《Steadily becoming a saint, the immortal officials hired me to tend the horses》


 Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Seizing Life Span

    Under the zing sun, with clear skies and mountains all around, the earth and sky seemed to pulsate. A mountain breeze swept through, cooling Gu An as he stood in the garden.


    Gu An wiped the sweat from his forehead, his gaze fixated intensely on the blossoming nts before him¡ªeach vibrant in color, showing no signs of withering under the harsh sunlight.


    To his left and right stood two young men. The three had been epted into the Elixir Hall under the auspices of Medicine Valley in the Supreme Sect that very day. Compared to Gu An''s excitement, the other two seemed disinterested, absentmindedly wiping away sweat.


    Before them stood a inly dressed young man of average looks but a sturdy build and bright eyes. He was Zhang Chunqiu, the senior disciple of Medicine Valley, exining the key points of harvesting Spirit Flowers and Spirit Grass.


    "The nts in this garden are all first-tier medicinal herbs. When harvesting, do not pull them out by the roots¡ªcut them close to the ground instead. After cutting, wrap them in the Spirit Protection Paper you have, to prevent the leakage of spiritual energy¡­" Zhang Chunqiu''s voice was loud and energetic, unaffected by the harsh sun.


    Gu An held scissors in his right hand and several white paper strips in his left, carefully noting every word uttered by Zhang Chunqiu.


    Unlike the others, he cherished this position, having endured many a disdainful nce to seize this opportunity.


    Others might think he was cking off, on the path to ruin, but little did they know, this was the perfect way for him to be stronger!


    "Alright, start now. Everyone pick one nt for me to check," Zhang Chunqiu had just finished speaking when Gu An crouched down.


    Gu An ced his Spirit Protection Paper down and carefully gripped the stem of a red flower before him with his left hand.


    "Brother, aren''t you being a bit too nervous? Even if you cut it wrong, it''s no big deal¡ªit''s just a first-tier herb. These are used to refine basic elixirs; I wouldn''t even bother with them back home," said Meng Lang from Gu An''s right, his clothes luxurious, indicating a remarkable family background.


    Indeed, that was the case. Apart from Gu An, who was a house servant, the other two were from wealthy families. However, even children of affluent families needed proper Spirit Root qualifications to remain in the Immortal Cultivation Sects. All of them possessed the mostmon type, the Five Spirit Roots, and could only stay in the Supreme Sect as Servant Disciples.


    Gu An ignored Meng Lang''s words and concentrated on cutting the flower.


    He pinched the stem, snipped gently with his scissors, then wrapped the base of the red flower with Spirit Protection Paper.


    After finishing, he stood up and handed his work to Zhang Chunqiu for inspection.


    Zhang Chunqiu took it and smiled approvingly, "Well done, you are very meticulous."


    Gu An didn''t respond, but stared intently at the red flower in his hand.


    He seemed even more nervous now than before cutting it.


    Secondster, a row of text appeared before him that only he could see.


    [You have sessfully harvested a Red Spirit Flower (first-tier)¡ª1 year life span]


    Sess!


    A smile appeared on Gu An''s face, the burden lifted from his shoulders.


    Indeed, only creatures infused with spiritual energy could have their life spans harvested by him.


    The first time Gu An harvested a life span was when he was ten years old, identally bumping into a house servant carrying a pot, causing the Spirit Flower inside to spill and granting him twelve years of life.


    At that time, the Court Guardian flew into a rage, insisting on cutting off one of his hands, but it was the Third Miss Ji Xiaoyu who stepped in and saved him.


    This time, Gu An''s entry into the Supreme Sect was also thanks to Ji Xiaoyu, a dual Spirit Root talent seen once in a century. Many great sects courted the Ji Family, and with Ji Xiaoyu leading five members of the Ji Family into the Supreme Sect, Gu An was one of only two house servants to join.


    Without Ji Xiaoyu, with his ordinary Five Spirit Roots, he could only have joined a third-rate sect.


    While Gu An secretly rejoiced, Meng Lang and another young man named Li Ya had alsopleted their harvest.


    Zhang Chunqiu ced the three Red Spirit Flowers into his Storage Bag and said sternly, "Today your task is to collectively harvest fifty Red Spirit Flowers. You are only to move within this garden area, not overstepping into other areas. Whenpleted, bring the Red Spirit Flowers to the attic to find me."


    With that, Zhang Chunqiu turned and left.


    Meng Lang waved his fist at Zhang Chunqiu''s departing back, muttering under his breath, "Such a trivial matter and he lectured for so long, has he never mentored juniors before?"


    Li Ya sat directly on the ground and frantically wiped sweat with his sleeve.


    After seeing Zhang Chunqiu head upstairs, Gu An turned back and said to Meng Lang and Li Ya, "Brothers, given your well-off appearance, you surelye from extremely good homes and are not used to such rough tasks, unlike me, a mere house servant. Let me take on the task. Find a shady spot to rest, and just take good care of me in the future."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang''s eyes lit up, and he eximed excitedly, "That works, brother! Very smooth. If you ever feel you can''t stay here, I''ll ensure you have food and clothes for life."


    Li Ya, too exhausted to speak, nodded in agreement.


    Then, they left their Spirit Protection Paper and supported each other as they walked out of the garden.


    Gu An picked up the Spirit Protection Papers, then looked back at the garden, his eyes shining brighter than the zing sun above.


    In his eyes, the garden full of Red Spirit Flowers was not merely flowers, but steps built of longevity stones that led to immortality!


    He began to move cautiously, not just toplete the task but to do it well, to avoid losing this perfect opportunity.


    The scorching sun radiated its mighty rays, showing no regard for the mortals below.


    Meng Lang and Li Ya took refuge in a small pavilion, wiping sweat continuously and too drained to even talk. Their gazes followed Gu An.


    As time ticked by, sweat poured down Gu An''s face, but he was extremely excited, his smile never fading.


    Seeing the flushed face of Gu An, Meng Lang couldn''t help but remark, "On such a hot day, the kid really pushes himself. I like that. We''ll take good care of himter, ensure he''s well-fed and nobody bullies him, so he can keep working for us."


    Li Ya rolled his eyes and responded grumpily, "There aren''t many people in this valley; who''s going to bully him? If senior brother ever bullies him, would you dare talk back?"


    Meng Lang coughed and looked at Li Ya, asking, "Brother, which Li family are you from?"


    Li Ya replied calmly, "The Li family from Cangzhou''s Changluo."


    "Changluo? Isn''t that the imperial city? You share a surname with the Imperial Family?" Meng Lang asked in surprise, eyes widening as he spoke.


    Meng Lang did not respond but quietly looked at Gu An.


    Meng Lang felt uneasy, as he had not expected to encounter a descendant of the Imperial Family here.


    However, upon further reflection, he thought it made sense, given that this was the Supreme Sect, the leading Immortal Cultivation Sect of the Taicang Dynasty. Themon use of the character "Ì«" in both the dynasty and the sect''s names was a testament to the sect''s exalted status. Hence, encountering a member of the Imperial Family in the lower levels of the Supreme Sect was not unusual.


    After a long while,


    Gu An finally finished picking fifty Red Spirit Flowers, wrapped them carefully, and ced them into a bamboo basket. He hoisted the basket onto his back, looked towards other gardens, and his face brimmed with anticipation.


    There were more than fifteen garden quarters within the valley, and the one they were in was just a small corner. He spected that the herbs in other garden quarters might be of higher value.


    There was plenty of time!


    Gu An did not want to reveal his Golden Finger yet, so he decided today would suffice.


    He walked along the path toward the pavilion, signaling to Meng Lang and Li Ya toe, and they rose to join him.


    "Brother Gu An, you''ve worked hard, let me carry that," Meng Lang said with a chuckle, recalling each other''s names from when they had met the Valley Master.


    Seeing through Meng Lang''s intentions, Gu An smiled, nodded, and handed the basket to him.


    Li Ya scoffed, his eyes revealing a look of disdain.


    Gu An only wanted to keep his current job, uninterested in possibly being reassigned due to overly good performance, so he didn''t botherpeting with Meng Lang.


    The three of them entered the pavilion and met with the senior brother, Zhang Chunqiu.


    Zhang Chunqiu was engrossed in a book but put it down as Gu An and the others entered. He said, "ce the Red Spirit Flowers down. These three are Basic Sorcery books left by Master. Make good use of your free time to practice them, striving to leap from here to be true disciples of the Supreme Sect someday.


    Five years ago, one disciple received Master''s Spirit Pill, seeded in Foundation Establishment, and became an Outer Disciple of the Supreme Sect."


    As he spoke, he waved his right hand, and three secret books flew from his sleeve towards the trio.


    Gu An caught one and read the title.


    Spring Wood Skill!


    It sounded so rudimentary!


    Yet, Gu An was not disappointed, considering he was at the lowest level of the Supreme Sect.


    Zhang Chunqiu added a few more words of caution and then instructed them to find rooms in the adjoining courtyard to settle down. The courtyard was specifically reserved for Servant Disciples, and currently, only the four of them were disciples there. The Valley Master was away and would not return for another couple of years, leaving Zhang Chunqiu in charge of the Medicine Valley.


    Thirty minutester,


    Gu Any on a wooden bed, gasping for air, his face flushed, having just endured a long exposure to the sun.


    With a thought, rows of text appeared before his eyes.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 15/151]


    [Spirit Root: Ordinary Five Elements Spirit Root (can invest life span to evolve in cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Level: Nonexistent (can invest life span to evolve in cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Technique: Fire Control Art (unmastered) (can invest life span to evolve in cultivation)]


    ...


    Gu An had seized a total of eighty-eight years of life span in one breath!


    Before this, his life span was sixty-three years, twelve of which he had gained at the age of ten by breaking a flower pot, meaning he originally only had a life span of fifty years.


    First-stage herbs could only provide one to two years of life span, but for a mortal, a single year was immense!


    Gu An looked at his attribute panel, growing more and more excited. In such a short time, he had earned eighty-eight years of life, making this job incredibly worthwhile!


    He wanted to be a permanent fixture of the Medicine Valley!


    He scorned the idea of being either an Outer or Inner Sect Disciple,


    As it was said that bing an Official Disciple involved going to the Mortal World to fight demons and dangers.


    From childhood to adulthood, Gu An had never killed even a chicken, and in his previous life, he was just an ordinary person on Earth. He couldn''t bring himself to engage in such violence.


    Staying in the Medicine Valley was far better, almost free of danger and capable of crazily umting life span!


    Who says Immortal Cultivation must be a fierce struggle?


    Gu An indulged in delightful daydreams, unable to extricate himself.


    Overnight passed.


    Gu An awoke early the next morning, and after a quick wash, he went to find Zhang Chunqiu to receive his tasks.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Chunqiu had not slept; he was practicing Energy Absorption. Pleased by Gu An''s diligence, he smiled appreciatively, rose from his seat, moved to the door, and pointed towards a patch ofnd, saying, "You may pick the Spirit Heart Grass in that garden quarter. Once done, just leave them at the door, no need to knock."


    With that, he waved his sleeve, and several Spirit Protection Papers fell into Gu An''s hands.


    Zhang Chunqiu, seeing Gu An struggling to contain his excitement and after a moment of hesitation, revealed a friendly and kind smile and said, "Junior brother, work hard and endure hardships, and you will undoubtedly make it through."

 Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Thousand-Year Life Span

    As spring left and autumn arrived, the Medicine Valley of the Supreme Sect had spent a year unnoticed with the changing of the seasons.


    The door to a loft opened, and Gu An, who was sixteen years old, emerged with Meng Lang and Li Ya, stepping out of the room. They turned and paid their respects to the room, then Meng Lang closed the door behind them.


    All three heaved a sigh of relief, and then made their way down the stairs.


    Upon reaching their own courtyard, Meng Lang couldn''t help but grumble, "All that for a lecture thatsted an ancient hour - couldn''t he have just passed us the Hundred Herbs Collection and be done with it?"


    Li Ya shook his head, resigned, and walked to the corner of the courtyard. He picked up a sword that was stuck in the ground and began practicing his swordsmanship.


    Though his Spirit Root Qualification was mediocre, he was, after all, from the Imperial Family and had in his hands an exquisite set of sword techniques, which he nned to use to make a name for himself.


    In the Taicang Dynasty, the Traditions of Immortal Cultivation were honored. All the schrs and warriors of the court practiced immortal cultivation. At the same time, the dynasty divided the people of the thirteen prefectures into sses, from low to high - ve,moner, official, and immortal.


    Merchants were also ranked among themoners. Only those who attained the ss of immortals were considered true nobles. Ordinary officials could only govern in towns and cities while the masters ofmandery cities and prefects of states were all of the immortal ss, not to mention the imperial city of Changluo; one must be of the immortal ss to enter there.


    Many immortal-ss families would exile members with poor Spirit Root Qualification to ensure the excellence of their bloodline, and the Imperial Family was no exception.


    Even though he had fallen from grace, Li Ya who was of the immortal ss was not someone Gu An could afford to provoke.


    Because he was of the ve ss.


    Over the year, Gu An had been specifically helping Li Ya and Meng Lang pick medicinal herbs, mostly during the summer days or early mornings, so his efforts had made him quite popr with the two.


    For other tasks such as nting, watering and fertilizing, Gu An had not assisted them, and they felt embarrassed to ask. Moreover, when it came to nting, Zhang Chunqiu would watch from the loft above.


    Gu An listened to Meng Lang''s endless chatter while watching Li Ya practice his swordsmanship.


    Every man dreams of being a swordsman.


    After living together for a year, sharing each other''spany day and night, the three had established a good rtionship. Li Ya did not prevent them from watching him practice since it was not feasible to practice in secrecy. Furthermore, the Li Family''s sword techniques came with a unique Qi cultivation spell which was indispensable; just learning the sword movements was insufficient.


    Meng Lang rambled on for a good while before finally winding down. He patted Gu An on the shoulder and chuckled, "You seldom practice yourself, yet you''re so interested in sword techniques. Why is that?"


    Gu An replied casually, "With my mediocre talent, I''m toozy to practice. Watching him is just a way to pass the time out of boredom. Don''t you think life in Medicine Valley is dreadfully dull?"


    "Yeah, it is truly boring. If you knew what my life was like back home, with four maids to entertain me, you would know¡­" Meng Lang sighed and then his words poured out once more.


    Gu An, used to his boastful nature, didn''t bother to puncture his bubble.


    It wasn''t until dusk that Li Ya finished practicing. He stuck his sword back into the ground in the courtyard, wiping sweat from his brow, and said, "I''m going to take a walk in the little woods."


    No sooner had he spoken than he headed for the gate, not waiting for a response from Gu An or Meng Lang.


    Once he had left the courtyard, Meng Lang murmured softly, "What do you think that guy is always doing in the little woods?"


    Gu An shrugged and replied, "How would I know? He''s a scion of the Imperial Family, having some secrets is normal. What if one day he goes back to be a prince?"


    "How could that be possible? He''s been sent out to be a Servant Disciple."


    "But think about it; it''s not just the Supreme Sect in this world. Why did hee here to be a servant disciple of all ces?"


    Meng Lang was stunned by Gu An''s words, shaking his head.


    Then, Gu An walked to the well, scooped up a bucketful of water with a woodendle, and drank it all in one go before he set down thedle and left the courtyard.


    Meng Lang didn''t follow Gu An; he knew what Gu An was up to and after mumbling to himself for a moment, he returned to his room to practice.


    Gu An arrived at a garden area where secondyer Spirit Grass, Calming Grass, was cultivated.


    This year, Gu An only had the task of picking firstyer medicinal herbs. Moreover, these Spirit Grasses were not ordinary nts. They required longer periods to mature and could take years to be harvest-ready, so he hadn''t collected much over the year.


    Zhang Chunqiu said that in another month, they would be able to pick the Calming Grass from this garden, which would be their first time harvesting secondyer medicinal herbs. Gu An was looking forward to it.


    In his eyes, each stalk of the deep blue Calming Grass was not merely an herb but a numerical value of lifespan.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An noticed a Calming Grass nt shaking. Upon closer inspection, his expression dramatically changed, and he immediately vaulted over the fence, rushing towards it.


    He saw a white-haired mouse, the size of a palm, fiddling with the soil under the Calming Grass, seemingly trying to uproot it along with the roots.


    Startled by Gu An''s approach, the white-haired mouse darted away with the speed of lightning, vanishing beneath the wooden fence at the edge of the area, disappearing without a trace.


    Gu An wanted to chase after the creature but upon seeing the bitten Calming Grass with a broken stem, he quickly squatted down and took out a piece of Spirit Protection Paper from his waist.


    With his left hand, he swiftly picked the Calming Grass and with his right hand, he wrapped the roots with the Spirit Protection Paper to prevent the escape of spiritual energy.


    After finishing the wrapping, Gu An stood up.


    [You have sessfully seized a 4-year lifespan from Calming Grass (secondyer)]


    Before Gu An could smile, another line of text appeared before his eyes:


    [Your lifespan has surpassed one thousand years for the first time, activating the Life Span Detection function]


    Life Span Detection?


    Gu An was inwardly curious. He looked towards another Calming Grass on the ground and thought ''check lifespan'' in his mind.


    [Calming Grass (secondyer): 4/25/102 years (Age/Lifespan/Lifespan Limit)]


    The lifespan limit of this Calming Grass could reach one hundred and two years?


    The lifespan taken was different from its inherent lifespan. It seemed impossible to take all of a target''s lifespan; most of its life dissipated upon the target''s death.


    Gu An wasn''t clear on the difference between lifespan and lifespan limit, though it might have something to do with cultivation.


    He picked up the wrapped Calming Grass and rose to his feet, heading towards Zhang Chunqiu''s loft.


    All the medicinal herbs in Medicine Valley had to be handed over to Zhang Chunqiu for safekeeping, and every half a year, Gu An and the other Servant Disciples would receive their stipend from the Supreme Sect, which consisted of Spirit Stones and Spirit Pills used for cultivation. Depending on their performance, Zhang Chunqiu would also grant them seeds of medicinal herbs.


    Gu An''s room contained three Calming Grass nts, one more than Meng Lang and Li Ya had, but Meng Lang and the other person did not feel envious.


    As soon as Gu An stepped out of the courtyard, he saw a person climbing the stairs to the loft where Zhang Chunqiu resided. It was a ck-d elder with a bookcase on his back and a ck cloth hat on his head, appearing very mysterious.


    From a distance, observing the ck-d elder, Gu An''s mind stirred as he checked the man''s lifespan, and then two lines of hints popped up in front of him:


    [Cheng Xuandan (Energy Cultivation Realm Eight Layer): 104/120/180]


    Cheng Xuandan!


    Master of Medicine Valley and nominally Gu An''s mentor, he had only heard Zhang Chunqiu mention him. He had been traveling outside these years and had not met him until today.


    Cheng Xuandan, aged one hundred and four, would live up to one hundred and twenty years, with an extreme limit of one hundred and eighty years. That meant, barring idents, he could only live for sixteen more years.


    Gu An found Life Span Detection interesting as it could help him identify others'' cultivation levels and qualifications.


    He spected that extreme lifespan might indicate the height of one''s innate talent, but this guess had to be confirmed through repeated use.


    Cheng Xuandan entered Zhang Chunqiu''s room and closed the door behind him.


    Gu An went into Zhang Chunqiu''s courtyard, ced the bundled Calming Grass on a long table, and then turned away to leave.


    He returned to his own courtyard and first paid a visit to Meng Lang, who was cultivating in his room.


    [Meng Lang (Energy Cultivation Realm Second Layer): 17/90/190]


    Hmm, indeed a good-for-nothing.


    After learning about Meng Lang''s lifespan, Gu An didn''t linger to chat and quickly went back to his own room.


    Only when night had fallen and he heard Li Ya''s footsteps, did he rise and step out of his room.


    Just as Li Ya was about to head to his own house, seeing him open his door, he couldn''t help but ask, "What''s going on?"


    While checking his lifespan, Gu An replied, "Master has returned. How about we visit together tomorrow?"


    [Li Ya (Energy Cultivation Realm Six Layer): 18/210/1550]


    Hiss¡ª


    An extreme lifespan of one thousand and five hundred and fifty years!


    Is this the talent of Imperial Family descendants?


    Isn''t Li Ya also of Mixed Spirit Root?


    Gu An''s gaze towards Li Ya suddenly changed, perhaps Li Ya was an undiscovered genius who would shine brilliantly eventually.


    And this guy''s cultivation level had actually reached the Sixth Layer of Energy Cultivation Realm!


    What does that mean?


    ying the fool to catch the wise?


    The realms of cultivation that Gu An hade into contact with, from low to high, were sequentially divided into Qi Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Divinity Transformation, each major realm further subdivided into Nine Layers.


    Li Ya, reaching the Sixth Layer of Qi Cultivation at eighteen years old, probably wouldn''t need many years to achieve Foundation Establishment, rising to be an Official Disciple of the Supreme Sect.


    Such a genius fellow disciple must be befriended!


    Hearing this, Li Ya raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded, "Sure. You''ve thought it through well. Wake me up after you rise tomorrow."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With that, he turned and walked towards his room.


    Gu An watched him close the door, filled with myriad emotions.


    Indeed, hierarchy exists in every world, and the difference in status destined that it would be difficult for him and Li Ya to be true friends.


    Gu An was not angry, having been treated with disdain and neglect as a house servant from a young age; he did not resent Li Ya, who seemed so unremarkable after all.


    It didn''t matter. Possessing the Golden Finger to seize lifespan, Gu An felt he would eventually be immortal. Before that, he aimed to keep a low profile and safely get through the phase of ruing lifespan.


    To ensure safety, one should avoid conflicts, stay out of trouble, and the more low-key, the better!


    A smile showed on Gu An''s face as he then turned and closed his room door.


    The moon was very full tonight, and its light scattered across the stone steps of the courtyard like water.


    ...


    In the early morning, inside the main hall.


    Gu An, Meng Lang, and Li Ya stood side by side. In front of them, Cheng Xuandan sat in a chair with a cup of hot tea in his hand; next to him stood Zhang Chunqiu, looking very respectful.


    [Zhang Chunqiu (Energy Cultivation Realm Fifth Layer): 54/110/175]


    Gu An thought the eldest disciple''s talent was low, but then he thought, naturally, as there was more than one Medicine Valley in the Supreme Sect. To have someone like Li Ya emerge was already quite extraordinary.


    Moreover,pared to these individuals, the initial Gu An was indeed the most worthless.


    Cheng Xuandan lifted his turbid eyes to scrutinize Gu An and the others, and then spoke, "I have learned about your performances from your eldest disciple. Meeting for the first time, as your mentor, I must present you with a wee gift."


    "You may choose from the Hundred Herbs Collection, Energy Nurturing Skill, and the spell Poison Wood Vine, but you can only choose one and must not teach it to each other. If I discover that, I will punish you severely."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang was the first to speak up, "Master, I want the Poison Wood Vine!"


    Gu An thought to himself that no one would probably want the Hundred Herbs Collection, so he might as well let Li Ya choose first and do him a favor.


    Following this, Li Ya said, "Disciple would like the Hundred Herbs Collection."


    Gu An looked at him in surprise.


    Brother, not ying by the rules?

 Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Demon of Greed

    At midday.


    Gu An, Meng Lang, and Li Ya stood in front of a wooden fence in a garden area, Meng Lang stared curiously at the white-haired old mouse in Gu An''s hand.


    Li Ya pondered and said, "This should be a White Spirit Rat. They are highly interested in spiritual resources rich in spiritual energy, hence the name Treasure Hunting Rat. They can barely be considered spirit beasts."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang couldn''t help but ask, "What is the difference between spirit beasts and demon beasts?"


    "Demon beasts cultivate themselves into existence, while spirit beasts are born with the ability to perceive nature''s spiritual energy. They can also cultivate, and their aura isn''t as bloody as demon energy; to put it simply, spirit beasts are not as dangerous as demon beasts," exined Li Ya.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An suddenly didn''t want to kill the mouse.


    Meng Lang''s interest grew, and heughed with a hehe, "Gu An, how about giving this old mouse to me?"


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and cursed silently, calling him an animal, daring to ask for it!


    Li Ya said coldly, "White Spirit Rats don''t usually live alone. If there''s one here, it means there''s a nest nearby. Go catch them yourself. It''s rather degrading to fight over a mouse."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang''s cheeks flushed with anger, and he huffed, "Then I''ll catch!"


    With that, he turned and left.


    Once he was far away, Gu An said to Li Ya, "Thank you."


    Gu An found that Li Ya seemed cold but was actually quite easy to get along with, generous in nature. He didn''t stop Gu An from watching him practice swordy usually, and today, he even spoke up righteously.


    If Li Ya hadn''t spoken up, Gu An would have been in big trouble.


    If he had to make Meng Lang cry from a beating, with that kid''s volume, themotion would be unmistakable!


    Li Ya looked at Gu An, sizing him up, and said softly, "Somehow, you seem to have changed suddenly, but I can''t quite put my finger on what exactly has changed."


    Suddenly, Li Ya grabbed Gu An''s wrist with his right hand. The speed seemed so slow in Gu An''s eyes, but instead of dodging, he pretended to be surprised.


    "Brother Li, what are you..."


    "It''s nothing."


    Li Ya withdrew his hand, hesitated for a moment, then added, "Your aura is stable, and there''s no significant problem with your body, except for theck of spiritual power. Even if your talent is mediocre, don''t forget to cultivate. With effort, there is always hope."


    Gu An nodded and started making small talk following his remark.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Li Ya seemed to be in a good mood today and was quite talkative. Through him, Gu An gained a deeper understanding of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    It had to be said, members of the Imperial Family were indeed different, possessing extensive knowledge without even traveling the world.


    After the time it takes to burn half a stick of incense, Meng Lang returned quickly.


    "There''s a big problem!" Meng Lang came to Gu An''s side and whispered, his tone anxious.


    Gu An looked up towards the entrance of Medicine Valley.


    Li Ya asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Meng Lang''s eyes widened as he said, "There''s a cultivator guarding the entrance of the valley. When I went up and asked him, he said he is an Inner Sect Disciple of the Sect, he had taken on our master''s reward task to protect us for a month."


    "I bet the master posted the task because of the demon we talked about earlier. What if the Inner Sect Disciple can''t fend off the demon? Wouldn''t we be done for?"


    Gu An had already seen the figure of the Inner Sect Disciple from afar, his current vision enabling him to see the person''s true appearance.


    It was a young man dressed in a green robe, handsome and distinguished, clearly not an ordinary man.


    [Chu Jingfeng (Foundation Establishment Realm, Level One): 19/290/870]


    Reaching Level One of the Foundation Establishment Realm at neen?


    A genius!


    No wonder he could be an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Gu An looked at the inspection hint in front of him and felt a myriad of emotions.


    The Supreme Sect truly lived up to its reputation as the foremost institution of the Taicang Dynasty, brimming with geniuses.


    Li Ya and Meng Lang began discussing the mysterious demon. Meng Lang thought it was preposterous, considering how powerful the Supreme Sect was, that a demon could infiltrate, and yet, after half a month, it still hadn''t been caught.


    Li Ya, however, thought it was normal, to use his words, the Supreme Sect was too vast, and Medicine Valley being on the edge made it normal for disciples to face danger.


    "A hundred years ago, there was a Demon Cultivator who invaded the Supreme Sect, killed hundreds of disciples, and left unscathed. That demon might know some Secret Techniques, making it hard to capture," Li Ya spoke with a distant tone.


    "Don''t mention the Supreme Sect; there''s no absolutely safe ce in this world. The amount of Spirit Resources provided by the Dynasty to the Demon-Suppressing Mansion every year is an astoundinglyrge figure..."


    Li Ya started discussing the state of the world. Gu An and Meng Lang listened with great interest, taking in every word.


    Coming from an Immortal Cultivation family like the Ji Family, Gu An had little exposure to the wider world, and this was the first time he realized how dangerous the world was.


    Demons roamed thend, and evil spirits ran rampant, with three or four in ten Cultivators dying at the hands of demons and evil spirits.


    After listening, Gu An became even more fearful.


    He definitely couldn''t go out in the future. He had to stay in the Supreme Sect and umte life span!


    Survive for a thousand or even ten thousand years, survive until the Supreme Sect copses!


    "But our Medicine Valley has so many medicinal herbs of great significance, how could the Sect send only an Inner Sect Disciple?" Meng Lang said indignantly.


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "There are more than fifty such Medicine Valleys in the Supreme Sect. The herbs cultivated here are not considered very precious. Inside the Sect, there are more valuable Medicine Valleys where all the herbs are divine resources capable of changing a mortal''s fate."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s eyes lit up, and he began to inquire about the details of that Medicine Valley.


    However, Li Ya was only aware of the existence of that Medicine Valley and didn''t know the specifics.


    After talking for a while longer, the trio eventually departed, each having to check on their assigned garden areas regrly to prevent any mishaps with the herbs.


    Once the inspections were finished, they each returned to their rooms.


    Gu An tied a rope around the White Spirit Rat''s body to prevent it from escaping.


    He sat cross-legged on his bed with the White Spirit Rat on hisp, and then he began to cultivate.


    He practiced the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, which could enhance his strength and life span. As for other cultivation techniques, he was toozy to practice them; he preferred to simply expend his life span when more was avable.


    By the time night fell, Medicine Valley became more silent than it had ever been before.


    Now with exceptionally acute senses, Gu An could hear Cheng Xuandan and Inner Sect Disciple Chu Jingfeng talking over a hundred zhang away. Cheng Xuandan was very respectful towards Chu Jingfeng, indicating that Chu Jingfeng was more than just an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Through their conversation, Gu An learned the name of that demon.


    The Demon of Greed!


    Chu Jingfeng was disdainful of the Demon of Greed. His confident tone also reassured Cheng Xuandan, and Gu An could distinctly feel Cheng Xuandan''s heartbeat returning to normal.


    "The Demon of Greed..."


    Gu An''s eyes flickered with curiosity, wondering whether his Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill could exterminate the Demon of Greed.


    ording to the inherited memories of the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, its Dragon Strength had the effect of suppressing demons and exterminating evil.


    He had to prepare for the worst, in case Chu Jingfeng couldn''t withstand it!


    Even with his extended lifespan, he only had one life to live!


    He couldn''t afford to gamble with it!


    That night, the breath of everyone in Medicine Valley was unstable, clearly affected by their emotions. Capturing this, Gu An became even more nervous.


    Only when dawn came did Gu An begin to sleep.


    For the next five days, the Demon of Greed did not appear, and Gu An''s tense heart gradually rxed.


    The sixth day.


    As always, as darkness descended, Gu An returned to his room to rest. This time, he brought back four travelogues from the library, aiming to broaden his knowledge of the world.


    The White Spirit Rat scurried out from under the bed and swiftly jumped onto the table. Ever since it had experienced Gu An practicing the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, it had be dependent on him and wouldn''t run away even if not tethered.


    Gu An sat down at the table, teased the White Spirit Rat, then began to flip through a book called "Green Hero Travelogue."


    The window was left half-open, and the cool breeze of the night blew in, causing the me of the oilmp to flicker and casting shadows of the White Spirit Rat on the table, which asionally stretched.


    Gu An found this travelogue quite interesting.


    It had quite a bit about the affairs of men and women, with the Green Hero wandering the world, appreciating the scenery from north to south, ying demons and monsters, as well as having brief romantic encounters.


    He continued reading deep into the night and felt something amiss.


    Why did every woman the Green Hero encountered like him? The man made a show of reluctance, always being half-pushed and half-pulled by the women...


    This couldn''t have been written by some schr, could it?


    Gu An inwardly scorned the author of the book but was still engrossed in reading it.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A gust of cold wind blew in from outside the window, and even Gu An, who had cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, couldn''t help but shiver. He put down the book in his hand and got up to close the window.


    Before he reached the window, he suddenly heard a noise in the distance. He stopped and listened carefully.


    "Demon! Meet your demise!"


    The low shout from Chu Jingfeng made Gu An''s hair stand on end.


    Had the Demon of Greed arrived?


    But Chu Jingfeng seemed not afraid, even excited, and reliable.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Just as Gu An''s heart began to calm, he heard Chu Jingfeng''s scream, which frightened him into quickly closing the window and turning off the oilmp.


    Gu An retreated to a corner inside the room. The White Spirit Rat clearly sensed something and quickly jumped into his arms.


    The little creature was actually trembling too!


    Its trembling intensified Gu An''s fear.


    From childhood to adulthood, Gu An had never encountered demons or evil spirits. It couldn''t be helped; the Ji Family was too safe. As a child, the most terrifying beings in his eyes were the Ji Family''s Court Guardians, resembling Zhang Fei and Li Kui.


    "Chu Jingfeng, you''d better live up to your bravado, and Li Ya next door, with your extraordinary spirit resource and unique life pattern, you must be like the protagonist of a novel, who will ascend to greatness upon defeating that demon..."


    Gu An strived to calm his emotions, his fists clenched tightly, already condensing the Dragon Strength within his body.


    Soon, he heard the sound of the door next door being pushed open¡ªit was Li Ya, rushing out with his sword to support Chu Jingfeng.


    As for Meng Lang, he was even less resilient than Gu An, hiding under the bed and almost making Gu An curse out loud.


    This good-for-nothing pretended to be so tough in front of him usually, posing as a big brother, but he turned out to be such a coward when faced with danger.


    Thinking this, each second that passed felt like torture to Gu An.


    In his Perception, the breath of Chu Jingfeng suddenly disappeared, and Gu An didn''t know whether he was dead or alive.


    "Demon! Hold your tongue!"


    Li Ya''s voice was captured by Gu An, sending chills down his spine.


    Was the demon nning to eat them?


    Then, Gu An heard a thud, and Li Ya''s voice abruptly ended.


    Was it over for him? Was he that useless?


    Gu An''s heartbeat pounded like a war drum, unable to settle down.


    Cheng Xuandan and Zhang Chunqiu were hiding in their own rooms, ignoring themotion outside, truly living up to the phrase "like master, like disciple..."


    Outside the room, silence fell, and even Gu An, with his superior senses, could not detect any movement or the presence of the Demon of Greed.

 Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Demon of Greed

    At midday.


    Gu An, Meng Lang, and Li Ya stood in front of a wooden fence in a garden area, Meng Lang stared curiously at the white-haired old mouse in Gu An''s hand.


    Li Ya pondered and said, "This should be a White Spirit Rat. They are highly interested in spiritual resources rich in spiritual energy, hence the name Treasure Hunting Rat. They can barely be considered spirit beasts."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang couldn''t help but ask, "What is the difference between spirit beasts and demon beasts?"


    "Demon beasts cultivate themselves into existence, while spirit beasts are born with the ability to perceive nature''s spiritual energy. They can also cultivate, and their aura isn''t as bloody as demon energy; to put it simply, spirit beasts are not as dangerous as demon beasts," exined Li Ya.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An suddenly didn''t want to kill the mouse.


    Meng Lang''s interest grew, and heughed with a hehe, "Gu An, how about giving this old mouse to me?"


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and cursed silently, calling him an animal, daring to ask for it!


    Li Ya said coldly, "White Spirit Rats don''t usually live alone. If there''s one here, it means there''s a nest nearby. Go catch them yourself. It''s rather degrading to fight over a mouse."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang''s cheeks flushed with anger, and he huffed, "Then I''ll catch!"


    With that, he turned and left.


    Once he was far away, Gu An said to Li Ya, "Thank you."


    Gu An found that Li Ya seemed cold but was actually quite easy to get along with, generous in nature. He didn''t stop Gu An from watching him practice swordy usually, and today, he even spoke up righteously.


    If Li Ya hadn''t spoken up, Gu An would have been in big trouble.


    If he had to make Meng Lang cry from a beating, with that kid''s volume, themotion would be unmistakable!


    Li Ya looked at Gu An, sizing him up, and said softly, "Somehow, you seem to have changed suddenly, but I can''t quite put my finger on what exactly has changed."


    Suddenly, Li Ya grabbed Gu An''s wrist with his right hand. The speed seemed so slow in Gu An''s eyes, but instead of dodging, he pretended to be surprised.


    "Brother Li, what are you..."


    "It''s nothing."


    Li Ya withdrew his hand, hesitated for a moment, then added, "Your aura is stable, and there''s no significant problem with your body, except for theck of spiritual power. Even if your talent is mediocre, don''t forget to cultivate. With effort, there is always hope."


    Gu An nodded and started making small talk following his remark.


    Li Ya seemed to be in a good mood today and was quite talkative. Through him, Gu An gained a deeper understanding of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    It had to be said, members of the Imperial Family were indeed different, possessing extensive knowledge without even traveling the world.


    After the time it takes to burn half a stick of incense, Meng Lang returned quickly.


    "There''s a big problem!" Meng Lang came to Gu An''s side and whispered, his tone anxious.


    Gu An looked up towards the entrance of Medicine Valley.


    Li Ya asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Meng Lang''s eyes widened as he said, "There''s a cultivator guarding the entrance of the valley. When I went up and asked him, he said he is an Inner Sect Disciple of the Sect, he had taken on our master''s reward task to protect us for a month."


    "I bet the master posted the task because of the demon we talked about earlier. What if the Inner Sect Disciple can''t fend off the demon? Wouldn''t we be done for?"


    Gu An had already seen the figure of the Inner Sect Disciple from afar, his current vision enabling him to see the person''s true appearance.


    It was a young man dressed in a green robe, handsome and distinguished, clearly not an ordinary man.


    [Chu Jingfeng (Foundation Establishment Realm, Level One): 19/290/870]


    Reaching Level One of the Foundation Establishment Realm at neen?


    A genius!


    No wonder he could be an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Gu An looked at the inspection hint in front of him and felt a myriad of emotions.


    The Supreme Sect truly lived up to its reputation as the foremost institution of the Taicang Dynasty, brimming with geniuses.


    Li Ya and Meng Lang began discussing the mysterious demon. Meng Lang thought it was preposterous, considering how powerful the Supreme Sect was, that a demon could infiltrate, and yet, after half a month, it still hadn''t been caught.


    Li Ya, however, thought it was normal, to use his words, the Supreme Sect was too vast, and Medicine Valley being on the edge made it normal for disciples to face danger.


    "A hundred years ago, there was a Demon Cultivator who invaded the Supreme Sect, killed hundreds of disciples, and left unscathed. That demon might know some Secret Techniques, making it hard to capture," Li Ya spoke with a distant tone.


    "Don''t mention the Supreme Sect; there''s no absolutely safe ce in this world. The amount of Spirit Resources provided by the Dynasty to the Demon-Suppressing Mansion every year is an astoundinglyrge figure..."


    Li Ya started discussing the state of the world. Gu An and Meng Lang listened with great interest, taking in every word.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Coming from an Immortal Cultivation family like the Ji Family, Gu An had little exposure to the wider world, and this was the first time he realized how dangerous the world was.


    Demons roamed thend, and evil spirits ran rampant, with three or four in ten Cultivators dying at the hands of demons and evil spirits.


    After listening, Gu An became even more fearful.


    He definitely couldn''t go out in the future. He had to stay in the Supreme Sect and umte life span!


    Survive for a thousand or even ten thousand years, survive until the Supreme Sect copses!


    "But our Medicine Valley has so many medicinal herbs of great significance, how could the Sect send only an Inner Sect Disciple?" Meng Lang said indignantly.


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "There are more than fifty such Medicine Valleys in the Supreme Sect. The herbs cultivated here are not considered very precious. Inside the Sect, there are more valuable Medicine Valleys where all the herbs are divine resources capable of changing a mortal''s fate."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s eyes lit up, and he began to inquire about the details of that Medicine Valley.


    However, Li Ya was only aware of the existence of that Medicine Valley and didn''t know the specifics.


    After talking for a while longer, the trio eventually departed, each having to check on their assigned garden areas regrly to prevent any mishaps with the herbs.


    Once the inspections were finished, they each returned to their rooms.


    Gu An tied a rope around the White Spirit Rat''s body to prevent it from escaping.


    He sat cross-legged on his bed with the White Spirit Rat on hisp, and then he began to cultivate.


    He practiced the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, which could enhance his strength and life span. As for other cultivation techniques, he was toozy to practice them; he preferred to simply expend his life span when more was avable.


    By the time night fell, Medicine Valley became more silent than it had ever been before.


    Now with exceptionally acute senses, Gu An could hear Cheng Xuandan and Inner Sect Disciple Chu Jingfeng talking over a hundred zhang away. Cheng Xuandan was very respectful towards Chu Jingfeng, indicating that Chu Jingfeng was more than just an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Through their conversation, Gu An learned the name of that demon.


    The Demon of Greed!


    Chu Jingfeng was disdainful of the Demon of Greed. His confident tone also reassured Cheng Xuandan, and Gu An could distinctly feel Cheng Xuandan''s heartbeat returning to normal.


    "The Demon of Greed..."


    Gu An''s eyes flickered with curiosity, wondering whether his Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill could exterminate the Demon of Greed.


    ording to the inherited memories of the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, its Dragon Strength had the effect of suppressing demons and exterminating evil.


    He had to prepare for the worst, in case Chu Jingfeng couldn''t withstand it!


    Even with his extended lifespan, he only had one life to live!


    He couldn''t afford to gamble with it!


    That night, the breath of everyone in Medicine Valley was unstable, clearly affected by their emotions. Capturing this, Gu An became even more nervous.


    Only when dawn came did Gu An begin to sleep.


    For the next five days, the Demon of Greed did not appear, and Gu An''s tense heart gradually rxed.


    The sixth day.


    As always, as darkness descended, Gu An returned to his room to rest. This time, he brought back four travelogues from the library, aiming to broaden his knowledge of the world.


    The White Spirit Rat scurried out from under the bed and swiftly jumped onto the table. Ever since it had experienced Gu An practicing the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, it had be dependent on him and wouldn''t run away even if not tethered.


    Gu An sat down at the table, teased the White Spirit Rat, then began to flip through a book called "Green Hero Travelogue."


    The window was left half-open, and the cool breeze of the night blew in, causing the me of the oilmp to flicker and casting shadows of the White Spirit Rat on the table, which asionally stretched.


    Gu An found this travelogue quite interesting.


    It had quite a bit about the affairs of men and women, with the Green Hero wandering the world, appreciating the scenery from north to south, ying demons and monsters, as well as having brief romantic encounters.


    He continued reading deep into the night and felt something amiss.


    Why did every woman the Green Hero encountered like him? The man made a show of reluctance, always being half-pushed and half-pulled by the women...


    This couldn''t have been written by some schr, could it?


    Gu An inwardly scorned the author of the book but was still engrossed in reading it.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A gust of cold wind blew in from outside the window, and even Gu An, who had cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, couldn''t help but shiver. He put down the book in his hand and got up to close the window.


    Before he reached the window, he suddenly heard a noise in the distance. He stopped and listened carefully.


    "Demon! Meet your demise!"


    The low shout from Chu Jingfeng made Gu An''s hair stand on end.


    Had the Demon of Greed arrived?


    But Chu Jingfeng seemed not afraid, even excited, and reliable.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Just as Gu An''s heart began to calm, he heard Chu Jingfeng''s scream, which frightened him into quickly closing the window and turning off the oilmp.


    Gu An retreated to a corner inside the room. The White Spirit Rat clearly sensed something and quickly jumped into his arms.


    The little creature was actually trembling too!


    Its trembling intensified Gu An''s fear.


    From childhood to adulthood, Gu An had never encountered demons or evil spirits. It couldn''t be helped; the Ji Family was too safe. As a child, the most terrifying beings in his eyes were the Ji Family''s Court Guardians, resembling Zhang Fei and Li Kui.


    "Chu Jingfeng, you''d better live up to your bravado, and Li Ya next door, with your extraordinary spirit resource and unique life pattern, you must be like the protagonist of a novel, who will ascend to greatness upon defeating that demon..."


    Gu An strived to calm his emotions, his fists clenched tightly, already condensing the Dragon Strength within his body.


    Soon, he heard the sound of the door next door being pushed open¡ªit was Li Ya, rushing out with his sword to support Chu Jingfeng.


    As for Meng Lang, he was even less resilient than Gu An, hiding under the bed and almost making Gu An curse out loud.


    This good-for-nothing pretended to be so tough in front of him usually, posing as a big brother, but he turned out to be such a coward when faced with danger.


    Thinking this, each second that passed felt like torture to Gu An.


    In his Perception, the breath of Chu Jingfeng suddenly disappeared, and Gu An didn''t know whether he was dead or alive.


    "Demon! Hold your tongue!"


    Li Ya''s voice was captured by Gu An, sending chills down his spine.


    Was the demon nning to eat them?


    Then, Gu An heard a thud, and Li Ya''s voice abruptly ended.


    Was it over for him? Was he that useless?


    Gu An''s heartbeat pounded like a war drum, unable to settle down.


    Cheng Xuandan and Zhang Chunqiu were hiding in their own rooms, ignoring themotion outside, truly living up to the phrase "like master, like disciple..."


    Outside the room, silence fell, and even Gu An, with his superior senses, could not detect any movement or the presence of the Demon of Greed.

 Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Is That All?

    The night was silent, so quiet that the drop of a pin could be heard. Leaning against the wall, Gu An was frustrated, wondering why his heartbeat was so fast.


    For some reason, although he couldn''t hear any movement outside, he inexplicably felt that the Demon of Greed was approaching his house.


    His gaze moved back and forth between the door and the windows. Moonlight streamed in through the cracks in the door and windows, bright and terrifyingly so.


    The White Spirit Rat, trembling, made Gu An''s chest itch, making him want to throw it out, but he couldn''t bring himself to do it.


    Time slowly passed as Gu An held his breath and focused.


    Gu An had never longed for daylight as much as he did now.


    The Supreme Sect was not safe at all!


    In the future, he would need to umte more life span. While keeping a low profile, he must not stop growing stronger!


    Gu An was lost in thought, not knowing how much time had passed when his gaze suddenly fixed on the threshold of his door.


    The door was to his left, less than a meter away. It was illuminated by the moonlight, and a dark shadow appeared in the door crack, sending shivers down his spine.


    The Demon of Greed!


    It wasing!


    Gu An''s heart reached his throat, his body tense.


    He even felt an urge to rush out!


    Suddenly!


    Gu An''s body stiffened. He felt a wet hand touching his head, its sharp nails pressing against his forehead, sending chills down his spine.


    His mind went nk as he cautiously looked up, only to see a pale arm emerging from the darkness above, looking like a woman''s arm, the hand pressing on the top of his head with nails sharp as ws.


    The owner of the arm reached out from the darkness, a disheveled and ferocious face pushing through, her true face unclear, only her mouth full of dripping fangs visible.


    She was smiling!


    Damn!


    Gu An was terrified to the point of madness,shing out with his arm in anger, pping the face of the Demon of Greed.


    Boom!


    The roof of the house was sted open, flesh and blood sttering inside, tiles and turf flung dozens of feet into the air, disappearing into the night.


    The night sky was so dark, the mountains and forests around Medicine Valley appeared to be standing like demons and ghosts.


    "Huff, huff, huff..."


    Gu An was gasping for air, his right arm in the air, trembling, his palm smeared with blood, the blood of the Demon of Greed sshed all over his face.


    When everything quieted down, Gu An still couldn''t calm himself.


    Moonlight poured in, illuminating the inside of the house.


    On the wall, a huge blossom of blood spread, horrifying and terrible, a pale severed arm lying at Gu An''s feet.


    Ten breathster, Gu An finally calmed down.


    [You have sessfully taken 52 years of life from the Demon of Greed (Tier 2)]


    Staring at the notification that popped up before him, he was still gasping for breath, but his expression turned peculiar.


    "Is that it?"


    Gu An found it ridiculous, was he too strong, or were Chu Jingfeng and the others too weak?


    Just as he was puzzled, he faintly heard a door opening; he immediatelyy down, closed his eyes, and casually hung the severed arm of the Demon of Greed over his body.


    That wasn''t enough; he also raised his hand, pried open the palm of the Demon of Greed, and then grabbed his own neck. After doing all this, he spread his hands and pretended to faint.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ...


    As autumn approached, the weather was no longer so hot.


    Gu An was picking Calming Grass in its dedicated area while Li Ya and Meng Lang stood outside the wooden fence, watching him work.


    Half of Li Ya''s body was wrapped in white bandages, with two shocking scars on his face, nearly reaching his right eye, hard to imagine what he had gone through.


    Meng Lang seemed unharmed. He watched Gu An and clicked his tongue in wonder, "This kid can still be so happy picking herbs, as if he hadn''t encountered the Demon of Greed before."


    Li Ya''s face was expressionless, his facial scars adding a fierce air to him as he calmly said, "Maybe he''s finding sce in his hardship, how do you know he can still smile after he closes the door?"


    The night four days ago seemed like justst night. Li Ya recalled his encounter with the Demon of Greed, feeling scared just thinking about it.


    He survived purely by luck.


    Chu Jingfeng was more injured than him, having an arm violently torn off, while Cheng Xuandan, Zhang Chunqiu, and Meng Lang werepletely unharmed.


    That morning, the Supreme Sect sent several cultivators, all with higher cultivation levels than Chu Jingfeng, the highest reaching the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. They questioned Gu An about the specifics, and Gu An pretended to be utterly frightened, iming ignorance.


    Eventually, the cultivators concluded that someone else had acted, saving the life of this servant disciple from Medicine Valley, as Gu An had not a trace of spiritual power, so it couldn''t have been him who slew the Demon of Greed.


    Afterwards, Gu An deliberately changed rooms, and Zhang Chunqiu treated him even better, seemingly feeling guilty.


    As Li Ya and Meng Lang discussed Gu An, Gu An himself was relishing the joy of seizing life span from the second-tier medicinal herbs.


    Second-tier medicinal herbs could provide him with two to five years of life span. He helped Li Ya and the others pick them, this time able to gather sixty stalks in total, an incredibly delightful experience.


    At the same time, he couldn''t help but think of the Demon of Greed.


    ying the Demon of Greed had granted him fifty-two years of life, did this not imply that by eradicating demons, he could gain even more life span?


    However, as soon as he thought of that night''s terrifying experience and the injuries of Chu Jingfeng and Li Ya, he immediately dismissed the idea.


    It wasn''t necessary!


    He was not in a rush to be stronger. Why risk his life?


    Hmm.


    He mustn''t be reckless, he needed to develop discreetly!


    After a while.


    Gu An finally finished picking sixty stalks of Calming Grass and, carrying a bamboo basket, he approached Meng Lang, ready to hand them over.


    Meng Lang cleared his throat and said, "This time, you should report it to the eldest apprentice brother."


    Recalling his shameful performance that night, he truly had no face to steal Gu An''s credit.


    Gu An did not refuse and smiled, "Okay."


    He politely nodded at Li Ya, then headed towards Zhang Chunqiu''s loft.


    Li Ya didn''t stay either, turning away and walking towards a distant forest, and Meng Lang looked back and forth, touching his nose awkwardly.


    Inside the hall.


    Gu An handed over all of the Calming Grass to Zhang Chunqiu. Zhang Chunqiu did not ask him to leave immediately, instead, he engaged in perfunctory small talk, asking if he had been sleeping well recently.


    Zhang Chunqiu often recalled how the Demon of Greed had throttled Gu An, and his heart swelled with guilt. As the eldest apprentice brother, he had not managed to protect his junior, which was humiliating.


    How honest and obedient Gu An was on regr days; if such a disciple were to die, truthfully, it would be distressing to even think about.


    "Right, about the Demon of Greed, let''s not speak of it again. Today, I heard outside that the demon was kept by a certain elder in the Sect. This message shouldn''t be spread; pretend it never happened," Zhang Chunqiu earnestly said.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An frowned.


    So that was it; no wonder that demon had been free to roam around for so long.


    Zhang Chunqiu, seeming uneasy, added, "Such elders are not ones we can afford to provoke. A single word from them could make our Medicine Valley disappear. Coming from a humble background, you should understand the disparity that status brings. Only by being patient can we survive."


    He then raised his hand and pulled out a manual from his robe, saying, "This is a Secret Technique prepared for you by Master. Master spent five years of Sect contribution for this, after all, you truly have suffered an injustice."


    Gu An immediately appeared delighted, epting the manual and seeing three words on the cover.


    Residual Wind Leg!


    "Thank you, eldest apprentice brother, thank you, Master!" Gu An immediately bent over to give thanks.


    Zhang Chunqiu blinked and smiled, "Practice it when you have free time. Maybe in the future it could protect you. Don''t share this manual with Meng Lang. As for Li Ya, he has shown exceptional talent and Master has decided to help him break through the Foundation Establishment Realm. I guess in two years at most, he will leave Medicine Valley."


    Gu An, upon hearing this, was not surprised; someone of Li Ya''s cultivation remaining in Medicine Valley would indeed be a waste.


    Then, after exchanging pleasantries with Gu An, Zhang Chunqiu let him leave.


    Once Gu An closed the door, Zhang Chunqiu murmured quietly, "Truly an honest kid, he can definitely take care of Master for me in the future, so I can finally leave the mountain... Lotus, wait for me¡­"


    As Gu An descended the stairs, his steps faltered momentarily, but then he continued downwards.


    ¡­


    Although the attack by the Demon of Greed had not resulted in any deaths in Medicine Valley, it had changed the atmosphere markedly. Li Ya became even more mysterious, hiding in the forest after finishing his chores, and even Meng Lang started practicing with more diligence.


    Gu An practiced the Residual Wind Leg from the manual for a month, managing to barely make the technique appear on disy, which was a big blow to him, leading him to give up practicing and n to try his luckter.


    Seasons changed; autumn leaves covered Medicine Valley.


    Gu An''s figure constantly appeared in various parts of the valley, bing the busiest person in Medicine Valley. Zhang Chunqiu trusted him more and more, no longer supervising his work. As for Cheng Xuandan, he stayed in his house refining elixirs all day, hardly seen once a month.


    As autumn turned to winter, the white snow nketed everything, engulfing Medicine Valley in a white vastness.


    A new year arrived amid the heavy snow.


    Until the winter snow began to melt, finally, some people from outside the valley came to visit, specifically looking for Gu An.


    Inside the room, Gu An closed the door then walked over to the table to pour hot tea for the young man already seated there.


    The youth, dressed in the Supreme Sect Outer Disciple''s blue robe, surveyed the room while asking, "How have you been this past year and a half?"


    Among those who followed Ji Xiaoyu to join the Supreme Sect were five individuals, including Gu An and the youth in front of him, both house servants.


    The youth, named Du Ye, with a Four Spirits Root, had joined the Supreme Sect''s Outer Sect with the help of Ji Family, and had changed considerably over the year.


    "Not bad," Gu An casually replied.


    Du Ye looked at him, shook his head slightly, and said, "You, you, you insisted oning here. With the third miss and Ji Family''s influence, sneaking you into the Outer Sect wouldn''t have been difficult. Why choose to suffer here with no hope of cultivation?"


    Gu An looked at his lifespan of less than one hundred fifty years, thenpared it with his own nearly a thousand years, and said with a smile, "My qualifications are mediocre, and I am afraid of both death and pain. ces like this, quiet and secluded, suit me better."


    Du Ye shook his head with a chuckle, criticized him for a bit, then revealed the purpose of his visit, "Young Master Ji Lin is nning to create an influence for the third miss within the Supreme Sect and gather connections. We all have to contribute. Collecting medicinal materials diligently on your part, I''lle every six months to collect them.


    These materials can serve as the bargaining chips for Young Master Ji Lin to win over other disciples."


    "Okay, no problem," Gu An agreed in one breath, since medicinal materials weren''t very important to him anyway.


    Seeing how agreeable Gu An was, Du Ye smiled.


