was in an excellent mood. "Please speak."
"I have formations I wish to sell in Western Desert. Jungleflow food beast formations and Eagle Nest Formations. Some contain Immortal Gu as cores. I want a good price, and I want access to buyers who can actually afford them."
Tang Fang Ming blinked. "You are selling formations that contain Immortal Gu?"
"Yes."
Tang Fang Ming stared at him for a moment, then laughed. "Fellow immortal Fang Ming, you really do things differently from ordinary Gu Immortals."
"Ordinary Gu Immortals lack capital."
"True."
Tang Fang Ming thought for a while. "Tang clan will be interested. Even if the clan is cautious, the formations are practical, and your dream path cooperation gives you value beyond ordinary trade. I can help you obtain a good price."
"Then I will trouble you."
Soon, news spread within Tang clan's upper levels. A foreign Gu Immortal was willing to sell formations containing Immortal Gu. The reaction was intense. Immortal Gu were rarely sold directly. Even when Gu Immortals did not use them, they usually preferred to exchange them for other Immortal Gu, inheritances, or long-term agreements. Selling formations with Immortal Gu cores for immortal essence stones was unusual, but Fang Ming's goods were practical.
One Jungleflow formation. One Eagle Nest Formation. Food supply and desolate eagle production were both valuable to a Western Desert super force. Tang clan also had another reason to treat Fang Ming well now: dream path cooperation with Tang Fang Ming. After bargaining, Tang clan bought one Jungleflow formation and one Eagle Nest Formation for fifteen thousand immortal essence stones.
Fang Ming accepted the price. He also asked for a token.
The Tang clan Gu Immortal handling the transaction looked at him curiously. "A token?"
Fang Ming nodded. "I plan to trade with other Western Desert clans. If I carry a Tang clan trusted-trader token, it will save me time and avoid unnecessary suspicion. Other forces respecting the token will also be showing respect to Tang clan."
The Gu Immortal thought about it and found the request reasonable. Fang Ming had just completed a large transaction with Tang clan. Giving him a trusted-trader token did not cost much, and if he used it across Western Desert, Tang clan's influence would be shown indirectly. The token was granted.
After that, Fang Ming began moving across Western Desert. With Tang clan's token, many doors became easier to open. Oasis clans that would have been cautious became willing to listen. Super-force branches that might have delayed him sent representatives faster. Fang Ming did not waste time on small buyers. He sold to forces that could pay quickly and pay high.
Jungleflow formations, Eagle Nest Formations, copied Immortal Gu arranged as formation cores, resource points taken from Dong Fang tribe's Jade Pool blessed land, accumulations from Old Lord Can Yang's blessed land, materials, formations, production systems, and rare assets that Fang Ming had gathered over time were liquidated one after another. Western Desert forces offered premium prices. They lacked some of the things Fang Ming had, valued stable food production, valued desolate beast production, valued formations with Immortal Gu cores, and most importantly, had immortal essence stones ready because Western Desert trade networks were deep.
Nearly a month passed. By the time Fang Ming finished moving between clans, his gains exceeded two hundred thousand immortal essence stones. This was not a normal sum. It was close to the average wealth of a rank eight Gu Immortal. But Fang Ming had not gained it from one lucky inheritance. It was the result of long accumulation: Immortal Gu he had copied, formations he had created, resource points he had seized, blessed land assets he had processed, and business systems he had built. Now, he had converted much of that accumulated foundation into liquid immortal essence stones.
His aperture was stripped down compared to before. What remained were the essentials: his core Immortal Gu, the factories producing totems, the methods needed for the coming operation, and the formations he could not afford to sell. Everything else that could be turned into immortal essence stones had mostly been sold. This was not ordinary development. It was preparation for an enormous gamble.
At the edge of a Western Desert oasis, Fang Ming looked at the sunset. The sand was red beneath the dying light, and trade caravans moved in the distance like thin black lines. Behind him, Western Desert had given him everything he needed from this trip: Tang clan's dream realm relocation method, a rank six strength path Immortal Gu, a trusted-trader token, and more than two hundred thousand immortal essence stones.
But it had also made him visible. Too visible. A rank six Gu Immortal carrying such wealth was no longer merely a trader. He was a fat sheep. Even rank eight Gu Immortals might want to take a bite if he stayed too long.
Fang Ming raised his head and looked toward the sky. By now, the battle at Luo Po Valley should be reaching its climax. It was time to leave.
Purple mist rose around him.
In the next moment, Fang Ming vanished from Western Desert.