    After chatting for a while longer, Gu An escorted Du Ye to the valley entrance before turning back.


    Just as he returned to the courtyard, he saw Li Ya waiting.


    Li Ya approached Gu An, cing a manual against his chest, and said, "I''m preparing to leave. Consider this sword technique a farewell gift. Thank you for everything you''ve done for me these past eighteen months."

 Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Very Fat Outer Sect Disciple

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    Gu An caught the secret manual and felt a subtle feeling in his heart. Although he had known that Li Ya was going to leave, when he actually heard that he was leaving, there was an unexpected twinge of reluctance in his heart.


    In Medicine Valley, he had only two friends; after all, he had nothing to talk about with Cheng Xuandan and Zhang Chunqiu.


    Li Ya was so much better than Meng Lang, who was nothing but an animal!


    "Are you preparing for Foundation Establishment?" Gu An asked.


    He had used Life Span Detection and saw that Li Ya''s cultivation level had already reached the ninthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm. Such a fast breakthrough speed.


    Could it be that there was a senior in the forest giving him guidance?


    Or perhaps Li Ya housed the soul of an old man who had suffered betrayal and persecution?


    Li Ya nodded and said, "I n to begin Foundation Establishment next month."


    He paused for a moment, then said earnestly, "Once we part this time, I''m afraid we may not meet again. Don''t be too submissive to Meng Lang in Medicine Valley; that would only embolden him to take advantage of you even more. There will surely be other disciples in the future, and as a senior brother, you must assert your own temperament..."


    Gu An was speechless¡ªhowe he was being lectured by two people in one day?


    Butpared to Du Ye, Li Ya was more sincere.


    Gu An suddenly felt a sense of loss.


    Since childhood, he had trodden on thin ice in the Ji Family without any real friends¡ªonly people he deliberately tried to please. He had never had a friend who would give him a gift like Li Ya.


    He understood that what Li Ya said woulde true. This separation could be for a lifetime.


    Gu An couldn''t help saying, "The same goes for you. Don''t be as reckless as before. Staying alive is the most important thing. If you can rise from a Servant Disciple to someone on the verge of Foundation Establishment in less than two years, your talents must be top-notch. As long as you live, you will undoubtedly be a famous top Great Cultivator who will shake the world."


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya couldn''t help but smile.


    The two stood in the courtyard and chatted, and soon, Meng Lang returned. Hearing that Li Ya was leaving, he was also quite downhearted.


    In the end, Li Ya did leave. After saying goodbye to Gu An, he went to visit Cheng Xuandan, and finally, Zhang Chunqiu took him away from Medicine Valley.


    Winter snow had not yet fully melted, and Medicine Valley became much quieter.


    When Gu An had free time, he began to practice the sword manual that Li Ya had given him. His aspirations were not high¡ªhe didn''t seek to master it, but at least wanted to be skillful enough to have it appear on the attribute panel.


    Making a cultivation technique or a secret manual appear on the Attribute Panel takes time, and Gu An didn''t want to find out toote during a moment of danger when he might need to sacrifice life span to practice it.


    The sword manual Li Ya had given was titled "Li Family Seven Swords." Though the name was quitemon, Gu An knew that this Li Family represented the Taicang Dynasty''s Imperial Family, so he practiced it diligently.


    As winter gave way to spring, the vibrant life bloomed throughout Medicine Valley.


    After Li Ya''s departure, Zhang Chunqiu brought back a person¡ªa fourteen-year-old boy named Xiaochuan.


    Xiaochuan was a reclusive teenager and seldom interacted with Gu An and Meng Lang after he entered Medicine Valley. After Gu An helped him collect spirit grass several times, Xiaochuan developed a fondness for him, and they gradually conversed more, but overall, Xiaochuan remained a man of few words.


    Time progressed into summer, and Gu An learned from the Attribute Panel that he had turned seventeen.


    From childhood, he had never known the exact date of his birthday, and he did not care about it.


    More than a birthday, what Gu An looked forward to was when he would be able to pick third-grade spirit grass.


    Most of the spirit grass in Medicine Valley needed several years before it could be picked, so his lifespan growth rate was not always increasing and had recently started to slow down.


    On this day.


    Zhang Chunqiu found Gu An.


    "Junior Brother Gu, I have a task here with a decent reward. Would you be willing to take it?" Zhang Chunqiu said with a beaming smile.


    Gu An raised an eyebrow¡ªthere were tasks within Medicine Valley?


    Suppressing his reluctance, he asked, "May I ask Senior Brother, what is the task?"


    "There''s an Outer Disciple who is about to go out for experience and won''t be back for two years. The task is to take care of the spirit grass in his cave dwelling until he returns. When he does, he will reward you with ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones," Zhang Chunqiu said with a smile.


    As soon as Gu An heard this, his heart was moved.


    Spirit stones are graded from Low-Grade to Mid-Grade to Top-Grade to Supreme-Grade, each level valued a hundred times more than thest. A Mid-Grade Spirit Stone is equal to one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones, and Gu An''s monthly remuneration was just one Low-Grade Spirit Stone. The task was equivalent to getting one thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones in two years¡ªhow could he not be moved?


    Gu An hesitated and asked, "Can that senior be trusted?"


    Zhang Chunqiu was taken aback, then burst intoughter. He said with approval, "Not bad, Junior Brother Gu, you are very cautious. Rest assured, that man is an old friend of mine. We entered the Supreme Sect in the same year. The reason he chose you is because of your hard work and honesty. If it were Meng Lang, I wouldn''t be at ease.


    Plus, his cave is not far from our Medicine Valley; it''s only a dozen li away. You just need to go twice a month."


    After hesitating for a while, Gu An ultimately agreed.


    Recently, he hadn''t had the chance to pick spirit grass for half a month. Watching his lifespan not increase made him very ufortable. He was missing the feeling of sacrificing life span to gain more.


    The Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill could only bring him a year''s increase in lifespan each month. If it weren''t for the Golden Finger that allowed him to seize lifespan, he would certainly be content, but now, he was greedy.


    And besides, he was unsure how long the effect of the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill to increase lifespan wouldst, as everything has its limits.


    Seeing that he had agreed, Zhang Chunqiu immediately led him towards the valley exit.


    Gu An hadn''t left Medicine Valley in two years; the thought of actually leaving the valley made him a bit nervous.


    As he stepped out of the valley, the sight of continuous mountains and forests greeted him. Sunlight streamed through the trees, forming circles of rainbow rays that were extraordinarily beautiful.


    Zhang Chunqiu patted his waist, and a sword flew out from the storage bag there. He grabbed Gu An''s arm, leapt up, andnded on the sword, following which they flew on the sword.


    Gu An, frightened, held tightly onto his waist. The hot summer wind blew his dark hair into a mess, envy in his eyes.


    Sword Control, this is a hallmark of cultivators!


    He hadn''t expected Zhang Chunqiu to possess such a skill!


    Feeling the strength of his grip, Zhang Chunqiuughed heartily. "Junior Brother Gu, you better keep your eyes wide open and memorize the way back, as you''ll have toe on your own in the future."


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Senior Brother, could you teach me this Sword Control Technique?"


    ```


    "Only if you diligently cultivate and reach the fourthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, will I teach you Sword Control Technique."


    "The fourthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm¡­"


    "As long as you are willing to work hard, one day you will certainly reach the fourthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm."


    While saying this, Zhang Chunqiu couldn''t help but straighten his back and reveal a hearty and sunny smile.


    In his heart, he couldn''t help thinking, "In Junior Brother Gu''s eyes, my image must be very grand right now. I hope he is truly inspired and will no longer bezy in his cultivation."


    In his eyes, Gu An was good in every aspect except for hisck of interest in cultivation; in his free time, that kid was always reading books.


    Gu An was quite speechless. Was reaching the fourthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm very difficult?


    If I consume a hundred years of my lifespan, would that work?


    No? Then how about five hundred years!


    If five hundred years don''t suffice, then...


    This is ridiculous!


    The two brothers flew on their swords, chatting as they went.


    Before long, theynded in a forest, and after touching down, Gu An was still savoring the feeling of flying in the sky.


    Zhang Chunqiu led Gu An forward, passing through a dense forest to arrive in front of a cliff face. He raised his hand and took out a Jade Pendant, pressing it into a slot on the cliff.


    "This cave has restrictions. You''ll need to bring this Jade Pendant in the future. Don''t ever lose it; it would be quite a hassle," Zhang Chunqiu cautioned.


    Gu An nodded. Following that, the cliff trembled, a stone door emerged and then opened up.


    Zhang Chunqiu removed the Jade Pendant and led Gu An inside.


    The two vanished into the darkness, and a few breathster, the stone door thunderously closed.


    The cave wasrger than Gu An had anticipated. Just the tunnel itself was thirty feet long. They arrived in a spacious cave chamber, where Gu An''s gaze was instantly drawn to an area nted with herbs.


    The herbs were densely nted, at least a hundred of them, upying most of the space in the chamber. With Gu An''s current level of understanding, he could tell at a nce that these herbs were not of ordinary grade and rank.


    Are all the Outer Disciples of the Supreme Sect this wealthy?


    Zhang Chunqiu began to instruct Gu An, pointing out which herbs should be harvested and detailing the specific processes of cultivating each type of herb. The cave came equipped with its own restrictions and did notck water, but too much could cause the herbs to die abruptly.


    Some herbs, if not harvested in time, could even ignite with spiritual energy mes, resulting in the destruction of all the herbs.


    Also, there were seeds on the table. After Gu Anpleted the harvesting, he would need to continue nting.


    The Outer Disciple had already prepared Spirit Protection Papers in advance, also ced on the table.


    "Alright, I''ll leave now. Youe back on your own after you finish. First, try to see if you can find your way back. If you haven''t returned to Medicine Valley by evening, I''lle looking for you," Zhang Chunqiu patted Gu An''s shoulder and then handed him the Jade Pendant.


    Gu An was not discourteous. He sent Zhang Chunqiu off before returning.


    He didn''t immediately begin harvesting herbs, but instead, he surveyed the cave chamber.


    It was very simple, with only a stone bed, a stone table, and two stone stools¡ªno, there were also books hidden on the cave walls, obscured by strands of vines.


    Gu An had no intention of browsing through them. What if the cultivators had some sort of surveince restriction in ce?


    It''s better to honestly earn lifespan and not cause any trouble!


    Gu An started to harvest the mature herbs.


    [You have sessfully stolen nine years of Spirit me Grass (third grade) lifespan.]


    Sss¡ª¡ª


    Third-grade herbs!


    Suddenly, Gu An didn''t know whether it was his own misunderstanding of the grade and rank of the herbs or if the treatment for Outer Disciples was indeed far superior to that of his position in Medicine Valley.


    Forget it, enjoy it first!


    The first batch of herbs to be harvested was eleven in total, granting him eighty-nine years of lifespan, which made his total lifespan reach one thousand two hundred sixty-four years.


    Using Life Span Detection, Gu An took a look around and actually spotted fourth-grade Spirit Grass.


    Such a well-off Outer Disciple!


    Gu An was very pleased inside; such a lucrative employer was someone to maintain a good rtionship with for the possibility of long-term cooperation.


    Wait a minute!


    Couldn''t he also do this kind of work for other disciples of the Supreme Sect?


    After all, every disciple would experience going out for adventures.


    No, first get this job done well. One must be steady and thorough. What if he encountered evil people trying to extort him?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He was merely a Servant Disciple, and if he were to have a conflict with an Official Disciple, he would certainly be the one to be discarded.


    Gu An started nting the Spirit me Grass seeds. He did so with great care, wanting to do a good job.


    Thirty minutester.


    Gu An came out of the cave and closed the cave door behind him. Then, he headed in the direction of Medicine Valley.


    Wary of encountering demons like the Demon of Greed again, he walked quickly.


    With the power of Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, in less than an hour, Gu An arrived at the entrance of Medicine Valley. Before he even approached, he spotted someone.


    Chu Jingfeng!


    Chu Jingfeng, with his right arm severed, had a weather-worn face and wore a ck robe, lookingpletely different from before.

 Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Three Thousand Year Life Span, Crisis Rebirth

    When Gu An saw Chu Jingfeng, Chu Jingfeng saw him as well.


    Just as Gu An was about to quicken his pace to greet him, Chu Jingfeng leapt up several meters high, soared over the hillside, andnded in front of him like a wild goose.


    "You are Gu An, I have questions for you," Chu Jingfeng said gravely.


    Gu An feigned nervousness as he bowed in respect and responded, "I am. What would the senior like to ask? I will answer truthfully."


    Seeing Gu An''s honest demeanor, Chu Jingfeng''s expression softened, and he said softly, "You encountered the Demon of Greed, and she even choked you, do you still remember her face?"


    Gu An shook his head and said, "That night, there was no oilmp lit inside the room, I could not see her face clearly, she appeared suddenly and scared me into fainting¡­"


    While speaking, he secretly circted his Qi-Blood to make his face instantly flush red.


    Chu Jingfeng, seeing him so embarrassed, felt his anger dissipate significantly.


    "What am I doing, harassing a Servant Disciple¡­" Chu Jingfeng thought self-deprecatingly.


    His expression became gentle, and he said, "If you remember anything or encounter anything, you can contact me."


    After speaking, he took out a Spirit Stone the size of a chicken egg and said, "This is a special Spirit Stone, you canmunicate with me by infusing it with Spiritual Power."


    He tossed the Spirit Stone to Gu An, then leapt up again, a long sword flying out at his waist. He stepped on the sword and rushed out of the forest, leaves falling in his wake.


    Whether it was an illusion or not, Gu An always felt that he had grown stronger after his arm was severed.


    Gu An did not think much of it and walked with the Spirit Stone towards Medicine Valley.


    "Ah, when will I be able to have my own Storage Bag?"


    The youth walked on a hillside in the woods, the dappled sunlight casting a colorful garment on him.


    ...


    Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, two years had passed.


    Neen-year-old Gu An walked in the woods, looking somewhat taller than two years ago, and his physique much stronger. Despite wearing simple linen clothes, he looked clean, especially his bright eyes, his long hair casually tied at the back of his head with a grass rope, and two strands of hair falling on his forehead, adding a free-spirited charm to his demeanor.


    Behind him, a young boy followed, ordinary in appearance and a head shorter than him, carrying a bamboo basket, wiping therge drops of sweat off his forehead as he walked.


    "Senior brother, how much farther?" Xiaochuan called out weakly.


    He was the only one in Medicine Valley junior to Gu An, and he liked following behind Gu An. Hearing that Gu An also managed a cave for Outer Disciples, he pleaded for a long time until Gu An finally agreed to bring him this time.


    Gu An agreed to bring him along for a reason.


    Because he had heard from Zhang Chunqiu yesterday that the owner of the cave had returned, and to prevent any idents, he decided to bring Xiaochuan.


    If the other party had malicious intentions, seeing another person might make them hesitate.


    Gu An did not wish to harm Xiaochuan. Should there be trouble, his Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill was not for naught.


    "Almost there."


    Gu An said without turning back, to be honest, he was beginning to understand why Zhang Chunqiu liked him.


    Having such a well-behaved junior disciple indeed saved him a lot of trouble.


    Xiaochuan moaned, he had heard those two words no less than eight times, had he known this, he would not havee.


    Ten li was already a considerable distance for ordinary people, let alone with rugged mountain paths and hot weather, Xiaochuan felt like he was about to die.


    Gu An did not continue tofort him because they were indeed almost there.


    About half an ancient hourter, Gu An pushed through the bushes and arrived in front of a mountain wall. He did not directly open the mountain gate but cupped his fists and said, "Junior Gu An, here to return the Cave''s Jade Pendant to the senior."


    Xiaochuan stood on the other side of the bush, curiously scrutinizing the mountain wall.


    His background was not much better than Gu An''s, with limited knowledge of the Immortal Cultivation World, seeing an Outer Disciple of the Supreme Sect was a big deal in his eyes.


    Rumble¡ª


    The mountain gate opened, and a hoarse voice came from inside:


    "Come in."


    Gu An turned to Xiaochuan and said, "Wait for me outside."


    Xiaochuan naturally dared not follow him inside, seeing the cave gate open was already more than he expected.


    Gu An stepped forward into the cave, exuding more confidence than he had two years ago.


    His confidence came from his umted life span; his life span had now reached more than three thousand four hundred years.


    Apart from the herbs inside the cave, in the past two years, Cheng Xuandan had also started instructing him to pick Grade 3 herbs, so his life span increased rapidly.


    A person''s confidencees from strength, and although Gu An had only a trace of Spiritual Power, he was greatly changed from before.


    Passing through the tunnel, Gu An saw a man sitting by a stone table.


    It was a middle-aged man, thin, with his Taoist robe hanging loose on his body, hair graying at the temples, sunken eyes, and prominent cheekbones, giving off a deeply calcting impression.


    From the first nce, Gu An felt this man was not easy to handle.


    [Zhu Moyan (Energy Cultivation Realm Nine Layers): 58/130/140]


    This life span limit was even less than Zhang Chunqiu''s, indicating his natural talents were inferior to Zhang Chunqiu''s.


    The fact that his cultivation was higher than Zhang Chunqiu''s was probably due to umtion through elixirs.


    Gu An spected as he quickly walked up to Zhu Moyan, took out the cave''s Jade Pendant, and offered it with both hands.


    Zhu Moyan reimed the Jade Pendant and said softly, "You did well, I am satisfied. This bag contains ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, take them with you."


    He picked up the cloth bag from the table and handed it to Gu An.


    Gu An respectfully received the cloth bag, secretly weighed it, and then thanked Zhu Moyan.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You can go now," Zhu Moyan said, waving his hand.


    Gu An nodded, bowed again, then turned around and left.


    As he turned around, his keen eyes caught something, and his reaction was swift, immediately casting a Life Span Detection.


    [Demon of Greed (Second Rank): 31/140/180]


    Gu An left swiftly without changing his expression.


    Zhu Moyan watched Gu An''s retreating figure, his eyes growing cold, and only when he heard the sound of the mountain gate closing did he snort coldly and mutter to himself, "You''re lucky."


    The restrictions in the cave of an Outer Disciple were of low level; the so-called restrictions were a type of magical mechanism, and naturally, those of Outer Disciples were not sophisticated, so Gu An outside the cave heard Zhu Moyan''s muttering, which made him even more uneasy.


    There really was a problem!


    Gu An had suspected before why the Demon of Greed had attacked all the way without affecting Zhu Moyan''s cave along the route; it turned out this guy was rted to the Demon of Greed.


    "Brother, did it go smoothly?" Xiaochuan looked at the approaching Gu An and asked with concern.


    Gu An revealed a smile and said, "It went smoothly; let''s go, it''s time to head back."


    Xiaochuan nodded, and the two headed in the direction they came from; only after they had walked some distance did Xiaochuan start to ask what kind of person the cave owner was.


    Gu An gave a brief description, which left Xiaochuan captivated.


    During the journey that followed, Gu An had no mood to interact with Xiaochuan, his mind was filled with thoughts of the Demon of Greed and Zhu Moyan''s words.


    No, he couldn''t pretend he hadn''t seen anything, it was too dangerous!


    Gu An thought of the Spirit Stone left by Chu Jingfeng and decided to seek Chu Jingfeng''s help.


    But before that, he needed to enhance his strength, just in case.


    Having not cultivated dangerously for three years, just the thought of it excited Gu An.


    The Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill could conceal his aura; even though he possessed Spiritual Power, he could hide it well. This time, he nned to first enhance his cultivation level, then improve his offensive methods.


    "Should I evolve the Residual Wind Leg, or the Li Family''s Seven Swords?"


    Gu An began to agonize over this decision.


    An ancient hourter, the two finally returned to Medicine Valley, where Gu An took the bamboo basket from Xiaochuan and then walked to his own courtyard.


    The bamboo basket was filled with ordinary medicinal herbs they had picked along the way.


    Xiaochuan was exhausted, without the energy to do anything else, so he headed directly to his own courtyard.


    Gu An returned to his room, closed the door, ced the bamboo basket and cloth bag on the table, then went to sit on his bed.


    He took a deep breath, first sensing the aura of others in Medicine Valley.


    Meng Lang was practicing spells in the forest, Cheng Xuandan was engaged in alchemy, and Zhang Chunqiu was struggling with energy absorption.


    Hmm, nobody seemed to be paying attention to him.


    Gu An brought up his attribute panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 19/3463]


    [Spirit Root: Five Elements better Spirit Root (can invest life span to evolve cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Level: Energy Cultivation Realm Level 1 (can invest life span to evolve cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Techniques: Fire Control Art (not mastered), Spring Wood Skill (not mastered), Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill (mastery), (can invest life span to evolve cultivation)]


    [Ultimate Skills: Residual Wind Leg (not mastered), Li Family''s Seven Swords (not mastered) (can invest life span to evolve cultivation)]


    ...


    Gu An cautiously invested one year of life span into his cultivation.


    [You have cultivated using energy absorption for one year, due to your mediocre talent and the average grade of the cultivation technique, your cultivation level did not increase much]


    This prompt appeared, and Gu An felt a change within his body.


    A thread of Spiritual Power turned into two...


    Gu An''s mouth twitched involuntarily, forcing him to turn his gaze to the Spring Wood Skill.


    It was the only Energy Absorption Skill he had mastered. As for the Fire Control Art, it was a Supporting Skill. An old servant from the Ji Family had taught him this while he was chopping firewood, aptly named for controlling fire strength.


    "Forget it, no need to wait for a more profound technique, since I can use life span evolution, even the most ordinary technique can be promoted to an unparalleled divine skill in my hands..."


    With this thought, Gu An''s eyes became resolute.


    He decided to invest one hundred years of life span into cultivating the Spring Wood Skill.


    [You cultivate the Spring Wood Skill for one year, and due to your mediocreprehension and talent, your achievement in the Spring Wood Skill improved slightly]


    [You cultivate the Spring Wood Skill for ten years, finally mastering the Spring Wood Skill, your energy absorption rate increased]


    [You cultivate the Spring Wood Skill for fifty years, finally achieving great mastery in Spring Wood Skill, your energy absorption rate reached ten times the previous rate]


    [You cultivate the Spring Wood Skill for one hundred years, you gain new insights into Spring Wood Skill, upgrading it to Spring Origin Art]


    A flood of memories rted to the cultivation of the Spring Origin Art poured into Gu An''s mind.


    The Spring Origin Art was far lessplex than the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill, so before long, Gu An opened his eyes.


    After opening his eyes, he first listened to the sounds of others in Medicine Valley; Xiaochuan had fallen asleep, and everyone else was busy with their own tasks, nobody seemed to have noticed him for the moment.


    Now came the dilemma.


    Should he continue to enhance the Spring Origin Art, or directly use the Spring Origin Art to evolve his cultivation level?


    The higher his mastery of the cultivation technique, the faster Gu An could enhance his cultivation level, which would also save on the investment of life span.


    After much thought, Gu An felt that the cultivation technique was the most important and should not be taken lightly.


    First, he would invest one thousand years!

 Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, Position of the Eldest Senior Brother

    Gu An did not immediately invest his lifespan in evolutionary cultivation because of the example set by the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill; he feared the disturbance would be too great.


    Let''s wait until tonight!


    By then, even if there''s a great disturbance, given the timid nature of Cheng Xuandan and Zhang Chunqiu, they would probably be scared into hiding and not dare to leave their houses.


    Night swiftly fell.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Only after Meng Lang settled down to rest in his room did Gu An bring up his Attribute Panel.


    He focused on the Spring Origin Art and chose to invest one thousand years of his lifespan to evolve it.


    May the heavens bless me, please don''t waste these thousand years of my lifespan!


    While praying, Gu An also gave the White Spirit Rat a rub for some good luck.


    [You have invested one thousand years of lifespan in the evolution and cultivation of ''Spring Origin Art'']


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for one year, and because of your mediocreprehension and qualifications, the growth in your cultivation level is minimal]


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for ten years, and you have reached a whole new realm of understanding]


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for one hundred years, and you have gained deeper insights into the great earth and forests, developing more thoughts about the Spring Origin Art]


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for two hundred years, and your Spring Origin Art has advanced to the Withered Wood Spring Birth Skill]


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for five hundred years, and your understanding of the Withered Wood Spring Birth Skill has reached the Transformation Realm, enhancing your Wood Spirit Root]


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for eight hundred years, and you have sensed the nature''s spirit, elevating your Withered Wood Spring Birth Skill to the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill]


    [You have cultivated the Spring Origin Art for one thousand years, and your mastery of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill has reached perfection, enhancing your Wood Spirit Root]


    Looking at the series of prompts before his eyes, Gu An caught a few keywords and was suddenly overjoyed. Then, a flood of memories poured into his mind.


    His consciousness was immersed in the inheritance; his entire being emanated a green light, and wisps of verdant spiritual energy sprouted from the ground inside the room.


    At the same time.


    Zhang Chunqiu, who was practicing inside his house, opened his eyes. He looked toward his windowsill, where a sudden gust of wind began shaking his window.


    He hurriedly got up, walked to the window, and with only a nce outside, he swiftly closed it.


    He walked quickly back to his desk, blew out the oilmp, and then hid in bed.


    "No, I must leave early. Medicine Valley is bing more and more bizarre..."


    Meng Lang was also scared; he shivered under his nket. Xiaochuan, exhausted from the day''s events, was already sleeping like a log, snoring thunderously.


    Cheng Xuandan sat in meditation in front of the pill furnace. Sensing the activity outside the window, he looked into the night sky. His gaze was profound, without a trace of fear or curiosity, as serene as a deep well.


    After a long while.


    Gu An finally awoke. When he opened his eyes, he felt as if the entire world had changed.


    He could clearly sense the Wood Attribute Spiritual Energy in the air and could feel the vitality of the nts and trees, a very marvelous sensation.


    With a thought, the previous prompts reappeared before him. Seeing that his Wood Spirit Root had been enhanced, he was pleasantly surprised.


    To think that one''s Spirit Root could be improved through the cultivation of techniques meant that he needn''t forcefully enhance his Spirit Root Qualification, which was a bottomless pit. Gu An had tried it only once but was already traumatized by the experience.


    He tried to operate the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill and, unlike before, he could now effortlessly absorb the Wood Spirit Energy from the world around him. The Wood Spirit Energy entered his body, flowed into his dantian, and transformed into Wood Attribute Spiritual Power.


    The whole process was smooth and slick!


    Just a single breath was more effective than half a year''s worth of his previous efforts!


    Gu An suddenly felt as if he were dreaming, as though he had be a genius overnight.


    In this case, there was no rush to enhance his Cultivation Level.


    He had unlocked Life Span Detection when his lifespan broke through a thousand years, and perhaps when it surpassed ten thousand years, new abilities might emerge.


    Moreover, with his current rate of cultivation, he felt he could rely on cultivation to enhance his Cultivation Level.


    While there was no rush to enhance his Cultivation Level, his offensive methods needed improvement!


    The Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill was a Supporting Skill without any specificbat techniques. His gaze then fell on the Residual Wind Leg.


    The Li Family''s Seven Swords were swordsmanship techniques, and hecked a treasured sword. Moreover, the effectiveness of swordsmanship probably relied on one''s Cultivation Level.


    The Residual Wind Leg was different as it relied on legs. His physical strength was already sufficient to easily kill a demon from the Foundation Establishment Realm. If hebined it with the Residual Wind Leg, the power would surely increase significantly.


    How much lifespan should he invest?


    Gu An fell into a dilemma; too little investment would be meaningless, and too much would be heart-wrenching.


    Forget it, let''s go with a round number, five hundred years it is!


    Excited, Gu An invested five hundred years of his lifespan in the evolutionary cultivation of the Residual Wind Leg.


    [You have cultivated the Residual Wind Leg for one year, and because of your mediocreprehension and qualifications, your movement technique is smooth but fails to unleash the full power of the Residual Wind Leg]


    [You have cultivated the Residual Wind Leg for ten years, and years of arduous practice have brought your Residual Wind Leg to the pinnacle]


    [You have cultivated the Residual Wind Leg for one hundred years, your Residual Wind Leg has returned to its purest form, and you have gained new insights, advancing your Residual Wind Leg to the Wind Shadow Leg]


    [You have cultivated the Residual Wind Leg for two hundred years, and your Wind Shadow Leg is fully realized, improving your understanding of body techniques]


    [You have cultivated the Residual Wind Leg for four hundred years, and your Wind Shadow Leg has transitioned into the Gale Shadowless Leg]


    [You have cultivated the Residual Wind Leg for five hundred years, your Gale Shadowless Leg has reached the realm of integration, enhancing your understanding of body techniques and movement technique]


    Does a better understanding of body and movement techniques mean an improvement inprehension?


    Just as Gu An had this thought, his mind was instantly flooded with the memories of the Gale Shadowless Leg.


    ...


    At the break of dawn, as the first rays of sunlight skimmed over Medicine Valley, before even touching the threshold of Gu An''s house, the door was already opening.


    Gu An walked into the yard and faced the rising sun, stretchingzily, his spirit and vitalitypletely transformed.


    His face was full of smiles, and his excitement had not fully subsided.


    He silently summoned his attribute panel:


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 19/1862]


    [Spirit Root: First-Rate Wood Spirit Root, Four Attributes Above Average Spirit Root (life span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Level: Energy Cultivation Realm Second Layer (life span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Techniques: Fire Control Art (unachieved), Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill (Mastery), Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill (Mastery) (life span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    [Ultimate Skill: Gale Shadowless Leg (achieved mastery), Li Family''s Seven Swords (unachieved) (life span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    Energy Cultivation Realm Second Layer!


    Justst night, during the inheritance of Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, his spiritual power had increased substantially. Coupled with a night of energy absorption cultivation, he had smoothly broken through to the secondyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm.


    He was no longer the powerless waste!


    The feeling of spending life span was just too awesome!


    Gu An had more ideas about his path to immortal cultivation.


    He didn''t consider adventuring; while ying demons and ghosts to obtain life span could elerate his life span growth, the risk of death would skyrocket.


    What he thought of was the Medicine Valley''s master!


    Cheng Xuandan didn''t have many years left to live, and Zhang Chunqiu meant to descend the mountain¡ªthe position of valley master was his for the taking!


    When the time came, he could recruit a group of servant disciples to tend the gardens for him¡ªhe would only be responsible for the harvest, an idyllic arrangement.


    Gu An ced his hands on his hips and looked around at the surrounding peaks.


    Perhaps more medicinal herbs could grow on the mountain!


    Cheng Xuandan didn''t expand Medicine Valley, possibly because expansion had no meaning for him¡ªhe was just a worker for the Supreme Sect.


    But for Gu An, it was different; he didn''t need to share more herbs, all he wanted was the life span contained within them.


    The more Gu An thought about it, the more excited he became, and he began kicking in ce, stretching his body.


    He was practicing the leg techniques of the Residual Wind Leg, powerful and imposing, the movements creating sts of air.


    Before long, Meng Lang walked out of the neighboring house and caught sight of Gu An''s leg technique, his eyes widening in amazement.


    Neen-year-old Gu An had fully grown into his body, his legs whipping through the air like ash. Though he didn''t move his stance, the force of the air reached Meng Lang''s face, leaving him dumbfounded.


    Meng Lang couldn''t help but rub his eyes, wondering if he had mistaken someone else for Gu An.


    When had Gu An be so formidable?


    Feeling Meng Lang''s gaze, Gu An stopped his kicks, turned around to look at him, and smiled, "Did I wake you up?"


    Meng Lang hurriedly approached him, scrutinizing him carefully before saying, "How did you suddenly be so powerful? Did you notice the demon windst night? Does it have anything to do with you?"


    Gu An rolled his eyes at him, saying, "That''s right, it was me. Last night as I practiced the Residual Wind Leg taught by my master, it stirred the heavens, the earth trembled, it was so formidable it could startle both heaven and earth and make demons weep. Since you heard the noise, why didn''t youe out and witness my might?"


    Meng Lang certainly wouldn''t admit his embarrassing moment, and he huffed, "Your leg technique might be fierce, but without spiritual power support, how could it stir upst night''s strong winds? Moreover, it wasn''t just strong windst night, there was also a fluctuation of spiritual energy. Either a demon was absorbing nature''s spiritual energy or a Great Cultivator was breaking through."


    Gu An let out a chuckle and kicked Meng Lang in the rear.


    "You dare to kick me, rebelling, are you? With Li Ya gone, do you no longer acknowledge me as your elder brother?" Meng Lang eximed.


    "If I recognized you as an elder brother, wouldn''t I have to stick with you here for life? Don''t you want to be an Outer Disciple?"


    "Fair point, you''re right about that, I''m different from you."


    The two began to y and tease each other.


    An ancient hourter, Zhang Chunqiu found Gu An and led him around Medicine Valley, exining in detail every inch ofnd and herb within the valley.


    Gu An listened attentively, but as he listened, he began to feel something was amiss.


    Was this like handing over one''sst will and testament?


    Could themotionst night have scared him out of his wits?


    Gu An had wanted to persuade him, but then he thought that Zhu Moyan was no good person. He probably did a lot of dirty work for the Demon of Greed behind him. Once Chu Jingfeng resolved the matter, Zhang Chunqiu would likely get implicated.


    After all, they were good friends.


    It was better for him to descend the mountain sooner!


    Gu An swore he wasn''t angling for the position of head disciple; he was genuinely considering Zhang Chunqiu''s well-being.


    Having mastered the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, Gu An was not in a rush to contact Chu Jingfeng. Firstly, he now had the power to protect himself, and secondly, he didn''t want to startle the enemy.


    His return to Medicine Valley was so recent, and Chu Jingfeng''s arrival the next day would be hard to dissociate from suspicion.


    Gu An was not wary of Zhu Moyan but the person behind him; ording to what Zhang Chunqiu had previously mentioned, that person held a high position, and the entire Medicine Valleybined couldn''t shake them.


    It was just as well to improve his cultivation level while waiting!


    After an ancient hour of touring with Zhang Chunqiu, even climbing the surrounding mountains and speaking until he was parched and exhausted, he then took Gu An to find Cheng Xuandan.


    Gu An saw the Pill Furnace in front of Cheng Xuandan and his eyes were filled with curiosity.


    He had long heard that Cheng Xuandan was skilled in alchemy; he wondered if he could learn it too.


    Once he learned it and invested his life span, he could transform directly into an Alchemy Grandmaster!


    Cheng Xuandan rose and looked at Gu An, saying, "From now on, you are the eldest disciple of this Medicine Valley."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An was shocked and looked instinctively at Zhang Chunqiu, asking in a flurry, "Eldest disciple, what''s wrong with you?"

 Chapter 9: Chapter 9 The Life of a Great Disciple

    Looking at Gu An, who was worried for him, Zhang Chunqiu felt extremely gratified.


    What he found hardest to part with upon his departure from the mountain wasn''t his master, but his junior brother Gu An.


    He was too obedient, too honest.


    Zhang Chunqiu shared the same concerns as Li Ya, worried that Gu An would be bullied in the future.


    "I''ve been in Medicine Valley for forty years; it''s time for me to descend the mountain. My aptitude for immortal cultivation is mediocre, and there''s no hope for me to achieve Foundation Establishment in this lifetime. Instead of wasting away here, I might as well enjoy the rest of my days. Junior Brother Gu, you take over the position of the eldest brother.


    Meng Lang that kid loves to ck off; he can''t take on the role of eldest brother," Zhang Chunqiu said seriously, patting Gu An on the shoulder.


    Gu An hesitated, "But without you, eldest brother, I''m afraid I..."


    Cheng Xuandan spoke up, "If you don''t dare, let Meng..."


    "I''m not incapable!" Gu An quickly interrupted.


    Zhang Chunqiu, who had intended tofort him, was stunned.


    Cheng Xuandan looked deeply at Gu An and said no more.


    Gu An cleared his throat and said, "I can''t let eldest brother''s intention go to waste. Alright, actually I''m afraid if Meng Lang bes the eldest brother, he''ll order me around every day."


    Hearing what he said afterwards, Zhang Chunqiu couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    The atmosphere rxed instantly, and Zhang Chunqiu began to encourage Gu An, who listened intently.


    After chatting for a while, Zhang Chunqiu gathered his robes and kowtowed to Cheng Xuandan, leaving Gu An alone with Cheng Xuandan after three loud kowtows and rising to his feet.


    "You see, nobody wants to stay in Medicine Valley forever. If you don''t want to spend your life here, you can speak up earlier. Your master may well be able to help you," Cheng Xuandan said calmly.


    Gu An hurriedly replied, "Disciple wishes to stay in Medicine Valley for a lifetime."


    "Don''t rush your answer, because it really might be for a lifetime."


    "Master, your disciple dares not lie. I truly wish to stay here for a lifetime. Perhaps in others'' eyes, the work in Medicine Valley seems dirty and tiresome, but for me, these are the mostfortable days. Master takes good care of me, and the brothers are also very kind to me.


    I truly am willing to stay here for a lifetime," Gu An said earnestly, needing to express his true feelings at this juncture.


    Cheng Xuandan spoke somberly, "You must have a background. The fact that you survived the Demon of Greed is no coincidence, and the surge of nature''s spiritual energy yesterday also came from the direction of your courtyard."


    Gu An grew anxious, "Master, I really don''t have a background. The only background I might have is Ji Xiaoyu of the Ji Family, but I''m just her house servant."


    "The Ji Family?"


    Cheng Xuandan red with shock, the first time Gu An had seen such a changee over him.


    On his master''s face, Gu An saw dread, anger, and fear¡ªmixing into a ghastly and terrifying visage.


    Damn it!


    This old man wouldn''t have a grudge against the Ji Family, would he?


    Feeling uneasy, Gu An thought he had gone too far.


    "So that''s how it is. From now on, you are the leading disciple of this portion of Medicine Valley," Cheng Xuandan said, taking a deep breath.


    What a turn of events!


    Gu An breathed a sigh of relief; regardless of whether Cheng Xuandan was sincere or not, he would take the role of the leading disciple first!


    Even if Cheng Xuandan had malicious intentions, he wouldn''t live much longer.


    Gu An was not afraid of Cheng Xuandan plotting against him. Could Cheng Xuandan take a beating as well as the Demon of Greed?


    "Disciple will diligently fulfill your expectations," Gu An hurriedly promised.


    Cheng Xuandan waved his hand, "Go call Meng Lang and Xiaochuan here."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An promptly bowed and then turned to leave.


    Thirty minutester.


    Gu An, Meng Lang, and Xiaochuan came down from the attic, with Xiaochuan extremely excited, repeatedly addressing him as eldest brother.


    Meng Lang, on the other hand, was discontented, eximing angrily, "How did you be the eldest brother? Why not me? My cultivation level is higher than yours, and my background is superior!"


    Gu An didn''t get angry at his words and turned to smile, "Meng Lang, being the eldest brother is no easy task; once you take on the role, it''s for a lifetime. Master noticed that you have the heart for immortal cultivation, so he let me take the position."


    "Really?" Meng Lang''s anger subsided.


    "Of course. Look at our eldest brother; he''s been here for forty years. How many forty years does one have in life?"


    Meng Lang fell silent; his gaze changed, filled with sympathy as he looked at Gu An.


    He patted Gu An on the shoulder and said, "Gu An, you''ve been wronged."


    Xiaochuan also grew quiet.


    He too harbored dreams of immortal cultivation and naturally did not want to spend his life there.


    Gu An pretended to be pensive while inwardlyughing.


    Meng Lang was indeed easy to fool.


    And so, the life of Gu An as the leading disciple began.


    Cheng Xuandan assigned him to oversee all affairs of Medicine Valley, so he handed over nting and farming tasks to Xiaochuan and Meng Lang, and only took care of the harvesting himself.


    Meng Lang, possibly feeling guilty, didn''tin.


    Since harvesting was a rare task,ing around once every month, Gu An spent most of his time cultivating in secret, never letting anyone perceive his true cultivation level.


    Three months had passed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    In secrecy, Gu An reached the fifthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm.


    The Mastery of Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill was truly formidable!


    Gu An hadn''t cultivated as long as Meng Lang, and he made sure to leave time for reading.


    The autumn leaves nketed Medicine Valley, and the surrounding mountains also took on autumn hues, spreading a sense of mncholy in the mortal world.


    Gu An stood in front of the wooden railing, watching the third-stage medicinal herbs that were about to ripen, fondling the White Spirit Rat in his hand.


    Suddenly hearing something, he turned his head, only to see Cheng Xuandan approaching from the valley entrance, followed by two people, a boy and a girl, both looking around fourteen or fifteen years old.


    He subconsciously used Life Span Detection.


    [Ye Lan (Energy Cultivation Realm firstyer): 14/110/130]


    [Lu Jiujia (Energy Cultivation Realm secondyer): 15/140/190]


    Excellent!


    Two more had arrived to serve!


    Gu An''s corners of his mouth turned up, and he immediately walked briskly towards Cheng Xuandan.


    He came before Cheng Xuandan and sped his fists in a salute.


    Lu Jiujia and Ye Lan couldn''t help but look at Gu An curiously; Gu An was handsome, and with the cultivation of Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill and Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, he exuded an exceptional temperament which reminded them of Cultivators from the Supreme Sect they had met before.


    "An''er, these two are your junior brother and sister. You take them to settle in," Cheng Xuandan said before leaving.


    An''er?


    Gu An almost got goosebumps, but he still saluted Cheng Xuandan''s retreating figure.


    He turned to look at Lu Jiujia and Ye Lan; they both hastened to salute him respectfully, which pleased him greatly.


    Nice!


    They were more polite than Li Ya and Meng Lang; those two had no etiquette towards Zhang Chunqiu back in the day.


    Gu An felt an instant liking for his junior brother and sister. He began with introducing himself and asked them to do the same.


    Lu Jiujia had dark skin and wore tattered clothes, like a young farm boy. However, his eyes were bright and spirited.


    Ye Lan was thin and petite but dressed richly, and her features were only considered fair.


    "Let''s go, I, your senior brother, will take you to your lodgings," said Gu An with a smile, his gentle attitude easing their nervousness.


    On the way to the disciple''s courtyard, Ye Lan couldn''t contain her curiosity about the other disciples within Medicine Valley.


    Gu An introduced them truthfully.


    After that, he called over Meng Lang and Xiaochuan and made the four of them meet each other.


    Unlike Zhang Chunqiu, Gu An genuinely wanted to improve rtionships among fellow sect members; after all, he was to be the Valley Master.


    The addition of Ye Lan and Lu Jiujia to the fold reminded Gu An of Zhu Moyan and the Demon of Greed.


    No good!


    He needed to resolve this issue soon, lest his junior brothers and sisters encounter danger.


    Gu An, with this matter weighing on his mind, began instructing his junior brothers and sisters on how to go about their tasks.


    That evening.


    He closed his room door, took out Chu Jingfeng''s Spirit Stone, and channeled a sliver of Spiritual Power into it, causing the Spirit Stone to be hot.


    This was Gu An''s first time using such a device from the world of Immortal Cultivation, and he found it very novel.


    After a few breaths, Chu Jingfeng''s voice came from within, "Who is this?"


    Wow, how many people have you given such a Spirit Stone to?


    Gu An forcefully suppressed the urge toin and said, "Senior, it is Gu An from Medicine Valley."


    Chu Jingfeng fell silent.


    Gu An sensed a trace of awkwardness, but thankfully Chu Jingfeng soon asked, "Do you have information on the Demon of Greed?"


    "Yes!"


    Gu An dered with conviction, and then recounted what he had seen and heard.


    After he finished, Chu Jingfeng inquired seriously, "Is it true?"


    "True, without a shred of falsehood. He''s not far from our Medicine Valley. I fear he might harm us," Gu An seriously stated.


    "Alright, I will take full responsibility for this matter. I will look for his Cave location in the Outer Sect and won''t trouble you further."


    "Thank you for understanding, Senior. If this matter is resolved smoothly, I also hope that senior will not mention me. I am of mediocre talent and seek no trouble, just a peaceful life."


    "Hmm, I''ll handle it properly."


    After saying this, Chu Jingfeng cut off the Spirit Stone connection.


    Gu An ced the Spirit Stone on the table and carefully revisited his interactions with Chu Jingfeng and Zhu Moyan, confirming there were no slip-ups.


    What a hassle.


    I hope this issue resolves smoothly.


    I just want to farm in peace.


    Gu An thought to himself that,pared to fighting and killing, he much preferred the tranquil life of gathering herbs.


    ...


    After signaling Chu Jingfeng, Gu An patrolled every day, keeping a close eye on his junior brothers and sisters, fearing they might venture out of Medicine Valley.


    Three days passed without incident.


    It was not until the deep of the fourth night that Gu An sensed a disturbance of Spiritual Energy outside of Medicine Valley and faintly heard the sounds of weapons shing.


    A fight has broken out!


    He stealthily moved out, making his way to the mouth of the valley. He wanted to stand guard there to prevent the Demon of Greed or any other evildoers from sneaking into Medicine Valley and attacking his junior brothers and sisters.


    The distant battle was fierce, and by the time Gu An reached the valley mouth, it wasn''t over yet.


    The numerous mountain peaks along the way made it impossible for Gu An to visually assess the fight, so he relied on his keen hearing to gauge the situation.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An seemed to sense something, quickly turned around, and looked back at Medicine Valley.


    His gaze fell upon a pagoda where he saw Cheng Xuandan standing by a window, watching him from afar.


    The bright moonlight bathed the dark pagoda, and Cheng Xuandan appeared like a ghost, sending shivers down Gu An''s spine.


    Oh no!


    He''s caught me!


    Gu An frowned, suddenly unsure of what to do.


    Just as he hesitated, Cheng Xuandan slowly closed the window, but his gaze lingered like two chilling beams that deeply unsettled Gu An.


    Gu An wasn''t afraid of Cheng Xuandan himself, but he dreaded the possibility that Cheng Xuandan might let his secret slip.


    Yet upon further thought, he figured it was unlikely. If Cheng Xuandan were really in cahoots with the Great Cultivator behind the Demon of Greed, why bother to summon Chu Jingfeng for protection?


    It would be superfluous!


    If they, as mere Servant Disciples, were killed, the other party wouldn''t even need to fabricate a reason to report back to the Sect.

 Chapter 10: Chapter 10 Alchemy, One Jade One Promise

    Gu An tried not to dwell on Cheng Xuandan''s intentions; instead, he focused his attention outside the valley to prevent enemy attacks.


    He stood guard the entire night.


    As dawn was about to break, Gu An quietly returned to his room.


    Gu An wanted to go to the battlefield to take a look but feared traps, so he could only hold back.


    The addition of Ye Lan and Lu Jiujia brought more vitality to Medicine Valley, dragging Xiaochuan all over the valley as they ran. They were in the prime of youth, brimming with energy, and even the normally silent and reticent Xiaochuan became lively because of them.


    Gu An leaned against the wooden railing of a garden area, holding a copy of Green Hero Travelogue, enjoying the caress of the autumn wind.


    His gaze asionally swept towards Cheng Xuandan''s attic.


    The face-off fromst night lingered in his mind, and he really wanted to talk to Cheng Xuandan but feared disrupting the delicate bnce.


    Just then, Lu Jiujia approached Gu An, his face full of anticipation as he asked, "Senior Brother, I heard from Senior Brother Meng that you are proficient in a sophisticated leg technique. Could you teach me? I am willing to take over all your harvesting tasks."


    Gu An looked at him and smiled, "I wouldn''t say proficient. If you want to learn, I can certainly teach you. As for the harvesting, let''s leave it to senior brother. I should do some work, and besides, I enjoy harvesting."


    Upon hearing this, Lu Jiujia''s respect for Gu An grew even more.


    Senior Brother is truly a good person!


    He was extremely excited.


    Gu An tucked the book he was holding into his bosom and then began teaching Lu Jiujia the Residual Wind Leg technique.


    It wasn''t long before Xiaochuan and Ye Lan also ran over to learn, but as for Meng Lang, he was too proud to admit interest and felt that Gu An was not stronger than him. The reason he spoke of Gu An''s leg technique was merely to avoid Lu Jiujia''s pestering.


    The Residual Wind Leg technique was fierce, and even with Gu An holding back, it was still dazzling to the three youths.


    An hourter, as Gu An was thinking of an excuse to slip away, a voice came from afar:


    "An''er,e here."


    Gu An turned his head to look and saw Cheng Xuandan standing by the window, gesturing to him.


    Here ites!


    Gu An immediately walked towards Cheng Xuandan''s attic, while Xiaochuan and the others did not think much of it and continued practicing the Residual Wind Leg technique.


    He made his way into Cheng Xuandan''s room, closed the door behind him, and quickly approached Cheng Xuandan, bowing in greeting.


    Cheng Xuandan was seated in meditation in front of the pill furnace. He pointed to the other side of the furnace and said, "Sit."


    Gu An went to the indicated spot, sat down cross-legged, and meanwhile prepared his words carefully in his mind.


    "Have you looked for Chu Jingfeng?" The first sentence from Cheng Xuandan interrupted Gu An''s thoughts.


    There we go, right to the point!


    Gu An didn''t beat around the bush and replied, "Yes, he approached me before saying that if there was any clue about the Demon of Greed, to contact him at any time. Senior Brother Zhang suggested I manage the cave of an Outer Disciple named Zhu Moyan. When Zhu Moyan returned, I went to hand over the cave and saw the Demon of Greed he had hidden behind the vines.


    His cave is too close to us; I had to find Chu Jingfeng."


    Cheng Xuandan nodded and said, "You did right. This matter indeed had to be left to Chu Jingfeng. Chu Jingfeng is no ordinary person. Besides being exceptionally talented, he also has a notable background. That''s why he can be an Inner Sect Disciple with the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation."


    A significant background?


    No wonder he dares to investigate the Demon of Greed!


    Gu An felt reassured in his heart, also worried that if Chu Jingfeng failed, the Great Cultivator behind the Demon of Greed might trace back to him.


    "Chu Jingfeng has been investigating the Demon of Greed, so he took on our Medicine Valley''s task. It''s part of a power y between his father and a certain eminent figure within the sect. Still, I am quite puzzled; it''s been several months since you returned from Zhu Moyan''s ce, why did you only contact Chu Jingfeng recently?" Cheng Xuandan stared at Gu An and questioned.


    Gu An said helplessly, "Master, you should understand me. I dislike trouble and don''t wish to conflict with others. No matter what Meng Lang tried tomand me to do, I couldn''t be bothered to argue, so originally, I intended to pretend I didn''t see anything. But since master has brought junior brothers and sisters to Medicine Valley, I had no choice but to contact Chu Jingfeng."


    This was a sincere confession; indeed, these were his reasons.


    Cheng Xuandan gave him a deep look, then nced at the pill furnace beside him, and said, "You''ve done well. From now on, you are my True Disciple. I will pass on everything I know to you."


    "As for this matter, let''s both forget it. Neither Chu Jingfeng''s father nor the eminent figure behind the Demon of Greed is someone we can afford to provoke."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An was stunned. He looked at Cheng Xuandan''s profile and suddenly felt he had misunderstood his master.


    "Master!"


    Gu An immediately stood up and bowed to Cheng Xuandan, with great formality.


    Cheng Xuandan looked back at him, showing a gentle expression that was like a different person from his usual self.


    "In the future, if there''s anything you want to understand or learn, you can alwayse to your master. Don''t feel like you''re bothering me. I don''t have many years left, and there aren''t many days for me to teach you." Cheng Xuandan''s eyes and tone were softer than they ever had been before.


    Gu An sat down, his voice cautious, "Master, can you concoct the Youth-Preserving Pill?"


    A staple for the protagonist of any immortal cultivation story is starting with a Youth-Preserving Pill for eternal youth¡ªGu An didn''t want to end up as an old man with white hair.


    Cheng Xuandan shook his head with a smile, then raised his hand, and with a movement through the air, a jade bottle appeared in his hand. He poured out one pill and handed it to Gu An.


    Gu An did not hesitate and swallowed it directly.


    The reason he was so bold was that the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill and the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill both had detoxifying effects, and describing his current state as immune to all poisons was by no means an exaggeration.


    Seeing Gu An had no guard against him, a look of gratification appeared in Cheng Xuandan''s eyes.


    After taking the Youth-Preserving Pill, Gu An felt nothing out of the ordinary, as if he had just consumed a piece of ice candy that melted in his mouth.


    "Do you have any interest in Alchemy?" Cheng Xuandan asked.


    Gu An''s eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, "Not hiding anything from you, Master, I have actually wanted to learn Alchemy from you for a while, but I was too shy to say anything before."


    Cheng Xuandan pinched his beard andughed heartily, hisughter filled with genuine warmth.


    The atmosphere inside the room became very harmonious, and Cheng Xuandan began to teach the art of Alchemy, starting from igniting the fire in the pill furnace. Gu An, who had learned the Fire Control Art, picked it up quickly, leading Cheng Xuandan to mistakenly believe he possessed a natural talent for Alchemy.


    However, once Cheng Xuandan''s lecture moved beyond managing the fire, Gu An started to get confused, which rendered Cheng Xuandan silent for a while.


    ...


    After Gu An and Cheng Xuandan established a true mentor-disciple rtionship, Medicine Valley became livelier. Cheng Xuandan, who usually stayed shut inside his room, began toe out more often, casually giving pointers to Gu An and the others on how to cultivate medicinal herbs.


    Lu Jiujia and Ye Lan grew increasingly fond of Cheng Xuandan, often praising how amiable and approachable their master was, much to Meng Lang''s scorn.


    Since that night''s great battle, there had been no more sounds of fighting outside the valley.


    Chu Jingfeng and Zhu Moyan never came to Medicine Valley, and Gu An didn''t dare to inquire into the situation, only able to keep the matter hidden deep within his heart.


    Time flew by swiftly.


    A year passed in a blink of an eye.


    Gu An crossed the threshold of twenty and his life span increased to over two thousand and eight hundred years once again.


    One day at noon, Gu An was lying on a cliff halfway up the mountain, reading a book. Below was Medicine Valley, where he could see the figures of Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia practicing their leg techniques.


    Ever since the word ''Alchemy'' appeared on Gu An''s attribute panel, he stopped pestering Cheng Xuandan.


    Learning the process of Alchemy was truly too dull.


    It is worth mentioning that, at Gu An''s suggestion, Cheng Xuandan exchanged more seeds from the Outer Sect. Needless to say, Cheng Xuandan was verypetent after they truly became master and disciple.


    Gu An propped his head with his left hand and held the book in his right, exhaling a breath of air to flip the pages.


    His eyes suddenly widened, and he sat up immediately.


    Thetest edition of ''Green Hero Travelogue'' actually included illustrations!


    There was something special about it!


    Gu An carefully admired the pictures in the book, his mouth constantly critiquing as he went along.


    A loud screech descended from the sky, and he looked up sharply, his gaze bing piercing.


    A white eagle with a wingspan of about ten feetnded. When it was nearly two yards away from Gu An, it loosened its talons, and a letter fell, which he caught effortlessly.


    The white eagle drew a perfect arc in the sky, swiftly disappearing beyond the other side of the mountain.


    What a majestic eagle!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu An couldn''t help but think of his White Spirit Rat, tiny as a palm, and utterly useless.


    He opened the envelope and found not only a letter but also a jade pendant inside, engraved with the character ''Chu.''


    He tucked the jade pendant into his belt and pocketed the ''Green Hero Travelogue'' before examining the letter.


    The letter was surprisingly from Chu Jingfeng.


    Chu Jingfeng first gave a brief ount of the battle from before, revealing that Zhu Moyan had died by his sword. Over the past year, he had gathered evidence all around and brought down the Great Cultivator manipting the Demon of Greed, assuring Gu An that he needn''t worry about the issue anymore.


    The jade pendant was a token from the Chu Family; if Gu An encountered problems he couldn''t resolve, he could use it to seek out Chu Jingfeng or his nsmen.


    The Chu Family honors the jade, not the person¡ªA promise for a jade.


    Gu An''s regard for Chu Jingfeng rose greatly. He hadn''t expected such an aloof Inner Sect Disciple to value loyalty so much.


    Even if Chu Jingfeng gave him nothing in return, he couldn''t do anything about it. Moreover, he had previously said that there was no need for Chu Jingfeng to contact him anymore.


    After reading, Gu An tore the letter into pieces, then scattered them on the ground. With a slight twist of his right foot, the Spiritual Power beneath vibrated, turning the paper fragments into fine dust.


    The Spiritual Power of the Eighth Layer in the Energy Cultivation Realm was just that strong!


    Gu An''s mouth curved in a smile, and he leaped into the air like a wild goose flying swiftly away. Along the way, his toes lightly touched the leaves in the hillside woods,nding gracefully at the end of his path.


    To this, Lu Jiujia and Xiaochuan had already grown ustomed.


    Gu An kept his aura at the level of the Second Layer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, and he had already showcased his Residual Wind Leg, earning high praise from Cheng Xuandan. Now, he was like a formidable master of the Martial Arts World.


    Gu An was low-key in his actions, but he felt he couldn''t always hide away. Revealing some of his strength appropriately would help him live a better farming life.


    As soon as hended, the White Spirit Rat scurried over and climbed up his leg to his shoulder.


    "I haven''t checked your leg techniques for several days. Come on, let''s spar. The two of you together," Gu An said to Xiaochuan and the others with a smile.


    Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia exchanged nces and immediately charged at Gu An.


    The three of them fought with their leg techniques on the grass outside the garden, moving deftly with their long legs whipping through the air. For a moment, the breeze whooshed, and grass clippings flew about.


    Gu An faced two opponents alone, dismantling Xiaochuan and the others'' techniques with a single leg.


    Xiaochuan''s techniques appeared well-shaped but slightly clumsy. Lu Jiujia showed high talent, his kicks already carrying the momentum of the Residual Wind Leg, but every move was slower than Gu An.


    After half a censer of time, Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia were panting heavily, and after exchanging a look, they conceded defeat in unison.


    Gu An slowly retracted his leg, which had been suspended in the air, and said with a smile, "You''ve improved a lot, which made it quite challenging for your Senior Brother. I estimate it won''t be long before you surpass me."


    "How long is ''not long''?" Xiaochuan asked bluntly.


    Gu An patted the dust off his trousers and said with a smile, "That depends on how hard you practice."


    The White Spirit Rat perched on his shoulder, squeaking as ifughing.

 Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Ji Family Ultimate Skill

    After exchanging a few words with Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia, Gu An headed towards his own courtyard, pulling out a copy of "Green Hero Travelogue" from his robes, preparing to thoroughly enjoy the illustrations within.


    As he reached the front of the courtyard, Ye Lan approached him.


    "Senior Brother, I want to learn the Residual Wind Leg too!" Ye Lan said, puffing up with frustration.


    Gu An naturally closed the travelogue and asked with a smile, "What''s the matter? Has Senior Brother Meng refused to teach you spells?"


    Ye Lan grew even more annoyed and said with a sense of grievance, "Yes, he teaches in such a perfunctory manner. I got frustrated and argued with him, and then he snapped at me, saying he needs to prepare for the Outer Sect examination and doesn''t have the time to bother with me, telling me to scram."


    Gu An noticed her cheeks puffing up like balloons and felt amused, but he held back and didn''tugh out loud.


    "Since Senior Brother Meng is busy, let''s not disturb him. How about this: tomorrow at noon, I will personally teach you the Residual Wind Leg, how does that sound?" Gu An said soothingly.


    Ye Lan looked at him in surprise and asked, "Why tomorrow?"


    "Senior Brother is tired, have some sympathy. You were just being harried by your two senior brothers, you can go ask them," Gu An said, pointing towards Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia in the distance.


    After finishing his sentence, he walked past Ye Lan and headed towards his own room.


    Ye Lan noticed the book in his hand and wondered to herself, "Is ''Green Hero Travelogue'' really that interesting?"


    Gu An closed the door of his room,y on his bed, and picked up "Green Hero Travelogue" again.


    The reason he liked "Green Hero Travelogue" was that it was a series, with a new volume released every six months.


    Following a serialized book in the Immortal Cultivation World gave Gu An a sense of being back on Earth.


    He soon became immersed in the content of the book.


    He seriously suspected that the book was written by a cultivator from the Supreme Sect, just that he didn''t know how advanced the author''s cultivation level was since the book didn''t include detailed battle records, only leisurely travels and romantic adventures.


    An hourter.


    Gu An suddenly heard amotion from the neighboring house; it seemed like Meng Lang was rolling on the ground, his breathing highly irregr.


    Hmm?


    Did he mess up his practice?


    Gu An hesitated whether to check on him or not but Meng Lang soon stopped. This kid didn''t even cry out in pain; as the surrounding spiritual energy flowed towards his house, Gu An knew he had resumed his cultivation.


    Tsk tsk.


    Li Ya has already risen to prominence; could it be that Meng Lang also had his own extraordinary encounter?


    Goodness, if this is the case, then the three of them joining Medicine Valley on the same day, epting the same master, and each having great opportunities, would indeed be the stuff of legends.


    Gu An quickly reconsidered and felt he might be overthinking it.


    Meng Lang would be lucky if he could die a natural death.


    In his view, with Meng Lang''s temperament, once he left the valley, it wouldn''t be long before he died. He was inept at speaking and quick to anger, hardly the demeanor of a cultivator.


    He stopped pondering and continued indulging in "Green Hero Travelogue."


    Gu An spent six ancient hours each day absorbing spiritual energy, usually using his sleeping hours for cultivation, as cultivators don''t need to sleep; the process of energy absorption itself was a better form of rest and rxation than sleep.


    With the remaining time, he didn''t just read travelogues; he had other books too. Cheng Xuandan had already passed on to him the "Hundred Herbs Collection," a manual produced by the Supreme Sect that documented various spirit flowers and grasses around the world, with specific medicinal properties noted by Cheng Xuandan.


    Though Cheng Xuandan''s cultivation level was low, having lived for a century, he indeed possessed extensive knowledge and broad experience.


    People with poor qualifications have this advantage; they can spend more time umting knowledge and experiences.


    ...


    Another year passed, and winter snow arrived. Flurries ofrge snowkes nketed the garden, and Gu An was directing his junior brothers and sisters in clearing it.


    As for Meng Lang, that guy had be obsessed with his training, hiding in his room all day to practice, and now, Gu An couldn''t get him to do anything. Cheng Xuandan said to just let him be.


    Every edge of the garden had special talisman papers that could generate heat, but these papers had a time limit. Once they expired, it would only take an hour for the snow to nket the entire garden again.


    Watching Xiaochuan, Lu Jiujia, and Ye Lan bustling about, Gu An''s mind wandered.


    He was increasingly dissatisfied with the production of Medicine Valley and felt it was essential to clear newnd!


    Once this winter was over, he nned to have them go up the mountain to cut trees and cultivate the soil.


    Suddenly, a sound of breaking air came from afar. Gu An turned to look and saw a man in in clothes riding a flying sword, cutting through the snowy sky, resembling a sword immortal.


    Du Ye!


    Gu An instinctively sent out a life span detection toward him, discovering that his cultivation had reached the sixthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.


    Such a rapid breakthrough!


    The arrival of Du Ye also caught the attention of Xiaochuan and the others.


    As Du Ye flew close to where Gu An was and then leaped off, skillfully stowing his sword into its sheath at his waist¡ªhis movements as smooth as flowing water¡ªXiaochuan and the others stared in awe. They had joined the Supreme Sect not to do menial work but to cultivate immortality, a dream hindered by their mediocre Spirit Root Qualifications.


    They had joined Medicine Valley while waiting for a chance.


    Du Ye sized up Gu An, pped him on the shoulders and said with augh, "Not bad, you''ve fully grown up, no longer the little kid who used to follow me around."


    Gu An exchanged pleasantries with Du Ye while inwardly swearing.


    We''re all house servants, what''s with the pretense?


    After several detours, Du Ye finally brought up the main topic. He whispered, "How are the medicinal herbsing along?"


    "Come with me to retrieve them," Gu An nodded with a smile.


    He indeed had some herbs stored away, rightfully his as the top disciple of Medicine Valley, and he nned to give them all to Du Ye.


    Although he could steal life span, that stuff required time.


    Before achieving absolute invincibility, he had to foster good rtions with the Ji Family, as they might prove useful in the future.


    Although the Chu Family was strong, their influence was only within the Supreme Sect. The Ji Family, however, was different¡ª they were a top-tier family within the entire Taicang Dynasty. The Ji Family where Gu An previously stayed was just a branch in one city, but descendants of the Ji Family could be found in all Immortal Cultivation Sects throughout the dynasty.


    Along the way, Du Ye began to talk about the Outer Sect.


    "Li Ya is from your Medicine Valley, isn''t he? Recently, he has been quite the topic of conversation. He is a descendant of the Taicang Imperial Family and is currentlypeting with his imperial brother. The two have even made a life-and-death duel pact, causing quite a stir."


    "It is said that Li Ya was considered a waste just a few years ago. By some stroke of luck, his cultivation level improved by leaps and bounds. Now, he has already reached the Second Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Hearing Du Ye mention Li Ya piqued Gu An''s interest.


    Why does Li Ya sound like a bitter and vengeful protagonist from a fantasy novel?


    Curiously, Gu An asked, "Must one reach the Foundation Establishment Realm to be an Outer Disciple? "


    Du Ye nodded and said, "Naturally, like me, my cultivation level is insufficient. Although I am in the Outer Sect, I still belong to the servants, but staying in the Outer City allows me to be involved in these matters."


    "Reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm directly promotes one to an Outer Disciple, and reaching the Core Formation Realm advances one to an Inner Sect Disciple. Above the Inner Sect Disciples are the Inheriting Disciples and True Disciples. These are the explicit rules. If one''s talent is exceptional, they can also break these rules."


    "Our third miss is such a person. From the moment she joined, she was an Inheriting Disciple, and she is now thinking about breaking through to be a True Disciple. To be a True Disciple, relying solely on cultivation level is not enough; one must also be able tomand respect and possess sufficient prestige. That''s why I need to pave the way for her."


    When Du Ye mentioned Ji Xiaoyu, he spoke incessantly.


    For the first time, Gu An did not mind his verbosity and listened attentively.


    As they entered the house, Gu An listened while taking out the bundle he had prepared earlier.


    Du Ye spoke for a while before finally stopping. He raised his hand slightly, dissatisfied, he said, "Is that all?"


    Gu An replied with a smile, "The future is long, after all. Immortal cultivation is not a matter of one or two years. Instead of overstepping my bounds and risking being banished from the valley, it''s better for me to staypliant, providing herbs all year round. I won''t keep a single nt to myself, all will be offered up."


    Hearing this, Du Ye''s expression softened. He asked again, "Really?"


    "Really, with my qualifications, what do I need herbs for? Living a peaceful life is my pursuit," Gu An responded affirmatively.


    Du Ye opened his mouth but eventually sighed. His right hand reached for his storage bag, from which he took out a manual and handed it to Gu An.


    Gu An took it and saw it was titled ''Eight Directions Step''.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This surprised him.


    Had the guy had a change of heart?


    Du Ye exined, "This is a stepping technique from the Ji Family. It''s only the basic step of Ji Family''s ultimate skill, Qilin Step, but if you learn it, you might move faster, which could help you escape trouble someday. This technique does not depend on Spirit Root Qualification; as long as you practice, you can always learn it."


    Gu An began to see Du Ye in a new light and was about to say something when Du Ye grabbed the bundle, patted his shoulder, and walked past him.


    Gu An turned around, following his steps, and saw him off.


    Reaching the courtyard, Du Ye turned back to him and said, "After all, we have grown up together. Even if our paths divergeter due to different choices, our friendship remains. If life treats you poorly, you can alwayse to me."


    With these words, his left hand pped the scabbard, and with a metallic ring, the sword was drawn. He leaped up and rode away on the sword.


    Such an impressive Sword Control Technique!


    Gu An lowered his gaze to the manual in his hands, his lips curving upwards.


    He began to browse through the Eight Directions Step and started practicing it in the courtyard.


    A Ji Family ultimate skill?


    He wondered if, by using his lifespan to cultivate, he could evolve and deduce that Ji Family''s ultimate skill.


    When Xiaochuan and the other two finished cleaning all the sectors, they quickly came to Gu An''s courtyard, curiously watching him practice the stepping technique.


    "Senior Brother, what cultivation technique are you practicing?" Ye Lan asked curiously.


    Gu An, shifting his stance, asked with a smile, "Do you want to learn?"


    "Yes!"


    The three responded in unison.


    Gu An replied, "Wait until I learn it, then I will teach you."


    Bang!


    The door of the house next door burst open, and Meng Lang, whose eyes were covered with bloodshot veins and forehead full of blood-colored veins, emerged, looking terrifying.


    Xiaochuan, Lu Jiujia, and Ye Lan were all scared.


    Meng Lang charged towards the nearest Ye Lan like a crazed beast, his aura ferocious.


    Ye Lan was terrified and couldn''t react quickly enough.


    In less than a moment, Meng Lang was about to collide with Ye Lan.


    Gu An grasped Ye Lan''s shoulders and pulled him back, while his right foot simultaneously stepped on Meng Lang''s chest.


    Boom!


    Meng Lang''s momentum exploded, his aura whirling around him, and his feet scraped long marks on the ground.


    Gu An''s right leg slowly straightened, pushing Meng Lang backward.


    Xiaochuan and the others widened their eyes, Gu An''s posture deeply imprinting in their minds, leaving them in awe.


    Is Senior Brother this powerful?


    Although Gu An usually managed to win over them in sparring without using spiritual power, Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia always believed they would eventually surpass their senior brother.


    Suddenly, Meng Lang grabbed Gu An''s right foot with both hands, a brutal force attempting to break his leg.


    Gu An leapt up sharply, then forcefully stomped down, pressing Meng Lang into the ground with a thud, forcing him to kneel.


    Meng Lang''s knees sank into the soil, his body trembling, unable to push Gu An''s foot off, looking extremely wretched.

 Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Foundation Establishment, Nighttime Turbulence

    Watching Gu An suppress Meng Lang with a single leg, Xiaochuan, Lu Jiujia, and Ye Lan were extremely excited.


    On normal days, Meng Lang always boasted that he was the strongest in Medicine Valley, who would have thought that today, in his loss of control, he would be made to kneel by a single leg from his eldest senior brother!


    No wonder the eldest senior brother isn''t Meng Lang!


    The master has a discerning eye!


    Gu An gazed down at Meng Lang, who was kneeling before him, and spoke, "Haven''t youe to your senses yet?"


    His spiritual power flowed through his right leg into Meng Lang''s body, forcibly smoothing out the chaotic spiritual power within him.


    Meng Lang''s breathing stabilized, the bloodshot in his eyes began to fade, and his ferocious expression gradually returned to normal.


    Seeing that he had awakened, Gu An slowly retracted his leg, then helped him up.


    Meng Lang suddenly came to his senses, looking up at Gu An while breathing heavily.


    "Gu An... What... what just happened to me?" Meng Lang asked with difficulty, the violent fluctuations of qi-blood in his body making speaking quite strenuous.


    Gu An replied, "It seemed like you experienced a cultivation deviation."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Lang''s eyes widened in shock and he asked, "I didn''t harm you, did I?"


    Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia''s expressions instantly became peculiar.


    Ye Lan subconsciously wanted to answer, but Gu An hastily interjected, "It''s fine, you managed to restrain yourself at the critical moment."


    Meng Lang let out a sigh of relief, forcing a cheerful smile he said, "That''s right... after all, I am the true eldest senior brother. How could I harm you..."


    Ye Lan, on the other hand, looked at Gu An with eyes full of admiration.


    The eldest senior brother is not only powerful but also very gentle!


    Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia shared the same thoughts, while feeling contempt for Meng Lang.


    Talk is cheap, just a moment ago he was like a ghost!


    Gu An told Xiaochuan and the others to disperse, then helped Meng Lang back to his room.


    "What kind of cultivation technique are you practicing? It''s too shady, isn''t it?" Gu An asked, although he had a poor opinion of Meng Lang, after all, they had spent day and night together, and if possible, he still hoped Meng Lang would be safe and sound.


    Meng Lang chuckled and said, "Of course, it''s a divine skill... it''s just that my talents andprehension aren''t enough, making it easy to go astray. But there''s no helping it, I must be an Outer Disciple..."


    Confused, Gu An asked, "Why must you be an Outer Disciple when you didn''t seem to care before?"


    Meng Lang''splexion instantly darkened, and he fell into silence.


    Seeing that he did not want to speak, Gu An did not press further; after helping him to bed, Gu An then turned and left.


    This incident was but a minor episode for Gu An; he couldn''t control others'' fates. Everyone had their own aspirations, and if one perished on the Immortal Cultivation Path, it wouldn''t be considered a pity.


    Arriving in the courtyard, Gu An continued to practice the Eight Trigrams Step.


    ...


    Winter passed and spring arrived, another year of fine scenery.


    In the early morning, when Medicine Valley still held remnants of snow, Gu An took his junior brothers and sisters up the mountain.


    "Felling trees and pulling out roots is also a form of cultivation. You can use your spiritual power to do it. Once your spiritual power is depleted, you can cultivate to replenish, which will aid in improving your cultivation level."


    Dressed in green, Gu An stood in the forest, smiling softly. He had his hands sped behind his back, exuding the demeanor of a master.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    That day, with a single leg, he had subdued Meng Lang who went into cultivation deviation, sessfully establishing himself as a dominant figure in the eyes of his junior brothers and sisters.


    Gu An even felt the younger junior sister developing different thoughts about him, increasingly clinging to him. Fortunately, he guided Ye Lan in her cultivation timely, diverting her attention.


    How could one speak of affection in Immortal Cultivation?


    In this life, Gu An did not wish to fall into the whirlpool of emotions too early¡ªsuch would lead to losing his way.


    Xiaochuan turned and asked, "Eldest senior brother, do we use our hands, or do we use our legs?"


    Gu An maintained his smile and said, "However is convenient for you. Cultivation is one aspect,pleting the task is another. You must find the right bnce."


    Is this how Zhang Chunqiu felt before?


    Talking nonsense is actually quite enjoyable!


    "Junior Brother Xiaochuan, let''s see who can do it faster!" Lu Jiujia said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.


    Xiaochuan readily agreed, and Ye Lan also mored to join, only to be ignored by the two who did not enjoypeting with a girl.


    So Gu An watched them pulling up trees while simultaneously nning out a new garden area.


    What medicinal herbs should be nted in this mountain?


    Gu An got lost in thought.


    Although Xiaochuan and the others were Cultivators, their cultivation levels were not high. It took them an entire half a day just to clear a piece ofnd. Gu An brought Soul Shaking Grass seeds, a third-grade medicinal herb, for them to nt.


    After finishing it all, the senior brothers went down the mountain together, chatting andughing, as the sunset stretched their shadows long across the hillside.


    Gu An encouraged his junior brothers and sisters to share their goals¡ªall three aimed to enter the Outer Sect, each driven by different motives.


    Xiaochuan simply wished to be stronger; Lu Jiujia aimed to prove himself to his family; Ye Lan seemed to have some unspeakable secret, speaking vaguely.


    Gu An listened with keen interest, believing that every person should have their own story.


    Hearing different people''s stories could enrich his own life as well.


    ...


    A month had passed since they nted the Soul Shaking Grass, and that night, the moon was sparse with stars.


    Gu An was sitting in meditation on his bed inside his room, gazing at his Attribute Panel and caught in a dilemma.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 20/3163]


    [Spirit Root: First-ss Wood Spirit Root, Four Elements Decent Spirit Root (Life Span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Level: Energy Cultivation Realm Nine Layers (Life Span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Techniques: Fire Control Art (Unmastered), Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill (Mastery), Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill (Mastery), Alchemy (Initial Insight) (Life Span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    [Ultimate Skills: Gale Shadowless Leg (Integrated Mastery), Li Family''s Seven Swords (Unmastered), Eight Trigrams Step (Unmastered) (Life Span can be invested for evolutionary cultivation)]


    Should I invest my life span to break through the cultivation realm?


    Cheng Xuandan has the ability to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. Now that she is so good to Gu An, perhaps he could seek a Foundation Establishment Pill.


    However, Meng Lang''s anomaly made Gu An wary of Cheng Xuandan once more.


    Meng Lang had no illustrious background; if he possessed a divine skill, he could have practiced it long ago. Why wait until Li Ya and Zhang Chunqiu had left before he began?


    With Gu An''s current senses, he could be certain that Meng Lang hadn''t been in contact with any strangers in the past two years. At most, he was summoned by Cheng Xuandan, and Gu An wouldn''t eavesdrop on their conversations every time.


    Forget it.


    Better to rely on oneself than to rely on others¡ªy it safe!


    The path of immortal cultivation is fraught with dangers; a single misstep can result in utter destruction!


    Gu An immediately invested a year of his life span into his cultivation level to undergo evolutionary training.


    [Special Reminder: Cultivation level is actually present. The evolution process turns the abstract into the concrete, and its consumption will exceed the life span used in actual cultivation.]


    [You focused on Energy Absorption cultivation for one year, and due to theck of a Foundation Establishment Pill and opportunities, you failed to break through the Foundation Establishment Realm.]


    Two lines of prompts appeared before Gu An''s eyes, and since he hadn''t seeded in breaking through, his cultivation level saw no improvement.


    Gu An, unfazed, continued to invest year after year.


    Failure, failure, failure...


    After a full nine times, his expression could no longer remainposed.


    Damn it!


    Laozi doesn''t believe this anymore!


    Invest a hundred years!


    Gu An, with his temper ring, directly invested a hundred years of his life span into his cultivation level for evolutionary training.


    [You cultivated Energy Absorption for ten years, and with your Great Aplishment in the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully attempted to break through the Foundation Establishment Realm, but ultimately failed.]


    [You cultivated Energy Absorption for twenty years, and with your Great Aplishment in the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully attempted to break through the Foundation Establishment Realm and finally seeded.]


    [You cultivated Energy Absorption for thirty years, and your cultivation level broke through to the secondyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.]


    [You cultivated Energy Absorption for fifty years, and your cultivation level broke through to the thirdyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.]


    [You cultivated Energy Absorption for seventy years, and your cultivation level broke through to the fourthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.]


    [You cultivated Energy Absorption for a hundred years, and your cultivation level broke through to the fifthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.]


    Rows of prompts crazily shed before Gu An''s eyes.


    He had no time to rejoice when he sensed something was amiss¡ªthe breakthrough through so many levels would surely cause an enormousmotion, wouldn''t it?


    No sooner had this thought crossed his mind than his body started to overheat, the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill automatically circted, and he quickly stood up and leaped out of the open window.


    His steps were incredibly fast, silent and swift, and in less than three breaths'' time, he dashed into the forest. With his feet kicking against the mountain wall, he climbed rapidly to the peak like an agile monkey. By this time, nature''s spiritual energy was already surging toward him.


    He leaped, plunging into the dim forest, his right footnding on a branch to gain momentum. After several jumps, hended smoothly on the ground.


    Spiritual energy madly flooded into him, creating a whirlwind around him.


    The speed at which he absorbed spiritual energy grew faster and faster, causing him to feel secretly rmed. Fortunately, he had reacted quickly; if the breakthrough had happened in Medicine Valley, it would have certainly disturbed others.


    Cheng Xuandan and Meng Lang might not dare toe out, but Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia, two hot-headed fools, would definitely do so.


    While Gu An thought this, he surged forward quickly, as nimble as a spirit fox. Under the cover of night, the forest rustled with the sound of swaying leaves.


    Leveraging the Gale Shadowless Leg, Gu An''s running speed was extremely fast as he traversed the range of mountains.


    He was getting farther and farther from Medicine Valley.


    He had not yet stopped when his cultivation realm began to break through, with spiritual energy violently surging into his energy channels, also inducing his dantian to evolve.


    So painful!


    Gu An frowned, but his pace did not slow down.


    He ran wildly for more than ten miles, and eventually, he stopped in a stand of trees, sitting down beneath one to cultivate energy.


    While cultivating, he marveled to himself.


    He hadn''t expected a hundred years of life span to allow him to break through from the ninthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm to the fifthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    It seemed the life span he seized was truly substantive. Of course, his rapid breakthrough was primarily due to the mastery of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill.


    If he were to invest a thousand years of life span, could he possibly reach the Elixir Formation Realm in one go, or even touch upon the Nascent Soul Realm?


    Gu An lost himself in boundless reveries.


    The more spiritual energy he absorbed, the more the forest seemed to be engulfed in a tempest, violently shaking, with leaves falling everywhere¡ªin the darkness, they appeared like demons and ghosts baring their fangs and ws.


    "Thismotion is a bit exaggerated..."


    Gu An ruefully thought to himself, recognizing the downsides of evolving cultivation with life span: excessive noise that drew unwanted attention.


    After evolution, it wasn''t a case of cultivation level increasing out of thin air butpressing the necessary spiritual energy into one period for a rapid breakthrough.


    Such was the turmoil from the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm to the fifthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, what kind of earth-shaking disturbance would it cause when he attempted to break through from the Elixir Formation Realm to the Nascent Soul Realm?


    During the breakthrough, should other cultivators be attracted, that would be bad news indeed.


    Gu An made it a habit to n for the worst scenarios.


    No good!


    He had to be even more careful in the future!


    Gu An decided to invest a year of life span into his cultivation level each day going forward, advancing step by step.


    Time swiftly passed and the night was engulfed by a fierce wind. Gu An''s robe billowed with the gusts as the spiritual power within him grew rapidly.


    A short whileter, his aura suddenly shifted.


    Foundation Establishment sessful!


    His dantian transformed, generating spiritual power even quicker while also stimting his bones and entire body to be stronger.


    It wasn''t over yet!


    His cultivation level kept soaring, as clouds of dust mixed with grass clippings swirled around him, the sound mighty.


    Foundation Establishment Realm secondyer!


    Foundation Establishment Realm thirdyer!


    Foundation Establishment Realm fourthyer!

 Chapter 13: Chapter 13: I Only Remember His Kicks Were Very Fast

    Gu An was not pleased by his rapid breakthrough, as he constantly felt a taut string in his heart, fearing that someone mighte.


    The Supreme Sect was so vast, and in the hundred miles around Medicine Valley, it was rare to see a trace of anyone. Could he have avoided alerting the Great Cultivator?


    As Gu An was thinking, he suddenly sensed two powerful presences approaching from afar, stronger even than Chu Jingfeng had been initially.


    Whatever you fear alwayses true!


    He was in the middle of advancing from the fourth to the fifth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm and couldn''t conveniently rise, and even if he attempted to flee now, escaping those two would be difficult.


    Big trouble!


    Gu An nervously felt the two encroaching presences, and when they were less than a hundred yards apart, they stopped on the opposite sides of a mountain peak.


    He was in a dim forest, dressed in a dark green robe, and the dust flying around made it hard to see his true face.


    Sensing that the two were not aggressivelying over, Gu An sighed in relief.


    It seemed they were wary of him as well and dared not disturb him rashly.


    Gu An''s cultivation level continued to increase. With movements being so loud and due to being separated by a mountain, he couldn''t hear the two people''s conversation, making him constantly unable to rx.


    By the time he broke through to the fifth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm, the two on the other side of the mountain had still made no move.


    Gu An''s rate of cultivation growth began to slow down. He lifted his right hand, pressing it against the tree trunk behind him, connecting his spiritual power with the trunk. A green light appeared on the trunk, winding around his palm.


    As the green lightpleted its circuit, he withdrew his right hand and pulled a piece of wooden mask directly from the tree trunk.


    He ced the mask over his face and with the fingers of his other hand, he carved out two eye holes, the carved portions falling away, leaving aplete mask over his face.


    Spiritual power continued to drill into his body, but he was already able to stand up.


    Feeling that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was settling, a loud voice came through:


    "May I ask which Daoist Friend is breaking through here, and why not do it within your own cave?"


    This voice was very serious, clearly suspecting that Gu An was not a disciple of the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An hesitated about whether he should respond.


    He was just a Servant Disciple. Having seeded in Foundation Establishment within a few years of joining, even though he could smoothly enter the Outer Sect, risks still remained!


    The noise he caused tonight was too great. If those two knew his identity, surely a third and fourth person woulde to know, and what if someone harbored malicious intent against him?


    It was no wonder Gu An was overthinking, having grown up as a house servant, he was all too familiar with the vicious nature of people.


    Gu An, while tying the mask with vines, pondered with eyes shing cold light, gleaming eerily in the night.


    Not possible!


    He couldn''t expose himself!


    Gu An didn''t want to get embroiled in trouble; even bing an Outer Sect Disciple wasn''t necessarily good for him.


    The Supreme Sect would not foster disciples for nothing; Outer Sect disciples had to undertake Sect assignments, inevitably cing themselves in mortal danger.


    Once his cultivation waspletely stable, he stood up, his face obscured by the mask except for his eyes, still surrounded by spiraling currents of energy.


    At that moment, he sensed two presences swiftly approaching from the mountain; clearly, they now considered him an intruder.


    Gu An dared to keep silent also because he assessed that their cultivation levels were not very strong. If he felt they were too powerful to contend with, he wouldn''t have thought so much.


    He immediately turned and dashed deeper into the forest.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A slicing sound came from behind Gu An, and he looked back to see a cold gleam rushing toward him in the dim forest, breaking branches along its path, followed by a woman.


    This woman was dressed in white, her right arm extended straight, her palm facing the sword handle, connected by spiritual power. The de emitted a fierce sword qi, unstoppable, shing like a startled swan through the forest.


    In an instant, her sword had reached Gu An''s back, less than half a yard away.


    Gu An''s left footnded, his body shifted backward, and as he simultaneously crouched with his left leg, the de just flew over him.


    The woman in white widened her eyes, her face enveloped in shadows of the night, but the de light shone right into her eyes, those stunning, shocking eyes filled with astonishment.


    Time seemed to slow down, but it was over in a blink!


    As Gu An crouched, his right leg kicked backwards, striking the abdomen of the woman in white with a force she had never experienced before. Her consciousness plunged into oblivion, and blood spewed from her mouth.


    Thud!


    The woman in white flew back, crashed against arge tree, then fell to the ground, her condition unknown.


    "How dare you!"


    A furious shout came, and Gu An fixed his eyes to see a figure cloaked in green light rapidly approaching, leaving behind a series of afterimages.


    So fast!


    Gu An''s eyes couldn''t keep up with the movement technique of the other, and in his panic, he immediately deployed the Gale Shadowless Leg.


    He had no realbat experience, having dealt with the Demon of Greed by merely using a p, so facing a formidable opponent, he dared not close in.


    Spiritual power surged into his right leg as he shifted a step backward, his right legshing out violently.


    As heshed out, a gale sprang up from nowhere, howling toward the figure cloaked in green light.


    Within the green light was a man wielding a sword, his pupils suddenly dted, filled entirely with leg shadows.


    Dust filled the air, a row of trees were knocked down, leg shadows overwhelmed the swordsman, rolling on through dozens of yards with a mighty uproar.


    Gu An retracted his leg and plunged into the darkness.


    The forest returned to calm as the dust settled, revealing the swordsman lying on the ground, motionless.


    ...


    At dawn.


    Ye Lan walked out of the house, her gaze habitually turned toward the courtyards of her Senior Brothers, and over not-so-high courtyard walls, she saw their figures.


    "They really are diligent; I can''t afford to fall behind," Ye Lan thought to herself as she hurried along.


    Arriving in the courtyard, she briskly approached Gu An and greeted him politely, "Senior Brother."


    Gu An smiled and nodded at her.


    "Senior Brother, are you nning to do some work today?" Ye Lan asked curiously, as Gu An was dressed in an old cloth robe, which he only wore during harvesting times.


    Gu An replied, "Yes, I''m nning to take some time this afternoon to go up the mountain."


    Not dwelling on it any further, Ye Lan continued, "There was a fierce windst night that scared me from cultivating. I was afraid the chaos in the spiritual energy might disrupt my energy absorption. Senior Brother, I heard from Senior Brother Meng that you once encountered a demon attack. What happened during that time?"


    While watching Xiaochuan and Lu Jiujia practicing the Residual Wind Leg, Gu An began to recount the incident.


    He was always patient, no matter to whom he was speaking.


    An hourter, after the junior brothers and sisters had left, Gu An had some time to rx. Hey under a tree, one hand holding Green Hero Travelogue, the other ying with a White Spirit Rat, thoroughly enjoying his leisure.


    At that moment, he was still thinking about the two people he encountered the previous night.


    He had already restrained his power, so he hoped he hadn''t killed those two, right?


    Gu An felt somewhat uneasy, as after all, he bore no grudge against those two.


    In the absence of a grudge, Gu An did not wish to kill anyone.


    With such concerns, Gu An endured a rather distressing day.


    As the sun set and the moon rose, noon arrived the following day.


    Steping before a wooden railing to read, Gu An suddenly caught sight of figures at the mouth of the valley; focusing, he noticed there was more than one person.


    A man and a woman!


    Gu An silently breathed a sigh of relief; it was good they were alive.


    He used Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill to suppress his cultivation level to the third tier of the Qi Cultivation Realm, ensuring he wouldn''t be recognized.


    Soon, Cheng Xuandan emerged from the loft and briskly walked up to the two individuals, bowing with his fists sped. Standing before him was a woman in white and a man in blue.


    The woman in white had a cold, resplendent beauty, her skin fair and smooth like cream, with almond eyes and willow brows, her right hand holding a sword sheath, exuding an unapproachable, proud aura.


    The man in blue was also handsome, with a tall posture and ornate robes, though his face was somewhat pale.


    Both were Outer Disciples of the Supreme Sect, the man named Shi Yang, and the woman named Li Xuanyu.


    Confronting Cheng Xuandan, Shi Yang smiled and rified their intention.


    After listening to Shi Yang, Cheng Xuandan responded, "These past few days, no one else hase to Medicine Valley."


    Cheng Xuandan had lived for a hundred years, experienced everything, so he appeared veryposed.


    Shi Yang nced toward Medicine Valley and said, "Could you summon your disciples here?"


    Cheng Xuandan had no objections. He turned, sank his breath to his lower belly, and shouted loudly. Hearing this, Gu An and others ran over.


    "Xiaochuan, go fetch Senior Brother Meng as well," Cheng Xuandan instructed.


    Upon hearing this, Xiaochuan immediately turned and ran to find Meng Lang.


    Shi Yang and Li Xuanyu started examining Gu An and the two others, their brows furrowed, remaining silent.


    Cheng Xuandan was silent too, waiting for Meng Lang to arrive.


    Taking this opportunity, Gu An checked the life spans of the two Outer Disciples; the previous night had been too urgent to check.


    [Li Xuanyu (Foundation Establishment Realm Fourth Level): 24/245/1670]


    [Shi Yang (Foundation Establishment Realm Fifth Level): 25/298/1304]


    Impressive!


    Both geniuses, over twenty years old and already in the Foundation Establishment Realm, plus their maximum life spans stretching over a thousand years, with Li Xuanyu''s even higher than Li Ya''s.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Both surnamed Li; could this girl also be from the Imperial Family?


    Gu An was secretly shocked, grateful he hadn''t revealed his identity the previous night.


    Before long, Xiaochuan brought Meng Lang, who appeared irritable.


    Upon seeing Meng Lang, Shi Yang narrowed his eyes andmunicated telepathically to Li Xuanyu beside him, "Sister Li, this child''s energy is turbulent, showing signs of deviation. Although his cultivation level is very low, he might be connected to the person we are looking for."


    Li Xuanyu stared at Meng Lang, her cold eyes seeming to see right through him.


    Meng Lang, feeling their gaze and noting their distinguished appearance, promptly reined in his expression. He lowered his head and stood next to Gu An, Xiaochuan following closely behind.


    Cheng Xuandan then asked, "Two nights ago, several miles outside Medicine Valley, a mysterious cultivator was breaking through a significant barrier, suspected to be a spy from the Demon Path. Have you seen anyone else these past few days?"


    Impressive!


    Spies from the Demon Path too!


    Gu An internally remarked but showed a frown of concern on his face.


    Meng Lang''s eyes widened as he eximed, "Not another demon invasion?"


    "Again? What do you mean?" Shi Yang demanded, staring at Meng Lang.


    Unable to hold his tongue, Meng Lang immediately blurted out the previous incident involving the Demon of Greed, which also implicated an Inner Sect Disciple. Shi Yang''s expression shifted slightly.


    Is this area so dangerous?


    Shi Yang suddenly lost his interest in pursuing the matter further.


    Seizing the opportunity, Gu An asked, "Elder ones, have you encountered the spy from the Demon Path? Could you provide us with some clues?"


    The others nodded, the word "demon" heightening their tension.


    Shi Yang pondered and said, "It was too dark that night, but I remember his leg technique was very fast."

 Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Daily Plan, Medicine Poison

    Leg techniques very fast?


    Xiaochuan, Lu Jiujia, and Ye Lan all had slight changes in their expressions. They thought of Gu An simultaneously, but they did not look towards Gu An, just inwardly spected.


    Meng Lang asked, "What do you mean? You two haven''t defeated that spy from the Demon Path?"


    Upon hearing this, Shi Yang''s face couldn''t hold back his emotions.


    He took a deep breath and said, "Indeed, they were better than us. My cultivation level is at the Fifth Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and my cousin''s is at the Fourth Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. The Demon Path cultivator who easily defeated us has an immeasurable cultivation level.


    If you have any clues, tell us as soon as possible to avoid leaving troubles for yourselves."


    Once he mentioned his cultivation level, Meng Lang, Xiaochuan, and others all gasped in shock.


    Meng Lang felt scared and quickly asked, "Since you are not his match, why do you still dare to seek him out? Why not ask the Inner Sect Disciple toe help?"


    Shi Yang responded, "We have our own backup."


    He was increasingly annoyed by Meng Lang, who was too irritating for his blunt way of speaking.


    Gu An took the opportunity to say, "If the person is truly a spy from the Demon Path and you both were easily defeated, that''s unreasonable. I observe that both your injuries are not severe. Could the Demon Path be so benevolent?"


    Shi Yang looked at him, his eyes conveying subtle thoughts. After thinking, he replied, "It''s indeed hard to determine, but both Outer Disciple and Inner Sect Disciple have their own caves and wouldn''te here to breakthrough. There must be something fishy. You really don''t have any clues?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Li Xuanyu sized up Gu An, who feigned tension and dared not make eye contact with the two Outer Disciples.


    "Both of you, it seems my disciples indeed haven''t seen any spy from the Demon Path," Cheng Xuandan spoke up, breaking the awkward atmosphere.


    Shi Yang wanted to speak, but Li Xuanyu spoke first, "If that''s the case, then we shall take our leave."


    After saying that, she raised her hand in a salute to Cheng Xuandan, then turned and left.


    Shi Yang could only follow her steps, ring at Meng Lang before he left.


    Xiaochuan turned his head to look at Gu An, wanting to say something, but was stopped by Ye Lan, who put her finger to her lips to signal silence and kept giving meaningful looks.


    Cheng Xuandan, without saying more, turned and walked towards his loft.


    After watching Shi Yang and hispanion leave the valley, Gu An then walked towards his own courtyard, with others closely following behind; Xiaochuan seemed to have more to say but refrained.


    Gu An nced at him and smiled, asking, "What, do you think my leg techniques could be powerful enough to defeat two cultivators from the Foundation Establishment Realm?"


    Xiaochuan''s face turned red and he couldn''t help but scratch his head.


    Meng Lang snorted withughter and said annoyingly, "Your elder brother is only at the Third Layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, and besides, the Residual Wind Leg technique he practices is one of the mostmon leg techniques in the Outer Sect. How could he possibly be the Demon Path spy mentioned by the Outer Disciples?"


    Lu Jiujia nodded. He really didn''t consider Gu An as a spy from the Demon Path. In his eyes, the elder brother was the gentlest, kindest person he had ever met.


    Ye Lan, however, was somewhat dissatisfied and said, "Even if it''s the mostmon leg technique, the elder brother will eventually master it."


    The event of Gu An suppressing Meng Lang with one leg move had not reached Meng Lang''s ears, as instructed by Gu An; neither younger brother nor sister had let it slip.


    Meng Lang shook his head in amusement, then left alone to practice his spells in the forest.


    Ye Lan watched his departing figure, angrily clenching her fists, her cheeks puffing out.


    "Alright, let''s each continue our cultivation and strive to enter the Outer Sect early," Gu An said with a smile, then gestured with his hands for his younger brothers and sisters to disperse.


    Elsewhere.


    Above the mountains, Shi Yang and Li Xuanyu flew side by side with sword control. Their speed was moderate, their eyes scanning the area below.


    "Cousin, I always felt there was something off about Medicine Valley just now," Shi Yang said, a cold light flickering in his eyes.


    That guy was too infuriating!


    Shi Yang thought of Meng Lang''s ugly demeanor, growing angrier as he dwelled on it.


    Li Xuanyu''s expression was icy as she softly said, "I think that Servant Disciple was right; perhaps the other party isn''t a spy from the Demon Path but simply doesn''t want to be recognized. The fact that we''re still alive is the best proof."


    Shi Yang frowned and said, "There''s someone like that within the Outer Sect? It feels like they have at least a Nine Layers Foundation Establishment cultivation, and that leg technique I''ve never seen before must be some Ultimate Skill. His background must be significant."


    "We will know eventually."


    Li Xuanyu looked towards the horizon, a frown tightly knitting her brows as if she thought of something.


    Shi Yang also sank into silence. Both were famously talented within the Outer Sect, and the thought of their previous night''s opponent also being an Outer Sect Disciple struck him hard.


    ...


    As summer gradually came, the summer in Supreme Sect was extremely hot, with the whole world seeming to warp. Lu Jiujia, who was tilling the ground, was emitting white steam all over.


    Gu An, now twenty-one, was in the courtyard practicing alchemy. In front of him was a small cauldron, he watched the boiling potion, hesitant whether to throw the herbal medicine in his hand into it.


    Alchemy is really a skill!


    As Gu An struggled, Meng Lang rushed into the courtyard, hurried into his own house, and in less than ten breaths, he came out with a bundle.


    "Gu An, I''m going for the Outer Sect examination. Once I make a name for myself, I''lle back and take care of you!"


    With these words, Meng Lang excitedly left.


    Outer Sect examination?


    Gu An was surprised. Meng Lang was only at the Seventh Layer of Qi Cultivation, how was he taking the examination?


    If one couldn''t demonstrate outstanding talent at the entrance, they could only wait until Foundation Establishment was sessful to enter the Outer Sect.


    This was the Supreme Sect, the number one Sect of the Taicang Dynasty!


    A Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator would be revered in some third-rate sects, but in Supreme Sect, they could only be an Outer Sect Disciple.


    Gu An looked in the direction Meng Lang had run off to, seeing Cheng Xuandan descending the stairs.


    Cheng Xuandan was actually taking Meng Lang out of the valley together.


    Gu An felt there was something fishy about this, but even if he tried to stop it now, Meng Lang wouldn''t listen; the fellow had be obsessed with bing an Outer Sect Disciple.


    "Why bother with it, I am pursuing the path of immortality. If I get involved in this and that, will I ever have peace?"


    Gu An thought so, and his gaze turned resolute.


    He continued with his alchemy, striving not to think about Meng Lang.


    Consequently, he sat in front of the small cauldron for a day and sessfully produced a pile of medicinal dregs.


    It was not until deep into the night that he stealthily slipped out.


    He did not leave Medicine Valley for Meng Lang but for his own cultivation. Two months had passed since Shi Yang and Li Xuanyu had left, and he was ready to start his daily regimen.


    From then on, every deep night, he would sneak out and invest a year of his life span into his cultivation level.


    This particr infusion of life span to enhance cultivation was simrly loud, but thankfully not as much as before, and it ended quickly.


    The next day, Gu An took the opportunity to ask Ye Lan how her cultivation wentst night, and this time she did not hear any disturbances, having achieved a smooth practice.


    Gu An was utterly relieved; his daily n could be implemented!


    Days went by.


    After half a month since Cheng Xuandan and Meng Lang had left, with no return, Gu An could affirm that Meng Lang''s chances were slim.


    Previously, when Zhang Chunqiu went to the Outer Sect, he would return in at most seven days, never having such a dy.


    As Xiaochuan and two others inquired when their master would return, Gu An could only divert their focus, urging them to concentrate on their cultivation.


    Two monthster, Cheng Xuandan finally returned.


    Cheng Xuandan''s head was full of white hair, and he did not wear his cloth hat. His appearance greatly shocked Xiaochuan and the others, who all crowded around him, and so did Gu An.


    "I''m fine, just need a few days of rest,"


    Cheng Xuandan waved his hand weakly as he gently pushed Lu Jiujia away and then headed to his loft.


    Gu An furrowed his brows deeply.


    He saw that Cheng Xuandan''s cultivation had fallen to the secondyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, and even his life span was shortened, remaining only two years.


    He had initially thought Cheng Xuandan intended to sabotage Meng Lang, either by snatching his body or turning Meng Lang into a puppet; instead, Cheng Xuandan appeared as though he was on the brink of death.


    As Gu An watched Cheng Xuandan''s retreating figure, he fell into deep thought.


    Ye Lan, thinking he was worried about Cheng Xuandan, spoke out tofort him: "Big senior brother, don''t worry, master will be fine."


    Gu An looked at her and smiled, nodding.


    After chatting with his junior brothers and sisters for a few moments, Gu An left alone.


    "I feel something is off about master," Lu Jiujia said to Xiaochuan in a low voice, frowning and with a severe look in his eyes.


    Xiaochuan nodded and added, "Indeed, something''s off."


    Lu Jiujia leaned close to his ear, starting to whisper.


    Meanwhile, Ye Lan kept gazing at Gu An''s disappearing figure.


    ...


    After Cheng Xuandan returned, he stayed locked in his room, and Gu An could sense him practicing healing spells, though his aura grew weaker by the day.


    Just as it was nearly winter, Cheng Xuandan finally emerged from his room. He called out to Gu An from afar, and Gu An immediately ran to him.


    "Master," Gu An greeted with respect.


    Cheng Xuandan''s hair waspletely white, including his beard and eyebrows, and some brown spots even appeared on his face, making him look extremely aged.


    "Come, I''ll take you to the Outer Sect," Cheng Xuandan said with a stroke of his beard and a gentle smile.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "What are we going to do at the Outer Sect?"


    "Don''t you want to be the Valley Master in the future?" Cheng Xuandan countered.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s heartbeat quickened, but his expression dramatically changed to one of panic, and asked anxiously, "Master, what''s wrong? Please don''t scare me!"


    Seeing him so flustered, Cheng Xuandan''s gaze softened even more.


    "Come, let''s talk on the way," Cheng Xuandan said and then turned, heading out of the valley.


    Gu An quickly instructed Xiaochuan, who was closest to him, and then followed Cheng Xuandan''s steps.


    After leaving the valley, Cheng Xuandan headed towards the woods, now unable to fly with sword control, which meant they would have to walk to the Outer Sect.


    All of a sudden, Gu An really wanted to turn back and tell Xiaochuan and the others not to pick the herbs that were about to ripen, waiting instead for his return.


    As the master and disciple walked through the woods, Gu An tried to offer his help to Cheng Xuandan, but it was politely declined.


    "The Sect''s stipend for the Valley Master is limited. You have to be careful recruiting Servant Disciples in the future, and you''ll also need to deliver a certain amount of yield every year..." Cheng Xuandan walked ahead, talking casually.


    Gu An appeared to be listening intently, but he was also alert.


    After all, Meng Lang''s fate was still uncertain.


    Cheng Xuandan''s pace wasn''t fast, and given the many hills nearby, it took them half an hour to cover a few miles.


    Gu An was beginning to be impatient; how long would it take to reach the Outer Sect?


    He even considered carrying Cheng Xuandan.


    As they crossed a small stream, Cheng Xuandan suddenly asked, "Why do you not inquire about Meng Lang''s whereabouts?"


    Gu An feigned confusion and asked, "Didn''t he go to attend the Outer Sect assessment? Did he not pass?"


    "I lied to him; he has already been turned into Medicine Poison by me,"


    Cheng Xuandan answered as he continued walking forward, seemingly unafraid of Gu An attacking him from behind.


    Gu An, hearing this, remained expressionless. He carefully sensed the surroundings to make sure no one else was around.

 Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, Master of Mystic Valley

    ```


    "Medicine Poison? Master, you..." Gu An feigned rm as he spoke.


    Could Cheng Xuandan be plotting against him as well?


    Without turning back, Cheng Xuandan pushed aside the branches obstructing the path and stooped to walk through, continuing to speak as he moved forward, "Meng Lang has slightly better qualifications than you, but only by a small margin. Even with the support of my elixirs, it would be very difficult for him to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm. Medicine Valley only needs one sessor.


    His existence is a threat to you; you must be able to sense the ws in his character."


    Hearing this, Gu An fell silent.


    Something about this didn''t seem right¡ªwhy did it sound like he killed Meng Lang for his benefit?


    But he did not wish for Meng Lang to die.


    Though Meng Lang was humble, his nature wasn''t inherently bad.


    "Don''t overthink it. Though I killed him to pave the way for you, me him for having better qualifications than you. I was helping the future Master of Medicine Valley," Cheng Xuandan said casually.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Shouldn''t the Master of Medicine Valley be chosen based on who has stronger qualifications?"


    "But if one''s qualifications are too impressive, how could they live in Medicine Valley peacefully for life?"


    "Is there something special about Medicine Valley?"


    "Indeed, there is. I am not only a disciple of Supreme Sect but also a spy for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. The Thousand-Autumn Pavilion is a Demonic Sect not as powerful as Supreme Sect, which is why it has nted many spies like me."


    Well, there were really spies from the Demonic Path!


    Suddenly, Gu An didn''t know how to respond.


    He hade to see that Cheng Xuandan indeed did not intend to harm him. What was most fatal was that Cheng Xuandan obviously intended to pass on the heavy responsibility of being a spy to him.


    "After I die, you can be at ease as the Valley Master. You don''t need to do anything deliberate. When the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion needs you, they will naturally seek you out. All you need to do is to obey orders. Of course, you may also report to the Supreme Sect. After all, I don''t have many years left.


    However, you have to carefully weigh whether the Supreme Sect can tolerate your presence. For a Servant Disciple like you, they would rather mistakenly kill than let one go," Cheng Xuandan said, his tone tinged with a hint of contentment that made Gu An feel like hitting someone.


    "Remember the secret code of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion: ''No regrets under the cold vines of a thousand autumns; it is hard to find the root in the destion of myriadws.''


    "Do I have no other choice?"


    "What do you think?"


    Gu An was silent once again.


    "Even for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, a spy like me is insignificant. You might not encounter them in your lifetime," Cheng Xuandan said in a self-deprecating tone.


    Gu An pondered and realized that he indeed had no power to resist.


    It was like a lump of yellow mud falling into one''s pants¡ªit wasn''t necessarily a Demonic Path spy, but it might as well be.


    "Master, if you are a cultivator from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, staying in this Medicine Valley must have a reason. Why not disclose it?" Gu An asked solemnly.


    "You''re quite astute. Yes, there is a seventh-grade Spirit Tree hidden beneath the soil of Medicine Valley. When we return, I''ll take you to have a look," he replied.


    "Seve... seventh-grade?"


    Gu An''s voice trembled, his eyes glistening with excitement.


    ...


    Fine snowkes fluttered through the world, and a majestic city stood between the mountains. The city gate was ten Zhang high, with some people entering the city on foot, Supreme Sect disciples flying on swords, and even disciples riding mounts.


    Walking on the mountain path, Gu An stared at the Supreme Sect''s Outer City from a distance, his eyes filled with amazement.


    What a vast city!


    "Supreme Sect has eight Outer Cities, within which are four Inner Cities, and inside the Inner Cities is the Main City of the Sect, a ce where only the most exceptional, high-status individuals can set foot.


    Viewed from above, it is said that the Sect''syout resembles a masterfully craftedpass, with each mountain holding its own mysteries," Cheng Xuandan exined with a sense of longing and regret.


    Unable to contain his curiosity, Gu An asked, "Howrge is Supreme Sect, then?"


    The journey here had taken them nearly half a month, which spoke volumes about the distance between Medicine Valley and this city.


    "Boundless and vast, even I am not sure," replied Cheng Xuandan as they continued towards the Outer City gate, with Gu An following closely behind.


    When Gu An first joined Supreme Sect, he didn''t visit the Outer City. An elder of Supreme Sect had hosted Ji Xiaoyu in a mountain forest pavilion. It was on her ount that when Gu An expressed his desired destination, the elder dispatched a disciple to escort him to Cheng Xuandan''s Medicine Valley.


    This was his first time at the Outer City.


    As the master and disciple arrived at the city gate, Cheng Xuandan showed his token, and Gu An caught a glimpse of two characters engraved on it.


    Mystic Valley.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After entering the city, a thunderous uproar greeted them, surprising Gu An.


    The city gate was shielded by a Restriction!


    With his hearing, he couldn''t detect any sound from within while outside the city.


    "Top quality herbs, firste first served, only ten nts for sale today."


    "Treasures from the cave of a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator,e take a look."


    "A purebred Snow Mountain Spirit Fox with the potential to speak humannguage after just five more years of raising."


    "Treasure hunt! Treasure hunt! Each item for just ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones, may luck decide your find."


    "Maps of an Ancient Great Cultivator''s cave, avable for those with substantial strength."


    Gu An was drawn to the shouting from both sides of the street. There were loft shops on both sides, and the street was spacious without any disciples setting up stalls.


    He even saw brothels.


    Impressive indeed, befitting the reputation of an upright and orthodox Sect!


    Cheng Xuandan continued to describe the sights, broadening Gu An''s horizons.


    No wonder so many people were desperate to join Supreme Sect; the resources for Immortal Cultivation were indeed plentiful.


    Gu An was not only listening but also frantically using Life Span Detection.


    ```


    After walking about two li of streets, he had seen five cultivators whose lifespans exceeded five hundred years.


    The Outer Sect truly concealed dragons and crouching tigers!


    An hourter, Cheng Xuandan led Gu An into a huge mansion; the que above read threerge characters:


    Elixir Hall!


    Inside the Elixir Hall, people came and went, some hurried, some with furrowed brows, and some with heartyughs.


    Gu An followed Cheng Xuandan to a courtyard to meet an elder of the Elixir Hall.


    Zhu Qinglu, at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment Realm, was one of the elders of the Elixir Hall, supervising fifty-one Medicine Valleys, and he was Cheng Xuandan''s superior.


    He had a plump figure, dressed in a loose blue Daoist robe, with a kind smile on his face, giving off a harmless vibe to everyone.


    In the main hall, Zhu Qinglu met with Cheng Xuandan and had a disciple serve him tea.


    "Xuandan, why do you look so unwell?" Zhu Qinglu asked with concern.


    Gu An took the opportunity to use Life Span Detection.


    [Zhu Qinglu (Foundation Establishment Realm Nine Layers): 211/267/510]


    He had lived for two hundred and eleven years!


    Gu An stood by Cheng Xuandan''s side, careful not to be disrespectful.


    Cheng Xuandan chuckled, "To be honest, my time is near. Today, apart from delivering herbs, I am here for my disciple. I want to transfer the position of Valley Master of Mystic Valley to him."


    Zhu Qinglu looked at Gu An andughed, "Third level of Qi Cultivation, it seems this child has something extraordinary about him."


    Oh, please!


    What a dirty curse!


    Cheng Xuandan smiled and said, "This child has a pure nature, can unite disciples, and is willing to stay in Medicine Valley for life. He''s the best candidate."


    Zhu Qinglu didn''t say much else, he raised his hand and gestured, and a disciple walked in from outside the hall.


    Thirty minutester.


    Gu An walked out of the Elixir Hall with Cheng Xuandan, ying with a bronze token in his hand, inscribed with the words ''Mystic Valley'', feeling the presence of restrictions within it.


    From today onwards, in the Supreme Sect''s Elixir Hall, his identity would be Master of Mystic Valley.


    "The Valley Master''s storage bag is with me, I will pass it on to you," Cheng Xuandan''s voice came from ahead, interrupting Gu An''s thoughts.


    Gu An quickly asked, "Master, where do we go next?"


    He wanted to return. A batch of herbs was ready for harvesting and he was worried his junior brothers and sisters would pick them.


    "Before we return, I''ll take you to the Chores Hall, where you can recruit servant disciples. Today, you can recruit one servant disciple to take back with you. This is also to familiarize you with the process," Cheng Xuandan replied without turning his head.


    Gu An looked at his retreating figure, his emotions surging within him.


    Everyone has many sides, and this was fully embodied in Cheng Xuandan.


    The former Cheng Xuandan was cold to his disciples, and now he even refined one of his disciples into Medicine Poison, he was a spy from the Demon Path, no matter how you looked at it, an evil person.


    But his kindness towards Gu An was genuine.


    The Chores Hall was not far from the Elixir Hall, just around a few streets, and the mansion was evenrger. Upon entering the main gate, Gu An saw a vast square filled with people.


    Looking at those disciples waiting to be chosen, Gu An realized he was quite fortunate.


    If it were not for the support of the Ji Family, with his own Spirit Root qualifications, he would be waiting to be selected just like these people.


    "You can look around yourself, I won''t interject. After you''ve made a choice, I''ll take you to register," Cheng Xuandan said softly, rubbing his chest, clearly in some difort.


    Gu An nodded and then stepped forward.


    Did he need to consider his choice? Activate the Golden Finger!


    Gu An began frantically using Life Span Detection on everyone he saw.


    The majority here had very low maximum lifespans, and there were even those doomed to early deaths, with only a year of life left, still hoping to be chosen.


    Gu An quickly found a genius whose lifespan exceeded five hundred years.


    He didn''t rush to a decision but decided to see everyone first.


    Medicine Valley didn''t need a genius; what he needed was someone with a long current lifespan.


    The maximum lifespan is the limit of someone''s cultivation, and reaching that limit is incredibly difficult, requiring a great deal of fortune to achieve.


    The reason there are so many hidden talents is that the Spirit Root qualification does not entirely determine the future height of a person.


    The current lifespan is different; as long as they don''t suffer serious injury, they can live that long.


    Soon, Gu An''s gaze locked onto a young boy, a little monk with an ordinary face and dressed in worn robes, sitting cross-legged in a corner of the square.


    [Wuxin (Qi Cultivation Second Layer): 15/330/380]


    Qi Cultivation Realm and he has a lifespan of three hundred and thirty years!


    Extraordinary!


    It''s possible that this child''s physique is special, or he might cultivate some unique technique.


    Gu An immediately approached Wuxin, who sensed something, opened his eyes, and was met with Gu An''s smiling face.


    "Little brother, would you like toe to my Medicine Valley? It''s not too busy usually, and you will have plenty of time to cultivate," Gu An said with a gentle smile.


    Upon seeing his smile, Wuxin nodded subconsciously.


    Cheng Xuandan, watching Wuxin from the side, seemed to notice something, then nced at Gu An with a strange look in his eyes.

 Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Seventh Level of the Foundation Establishment Realm, Mysterious Forest

    After being invited by Gu An, until he walked out of the Chores Hall, Wuxin did not say a word. From beginning to end, he had only nodded his head.


    Gu An suspected he had recruited a mute.


    For Wuxin, bing a Servant Disciple as soon as possible was the most important thing at the moment. Gu An made a good first impression on him, so he agreed outright.


    The reason he was so eager to be a Servant Disciple was because he was a spy from the Demon Path.


    He came from the Demonic Sect of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, the youngest son of a Pavilion Master there. Since his talents were inferior to his brothers'', he had volunteered toe and be a spy.


    One reason was to escape the oppressive environment at home; the other was to see if he could establish some achievements.


    If he could not, then so be it.


    Wuxin watched Gu An and Cheng Xuandan ahead of him, making a preliminary judgment about the two.


    One, a kind and simple ordinary cultivator.


    One, an old man close to the grave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    From their conversations, it seemed that Medicine Valley was indeed tranquil and would provide a good atmosphere.


    ...


    The snow flew heavily, and Mystic Valley was submerged in a whiteness where heaven and earth were indistinguishable.


    Bang!


    Wuxin was kicked down into the snow, snow sshing onto his face, and he clutched his chest in pain.


    "Lu Jiujia! Why are you being so serious?" Ye Lan chided from the side.


    Lu Jiujia stood in the snow, slowly retrieving his leg. He tilted up his chin and huffed, "Sparring should be serious. Only then can there be improvement."


    His cultivation level had already reached the fifthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, making him the openly strongest person in Medicine Valley. Ye Lan''s cultivation level was at the fourthyer, and Xiaochuan, like Gu An, was at the thirdyer.


    Wuxin, at the secondyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, had no chance against Lu Jiujia.


    "Damn... How could a Servant Disciple be so strong..." Wuxin almost lost hisposure.


    He saw Lu Jiujia practicing his leg techniques, so he couldn''t resist trying to challenge him, only to be defeated by Lu Jiujia''s two kicks.


    What he did not know was that Lu Jiujia had a great senior brother who spent time every day sparring with him. Lu Jiujia, who always fought with all his might, never managed to win. Day after day, his leg techniques had be extremely refined, his physical strength considerable.


    Wuxin, refusing to believe it, thought he had merely been careless. He stood up and rushed towards Lu Jiujia again.


    Bang! Bang!


    Lu Jiujia kicked twice and once again knocked Wuxin to the ground.


    Wuxin felt his forearm was about to break, and the fifteen-year-oldy in the snow, tears of humiliation streaming down his face.


    Why is it like this...


    This was not the life of a spy he had imagined. He wasn''t facing fiery mountains or deden paths, and if he were to face defeat, it should have been on the path of stealing intelligence...


    Instead, he was defeated by a Servant Disciple who appeared to be ordinary in every aspect.


    "If I hadn''t cultivated this technique... With my talent... How could I endure such humiliation?"


    Wuxin clenched his fists tightly. The quarreling voices of Ye Lan and Lu Jiujia were piercing to his ears.


    Lu Jiujia, looking at Ye Lan before him, disagreed, "He''s a boy, not a frail girl. Step aside, don''t be biased towards him. When senior brother kicked me to the ground, why didn''t you say anything?"


    Ye Lan red at him and said, "How could I not say anything? I defended you back then, and you even yelled at me. Besides, senior brother didn''t exert as much force as you. Think about it, when senior brother spars with you, doesn''t he wait for you to finish all your leg techniques before he gently defeats you? Unlike you, who is rough and reckless. What can Wuxin learn from sparring with you?"


    With that, Lu Jiujia''s dissatisfaction shifted as he thought it over, realizing she was right.


    It was precisely because he always exerted his full strength that he could think more deeply.


    Simply being on the receiving end of hits certainly didn''t teach much...


    Lu Jiujia felt ashamed, his gratitude for Gu An deepening.


    Senior brother was truly too good to him.


    Ye Lan helped Wuxin to his feet, seeing his eyes red,she quickly consoled him, "Don''t mind him. He means well, wanting to seriously spar with you to improve together. It''s just that he is a person who takes things too seriously."


    Seeing Wuxin''s red eyes, Lu Jiujia scratched his head in embarrassment.


    "Jiujia, I see your leg work has improved. Come, let''s practice,"


    a gentle voice came from behind. Lu Jiujia turned around to see Gu An approaching with a spring-like smile.


    Hearing this, Lu Jiujia immediately nodded eagerly, his confidence having swelled recently, feeling he could defeat his senior brother.


    Ye Lan and Wuxin looked towards Gu An, Wuxin secretly curious. Was this senior brother really that powerful?


    Could he really defeat Lu Jiujia across two minor realms?


    Gu An stopped and waved at Lu Jiujia, who chuckled and rushed towards him with a lightning step.


    Bang!


    Lu Jiujia was sent flying ten meters, carving a long trench in the snow.


    Seeing stars, he nearly passed out, feeling as though his organs were shifting, the pain immense.


    Wuxin was stunned.


    Such fast legs!


    He hadn''t even seen how Gu An had kicked.


    Ye Lan, on the other hand,ughed with joy, quickly walking up to Gu An to praise his increasingly faster leg work.


    Gu An ruffled her hair, then turned to Wuxin and asked, "Wuxin, do you want to learn leg techniques in the future?"


    Wuxin''s life span was longer than that of others, marking him as having potential talent. He couldn''t be damaged by Lu Jiujia''s kicks.


    "Yes!" Wuxin responded, his tone firm and strong, unlike his usual gentle self.


    From a distance, Lu Jiujia''s wails of pain drew Gu An''s attention.


    Gu An walked up to him, looked down at him, and snorted, "Stop pretending, Brother asks you, do you like this kind of sparring?"


    Lu Jiujiay on the ground, slightly turning on his side, nced at Gu An with one eye, saw his serious expression, covered his eyes again, and said in pain, "Brother, I was wrong..."


    Gu An pulled him up, patting the snow off his body while speaking softly, "A true strong person is not one who defeats those stronger than himself, but one who can control his own arrogant heart and not bully those weaker than himself."


    Lu Jiujia rubbed his chest, seriously pondering Gu An''s words.


    Ye Lan and Wuxin also heard, especially Wuxin, who was greatly moved; he never expected such a highly skilled person hidden in this small Medicine Valley.


    In the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, bullying the weak was the norm; he was weak, even his father and brothers bullied him.


    That''s right!


    They were not strong at all!


    Wuxin thought to himself, his view of Gu An changing.


    "You start by teaching Wuxin how to train his legs," Gu An said, patting Lu Jiujia''s shoulder; Lu Jiujia quickly nodded, not daring to refuse.


    Afterward, Gu An took Ye Lan up the mountain to look after the seeds that had been nted not long ago; Xiaochuan was on the mountain.


    As for Cheng Xuandan, after returning, he stayed in his room withouting out. Gu An had visited once, and he said he was recuperating, after which Gu An didn''t dare to disturb him again.


    Days passed, and with the addition of Wuxin, Medicine Valley became lively; Lu Jiujia and Xiaochuan loved to tease him, and the sound of the three frolicking could be heard in Medicine Valley from time to time.


    The end of the year.


    Night fell.


    Gu An was reading in his room, no longer the Green Hero Travelogue but another book titled "Thousand-Autumn Pavilion Secret History."


    This book came from the Book Collection Pavilion of Medicine Valley, its authenticity unknown, but he read it for amusement.


    Themplight of the oilmp flickered slightly, strands of cold wind sneaked in through the cracks of the window, but Gu An, now at the sixthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, remained unaffected.


    When he finished the contents of the current page, he put down the book, preparing to stand up for his daily routine.


    Suddenly, he heard a slight noise from the neighboring room; someone was stepping out of the room, their movements light, but they couldn''t escape his ears.


    It was Wuxin!


    Gu An was very familiar with the aura of everyone in Medicine Valley and instantly identified the person.


    He silently listened to Wuxin''s footsteps; Wuxin headed toward the Book Collection Pavilion and upon entering, started browsing through the books.


    "What is he looking for?" Gu An was filled with curiosity.


    In his view, Wuxin was very honest, conscientiously doing whatever he arranged, unlike Lu Jiujia who would asionally ck off.


    Besides being honest, Wuxin also had apetitive spirit second only to Lu Jiujia, frequently challenging his two senior brothers, repeatedly losing and fighting repeatedly.


    Could it be that this kid was looking for a secret manual?


    Thinking this, Gu An felt a bit sorry for his young junior brother.


    Starting tomorrow, he would personally teach the young junior brother.


    Wuxin searched for half an ancient hour, then quietly returned to his own room.


    A whileter, Gu An got up, quietly leaving his room; he was off to the distant forests for his daily routine.


    ...


    Another summer arrived.


    Gu An turned twenty-two years old, his lifespan had already exceeded four thousand years, and he nned to save up to ten thousand years before using it.


    Half a year passed, and thanks to his daily routine, his cultivation level sessfully broke through to the seventhyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, though his apparent cultivation level remained at the thirdyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.


    As time passed, Gu An grew increasingly curious about the seventh-tier Spirit Tree that Cheng Xuandan had mentioned; he had even tried searching for it, but could never find the entrance to the underground.


    asionally, Wuxin also explored around at night, and once, the two nearly ran into each other, but fortunately, Gu An''s excellent hearing alerted him in advance.


    Nearing noontime, Gu An squatted under a tree, observing his White Spirit Rat.


    The White Spirit Rat was frantically running in circles in front of him, very lively.


    "Has it grown? But spring has already passed..." Gu An thought puzzledly.


    He had raised the White Spirit Rat for a few years, and its size had not changed; without Li Ya, he could not judge the growth stage of the White Spirit Rat.


    The little creature had been spinning in front of him for a long time.


    The White Spirit Rat seemed to understand Gu An''s words; it suddenly jumped up, bit Gu An''s hand, then swiftly ran away.


    Gu An did not feel any pain, so he was not angry; his gaze followed and saw that the White Spirit Rat actually stopped and started frantically running in circles again.


    Wait a second!


    Could it be...


    Gu An thought of something and quickly stood up, walking toward the White Spirit Rat.


    Seeing him approach, the White Spirit Rat no longer dallied and ran towards the forest, and soon, both disappeared into the woods.


    Wuxin stood under the tree, looking in the direction Gu An had gone; frowning, he spected, "The forest again... Lu Jiujia mentioned that the previous Li Ya and Meng Lang also liked to cultivate alone in the forest, and Senior Brother''s leg technique is far superior to his cultivation realm. Could there be a secret in the forest?"


    The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed; he did not follow Gu An but nned to check it out quietly at night.


    On the other hand.


    Gu An followed the White Spirit Rat over mountains and ridges, eventually leaving Medicine Valley.


    Good grief, does this creature regrly roam this far?


    Gu An realized he had underestimated the White Spirit Rat and grew even more curious about where it would lead him.


    Before, Li Ya had said that the White Spirit Rat held the title of Treasure Hunting Rat.


    Could it have found the seventh-tier Spirit Tree?

 Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Serving as Valley Master

    Gu An truly underestimated the activity range of the White Spirit Rat. He followed it for over ten miles, and the rat still didn''t stop.


    The further he got from Mystic Valley, the less interest he had.


    Although he had been to the Outer Sect, that was only on one route.


    With Mystic Valley at the center, once he passed a radius of twenty miles, he felt it would be dangerous, even though he was already at the seventhyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    Fortunately, the White Spirit Rat did not continue indefinitely. When it was about twenty miles away from Mystic Valley, it stopped.


    This was still a mountainous area, with a small stream flowing down from the mountains. The White Spirit Rat stopped at the edge of the stream and began to circle around.


    Gu An walked up to it. There were many flowers and nts on both sides of the stream, as well as numerous stones of varying sizes.


    He picked up the White Spirit Rat, then swept his right leg across.


    Boom¡ª


    Grass and debris flew everywhere, and stones scattered all around. Gu An cleared arge area with just one sweep of his leg.


    Looking closely, he discovered a square stone b near the stream.


    I''ll be damned!


    A manhole cover?


    Gu An walked over to the stone b and crouched down. The b was carved with mysterious patterns he had never seen before, neither in writing nor in pictures.


    He could feel a trace of Spiritual Energy leaking from the edges of the stone b, which perhaps was why the White Spirit Rat had been able to find this ce.


    In the Foundation Establishment Realm, one already has Divine Sense. Divine Sense is an invisible, intangible force. When Divine Sense reaches out, it is like opening the Heavenly Eye, enabling one to see through objects and spy within.


    Gu An seldom used it, but that didn''t mean hecked Divine Sense. In fact, as soon as one reached the seventhyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, one could begin to cultivate Divine Sense.


    He immediately concentrated his Divine Sense in an attempt to prate the stone b and explore the space beneath.


    However, as soon as his Divine Sense touched the b, it was repelled by a mysterious force, causing his body to tremble.


    This strong?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Even Divine Sense at the seventhyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm couldn''t prate its Restriction...


    Gu An hesitated. With such a strong Restriction, could there be immense danger beneath?


    There were currents of Spiritual Energy inside. Either it was nurturing some kind of heavenly material or treasure, or someone was in seclusion below.


    No!


    He couldn''t be reckless!


    He needed to observe for a while first!


    Gu An let go of the White Spirit Rat, then moved the surrounding stones and weeds to cover the mysterious stone bpletely. Only after he had thoroughly concealed the b did he take the White Spirit Rat and turn back to the valley.


    The White Spirit Rat squeaked, but he paid it no mind.


    Upon his return to Mystic Valley, Gu An did not mention this to anyone, as if he had never left the valley.


    In the following nights, in addition to his daily tasks, Gu An would go to the vicinity of the stone b to observe.


    Night after night, there were no signs of the covering materials around the b being disturbed.


    Apart from that, Gu An noticed that Wuxin went into the forest every night, apparently in search of something.


    He did not expose Wuxin, as his intuition told him that Wuxin had an extraordinary identity.


    A lifespan of over three hundred years at the secondyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm suggested that he must be practicing some special Cultivation Technique.


    Gu An had once specifically used his Divine Sense to observe Wuxin''s cultivation, but could not discern anything exceptional¡ªit seemed just like normal Energy Absorption cultivation.


    And so, the scorching summer passed.


    Mystic Valley gradually became covered with the yellow of fall, and Gu An cleared seventeen plots ofnd in the surrounding mountains. The workload increased, requiring Xiaochuan and others to patrol every day.


    One evening.


    Cheng Xuandan summoned Gu An, signaling with his eyes for him to follow. The master and apprentice walked towards the mountain peak to the north.


    Gu An looked at Cheng Xuandan''s receding figure withplex emotions.


    Cheng Xuandan''s lifespan had decreased again; his age matched his remaining life, meaning he was nearing death.


    Even though Cheng Xuandan had tricked him, Cheng Xuandan indeed had made considerable sacrifices for him. As a man facing imminent death, he couldn''t help feeling sentimental.


    He tried to convince himself not to feel sad.


    He was pursuing the path of immortal cultivation toward eternal life. He would inevitably experience many more farewells in the future and would eventually get used to them.


    Of course, this was provided that he could keep on living.


    Wuxin, who was watering nts, saw Gu An and his master''s figures and raised an eyebrow.


    He silently noted the direction the two were heading, certain that there must be some secrets within that stretch of forest.


    As they entered the woods, Cheng Xuandan spoke, "I am taking you to the entrance that leads underground. You cannot tell anyone about this ce, including your junior brothers and sisters. Today they may be close to you, but once they leave Medicine Valley and gain experience in the outside world, they will be strangers to you."


    Gu An did not argue; he had always been clear on this point.


    As long as Xiaochuan and the others didn''t abandon their goal of bing Outer Disciples, their separation was inevitable.


    After a moment of hesitation, Gu An asked, "Master, were you originally from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, or were you chosen by themter?"


    Cheng Xuandan''s steps were heavier than before. He replied, "My experience is the same as yours. My identity is inherited from my teacher."


    Gu An fell silent.


    He suddenly felt that Cheng Xuandan was also a pitiable person.


    "After doing some work for my master, I couldn''t get rid of this identity. But I have no regrets," Cheng Xuandan said.


    Hearing his master''s words, Gu An wanted to speak but refrained.


    He hadn''t done anything yet, but could he make it ashore?


    Cheng Xuandan began recounting his experiences with his master, who he described as having an unpredictable temperament, sometimes stern and other times capricious, like a child.


    In his words, his master was like an old child who never grew up.


    They wound their way to the back of the mountain peak, where Cheng Xuandan stopped in front of a moss and vine-covered cliff face.


    "Master, is Martial Master dead or alive?" asked Gu An, unable to hold back his question.


    He thought of the stone tablet he had been focusing on, which wasn''t far from Mystic Valley, and with the Master of Mystic Valley being a spy for the Demon Path, he had reason to suspect that the stone tablet was left by Cheng Xuandan''s master.


    Cheng Xuandan replied, "He bid farewell and left before passing away in meditation, and your teacher will follow in his footsteps. I''ll be leaving tomorrow, and I bequeath all of Medicine Valley to you."


    Gu An''s brow furrowed, but it wasn''t Cheng Xuandan he was considering - it was his master.


    Does that mean Cheng Xuandan''s master might still be alive?


    Cheng Xuandan took out apass from his sleeve, pushed aside a piece of vine on the cliff face, found a groove, and pressed thepass into it. As he channeled his spiritual power into it, thepass trembled and emitted a faint light.


    Gu An could clearly feel Cheng Xuandan''s breath growing even weaker.


    He couldn''t help worrying that Cheng Xuandan might suddenly die right there.


    The cliff face began to tremble, but the sound was not loud. Soon, a hole appeared in the cliff, one that Gu An had to lower his head to enter.


    Cheng Xuandan said, "Go on in, I''ll wait for you outside."


    Gu An hesitated and said, "Master, why don''t you hand me thepass? After you leave, then I will go in."


    Cheng Xuandan smiled, then took off thepass and handed it to Gu An.


    A stone door emerged from the hole in the cliff, sealing it offpletely again. It was so perfectly aligned that it didn''t look like there had been a hole at all.


    Cheng Xuandan turned and began to walk down the mountain, with Gu An following him.


    "The underground space has its own set ofplete formations. In the future, if you wish to nt some spirit grasses and spirit flowers that you don''t want others to know about, you may choose to grow them below," Cheng Xuandan said softly, as if making his final arrangements.


    Gu An listened attentively, feeling conflicted. He was grateful for Cheng Xuandan''s actions, but deep down, he always remained on guard.


    He couldn''t rx until the very end.


    Since Cheng Xuandan was going to die anyway, he could rx after his death.


    In the future, Gu An would offer incense to Cheng Xuandan annually, and he would show his respect then.


    The descent down the mountain was slow. Cheng Xuandan''s voice was faint as he described everything below ground, and Gu An listened carefully. The details were plentiful and didn''t sound fabricated.


    By the time they reached Medicine Valley, night had already fallen.


    Cheng Xuandan''sst words to Gu An were, "Life''s journey is long. Sometimes being of average talent is a good thing, and you can do what you want to do."


    Gu An watched him return to the pavilion. After Cheng Xuandan shut the door, Gu An still stood there, gazing, lost in thought.


    After standing still for nearly half an ancient hour, Gu An finally walked to his own courtyard.


    The junior brothers were all cultivating in their rooms, and the courtyard was quiet.


    That night, Gu An was cultivating the entire time.


    Just before dawn, he heard Cheng Xuandan''s footsteps. He went to the window and watched Cheng Xuandan descend the stairs.


    Cheng Xuandan moved staggeringly and slowly.


    He didn''t look in Gu An''s direction. After descending the stairs, he headed straight for the valley entrance.


    Gu An watched his figure vanish at the mouth of the valley but still did not leave the window.


    When the sun rose from the eastern mountain, the first rays of the morning sun crept over the mountaintops, casting Gu An''s elongated shadow.


    When Xiaochuan, Lu Jiujia, Ye Lan, and Wuxin gradually woke up, they all sensed something amiss in Medicine Valley.


    They quickly realized what was wrong. Usually, at this time, the senior brother would lead them in their cultivation techniques, and that body-strengthening technique known as "Eaglet Taking Flight" indeed held some profound secrets.


    The unwavering Gu An had, surprisingly, not led them in their exercises today.


    It wasn''t until noon that Gu An appeared and gathered them together to announce that Cheng Xuandan had departed and, starting from today, he was the Master of Medicine Valley.


    Xiaochuan and the others were somewhat excited as they asked about Cheng Xuandan''s whereabouts. Ever since Li Ya had left, Cheng Xuandan had be gentle, and he was very kind to his disciples, so their impression of him was extremely good.


    Only Wuxin was not particrly moved.


    After half an ancient hour ofmotion, the junior brothers and sister finally dispersed.


    Gu An went to the mountain peak, gazing at the direction Cheng Xuandan had left.


    It was only after Cheng Xuandan''s figure hadpletely disappeared from view that Gu An went into Cheng Xuandan''s room.


    Cheng Xuandan''s pill furnace was still there, and the table beside it was covered with various items, including a storage bag, letters, numerous keys, and even a jar of spirit flowers.


    He picked up the letter and read its simple content:


    ''My dear disciple, knowing your fondness for harvesting flowers, I leave you with a fifth-order Tiger Blood Flower to pick as a parting gift.''


    A smile appeared on Gu An''s face as he then picked up the storage bag.


    He was most interested in that item.


    What cultivator would be without a storage bag?


    And so, he began to check the legacy Cheng Xuandan left behind.


    It wasn''t until evening that Gu An left Cheng Xuandan''s pavilion, now with a purple fabric bag at his waist, which was Cheng Xuandan''s storage bag.


    He headed toward the northern mountain peak, arrived at the cliff where the underground entrance was, and took apass out of the storage bag, cing it in the groove on the cliff face.


    Along with a deep rumble, a hole appeared in front of him.


    Gu An took thepass and then ducked his head to enter the hole. After only five steps, the tunnel suddenly expanded, and as he moved forward, the mouth of the tunnel began to close.

 Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Myriad Poison Mystic Skill, 7000-Year Life Span

    After the entrancepletely closed, Gu An continued along the tunnel.


    With the spiritual power of the seventhyer of Foundation Establishment Realm, Gu An moved as if walking in broad daylight, unimpeded, while the tunnel widened as he progressed, seemingly endless.


    Gu An grew more curious about Cheng Xuandan''s master, wondering what kind of remarkable person could construct such a massive underground tunnel?


    The tunnel meandered downward, and after traveling over ten Ancient Hours, Gu An still hadn''t reached the end.


    He could now be certain that the area beneath the b was connected to this underground tunnel.


    A gust of Spirit Wind came from the tunnel ahead, hitting Gu An''s face, making him feel refreshed and delighted.


    Light began to appear ahead in the tunnel. The walls were set with various colored crystal stones, which Gu An carefully sensed and found disappointing as they were not Spirit Stones.


    If they had all been Spirit Stones, he would have struck it rich!


    As Gu An thought this, he continued forward.


    His senses remained on high alert. Although Cheng Xuandan had been very good to him until the end, the thought of Cheng Xuandan''s methods with Meng Lang made him cautious.


    What if Cheng Xuandan was just acting?


    After walking a few more Ancient Hours, Gu An saw that the tunnel ahead was very bright, and he heard the sound of water.


    The exit was here!


    Gu An cautiously made his way forward, arrived at the tunnel exit, and looked into the underground space ahead, his eyes widening.


    "I really struck it rich¡­"


    Gu An murmured to himself, a look of joy in his eyes.


    Following his gaze, there was a vast underground space ahead, several timesrger than Mystic Valley, with a height from the ground to the ceiling of over a hundred yards. A giant tree, over a hundred meters tall and needing dozens of people to encircle it, stood there. Its branches and leaves were sparse, bearing fruits that looked likenterns, glowing blue and translucent.


    Beneath the tree was a dense grasnd, and beside it, a two-yard-wide underground river flowed, perfectly at the edge of the space, against the cliff.


    [Green Vine Tree (Grade Seven): 245/9999/87600]


    An extreme life span of eighty-seven thousand!


    Nearly ten thousand current life span!


    Seeing this prompt, Gu An felt an impulse to uproot the tree but restrained himself.


    ording to Cheng Xuandan, this seventh-grade Spirit Tree was key to the underground formation, overseeing the entire formation which allowed other heavenly materials and treasures to grow freely. The Spiritual Energy gathered by these treasures would drive the formation and, in turn, nourish the Spirit Tree.


    If he uprooted the Green Vine Tree, Gu An would lose a nting site of immense potential.


    This ce could also serve as his dwelling. The formations set by Cheng Xuandan''s master were extensive and rich. Here, one could cultivate and make breakthroughs without any noise escaping.


    Gu An scanned around and saw numerous distinctive stone statues embedded in the tunnel walls in various directions, each with unique symbols between them, arcane and mysterious.


    He stepped out of the tunnel entrance, and as he entered, he noticed a stone tablet next to him, engraved with four characters:


    Eight Scenic Caves!


    After looking at it briefly, Gu An continued to walk into the Grotto Heaven.


    Along the way, he frantically used Life Span Detection.


    All over the ce were third and fourth-grade Spirit Grasses and Spirit Flowers. The closer to the Green Vine Tree, the higher the grade of the herbs, dazzling him.


    With such a huge treasury hidden, how could Cheng Xuandan fail to reach Foundation Establishment?


    Gu An didn''t know whether to sympathize with Cheng Xuandan''s poor abilities or his inadequate alchemy skills.


    Even if his alchemy skills werecking, Cheng Xuandan could sell some herbs, exchange them for Spirit Stones, or ask the Alchemists of Supreme Sect for help with alchemy.


    In Gu An''s view, for a Sect like Supreme Sect, securing resources for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator shouldn''t be difficult.


    Of course, another possibility was that Cheng Xuandan feared revealing his identity.


    Gu An walked to the base of the Green Vine Tree. Standing there, he could better feel the vastness and vitality of the tree.


    He circled around the Green Vine Tree and saw that there were not just one entrance to the Eight Scenic Caves but a total of eight.


    He suspected one of the entrances might lead to the b he had discovered earlier.


    He had no immediate ns to explore the other entrances. Turning around, he took out the Hundred Herbs Collection from his storage bag and began to cross-reference them.


    If they were ripe, he would pick them directly!


    The harvested herbs could be taken to the Outer Sect, exchanged for more high-rank seeds, and his developments could continue!


    The thought alone excited Gu An.


    An hour flew by swiftly. Gu An had already harvested over a hundred and thirty third-grade Spirit Herbs, wildly reaping over nine hundred life spans, taking his total life span past the five thousand-year milestone.


    This identity of a demon spy was worth it!


    Gu An was exhrated, as the Eight Scenic Caves had a vast amount of medicinal herbs nted. He had only harvested one-tenth so far, and even these were of the lowest grade.


    In the future, this would be his dwelling, his secret base!


    Just as Gu An was about to bend down to pick the next herb, he suddenly heard a noise and immediately turned around, his gaze shifting towards a distant cave entrance.


    The cave entrance was pitch-ck, looking eerie and terrifying.


    Gu An moved to the side.


    Not all the nts on the grass were medicinal herbs; there were also ordinary weeds. He suspected a fight might break out next, so he had to move to avoid damaging his herbs.


    Those were his lifeline!


    Gu An walked towards the underground river, his gaze constantly on that cave entrance.


    Soon, footsteps and heavy panting could be heard from inside the cave, as if a beast was about to emerge.


    A foot stepped out from the darkness, and when Gu An finally saw the true identity of the figure in the cave, he frowned.


    It was Meng Lang!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At this moment, Meng Lang was disheveled, with tattered clothes and bare feet, his neck covered in bloodstains. His face was flushed as if scorched, his eyes filled with bloodshot veins, and white mist emanated from his mouth.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª"


    Meng Lang roared at Gu An and charged toward him fiercely.


    His speed was very fast, and the distance between him and Gu An was rapidly closing.


    Far from retreating, Gu An advanced, stepping forward to meet the charge.


    The distance between them quickly shortened, kicking up bits of grass along the way.


    Meng Lang leaped, trying to tackle Gu An. Gu An sidestepped and delivered a knee to Meng Lang''s abdomen, sending him flying back.


    Gu An''s brow furrowed even more, his right leg feeling somewhat numb.


    Good heavens!


    How had Meng Lang be so tough?


    Gu An felt that even the Demon of Greed was not as tough as Meng Lang. Although he had not used his full strength or his Spiritual Power, he could still make a rough judgment.


    He had held back his power because he wanted to see if Meng Lang could stille back to life.


    He shook his right leg and charged at Meng Lang again.


    Meng Lang fell on the grass, seemingly impervious to pain, and immediately got up again, lunging at Gu An.


    Gu An nted his right foot forward, forcibly stopping his body''s motion, and then lifted his left leg, channeling Spiritual Power into it to execute the Gale Shadowless Leg technique.


    The violent wind sprang up from the ground, and sessive shadows of kicksnded on Meng Lang, sending him flying again. He rolled over a dozen times before finallying to a stop.


    His limbs were clearly twisted. He tried to get up, but the next second he fell, his forehead heavily hitting the grass.


    Gu An retracted his leg, a curious expression on his face.


    Was the Medicine Poison from Cheng Xuandan so powerful?


    Just at first grade yet possessing such a robust physique, feltparable to the Demon of Greed!


    How could Cheng Xuandanpare to the Great Cultivator backing the Demon of Greed?


    Gu An was increasingly certain that Cheng Xuandan was hiding something, probably rted to his master.


    He walked up to Meng Lang, looking down at his body, grotesque like a demon, his mind filled with hesitation, unsure how to proceed.


    "He''s already dead anyway, why should I care about his identity from before?"


    Gu An''s eyes flickered, and the grass and dust around his feet began slowly swirling upward, indicating that he was cultivating energy.


    At that moment!


    Gu An saw the corner of a book peeking out from Meng Lang''s embrace. He immediately reached out, pulling the book towards him with Spiritual Power from afar.


    "Myriad Poison Mystic Skill..."


    Gu An whispered, quickly flipping through the book. It was a Cultivation Technique, and moreover, it was iplete¡ªthest page showed a clear break in content.


    Besides the initial Technique of Immortal Cultivation, there were also records of five types of Poison Skills, each apanied by illustrations. Afterparing them, he finally identified the Poison Worm that Meng Lang was afflicted with.


    me Corpse Poison!


    "The afflicted, their bodies harbor ming energy, flesh tough as deep rock, possessing immense strength... incurable by any medicine, unbreakable by any skill, until their bodies are utterly shattered..."


    Gu An read this and couldn''t help but look at Meng Lang, his eyes showing sympathy.


    How pitiful.


    The Myriad Poison Mystic Skill had a method to suppress the me Corpse Poison; it merely required covering his seven orifices, preventing the Poison Worm from consuming Spiritual Energy, which would force the worm into a dormant state, rendering the host immobile.


    He immediately used mud to seal Meng Lang''s seven orifices, then he stood up and looked towards the cave entrance from which Meng Lang hade.


    He did not immediately go to explore but put the Myriad Poison Mystic Skill into his Storage Bag and turned to continue harvesting medicinal herbs.


    Even if Cheng Xuandan''s master was still alive, he had not attacked him, a Qi Cultivation Realm cultivator. Whether due to ack of intent to kill or inability to move, why should he stir up trouble unnecessarily?


    The longer the time passed, the more beneficial it was for Gu An.


    An hourter.


    Gu An left the Eight Scenic Caves, satisfied, with his life span having reached an impressive seven thousand years!


    He had harvested all the third grade medicinal herbs he could, and it was time to nt new seeds, which would take years to mature anyway.


    After harvesting the third-grade medicinal herbs, it would be time to harvest the fourth-grade ones!


    To prevent damaging the ecological bnce maintained by the formation, Gu An did not collect all the mature medicinal herbs at once. He harvested some and nted some, a sustainable and effective method for steady development!


    And even if the medicinal herbs were mature, they could be left to grow longer; the longer they lived, the more life span they could capture. Of course, there was a threshold to this, and Gu An was still observing it.


    ...


    The next morning, the new Master of Mystic Valley, Gu An, left his room early and immediately urged his junior brothers toe out.


    After hearing Xiaochuan''s response, he proceeded towards Ye Lan''s courtyard.


    "Junior sister, time toe out," Gu An called.


    "Okay, senior brother,"


    Ye Lan quickly responded, more proactive than the junior brothers.


    It wasn''t long before everyone was standing in front of Gu An.


    Gu An nced around at them and smiled, "Congrattions, you''re going to be senior uncles soon. I''m going to take in more Servant Disciples, and they will be my disciples, your junior nephews."


    At these words, everyone became excited, eagerly discussing the future. No one mentioned Cheng Xuandan, not because they were heartless or dishonorable, but because they had agreed privately not to mention Cheng Xuandan for the next month.


    Gu An gave a few encouraging words, then started to lead his junior brothers and sisters in exercises to stir their muscles and bones. Afterwards, he still had to go to the Eight Scenic Caves to nt flowers and herbs.


    Life was about to be busy!

 Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Life Span Barrier, Breaking Through to the Elixir Formation Realm

    In Eight Scenic Caves, the light from the fruits of the Green Vine Tree shone upon cave walls, while the shimmering reflections from the underground river did likewise, bestowing tranquility and beauty upon the grotto.


    Gu An walked under the Green Vine Tree, turned around with his hands on his hips, and gazed upon the area he had nted with a satisfied smile on his face.


    As the saying goes, "You reap what you sow!"


    The romance he pursued was in cultivating his crops and his spiritual path!


    All that fighting and scheming could stay far away from him!


    Immersed in self-satisfaction, Gu An''s attention drifted.


    He wanted to build a loft within the Eight Scenic Caves where he could take refuge and rest asionally.


    He was still young now, but in fifty or sixty years, he could follow in Cheng Xuandan''s footsteps, let his senior disciple handle all affairs, and simply enjoy life.


    But it was still too early to think about a senior disciple since Medicine Valley was his foundation, and not just anyone who became his disciple could oversee everything.


    Many ns began to form in Gu An''s mind.


    First, he needed to train a Deputy Valley Master!


    Xiaochuan was worth considering, with mediocre talent but honest nature, though his manner of speaking and dealing with people was somewhat rigid.


    Lu Jiujia would eventually move to the Outer Sect, so he was out of the question.


    Ye Lan...


    No, it was best to send her away early, to avoid destroying his Daoist Heart.


    As for Wuxin, that needed further consideration!


    He would have to recruit more disciples!


    While contemting, Gu An looked up.


    He was curious about the fruits of the Green Vine Tree; some celestial and terrestrial treasures had fruits as their form. Would picking the fruits of the Green Vine Tree explode his life span?


    No sooner thought than done!


    Gu An leapt up, grabbed a fruit, and tore it off.


    Hended on the grass, then admired the fruit in his hand¡ªa pumpkin-sized fruit that he estimated to weigh seven or eight kilograms.


    Gu An took out a sheet of Spirit Protection Paper from his Storage Bag to wrap around the fruit''s long stem, to prevent the leakage of spiritual energy and loss of nutrients.


    All this was money, after all!


    About ten breathster, a line of text appeared before his eyes:


    ["You have sessfully obtained a Green Vine Fruit (Sixth Rank) with 85 years of life span."]


    Damn, that''s good!


    85 years of life span!


    Gu An''s gaze towards the Green Vine Tree changed.


    This was a veritable money tree!


    It absolutely must not be uprooted!


    It has to be well cared for until the end, so it can be cultivated and cherished!


    Excited, Gu An threw the Green Vine Fruit into his Storage Bag, and then counted the fruits on the tree. There were sixteen of the samerge size as the one he just plucked, and he refrained from touching the smaller ones.


    He immediately sprung into action.


    Some of the fruits were in high ces, and he had to climb the tree to reach them.


    In that moment, he fervently wished he had learned the Sword Control Technique.


    Still at the Foundation Establishment Realm, he could not yet fly or levitate, nor did he have any other means to do so.


    After much effort, Gu An finally seeded in picking all sixteen Green Vine Fruits, amassing a total of one thousand three hundred sixty years of life span.


    His total life span had now reached eight thousand four hundred years!


    He was getting closer and closer to the ten-thousand-year mark!


    Enough!


    All in one go!


    Once he reached ten thousand years, he could increase his cultivation level through investment, then explore the other seven cave entrances, ensure they were clear of dangers, and then he could live peacefully and quietly!


    With a n in mind, Gu An set out to execute it.


    The Eight Scenic Caves were rich with medicinal herbs, and he kept his eye on his Attribute Panel as he picked, nning to stop as soon as he reached ten thousand years of life span.


    An hourter.


    A prompt appeared before Gu An.


    ["You have achieved a life span of over ten thousand years for the first time, unlocking the Life Span Barrier feature."]


    ["Life Span Barrier: Consumes life span to open a barrier that can block all spying, perception, and spection. The life span consumed depends on your cultivation level aura and the required spiritual energy."]


    Life Span Barrier?


    At the sight of the words "consumes life span," Gu An furrowed his brow¡ªwasn''t this asking for his life?


    But after reading the full exnation, he was pleasantly surprised.


    His breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm had already caused such amotion, what would happen when he reached even higher realms?


    If things continued in this way, he would inevitably rm the entire Supreme Sect, something that Gu An had worried about before.


    Now, he had no such fears!


    This feature was too good to be true!


    I like it!


    Gu An chuckled to himself as he walked towards the cave entrance.


    Once he broke through to the Core Formation Realm, he would explore the other entrances.


    Although the Eight Scenic Caves had formations protecting them, there could still be dangers within, so he decided to break through outside, which would be a good opportunity to test the Life Span Barrier.


    No matter whaty hidden in the shadows, he would face it unflinchingly!


    When Gu An returned to Medicine Valley, it was already deep into the night.


    He had moved into the loft previously upied by Cheng Xuandan, which also housed many secret manuals, Elixir Records, and rare books, all of which he intended to read through eventually.


    After entering the house, Gu An approached a wooden cab made of special wood that could preserve the spiritual energy of celestial and terrestrial treasures as much as possible¡ªa fact previously exined by Cheng Xuandan. There were several such cabs.


    He took out all the Green Vine Fruits and ced them in the cab.


    Suddenly thinking of something, he took out another Green Vine Fruit and ced it on the table.


    Sitting at the table, he pulled out the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion Secret History from his bosom and began to read quietly.


    It wasn''t until thete night that the White Spirit Rat finally returned.


    It ran straight to Gu An''s shoulder, its small eyes fixed intently on the Green Vine Fruit on the table.


    Gu An gently picked it up and ced it on the table, then waited for it to make a move.


    The White Spirit Rat approached the Green Vine Fruit, sniffed its scent, then climbed on top of it and started to nibble gently.


    Gu An was not clear on the miraculous effects of the Green Vine Fruit, as the Hundred Herbs Collection didn''t list heaven and earth treasures above the fifth rank, so he could only use the White Spirit Rat to test it.


    He let the White Spirit Rat choose for itself, banking on its nature as a Spirit Beast; if the Green Vine Fruit was poisonous, it should be able to smell it.


    If it couldn''t smell the poison, then Gu An would give it a generous burial.


    The Green Vine Fruit was ten times the size of the White Spirit Rat, and it struggled to gnaw on it, but Gu An did not help.


    Waiting was boring, so he simply decided to break through tonight!


    Gu An stood up, then quietly left the pavilion, sneaking out of Mystic Valley, and headed west. He crossed mountains and valleys, travelling nearly twenty leagues.


    First, he jumped to the top of arge tree and observed in all directions, ensuring there were no signs or traces of other cultivators. Only then did he sit down on a patch of grass in the mountain valley to meditate.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He hadn''t consumed life span for cultivation for quite some time and found himself quite expectant.


    With the Life Span Barrier in ce, Gu An could safely evolve his cultivation level this time.


    "Let''s start with a thousand years to test the waters," he thought, feeling bold with ten thousand years of life span in his possession. What was a mere thousand-year investment?


    It was just a ssh of water!


    He invested a thousand years of his life span into cultivating energy in order to evolve his cultivation practice.


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for thirty years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the eighthyer of Foundation Establishment Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for a hundred years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the ninthyer of Foundation Establishment Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for a hundred and fifty years, and with the great aplishment of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully assaulted the Core Formation Realm, starting tribtion crossing. You did not endure the Minor Heavenly Tribtion, and the tribtion crossing failed]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for two hundred years, and with the great aplishment of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully assaulted the Core Formation Realm, starting tribtion crossing. You did not endure the Minor Heavenly Tribtion, and the tribtion crossing failed]


    ...


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for four hundred and fifty years, and with the great aplishment of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully assaulted the Core Formation Realm, starting tribtion crossing. You sessfully endured the Minor Heavenly Tribtion, condensed a Golden Core, and stepped into the Core Formation Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for five hundred years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the secondyer of the Core Formation Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for six hundred years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the thirdyer of the Core Formation Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for seven hundred and twenty years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the fourthyer of the Core Formation Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for eight hundred and fifty years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the fifthyer of the Core Formation Realm]


    [You have cultivated Energy Absorption for a thousand years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the sixthyer of the Core Formation Realm]


    Line after line of prompts crazily shed before Gu An''s eyes.


    Seeing the six failed tribtion attempts, Gu An nearly ran out of breath with frustration. Was crossing tribtions really that difficult?


    Apanied by thest prompt, Gu An''s body began to cultivate energy autonomously, and he instantly felt a surge of nature''s spiritual energy about to erupt. He hurriedly activated his Life Span Barrier.


    [Life Span Barrier activated, lifespan consumed: 0 years]


    This prompt hung directly before his eyes, and as nature''s spiritual energy flowed into him, the number 0 jumped to 1.


    "Hope the consumption isn''t too great..." Gu An silently prayed.


    As the abundant nature''s spiritual energy crazily flooded into him, he felt incredibly unobstructed and experienced an indescribable sense of exhration.


    This time, he didn''t move during his breakthrough, so he didn''t feel any pain.


    With him at the center, the ground released waves of energy that rushed towards him from all directions, diving into his body. One could faintly see an invisible barrier with a diameter of nearly fifty meters.


    Gu An looked beyond the barrier and saw that outside it, there was not even a slight disturbance; the grass and trees werepletely calm, clearly unaffected by him.


    He became immediately curious, wondering why there was no disturbance.


    Soon, he understood.


    Once the barrier was up, the spiritual energy he absorbed for cultivation came from the earth''s depths.


    Thispletely put his mind at ease.


    Not much time passed before his cultivation level reached the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and the life span consumed by the barrier had reached five years, causing him a bit of heartache.


    This thing was too costly!


    It reminded him of the experience of ying some mobile games in his previous life.


    One word: expensive!


    Just as Gu An was inwardlyining, he suddenly saw a bright light in the distant mountains. Narrowing his eyes, he faintly discerned the scene of cultivators engaged inbat.


    Ten leagues away.


    Above the forest, Shi Yang swung his sword, releasing shes of Sword Qi, sweeping through like a wild wind through the woods, scattering leaves in a frenzy.


    Dressed in ck, Li Ya stood atop a tree, lifting his sword before him. A powerful force burst from him, forming a faint golden bell shadow that repelled all of Shi Yang''s Sword Qi.


    Shi Yang''s ck hair whipped wildly in the wind, his face sporting a ferocious and defiant grin. Heughed loudly, "Li Ya, is this all the skill you have? You think you can contend with the Prince with such ability? Will you even make it into the Inner Sect alive?"


    Li Ya''s face was stern as his gaze shifted towards Mystic Valley.


    This won''t do!


    If this keeps up, it would alert the people of Medicine Valley.


    Li Ya didn''t want to bring trouble to Gu An and the others. He immediately pushed his sword, dispelling the Sword Qi, then flew in the opposite direction of Mystic Valley. Shi Yang pursued closely, and both of them flew on their swords, swiftly vanishing to the edge of the night sky.


    Within the Life Span Barrier, Gu An couldn''t see clearly the cultivators fighting in the distance, but fortunately, the bright lights disappeared.


    He dared not let his guard down; the Life Span Barrier could not probe, perceive, or deduce, but that didn''t mean it waspletely nullified. What if someone identally stumbled into it?


    Time passed quickly as Gu An''s heart was filled with apprehension.


    Golden Core was beginning to condense inside him!


    As the Life Span Barrier''s consumption surpassed fifty years, his Core Formation was sessful!


    Although the consumption of the Life Span Barrier was high, it was within the range Gu An could ept.


    Before beginning, he had been worried it might be too exploitative and drain him dry instantly.


    Now, his worries had vanished into thin air.


    Another thought crossed his mind.


    Having reached the sixthyer of the Core Formation Realm with a thousand years, should he continue to invest in his cultivation?

 Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Transformation of the Spirit Root, Cultivator of the Nascent Soul Realm

    The night sky was silent, with only the asional cries of birds and beasts, as the mountain foresty quiet in the darkness.


    Gu An sat meditating within the Life Span Barrier, enjoying the moonlight.


    The moon tonight was beautiful, just like his mood.


    His cultivation level had reached the fourthyer of the Core Formation Realm, drawing ever closer to its end.


    He nned to keep investing, right up until he broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm, and then invest in an ultimate skill, for the Gale Shadowless Leg no longer satisfied him.


    What Nascent Soul Realm Great Cultivator would use legs?


    It had to be a sword!


    Gu An decided to bestow his favor upon the Li Family''s Seven Swords; with the cultivation level of the Nascent Soul Realm, he needed the attack methods worthy of it.


    Assume Cheng Xuandan''s master is a Nascent Soul Realm Great Cultivator!


    Gu An intended to overestimate his opponent as much as possible to reduce the chance of defeat.


    After the Cultivator he hadbated earlier left, he never returned, allowing Gu An''s heart to finally rx.


    As a Core Formation Realm Cultivator, he had enough influence in the Outer Sect to swagger around; even if someone were to burst in suddenly, they wouldn''t be able to withstand a single kick from him!


    Core Formation Realm, fifthyer!


    With another increase in cultivation level, Gu An''s Divine Sense also grew stronger.


    The Core Formation Realm and the Foundation Establishment Realm were as different as heaven and earth.


    The difference in Spiritual Power was like the gap between the sky and the earth; his Divine Sense now could be concentrated to form a powerful impact force.


    Having reached the Core Formation Realm, he felt as though he truly resembled a Cultivator.


    If the Core Formation Realm was like this, how powerful would the Nascent Soul Realm be?


    Gu An could hardly wait to invest his life force.


    He was forced to wait until his cultivation level reached a breakthrough to the sixthyer of the Core Formation Realm, then he finally pulled up the Attribute Panel.


    His gaze involuntarily drifted towards his Spirit Root.


    He had once tried to enhance his Spirit Root, but it was in vain, causing him a psychological shadow, fearful that it was a bottomless pit, so he shifted his life span to other areas. Moreover, deducing cultivation techniques could also improve Spirit Root Qualification.


    Now that he was strong enough and had plenty of life span left, it was time to try and elevate his Spirit Root once more.


    After some time, once the increase in his cultivation level halted, Gu An directly invested two thousand years of life span into his Spirit Root!


    "You have invested two thousand years of life span into the evolutionary cultivation of your Spirit Root"


    "You haveprehended the natural ways of heaven and earth for a hundred years, enhancing your Five Elements Spirit Root perception"


    "You haveprehended the natural ways of heaven and earth for two hundred years, enhancing your Five Elements Spirit Root perception"


    ¡­


    "You haveprehended the natural ways of heaven and earth for a thousand years, finally capturing a trace of the Heaven and Earth True Meaning.


    Your Spirit Root is baptized by heaven and earth, the qualifications of your Five Elements Spirit Root begin to transform, all of your Five Elements Spirit Root qualifications evolve into second-rate mortal qualifications, with the Wood Spirit Root being particrly prominent"


    "You haveprehended the natural ways of heaven and earth for twelve hundred years, enhancing your Five Elements Spirit Root perception"


    ¡­


    "You haveprehended the natural ways of heaven and earth for two thousand years, finally capturing a trace of the Heaven and Earth True Meaning, and at the same time,prehending the earth''s vein flows. Your Spirit Root is baptized by heaven and earth; the qualifications of your Five Elements Spirit Roots begin to transform.


    All of your Five Elements Spirit Root qualifications evolve into first-rate mortal qualifications, with the Wood Spirit Root and the Earth Spirit Root being particrly prominent"


    Line after line of prompts appeared before Gu An''s eyes.


    When he saw the initial prompts about the Five Elements, his heart began to bleed.


    What a blunder! This thing truly is a bottomless pit!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing that the qualifications of all Five Elements Spirit Roots had reached first-rate, his mood lightened somewhat. However, he still felt pained, especially considering that his priorprehension of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill had already brought his Wood Spirit Root to first-rate.


    That''s not the right way to think!


    He should consider that it took a thousand years for the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill to bring just one Spirit Root to first-rate; to get all Five Spirit Roots up there would require at least five thousand years.


    That raised the question: why hadn''t he cultivated techniques of the other four attributes?


    As a person, you must always try new things to find the most perfect path.


    As Gu An reflected upon himself, the Earth Spirit Energy surged once more, not to increase his cultivation level this time, but to temper his sinews and bones.


    Pain!


    Gu An experienced an unprecedented level of pain and could only grit his teeth and bear it.


    To divert his attention, he began thinking about the Attribute Panel again.


    It seemed that Spirit Root Qualification was the hardest to elevate, which made sense¡ªSpirit Root Qualification was akin to maximum life span, and cultivation level represented current life span. Breaking through the maximum limit was always the hardest.


    No amount of hard work couldpare to breaking through a fate set by the heavens.


    That''s why the Supreme Sect treated geniuses so well; for them, Ji Xiaoyu with Dual Spirit Roots was far more important than a Core Formation Realm Cultivator.


    For most people, the fewer the Spirit Roots, the higher the qualification. If a person''s total Talent Value represented by their Spirit Roots is one hundred, then dual Spirit Roots could split fifty each, but if there were Five Elements Spirit Roots, the talent value for each would be only twenty, and being versatile sometimes means being mediocre.


    Now it was different for Gu An; by elevating his Spirit Root qualifications, it was as though he was increasing the total Talent Value from one hundred upward.


    Regrettably, he couldn''t invest cultivation into enhancing a single Spirit Root attribute. Currently, the other Spirit Roots weren''t of much help as he cultivated the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, so his cultivation speed increased only slightly.


    However, he noticed in the prompts that the prefix "mortal" preceded the first-rate qualification.


    Could there also be Holy Bodies and Spirit Bodies?


    Gu An let his thoughts wander, and meanwhile, the consumption rate of the Life Span Barrier began to slow down. From the start of the breakthrough, a total of one hundred thirty-four years had already been spent.


    As his Spirit Root Qualifications continued to improve, Gu An noticeably felt each attribute of Spiritual Energy be more distinct, which also caused his perception of the entire world to change.


    The sensation of pain was being reced by a sense of novelty!


    After a long time.


    Gu An''s body no longer absorbed spiritual energy, and the spirit root on the attribute panel changed to a top-tier five elements spirit root. He did not rise to his feet but instead invested two thousand years of life span into his cultivation level.


    The failure of his tribtion cast a long shadow, so he decided to achieve a miracle by a bold stroke. If he were to invest only a thousand years of life span and got stuck at the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, he would have no choice but to spit blood.


    Such a possibility did exist!


    After failing the tribtion, he would have to waste fifty years before he could continue to charge forth; it was all too real. In reality, failing a tribtion would result in either death or injury, and indeed recovering from such injuries took time.


    And the tribtions of the Nascent Soul Realm were bound to be even more difficult, with the number of failures likely to be nothing less than more!


    Begin!


    [You practiced energy absorption for a hundred years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the seventhyer of the Elixir Formation Realm.]


    [You practiced energy absorption for two hundred years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the eighthyer of the Elixir Formation Realm.]


    [You practiced energy absorption for three hundred years, and your cultivation level has broken through to the ninthyer of the Elixir Formation Realm.]


    [You practiced energy absorption for four hundred years. With the great aplishment of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully charged into the Nascent Soul Realm, began the tribtion, but you did not endure the Sanxuan heavenly tribtion, tribtion failed.]


    ...


    [You practiced energy absorption for a thousand and five hundred years. With the great aplishment of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully charged into the Nascent Soul Realm, began the tribtion, but you did not endure the Sanxuan heavenly tribtion, tribtion failed.]


    [You practiced energy absorption for one thousand six hundred years. With the great aplishment of the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill, you forcefully charged into the Nascent Soul Realm, began the tribtion, and finally endured the Sanxuan heavenly tribtion, tribtion seeded, promotion to Nascent Soul Realm.]


    [You practiced energy absorption for one thousand eight hundred years. your cultivation level has broken through to the secondyer of the Nascent Soul Realm.]


    [You practiced energy absorption for two thousand years. your cultivation level has broken through to the thirdyer of the Nascent Soul Realm.]


    Damn!


    To actually fail twelve times!


    By the time Gu An saw that he failed the tribtion six times, his heart sank to the bottom. When he failed for the tenth time, his vision turned ck.


    Thankfully, he eventually seeded in breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Is the Nascent Soul Realm that difficult to break through?


    Copsing into thought, Gu An realized why the life span consumed during simted cultivation was higher than the actual expenditure.


    Simted cultivation was akin to practicing without any aids. Normal cultivation would involve consuming elixirs, using formations to gather spiritual energy, both of which could also assist with crossing the tribtion, not to mention the marvelous effects of some rare and exotic treasures.


    The spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged again, and the consumption speed of the life span barrier began to elerate.


    Gu An calmed his heart and began to enjoy the upgrade of his cultivation level.


    ...


    The rising sun skimmed across the mortal world''sndscape, lighting up Mystic Valley as it gradually brightened. Standing on the mountaintop, Gu An looked down upon the autumn-colored forest; his robe fluttered in the wind, and the sunlight showered down upon him, as if at any moment, he might ascend and be an immortal.


    He had already condensed his nascent soul, bing a true cultivator of the Nascent Soul Realm!


    To reward himself, he increased his apparent cultivation level by oneyer to the fourthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, and henceforth, he nned to increase it by oneyer each year until he hit the ninthyer. This way, he would not be conscripted.


    He couldn''t resist checking his attribute panel once more.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 22/4502]


    [Spirit Root: Top-tier five elements spirit root (with wood and earth attributes being more prominent) (life span can be invested for simted cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Level: Nascent Soul Realm thirdyer (life span can be invested for simted cultivation)]


    [Cultivation Technique: Fire Control Art (not mastered), Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill (mastery), Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill (mastery), Alchemy (Initial Insight) (life span can be invested for simted cultivation)]


    [Ultimate Skill: Gale Shadowless Leg (Integration andprehension), Li family Seven Swords (not mastered), Eight Directions Step (not mastered) (life span can be invested for simted cultivation)]


    In the future, Gu An nned to invest more in the Li family Seven Swords and then continue to umte life span¡ªsaving up to a significant milestone of a hundred thousand years before making use of it.


    For now, he needed a few days of rest to settle his excited heart.


    With his cultivation level of the Nascent Soul Realm, he could certainly go to the Supreme Sect to obtain decent positions and treatment. However, the thought of the sect possibly sending him out to y demons and engage inbat with the demon path, or even possibly face infighting, quelled those stray thoughts.


    He who does not forget his beginnings, achieves the intended oue!


    It didn''t matter who came calling; he was determined to hunker down in Mystic Valley till the end!


    asionally, he could search for heavenly materials and earthly treasures, but he must not divert his primary focus away from Mystic Valley.


    Higher status might allow his life span to increase much faster, but there was an equally proportional increase in danger. After all, since he had no enemies, why the hurry?


    Gu An turned around and started walking down the mountain.


    Already capable of flying in the sky at the Nascent Soul Realm, he chose not to do so, opting for walking down the mountain instead.


    When he got to Medicine Valley, Xiaochuan and the others gradually came out to greet him.


    "Senior Brother, you went up the mountain so early?" Ye Lan greeted Gu An, and whether it was her imagination or not, she felt that today''s Senior Brother seemed even more handsome.


    Gu An smiled and replied, "I went to check on the seeds. You will lead them in their practice today."


    Ye Lan nodded in agreement, wishing to ask more, but Gu An had already started walking towards the loft.


    Not far away, Wuxin watched Gu An''s figure, secretly thinking, "There must be a secret in the woods! I will surely find it!"


    Gu An ascended the stairs, pushed the door open, and upon entering, he immediately saw the White Spirit Rat lying on the table, its body inted like a balloon, while the Green Vine Fruit was nowhere to be found.


    Still breathing, not dead!


    He immediately performed a life span detection on the White Spirit Rat.


    [White Spirit Rat (first order): 12/120/180]


    Hmm?


    Its life span had increased by seventy years; initially, the White Spirit Rat had only fifty years.


    Was the Green Vine Fruit''s medicinal effect so strong?


    Gu An immediately went over to the wooden cab, took out a Green Vine Fruit, and began to nibble on it.

 Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Li Ya Returns, Li Family Divine Weapon

    Gu An took his first bite of the Green Vine Fruit and immediately felt a warm energy flowing into his stomach, warming his entire body.


    It''s working!


    He began to eat it greedily, and in no time, the huge Green Vine Fruit was all gone.


    As he digested the fruit, he essed his Attribute Panel, eagerly anticipating an increase in his life span.


    However, he ended up waiting for an entire hour.


    His life span didn''t increase at all!


    His Qi-Blood, on the other hand, had increased significantly, and his physical strength was greater.


    "What''s going on? Is my realm too high, or is this fruit only suitable for spirit beasts and demon beasts?" Gu An wondered privately.


    He looked at the White Spirit Rat on the table, which was still sound asleep. Its lifespan hadn''t increased further, but its aura was steadily growing stronger.


    Just wait and see!


    The White Spirit Rat slept for three days, and when it woke up, it was as big as an adult cat. It leaped into Gu An''s arms, affectionately nuzzling him, but its eyes were looking towards the cab behind them.


    "No more eating!"


    Gu An, who was reading a book, huffed, knowing it would cause trouble if it kept growing, especially with Xiaochuan and others getting curious.


    People like Lu Jiujia and Ye Lan would eventually go to the Outer Sect, and Gu An did not want them to know too many of his secrets.


    The White Spirit Rat looked pitifully at Gu An and even nodded its head, making Gu An widen his eyes in surprise.


    It actually understood?


    Gu An pointed his right hand to the side and said, "Come over here."


    The White Spirit Rat immediately jumped over without hesitation.


    He continued to issuemands, and as long as they were notplicated, the White Spirit Rat followed them, which made him grow increasingly fond of it.


    It''s finally acting like a spirit beast!


    Gu An picked up the White Spirit Rat and left the house with it.


    It was currently autumn, and all the gardens were filled with fallen leaves. Xiaochuan and the others were cleaning, and Medicine Valley was peaceful.


    As Gu An walked down the stairs, he set the White Spirit Rat down and said, "Don''t eat randomly."


    After saying that, he pointed at the White Spirit Rat''s mouth. It seemed to understand and nodded, then turned and hopped away.


    Gu An watched, his expression bemused.


    Why does it look like a rabbit?


    Could it be that not only its lifespan but also its genes had been altered?


    Ye Lan was the first to notice the White Spirit Rat, mainly because she was drawn by Gu An''s gaze and then saw arge white rat running toward her, which shocked her so much that her face paled.


    "There''s a rat demon!"


    Ye Lan eximed aloud, drawing the attention of Lu Jiujia, Xiaochuan, and Wuxin.


    They too were startled upon seeing the White Spirit Rat, having never seen such arge rat before.


    "White Spirit Rat, slow down!"


    At the sound of Gu An''s voice, the White Spirit Rat immediately stopped, turned to look back at him, then turned again and walked towards the forest, its pace slower than before.


    Seeing this, Ye Lan and the others put down their tools and ran toward Gu An.


    "Senior Brother Gu, is that your White Spirit Rat? How did it get so big?"


    "It must be another White Spirit Rat, right?"


    "It seems a bit clumsy, and its legs don''t seem very good."


    "That spirit beast''s bloodline is no simple matter."


    Hearing the discussions of his junior brothers and sisters, Gu An smiled but remained silent, letting them specte.


    Gu An looked at everyone and said, "In a while, I n to make a trip to the Outer Sect. Who wants toe with me?"


    As soon as he spoke, everyone except Wuxin wanted to go.


    "What an opportunity!" Wuxin kept his expression unchanged, but inside, he was thrilled.


    After somepetition, Gu An finally chose to take Ye Lan and Xiaochuan to the Outer Sect, scheduling it for seven dayster.


    Why seven days?


    Because he nned to thoroughly explore the Eight Scenic Caves first.


    Gu An turned to look towards the entrance of the valley, where a figure was approaching¡ªit was Li Ya.


    After many years, Li Ya had gained a more weathered and stern appearance. The ck clothes pped in the autumn wind,plemented by the sword at his waist, giving off an undeniable aura of a proud swordsman.


    Xiaochuan and the others also noticed Li Ya, and his appearance made them nervous.


    Whoever came to their Medicine Valley generally had a higher status than them, especially someone who looked as formidable as this man.


    Gu An checked Li Ya''s lifespan and discovered he had reached the fourth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    That was really fast!


    No wonder he was the first protagonist I discovered with a protagonist''s fate!


    Gu An immediately walked over, and the others quickly followed him.


    As Li Ya scanned everything in Medicine Valley, his gaze fell on Gu An, and he appeared somewhat dazed.


    In the past, Gu An would always be at the back of the group, but now he was capable of leading the other servant disciples¡ªit was indeed a changing of the guard.


    When Gu An approached him, he greeted with a sped fist and a smile, "Brother Li, it''s been a long time."


    Injured?


    Gu An could feel that his Qi-Blood was in disorder, his breathing shallow, clearly indicating internal injuries.


    Li Ya smiled and said, "Indeed, it''s been many years. How''s master, and what about the senior brother and Meng Lang?"


    Gu An replied helplessly, "Master was approaching his end, so he passed away a while ago, and the senior brother left the valley after you did. As for Meng Lang, he went to take the Outer Sect examination and never returned."


    At these words, Li Ya was stunned.


    Xiaochuan and the others, standing behind, whispered among themselves, deducing Li Ya''s identity. Meng Lang had often mentioned that there had been a member of the Imperial Family who worked as a servant with him."


    Meng Langmented, "So you''re the only one left."


    Gu An asked, "Would you like toe inside and sit?"


    Li Ya nodded.


    The reason he came here was not only to revisit this ce but also to heal his injuries, as only here did he feel safe.


    As Gu An led Li Ya towards the loft, he signaled to the others to continue clearing the fallen leaves.


    As they reached the Valley Master''s loft, Li Ya set foot on the stairs, and his emotions peaked. He couldn''t help but cough, and hisplexion turned pale.


    The color on Gu An''s face, who was walking ahead, changed slightly.


    He sensed a faint soul fluctuation emanating from Li Ya.


    Good Lord!


    This guy really does have a grandfather-like figure with him?


    Gu An turned back and asked with concern, "Brother Li, what''s wrong?"


    Li Ya waved his hand and said, "Nothing, just a minor injury."


    "Injured? Well, you should stay then; Medicine Valley has plenty of living amodations," Gu An immediately said.


    Li Ya nodded with a smile, thinking to himself, "Junior Brother Gu is still as considerate as ever, I must support him this time."


    After the two entered the house, Gu An had Li Ya sit down and then began to brew some tea.


    Li Ya surveyed the room, and his gaze was quickly drawn to the Green Vine Fruits in the wooden cab.


    Over the past three days, Gu An had ced most of the Green Vine Fruits into his Storage Bag, leaving only two in the cab to prevent the White Spirit Rat from stealing them.


    If the White Spirit Rat really did steal, he could not bear to kill it, so he simply hid the fruits.


    "This fruit..."


    Li Ya squinted his eyes, but he did not look for too long. His gaze soon fell on Gu An.


    After many years, on seeing Gu An again, he was actually stunned by Gu An''s demeanor. Although Gu An used to be good-looking, he did not have the impressive aura he now possessed, resembling a Great Cultivator from the Inner Sect,posed and with a touch of transcendence.


    If he hadn''t noticed that Gu An''s aura was only at the fourth level of Qi Cultivation Realm, he would have doubted that this person was the Gu An he knew.


    Taking advantage of boiling water, Gu An came to sit at the table to chat with Li Ya.


    In order not to let the atmosphere turn cold, Gu An inquired about the life of an Outer Sect Disciple, and Li Ya answered each question.


    "As an Outer Sect Disciple, you mustplete one Outer Sect bounty mission every year?" Gu An curiously asked.


    Li Ya smiled and said, "That''s right, and it''s an away mission too."


    "Did you ever encounter any demons?"


    "Nearly every trip out I encountered them. The Taicang Dynasty is so vast; there''s always some ce overrun by demons. Last year, I nearly died there; it was a third-level Demon Beast,parable to the Core Formation Realm.


    I and several friends fought fiercely, but one died, and the rest barely escaped with serious injuries," Li Ya exined, his face showing a hint of palpable fear toward the end.


    "Third level? Core Formation Realm?"


    Gu An feigned a shocked expression, dissipating the gloom in Li Ya''s heart.


    He then started to recount the specific details of that time, with Gu An listening as if to a thrilling story, providing very responsive feedback.


    In fact, he was indeed curious about Li Ya''s experiences.


    After listening, he only had one thought.


    Too dangerous!


    He was d he had not be an Outer Sect Disciple.


    "Aside from demons, I also had to be wary of other cultivators. While treasure hunting, I shed with disciples from another sect for half a month. It was tough to kill him, and guess what happened next?" Li Ya said enthusiastically as he began recounting another experience.


    Gu An guessed, "Did his fathere?"


    Li Ya looked at him surprised and shook his head, "Not his father, but almost; his master came!"


    Good lord!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu An felt even more fortunate not to have joined the Outer Sect.


    If the Outer Sect was so dangerous, wasn''t the Inner Sect even more perilous?


    Li Ya continued recounting his cunning and fierce struggle with the enemy''s master, giving Gu An the feeling of listening to a storyteller.


    Very thrilling!


    When the hot water was ready, Gu An got up to brew the tea.


    Li Ya casually asked, "Junior Brother Gu, are the fruits in the cab left by your master?"


    Gu An, with his back turned, answered, "I found them outside; have you forgotten? The White Spirit Rat is a Treasure Hunting Rat."


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya raised his eyebrows.


    Can it really find treasure?


    Suddenly, he also wanted to raise a White Spirit Rat.


    He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Junior Brother Gu, could you give me one of those fruits to heal my wounds? I won''t leave you upensated; do you want a secret manual or a magic artifact?"


    Gu An turned around, carrying the tea, and set it down in front of him, speaking in an indifferent tone, "I''ll just give you one; don''t give me anything. What''s our rtionship?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya was deeply moved.


    In his years in the Outer Sect, although he had friends, they were all rtionships based on interests; no one had ever treated him so well without expecting anything in return.


    After speaking, Gu An went to the wooden cab, took out a Green Vine Fruit, and ced it beside Li Ya''s teacup.


    His actions made Li Ya feel even more ashamed.


    "Li Ya, oh Li Ya, to think you once looked down on him and on Medicine Valley, even though you joined the Outer Sect, in the end, you still rely on him to save you..."


    Li Ya mocked himself inwardly. Following that, he raised his hand and took out a treasured sword from his Storage Bag.


    The sword sheath was blue, embedded with numerous gems and had an exquisite design, making it appear rich and splendid. The hilt seemed to be coiled with a dark golden dragon.


    Li Ya ced the sword on the table, its weight making a heavy and clear sound.


    He caressed the sword and softly said, "This was given to me by my mother; I''ll give it to you, it might save your life one day."


    Gu An was dazzled by the sword; although he only saw the sheath, he could feel the power contained within the sword. After all, he was a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, and he saw more than Li Ya did.


    This was definitely a Divine Weapon!

 Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Two Thousand Years of Evolution, Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword

    "I can''t ept it, how could I take the sword your mother left you?" Gu An quickly waved his hand and spoke the truth. Such a sword with a history surely had many origins and could lead to troubles.


    Li Ya lowered his eyes to look at the sword sheath, his thoughts sinking into reminiscence: "This sword is named Heavenly Residence. Since I was three, it has apanied me. Now, I cannot unleash all its power, nor do I have the qualifications to use it anymore. It''s better left with you, perhaps here in Medicine Valley it may find someone destined for it."


    Gu An, confused, asked, "Why are you not qualified? This sword wouldn''t be rted to the Imperial Family, would it? If so, I dare not ept it."


    Just thinking about entangling with the Li Family gave him a headache.


    Indeed the sword was gorgeous and he loved it, but he preferred his life undisturbed even more.


    Li Ya looked at him and smiled, "Even if I exined it, you wouldn''t understand. Rest assured, this sword won''t cause you trouble. The Li Family wouldn''t dare to im this sword, for it was a token of engagement my father gave to my mother. With it in your possession, the Li Family would rather not trouble you.


    If you encounter unsolvable troubles in the future, you can also take this sword to Changluo and seek my father."


    "How could someone of my low status meet the emperor?"


    "Don''t worry. As soon as Heavenly Residence appears in Changluo, my father will feel its presence. In any case, you must ept it, or else I won''t eat this fruit."


    Then don''t eat it!


    Gu An almost blurted that out, but he restrained himself.


    He looked at the Heavenly Residence Sword again; truth be told, he still didn''t own a single magic artifact of his own. Cheng Xuandan''s heritage had left him nothing but talisman paper, not even a sword.


    What''s there to fear!


    I am a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator!


    If I really encounter an unbearable trouble, I could just throw the sword to them!


    Gu An took a deep breath and reached for the Heavenly Residence. The sword had some weight to it, causing his right hand to tremble as he lifted it, which made Li Yaugh heartily.


    "Junior Brother Gu, even if your talent is ordinary, don''t forget to cultivate daily. The Seven-Sword Art of the Li Family I taught you, you must practice it," Li Ya said earnestly.


    Gu An, holding the Heavenly Residence Sword with both hands, forced a smile and nodded.


    Haha.


    Young man, you still need to train your eyesight more!


    Thus, Li Ya settled down inside Medicine Valley, and Gu An personally arranged a courtyard for him where no one would disturb him.


    Li Ya meditated on the bed, beside himy half-eaten Green Vine Fruit. With both hands, he performed a cultivation spell, continuously cultivating energy to heal his injuries.


    A pale blue shadow emerged from Li Ya''s body and whirled throughout the room. It was an old man, benevolent in appearance, his Taoist robe fluttering slightly, exuding the majestic demeanor of a venerable Daoist.


    Li Ya opened his eyes and spoke, "Ancestor, what fruit is this? Its medicinal effect is so potent¡­"


    The Soul Body, known as the Ancestor, first waved his hand and the space in the room fluctuated. Following that, he stroked his beard andughed, "It should be the Green Vine Fruit nurtured by the Holy Tree, the Green Vine Tree, of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. The lowest grade of Green Vine Fruits is sixth-grade; you are quite lucky."


    "The fruit from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion? Thousand-Autumn Pavilion''s infiltration is deep indeed, no wonder the Supreme Sect regards them as a formidable foe," Li Ya muttered to himself.


    The Ancestor looked at the Green Vine Fruit and said, "The Thousand-Autumn Pavilion and the Supreme Sect have harbored grudges for thousands of years. Both factions have many pawns nted in each other''s sects. Your Junior Brother Gu is lucky. If he hadn''t met you, the Green Vine Fruit would have brought disaster upon him."


    Li Ya shook his head, "It''s not that he is just lucky, but rather he is kindhearted and values loyalty greatly. People like him will always be rewarded. On the contrary, I am the one who is lucky."


    The Ancestor nodded, "That''s reasonable. In the world of Immortal Cultivation, such people are indeed rare. However, you need not feel too guilty. Heavenly Residence, given to him, means much more than the Green Vine Fruit."


    Hearing him mention Heavenly Residence, Li Ya sighed, "I failed to meet my mother''s expectations, but I really do not wish to vie for the throne. I only want to avenge her and then travel the world, far from the struggle for power."


    "Heavenly Residence is one of the three Emperor Swords of Taicang. To fully wield its power, you must master the Emperor-Level Sword Technique. Even your Nine Devastating Swords is only at the beginner stage. To master the Emperor-Level Sword Technique, it will probably take another hundred years," the elder pondered.


    Li Ya fell silent.


    The Ancestor joked, "You can''t even easily defeat that guy named Shi Yang. You need to try harder. Remember, your fourth brother has already reached the Core Formation Realm."


    Li Ya took a deep breath, said nothing more, and closed his eyes to continue healing his injuries.


    The Ancestor then looked out the window. Although the window was tightly shut, he could hear theughter of Xiaochuan and others.


    "This is indeed a good ce, far from worldly struggles. Unfortunately, those with a mission are not suited for this ce."


    "Ah well, no morementing, I need to go back to sleep to rejuvenate my spirit."


    ¡­


    In the depths of the night, Mystic Valley was silent.


    Gu An used the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill to conceal his energy and left Mystic Valley silently, heading to the woods over twenty miles away.


    He sat under a tree, essed the Attribute Panel, and focused on the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art.


    How much Life Span should I invest?


    After much deliberation, he decided to invest extra, to enhance his actualbat ability.


    Let it be two thousand years.


    With this single investment, I''ll just focus on preserving my life for a hundred thousand years!


    He immediately chose to invest two thousand years of Life Span, and the moment he thought it, the first digit of his Life Span changed from four to two.


    [You have invested two thousand years of Life Span in cultivating the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art]


    [You practice the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for ten years, achieving significant proficiency, and begin to contemte further possibilities]


    [You practice the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for fifty years, reaching the pinnacle of Swordsmanship, your Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art ascends to Seven-Sword Art]


    ¡­


    [You practice the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for three hundred years, you perfect the Seven-Sword Art, which ascends to the Nine Devastating Swords]


    [You practice the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for five hundred years, you achieve mastery of the Nine Devastating Swords and consolidate your own Sword Intent]


    ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [You cultivated the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for a thousand years, your Nine Devastating Swords reverted to their original purity and were promoted to the Emperor-Level Sword Technique]


    [You cultivated the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for twelve hundred years, your Sword Intent condensed its own Heaven and Earth Imperial Energy, enhancing your Sword Daoprehension]


    ...


    [You cultivated the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for eighteen hundred years, your Emperor-Level Sword Technique reverted to its original purity, Sword Intent triggered the Sword Dao, experienced the true meaning of the Sword Dao, you entered into a sudden enlightenment, and the Emperor-Level Sword Technique was promoted to the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword]


    [You cultivated the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art for two thousand years, your Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword achieved unity and coherence, enhancing your Sword Daoprehension]


    A series of prompts popped up frenziedly. When the evolution time reached a thousand years, Gu An immediately activated the Life Span Barrier.


    He was afraid of disturbing the mysterious presence underground and the Soul within Li Ya.


    When all the prompts settled, a massive influx of memories entered his mind, and the ground surged with Spiritual Energy, which didn''t enter his body but surrounded him instead, gradually condensing glimmers of cold light akin to Sword Qi, shimmering with an unusual brilliance in the night.


    Gu An entered a state of Path Enlightenment.


    Time passed unknowingly, and he gradually woke up.


    At this moment, it was still dark.


    Gu An first looked at the consumption data of the Life Span Barrier.


    Good heavens, just by contemting the cultivation technique, he had actually consumed three hundred years of life span!


    Fortunately, he had fully mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword; the profound understanding of the Sword Dao made his mood delightful.


    Looking at the Attribute Panel again, he saw that the Ultimate Skill section listed the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art, which had now turned into the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, with the words "unity and coherence" bracketed beside it.


    He didn''t immediately get up but took out the Heavenly Residence Sword andid its sheath across his legs, his palms resting on it, and his eyes closed shortly after.


    He was feeling the Sword Intent of this sword.


    Once the Sword Intent of the sword merged with his own Sword Intent, he would be able to subdue this magic sword.


    Inside this magic sword were numerous Restrictions, resembling different magic spell challenges, waiting for the Sword Master to breach them using Divine Sense and Spiritual Power.


    Gu An didn''t understand Restrictions, but fortunately, he had his own Sword Intent, which passed through the Restrictions.


    An hourter.


    Gu An stood up, tossed the Heavenly Residence Sword into his Storage Bag, and headed towards Mystic Valley.


    With a step, he levitated, Sword Qi condensing beneath his feet, traveling by sword.


    Upon nearing ten miles from Mystic Valley, he thennded and proceeded on foot, suppressing his aura to the extreme.


    The night gradually passed, and the eastern sky slowly revealed hues of pink.


    Morning arrived.


    Li Ya pushed open the door, greeted by the rising sun. He stretchedzily, feeling refreshed and invigorated.


    The medicinal effect of the Green Vine Fruit was incredibly strong!


    He was no longer feeling as unwell and felt that a few more days might see him fully recovered!


    Li Ya smiled as he looked towards the far end of the garden, where Gu An was instructing junior brothers and sisters in drills.


    The set of movements piqued Li Ya''s curiosity.


    Though the movements were slow, they inexplicably seemed to hold a mysterious essence.


    Li Ya immediately approached, making his way next to Gu An, who greeted him with a nod, which he returned.


    "What are you guys practicing?" Li Ya asked curiously.


    Gu An responded with a smile, "This is something I learned from an old man when I was a kid, it''s good for strengthening the body and maintaining a healthy spirit. I bring them out every day to practice, ensuring they start the day with a good spirit."


    Lu Jiujiained, "I actually feel it''s kind of useless."


    Xiaochuan shot him a re, saying, "That''s because you are dull-witted."


    Li Ya then said, "Actually, it is useful, but it requires long-termmitment."


    His words as an Outer Disciple naturallymanded respect.


    Gu An glimpsed at Li Ya, finding him more amiable than before, surprisingly capable of uttering such emotionally intelligent words.


    Actually, the reason he brought the junior brothers and sisters to drill was mainly to clear their mindspletely from cultivation and dreams, to prevent them from messing up his own flora.


    "Once you finish the drill, how about I teach you a sword technique?" Li Ya said cheerfully.


    Hearing this, Xiaochuan and the others became excited and thanked him profusely, addressing him as Brother Li Ya.


    Li Ya looked at Gu An and said, "You join us too. Since you now have a sword, it''s good to practice more."


    Gu An smiled and nodded.


    Alright.


    Let me test whether your mastery of the Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art is up to par!


    Li Ya''s involvement enriched the atmosphere even more. Watching the junior brothers and sisters being rowdy did not annoy him; instead, he felt pleased.


    It was only by noon that Li Ya, pulling Gu An along, made their way into the woods.


    "Show me your Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art, and once you''ve mastered the basics, I''ll teach you the real sword techniques. The Li Family''s Seven-Sword Art is just basic sword moves." Li Ya said earnestly.

 Chapter 23: Chapter 23: The Soul Shaking Bell, Yin Yang Art

    In the forest, Gu An couldn''t persuade Li Ya and eventually performed a clumsy rendition of the Li Family''s Seven Swords. It was then that he realized, pretending to be terrible was even more difficult than pretending to be skilled.


    Confronted with Gu An''s stiff sword moves, Li Ya criticized him for a while before beginning to patiently teach him how to use the sword.


    Gu An could tell from his swordy that he had been practicing the Nine Devastating Swords and could be considered a genius, his talent for the Sword Dao at least surpassing Gu An''s.


    The next day arrived, and Li Ya still wanted to practice swordsmanship with Gu An.


    Gu An couldn''t take it anymore!


    "Senior Brother Li, I have no talent for the sword, let''s just stop, shall we? I only have a few decades of life to live; wouldn''t it be a waste toboriously practice the sword? I would rather nt and water flowers than practice the sword."


    Gu An said helplessly, secretly stimting the Dragon Strength within his body, causing his eyes to turn red.


    Seeing this, Li Ya, with a sword in hand, suddenly felt a sense of blockage in his heart.


    What was he doing?


    Was he repaying Junior Brother Gu in a way he liked?


    Wasn''t this also a kind of harm?


    Li Ya couldn''t help but think of his childhood, when the emperor father forced him to learn with his brothers, yet he could never grasp what they excelled at.


    Sighing, he walked over to Gu An, patted his shoulder, and said, "Junior Brother Gu, it was inconsiderate of me, I''m sorry."


    Gu An forced a smile and said, "It''s alright, Senior Brother is also thinking of my best interests. It''s just that I am untalented andcking."


    The more Gu An said this, the guiltier Li Ya felt.


    The two sat down and began to talk about their first year in the valley, dispelling the tense atmosphere of sword practice.


    In the following days, Li Ya no longer insisted on practicing the sword with Gu An, but he still spent an ancient hour teaching Xiaochuan and the others swordsmanship.


    For those like Xiaochuan, whose dreams had not yet been extinguished, learning the sword from an Outer Disciple was a rare opportunity.


    This went on until five dayster when Li Ya prepared to leave.


    Gu An, apanied by his junior brothers and sisters, saw Li Ya off at the mouth of the valley. Xiaochuan and the others were very reluctant, having learned so much from Li Ya.


    "Senior Brother, this will always be your home,e back to visit often," Gu An said with a look of reluctance.


    Home?


    A surge went through Li Ya''s heart, but he wore a light and breezy smile and said, "Yeah, I wille back."


    With that, he turned and left, his ck robe in the forest resembling a raging ck me, the bleak autumn wind unable to extinguish his fire.


    Gu An felt that he was burning with a certain determination, possibly rted to his recent injury.


    Only when Li Ya had disappeared deep into the forest did Gu An withdraw his gaze. Turning to his junior brothers and sisters, he smiled and said, "Practice hard so that one day you can join the Outer Sect and bring glory to Mystic Valley."


    Lu Jiujia immediately vowed to enter the Outer Sect.


    Xiaochuan said the same, though clearly with less conviction than him.


    Ye Lan seemed preupied, lost in thought.


    Wuxin spoke up, "I won''t go to the Outer Sect; I want to stay with Big Brother for life!"


    When he said this, everyone looked at him in surprise, including Gu An.


    "This kid..."


    Gu An felt touched; perhaps he had misunderstood Wuxin?


    Lately, Wuxin had been behaving, not sneaking around at night, and nothing had gone missing in Mystic Valley, so they couldn''t be certain that Wuxin had malicious intentions.


    If that was the case, he would assign more menial tasks to Wuxin in the future.


    Ye Lan felt regret that she wasn''t the one to say those words before Wuxin.


    At the same time, she realized that perhaps in her heart, while Big Brother was essential, he wasn''t as crucial as the pursuit of immortal cultivation and longevity.


    Lu Jiujia couldn''t resist mocking Wuxin for being a sycophant, leading to a quarrel among Xiaochuan, Ye Lan, and Wuxin.


    Gu An led them back to the valley, his thoughts drifting underground.


    Li Ya had left, and now it was time to prepare to deal with the trouble beneath the ground.


    ...


    Late at night, in the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Gu An, holding the Heavenly Residence scabbard, approached Meng Lang who was lying on the grass with his orifices sealed by mud.


    "There are signs of movement around the grass; someone has indeed been here."


    Gu An keenly perceived slight changes in the grass around Meng Lang, which would be very hard to detect for an ordinary cultivator. He noticed because he had made a particr point to observe upon leavingst time.


    He squeezed the Heavenly Residence sword in his hand and then stepped toward the cave entrance from which Meng Lang had initially run out.


    Soon, he vanished into the darkness.


    This tunnel didn''t have many crystal stones, and it was very dim, but for a Nascent Soul Realm''s divine sense, this made no difference.


    The cold Spirit Wind blew through the tunnel, rustling Gu An''s robes. His divine sense had already reached the end of the tunnel ahead of him.


    Therey a spacious cavern, not asrge as the main chamber of the Eight Scenic Caves, but still sizeable. Several coffins stood there, and arge blue-green crystal stone the size of a water jar was embedded in the ceiling. Bathed in the dim glow, the coffins were incredibly eerie and terrifying.


    Apart from the coffins, there was nothing else.


    Gu An''s divine sense suddenly captured that within one coffiny a living person, the faint life force unable to escape the detection of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.


    Gu An didn''t perceive any danger from this weak sign of life, but he did not let his guard down.


    After a long journey, he finally reached the end of the tunnel.


    Standing at the entrance, he carefully poked his head out and asked cautiously, "Is anyone there?"


    No one answered him, as if there was not a single person in the chamber.


    Gu An picked up a stone from the ground and threw it inside, *thud*, the stone hit a coffin, but there was no movement. However, he seemed to be frightened, his eyes widening.


    He instinctively stepped back, pretending to be shocked.


    Why isn''t there any sound?


    If I keep acting it''s going to be awkward!


    Gu An was anxious inside; his actions were to ascertain the attitude of the presence, as the other party had not hurt him before. He didn''t want to mistakenly kill a good person.


    At least he needed to feel at ease within himself!


    Gu An gritted his teeth, suddenly drew his sword, and charged into the chamber, swinging wildly. *Crack*, the Heavenly Residence Sword struck a coffin lid and got stuck. Yanking it out forcefully, the inertia made him stagger back a couple of steps.


    "Pfft¡ª"


    A gentleugh rang out, sounding very grating in the chamber.


    Gu An almost got goosebumps¡ªit was a woman''s voice, and at first, it sounded like a female ghostughing.


    He held the Heavenly Residence Sword, nervously scanning his surroundings, constantly turning in a circle for fear that demons or ghosts would surge out from the sides.


    "Boy, are you Cheng Xuandan''s disciple?"


    That mysterious female voice spoke again, with a tone so flirtatious it led one''s thoughts astray.


    Gu An hurriedly replied, "Yes, senior, Cheng Xuandan is my master, may I ask who you are, and why are you here?"


    "Those who are here would naturally be your Martial Master. Cheng Xuandan is my disciple. That you coulde means his end is near, right?" The mysterious voice dropped its yful tone, carrying a hint of mncholy.


    Gu An responded, "So it is my Martial Master, I pay my respects. Master''s time indeed hase; he said he wished to emte you and find an unknown ce to meet the end of his life."


    The chamber then fell silent once more.


    Gu An stayed alert. If the other party made a move against him, regardless of whether they were his Martial Master, he would show no mercy.


    The Heavenly Residence Sword in his hand had yet to taste blood!


    After a long while,


    Just as Gu An was about to speak again, the other''s voice sounded, "Did Cheng Xuandan tell you my identity?"


    Gu An replied softly, "My master told me everything. Youe from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, and he also asked me to be ready to receive someone from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion at any time..."


    "Seeing you like this, so timid and cautious, and the way you entered here, it seems you didn''te willingly, right? You only found out all this after he handed over the Valley Master position to you?" the other asked teasingly.


    Gu An sighed, everything was said without words.


    This time, he wasn''t acting¡ªhe was truly helpless.


    "Since you have already taken him as your master, you are naturally my Disciple as well. Guard this ce for another ten years on my behalf; after ten years, I will be able to leave the Supreme Sect and will not trouble you."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "May I know Martial Master''s honorable name?"


    "My surname is Jiang, and my name is Qiong. As for my title in the Immortal Cultivation World, it''s not worth mentioning."


    Jiang Qiong?


    The name was quite pleasant to hear, although he didn''t know how many years she had lived.


    As Gu An was thinking, a coffin in front suddenly opened, startling him into raising his sword.


    Two objects flew out of the coffin andnded in front of him.


    He looked down and saw that it was a ck small bell and a secret manual.


    "Consider these a gift for our first meeting, my Disciple. The Soul Shaking Bell canmand all the Poison Skills of the Myriad Poison Mystic Skill. Just give it a shake, and all the Corpse Poison in this cave will obey your orders."


    "The manual is my Technique of Immortal Cultivation, the Yin Yang Art. The Yin Yang Art contains the spells to refine the Soul Shaking Bell¡ªa technique even your master did not learn."


    Jiang Qiong''s voice came through, sounding a bit weary.


    Gu An promptly bowed in gratitude and couldn''t help asking, "With my mediocre talents, why does Martial Master treat me so kindly?"


    "Hehe, mediocre talents? Boy, I don''t know what unique skills you''ve been practicing, but your actual Cultivation Level is definitely beyond the fourthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm. You must have reached Foundation Establishment already. To achieve Foundation Establishment at such a young age, you are a genius.


    You managed to suppress your own pride and stay hidden as a Servant Disciple in the Outer Sect, and although I have no idea what burdens you carry, it seems you have a strong aversion to the Supreme Sect."


    "I''m satisfied with your ability, and your approach to things is even more to my liking. Practice hard, andter on, I will teach you more spells. Once you inherit my legacy, I will then rmend you to be a True Disciple at the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion."


    Jiang Qiong resumed her coquettishughter, and Gu An''s expression changed, feeling as if he had been seen through and could no longer save face.


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Martial Master. Should you have any orders, feel free to tell me anytime."


    Having said that, he picked up the Soul Shaking Bell and the Yin Yang Art and turned to leave.


    No more sounds from Jiang Qiong came from the chamber, and Gu An hurried back to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    He sat under a tree and began to read the Yin Yang Art.


    He pondered whether Jiang Qiong had any malicious intentions.


    Ten years was not a big deal; he wasn''t just a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator but also possessed the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    Jiang Qiong was clearly no saint; she was merely wary of Gu An''s Foundation Establishment Realm power. In a mere ten years, how could she go from being wary of a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator to being able to crush a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator at will?


    She wasn''t hiding here recently; ording to Cheng Xuandan, she had already been dead for seventy years.


    He would use the next ten years to extract as many spells and manuals as possible from her. If she left peacefully after ten years, Gu An wouldn''t betray his Martial Master.


    If she harbored ill intentions, Gu An would have to let the Heavenly Residence Sword taste blood.

 Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Jiang Qiong at the Ninth Layer of the Elixir Formation Realm

    Spring passed and autumn arrived, and five years flickered by in an instant.


    Over these five years, Gu An had maintained his n of dedicating one year of his life span every night. Over five years, he had devoted more than 1,800 years of his life span, and his cultivation realm had reached the eighthyer of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    After crossing the fifthyer in the Nascent Soul Realm, the time required for each minor realm increased exponentially. The evolving Gu An could only train rigorously, taking even longer.


    Now, his remaining life span was more than 10,200 years. The incorporation of Eight Scenic Caves had improved his annual life span ie.


    Five yearster, three more servant disciples had joined Mystic Valley. They all took Gu An as their master: two males and one female, respectively named Tang Yu, Su Han, and Zhen Qin, sorted from oldest to youngest.


    Gu An no longer chose disciples based on their talent; instead, he selected disciples of mediocre talent to avoid trouble. Each of the three had a potential extreme lifespan of around two hundred years. On that basis, he tried to choose disciples who caught his eye.


    One day, at the entrance to the valley, Xiaochuan, Ye Lan, Wuxin, Tang Yu, Su Han, and Zhen Qin gathered around Lu Jiujia.


    "Brother, I wish you sess!"


    "Uncle Master, don''t forget us when you''re in the Outer Sect."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll be at Medicine Valley."


    "If you fail, I will mock you."


    Today was the day for Lu Jiujia to go to the Outer Sect for the assessment. Gu An had sliced a Green Vine Fruit into four pieces, sharing them among the four junior brothers and sisters. Their cultivation levels surged, with Lu Jiujia being the first to reach the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.


    It is worth mentioning that since eating the Green Vine Fruit, Wuxin hadpletely settled down. He cultivated peacefully in his room every night without wandering over hills and valleys, and he became even more diligent in his actions.


    Twenty-three-year-old Lu Jiujia was spirited and ambitious. He looked toward the pavilion where his eldest brother resided. Seeing his eldest brother standing at the window looking at him warmed his heart.


    "Wait for my good news; I won''t let Elder Brother down!"


    Lu Jiujia said proudly and then turned depart.


    With the residual wind leg technique he had cultivated over the years, he felt that he could make a name for himself in the Outer Sect.


    Dressed in a robe with a white base and ck patterns, Gu An watched Lu Jiujia leave from a distance, feeling aplex mix of emotions.


    He couldn''t tell if it was relief or reluctance, perhaps a bit of both.


    "To think at just twenty-seven years old I''m this sentimental. What about when I am two hundred or two thousand, even twenty thousand years old?" Gu An chuckled self-deprecatingly.


    He turned and sat down at the desk, picking up Green Hero Travelogue to continue his enjoyment.


    Releasedst year, Green Hero Travelogue was, in his opinion, a masterful work. The author''s skill in describing romantic encounters had reached a transformative realm.


    An ancient hourter,


    Wuxin came to visit. The twenty-one-year-old was still dressed as a monk. Gu An often teased him about being a ''Jade-Faced Monk Tang'', especially after Gu An had custom-made monk robes for him in the Outer Sect, which further enhanced his aura.


    "Elder Brother, I have watered the entire garden up the mountain. Is there anything else you require today?" Wuxin approached Gu An and spoke softly, ncing at Green Hero Travelogue and immediately blushing brightly.


    Without even lifting his eyes, Gu An said, "There''s nothing else; you may go and cultivate."


    Wuxin moved to the opposite side of the desk but did not leave, hesitating visibly.


    Gu An nced at him and asked, "Is there something else?"


    In his ck robe, he already had an authoritative presence. Over the years, the yields from Medicine Valley had been excellent, and since he did not hoard money for himself, he had paid out of pocket to buy new clothes for everyone in Medicine Valley, making none of them look like mere servant disciples.


    Wuxin bit his lip and said, "Brother, to tell the truth, with my talents, it''s impossible for me to be admitted to the Outer Sect. I genuinely want to stay in Medicine Valley with you for life."


    Gu An put down Green Hero Travelogue and studied him closely.


    Wasn''t that what his words implied?


    He wanted to progress!


    Gu An frowned, his expression troubled.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing his reaction, Wuxin became anxious and suddenly knelt down.


    "Brother, where do I fall short? I am more diligent than they are, more obedient, and unlike everyone else, I don''t want to go to the Outer Sect," Wuxin said fervently, his eyes beginning to redden.


    Gu An noticed that he had activated some cultivation technique, causing an upsurge of qi-blood.


    Smart boy, learning from me, huh?


    Gu An spoke earnestly, "Wuxin, in my heart, no one is better or worse than anyone else. Like the Green Vine Fruit, I divided it equally among you. However, the position of head disciple is crucial and may even represent the next Valley Master. Although I am a servant disciple, my treatment is no inferior to that of ordinary Outer Disciples, and I must acknowledge the Sect''s generosity."


    "It seems you have been hiding something from me, of course, everyone has their own difficult circumstances that they can''t speak of. I won''t pry further. You will always be my junior brother, but the position of head disciple..."


    Toward the end, he sighed, looking helpless.


    Wuxin was stunned, not expecting that his actions from years ago had long been noticed by his elder brother. His first reaction was panic, followed by a feeling of being deeply touched.


    Thest time he had gathered intelligencete at night was five years ago; his elder brother had tolerated his behavior for five years.


    What did this mean?


    His elder brother truly regarded him as one of his ????.


    Putting himself in his elder brother''s shoes, Wuxin felt that if he had been in the same position, he probably would have severely punished such a junior brother long ago,


    The more Wuxin thought about it, the more ashamed he became. He really couldn''t keep up the act any longer.


    "Brother, actually..." Wuxin clenched his teeth, it seemed like he had made a significant decision.


    "Actually, Ie from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. My father is one of the seventy-two Pavilion Masters of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. I am of poor aptitude and was often bullied by my siblings, so I ran away. The reason I wandered around at night was because I heard about Brother Li Ya''s deeds, hoping for some opportunity to prove myself to my father someday. But now I''ve given up.


    Not to mentionparing to my siblings, evenpared to Lu Jiujia, I am far behind..."


    Wuxin said all at once, and toward the end, he lowered his head, not daring to look at Gu An.


    Gu An''s face showed shock and disbelief.


    "You..."


    Hearing the trembling voice of his senior brother, Wuxin felt even more ashamed, his forehead pressed tightly to the ground.


    Gu An had not expected Wuxin toe from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion.


    What was this all about?


    Why not just rename Mystic Valley to Thousand-Autumn Valley then!


    Gu An secretly dispersed his divine sense, forming an invisible barrier, guarding against anyone eavesdropping.


    He remained silent for a while, then finally let out a deep sigh and said, "Enough, stand up and talk."


    The uneasy Wuxin, hearing this, instantly silently heaved a sigh of relief.


    As Wuxin stood up and saw theplicated expression on Gu An''s face, his heart was even more touched.


    Indeed, his senior brother truly cared for him!


    "I am not very familiar with the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. I heard it is a demonic sect?" Gu An took a deep breath and asked.


    Wuxin nodded and said, "It indeed is the demonic path, and it''s the most evil one. Corpse Path, Poison Skill, Soul Capturing, Poison Creatures, and all other demonic arts, they master them all. I couldn''t stay any longer, that''s why I escaped..."


    "Then, will your fathere looking for you? I have to consider the other disciples," Gu An worriedly asked.


    Wuxin quickly shook his head and said, "How could he possiblye looking for me? He would rather I were already dead; I am his greatest shame!"


    Hearing this, Gu An''s expression eased slightly, and he scolded, "Wuxin, I won''t allow you to belittle yourself like that. How can one''s character be judged merely by their cultivation level?"


    Wuxin scratched his head and chuckled, "I know, but since the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion is a demonic sect, brother, people in the demonic path are not normal."


    Gu An nodded. He seemed to recall something and asked, "Right, have you ever heard the name Jiang Qiong while you were in the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?"


    "Jiang Qiong?" Wuxin was startled and pondered with a frown.


    After a few moments, he suddenly realized and said, "I remember now. She was the premier genius of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion a hundred years ago, also the daughter of the second pavilion master, but she has been dead for many years. I heard my father mention her when I was a child; he even wanted my elder brother to marry Jiang Qiong."


    Curious, Gu An asked, "How old is your father?"


    Wuxin replied, "Nearly five hundred years old. He has more than a hundred children, so he wouldn''t care if I were lost."


    Gu An fell silent.


    The style of the demonic path is quite appealing, isn''t it?


    Gu An asked a few more questions, but unfortunately, Wuxin didn''t know much about Jiang Qiong.


    "Since you have confessed your background, I will train you to be the chief disciple. If a position of a chief disciple of a valley can be exchanged for a demon cultivator who has lost his way and found it again, it could be considered a meritorious deed. However, this matter must not be disclosed for now. Convince everyone in the valley with your performance," Gu An said earnestly.


    At these words, Wuxin was ecstatic.


    He was about to express his thanks to Gu An when he heard Gu An continue to instruct, "From now on, you cannot mention a single word about the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, not even when you are alone. This is the Supreme Sect, and even talking to yourself might be overheard."


    Wuxin quickly nodded, heeding the instruction.


    The two brothers shifted the topic, chatting about other casual matters.


    Wuxin felt himself growing closer to his senior brother, a feeling he was very grateful for, he should have been honest with his senior brother sooner.


    ...


    During the night, Eight Scenic Caves.


    Gu An came to a clearing next to an underground river, starting to nt medicinal herbs.


    His movements were not fast. As someone who didn''t cultivate much on routine days, he enjoyed the process of nting. What he nted were not just any nts, but life.


    People from Huaxia inherently loved farming, a habit that followed along with his soul into the world of immortal cultivation.


    After finishing his nting, he looked satisfactorily at his newly developed garden, neatly arranged, possessing a unique aesthetic beauty.


    "Dear disciple,e here for a moment."


    Jiang Qiong''s melodious voice came from an opening, and Gu An immediately went over.


    Over the years, Jiang Qiong asionally summoned him to help pick some medicinal herbs and even to assist with alchemy.


    Gu An wasn''t busy in vain; during this process, his alchemy skills improved leaps and bounds.


    Jiang Qiong''s mastery of alchemy was far superior to that of Cheng Xuandan, clearly evident from how she taught.


    He made his way to the cave chamber which was still dimly lit. On the ground stood a pill furnace, half a person tall, with a pile of ashes stacked beneath it.


    Just as Gu An was about to speak, he suddenly heard a noise. He focused his gaze and saw a coffin in the depths beginning to tremble.


    Boom!


    The coffin lid fell down, crashing onto the ground and raising a cloud of dust.


    Gu An saw a hand crawling out from the upright coffin, skinny like a ghost''s w. He immediately cast a life span detection.


    [Jiang Qiong (Core Formation Realm Nine Layers): 185/304/2490]


    Goodness!


    Nearly two thousand five hundred years of maximum life span!


    Why does someone in the Core Formation Realm Nine Layers have only three hundred years of life span?


    Could it be rted to her injuries?


    Gu An wondered, and at the same time, hisst trace of caution vanished.

 Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Have you ever heard of the Nascent Soul Realm?

    ```


    Crack¡ªn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An emaciated foot stepped out from within the coffin, treading upon a piece of charcoal and snapping it in two.


    Gu An saw that it was a raggedly dressed woman with disheveled hair, her body grotesquely thin as if drained of flesh and blood. The robe on her body was faintly recognizable as a white garment, with both sleeves and pant legs tattered. She staggered out, resembling a ghastly specter.


    Jiang Qiong slowly lifted her face, her features equally withered, her eye sockets sunken, her eyes bulging and terrifying.


    Her gaze fell upon Gu An, who hastily lowered his head, frightened.


    "Good disciple, I owe you a lot for helping me with alchemy these five years, allowing me to recover swiftly..." Jiang Qiong squeezed out a smile, even more horrifying, with a foul breath escaping her mouth.


    She no longer referred to herself as "this seat" but as "I," which made their rtionship seem much closer.


    Gu An, suppressing his difort, said, "It is the duty of a disciple. But there is something that puzzles me."


    "Ask away."


    As Jiang Qiong spoke, she trembled toward the pill furnace.


    Gu An, watching her, asked, "If alchemy could help you recover faster, why did you not have my master help you with alchemy before?"


    Cheng Xuandan thought Jiang Qiong had been dead for seventy years, meaning she had hidden here for seventy years, and Cheng Xuandan had never realized she was still alive.


    Jiang Qiong replied with a forced, humorless smile, "Because I don''t trust him. Your master became my disciple under duress. His heart is fickle; who knows when he might betray me. Half of the disciples he took on are now lying in these coffins."


    Gu An fell silent.


    He believed Jiang Qiong spoke the truth because Meng Lang had ended just like that.


    Jiang Qiong sat before the pill furnace and with a wave of her hand, the piled herbs beside her flew into the furnace.


    "Five years have passed. What level are you at in the Foundation Establishment Realm?" Jiang Qiong inquired.


    Gu An''s apparent cultivation level was at the fifthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, but Jiang Qiong was convinced he was at the Foundation Establishment level.


    Gu An replied, "I''m close to reaching the third level."


    "That''s slow. Don''t neglect your daily training. When I, your Martial Master, was eighteen, I reached Foundation Establishment, and at forty, Core Formation. If not for spending decades researching the Alchemy Dao and formation spells afterwards, I would already be at the Nascent Soul Realm cultivation level.


    Have you heard of the Nascent Soul Realm?" Jiang Qiong said nonchntly, eyes fixed on the pill furnace.


    Gu An promptly nodded, "The Nascent Soul Realm, those are Immortals, rarely seen by Outer Disciples."


    "Humph, ''Immortals'' is but a term for stronger cultivators. Once I have fully recovered, I will find a ce to attempt reaching the Nascent Soul Realm. Then, you will have a Nascent Soul Realm pir to rely on. How does that make you feel, excited?" Jiang Qiong''s tone became smug toward the end.


    Her voice was sultry, starkly contrasting her ghastly image.


    "Thank you for looking after me, Martial Master. Is there anything I can assist you with?" Gu An stepped forward and offered.


    Jiang Qiong replied, "Just stand by and watch, see how I perform alchemy, and we can chat in the meantime."


    With a pat of her hand, she indicated for Gu An to sit beside her.


    Gu An sat down but kept his distance from her, all the while remaining vignt.


    No matter how kind Jiang Qiong was to him, he would never let his guard down until she had left.


    Meng Lang was a lesson to be learned; likely, he never suspected Cheng Xuandan before his death.


    Jiang Qiong asked about his background, and he divulged without concealing anything, roughly speaking of his life. Of course, he did not mention the Ji Family, only saying he had been a house servant before his Spirit Root was discovered, and thereafter he joined the Supreme Sect.


    After chatting for about an hour, Jiang Qiong allowed Gu An to leave, instructing him to return for the next three nights. If things went well, there would be a generous reward.


    Gu An arrived as agreed.


    The third night hade.


    Gu An sat across from the pill furnace, holding the Yin Yang Art in his hands, asionally asking Jiang Qiong for rifications.


    Eventually annoyed by the questioning, Jiang Qiong couldn''t help but curse, "You''re not tricking me, are you, boy? Reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm at such a young age, yet so slow on the uptake?"


    Gu An protested, "Alchemy is alchemy, Energy Absorption is Energy Absorption, aren''t they?"


    Jiang Qiong suddenly didn''t know what to say, but then her attention was grabbed by the pill furnace.


    More and more steam began to emerge from the furnace, and the small holes on the lid turned dark green, eerily odd.


    Gu An shivered as he watched; what kind of elixir was she concocting?


    Could it be a Poison Elixir?


    Jiang Qiong''s eyes shone with excitement. She fell silent, staring intently at the pill furnace.


    Time ticked by, second by second.


    Gu An remained on alert, prepared for any sudden attack from Jiang Qiong.


    Some time passed.


    A dull thud came from within the pill furnace, and with it, a grotesque smile spread across Jiang Qiong''s face, uglier than a cry.


    She lifted her right hand, fingers poised, and the lid of the furnace flew off. Her hand moved quickly, snatching a pill that emerged from the furnace, popping it into her mouth before Gu An could react.


    So fast!


    As if afraid Gu An would snatch it.


    After swallowing the elixir, Jiang Qiong immediately sat cross-legged and began cultivating energy. In less than three breaths, wisps of white vapor rose from her body.


    Gu An stood up and slowly stepped back, widening the distance between them.


    More and more white vapor appeared, coiling around Jiang Qiong, obscuring her figure as if she was a zombie amidst the mist.


    Gu An constantly checked her Life Span, on guard against her potential breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Jiang Qiong''s current Life Span began to increase. Gu An was witnessing someone''s Life Span grow in raw numbers for the first time, and the sight was utterly shocking.


    He suddenly became very interested in Jiang Qiong''s elixir. What kind of miraculous elixir was it?


    Not only Jiang Qiong''s Life Span was increasing, but her aura was also intensifying, quickly surpassing that of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    A true Elixir Formation Realm cultivator!


    ```


    Gu An keenly noticed that Jiang Qiong''s physical body was recovering, growing increasingly thicker as if a balloon were being inted.


    Pretty impressive!


    He patiently waited.


    Gradually, the sound of Jiang Qiong''s breathing filled the cave, growing heavier and heavier until, in the end, it was like the roar of a wild beast.


    After a long while.


    Jiang Qiong''s panting abruptly ceased, and Gu An noticed her realm hadn''t broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm, so he wasn''t so tense.


    Amidst the white mist, Jiang Qiong stretchedzily, showing off her graceful figure, which was unrecognizably different from before.


    As she emerged from the mist, her hair was still disheveled, and her clothes were in tatters, but beneath the worn-out garments was skin white as snow, making Gu An''s face heat up in the dim light of the cave, causing him to avert his gaze.


    "It''s been a long time since I walked like this."


    Jiang Qiong said in a reminiscent tone as she walked up to Gu An, leaning forward with her hands brushing her hair aside, and asked, "What do you think, my obedient grand-disciple, does your Martial Master look beautiful?"


    Gu An took a quick nce, and although her face was dirty, her facial features indicated that she was indeed a rare beauty who, in his opinion, could only bepared with Ji Xiaoyu of the Ji Family and Li Xuanyu, an Outer Disciple.


    "Martial Master is indeed of unparalleled beauty in the world, but this disciple is more concerned about the state of your health, has your injury fully healed?"


    Gu An asked with sped hands, his words sincere.


    Get well soon and be on your way!


    "Fully healed is still a long way off; I need to rest for another five years," Jiang Qiongughed, her bright eyes surveying Gu An, evidently pondering something.


    Phew!


    She suddenly struck out at Gu An with a palm as fast as lightning, then stopped just in front of his chest, the forceful wind pulling his robes backwards wildly.


    Jiang Qiong asked with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile, "Why didn''t you dodge?"


    Gu An''s face stiffened as he replied, "I didn''t have time to react¡­"


    In reality, however, that was not the case. In his eyes, Jiang Qiong''s movements were too slow. In a sh, his Dragon Strength could have counteracted her Spiritual Power.


    Her stopping wasn''t sparing Gu An''s life; it was saving her own.


    Jiang Qiong couldn''t help but chuckle, herughter shaking her whole body, and she even ended up clutching her stomach.


    Gu An watched herugh without saying anything to interrupt.


    After a good while, Jiang Qiong finally turned and walked toward the Pill Furnace, saying, "Don''t worry, I won''t kill my own disciples and grandchildren. Even when Cheng Xuandan wanted to betray me, I spared his life. I even took his protection to hide within the Supreme Sect. As long as you are filial to me, I will never let you down. If someone bullies you, I won''t just stand by and watch."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help butugh as well.


    Jiang Qiong stood in front of the Pill Furnace, turned to Gu An, and said, "Leave behind a set of new clothes and you can go back. Come again tomorrow night, I will teach you spells."


    Gu An immediately took out a set of his own white robes from the Storage Bag, gently ced them on the ground, and then raised his hand to salute Jiang Qiong before taking his leave.


    It wasn''t until he disappeared into the darkness that Jiang Qiong turned around. She approached the white robes and picked them up from afar with a lift of her hand. She sniffed their scent and let out a light chuckle.


    ...


    At dawn, Gu An was training the people of Medicine Valley.


    A figure approached the entrance of the valley.


    It was Li Ya.


    Li Ya was still d in ck, his sharp aura more imposing than five years ago, exuding the demeanor of a strong individual.


    His arrival immediately captured everyone''s attention.


    "It''s Brother Li Ya!" Xiaochuan eximed in surprise.


    Gu An immediately walked toward Li Ya, instructing the others to continue their drills.


    As he approached Li Ya, about to speak, Li Ya beat him to it: "Let''s talk upstairs in your building."


    Hm?


    Something important?


    Gu An instantly tensed up, what matter was so important that Li Ya personally made the trip?


    He led Li Ya straight to the loft, and after climbing the stairs and entering the room, he closed the door.


    Li Ya walked over to the table, waved his hand, and a Green Vine Fruit appeared on the table, rendering Gu An speechless.


    "A Green Vine Fruit appeared in the Elixir Hall of the Outer Sect four years ago, I purchased it. But due to heavy duties, I never had the chance to give it to you," Li Ya said with a smile.


    Gu An''s expression turned strange.


    Li Ya asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Feeling that he couldn''t hide the truth, Gu An cleared his throat and said, "I was the one who sold this fruit to the Elixir Hall."


    In order to avoid suspicion, he had sold it at a low price, which earned him praise from the Elder of the Elixir Hall for his grateful heart toward the Sect.


    Gu An had dared to sell it because Li Ya had mentioned that Green Vine Fruits were not rare in the Supreme Sect, not in the Outer Sect but certainly in the Inner Sect, which, to be precise, possessed strange and precious treasures of the world.


    He never imagined that Li Ya would buy it back¡­


    Li Ya helplessly said, "This... turned out quite ridiculous¡­ Such a fruit can enhance Qi-Blood and is a very rare heavenly material. How could you sell it? For how many Spirit Stones?"


    "Twenty Mid-Grade Spirit Stones¡­"


    "What? I spent ten Top-Grade Spirit Stones!" Li Ya''s eyes widened.


    One Top-Grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to one hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.


    Both fell into silence at the same time.


    In fact, Gu An felt it wasn''t a bad deal; by relying on the Green Vine Fruit, he had established a good rtionship with Zhu Qinglu of the Elixir Hall. Over the next four years, Zhu Qinglu took good care of him, offering many conveniences. However, facing Li Ya, he felt somewhat embarrassed.


    Li Ya said somberly, "Let''s just consider it a contribution to the Sect. Besides this fruit, there''s another matter for which I''vee to you."

 Chapter 26: Chapter 26 The Great Outer Sect Conference of the World

    "What is it?" Gu An asked, hoping in his heart that it wouldn''t be trouble.


    He had no desire to get involved in the strife that whirls around the Outer Sect.


    Li Ya smiled and said, "Don''t you enjoy nting? You mentioned before that you even helped an Outer Disciple manage his cave. Now you have the opportunity, and thepensation is quite good. Take care of it for a year and you''ll get a mid-grade Spirit Stone and a bottle of Spirit Energy Elixir."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An breathed a sigh of relief.


    He wouldn''t refuse a chance to earn Life Span, especially since he rarely practiced cultivation and had plenty of time on his hands.


    He began to inquire about the employer''s identity, and Li Ya didn''t hide the fact that the Outer Disciple was a good friend of his and that the cave was near the Outer City.


    After Gu An agreed, Li Ya immediately took him there.


    Li Ya flew on his sword, with Gu An standing behind him, sharing the de. Their figures drew envious gazes from Xiaochuan, Ye Lan, and others.


    Who wouldn''t yearn for Sword Control flight?


    The tall Tang Yumented, "If only our master could learn the Sword Control Technique from Martial Uncle Li Ya and teach us, wouldn''t that be great?"


    The slim and handsome Su Han nodded in agreement. Although he had been in Medicine Valley for four years, he still yearned for the Outer Sect.


    Not just him, Tang Yu and Zhen Qin felt the same.


    Ye Lan didn''t say much and pulled Zhen Qin back to their residence to cultivate.


    Elsewhere.


    Above the mountains, Li Ya''s Sword Control flight was very fast. He looked straight ahead, his ck clothes fluttering and hair dancing wildly, exuding a carefree and unruly temperament.


    "I''ve noticed that there are more Servant Disciples in Medicine Valley than before, Junior Brother Gu. You should recruit fewer disciples and invest more Spirit Stones into your own cultivation," Li Ya said earnestly.


    Although Gu An always said his talent was not up to par, Li Ya still held out hope for him.


    He didn''t want to be still in the prime of life a hundred yearster, while Gu An had already entered his twilight years.


    In his years at the Supreme Sect, Li Ya had a few good friends and some friends of convenience, but in his heart, none couldpare to Junior Brother Gu.


    Junior Brother Gu was the only one who treated him well without expecting anything in return. He didn''t want to lose such a friendship.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Don''t worry, Senior Brother Li. The reason I recruit more disciples is that the farmingnd inside Medicine Valley has expanded. Each year I hand over more medicinal herbs, and the Elixir Hall is gradually improving my treatment. I won''t give up my cultivation."


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya showed a smile.


    "That''s true, you''re diligent and always achieve something great."


    "How can Ipare with Senior Brother? Your reputation in the Outer Sect is so brilliant."


    The two started ttering each other. Li Ya usually hated this kind of ttery, but for some reason,ing from Junior Brother Gu, he didn''t mind it at all.


    Two Ancient Hourster.


    Li Ya sent Gu An back to Mystic Valley and then left on his sword.


    No sooner had Gu Annded than he was surrounded by two disciples, Su Han and Zhen Qin.


    They were curious where Gu An had gone, and he didn''t hide it from them. After a few words, he sent them away.


    The departure of Lu Jiujia greatly stimted the disciples of Medicine Valley, causing a quietness in the valley. Whenever they had free time, disciples would cultivate in their rooms, hoping to catch up with Lu Jiujia''s progress.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An returned to his room, picked up the Yin Yang Art, and began to flip through it. Starting tonight, Jiang Qiong would teach him sorcery, and he was looking forward to it.


    What Cultivator would mind having multiple spells?


    Besides, Gu Ancked many fundamental spells.


    ...


    Late at night, in the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Under the Green Vine Tree, Jiang Qiong, dressed in white with her ck hair casually draped, looked like a Fairy descending to earth, but her stunning face was full of annoyance.


    "Why are you so dumb? I''ve told you the sorcery technique multiple times, why can''t you remember it?" Jiang Qiong said, barely holding back her anger.


    She stood beside Gu An, her gaze fixed on the ck energy in his hands.


    She was teaching him the Soul Capturing Skill, a sorcery that could snatch a person''s Soul, extreme in its malignancy.


    Gu An replied helplessly, "Martial Master, you''ve only taught me for a short while, can you be a bit more patient?"


    "It''s not that... It''s just..." Jiang Qiong suddenly didn''t know what to say.


    Before she recovered her strength, she had looked forward to teaching Gu An. After all, he was a genius in her eyes, but the reality was different from what she expected.


    This kid was too odd.


    When she taught him Sword Control Technique, he got it with a snap, but teaching him anything else, he was like someone just starting on the Traditions of Immortal Cultivation.


    In terms of the Sword Dao, Gu An was definitely the strongest genius she had ever seen, but the key was she wasn''t skilled in the Sword Dao.


    "If I could easily learn everything, wouldn''t I have avoided being a Servant Disciple?" Gu An sighed.


    Jiang Qiong held back for a long time before she managed to say, "But you shouldn''t be this foolish, right?"


    Gu An''s hand twitched.


    True to a person of the Demon Path, her words hurt so damn much!


    Angered, Gu An said, "I have my strengths too. When ites to talent in the Sword Dao, even you, Martial Master, might notpare to me!"


    Jiang Qiongughed upon hearing this and teasingly said, "Then shall we try? Neither of us will use Spiritual Power, just sword moves to spar?"


    "Alright!"


    Gu An''s hands loosened, and the dark aura dissipated. He then stood up, ready to teach Jiang Qiong a lesson.


    Jiang Qiong shifted two steps to the side and raised her right hand, extending her forefinger and middle finger together, and with a smile said, "Since we are just sparring, let''s not harm our camaraderie. Let''s use our fingers as swords."


    Gu An nodded, his left hand resting behind his waist, his right hand in front.


    Jiang Qiong narrowed her eyes, for some reason, when Gu An raised his hand, she felt inexplicably panicked.


    "What''s happening to me, how could I be scared by a Foundation Establishment junior?"


    Jiang Qiong cursed herself for being useless, having lost the pride that once looked down upon everything.


    She immediately thrust her fingers towards Gu An; as she made her move, she revealed the speed of someone in the Elixir Formation Realm.


    Gu An''s right hand, with two fingers extended, struck hers horizontally, like flicking a sword, deflecting her arm away.


    Jiang Qiong''s eyes sharpened. She shifted her stance, moving past Gu An''s side like a ghost, her fingers pointing towards his ribs as if they were swords.


    Gu An turned around, his fingers pointing downward, stabbing swiftly and touching the back of her hand, causing her a sharp pain and an instinctive withdrawal.


    The two of them moved around under the tree, countering each move made by the other.


    Jiang Qiong''s attacks were fierce, while Gu An''s movements flowed smoothly like drifting clouds and flowing water.


    After thirty moves, Gu An clearly felt Jiang Qiong''s impatience and intentionally exposed a w, allowing her to touch his abdomen. He then clutched his belly and staggered back.


    Jiang Qiong did not pursue her advantage. She stood up and stared at Gu An with intense eyes.


    Gu An feigned a pained expression, frightened by her gaze.


    What kind of look was this?


    As if she wanted to devour him whole.


    Jiang Qiong took a deep breath and said, "Very well, I still underestimated your Sword Daoprehension. The sword moves you just performedcked structure, but each was straightforward and direct, targeting the opponent''s weaknesses. You are a rare Sword Dao genius, unseen for a century. Should you find a good master, you will surely be renowned across the world as a sword cultivator one day."


    Gu An shook his head and replied, "Renowned across the world? Let''s not. That would surely bring lots of trouble my way, and I hate fighting the most, not to mention life-and-death battles."


    Jiang Qiong was stunned for a moment, finding it quite interesting.


    It was her first time encountering such a timid genius.


    "It was Martial Master who was too hasty and shouldn''t have scolded you. Come now, continue cultivating the Soul Capturing Skill. Even though you are suited for the Sword Dao, you must master some spells. Only then will you be well-prepared for anything," Jiang Qiong gestured.


    Gu An immediately approached her and continued to cultivate the Soul Capturing Skill.


    After the sparring session, Jiang Qiong''s attitude had indeed improved a lot. She spoke in a warm and gentle tone, and asionally gave him goosebumps.


    Thus, Gu An came to the Eight Scenic Caves every night to cultivate spells with Jiang Qiong, and as soon as he mastered a spell to the point it appeared in the Attribute Panel, he would start cultivating the next one.


    Jiang Qiong thought he was discouraged but did not press the issue. After all, she had many spells.


    While recovering from her injuries, she also found it quite interesting to instruct her juniors.


    Besides, every month Gu An would visit the Outer Disciple''s cave abode to tend to the medicinal herbs within.


    ...


    At the end of the year, with winter snow fluttering and filling the sky.


    Gu An, wearing a straw hat, climbed halfway up the mountain and arrived in front of a cave abode. Just as he was about to take out his token, he suddenly sensed something.


    There were people inside!


    And not just one person!


    Gu An immediately thought of leaving, but the conversation inside the cave had abruptly stopped. If he left now, it would prove he could prate through the restrictions and detect what was happening inside the cave.


    He could only press the token against the mountain gate, which obediently opened.


    He stepped inside the cave, through the passageway, and into the chamber, where he saw three people and momentarily paused, quickly bending down to greet them, "Sorry, I didn''t know the predecessors had returned. I won''t disturb you any further."


    After speaking, he turned around, preparing to leave.


    The master of the cave, Chen Li, appeared to be in his early forties, with the refined air of a schr. He raised his hand with a smile and said, "No need, you do your thing, and we''ll continue with ours."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An could only turn back around, bow again, and then head to the area with the medicinal herbs not far off.


    Gu An noticed the other two people, a man and a woman. The woman was none other than Li Xuanyu, who had previously sparred with him.


    The man was not Shi Yang, but someone else, handsome and graceful, with the appearance of a gentleman who might have stepped out of a painting, stunning even men with his beauty.


    Li Xuanyu looked at Gu An; she clearly recognized him but said nothing.


    Gu An discreetly checked the handsome man''s life span.


    [Xiao Chenjun (Core Formation Realm, First Layer): 58/621/1508]


    Core Formation Realm, firstyer!


    Inner Sect Disciple?


    Chen Li, after observing Gu An start to harvest the herbs, turned to nce at Li Xuanyu and Xiao Chenjun, sighing and saying, "The Outer Sect Great Competition is about to begin. This time it''s hosted by Supreme Sect, putting a lot of pressure on us."


    Xiao Chenjunughed and said, "What''s there to worry about? There are many talents in the Outer Sect. Even if those schools and sects join forces, it''s difficult for them to overpower Supreme Sect. In the Taicang Dynasty, Supreme Sect is the strongest."


    Chen Li shook his head and replied, "I heard that Ancient Sky Sect, Heavenly Extinction Sect, and Thousand-Autumn Pavilion each have Outer Sect geniuses with Dual Spirit Roots, who are deliberately holding back their realm, waiting for thispetition."


    He paused and looked at Xiao Chenjun with a hint of reproach, "Junior Brother Xiao, why didn''t you wait to make your breakthrough? Your master should have been aware of this."


    Xiao Chenjunughed and responded, "Senior Brother Chen, the Outer Sect Great Competition is held at least twice every century. As cultivators, how can we be so concerned with winning or losing? Besides, Supreme Sect has new geniuses emerging every year. Don''t worry, the burden won''t fall on you alone."


    The three of them chatted andughed about the Outer Sect Great Competition, with Xiao Chenjun and Chen Li doing most of the talking while Li Xuanyu asionally interjected.

 Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Wanyin Sect, Xu Ruye

    An assembly for Outer Disciples from all over the world?


    All the genius disciples of the Outer Sect are gathering at the Supreme Sect?


    Does that include the disciples from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?


    Gu An listened with great interest. Such a grand event was sure to be exciting, but he worried whether a cultivator from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion would take this opportunity to approach him, pressing him for intelligence about the Supreme Sect.


    Chen Li and the other two shifted their conversation to other subjects, eventually leading to the Inner Sect. Chen Li was very curious about the Inner Sect and what it was like.


    Xiao Chenjun gave a brief description: the bustling Inner Sect City, the rich heritage of the various peak inheritances, the abundant mission rewards, etc. Gu An felt like he was listening to a story.


    However, Gu An still didn''t yearn for it.


    Inner Sect Disciples also had to defend the Taicang Dynasty, not only exorcising demons from within the realm but also assisting the dynasty in repelling invasions from other dynasties¡ªhe found the thought headache-inducing.


    After Gu An finished his tasks and harvested several hundred years of Life Span, he approached Chen Li, preparing to take his leave.


    "You''re quite meticulous in your work, can you also look after my Cave for me?" Li Xuanyu suddenly said.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Li immediately replied with a smile, "The boy does work satisfactorily, adheres to rules, and since hees rmended by Li Ya, we can certainly trust him."


    Li Xuanyu stared at Gu An, awaiting his answer.


    Under everyone''s gaze, Gu An found it hard to refuse, so he nodded in agreement.


    "You two seniors can continue your conversation; I will take him around to familiarize himself with the ce," said Li Xuanyu as he got up to leave.


    Gu An hurriedly bowed to Chen Li and Xiao Chenjun, then followed Li Xuanyu''s pace.


    Once the gate to the Cave was closed, Xiao Chenjun smiled and asked, "The Li Family''s grudges are trulyplex. What do you think¡ªdoes Junior Sister Li have any enmity with Li Ya?"


    Chen Li shook his head and said, "How could there be any grudge? If there were, she wouldn''t have spoken up for Li Ya back then. He would have been killed by Shi Yang long ago. Now, with Shi Yang missing for several years, I suspect that he might have been killed by Li Ya."


    Xiao Chenjun lifted his teacup, his eyes reflecting a subtle change.


    ...


    After leaving the Cave, Gu An followed Li Xuanyu, both riding on the same Flying Sword but keeping a respectful distance.


    Standing behind Li Xuanyu, Gu An could smell a unique, clean fragrance, which was far more delightful than the scent on Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong, although she had cleaned herself up, still hadn''tpletely rid herself of the smell of death.


    They traveled in silence; Li Xuanyu''s cold demeanor made Gu An unwilling to speak.


    Her Cave wasn''t too far from Chen Li''s, and soon they touched down.


    Gu An distinctly felt that the Restraints around her Cave were stronger, and after entering it, this feeling grew even stronger.


    The Spiritual Energy is so rich!


    Li Xuanyu began to exin the origins and cultivation process of the herbs inside her Cave. Gu An listened attentively.


    After about a 30 minutes, Li Xuanyu handed him a Token. With this Token, he could directly open this Cave; she offered him the same treatment as Chen Li.


    For Gu An, harvesting Life Span from herbs was enough, but he wouldn''t mind receiving Spirit Stones either.


    Gu An gave a formal bow and took his leave.


    "Wait, what''s your rtionship with Li Ya?" Li Xuanyu suddenly asked.


    Gu An stopped and, turning around, said, "Li Ya is my senior brother, so naturally, our rtionship is good."


    He could tell that Li Xuanyu''s rtionship with Li Ya must be decent; else, she wouldn''t use him, a mere Servant Disciple, to scheme against Li Ya, right?


    Li Xuanyu said nothing more but nodded slightly.


    Gu An bid farewell once again.


    Managing a Cave for an Outer Sect Disciple wasn''t exhausting¡ªit typically involved visiting once every half a month or monthly. Gu An felt that he could take on some more work.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    His enterprises became increasingly abundant, with the Eight Scenic Caves and Mystic Valley being the main trunk, and now with additional branches, his Life Span would grow.


    He aimed to reach a hundred thousand years of Life Span as soon as possible!


    ...


    As the winter snow melted away and spring arrived, the Mystic Valley began to be adorned withnterns and streamers by evening twilight.


    In front of the pavilion, the youngest, Zhen Qin, was squatting on the ground, cutting paper while quietly asking, "Master, what does the Spring Festival signify?"


    She was nine years younger than Gu An, with a sweet face, big eyes, a petite figure, and a gentle personality; even Lu Jiujia and Xiaochuan held a fondness for her.


    "When I was young, I heard an old man say that the Spring Festival represents the start of a brand-new year, to bid farewell to the old and wee the new. During this time each year, people wish each other good fortune. Since there aren''t any festivals worth celebrating in Medicine Valley, let''s just set the Spring Festival," Gu An said as he sat nearby, weaving antern.


    Not far away, Wuxin, Xiaochuan, Tang Yu were hanging upnterns and pasting red papers, Ye Lan was preparing dishes, and Su Han was checking the different garden districts.


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin''s face lit up with anticipation.


    The idea about Spring Festival came to Gu An a few days ago when he overheard the people of Medicine Valley talking about their hometowns. He couldn''t help but reminisce about his own home on Earth in a previous life, especially since it was the Spring Festival. So, he decided to make it Mystic Valley''s first festival.


    They could also n other festivals in the future, making life in Medicine Valley less monotonous.


    He just wondered if there were any other Earth transmigrants in this Mortal World.


    Gu An pondered quietly, reasoning that he had crafted the story of the Spring Festivaling from an old man''s tale as a precaution.


    Just then, Gu An''s brows furrowed slightly as he sensed two disturbing presences approaching the Mystic Valley, already less than ten miles away.


    The Cultivation Levels of the two individuals were in the Foundation Establishment Realm, yet their auras were thick with the stench of blood.


    They''ve killed many people!


    The World Outer Sect Conference is about to begin, could it be that Demon Cultivators havee to visit?


    Gu An silently prayed, hoping that the strangers would not enter their Medicine Valley.


    However, what he feared came to pass; the two individuals flew directly towards Mystic Valley and, in no time, their figures appeared on the mountaintop, overlooking Medicine Valley.


    They were a man and a woman, both dressed in deep purple robes, their demeanors sinister and enchanting; even in broad daylight, they looked like fierce ghosts.


    The woman had a seductive figure, her face painted with dark makeup, her nails long like talons as she covered her mouth andughed, "Mr. Xu, we''re not far from the Supreme Sect''s Outer Sect, why don''t we rest here for a while? We could also inquire some information from the Servant Disciples here."


    The man standing next to her was tall and burly, with a stern face and a purple crown on his head, set with a red gem that looked like a crimson vertical eye.


    "A bunch of Energy Cultivation Realm worms, what can we learn from them?" the man in purple said coldly.


    He hailed from the Wanyin Sect, his name was Xu Ruye, and he hade with his Daoist friend, Chan Ji, to participate in the World Outer Sect Conference.


    Chan Jiughed, "You know what those people from Supreme Sect are like, Mr. Xu; their strength isn''t up to par, and they''re fond of using their numbers to bully the few. It''s better to arrive early and avoid trouble. Waiting here isn''t such a bad idea."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Ruye felt it made sense and leaped down, followed closely by Chan Ji.


    Gu An looked up, and immediately cast Life Span Detection.


    [Xu Ruye (Foundation Establishment Realm Nine Layers): 67/389/920]


    [Chan Ji (Foundation Establishment Realm Seven Layers): 74/370/605]


    It looks like they''re both prodigies.


    Gu An stood up, and Zhen Qin couldn''t help but follow his gaze. Upon seeing Xu Ruye and Chan Ji, she was so scared that she quickly hid behind her master.


    Xiaochuan, Wuxin, and Tang Yu also noticed the arrival of the two Demon Cultivators and immediately put down what they were doing to run towards Gu An.


    Xu Ruye and Chan Jinded in the garden, their gaze sweeping over the herbs, which made Gu An''s heart tighten.


    The security of Supreme Sect is too poor, isn''t it?


    Near such a grand event, don''t they dispatch disciples to patrol?


    Gu An cursed silently; of course, he also understood that, to the Supreme Sect, the value of Mystic Valley was just so-so, as it was nted with only Low-Rank Medical Herbs, meant to serve the Outer Sect.


    Chan Ji turned her head, nced at Gu An and the others, and asked, "Who is the Valley Master here?"


    Gu An stepped forward, bowing, "I am the Valley Master. May I ask what matter brings the two seniors here?"


    Chan Ji threw a flirtatious look at Gu An, and with a smile, she asked, "Young man, we are a husband and wife here to attend the World Conference at Supreme Sect, and would like to rest in your valley for a few days. What do you think?"


    Xu Ruye''s gaze fell upon Ye Lan and Zhen Qin standing behind Gu An, his cold eyes making the twodies uneasy. Ye Lan furrowed her brows and stood in front of Zhen Qin.


    Gu An felt displeased, but he sensed a familiar aura drawing near.


    He asked, "May I ask which sect or faction the two believers hail from?"


    Chan Ji''s eyes turned cold, about to speak.


    "What''s the point of wasting words with him? We want to stay, and with his mere Qi Cultivation Realm fifthyer cultivation, can he drive us away?" Xu Ruye said impatiently.


    A terrifying murderous aura erupted from within him, turning all present pale, as if they were in a cold cer.


    "Do the two from the Wanyin Sect seek to be enemies with Supreme Sect?"


    A cold and clear voice came from the sky, and everyone looked up to see Li Xuanyu standing on a Flying Sword, poised in the wind like an exiled immortal.


    "Li Xuanyu!" Chan Ji pronounced each syble slowly, her teeth clenched tight.


    Li Xuanyu said, "Come with me."


    With that, she turned to leave, quickly disappearing behind the mountains.


    Xu Ruye leaped up, the gourd at his waist flying out, swiftly erging andnding beneath his feet. Chan Ji jumped up,nding behind him, and the two of them flew off on the gourd.


    The people of Medicine Valley heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Were those two Demon Cultivators?" Su Han couldn''t help but ask; Xu Ruye''s murderous aura had frightened him pale.


    Wuxin said, "Yes, the Wanyin Sect is a powerful Demonic Sect."


    Xiaochuan said discontentedly, "Aren''t we at Supreme Sect a renowned righteous faction? Why invite Demonic Sects toe?"


    The Disciples began to discuss the matter, all of them shaken by fear. If Li Xuanyu hadn''t appeared, they might have faced a huge disaster that night.


    Gu An turned his head towards the horizon and furrowed his brow slightly.


    Afterward, he had everyone continue preparing for the Spring Festival, while he went back to his room to rest for a while.


    Dusk fell, the sky turned a crimson red.


    Gu An stood in front of the side window of the loft; he could already sense that there was a battle far away, very faint, probably thirty miles away from Mystic Valley.


    Suddenly feeling something, he immediately flipped over the windowsill and vanished into the woods.


    In the woods far away, the trees were toppled and the ground was scarred with shocking fissures. Xu Ruye and Chan Ji stood shoulder to shoulder, smug smiles on their faces.


    Opposite them stood not only Li Xuanyu but also Li Ya.


    "The Li Family''s Nine Devastating Swords are indeed formidable, but your cultivation levels are not up to par," Xu Ruye said with a coldugh, his right-hand fingers twitching as tendrils of purple energy circled around his fingertips.


    Li Ya''s corners of his mouth were stained with blood, the hand clutching his sword trembling, while beside him, Li Xuanyu''s condition was simr, though her injuries were less severe than Li Ya''s.

 Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Flying Leaves Annihilate Enemies, Such Overbearing Sword Qi

    Chan Ji ignored Li Ya, fixating her gaze on Li Xuanyu as she taunted with a bewitching smile, "Li Xuanyu, aren''t you the Girl of Heavenly Pride? Why do you look so disheveled? It seems you and your brother are no match for us."


    Xu Ruye stepped forward, moving towards Li Ya.


    Li Xuanyu suddenly threw her sword, which midway split into four shadows, all converging on Xu Ruye.


    Xu Ruye reacted swiftly, waving his right hand as a purple aura burst out like mes, forcibly blocking Li Xuanyu''s sword.


    Chan Ji appeared behind Li Xuanyu like a ghost, brandishing a red fan and forcefully fanning it to release rolling clouds of red poison mist,pelling Li Xuanyu to leap away.


    The red poison mist spread rapidly through the forest, and within it, a massive python moved swiftly, causing the red mist to rise wherever it passed, quickly enveloping Li Ya and Li Xuanyu in a matter of moments.


    Li Xuanyunded next to Li Ya, scanning the surroundings, unable to see Chan Ji''s figure while Xu Ruye hovered above the forest, looking down at them.


    "On Supreme Sect''s territory, do you dare harbor murderous intentions?" Li Ya asked gravely.


    Xu Ruye''s lips curled upwards as he mockingly said, "I''ve heard that since the current Sect Leader assumed leadership, the Supreme Sect''s control over the bordends has weakened continuously. It seems the intention was for the disciples in the bordends to resolve conflicts themselves.


    The eight Outer City forts are like a wall, within which lies reputable sects, but outside, it''s survival of the fittest, no different from the Demon Path."


    "Up till now, no one hase to intervene, it seems beyond the Outer Sect, Supreme Sect hasn''t deployed anyone on guard. Today, if I kill you and capture your sister, it wouldn''t matter if we don''t attend the Global Outer Sect Conference, what do you think?"


    "And those from Medicine Valley too, I''ll kill them all. Having Princess Lie out to protect them must mean they share a close bond with you."


    Xu Ruye seemed to recall something, licking his lips.


    "Buy me some time," Li Xuanyu whispered softly, and then she sat down cross-legged, her hands moving quickly in a spell-casting motion as a faint golden me emerged at her brow.


    Li Ya''s expression tensed; he suddenly crouched before leaping up, his sword raised above him. Like sword qi erupting from the ground, his powerful force caused the surrounding forest in a radius of dozens of meters to shake violently, stirring the rolling red mist in a grand spectacle under the dusk sky.


    Xu Ruye scoffed dismissively and quickly pulled a purple banner embroidered with a ferocious evil ghost from his storage bag, as if it could burst forth at any moment.


    He flipped his left hand downward as a surge of Spiritual Power erupted, forming a massive palm imprint that smashed down, forcefully suppressing Li Ya''s sword qi.


    Li Ya frowned, his Spiritual Power far inferior to Xu Ruye''s, incapable of contending with it.


    Under his gaze, Xu Ruye''s purple banner exuded a purple whirlwind that muddled his Divine Soul.


    This isn''t good!


    Li Ya''s face paled, a strong dizziness sweeping over him, the most terrifying part being his body unable to fall.


    "He wants to capture your soul, truly reckless and audacious!"


    The voice of the Martial Master resonated in Li Ya''s mind, the tone rmed and angry.


    Hearing this, Li Ya grew even more panicked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Let me taste the vor of a Taicang imperial lineage soul!" Xu Ruye said with a gruesome smile, his eyes filled with greed.


    Whoosh¡ª¡ª


    A sharp sound of cutting through the air came from afar, causing Li Ya, who was paralyzed in mid-air, to instinctively nce over, as Li Xuanyu who was meditating and cultivating energy also couldn''t help but look up.


    A leaf carried along an intense sword qi, slicing through the sky at a breathtaking speed, heading straight for Xu Ruye.


    Xu Ruye''s gaze flickered unintentionally, but the leaf was so fast he could hardly react.


    Bang!


    His head burst open, blood mist drifting, enveloping the forest with red fog that was swept away by a strong wind, tumbling Li Ya to the ground. Li Xuanyu, exerting her own Spiritual Power to withstand the strong wind, was still forced to hurriedly get up.


    "Mr. Xu!"


    Amidst the fierce wind, Chan Ji screamed out, just about to leap up when another whooshing sound came, forcing her to turn her head. The terrifying strong wind pressing down on the red poison mist swept over her body, her robes forcefully pulled back, outlining her perfect body curves.


    Reflected in her eyes was a falling leaf.


    Bang!


    The leaf prated her skull, blood sttered painting the forest, and the leaf continued its relentless path, cutting down several trees, stirring up clouds of dust, eventually piercing into the trunk of arge tree.


    Thump! Thump!


    The body of Xu Ruye hit the ground, followed by Chan Ji''s body falling. Soon after, only the sound of the wind remained in the forest.


    Li Ya propped himself up, sitting on the ground with disheveled ck hair,pletely dumbstruck.


    Not far away, Li Xuanyu was simrly scared, looking at the corpses of Xu Ruye and Chan Ji, she found herself in a daze.


    "A leaf ys the enemy, such a domineering sword qi. This person must be at least of Nascent Soul Realm and highly skilled in the Sword Dao!" the Martial Master''s voice echoed in Li Ya''s mind.


    Startled awake, Li Ya quickly stood, sping his fist and shouting, "May I know which senior has lent their hand?"


    Hearing this, Li Xuanyu also stood, looking around.


    Unfortunately, no one responded to them.


    "Boy, go check there!" the Martial Master''s voice rang out again, urging Li Ya to walk in a certain direction.


    Li Ya immediately went, trembling and in pain, severely affected by the soul capturing.


    Li Xuanyu went to check the bodies of Xu Ruye and Chan Ji, stabbing them twice with her sword, using sword qi to pulverize their hearts.


    Li Ya walked about two hundred paces before stopping in front of a tree, his gaze falling on the trunk, causing his face to suddenly change.


    "How could this be¡­"


    Li Ya said, trembling, following his gaze to a tree leaf stuck in the trunk, swirling with a thread of sword qi, the whole trunk already split as if it might explode at any moment.


    "This person made their move from ten miles away. I could only capture the direction, unable to detect their presence."


    The elder''s voice was filled with emotion, and he followed up with admiration, "It seems the Supreme Sect isn''t so bad after all, with a Great Cultivator watching over the surroundings."


    Li Ya looked at the leaf, struggling to calm his emotions.


    At that moment, Li Xuanyu approached from behind him, and she, too, was stunned when she saw the leaf.


    ...


    Night fell, and in Mystic Valley, the Valley Master''s pavilion was brightly lit and decorated, Gu An and the disciples seated around arge round table, clinking cups and exchanging drinks, the atmosphere merry.


    Xiaochuan and Tang Yu werepeting in a drinking contest, Xiaochuan, already flush-faced, refused to admit defeat despite others'' attempts to dissuade him, and continued drinking.


    The drink they were enjoying was not ordinary liquor but Spiritual Wine specially bought by Gu An from the Outer Sect, a jar valued at two Low-Grade Spirit Stones, equivalent to two months'' sry of a Servant Disciple.


    "Today we encountered two Demon Cultivators; there won''t be moreing after, will there?" Su Han suddenly asked, and with these words, the atmosphere at the table chilled.


    Smiles faded, and worry set in among everyone.


    Gu An reassuringly smiled and said, "Don''t worry, there are Outer Disciples patrolling. Didn''t you see them today? Maybe after this incident, the patrolling intensity will be increased."


    He wasn''t worried himself because he was immersed in joy.


    Killing Xu Ruye and Chan Ji, he had sessfully seized a hundred and twelve years of life span.


    He was contemting the pattern of the life spans he had seized, only able to discern that the years taken depended on the remaining life span of the target, ranging between half to two percent, and specifics were random.


    Though the life span seized from cultivators was higher, Gu An did not look forward to encountering such situations again.


    Too many enemies killed would eventually bring trouble, better to stack up life span securely through medicinal herbs.


    There are always others out there, and even if one grows strong through killing others, encountering a far stronger opponent would still result in death.


    He could not determine how high the strongest cultivation in the Mortal World could be.


    Yet he felt that if he could just survive for thousands of years, he might truly be unbeatable in the Mortal World.


    Upon hearing Gu An''s words, everyone felt reassured, and the mood became merry again.


    Gu An didn''t dwell on his own matters, beginning to chat with his junior brothers and sisters, asking about their uing cultivation goals. The atmosphere continued to rise, and even he began to drink.


    The first Spring Festival in Mystic Valley was a great sess.


    Untilte into the night, everyone dispersed.


    Gu An then went to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Jiang Qiong was cultivating under a Green Vine Tree, surrounded by Demonic Qi, appearing rather eerie.


    Gu An, carrying a meal, approached her and said, "Martial Master, today is Mystic Valley''s Spring Festival, this meal was prepared by my junior sister. Would you like to try it? Hope it helps you restore your power soon."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Qiong opened her eyes, her confusion evident as she asked, "Spring Festival? What is that?"


    Gu An recited the prepared exnation, iming he heard it from an elder.


    "Hmm, setting a festival is indeed a good idea, it unifies people," Jiang Qiong nodded in approval, then looked at the basket of wood boxes in Gu An''s hand.


    Gu An promptly set the basket down, taking out dishes one by one, along with a small jar of wine.


    Spying this, Jiang Qiong''s eyes lit up, and she said thoughtfully, "Since it''s your kind intention, I must not refuse."


    She directly grabbed a bowl of food and began shoveling it into her mouth, gobbling it down.


    Gu An hurriedly poured the wine for her and asked curiously, "Martial Master, there''s something I''ve been unclear about."


    "You say¡­" Jiang Qiong mumbled unclearly, then took the bowl of wine, drinking it in one gulp, with moisture, either oil or wine, around her mouth.


    "Why does Thousand-Autumn Pavilion ce spies outside the Outer Sect? It feels like nothing significant can be gleaned about Mystic Valley," Gu An asked.


    Jiang Qiong gave him a nce, saying irritably, "Who asked you to gather intelligence? Your role is to guard and wait until the Green Vine Tree fully matures, then this ce will be a base for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. Others will handle intelligence gathering."


    Hearing this, Gu An became even more uneasy.


    What?


    To be a base?


    Gu An frowned and asked, "Is Mystic Valley the only possible base?"


    "Of course not, besides Mystic Valley, there are at least five other Medicinal Valleys under the control of spies from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. They are unaware of each other''s identities, but they reached the position of a True Disciple a hundred years ago, and today, they might already be of Elder-level," Jiang Qiong casually responded.


    Gu An fell silent.


    Had the Supreme Sect already be so permeable?


    Jiang Qiong put down her cleaned te, picking up arge drumstick and chuckled, "The taste isn''t bad. Although I have long practiced fasting, satisfying my cravings asionally is also nice. As a reward,ter I''ll teach you a secret technique from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion."

 Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Demon Shadow Divine Skill, Jiang Qiongs Appreciation

    "What secret technique?" Gu An asked expectantly. He had already learned many spells from Jiang Qiong, but as far as spells were concerned, the more the merrier.


    Once Jiang Qiong left, it would be hard for him to encounter such a devoted Martial Master again.


    Jiang Qiong took a bite of a big chicken leg and said proudly with a smile, "One of the nine great secret techniques of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, the Demon Shadow Divine Skill!"


    The Demon Shadow Divine Skill?


    It sounded...


    Gu An frowned and asked, "Is this a cultivation technique?"


    He wasn''tcking in cultivation techniques. If he changed techniques and started over, he would have to cultivate his spiritual power from scratch, and he didn''t want to waste his lifespan.


    Jiang Qiong said vaguely with his mouth full of chicken, "I already told you, it''s a secret technique. The Demon Shadow Divine Skill will allow you to better infiltrate as a spy. You''ll see soon enough."


    A twitch appeared on Gu An''s face.


    I don''t want to be a demon path''s spy!


    Forget it, I''ll just get through Jiang Qiong''s visit. In the future, I will speak to others as needed and craft my identity however necessary while roaming the pugilistic world.


    ...


    The following day at noon, Gu An was reading under a tree when seven steps away, Ye Lan and Zhen Qin were practicing their swordsmanship with graceful movements. Unfortunately, they could not attract Gu An''s attention.


    "Big senior brother, Martial Uncle Li Ya is here!"


    Xiaochuan ran up and informed him, followed by a person¡ªLi Ya himself.


    Gu An immediately got up, tucked ''Green Hero Travelogue'' into his bosom, and walked towards Li Ya.


    "The people in the pavilion said," Li Ya started.


    Gu An nodded, then led him upstairs.


    Zhen Qin ceased her sword practice and looked anxiously at Ye Lan, "Martial Uncle Ye, Martial Uncle Li Ya couldn''t be here because of those two demon cultivators from yesterday, could he?"


    "Perhaps," Ye Lan replied softly, ncing back.


    Inside the room.


    Gu An and Li Ya sat opposite each other. While pouring tea for Li Ya, Gu An asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Li Ya began to speak, "I''m nning to stay in Mystic Valley for half a year. Is that okay?"


    "Of course, that''s fine. You can stay as long as you like. Have you encountered some trouble?" Gu An readily agreed and kindly inquired further.


    Li Ya hesitated for a moment but still decided to talk about his experience from the day before. It might motivate Junior Brother Gu to cultivate more diligently due to the pressure.


    After listening, Gu An''s eyes widened in shock, "Those two are dead? Won''t the Wanyin Sect cause trouble?"


    Li Ya huffed, "He attacked Li Xuanyu and me. If anyone''s going to cause trouble, it will be the Supreme Sect against the Wanyin Sect. Besides, the imperial court will also pressure the Wanyin Sect because Li Xuanyu is my father emperor''s most beloved daughter."


    Gu An asked in surprise, "Then why would they dare to make a move on Elder Li?"


    "Xu Ruye and Chan Jimit all kinds of evil and are unscrupulous. Chan Ji and Li Xuanyu had a fallout in Yecheng City. Naturally, they wouldn''t let the chance slip to attack when Li Xuanyu was alone. And..."


    Li Ya spoke disdainfully. But in the end, he held back.


    "And what?"


    "Nothing."


    Gu An felt like hitting someone, then speak the whole sentence or do not mention ''and'' at all!


    Li Ya looked at Gu An and asked, "Have you seen anyone else passing by Medicine Valley from yesterday to today?"


    Gu An shook his head.


    "You might not have seen, but if that Nascent Soul Realm elder hadn''t acted yesterday, Li Xuanyu and I would''ve been in great peril. That elder''s sword dao was truly terrifying. Plucking leaves to kill enemies, those at the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm were like vegetables in the field before him, easily killed with a single leaf..."


    As Li Ya spoke of the previous day''s battle, he became visibly excited, beginning to depict the scene.


    Gu An''s eyes widened, asionally drawing in a breath of cold air as if he was listening to a myth.


    The Nascent Soul Realm elder had thrown just two leaves, yet Li Ya used all the vocabry he had to describe the event with great enthusiasm.


    "Sword cultivators should indeed be so, undefeated with or without a sword. Everything in the hand bes a sword, even for me¡­ In short, senior brother, I believe I have found my path. From now on, I will focus on practicing swordsmanship and delve into the Sword Dao..."


    Li Ya showed a look of yearning, and Gu An nodded, secretly thrilled inside.


    Brother, the esteemed elder you are praising to the skies is right in front of you; it''s just that your cultivation is too shallow to see through it!


    Gu An interrupted Li Ya''s reverie and asked, "Why doesn''t the sect send disciples to patrol or protect us servant disciples during the grand event of the Outer Sect World?"


    Around Mystic Valley, there were at least six residences of Outer Disciples within a fifty-mile radius. Although most weren''t at their caves, a simple order from the sect would surely bring someone.


    Li Ya''s smile faded, and he said gloomily, "Think about it¡ªwhy are there people in the sect who dare to keep a Demon of Greed outside the Outer Sect? Isn''t it because the sect does not value servant disciples? But don''t worry, I will stay until the end of the Outer Sect World event."


    Gu An fell silent for a moment before asking, "Aren''t you participating?"


    "My cultivation level isn''t sufficient. Rashly participating would only lead to injury. Such a grand asion is surely the world of those at the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm," Li Ya shook his head.


    This response made Gu An look at him in a new light; he seemed quite self-aware.


    Of course, it might also be because the blow from Xu Ruye was too big.


    The two chatted for a while longer beforeing downstairs. Gu An had Xiaochuan and Tang Yu help clear an area for Li Ya to reside alone.


    Knowing that Li Ya would stay for half a year, everyone in the valley was happy. Firstly, they would have someone to protect them; secondly, they could learn swordsmanship from Li Ya.


    In their eyes, everything about Gu An was great except that he knew too few spells to guide them. Li Ya was different¡ªhe was a bona fide Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator!


    In the days that followed, cultivators often flew over Mystic Valley on their swords. Gu An also saw many flying artifacts and demon beast mounts, involuntarily sighing in his heart.


    This is the world of immortal cultivation!


    ...


    A monthter, deep into the night.


    Jiang Qiong leaned against the Green Vine Tree, her right leg swinging idly, a pale, delicate calf peeking out from beneath the hem of her dress, gleaming brightly. She held a book in her hands, casting nces towards Gu An in the distance, who was picking medicinal herbs.


    Suddenly, she flipped to her feet, the book flying into the pendant around her neck. She stretched, extending her body in a long yawn.


    "Good disciple, stop your work for now and practice the Demon Shadow Divine Skill," she said.


    Jiang Qiong called out as she leapt gracefully,nding in front of the Pill Furnace. Inside the furnace, the elixir was being concocted, with plumes of white smoke rising from under the lid.


    Without turning his head, Gu An replied, "It''s alright, I''ll be done soon."


    Jiang Qiong shook her head with a chuckle, thinking to herself, "This kid is really industrious, trulymendable. I should refine some elixirs for him."


    Half an incense stick''s timeter.


    Gu An brought the gathered herbs over to Jiang Qiong''s side, arranging them meticulously by type on the ground, which filled her with even greater satisfaction.


    This child really is beyond reproach!


    Gu An had just reaped over thirteen hundred years of lifespan, leaving him in a rather good mood. Such fruitful opportunities do note easily.


    "Continue your practice, and if there''s anything you don''t understand, ask me at any time," Jiang Qiong instructed softly, still watching the Pill Furnace.


    Gu An nodded, then began cultivating the Demon Shadow Divine Skill, which he had practiced for a month without it entering his Attribute Panel, much to his irritation.


    He had to master it now!


    The Eight Scenic Caves fell into tranquility, with Gu An and Jiang Qiong meditating near the Pill Furnace, their figures shrouded in the hazy elixir smoke.


    Four more days passed, and the Demon Shadow Divine Skill finally appeared on Gu An''s Attribute Panel.


    He looked at his Attribute Panel, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Lifespan: 27/12268]


    [Spirit Root: First-rate Five Elements Spirit Root (Wood, Earth Attributes more prominent)]


    [Cultivation Level: Nascent Soul Realm Eight Layers]


    [Cultivation Techniques: Fire Control Art (Unmastered), Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill (Mastery), Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill (Mastery), Alchemy (Initial Insight), Myriad Poison Mystic Skill (Unmastered), Yin Yang Art (Unmastered)]


    [Ultimate Skills: Gale Shadowless Leg (Fully Integrated), Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword (Fully Integrated), Eight Directions Step (Unmastered), Demon Shadow Divine Skill (Unmastered)]


    [Spells: Soul Capturing Skill (Unmastered), Sword Control Technique (Fully Integrated), Enchanting Eyes (Unmastered), Poison Wood Array (Initial Insight), Wind Control Skill (Unmastered), Corpse Control Skill (Unmastered)]


    If it was on the Attribute Panel, it had to be real!


    In just over five years, Jiang Qiong taught him eight cultivation techniques and spells.


    Thoroughly responsible!


    This also caused Gu An to see her in a new light; although she was a Demon Cultivator, her teaching attitude surpassed that of the Righteous Path.


    Gu An stood up, bowed to Jiang Qiong, and said, "Martial Master, let''s call it a night for now. I wish to go back and rest."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jiang Qiong continued to meditate in front of the Pill Furnace, surrounded by swirling Demonic Qi. Without opening her eyes, she replied, "After you go back, focus on cultivating. I can only continue to nurture you for at most another two years before I leave."


    Gu An didn''t make a sound and turned to leave.


    Jiang Qiong opened one eye, peering at his retreating back, and thought, "It seems this boy is a bit saddened. After all, where else could he find such a wonderful Martial Master like me? Observing his loneliness, when I return, I''ll arrange for someone to take over my ce, and have him continue to cultivate within the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion.


    Then, I''ll ask my father to find that man to impart the Sword Dao to him."


    With his back to her, Gu An strode towards the cave entrance.


    He barely restrained the joy in his heart, not letting himself burst intoughter.


    Atst, she was indicating she would leave!


    Although Jiang Qiong treated him well, he was more eager to enjoy the Eight Scenic Caves alone.


    Returning to the forest, Gu An didn''t immediately head back to his building, but instead headed into the distance, ready to invest a year of his lifespan into his Cultivation Level.


    He felt he was nearing the Ninth Layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, perhaps within theing days.


    Even if it seemed close, he remained restrained, investing just one year of lifespan daily.


    Twenty li away, Gu An sat down in meditation under a tree, suppressing his aura to its lowest, almost indistinguishable from the surrounding flora.


    He immediately invested a year''s lifespan into his Cultivation Level, and Spiritual Energy surged towards him.


    The nearby nts rustled as though cheering him on, wishing him an early breakthrough.


    Soon, the flow of nature''s spiritual energy returned to normal, indicating he hadpleted a year''s Energy Absorption.


    Gu An stood up, ready to depart, but as he was about to take a step, he sensed something and quickly hid behind a tree.


    About four breathster, the sound of breaking air approached, and two people flew over the space above Gu An''s head.


    Gu An''s vision was extraordinary, capturing the figures of the two people, and he swiftly sent out two Life Span Detections.


    [Zuo Yijian (Core Formation Realm Nine Layers): 142/490/980]


    [Zuo Lin (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 27/280/1400]


    Core Formation Realm Nine Layers!


    Gu An was secretly curious about which Sect or n these two individuals came from.


    After they were gone, Gu An quietly returned to Mystic Valley.


    The next morning, like usual, he led the disciples in drills, while Li Ya just greeted him, mentioning he needed to visit the Outer Sect.


    It wasn''t until noon that Li Ya returned, flying on his sword, bringing someone with him.


    It was Zuo Lin, whom Gu An had detected the night before.

 Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Nascent Soul Realm Nine Layers, Wood Spirit Sword Technique

    "Junior Brother Gu, let me introduce you to my childhood friend, Zuo Lin. He wants to discuss swordsmanship with me. We''ll have him stay at my courtyard," Li Ya approached Gu An and introduced him.


    Zuo Lin, dressed in yellow, had a handsome and noble face, his inherent arrogance not fully conceble. He wore a precious sword at his waist, clearly of high grade.


    Li Ya introduced Gu An to Zuo Lin, but Zuo Lin merely nodded slightly at Gu An without saying a word.


    Gu An was unfazed and smiled, "Then, Senior Brother Li, you go ahead and settle him in."


    Li Ya nodded, his eyes conveying an apology.


    Zuo Lin, pulling Li Ya forward enthusiastically, said, "Ji Lin from the Ji Family was truly impressive today, have you seen his swordsmanship? It is extremely exquisite; I feel he stands a chance to be the ultimate victor."


    Ji Lin?


    The image of a handsome and proud face surfaced in Gu An''s mind. Ji Lin, like him, had entered the Supreme Sect under the guidance of Ji Xiaoyu. The two didn''t interact much, but Du Ye had previously helped Ji Lin gather herbs.


    Unexpectedly, Ji Lin was already making a name for himself at the grand gathering of the Outer Sect disciples across the world, given that he was only a few years older than Gu An.


    Of course, it might be rted to the practice resources he received; the provisions from the Supreme Sectbined with those of the Ji Family made his rapid progress in cultivation understandable.


    Gu An walked towards the tree, but his ears were keenly eavesdropping on the conversation between Li Ya and the other.


    The world''s Outer Sect grand assembly had already begun, gathering talented Outer Sect disciples from both righteous and demonic paths topete. From Li Ya''s conversation, the assembly was in the format of one-on-one duels, and those disciples who remained undefeated began to gain fame.


    Gu An did not hear Ji Xiaoyu''s name mentioned, and with a second thought, it made sense since Ji Xiaoyu was not part of the Outer Sect.


    Xiaochuan, Wuxin, and others were very curious about Zuo Lin, gathering in small groups and discussing amongst themselves.


    Zuo Lin''s arrival did not disrupt life at Mystic Valley; he disdained Servant Disciples, spending his time practicing swordsmanship with Li Ya and returning to his room for cultivation after practice.


    Due to their arrival, Gu An reduced his visits to the Eight Scenic Caves, but he still adhered to his daily schedule.


    A month quickly passed by.


    Gu An finally reached the ninthyer of the Nascent Soul Realm. That night, as he walked back, he felt as light as a feather.


    When he returned to Mystic Valley, he discovered someone practicing swordsmanship in Li Ya''s courtyard.


    He returned to his own loft and stepped up to the window to watch after entering the room.


    The person practicing was Zuo Lin.


    When Zuo Lin had first arrived, Gu An thought he was a swordsmanship prodigy.


    But over the course of a month, as he watched Zuo Lin practice daily, Gu An realized that this fellow''s talent in the Sword Dao was extremely mediocre.


    By now, Gu An had a certain level of achievement in the Sword Dao, and he could judge Zuo Lin''s talent was even inferior to Su Han''s.


    Su Han had the strongest swordsmanship talent in the valley, yet that was only by the standards of Mystic Valley; it was not much to speak of outside.


    After watching for a while, Gu An closed the window.


    At dawn, Gu An went downstairs and saw Zuo Lin still standing in the courtyard, staring at the sword in his hands with furrowed brows.


    Gu An greeted his junior brothers, sisters, and disciples to start their drills, the noise catching Zuo Lin''s attention.


    "Actually, you don''t have to force the swordsmanship. With your incredible Spirit Root Qualification, once your cultivation level is higher, you might achieve more with less effort," Li Ya approached Zuo Lin and spoke softly.


    Zuo Lin''s face darkened as he said, "No, I must be a Sword Cultivator. My father is the Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake!"


    Li Ya initially wanted to persuade him but then thought better of it; he too had been trying to prove himself to his father.


    Zuo Lin intently watched Gu An and the others practice, sensing something profound in Gu An''s movements, which seemed just like everyone else''s, yet somehow embodied a deeper enigma.


    Initially, Zuo Lin thought it was his illusion, but the more he watched, the more he felt he was not mistaken.


    Li Ya did not continue to disturb Zuo Lin; he turned and walked towards the forest, needing ample time for cultivation himself.


    Defeated by Xu Ruye, although he seldom mentioned it, he kept it constantly in mind.


    He did not want to face defeat again!


    After Gu An finished a set of drills, he instructed the valley''s disciples to busy themselves; the valley''s affairs no longer required his direct involvement, as Wuxin was gradually taking over the role of senior brother''s authority.


    Xiaochuan was more reserved and not keen on directing others, so he was willing to let Wuxin take the lead.


    Ye Lan went without mention; she had refocused her efforts, fully sprinting towards the Outer Disciple examination.


    For people with average talents like hers, there was only one way to be an Outer Disciple: reach the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, then participate in and pass the Outer Sect examination to wait for the distribution of the Foundation Establishment Pill.


    If they could break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm directly, there would be no need for the examination.


    The question of whether or not to improve his skills in Alchemy to help craft the Foundation Establishment Pills for his junior brother and sisters lingered in Gu An''s mind. The ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill could all be found in the valley; the actual challenge was the process of Alchemy.


    Ye Lan was still some time away from reaching the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, giving Gu An enough time to weigh this matter. As for Xiaochuan, that was an even longer journey.


    Virtually no one with their level of talent could reach the eighthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm in their entire lifetime.


    Gu An walked towards the loft, pulling out the "Green Hero Travelogue" from his chest, his face showing anticipation.


    He had deliberately saved thest five chapters, waiting for a sunny and pleasant day to enjoy them.


    The storm was fierce as Green Hero and his Ms. Yin met in a ruined temple, their pent-up grievances and love about to erupt...


    Just the thought made Gu An very excited.


    "Brother Gu An."


    Zuo Lin''s voice rang out, and Gu An turned his head to see him walking briskly over.


    Approaching Gu An, Zuo Lin seemed a bit embarrassed. Gu An did not dwell on his previous arrogance, smiling and asking, "Brother Zuo, what''s the matter?"


    He gritted his teeth and said, "I''ve been observing your techniques¡ªthey are quite exquisite. Could you teach me?"


    "No problem, let''s go under the tree," Gu An responded.


    "Promoting public broadcasting gymnastics is a duty we, the sons and daughters of Huaxia, must bear!


    Zuo Lin was taken aback; he did not expect Gu An to be so agreeable and was immediately filled with shame. He hurried to keep up with Gu An''s pace.


    The two arrived at the courtyard in front of the attic. Gu An wasted no words and began to teach him the exercises.


    Zuo Lin had a photographic memory; whatever Gu An taught once, he learned immediately.


    "That''s it?" Zuo Lin asked, frowning.


    Conflued, Gu An asked, "Not enough? That''s all the moves."


    "What about the mental method?"


    "There is no mental method."


    "Impossible, without a mental method, how can you..." Zuo Lin said, frowning.


    His words only confused Gu An more, prompting him to ask, "What about me?"


    Zuo Lin became frantic and said, "It''s just that you give me a different feeling; the moves are the same, but different from others. You must have a mental method... "


    Gu An, feeling helpless, thought to himself, ''Has this kid been addled by his obsession with swords?''


    Seeing Gu An''s expression, Zuo Lin felt even more embarrassed. Rationality told him that a servant disciple couldn''t possibly be concealing a peerless mental method.


    However, his previous feeling couldn''t be wrong.


    From a young age, he was exceptionally sensitive to a person''s qualifications and aura, even earning praise from his master for having an Exquisite Spirit Heart, adept at discerning people''s true natures.


    This servant disciple before him was certainly no ordinary person!


    Zuo Lin''s eyes shifted as he said, "How about this, I''ll teach you some swordsmanship, and you try it out?"


    Gu An originally wanted to refuse, but seeing his insistence, it seemed difficult to shake him off, so he just nodded in agreement.


    A chance not to learn is a chance wasted!


    Noticing that Gu An had no sword, Zuo Lin took a long sword out of his storage bag and handed it to him while drawing the precious sword hanging at his waist to demonstrate his own sword techniques.


    This kid really doesn''t know how to behave!


    Why swing a sword so fast?


    Gu Anined in his mind, yet he watched very closely.


    At a distance, Tang Yu and Su Han saw this scene. Not daring toe too close, they could only watch from afar.


    "If Master learns it, couldn''t he just teach us?" Su Han said expectantly, his fondness for the sword clear. "The Traditions of Immortal Cultivation are indeed vast, but only the path of the sword cultivator truly captivates my heart."


    Tang Yu nodded, saying, "As long as Master learns it, if we ask him, he definitely won''t refuse."


    In their hearts, Gu An was the best master; the real issue was whether the master could learn Zuo Lin''s sword techniques.


    The answer was definite. Gu An had invested two thousand years of life span in the Li Family Seven-Sword Art; his Achievement in the Sword Dao was already profound.


    Zuo Lin''s demonstrated sword techniques, while decent, were not as advanced as the upgraded version of the Seven-Sword Art of the Li Family, much lessparable to the Nine Devastating Swords.


    Right, it''s unlikely that Zuo Lin would impart his strongest swordsmanship right at the start.


    After Zuo Lin finished demonstrating, he turned to Gu An and asked, "How much did you remember?"


    Gu An shook his head, "Maybe twenty percent... I can''t be certain. Your swordsmanship is too fluid, it dazzled me, and I''ve already forgotten the earlier moves."


    Zuo Lin frowned and immediately asked Gu An to try.


    Thus, Gu An began performing the sword techniques Zuo Lin had just demonstrated. His movements were hesitant and his strokes stiff, making Zuo Lin''s frown deepen.


    At a distance, despair overcame Tang Yu and Su Han; it seemed their master would not learn it.


    After fumbling through another demonstration, Zuo Lin tried once more, this time even slower, yet he still didn''t remember it all.


    After struggling for half an ancient hour, Gu An found an excuse to slip away.


    An irate Zuo Lin sought out Li Ya andined that Gu An was mocking him.


    Upon learning the reason, Li Ya gave a wry smile and said, "He truly has no talent for the Sword Dao, and he quite dislikes sword training."


    "Really?" Zuo Lin''s anger subsided somewhat, but he couldn''t help recalling the poise with which Gu An had performed the earlier exercises. He felt Gu An was concealing something.


    "He is my junior brother, how could I not know?"


    Li Ya gave him a look before warning, "Stop pestering him. It''s already good that you are allowed to stay. Keep bothering him, and you might as well head back to the Outer Sect and find your father!"


    Zuo Lin fell into deep thought, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards the attic where Gu An resided, lost in thought.


    Elsewhere.


    Inside the attic.


    Gu An sat meditating on his bed, eyes closed, reminiscing about the sword techniques Zuo Lin had taught him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He slowly opened his eyes, a sh of sword light in them.


    He essed his attribute panel, and under the ultimate skill category, ''Wood Spirit Sword Technique'' appeared.


    Wood Spirit?


    Could it be a Wood Attribute sword technique?


    Gu An''s Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill was also of the Wood Attribute; if he cultivated Wood Attribute spells, he could achieve twice the result with half the effort. He had previously quickly learned the Poison Wood Array that Jiang Qiong taught him.


    However, he did not n to enhance this sword technique for the time being; he had to save up to a hundred thousand years of life span first.


    With one thousand years to activate the Life Span Detection function, ten thousand to activate the Life Span Barrier, and surely a new function upon reaching a hundred thousand years of life span, he had always been looking forward to it.

 Chapter 31: Chapter 31 True Dragon Blood Lineage

    Ever since Zuo Lin taught Gu An sword training, every time they met, Zuo Lin would gaze at him with a look of resentment, which made Gu An quite ufortable. Luckily, with Li Ya around, Zuo Lin didn''t dare to pester him.


    Days passed by, one after another, and there were always Cultivators flying over the skies of Mystic Valley.


    Every time someone flew past, Gu An would use Life Span Detection to gauge their realms. He even captured the presence of those in the Nascent Soul Realm, but he couldn''t discern which sect or faction they belonged to.


    Spring gave way to summer, and Gu An turned twenty-eight.


    Ever since he reached the ninthyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, he had halted his daily routine. He feared wasting his life span and nned to break through forcefully using his substantial life spanter on.


    Beyond hard work, he also believed in metaphysics.


    The scorching days of summer arrived.


    In the woods, Gu Any under a tree reading a book, while Wuxin was directing Tang Yu, Su Han, and Zhen Qin to weed, and Xiaochuan and Ye Lan were cultivating in the valley.


    Tang Yu wiped the sweat from his forehead and cast a curious nce toward the Green Hero Travelogue in Gu An''s hands.


    What exactly is that book?


    The valley''s biggest secret was what the Green Hero Travelogue contained.


    The three disciples also wanted to read it, but unfortunately, Gu An had kept the entire set of the Green Hero Travelogue to himself, and they couldn''t find it in the Book Collection Pavilion.


    Suddenly, arge White Spirit Rat darted out from the bushes and ran into Gu An''s arms¡ªit was indeed the White Spirit Rat.


    Gu An noticed something in its mouth and straightened up just in time to see it spit out an egg the size of a chicken egg. The eggshell was bluish-white with brown wave-like patterns on it.


    He could feel the fluctuations of Spiritual Power inside.


    Was this the egg of a Demon Beast?


    Gu An had encountered Demon Beast eggs before in the Outer City and seen their varying prices. The most expensive ones were astronomical figures that made his scalp tingle.


    While Wuxin and the others were not paying attention, he quickly threw the Demon Beast egg into his storage bag.


    The White Spirit Rat lifted its head, looking proud, and Gu An, amused, embraced it and gave it a good stroke.


    After weeding, Wuxin and the others began to sow seeds. Once everything was done, they all walked back to Mystic Valley together.


    Tang Yu walked beside Gu An, asking him about the difficulties of the Residual Wind Leg technique. He didn''t like swords, so he was the only disciple among the three who diligently practiced the Residual Wind Leg technique.


    Gu An gave patient guidance, all the while holding onto the White Spirit Rat tightly, not letting it escape.


    When they returned to Mystic Valley, Li Ya, who had gone to the Outer Sect in the morning, had already returned. However, Zuo Lin had not, which was a relief for Gu An.


    Li Ya came to Gu An and said, "The conference of the Outer Sects has ended, and now is the time for exchanges between the sects. During this period, there will be disciples patrolling nearby, so I should head back."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately showed a look of reluctance and said, "Then I won''t keep you any longer. You are determined to follow the Immortal Path, and I can''t hold you back. If you ever miss this ce, you cane back anytime. As long as I''m still alive, I will always be here waiting for you."


    Li Ya nodded. Then he pulled Gu An up to the attic, closed the door securely, and took out three White Jade Bottles from his storage bag, cing them on the table. "These three bottles of Elixirs are the Foundation Establishment Pill, Top-Grade Spirit Elixir, and Soul Cleansing Pill. Take good care of these and don''t reveal them carelessly, especially the Foundation Establishment Pill.


    You must save one for yourself, and don''t trust your disciples too much. There are many who would kill their master for an Elixir, and people''s hearts can change."


    Gu An was stunned and quickly waved his hands, "I can''t ept this. Even if I were the Valley Master for a hundred years, I won''t have enough Spirit Stones to repay..."


    "Repay what? You are my junior brother, and besides, I will being back to bother you again. If you don''t ept, I won''te back!" Li Ya red and spoke sternly.


    Hearing this, Gu An had no choice but to reluctantly ept. He was deeply moved.


    More than the valuable Elixirs, he cared more about Li Ya''s feelings toward him.


    Li Ya continued, "Last night, a hundred miles away, there was a battle between Demon Cultivators, resulting in several casualties. These were all geniuses from various sects. Their deaths will certainly provoke investigations from their sects. You better not leave the valley these next few days."


    Gu An nodded, about to say something when Li Ya turned and left.


    He didn''t take the main door but jumped out of the window instead. He soared with his Sword Control Technique, cutting across the sky over the mountain peaks and disappearing without a trace.


    Gu An turned to look at the three bottles of Elixirs on the table, remaining silent for a long time.


    Finally, he sighed and swept the three bottles into his storage bag with a wave of his sleeve.


    ...


    Late at night, Gu An went to the Eight Scenic Caves and made his way to the Green Vine Tree.


    Jiang Qiong was still meditating in front of the Pill Furnace. Her aura was growing stronger and she wasn''t far from the ninthyer of the Elixir Formation Realm. Gu An was happy for her.


    She was about to depart!


    "Dear disciple, it''s been a long time since you came to see me. I thought you nearly forgot about me," Jiang Qiong''s voice rang out.


    Gu An stepped forward and performed a salute, saying helplessly, "Martial Master, could you please not add the word ''dear''? Your disciple really can''t handle it."


    A Demon Cultivator is a Demon Cultivator, never serious in their words.


    Jiang Qiong pursed her lips in a smile but didn''t pick up the conversation.


    Gu An took out the Demon Beast egg from his storage bag and brought it to Jiang Qiong, asking, "Martial Master, what kind of Demon Beast is this?"


    At that, Jiang Qiong opened her eyes. She nced casually at the egg in his hand, seemingly unconcerned at first. But as she was about to look away, something struck her, and she suddenly widened her eyes in shock.


    She turned around and snatched the egg from Gu An''s hands.


    She examined it closely, her gaze as if trying to see through the eggshell.


    Seeing this, Gu An grew inwardly tense.


    Indeed, there was something extraordinary about this creature!


    When he heard from Li Ya about the battle between Demon Cultivatorsst night, he suspected that the White Spirit Rat had found the egg in the aftermath of the battle. Having lived in this area for so many years, not to mention seeing a Demon Beast egg, he hadn''t even seen a single Demon Beast.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It really is the Holy Beast of the Ancient Sky Sect," Jiang Qiong murmured to herself.


    Holy Beast?


    Gu An''s eyelids twitched. Suddenly, he wanted to strangle the White Spirit Rat for bringing him this trouble.


    Jiang Qiong handed the demon beast egg to Gu An and said, "This is a Sky Dragon, a rare beast in the Mortal World with True Dragon Blood Lineage. It can grow into a ninthyer demon beast with immense potential, possessing the fierce might to level mountains and overturn seas. Revered as a Holy Beast by the Ancient Sky Sect, this creature will be loyal to only one master throughout its life.


    It is gentle and subdued towards its master, but to others, it is extremely ferocious. Should the master of a Sky Dragon fall, it will go mad and ughter indiscriminately."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An quickly said, "With such power, it''s better to give it to the Martial Master, who also needs assistance in the Immortal Cultivation World."


    "Really?" asked Jiang Qiong with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile.


    Gu An nodded, his expression sincere.


    Seeing this, Jiang Qiong''s expression softened, her heart moved.


    Upon reflection, from the moment they met, this young man had always been courteous and respectful to her, carrying out her orders meticulously. His words now might truly be sincere.


    Jiang Qiong had faked her death for seventy years, falling into this state due to betrayal. Over the years, she had hated many people. When she first met Gu An, she was full of caution, so after recovering her body, she made her move to test him.


    Jiang Qiong forcefully stuffed the Sky Dragon Egg into Gu An''s hand. Their hands touched, making his feel a trace of coldness.


    "No more refusals, it just so happens that the Green Vine Tree requires a powerful presence to guard it. If you raise the Sky Dragon here, there''s no fear of exposure," Jiang Qiong said earnestly.


    Gu An felt that made sense upon hearing this.


    That way, it would also prevent people from stealing nts and flowers.


    Gu An sighed and said, "Alright, then."


    Jiang Qiong began to narrate the legend of the Sky Dragon and its habits, allowing him to understand more.


    The more Gu An listened, the more excited he grew, and he began to look forward to the Sky Dragon.


    Finally, he left the Sky Dragon Egg under the Green Vine Tree for Jiang Qiong to nurture.


    ...


    Over the next month, the number of cultivators passing over Mystic Valley in the sky gradually decreased, and for three consecutive days, none were seening and going. Only then did Gu An leave the valley.


    He still had a part-time job to do, which also provided him with a significant Life Span ie that he could not miss out on.


    Compared to fighting and killing, Gu An preferred to earn Life Span in a steady and down-to-earth manner.


    In the middle of the day, he first went to Chen Li''s cave. Finding Chen Li not inside, he spent 30 minutes tending to the herbs before leaving.


    Next was Li Xuanyu''s cave.


    Li Xuanyu was also absent from her cave, so Gu An started to get busy.


    True to being a princess, Li Xuanyu had recently nted a batch of fifthyer herb seeds, which made Gu An quite expectant.


    Fifthyer herbs needed at least five years, or even ten or more, to mature. Fortunately, Gu An could afford to wait.


    However, just as Gu An was about to finish, Li Xuanyu unexpectedly returned.


    "I greet Senior Li," Gu An hurriedly came forward, sping his fists in salute.


    Dressed in white, Li Xuanyu was still as cold and holy as ever, but Gu An could sense that her aura was unstable.


    She''s injured again.


    She really isbative!


    In a soft voice, Li Xuanyu said, "You and Li Ya are fellow disciples, there''s no need to call me senior. You may call me Martial Sister."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An had no choice but to do so, addressing her respectfully as Martial Sister.


    Li Xuanyu nced over the cave and said, "You''ve done a good job. Do you need me to rmend you for this part-time work? If I speak up, those employers will show me some courtesy and won''t treat you unfairly."


    "I do need it, thank you, Martial Sister Li!"


    Gu An quickly replied, as he was still looking forward to umting a hundred thousand years of Life Span to break through to a realm above the Nascent Soul Realm, and naturally wouldn''t refuse.


    Li Xuanyu nodded and said, "Come back in a month."


    Gu An made his salutations and then took his leave.


    After he left, Li Xuanyu went to the bed and began to cultivate energy to heal her injuries. Herplexion quickly grew pale, devoid of any color, followed by a spit of ck blood that sprayed onto the ground.


    Outside the cave, Gu An felt her aura suddenly fluctuate wildly, presumably due to her injuries ring up, but he did not halt his steps on ount of it.


    He couldn''t heal injuries, and besides, he didn''t want to get too involved with Li Xuanyu.


    ...


    After the conclusion of the Outer Sect Great Assembly, time in Mystic Valley resumed its rapid pace as before.


    When Gu An saw Li Xuanyu again, her injuries hadrgely healed. Under her guidance, he was introduced to five Outer Disciples. With that, he was simultaneously managing the caves of seven Outer Disciples.


    Since each cave was different, he had to leave the valley every three or four days. To make traveling easier, he elevated his apparent cultivation level to the sixthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, employing Sword Control Technique for each journey, as the Spiritual Power of the fifth Energy Cultivationyer was insufficient for him to travel back and forth in a single day.


    He did not reveal the Heavenly Residence Sword, instead stepping upon an ordinary Flying Sword. This was amon Magic Artifact exchanged from the Outer Sect, meant to keep his travels incognito.


    Summer passed, autumn arrived, and the fallen leaves nketed Mystic Valley.


    After the autumn colors, winter snow came, plunging Mystic Valley into a vast expanse of white.


    One day, Gu An was engrossed in writing in the attic.


    Having read enough of Green Hero Travelogue, he wanted to write a book himself. Coincidentally, on hisst visit to the Outer Sect, he discovered he could earn Spirit Stones from writing, though the vetting process was very strict.


    With his background as a reincarnated Earthling, Gu An decided to give Supreme Sect a bit of a shock.


    Earn more Spirit Stones, and he could buy more seeds!


    Engrossed in writing, he suddenly sensed something and furrowed his brows.


    The sky outside darkened as billowing thunderclouds rolled in from the horizon. A terrifying celestial might enveloped the heavens, earth, and forests.

 Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Sword Duel in the Snowy Night, Nascent Soul vs. Nascent Soul

    "Is this... the Thunder Tribtion?"


    Gu An looked at the thunderclouds outside the window, his brows gradually smoothing out as a look of curiosity spread across his face.


    He wasn''t worried, because he felt that the heavenly might was far from Mystic Valley.


    Tang Yu, Su Han, and Zhen Qin, who were clearing snow in the garden, turned their heads to look, while Ye Lan, who was sitting in meditation in the forest, also opened her eyes. Xiaochuan stepped out from his own house and gazed at the rolling thunderclouds in the sky.


    Wuxin was meditating at the mountain peak, where the snowfall couldn''t hide his figure as he stared at the horizon, frowning deeply.


    "Such a strong Sword Intent..."


    Wuxin murmured to himself. Although his cultivation level was modest, he was from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion and had seen plenty.


    The entire sky quickly became covered with thunderclouds, resembling a boundless ocean about to unleash towering waves, plunging the snowy forest into darkness, the wind between heaven and earth growing stronger, causing the forest to sway and shake off sheets of umted snow.


    Disturbed by this heavenly might, Gu An found himself unable to concentrate on his writing, so he got up, descended the stairs, and called his disciples to look after various gardens.


    An ancient hourter, several cultivators flew swiftly over Mystic Valley, hurrying toward the direction the heavenly might came from and disappeared into the vast snowy expanse.


    This scene made the disciples in the valley even more nervous, uncertain of what was actually happening.


    Only when it was nearly evening did a thunderp rumble through heaven and earth.


    Gu An stood on the mountaintop, seeing from a distance the lightning interweaving with thunder in the sky, striking a certain point on the ground and forming a tremendous fan shape, extremely magnificent. The lightning reflecting on his face as his ck robe fluttered in the wind.


    "No wonder I failed so many times in my evolutionary cultivation, with the Thunder Tribtion being so terrifying,"


    Gu Anmented inwardly, his long-repressed grievances finally dispersing.


    Though evolutionary cultivation consumed more life span than reality, it was safer, and looking back at his achievements, could the Supreme Sect find a second person who reached the ninthyer of the Nascent Soul Realm at the age of twenty-eight?


    Afterward, he turned and descended the mountain, preparing to continue writing.


    That night, the thunder roared on and off, causing everyone in Medicine Valley to not be able to cultivate in peace.


    By noon the next day, the thunder was still ongoing, the wind between heaven and earth bing fiercer as if a blizzard was imminent. Gu An asionally led the disciples out to check on the medicinal herbs.


    A full three days and nights passed before the thunder finally stopped. As the thunderclouds dispersed in the sky, sunlight finally poured down, giving the disciples of Mystic Valley a sigh of relief.


    However, before they could enjoy half a day of happiness, a sharp and overwhelming pressure engulfed heaven and earth, making them feel a heavy pressure on their chests, their hearts pounding with fear.


    Inside the loft.


    Gu An put down the brush in his hand and looked out the window with a worried frown.


    He felt a strong Sword Intenting from the horizon, but for the moment, he couldn''t judge how far away it was.


    "What is he doing?"


    Gu An was puzzled. Had the person begunprehending the sword right after the Thunder Tribtion?


    Was he that desperate?


    All Gu An could do was to pray that the other party wouldn''t disrupt his Medicine Valley.


    Although the other''s Sword Intent was powerful, after a silentparison, he felt it was not as profound as his Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    After all, the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword was the result of two thousand years'' sacrifice of his life span!


    How many people in the Mortal World could live for two thousand years?


    ...


    Late at night, Eight Scenic Caves.


    Gu An came to visit Jiang Qiong, and he made his way to the base of the Green Vine Tree, lifting his hand to pay his respects to Jiang Qiong.


    "Don''te in for the next while, so as not to be discovered by Zuo Yijian," Jiang Qiong said without even opening her eyes.


    Zuo Yijian?


    Gu An remembered this person, who was the father of Zuo Lin. When he and his son flew over Mystic Valley back then, Gu An had even performed a Life Span Detection on them.


    Zuo Yijian''s cultivation level previously was precisely at the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm.


    After crossing the Tribtion, he would be a cultivator of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Gu An quickly thought about it in his heart, but asked anxiously, "Who is Zuo Yijian?"


    "He is the one who has been crossing the Thunder Tribtion these past days. ording to your master, he has already made a name for himself as the Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake," Jiang Qiong answered.


    The Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake?


    Curious, Gu An asked, "Martial Master, did you know him from before?"


    "Yes, indeed, I did know him. Once, in his overweening ambition, he sought me as a Daoist Companion and got severely humiliated by me, turning him into aughingstock of the Inner Sect. Since then, he has devoted himself to Swordsmanship in istion, not emerging from seclusion until I was injured and feigned death. I haven''t seen him since," Jiang Qiong said.


    She opened her eyes and looked at Gu An with a teasing smile, "Dear disciple, don''t get carried away with emotions in the future, they lead to suffering."


    Gu An responded, "Thank you for your teachings, Martial Master. I will surely bear them in mind."


    Then, Jiang Qiong told Gu An to take a seat and began to instruct him on the Poison Skills of the Myriad Poison Mystic Skill.


    The Myriad Poison Mystic Skill included the Energy Absorption Skill as well as many Poison Skills and required a lot of time to study thoroughly.


    After staying in Eight Scenic Caves for two ancient hours, Gu An then took his leave.


    ...


    Three dayster, at dawn.


    Gu An was leading the disciples in drills; they stood atop the white snow, amidst bone-chilling winds, yet they were still lightly dressed.


    Whoosh!


    A sound of cutting air came, startling everyone to turn their heads. They saw a Sword Qi strike the eastern mountain peak, cutting down tworge trees on the mountainside, which copsed with a crash and rolled down the slope, finally being blocked by a row of trees, kicking up snow and dust like a white mist.


    Looking up, there was a six-meter-long crack on the mountainside, as if it had been chopped by a giant sword, quite a spectacr sight.


    Su Han said with a frown, "This is not the first time. If it continues like this, it will inevitably endanger us."


    The other disciples were also anxious, their training movements consequently slowing down.


    Wuxin sighed and said, "Sword Cultivators seek enlightenment in their Sword Dao, which could be as short as a few days or as long as several decades, who knows how long that person will continue their enlightenment."


    Gu An rarelycked a smile, but now his face was somber.


    He was worried about the herbs in Mystic Valley.


    Yesterday, he had made a trip to the Outer Sect to report the matter to the Elixir Hall, only to be told that he could choose to temporarily move to the Outer City and forgo this year''s harvest, but the Elixir Hall would notpensate for any losses in Mystic Valley.


    The herbs in Mystic Valley were Gu An''s treasures, how could he simply give them up?


    If Mystic Valley copsed, even the Eight Scenic Caves might be exposed.


    No!


    He must think of a solution!


    Gu An''s eyes flickered with determination; he could endure humiliation for the sake of survival, but for his herbs, he was willing to fight!


    "Alright, hurry up and finish training, then proceed to your own cultivation practices. If that person hasn''t left in two more days, we will go to the Outer City to take refuge," Gu An instructed.


    Upon hearing this, the disciples were all revitalized, having been worried about the copse of Mystic Valley and already considering taking refuge outside.


    The short winter days quickly passed.


    Night gradually fell.


    Atop a mountain peak, Zuo Yijian sat in meditation, five swords standing before him, each with a different shape and even the widths of their des varied.


    As night descended, snowkes filled the sky. As theynded on his body, they instantly melted into wisps of white mist, making his entire presence appear even more formidable.


    A hundred yards away, on another peak, Zuo Lin sat meditating at the edge of a cliff, surrounded by threerge banners fluttering in the wind. When sword qi approached, an invisible barrier deflected it, preventing him from suffering any harm.


    Though unharmed, the booming sound of sword qi striking the formation jolted Zuo Lin awake.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He lifted his eyes toward his father, his brows furrowed tightly, eyes filled with admiration.


    They say the dragon begets the dragon and the phoenix begets the phoenix, so why hadn''t he inherited his father''s aptitude for the Sword Dao?


    Feeling his father''s strong Sword Intent, Zuo Lin aspired to be strong.


    Despite having outstanding Spirit Root Qualification and cultivating his Energy Absorption much faster than his peers, he only wished to be a powerful Sword Cultivator like his father.


    If it were not for the need for sword enlightenment, his Cultivation Realm would certainly not be limited to the Second Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    "s!"


    Zuo Lin sighed, then prepared to continue his study of the Sword Dao, unconvinced that he couldn''t make a name for himself in the way of the sword.


    Just as he was about to close his eyes, he suddenly saw his father standing up, causing him to be taken aback.


    Was it over?


    Zuo Yijian stood at the peak facing the direction of Zuo Lin, but his gaze was set higher, on a taller mountain in the distance where night shrouded any sign of life, yet he could feel the lock of Sword Intent on him.


    The five precious swords before him began to tremble as if facing a formidable enemy.


    Zuo Lin, on the other mountain, also stood up, calling loudly, "Father, what''s wrong? Did you seed?"


    Zuo Yijian did not answer him but instead called out, "I do not know which Daoist Friend has arrived. Why not show yourself?"


    Ten miles away.


    Gu An, d in white, stood atop a mountain peak, wearing a wooden mask. Spiritual Power covered his face beneath the mask to avoid detection by Divine Sense.


    His white garments fluttered, blending into the snow behind him.


    In his right hand, he fiddled with a leaf wrapped in strands of Sword Qi.


    From high above, his gaze could see Zuo Yijian as well as Zuo Lin.


    Before releasing his Sword Intent, he had already scouted the area for a hundred miles to ensure no other powerful cultivators were present, and only then had hee to the mountain top.


    Gu An disliked needless killing, but Zuo Yijian threatened his precious Medicine Valley, and he had to drive him away.


    "me yourself for choosing the wrong ce," Gu An muttered to himself. As he spoke, he was already stimting his cultivation technique, channeling Spiritual Power into the leaf.


    Meanwhile.


    Upon hearing his father''s words, Zuo Lin quickly turned around, but with his Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation, he was unable to discern the person ten miles away, especially in the darkness with snow obstructing his vision.


    Unable to see the neer, he couldn''t help feeling tense.


    Zuo Yijian felt the opponent''s Sword Intent rising and knew that the fight could no longer be avoided.


    "A spy from the Demon Path? Or could it be... they sent someone?" Zuo Yijian''s gaze flickered. His right hand grasped a precious sword before him; the de was slender and crimson, ring up with mes as he gripped it, bing the brightest object in the night sky.


    He drew the sword and shed through the air, igniting a wave of fire that hung across the night sky.


    "Under the cold sky, to use the Devouring me Sword Technique... it seems the past few days of sword enlightenment has greatly improved father''s mastery of the sword..." Zuo Lin turned his head and saw the sword fire in his father''s hand, his face showing admiration.


    No matter who the opponent was, he believed his father could not be defeated.


    "Since the Daoist Friend refuses to speak, I can only assume that you wish to disrupt my path enlightenment. Let this icy snowynd bear witness to whose Sword Intent is stronger!" Zuo Yijian''s icy voice echoed between heaven and earth, and as his words finished, a surge of soaring Sword Intent burst forth from him.


    The mountain he was on trembled violently, snow avnching down, and even the one Zuo Lin was on began to shake.


    Ten miles away.


    "Too much talk."


    Gu An murmured softly, so quietly that only he could hear himself. As his words faded, he violently flung the leaf in his hand.


    The object that flew was not a leaf but a Divine Sword that pierced through time and space!

 Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Disturbing the Outer Sect, Deification

    In the dim snow night, Zuo Yijian''s Sword Intent formed a shocking and domineering column of air, stirring the wind and snow, linking the sky with the mountain. Hot mes ascended from within the column, miraculously transforming into a fire dragon rising up.


    Zuo Lin stood with his eyes wide and his mouth agape, unable to believe that his father''s Devouring me Sword Technique had reached such a level, something he had never heard of before.


    Boom!


    A tremendous booming noise suddenly came from behind Zuo Lin, like a thunderp out of the blue, startling him into turning around subconsciously. His face hadn''tpletely turned when a bright sword light illuminated it, and his eyes widened, catching a glimpse of a dazzling sword light sweeping through the dim horizon.


    That sword light was indescribably bright, its impact turning the falling snow into massive waves of air, as if the very night sky were about to be pierced through. This scene deeply shocked Zuo Lin.


    Zuo Lin''s mind went nk, entirely toote to think further.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The dazzling sword light cut through the night sky, streaking above his head, the strong winds it created instantly activating the formations surrounding him, forming an energy shield that rippled violently, threatening to shatter at any moment.


    Under Zuo Lin''s gaze, the dazzling sword light collided with Zuo Yijian''s Sword Intent with an unstoppable, ruinous force.


    Zuo Yijian reacted faster than Zuo Lin, but not faster than his opponent.


    He had no time to employ swordsmanship and could only desperately resist with his own Sword Intent.


    Boom!


    The terrifying column of air that enveloped him was directly dispersed, and the crimson me dragon disappeared in an instant. Zuo Yijian''s Sword Intent was forcibly shattered.


    His robe tore apart, and blood burst from his skin.


    His eyes widened, reflecting the image of a falling leaf.


    "How is this possible..."


    Such a thought shed through Zuo Yijian''s mind. Before he could even feel fear, the leaf pierced into his shoulder, the terrible Sword Qi exploding, propelling him backward, smashing through mountains after mountains, before finally crashing into the forest dozens of miles away.


    The night sky had a clear path carved through it, where approaching snowkes vaporized into mist, hovering between the mountains, an incredibly spectacr sight.


    Atop the mountain, Zuo Lin stood within the formation, incredulously staring in the direction where his father had disappeared.


    He then knelt to the ground, unable to ept everything he had just witnessed.


    His father, who was unbeatable in battle, had actually been defeated...


    And he was defeated without the power to fight back...


    Ten miles away, atop a mountain.


    Gu An maintained his gesture of a hand swipe, his white clothes pping violently in the chilly wind mixed with snowkes, his eyes calm beneath his mask.


    "How can your hundred years of practice stand against the efforts of my two thousand years of life span?" he thought to himself. He had shown mercy, aiming not for Zuo Yijian''s head but his shoulder.


    He turned away and disappeared into the vast snow, as if he had never been there.


    ...


    At dawn, as usual, Gu An was leading his disciples in drills.


    Zhen Qin, while twisting her waist, looked toward the sky and said, "It seems like the snow has lessened today."


    Wuxin gazed into the distance and remarked, "Not just the snow, that strong Sword Intent is also gone."


    Upon hearing this, the rest of the disciples immediately became excited.


    "Could it be that person has already left?"


    "It''s possible. It''s said that Sword Cultivators seeking Sword Enlightenment need to find a ce with mountain spirits and scenic water to meditate on nature. Our area can hardly be considered blessednd."


    "Don''t be too careless, what if he''s merely taking a nap?"


    "Have you forgotten the recent Tribtion Thunder? Would a Great Cultivator of that level need a nap?"


    Listening to their debate, Gu An couldn''t help but smile.


    He cleared his throat and said, "Focus on your drills. Whether that senior has left or not, we''ll find out by taking a trip down thereter."


    Hopefully, there won''t be any more nearby Tribtion Crossing or Sword Enlightenment.


    If he identally struck too hard, that would not be a pretty sight!


    In the following two days, there was no Sword Intent enveloping the heavens and earth, confirming for the Mystic Valley disciples that the person had already left. Since then, Mystic Valley returned to its normal rhythm of life.


    asionally, Cultivators flew over Mystic Valley, and the disciples were already ustomed to it. Only Gu An knew that those people might be investigating the incident of Zuo Yijian''s injury, as he had detected that one of the Cultivators had the Cultivation Level of the Sixth Layer of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Night fell.


    After several days apart, Gu An visited Jiang Qiong in the Eight Scenic Caves.


    After exchanging formalities, Gu An said, "It seems that Elder Zuo Yijian has already left."


    Jiang Qiong, who wasn''t practicing her Cultivation but rather refining elixirs, stared at the mes beneath the Pill Furnace and said, "Not left, he''s now either dead or injured."


    "What? Why would you say that?" Gu An feigned shock as he asked.


    He even added, "He is a Nascent Soul Realm Great Cultivator after all!"


    Jiang Qiong gave him a sidelong nce, somewhat annoyed, "Nascent Soul Realm or not? There are levels beyond the Nascent Soul Realm. In thest few days, there were two bouts of strong Sword Intents shing. One of the Sword Intents far surpassed that of Zuo Yijian, and the battle ended in an instant; this indicates that the other party''s strength far exceeds Zuo Yijian''s."


    Hearing these words, Gu An rejoiced secretly within his heart.


    Externally, he frowned and hesitated, "Then, might Mystic Valley be in danger?"


    "Rest assured, several days have passed. Would you stomp on an ant you see by the road?" Jiang Qiong looked back at the Pill Furnace and spoke softly.


    She seemed calm, but her heart was filled with a sense of urgency.


    She realized she might have fallen out of touch with the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Seventy years was enough to overturn dynasties, and she herself had reached the Core Formation Realm in just forty years¡ªwho knows what thendscape of the Immortal Cultivation World is like now.


    "When making a breakthrough in the future, one must be more cautious. Do not follow in Zuo Yijian''s footsteps; he might have thought no one would dare to interrupt him, unaware that internal conflicts within the Supreme Sect are intense." Jiang Qiong said with a hint of mncholy.


    Gu An, surprised, asked, "Are you suggesting that the one who attacked Elder Zuo Yijian is a Cultivator from the Supreme Sect?"


    "Of course. Cultivators from other teachings would not dare to rashly invade the Supreme Sect''s territory. Moreover, the attacker disappeared quickly without a second battle; he could only belong to the Supreme Sect." Jiang Qiong confirmed with a nod.


    And you guessed it right!


    ```


    After Gu An made his movest night, he quickly left the scene of the incident. As soon as he arrived at Mystic Valley, he felt several powerful divine senses sweeping over him, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.


    Thankfully, his Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill was strong enough!


    Jiang Qiong clearly had many thoughts. She began to teach Gu An how to navigate the Immortal Cultivation World from now on.


    After a long talk, Gu An finally got away from her to check on the Sky Dragon Egg.


    The Sky Dragon Egg was ced by Jiang Qiong under a tree, surrounded by dry grass, with many talisman papers cushioned underneath. They were inscribed with Jiang Qiong''s spells to help the Sky Dragon Egg better absorb nature''s spiritual energy.


    What would the Sky Dragon look like when it hatched?


    Gu An had already begun to fantasize about riding atop a True Dragon and wandering the Mortal World.


    ...


    The news of Zuo Yijian being seriously injured was more impactful than Gu An had anticipated. Even after more than half a month had passed, as he came to the Outer Sect, he often heard people discussing the matter along the way.


    It used to be rare to hear about Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in the Outer Sect, but now the whole town was talking about Zuo Yijian, perhaps rted to his recent Tribtion Crossing.


    Before the Tribtion Crossing, Zuo Yijian was an elder of the Outer Sect and ranked among the top in terms of strength.


    Following Elder Zhu Qinglu of the Elixir Hall, Gu An arrived at the Book Collection Hall of the Outer Sect.


    The Book Collection Hall was in charge of all book towers in the Outer Sect, including the Scripture Pavilions in various ces.


    Cultivation techniques, esoteric texts, tales of wonders, and travelogues¡ªany books that flowed into the Supreme Sect had to be registered at the Book Collection Hall.


    "Young brother, your idea to write a book is good. I fully support you. If it passes, I will notify them to increase the scale of your first batch of books," said Zhu Qinglu, walking ahead and turning back with a smile.


    Ever since taking advantage of the Green Vine Fruit, he treated Gu An like a younger family member, at least outwardly.


    Gu An replied with a smile, "I''m deeply grateful for the senior''s support. I will certainly not forget your kindness."


    "Hahaha, you are too formal," said Zhu Qinglu, stroking his beard andughing. Though he said these words, the smile on his face was even brighter.


    The Book Collection Hall was vast, no less so than the Elixir Hall. Passing through a series of corridors, they arrived inside arge hall, where an old man sat drinking tea at a table, with rows of bookshelves visible in the adjoining room.


    "Elder Liu, it''s been a while. How have you been?" Zhu Qinglu crossed the threshold, cupped his fists, and greeted with a beaming smile.


    Gu An immediately conducted a Life Span Detection on him.


    [Liu Chang (Foundation Establishment Realm Nine Layers): 226/270/340]


    Seeing Zhu Qinglu, Liu Chang immediately put down his teacup and stood up to greet him.


    After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Chang pulled Zhu Qinglu to sit down. They reminisced about thest time they had met, even talking about their joint entry into the Supreme Sect two hundred years ago.


    Gu An stood behind Zhu Qinglu, portraying a demeanor of seriousness and curiosity. Elder Liu asionally nced at him, apparently quite satisfied.


    After chatting for nearly half an Ancient Hour, Zhu Qinglu finally stated his purpose for the visit.


    "That sounds fine. Young man, hand over your book to me. I''ll take a nce. If it''s suitable for distribution, then it''s a deal," said Elder Liu, looking toward Gu An and speaking with confidence.


    Gu An promptly took out the book he had written.


    Elder Liu received it and nced at the cover,menting, "Investiture of the Gods? Nice title."


    He began to leaf through it while Zhu Qinglu stood up and wandered to the nearby bookshelves.


    Gu An respectfully stood by the side.


    Initially, Elder Liu was casual, flipping through the pages without much care, but as he read on, he sat up straighter.


    Just then, a young man in white robes strode in and loudly said, "Elder Liu, do you have any books about Sword Cultivators? I want to see who in the Taicang World can defeat the Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake with a single leaf!"


    Elder Liu raised his hand, signaling for the young man to be silent.


    Gu An turned to look and subconsciously performed another Life Span Detection.


    [Gu Yu (Foundation Establishment Realm Eight Layers): 34/291/1402]


    A prodigy!


    Gu An had seen such geniuses before, so he didn''t give Gu Yu another nce.


    Gu Yu approached Elder Liu and leaned over to see the Investiture of the Gods in his hand.


    It didn''t take long for Gu Yu to be engrossed as well.


    Half an hour passed.


    Zhu Qinglu came over and asked in surprise, "Brother Liu, wasn''t it just supposed to be a quick look? Why are you taking so long?"


    He then nced at Gu An.


    What did this kid write?


    Could it be crossing the line?


    Elder Liu looked up, a bit stunned, then stood and intently stared at Gu An before asking, "Did you really write this?"


    Gu An nodded, thinking to himself that indeed, it was written by one of his Earth''s ancestors.


    Zhu Qinglu frowned and asked, "Is there a problem? If it''s not suitable, I''ll have him rewrite it."


    "No problem, it''s fascinating," replied Elder Liu, shaking his head. He looked at Gu An again and said, "This book can be distributed. Your talent is admirable. I''ll arrange for you to have a 30% profit share. Each book sold will have half its Spirit Stones handed over to the Sect, and 20% given to the Book Collection Hall."


    Gu An naturally didn''t dare to object and quickly expressed his gratitude.


    Zhu Qinglu nodded slightly, feeling that Elder Liu had given him face.


    With a smile, Elder Liu asked, "Will the author''s name be your real one?"


    Gu An shook his head and said, "Better not. I fear it might bring troubleter on."


    "Then let''s go by the name ''Pan An'' for the author," he said.


    ```

 Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Thirty Thousand Years Lifespan, Ziwei Array Chronicles

    Gu An originally wanted to use the name of Xu Zhonglin, the original author of Investiture of the Gods, but then he thought about writing other books to earn some extra money, so he thought of a different name.


    Elder Liu and Zhu Qinglu didn''t think too much of it, and Pan An only changed his surnamepared to Gu An, which they could understand.


    After that, Elder Liu began to admonish Gu An, mainly to remind him of what he could not write, and he hinted, both openly and subtly, that Gu An should incorporate the Supreme Sect into his story and portray it in a good light.


    Even if he didn''t write about the Supreme Sect, he could use metaphors; in any case, the more he praised the Supreme Sect, the better the treatment he would receive in the future.


    In response, Gu An could only agree, as for whether he would do it, that was a matter forter.


    Writing books was only something he did in his spare time; he wouldn''t put too much effort into it.


    After Elder Liu finished speaking, Gu Yu approached them excitedly and said, "Brother, have you written any other books?"


    Gu An shook his head and replied, "It''s my first time."


    "Hahaha, not bad at all. I have high hopes for you; you might even surpass Green Hero''s status within the Supreme Sect," Gu Yu said, patting Gu An''s shoulder with an all-too-familiar expression.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An suddenly became interested and asked, "Do you know Green Hero?"


    Gu Yu raised an eyebrow and said, "Do you also like his travelogues? I don''t know him personally, just that he''s a cultivator from the Supreme Sect. I asked Elder Liu, but he absolutely refused to tell me."


    Elder Liuughed heartily and pulled Zhu Qinglu to walk outside, saying, "Join me for a bit, to catch up and also let the younger generations chat for a while."


    Zhu Qinglu nodded, and the two of them quickly left the hall.


    Gu Yu then pressed Gu An for details on writing Investiture of the Gods, and seeing that Elder Liu didn''t treat him lightly, Gu An answered patiently.


    A good ancient hour passed before Gu An followed Zhu Qinglu out of the Book Collection Hall.


    "That disciple named Gu Yu holds no ordinary status; it''s rare to see someone who can be treated in such a way by Elder Liu," Zhu Qinglu spoke with profound meaning.


    Gu An nodded, but he had no intention of bing close friends with Gu Yu, as such a person could disrupt his peaceful life.


    They didn''t walk together for long, and after parting ways, Gu An began to purchase herbal seeds and some clothes as well.


    It wasn''t until nightfall that he returned to Mystic Valley.


    The days passed, one by one.


    Another New Year arrived, and Mystic Valley''s second Spring Festival went even more smoothly, without any hitches, and the atmosphere was even more joyful than the first year. As usual, Gu An sent food to Jiang Qiong.


    He began to count the days, preparing for Jiang Qiong''s departure.


    Once Jiang Qiong left, he would make full use of the Eight Scenic Caves, filling them with all kinds of Spirit Flowers and Spirit Grasses.


    After the New Year, Gu An took Wuxin to the Outer Sect and once again selected three Servant Disciples, this time two women and one man named Yan Mei, Yang Min, and Ye Yan.


    All three of them were eighteen and looking forward to their new life in Mystic Valley.


    By bing Servant Disciples, not only could they earn Spirit Stones, but they also had the chance to inherit their master''s spells.


    This time, Gu An wasn''t just recruiting Servant Disciples, but was also bringing Wuxin to get him thoroughly ustomed to the status of the chief disciple, so that he could run errands for him in the future.


    After returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An had Wuxin take the three to meet the others in the valley, while he entered the northern woods to make some ns.


    He wanted to fill the nearby woods with medicinal herbs, as the herbs he had submitted to the Outer Sectst year made it into the top ten of Medicine Valley. Zhu Qinglu valued him even more, enhancing his treatment. Now, he supported nine Servant Disciples with ease, and he was even thinking of recruiting more.


    It''s hard for people to be content with their current state, and that''s exactly how Gu An felt about the annual ie of his life span; if it didn''t grow as much asst year, he would feel difort.


    Gu An stood under a tree, scanning the woods, beginning to envision theyout of the garden.


    Suddenly, the White Spirit Rat scurried out of the woods. Seeing it, Gu An felt both a headache and anticipation.


    Afraid it might find a good treasure, yet hopeful it would.


    It hopped all the way to Gu An''s feet and spat out a jade ring.


    Gu An reached out to collect the jade ring and tucked it into his belt, intending to check it in privateter.


    He scooped up the White Spirit Rat, not allowing it to run around anymore.


    "Good job, I''ll feed you a Green Vine Fruit tonight," Gu An said with a smile.


    The White Spirit Rat seemed to understand and stopped struggling, instead lying obediently in his arms.


    After Gu An stood motionless for half the time it takes an incense stick to burn, he turned and left the woods, standing on the grass next to the garden, waiting for someone''s arrival.


    Soon, a sound of someone tearing through the sky was heard.


    An Outer Disciple arrived on a flying sword,nding quickly beside Gu An, his figure drawing the attention of the other Mystic Valley disciples.


    "Senior Brother! I''m back!"


    The neer was Lu Jiujia, who had previously gone to participate in the Outer Sect examination. Dressed in Outer Sect robes, he looked quite different from before.


    Gu An smiled and said, "I thought you weren''ting back."


    Lu Jiujia scratched his head and replied, "How could that be? As soon as I got the Foundation Establishment Pill, I went into seclusion. Right after seeding in Foundation Establishment, I rushed back here immediately to share the joy with all of you."


    Gu An smiled and reached out to squeeze his shoulder, indeed his physique had strengthened.


    At this moment, the others crowded around, eagerly asking about his experience in the Foundation Establishment Realm, to which he responded proudly, one by one.


    When Gu An first met Lu Jiujia, he was only fifteen, and to see him so sessful now, Gu An felt nothing but gratification.


    The journey to immortality is too lonely for one person; if those he interacted with coulde to a good end, he too would have fewer regrets.


    Lu Jiujia''s return made Mystic Valley lively, and Yan Mei and her twopanions, who had just entered the valley, were greatly inspired; they saw a pathway ascending.


    By working hard in Mystic Valley, there was hope for promotion to the Outer Sect!


    That evening, Gu An studied the jade ring brought back by the White Spirit Rat. The restrictions inside were forcibly broken by his Divine Sense, and he discovered that it was full of Spirit Stones.


    An unexpected fortune?


    Gu An developed greater expectations for the White Spirit Rat, which sessfully obtained the right to eat the Green Vine Fruit.


    Lu Jiujia stayed in Mystic Valley for a month before leaving. Everyone knew that once he left, it was very likely they would never meet again in this lifetime, unless they too could be Outer Disciples.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, two years passed, and Gu An was already thirty years old but appeared to be only around twenty, thanks to the Youth-Preserving Pill he had taken.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    His lifespan had now exceeded thirty thousand years!


    Mystic Valley was expanding its scale, and the number of Outer Disciples responsible for managing his cave residence had reached eleven. His lifespan increase was growing every month.


    Life was busy and fulfilling, but he did not feel tired at all; on the contrary, he was full of fighting spirit.


    With the arrival of midsummer, the moon was bright and the stars scarce, and fireflies glowed in the quiet forests.


    In the woods, Jiang Qiong, dressed in a white garment, walked ahead. Barefooted, even when treading on branches, she felt no difort.


    Gu An followed behind, silent.


    "Alright, let''s stop here,"


    Jiang Qiong stopped and turned to look at Gu An.


    Gu An nodded. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Martial Master, please be careful on your departure. After all, this ce is still within the domain of the Supreme Sect."


    Having spent so many years together, and with Jiang Qiong teaching him so many spells, it was definitely a lie to say he had no feelings for her.


    However, more than these feelings, Gu An hoped for her departure.


    Jiang Qiong nodded, raising her right hand from which a blue-covered book appeared. She directly tossed the secret manual to Gu An.


    "Practice well. The next time I return, I will examine your cultivation level. If you disappoint me, your Martial Master will punish you," Jiang Qiong threatened in a tone akin to warning a child, even waving her fist, which made Gu An both cry andugh.


    Before he could respond, Jiang Qiong disappeared on the spot, and Gu An could feel her Demonic Qi rapidly departing.


    In the dim forest, Gu An''s lips curved up slightly. He turned to head back to Mystic Valley, simultaneously looking at the secret manual in his hand.


    Ziwei Array Chronicles!


    He casually leafed through it and found that each page of the book had special restrictions, with text describing formations, but the methods to practice the formations required probing with Divine Sense.


    There''s something here!


    Gu An thought of the formations in the Eight Scenic Caves. It was precisely those formations that prevented the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect from detecting the existence of the Green Vine Tree as they swept over Mystic Valley.


    Although Jiang Qiong''s cultivation level was only at the ninthyer of Elixir Formation Realm, her achievement in formations and Alchemy Dao far exceeded that of her realm. After all, she reached the Elixir Formation Realm at forty and had since focused on the study of formations and alchemy, also contemting formations during her feigned death years.


    Gu An suddenly felt the Ziwei Array Chronicles in his hand was heavy with significance.


    Night turned to day.


    Dawn arrived.


    Jiang Qiong''s departure affected only Gu An, life in Mystic Valley continued as normal.


    After overseeing the disciples'' drills, Gu An returned to his own attic with Ye Lan.


    He took out a carefully prepared little wooden box and handed it to Ye Lan. The box was squarely shaped and finely crafted, as if it contained jewels.


    Ye Lan was stunned for a moment, then opened the box curiously. Immediately, she saw an elixir ced inside.


    "Senior Brother, what elixir is this?" Ye Lan asked.


    Seated at the table, Gu An poured himself some tea and smiled, "A Foundation Establishment Pill, prepared especially for you. Don''t mention it to anyone. In the future, if the disciples in the valley reach the ninthyer of Qi Cultivation Realm, I will do the same for them, but they must not know I have a Foundation Establishment Pill in advance, to prevent trouble."


    Foundation Establishment Pill!


    Ye Lan''s eyes widened, she instinctively thought of refusing, but Gu An preempted her, "Don''t worry. I have kept a Foundation Establishment Pill for myself. Once you seed in Foundation Establishment, you might even be my backbone in the Outer Sectter. Work hard in your practice, that''s the best way to repay me."


    "I..." Ye Lan felt aplex mix of emotions, having much to say but finding herself lost for words.


    Gu An earnestly advised, "The journey of life is long, and people will always have many thoughts. Don''t forget what your greatest pursuit in this life is."


    Although Ye Lan hadn''t been clingy these years, every time she looked at him, her eyes were so tender. Sometimes, he could even overhear other disciples'' discussions; everyone could see her affection for him.


    Gu An''s feelings for Ye Lan were that of brother and sister. He had not reached the point of wanting to spend his life with her, and in his heart was only Immortal Cultivation.


    After listening, Ye Lan nodded vigorously, softly saying, "Senior Brother, rest assured, I will practice diligently and not disappoint you. I will strive to climb higher and take care of you in the future."


    As she spoke, she even winked at Gu An.


    Gu An smiled and then gestured for her to leave.


    Ye Lan carefully put away the Foundation Establishment Pill and left, closing the door behind her. However, just before it closedpletely, she suddenly said, "Senior Brother, no matter where I go in the future, I won''t have feelings for any other man. You''ll be the only one in my heart."


    Having said this, she abruptly closed the door and scurried away.

 Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Flying Leaf Sword Immortal, Divinity Transformation Realm Legacy

    Ye Lan sessfully established her foundation with the help of a Foundation Establishment Pill in just one month. That night, Gu An watched over her in secret as she endured her tribtion, and it passed with more thrills than dangers.


    The day after her sessful foundation establishment, Ye Lan took her leave in a hurry.


    Her sudden sess in establishing her foundation became a marvelous topic among the disciples of Mystic Valley. There were many spections, some said it was thanks to the Foundation Establishment Pill given by Gu An, others theorized that Ye Lan had a fortuitous encounter, and still, others believed there was divine assistance during her cultivation in the forest.


    Regardless, Ye Lan had ultimately departed.


    Beneath the hot summer sun.


    Gu An stood on the balcony of the loft, watching the busy disciples and suddenly felt a sense of change, that things were no longer the same.


    Cheng Xuandan, Zhang Chunqiu, Li Ya, Meng Lang, Lu Jiujia, and Ye Lan were all gone.


    The ones who remained were now his juniors.


    The oldest among them in terms of tenure was Xiaochuan.


    Xiaochuan had given up on thoughts of leaving the Outer Sect, but he was not disheartened and continued to live an active life. Apart from cultivating, he found other meanings in life.


    Gu An''s gaze turned to a corner of Medicine Valley, where a bamboo fence enclosed a duck pen. Xiaochuan was leaning on the fence,municating with the ducks.


    These weren''t ordinary ducks from among themon folk; each had a hint of third-rank demon beast blood in them. Each was priced at a hundred low-grade Spirit Stones. Xiaochuan had emptied his own purse to buy just two; the remaining ten were paid for by Gu An, which deepened Xiaochuan''s gratitude towards him.


    Though these ducks had the bloodline of a third-rank demon beast, it would be considered extraordinary if they could grow to the first rank.


    "The flesh of low-rank demon beasts is beneficial to cultivators as well. Should I start a livestock business? It could not only increase my life span but also earn Spirit Stones..." Gu An suddenly felt tempted.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    If herding sheep or cows in the mountains was eptable, then why not?


    However, doing so would invariably require expanding manpower, and he feared making too much ofmotion and drawing the attention of the Supreme Sect.


    He had considered running away to the mountains to do this on his own, but he quickly discarded the idea. Not to mention the difficulty in moving the Green Vine Tree, just the resource channels of the Supreme Sect were something he did not want to miss out on.


    Inside the Supreme Sect, as long as he had enough Spirit Stones, he could buy anything he desired, which wouldn''t necessarily be the case outside.


    Certain rare items were hard toe by!


    If it came to it, he would just glorify the Supreme Sect in his bookster on.


    Gu An thought to himself that as long as the medicinal herbs and demon beast meats he contributed were sufficient, why would the Supreme Sect make things difficult for him?


    They might even assist him!


    Yes, that was the n!


    In the future, Xiaochuan would be a Beast Tamer, and Wuxin would be the chief disciple in charge of cultivation; they would be his Left and Right Guardians in Mystic Valley.


    The more Gu An thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, and he began to contemte his n.


    The jade ring found by the White Spirit Rat contained a vast fortune. He had calcted it to be equivalent to two million low-grade Spirit Stones or two hundred top-grade Spirit Stones, which was enough for him to make bold moves.


    Once he had the idea, he acted on it!


    Gu An called out to Xiaochuan, who immediately ran over and leapt onto the balcony.


    "Big Senior Brother, do you need something?" Xiaochuan asked.


    Gu An shared his thoughts, and Xiaochuan''s eyes lit up. The more he listened, the more excited he became.


    The two of them hit it off instantly!


    In the end, Gu An had Xiaochuan make a trip to the Outer Sect. When the time came, Xiaochuan would bring a list written on paper, and he agreed without hesitation, departing that very day.


    Xiaochuan, too, had mastered the Sword Control Technique, but as his Spiritual Power was insufficient, a round trip would take him two days, including a night''s rest in between.


    Three dayster, Xiaochuan returned and handed Gu An the list he had prepared earlier. He spoke excitedly without pause, revealing that he had met Lu Jiujia in the Outer Sect. Lu Jiujia personally took him to inspect the demon beasts, saving him a great deal of trouble.


    After discussion, Gu An decided to start by purchasing fifty young beasts to test the waters, since only with such an order would the Beast Hall of the Outer Sect consent to deliver them to Mystic Valley.


    After a day''s rest, Xiaochuan set off with the Spirit Stones provided by Gu An, apanied by Tang Yu and Su Han, both of whom had reached the fifthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, giving them a substantial presence.


    If not for a batch of medicinal herbs that were soon to be harvested, Gu An would have wanted to go himself, fearing being swindled.


    Luckily, such concerns were unfounded as the Supreme Sect was, after all, a reputable and righteous faction.


    Five dayster, Xiaochuan and the others returned on swords. Following behind them were three double-horned white eagles with wingspans of five zhang, each with a cultivator standing on its back, and their talons carryingrge cages, inside which boundmb cubs with no horns yet could be found. The flight had not been bumpy, thanks to the talisman papers on the cages.


    Uponnding, Gu An went forward to thank them. The three disciples from the medicine hall were not particrly warm, but they did not embarrass him either. After exchanging pleasantries, they left on their eagles.


    "Xiaochuan, these sheep cost me a thousand low-grade Spirit Stones. You''d better take good care of them," Gu An said, patting Xiaochuan''s shoulder with a meaningful tone.


    It wasn''t just the Spirit Stones; it was his life!


    Once grown, thesemb cubs would have the strength of the first rank, equivalent to the thirdyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, though they would not develop the same sentient intelligence as humans.


    Xiaochuan nodded seriously, scratching his head and said, "Big Senior Brother, can I recruit a couple more Servant Disciples to give me a hand then?"


    Gu An replied, "Have others help you for the time being. We will recruit more disciples after six months; my Storage Bag is a bit tight right now."


    Xiaochuan, all smiles, thanked him profusely.


    Gu An actually had plenty of Spirit Stones left, but fearing too much attention, he chose to restrain himself for six months.


    After dealing with Xiaochuan, Gu An returned to the loft.


    All the people in the valley came running over, curious to see the first-rank Sheep Demons, as they offered a novel sight to those who normally focused on nts.


    Gu An returned to the attic, prepared to write the next volume of "Investiture of the Gods." Liu Chang from the Book Collection Hall had urged him several times, so it was time for him to write.


    Listening to theughter and joyful voices of the disciples outside the window, the corners of Gu An''s mouth involuntarily turned up.


    ...


    In a courtyard, the white-haired Zuo Yijian sat meditating under a tree, pinching a leaf in his right hand, his brow furrowed tightly.


    Compared to himself, who had sessfully crossed the Tribtion years ago, he had aged significantly, lost his edge, and no longer looked like a Nascent Soul Realm Great Cultivator.


    Zuo Lin walked into the courtyard and turned his head to look. Seeing his father under the tree, he immediately approached and snatched the leaf from his hand.


    "Father, how long do you n to continue this decadence?"


    Zuo Lin asked angrily, tossing the leaf in his hand to the ground and stepping on it.


    Zuo Yijian looked up at him, his gaze as calm as still water, and said, "Your father has not been decadent."


    "You sit all day with a leaf, how long have you been looking at it? How long since youst absorbed energy, and how long since you''ve refined your Sword Intent?"


    Zuo Lin said with a tone of disappointment, his anger surging as he thought about the frustrations he''d endured over the years, struggling to contain it.


    Zuo Yijian bent down to pick up the leaf and asked, "And when you sat there clutching your sword, deep in thought without absorbing energy, what was it for? Are you working harder with a sword in your hand than I am with a leaf?"


    "I..."


    Zuo Lin choked up, his face reddening, and he gritted his teeth, "A sword is a sword, a leaf is a leaf. It''s because I haven''t grasped the Sword Dao that I sit in frustration. You''re different; are you seeking the Dao of the leaf?"


    "But the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal defeated me with just a leaf. Do you think the leaf in his hand is not a sword?"


    "That''s different..."


    "The true Sword Dao has never been limited to a certain sword."


    Zuo Yijian spoke softly, his gaze once again locking onto the leaf in his hand, his eyes bing distant.


    Zuo Lin cursed under his breath and reached into his Storage Bag, pulling out a book and said, "Father, take a look at this book, it''s called ''Investiture of the Gods.'' It''s been spreading through the Immortal Cultivation World these past two years, and many sects are discussing it. Some say it contains records of the great wars of Immortal Cultivation from the Ancient Era."


    Zuo Yijian remained unmoved.


    Zuo Lin ced "Investiture of the Gods" at his feet, then turned and left.


    As soon as he left the courtyard, he couldn''t help but pull out another copy of "Investiture of the Gods" from his Storage Bag.


    Zuo Yijian began to daydream.


    After an unknowable amount of time, he finally couldn''t help but blink, his gaze unconsciously ncing down at "Investiture of the Gods" on the ground.


    ...


    During the autumn season, Mystic Valley was covered with the colors of withering yellow and green.


    Inside the attic, Gu An and Li Ya sat opposite each other drinking tea, with Li Ya holding a book and speaking incessantly.


    It was "Investiture of the Gods."


    "These past two years, Supreme Sect has really been in the limelight. One is the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal who defeated the Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake from the Nascent Soul Realm with a single leaf, bing famous in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    The other is because of this book, ''Investiture of the Gods.'' The Immortal Cultivation stories recorded within are so grand that all sects are discussing it. Some people even say this might be a real ount from the Ancient Era..."


    As Li Ya kept praising "Investiture of the Gods," Gu An''s eyebrows tightened.


    Is it that popr?


    But his share of the profits isn''t that much.


    Is it the Book Collection Hall taking a kickback, or are the other sects not reading genuine copies?


    On second thoughts, how could there be copyright in the Immortal Cultivation World?


    After talking for a long time, Li Ya finally added with enthusiasm unfinished, "I wonder who this Pan An really is. He is truly talented. I really want to meet him. They say even Inner Sect Disciples and Inheriting Disciples are reading this book."


    Gu An said with curiosity, "So powerful. Then I have to see it, to see if it can match up to ''Green Hero Travelogue.''"


    "Can that lowbrow book evenpare to ''Investiture of the Gods''?" Li Ya said with disdain.


    Gu An just smiled.


    Li Ya put down the book in his hand, picked up his teacup, and drained it in one gulp before saying, "I''m leaving to gain experience and probably won''t be able to return for at least ten years."


    For him, ten years meant little, but for Junior Brother Gu, it was different, so he had made a special visit to inform him.


    Gu An was not surprised; what Cultivator would spend a lifetime nestled within the sect? They must venture out to train, seek opportunities, and refine both their cultivation and heart.


    "Do you have a goal?" Gu An asked casually.


    Li Ya revealed a smile and said, "Indeed, I do. There is a Divinity Transformation Realm Great Cultivator in the southernmost Jizhou who will soon face the end of his lifespan. He wishes to choose a suitable sessor before his final moment. This person is a Sword Cultivator, and I n to go and try."


    "Divinity Transformation? What realm is that? How many levels above the Nascent Soul Realm?" Gu An asked with feigned curiosity.


    Li Yaughed and said, "Divinity Transformation is just above the Nascent Soul Realm. If it were several levels higher, he wouldn''t appear in Taicang, for there is more to thisnd than the Taicang Dynasty. Besides, it is said beyond the sea lies an even vaster world, but one cannot travel there without reaching the Nascent Soul Realm."


    He stood up, a proud smile on his face, and dered, "Junior Brother Gu, when I return, I''ll be the heir of a Divinity Transformation Realm Great Cultivator. Then, if you call me Senior Brother, I might even let you see the spells of the Divinity Transformation Realm."


    With that, he turned, walked to the window, and leaped out, stepping on his sword to fly away.


    Gu An looked at the footprints on the windowsill, raising an eyebrow.


    Divinity Transformation Realm, huh?


    I must reach it before Li Ya returns!

 Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill, Comprehending Divine Skills

    After Li Ya left, Gu An threw himself into the construction of Mystic Valley, his leisurely days beginning to dwindle, as those young Sheep Demons proved to be quite troublesome.


    At four months old, they were running through the mountains and forests as if on t ground, swift as the cheetahs of Earth in his previous life. Had the valley not been filled with Immortal Cultivators, they would have long since run off.


    Gu An had no choice but to study Jiang Qiong''s "Ziwei Array Chronicles," learning some low-level Restrictions to seal the sheep pen.


    Half a yearter, Gu An had Wuxin take Xiaochuan to the Outer Sect to recruit two more Servant Disciples, named Chen Hong and Zhen Xiao''er, both of mediocre aptitude, which pleased him.


    The number of Servant Disciples in Mystic Valley reached ten, making it a lively ce every day.


    Time flew like an arrow, days passed like a fleeting horse, never to return.


    Three years had shed by in an instant.


    It was autumn again.


    Xiaochuan was patrolling the various gardens, followed by a row of ducks, flocking together in a grand procession.


    Around Medicine Valley, atop the mountain peaks, disciples were seated in meditation, absorbing energy, while the forests were asionally shaken by the noise of Tang Yu and Su Han chasing after the Sheep Demons.


    Gu An emerged from the western forests with a smile on his face.


    He had just harvested another batch of medicinal herbs, gaining several hundred years of life span, drawing ever closer to his goal of one hundred thousand years.


    His life span had now reached eighty thousand years.


    In three years, he had earned nearly fifty thousand years of life span, mainly because the medicinal herbs he had been cultivating for many years had reached maturity, including ten thousand years'' worth of life span earned by managing the caves for Outer Disciples.


    The diminutive Zhen Qin, carrying a bamboo basket on her back, ran out from the forest. She quickly approached Gu An and said, "Master, can you teach me Alchemy today?"


    A dry leaf clung to her head, and the hair on her cheeks was slightly disheveled.


    Gu An chuckled, "Of course, but you''ll have to use your own herbs. That way you''ll be more careful."


    Zhen Qin had once overheard Gu An taking a Youth-Preserving Pill, and her interest in Alchemy had been piqued since then, pestering him incessantly, whichsted for half a year.


    "I''ve been ready for a long time!" Zhen Qin eximed excitedly, jumping around next to Gu An, like a girl who refused to grow up.


    Whiz¡ª¡ª


    A sound of breaking through the air flew over Mystic Valley. Gu An looked up and habitually performed a Life Span Detection.


    Another Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator!


    This year, more than ten Nascent Soul Realm Cultivators had passed over Mystic Valley, which made Gu An feel vaguely uneasy, as if a major event were about to happen.


    The Great Meeting of the Outer Sect from years ago had not attracted so many Nascent Soul Realm Cultivators.


    This won''t do!


    The Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill needs a boost. What if a Great Cultivator far exceeding the Nascent Soul Realm appears and sees through his Cultivation Level? What then?


    Gu An silently decided.


    Over the years, the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill''s enhancement to life span had been diminishing. Now, a gain of one year for half a year of practice was already quite good. He estimated that in another ten years, this technique would no longer extend his life span.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Afterward, Gu An took Zhen Qin back to his own loft to begin teaching her the Alchemy Technique.


    Untilte at night, Gu An quietly entered the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Since Jiang Qiong had left, Gu An had also explored the other six cave tunnels, finding that their ends were filled with corpses simr to Meng Lang''s, which had been refined using different Poison Skills from the Myriad Poison Mystic Skill by Cheng Xuandan and Jiang Qiong.


    As for these Poison Corpses, Gu An temporarily had no intention of dealing with them.


    He made his way to the Green Vine Tree and arranged his robes before sitting down to meditate on the spot.


    At that moment, a shadow fell from the tree and burrowed into his embrace.


    A small ck dragon!


    Slim and about two feet long, it had a pair of dragon horns and whiskers by its mouth. Its body was covered with tiny ck dragon scales, and its sharp ws made it resemble the dragons from ancient Huaxia legends, albeit with a different color.


    This was the Holy Beast of Ancient Sky Sect, Sky Dragon!


    As Gu An stroked it, he checked its life span.


    [Sky Dragon (Tier 1): 1/965/18000]


    Its life span had increased again!


    When the Sky Dragon was born, it only had a life span of five hundred years. Now, just a yearter, its life span had nearly doubled.


    As expected of a Demon Beast with the potential of Tier 9!


    Gu An recalled the process fromst year when the Sky Dragon acknowledged him as its master, and a smile appeared on his face.


    The newborn Sky Dragon had bitten him straight away, infuriating him into tossing it aside, after which it hade over pitifully to snuggle up to him.


    Gu An felt that the Sky Dragon was not recognizing a master through blood, but rather identifying who its kin was.


    Their bond was a kind of soul resonance; he could understand its thoughts but couldn''t directly manipte its life and death.


    Sky Dragon would only be loyal to one master for life, indicating that although it was inherently fierce, it was also exceedingly loyal and righteous.


    "Good, go eat," Gu An said.


    He took out a Demon Sheep that he had killed from his Storage Bag, which he had just in that morning, yielding only three years of life span.


    The Sky Dragon''s eyes lit up, and it immediately grabbed the Sheep Demon''s carcass, flying to one side.


    The Demon Sheep''s body was several times bigger than the Sky Dragon, but held in its ws, it appeared surprisingly light, as if the Sheep Demon had no weight at all.


    Gu An brought up the Attribute Panel and focused on the Cultivation Technique column, investing two thousand years of his life span into the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill.


    The Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill was fundamental in concealing his Cultivation Level and aura, the basis of his stand in the world, and of utmost importance. He even felt it was more essential than the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill.


    [You have invested two thousand years of life span into evolving and cultivating the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill]


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for ten years, nature''s spiritual energy refining your body, increasing your physical Qi-Blood]


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for one hundred years, nature''s spiritual energy refining your body, increasing your physical Qi-Blood]


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for two hundred years, and your Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill has reached the pinnacle of perfection.]


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for four hundred years, and on this day, you have grasped the true essence of the earth, elevating your Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill to Earth Lineage Emperor Energy Skill.]


    ...


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for one thousand five hundred years, feeling the rules of the earth, your Earth Lineage Emperor Energy Skill has broken through its limits, ascending to Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill.]


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for one thousand eight hundred years, and your understanding of the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill has improved, bing thoroughly proficient.]


    [You have cultivated the Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill for two thousand years, and your understanding of the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill has reached the pinnacle of perfection, you haveprehended a Divine Skill¡ªMystic Yellow Dragon Might.]


    Line by line notifications popped up before Gu An''s eyes.


    The Dragon Strength Divine Primordial Skill ascended to Earth Lineage Emperor Energy Skill, then rose again to be Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill!


    And he had even awakened a Divine Skill!


    Gu An felt overjoyed, thinking that his luck this time was extremely good.


    Vast memories rapidly flowed into his mind, immersing him in the vast information of Daoist Sorcery.


    Sky Dragon, who was gnawing at the sheep meat, turned around, its eyes, like gems, revealing a look of curiosity.


    Wisps of green energy rose from the grass beneath Gu An, encircling his body. His eyes shut, he began to breathe unconsciously, a faint dragon roar lingering in the air.


    Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill, which refined the body with the profound yellow energy of the earth, allowed the physical body to be one with nature. The so-called dragon roar was, in fact, the sound of the earth.


    A full two ancient hours passed before Gu An finally awoke.


    He opened his eyes only to furrow his brow immediately.


    All the flowers and nts around him had withered. He hurriedly stood up and took a nce at the Spirit Grass in the Eight Scenic Caves. After aplete sweep, he finally exhaled in relief.


    The withered ones were merely weeds; those Spirit Flowers and Spirit Grasses were not greatly affected.


    In the future, he mustn''t be reckless again!


    Whether it was advancing his cultivation technique or having a breakthrough, he would need to leave the Eight Scenic Caves lest he drain its Spiritual Energy dry.


    Gu An sat down again, reviewing the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill while cultivating energy ording to the method.


    Condensing a breath of Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy, his physical body united with nature!


    Sky Dragon, having finished eating,y beside the sheep carcass, sleeping. Within the Eight Scenic Caves, only the sound of wind remained.


    ...


    During the early hours of the morning.


    Gu An came down from the loft, dressed in a set of green robes, his ck hair casually tied behind his head, with two long strands by his ears, all exuding the ethereal and unrestrained temperament of a practitioner.


    His body hadn''t yet fully adapted to the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill, but he wasn''t in a rush. With nightly practice, in at most a month, he would be able to manifest Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy.


    As for the Divine Skill that came with the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill, the Mystic Yellow Dragon Might, he didn''t need to cultivate it separately¡ªwhen the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy emerged, the dragon might would naturally form.


    The so-called dragon might was actually the might of heaven and earth, capable of intimidating all beings.


    Gu An began to drill the disciples, and as everyone gathered for the drill, they could feel that the mood of Gu An that day was good.


    Zhen Qin inquired with curiosity as to what made her master so happy.


    "Nothing much, I read a bookst night called ''Investiture of the Gods''; you could also borrow it from the Book Collection Pavilion when you have time," Gu An exined with a smile while doing the drill.


    Xiaochuan''s eyes lit up, saying, "I know ''Investiture of the Gods''; almost everyone in the Outer Sect has a copy. It''s said to contain the ancient secrets of the Immortal Cultivation World."


    The disciples became intrigued and began asking Xiaochuan about what was written in ''Investiture of the Gods''.


    Gu An did not interrupt further, his mind still pondering the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill.


    Over the next month, he cultivated the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill every night, finally seeding in manifesting a breath of Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy in his abdomen, taking his ability to hide his cultivation level and aura to the next level.


    Gu An felt a great weight lift from him; now, he could live in peace and quiet.


    Just like the previous years, this year passed by uneventfully, which to Gu An, was the best possible oue.


    As the winter snow just began to thaw, Mystic Valley once again weed the spring, with all the disciples preparing for the Spring Festival.


    Gu An sat beneath a tree deeply engrossed in ''Green Hero Travelogue''.


    Zhen Qin came over suddenly, hands sped behind her back, leaning over to ask, "Master, what would you like to eat tomorrow night? I''ll cook for you."


    Gu An, without shifting his gaze, replied, "Anything will do; whatever you cook, I''ll eat."


    Curious, Zhen Qin leaned in to see what book he was reading, but he stopped her.


    "Hurry up and prepare the ingredients. If you dy the festival meal for tomorrow night, be careful, I won''t teach you Alchemy!" Gu An said feigning severity.


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin stuck out her tongue and could only turn to leave.


    Gu An vaguely heard her muttering, "Always reading those unserious books."


    The corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily¡ªjust who had spread this rumor?


    Smearing his reputation!


    Now all the disciples in Medicine Valley knew he enjoyed ''Green Hero Travelogue.'' Although they dared not mention it to his face, they often teased him about it behind his back.


    Gu An stood up, tucking the ''Green Hero Travelogue'' into his chest.


    Starting today, he was giving it up!


    Gu An stepped out of the courtyard, ready to check the garden, when his gaze was suddenly drawn to the mouth of the valley, his brows knitting together.


    He saw a man in white robes strolling towards him, appearing to be in his thirties, with a handsome face and an extraordinary bearing.


    What made Gu An frown was that he could not sense the other man''s presence.


    He immediately cast Life Span Detection towards him.


    [Li Xuandao (Divinity Transformation Realm, Eighth Stage):230/899/3020]

 Chapter 37: Chapter 37: The Emperors Recruitment

    Three thousand years of maximum life span?


    Gu An was startled by the information about the other party''s life span; it was the first time he had encountered someone with such qualifications.


    Moreover, they were at the eighth level of the Divinity Transformation Realm!


    But this life span seemed rather short and didn''t match Gu An''s expectations for the life span of someone in the Divinity Transformation Realm. Could someone in the Divinity Transformation Realm only live eight hundred and ny-nine years?


    Gu An spected that the other party might have been injured and lost years of their life span.


    He immediately walked over while pondering in his heart. He guessed that the other person might be a high-ranking member of the Supreme Sect, but he could not show too much respect since the other person had suppressed their aura.


    If he could see through the other person''s cultivation level, they would surely be relentless and might even take him for a spy of the Demon Path.


    Li Xuandao walked towards the valley, surveying the gardens along the way.


    Gu An approached him, cupped his fists, and asked, "I am Gu An, the Valley Master of Mystic Valley. May I know the name of this Daoist Friend and the purpose of your visit?"


    Li Xuandao''s gazended on Gu An, his eyes indifferent, exuding immense pressure.


    But then he smiled, and that feeling of pressure vanishedpletely, giving a misleading impression. He said warmly, "My name is Xuandao, from Cangzhou. I''vee to the Supreme Sect to visit my child. The journey is long and tiresome, and I wish to rest for a few days at your esteemed valley to recover my Spiritual Power. I wonder if the Valley Master would amodate me?"


    Upon hearing this, how could Gu An refuse? He agreed immediately and then called for Xiaochuan to arrange amodations for Li Xuandao.


    Gu An avoided staring at Li Xuandao, so as not to arouse suspicion.


    "Surname Li,ing to visit a child ¨C could he be a member of the Imperial Family?" Gu An wondered curiously.


    So many Medicine Valleys in the Outer Sect to go to, yet he chose Mystic Valley; it must have something to do with Li Ya.


    Gu An continued to patrol the garden; everything was as usual.


    On the other side.


    Xiaochuan led Li Xuandao to an uninhabited house and said, "The house is simple; I hope you won''t mind. If there''s anything you need, feel free to tell me or any other disciple."


    Li Xuandao nodded and then asked, "I saw sheep in the forests on my way here and disciples tending to them. Aren''t you a Medicine Valley? Why do you keep so many sheep?"


    Xiaochuan did not conceal anything and replied, "The valley was originally only for growing medicinal herbs. But as my Spirit Root Qualification is limited, I gave up on going to the Outer Sect. When the eldest senior brother learned that I liked raising livestock, he indulged my interest and incidentally earned Spirit Stones to help more disciples cultivate and advance to the Outer Sect sooner."


    "Oh? Is the eldest senior brother the Valley Master?"


    "Yes."


    "Then he really is a good person, considering so much for you all."


    "That''s right, my eldest senior brother is the best person in the world..."


    Hearing Li Xuandao praise him, Xiaochuan became delighted and started praising Gu An non-stop.


    This made Li Xuandao even more interested in Gu An and he asked about more of his deeds. Without thinking too much, Xiaochuan sat down with Li Xuandao and spoke with even more enthusiasm.


    Gu An, who was checking the garden, curved his lips upward, thinking that his kindness towards this silly boy hadn''t been in vain.


    Whether Li Xuandao was rted to Li Ya or a high-ranking member of the Supreme Sect, having a good image of himself could only be beneficial.


    After all, Li Xuandao couldn''t possibly be a person from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, right?


    Wait a moment!


    Thousand-Autumn Pavilion!


    Suddenly, a chill ran down Gu An''s spine, and his smile stiffened.


    Better to be safe than sorry!


    In dealing with Li Xuandaoter on, he had to be even more cautious ¨C it was better to sail the ship carefully for ten thousand years.


    The arrival of Li Xuandao aroused the curiosity of the other disciples; after all, it was rare for visitors toe to Mystic Valley.


    That day, after settling in, Li Xuandao did note out again, as if he was indeed recovering his Spiritual Energy.


    Because of Li Xuandao''s arrival, Gu An dared not go to the Eight Scenic Caves and spent the night honestly in the attic.


    The next morning, as always, Gu An led the disciples in drills. Li Xuandao, hearing themotion, also came out to watch, and Xiaochuan greeted him enthusiastically.


    Gu An merely nodded to Li Xuandao; he did not avoid him.


    As the morning drills began, Li Xuandao wasn''t particrly interested at first, but as he watched, he found it quite intriguing.


    After the drills, Gu An dismissed the disciples and pulled out a book from his robe, beginning to flip through it as he walked toward the attic.


    At this time, he had to remain calm and not let the arrival of Li Xuandao disrupt his normal routine.


    However, as soon as he entered the courtyard, Li Xuandao caught up to him.


    "Valley Master, what are you reading?" Li Xuandao asked with a smile.


    Gu An turned around and raised the book in his hand, replying, "Investiture of the Gods. Have you read it?"


    Li Xuandao''s smile grew wider as he said, "I have indeed read it, and I know it by heart."


    "Oh? So we share amon interest?"


    "Hahaha, I had a feeling of kinship with the Valley Master from the moment I saw you. Shall we talk about Investiture of the Gods?"


    Hearing Li Xuandao''s insincere words, Gu An could only agree with a smile.


    He invited Li Xuandao upstairs, and once Li Xuandao was seated, he started boiling water for tea, igniting the fire with Spiritual Power.


    Li Xuandao scanned the interior decoration of the house and said, "Valley Master, what do you think of King Zhou?"


    Goodness!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "You test me as soon as I arrive?"


    With his back to Li Xuandao, Gu An added tea leaves to the cup and said, "Based on the story alone, he''s brutal and inhumane, but looking closely, his actions are somewhat illogical."


    After hearing this, Li Xuandao reflected, "Indeed, when I first read it, I thought King Zhou was foolish and cruel, but upon a second look, something seemed amiss. In the world of the book, Immortals really exist, and King Zhou couldn''t have been unaware. Under such circumstances, to still dare to desecrate the holy image of Nvwa, it doesn''t seem like an action befitting a monarch of his time."


    "And Nvwa, so high above, faced with a mortal who desecrated her, didn''t directly punish him, but instead sent a fox spirit to wreak havoc on the Emperor''s heart, causing great chaos under heaven. Can such conduct really be deemed worthy of an Immortal, worthy of a god?"


    Gu An turned around, carrying the teacup to the table, and ced it in front of Li Xuandao.


    He began tough, "There are indeed many inconsistencies, but after all, it''s a story fabricated by people. For the sake of a good tale, they wrote these contradictions; it''s somewhat understandable."


    He couldn''t determine Li Xuandao''s identity, so his stance was deliberately ambiguous.


    Li Xuandao shook his head, "Perhaps the story is false, but the portrayal of the times within the story is true¡ªthat even with heaven just three feet above, mortals cannot triumph over it."


    Gu An didn''t expect him to interpret Investiture of the Gods in that way.


    "If King Zhou had been powerful enough to tower above all the Immortal sects, how would the story have been written?" Li Xuandao asked.


    After thinking it over, Gu An replied, "Then the final battle wouldn''t be against the Heaven-Reaching Sect Master, but against King Zhou."


    Li Xuandao was stunned for a moment, unable to suppress a chuckle as he lifted the teacup, blowing away the steam inside.


    Gu An couldn''t decipher his smile and could only maintain his silence.


    After taking a sip of tea, Li Xuandao began to inquire about the cultivation in Mystic Valley, even asking about some detailed aspects, to which Gu An answered each one.


    "Joining the Supreme Sect, you don''t seek immortal life, but focus on nurturing nts. Is it a reluctant choice, or do you truly enjoy it?" Li Xuandao asked.


    Gu An responded with a bitter smile, "There''s both necessity and fondness. Everyone has their pursuits; eternal life isn''t necessarily the only meaning. Of course, if I had exceptional talent, I too would pursue immortality."


    Li Xuandao teased, "You truly are a curious person, hiding nothing at all."


    "In this life, when we look back and then to the future, there are only four words, ''finding joy amid hardship,''" Gu An answered with a shrug.


    He grew more suspicious that Li Xuandao was from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, wanting to probe his stance on Mystic Valley.


    Li Xuandao set the teacup down and questioned, "What''s your opinion of the current Emperor? Do you think he''s like King Zhou?"


    Gu An was taken aback.


    The change in topic was quite abrupt, wasn''t it?


    How did the conversation shift to the Emperor of the Taicang Dynasty so suddenly?


    Could it be he''s not from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, but truly a rtive of Li Ya?


    Gu An''s thoughts raced, "I don''t know much, since before joining the Supreme Sect, I was just a house servant. Now in Medicine Valley, I hear even less of the outside world. Why, has the Emperor done something?"


    Li Xuandao smiled, "No, nothing of that sort. It''s just he has been on the throne for too long, and there are many discussions about him in court and among the popce. People seem to think an Emperor shouldn''t reign for too long; if he does, it''s only a matter of time before he bes ineffective.


    And the world of Immortal Cultivation fears even more an Emperor who has cultivated to immortality, thereby allowing imperial power to overbear the Immortal Cultivation World."


    Gu An became tense.


    That statement involved too many differentyers of society; he dared not speak carelessly.


    Seeing that Gu An didn''t dare to continue, Li Xuandao bantered again with a smile, "Do you think it''s better for an Emperor to have a long reign, or to change every few decades?"


    Knowing his Cultivation Level was at the eighthyer of Divinity Transformation Realm, Gu An dared not remain silent.


    After a moment''s thought, Gu An said, "In my view, it depends on the character of the Emperor. If he is virtuous and can manage the world well, staying in power isn''t a problem. If such a virtuous Emperor, who still has many years of life, were to abdicate in favor of an inept son, that would be a disaster for the people.


    Themon folk don''t care about a thousand autumns; they only live a hundred years or so. If this life is bitter, they will bemoan why that Emperor ever abdicated."


    Li Xuandaoughed once more, and Gu An could clearly sense his mood improving.


    Wait a minute!


    Rtive of Li Ya, surname Li, first discussing King Zhou, then the current Emperor...


    Gu An recalled hearing in the Ji Family that the Emperor of the Taicang Dynasty also practiced Immortal Cultivation and had been on the throne for two hundred years.


    "You make a reasonable point. It''s indeed not right for Us to listen to those voices; We should see for Ourselves how the people are living," Li Xuandao said with a genialugh.


    At these words, Gu An''s face drastically changed as he eximed, "You... You are the current Emperor?"


    As he spoke, he tried to stand up.


    Li Xuandao raised his hand, and a powerful pressure forced Gu An back down. He didn''t resist in case the other party could discern his cultivation level.


    "Keep it down. You needn''t treat me as the Emperor, just consider me Li Ya''s father. It''s fine to call me ''Uncle,''" Li Xuandao said with a smile, his expression very gentle and devoid of any imperial majesty.


    Gu An was at a loss for what to say next.


    An Emperor at the eighthyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm!


    This was big trouble!


    Li Xuandao spoke up, "Bring out the Heavenly Residence Sword."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately retrieved the Heavenly Residence Sword from his Storage Bag.


    Li Xuandao''s gaze grewplicated as soon as he saw the Heavenly Residence Sword. He took the scabbard and gently caressed it.


    Considering what Li Ya had said, the Heavenly Residence Sword was a gift from his father to his mother. After her death, the sword passed into his hands...


    Now, observing Li Xuandao''s expression, Gu An started to flesh out a tale of deep-seated emotions between Li Xuandao and Li Ya''s mother.


    After a long while...


    Li Xuandao put the Heavenly Residence Sword down and pushed it towards Gu An, saying, "In the Supreme Sect, you''re the closest to Li Ya, and I heard you even saved him. Keep this sword, I bestow it upon you. From now on, you are the master of the Heavenly Residence Sword."


    "Additionally, We n to establish a Medicine Valley near the Supreme Sect, where many high-rank medical herbs will be cultivated. You will manage it for Us. We won''t be unfair to you. In theing days, helping you with Foundation Establishment, even Core Formation, is far from a difficult task.


    But you must understand one thing: on the surface, you are a disciple of the Supreme Sect, but your heart belongs to Us."

 Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, Shocking Change at Supreme Sect

    Li Xuandao finished speaking, his face filled with a smile as he looked at Gu An, waiting for his decision.


    Gu An was dumbfounded.


    The Emperor wanted him to be a spy too?


    This was forcing him to be a triple agent!


    This wasn''t what Gu An pursued, but the key issue was that it was difficult for him to refuse; the other party, in terms of both cultivation level and status, was above him.


    Not refusing meant endless troubles in the future.


    If he refused, there would be trouble now!


    However, Gu An thought of the high-rank medical herb he mentioned earlier, and his heart couldn''t help but beat faster.


    With a hesitant tone, Gu An asked, "Do I... have the option to refuse?"


    "You do. If you refuse, I will erase your memory of today, as if we had never met," Li Xuandao said with a lightugh.


    Feeling helpless, Gu An asked, "Why choose me? My aptitude is mediocre. With your status, digging up a disciple from the Supreme Sect is as easy as flipping a hand."


    Li Xuandao shook his head, "I am not deliberately trying to poach a disciple from the Supreme Sect. It just so happens that you have an excellent rtionship with Li Ya. I want to promote you, and because your aptitude is mediocre, I feel more at ease, for I can fulfill your needs."


    He paused for a moment and then said in a frivolous tone, "People do not wish for an Emperor to live forever, nor do I wish for the master of Medicine Valley to live forever."


    You''re quite the humorist!


    All Gu An could say was, "If that''s the case, then I can only ept."


    "Decades from now, when you look back, you will not regret your decision today," Li Xuandao said with augh, his tone full of pride.


    Unable to contain his curiosity, Gu An asked, "Has Your Majesty been paying attention to Senior Brother Li all this time?"


    "Now that our business is concluded, there''s no need to address me as Your Majesty. Call me uncle instead, that''s more like family," Li Xuandao said sternly.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Seeing that he did not seem to be testing him, Gu An called out "Uncle" once.


    Li Xuandao revealed a smile and said, "To tell you the truth, I have quite a few pawns in the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect. I am well aware of Li Ya''s situation."


    Previously, Gu An thought that Li Ya had a poor rtionship with his father, the Emperor. It seemed that was not the case.


    Could there be some misunderstanding here?


    He wanted to ask on behalf of Li Ya, but he held back.


    The Emperor before him aspired to eternal life, and such an Emperor''s attitude towards Princes would certainly beplex. Even if he cherished a Prince, there was probably wariness in his heart.


    Which Crown Prince wants to be Crown Prince forever, which Prince doesn''t secretly long for the throne?


    Gu An felt a wave of emotions. He thought Li Ya and Li Xuanyu already possessed strong talents until he saw Li Xuandao, which exined why those two were so talented.


    Bloodline inheritance!


    Two hundred and thirty years old, at the eighthyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm...


    He couldn''t have broken through to the Divinity Transformation Realm in his hundreds, could he?


    That''s preposterous!


    Most importantly, this fellow had cultivated a secret technique to conceal his aura. If it weren''t for Gu An''s life span detection ability, he would never see through his real cultivation level.


    Perhaps both the court and the Immortal Cultivation World couldn''t see through his cultivation level, which is why he has been able to cultivate securely until now.


    Afterward, Li Xuandao began to ask Gu An about the matters in the valley, curious about the origin of the Spring Festival mentioned by the disciples.


    Gu An answered him with the exnations he gave to others.


    Li Xuandao took an interest in the Spring Festival and decided to participate that very day. How could Gu An refuse?


    An hourter, the two walked down from the attic and joined the other disciples in preparing for the Spring Festival. The disciples were all delighted, with constantughter and joyful voices, which also influenced Li Xuandao.


    As dusk fell, Gu An took out the homemade fireworks, and Mystic Valley began to echo with bursts of explosive sounds, deafening to the ear.


    Firelight sparkled on Li Xuandao''s face, his expression full of smiles, even toasting drinks with Xiaochuan, making it hard to associate him with the Emperor of Taicang Dynasty.


    Tang Yu, Su Han, and other disciples prepared some performances ¡ª storytelling, sparring sessions, acrobatics, and so on, making the night lively until thete hours.


    The next day at noon, Gu An saw off Li Xuandao.


    "Two more years, huh? I''m really looking forward to it."


    Gu An thought silently about Li Xuandao saying he would send someone to take him to Medicine Valley in two years.


    He nned to aim for a life span of one hundred thousand years within the next two years, and then break through to the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    Wrong, he had to surpass the Divinity Transformation Realm. He wouldn''t feel at ease unless he was stronger than Li Xuandao, for being close to an Emperor was like apanying a tiger. What if Li Xuandao one day had a whim to harm him?


    Gu An looked in the direction of Li Xuandao''s departure, idly curious about why the Emperor had gone to the Outer Sect alone.


    Could it be that his real purpose was to visit Li Xuanyu?


    Li Ya had said Li Xuandao''s favorite child was indeed Li Xuanyu.


    Without dwelling further, Gu An turned and walked into the valley, preparing to nt some more medicinal herbs.


    ...


    As spring turned to summer, Gu An reached the age of thirty-four amidst the summer days.


    That day, he bid farewell to Du Ye, who came to ask for medicinal herbs.


    At the mouth of the valley.


    Du Ye turned and said, "These years, you''ve provided a good number of medicinal herbs. Young Master Ji Lin is quite satisfied with you. In some time, he will send someone with a Foundation Establishment Pill for you, to help you reach the Foundation Establishment Realm as soon as possible.


    Once you be a true Outer Disciple, he also ns to find a way for you to continue overseeing this Medicine Valley."


    Having said that, he left, stepping on a sword and leaping over the mountains and forests.


    Gu An shook his head with a wry smile. When he saw off Li Xuandao at the beginning of the year, Li Xuandao had said something simr.


    In the future, he would have to keep a distance from the Ji Family, lest they n to take action against the Supreme Sect in the future and require his contribution.


    Powerful as sects may be, the power of noble families is immeasurable.


    On thisnd, dynasties rise and fall, sectse and go, but some noble families can endure for ages. The Ji Family is one of them.


    s!


    I just want to peacefully pick herbs and flowers, so why are there so many people trying to woo him?


    While thinking, Gu An walked into the woods nearby.


    In the forest, there was a person practicing swordsmanship, and it was Su Han.


    By now, Su Han had reached the seventhyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, ranking just behind Gu An and Tang Yu within the valley.


    Tang Yu practiced leg techniques, while Su Han practiced swordsmanship; however, the swordy he usually practiced, taught by Li Ya, was far from profound.


    Gu An stood at a distance watching his silhouette practicing and hesitated whether to give him any guidance.


    Su Han, diligent in his duties and dedicated in cultivation, didn''t exhibit any faults that Gu An could pick on.


    Huh?


    No, the swordy he''s practicing isn''t the Ji Family''s Seven Swords.


    Looking closely, the sword techniques he wielded were unfamiliar to Gu An, something he had never seen before.


    Could this young man also have had a fortuitous encounter?


    When did this happen?


    Gu An grew curious inwardly, then deliberately stepped on dry leaves to make a noise.


    Noticing Gu An''s arrival, the sword practitioner Su Han immediately stopped and turned to salute Gu An.


    "Su Han, in the Outer Sect, status is determined by cultivation level, why do you bother to painstakingly practice swordy?" Gu An asked with a smile.


    Scratching his head with his left hand, Su Han said, "I''m not anxious to join the Outer Sect; I want to master the essence of swordy first."


    "Why do you think that way?"


    "Once you enter the Outer Sect, you have to undertake missions. If my strength is inadequate, it could only hinder my future."


    Su Han''s reply amused Gu An.


    Good, thisd is to his liking.


    Gu An asked curiously, "Is your sword technique a family heritage?"


    Su Han nodded, "It''s my father''s sword technique, but it''s too profound. Only recently have I been able to barely grasp it."


    "Your father must have been very capable indeed. I may not be fond of swordy, but I have seen plenty of exquisite techniques within the Outer Sect, none of which surpass the sword technique you were just employing," Gu An inquired with curiosity.


    Su Han shook his head, "My father was a disabled person. Ever since I have memory, he was blind and didn''t possess a trace of sorcery. He passed away from illness when I was seven, andter, I found this sword manual in his belongings."


    As he spoke, he took out a sword manual from his chest and handed it straight to Gu An.


    Gu An took it and slightly raised his eyebrows.


    Hateful Heaven Divine Sword!


    What an odd name!


    At the sight of this name, Gu An immediately felt the impulse to expel Su Han from Mystic Valley.


    Clearly, the man carried a burden of grievances!


    Gu An casually leafed through it; with his Cultivation Level at the ninthyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, his retention was such that he wouldn''t forget what he read. However, mastering it would depend on his innatenatural understanding of the Sword Dao.


    He returned the manual to Su Han, pondering, "This sword technique is indeed exquisite, but its mental method seems somewhat malicious. Are you sure you want to practice it?"


    This technique required tempering one''s internal organs with Sword Qi, subjecting the practitioner to unimaginable torment, and some of its methods were even inscrutable to Gu An.


    With his Sword Dao achievement, he could assert without doubt that this technique was oddly sinister!


    Stunned, Su Han asked, "Master, do you think I shouldn''t practice it?"


    Gu An shook his head, "I just feel that this sword technique might bring you suffering. I don''t know your background, can''t understand your feelings. Whether you practice it or not is up to you. If you don''t, you''re wee to stay in Mystic Valley for as long as you like, you''ll always be my disciple."


    Moved by Gu An''s words, Su Han tucked the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword into his chest and nodded vigorously.


    Gu An took out a book from his chest; it was thetest volume of Investiture of the Gods, given to him by Du Ye. Du Ye mentioned that Ji Lin was so obsessed with this book, it led their retainers to follow suit.


    "The book you wanted." After handing over Investiture of the Gods to Su Han, Gu An turned to leave.


    With a smile on his face, Su Han held Investiture of the Gods in his hands.


    Returning to Medicine Valley, Gu An started to observe the other Servant Disciples.


    First, Li Ya, then Wuxin, and now Su Han, all of them had extraordinary backgrounds¡ªMystic Valley was proving to be very profound!


    Something felt off!


    An hourter, Gu An finally headed back to his own loft.


    He couldn''t see any issue with the rest of the Servant Disciples, which eased his mind a bit.


    On second thought, that made sense; of those able to be admitted into the Immortal Cultivation World, who didn''t carry an exceptional background or experience? In their eyes, he was the protagonist.


    Deep into the night, Gu An quietly went to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    After ying with Sky Dragon for half an hour, he took out the Heavenly Residence Sword and began to cultivate the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword.


    Having many skills won''t weigh one down, better to reach proficiency to add it to the Attribute Panel!


    Suddenly, the whooshing of the wind could be heard beneath the Green Vine Tree, the sound of a sword de slicing through the air, while Sky Dragon curiously watched from several yards away, Gu An''s figure reflected in its dragon''s eyes while practicing.


    ...


    At the end of summer.


    Gu An visited the Outer City. First, he went to the Elixir Hall to deliver a year''s harvest of medical herbs, then he went to the Book Collection Hall to submit his manuscripts.


    Ever since Investiture of the Gods became popr, Elder Liu Chang held him in special regard, always receiving him personally, fearful of any leaks.


    Liu Chang openly worried that Gu An might be abducted by the Demon Path if his fame got out, which would mean a significant loss of Spirit Stones for the Book Collection Hall. This made Gu An even more cautious.


    After concluding official business, Gu An went to visit Lu Jiujia. Lu Jiujia was delighted and invited him to meet Ye Lan as she happened to be in the city as well.


    Not every Outer Disciple owned a cave abode outside the city; the cost of constructing one was prohibitive, and many chose to reside within the Outer Sect, basking in its Spiritual Energy.


    Seated in the courtyard, as Lu Jiujia poured wine for Gu An, he spoke with a hint of conspiracy, "A major incident urred in Supreme Sect!"

 Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Nascent Soul Blockade, Despicable

    "What''s the big matter?"


    Gu An asked with a smile, having arrived in the Outer City today, he indeed felt that the atmosphere was off, with an indescribable sense of tension.


    Ye Lan spoke up, "The Sect Leader and a certain elder are vying for power. Recently, the Emperor came to the Supreme Sect and selected the elder''s direct disciple as the National Master, granting him a first-rank immortal official position and proiming it throughout the dynasty.


    This has greatly boosted the morale of that elder''s faction, who are also spreading unfavorable rumors about the Sect Leader."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lu Jiujia, beaten to the punch, looked somewhat resentful. After she finished speaking, he hastily added, "The Sect Leader''s domineering style has offended many elders. In recent years, there have been repeated incidents of disciple casualties and demon path invasions in the territories beyond the Outer Sect, which has caused dissatisfaction among many elders.


    Now with the Emperor''s support, the Sect Leader''s rivals certainly won''t hold back. How can this not lead to chaos?"


    Gu An curiously asked, "Doesn''t the Sect Leader have absolute power? Isn''t he the strongest cultivator in the Supreme Sect?"


    "Not necessarily, the Sect Leader is also elected by the coboration of the elders. Moreover, within the Supreme Sect, the strongest in terms of cultivation level is not the Sect Leader but the True Inheritor. It is said that he is the most talented person in the Supreme Sect in a thousand years. He wanders outside and seldom returns.


    I have heard a rumor that if he wishes to be the Sect Leader today, by tomorrow he will be the Sect Leader," Lu Jiujia replied, his tone bing excited as he spoke of the True Inheritor.


    "That impressive? What''s his name?"


    "Cough cough, I haven''t found out yet."


    Lu Jiujia coughed slightly, trying hard to cover his embarrassment.


    Ye Lan gave him an annoyed look, then turned to Gu An and whispered, "I have indeed heard many secrets in the Law Enforcement Hall. The open and secret struggles within the Main City of the Sect have also spread to the Inner and Outer Sects. Elder brother, you must be careful in Mystic Valley. Those people will do anything for power."


    Gu Anughed and said, "Surely not? Could someone really dare to ughter Mystic Valley and then frame the other party?"


    As soon as these words came out, Gu An himself felt uneasy.


    Hadn''t someone already bred the Demon of Greed right outside the Outer Sect? What else couldn''t happen?


    Seeing his worry, Ye Lan reached out and held his hand, reassuringly saying, "Elder brother, don''t worry, I will try to convince the Law Enforcement Hall to increase patrols around the various Medicine Valleys in the Outer Sect."


    Gu An naturally withdrew his hand; he was only distracted for a moment, and she had sneaked an attack on him.


    Well, he had actually noticed, but he was afraid that reacting too quickly would arouse suspicions from his junior brother and sister.


    Lu Jiujia secretly snickered, but was given a stern look by Ye Lan.


    "Compared to me, you need to be more cautious. Such a power struggle is more dangerous than going out to y demons," Gu Anmented solemnly.


    Lu Jiujia was very confident, iming it was impossible for him to die.


    Ye Lan then mentioned that she was in the Law Enforcement Hall, where others wouldn''t dare to easily harm her.


    The Law Enforcement Hall manages all divisions; joining the Law Enforcement Hall grants power above ordinary disciples, but disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall don''t have as much cultivation time as ordinary disciples, as they must intervene whenever any division faces an issue.


    Gu An looked at Ye Lan, feeling deeply inside.


    Just a few years out of the valley, Ye Lan had metamorphosed, no longer the little girl who followed him around; she now appeared capable and striking.


    The three of them chatted while drinking.


    Most of the time, it was Lu Jiujia and Ye Lan talking, through which Gu An gained a lot of insight into the situation of the Supreme Sect.


    He felt very gratified that the junior brother and sister he had trained were now looking after him in return, giving him a sense of achievement.


    If disciples of Mystic Valley were dispersed across various divisions of the Outer Sect, and even entered the Inner Sect in the future, wouldn''t he have connections everywhere?


    Just thinking about it excited Gu An.


    Two ancient hourster, Lu Jiujia left first. Gu An politely declined Ye Lan''s invitation to visit her residence to taste some delicacies, then left the Outer City under her reluctant gaze.


    Riding his flying sword, facing the wind, Gu An felt very pleased.


    The skies gradually turned crimson; dusk was approaching.


    Gu An''s apparent cultivation level had reached the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, so his flying speed was not slow; he admired the undting forests along the way.


    Suddenly, half an Ancient Hourter, while flying, Gu An saw a figure emerge from the forest ahead, quickly approaching him, causing him to slow down.


    A white-robed elder appeared, flying on a sword and carrying a Wine Gourd, his nose red as a jujube, seemingly just having had a drink.


    "Young friend, please wait!"


    The voice of the white-robed elder reached him, and Gu An could sense the elder''s cultivation aura was at the Foundation Establishment Realm, but to be safe, he still initiated a Life Span Detection.


    [Lin Futian (Nascent Soul Realm Level 1): 603/800/840]


    Good heavens!


    Nascent Soul Realm!


    Gu An inwardly cursed the other''s deceit, who had evidently cultivated a Secret Technique to hide his cultivation level.


    The two quickly met in midair, Lin Futian''s face bearing a benign smile, said, "Young friend, I am a disciple of the Outer Law Enforcement Hall, Lin Kun, and I need to inquire about a matter with you. There have been frequent appearances of demon path spies recently. Shall we go to the woods to talk?"


    Gu An nodded, knowing that it was probably futile to refuse at that moment. It would be better to see what happens.


    The two quicklynded in the forest, and Gu An casually plucked two leaves.


    Lin Futian stepped forward, his tone mysteriously asking, "Young friend, have you heard of Xu Ruye from the Wanyin Sect."


    Xu Ruye?


    That I know all too well!


    That was the one I killed!


    Xu Ruye and Chan Ji had once sought to stay in his Medicine Valley and even injured Li Ya; how could he forget.


    Gu An feigned confusion and asked, "I''ve heard of the Wanyin Sect, but who is Xu Ruye?"


    "Xu Ruye was a genius of the Wanyin Sect, and his father was even the Vice Sect Hierarch of the Wanyin Sect. He died in this area, and recently there have been quite a few spies from the Wanyin Sect investigating the cause of his death," Lin Futian stepped forward and said.


    Gu An immediately stepped back to keep distance between them.


    Seeing his cautious expression, Lin Futian grinned and said, "What? Young friend, you don''t suspect that I am a spy from the Wanyin Sect, do you?"


    Gu An shook his head and said, "The junior dares not, but the junior really has never heard of Xu Ruye. Since you are a member of the Law Enforcement Hall, why do you need to ask me?"


    "Hahaha¡ª¡ª"


    Lin Futian burst intoughter. He suddenly waved his sleeve, and a surge of Spiritual Power spread out like mist, quickly covering an area of several miles.


    Gu An panicked, raised his sword with his right hand, and looked tensely at him.


    Lin Futian then opened his Wine Gourd, and an unpleasant smell of alcohol wafted out. He sneered, "Don''t be afraid, there are fifteen of your fellow sect members apanying you in here¡­"


    Gu An gritted his teeth and asked, "Who exactly are you? What''s your background? Even if I am to die, can you let me die understanding why?"


    "Haven''t you guessed it?" Lin Futian said with a coldugh. He lifted his hand and made a grabbing motion from afar. A powerful Spiritual Power bound Gu An and forcefully pulled him toward himself.


    Gu An''s face showed despair as his body soared into the air, quickly flying towards Lin Futian.


    Lin Futian reached out with his left hand towards him while pouring from the Wine Gourd into his mouth with his right hand.


    Boom!


    Gu An suddenly burst out with a terrifying aura, instantly dispersing Lin Futian''s Spiritual Power.


    Lin Futian''s pupils suddenly dted, a leaf reflecting in his eyes.


    Encircled by sharp Sword Qi, the leaf moved as fast as lightning, directly piercing Lin Futian''s forehead, blood sttering as the leaf continued on its path.


    Boom, boom, boom¡ª¡ª


    Severalrge trees were smashed, raising a cloud of dust that lifted into the air like a long, gray wall extending for miles.


    Lin Futian''s body trembled, his face showing disbelief as he cried out in anger, "You¡­ you hid your cultivation level¡­ despicable¡­"


    Gu An took a step forward right in front of him, his right hand''s index and middle fingers together like a sword, ced against his chest.


    Boom!


    Sword Qi burst forth, instantly shattering Lin Futian''s physical body and scattering the dust wave behind him, the surrounding trees falling outward, revealing a trench several miles long.


    A figure suddenly flew out of the rolling dust, an old-faced infant that looked odd; it was Lin Futian''s Nascent Soul.


    He flew rapidly towards the horizon, when suddenly a swooshing sound approached his ears.


    He instinctively turned his head just as a leaf sped forth, directly annihting his Nascent Soul, with a mist of blood blossoming in the air.


    Gu An reached out his hand to summon his Flying Sword, took a step forward, attaching Sword Qi to his body, and transformed into a sword shadow speeding away, quickly disappearing into the woods.


    He did not head towards Mystic Valley but in a different direction. On the swiftly traversing path, a notification popped up:


    [You sessfully seized Lin Futian (Nascent Soul Realm level one) 25 years of lifespan]


    It''s a bit little, but there''s nothing to be done about it. Although Lin Futian was at the Nascent Soul Realm, at six hundred three years old, he only had one hundred ny-seven years left to live.


    Gu An didn''t dwell on it. He took a big detour and then returned to Mystic Valley at the fastest speed possible.


    He climbed through the window into the attic hall, sat at the table, lifted his hand to summon a jar of wine from the wine cab, and started drinking heavily.


    After drinking a gulp of wine, he gently set the jar down, his right hand trembling slightly, his heartbeat intense.


    "Huff, huff¡­"


    Gu An tried to calm his emotions.


    That was terrifying!


    Coming home to encounter a Demon Path spy!


    Worried about making too much noise with his previous move, Gu An decided to not leave the valley for the next month andy low for a while.


    "No, it''s too dangerous¡­ Today a Nascent Soul Realm came after me, who knows when a Divinity Transformation or even higher realm might appear¡­"


    Gu An quickly essed his Attribute Panel, and seeing his 91,000 years of lifespan, he felt somewhat relieved.


    The path of Immortal Cultivation is truly fraught with dangers. Even a regr Cultivator at the ninthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm could be intercepted by a Nascent Soul Realm level one Great Cultivator. Isn''t that scary?


    Gu An thought about the fifteen souls in the Wine Gourd, feeling sympathy for them.


    Next, he nned to forcefully harvest a batch of medicinal herbs, striving to reach 100,000 years of lifespan and see if he could unlock new features. Then, he would rejuvenate his lifespan at the first opportunity!


    Gu An took a deep breath and pulled out the Green Hero Travelogue from his chest, diverting his attention.


    Night fell, and cheers from fellow disciples echoed from outside the window. Gu An used his Divine Sense to check and found out it was Tang Yu and Su Han sparring again, with other disciples watching the excitement.


    Ordinarily, he would have joined them, but he was not in the mood now.


    He focused on reading the Green Hero Travelogue, his heart finally calming down, though he remained somewhat worried.


    After a while.


    Footsteps approached, then the door swung open as Zhen Qin rushed in and said, "Master, big brother and second brother are fighting!"


    Her gaze fell on the cover of the Green Hero Travelogue, and she raised an eyebrow.

 Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Hearing of Flying Leaves Again, Life Span of 100,000 Years

    Gu An closed the "Green Hero Travelogue" and asked expressionlessly, "Don''t they often spar with each other, how did it turn into a fight?"


    Zhen Qin retracted her gaze and said in a panicked voice, "Second Senior Brother used a set of swordsmanship, and First Senior Brother mocked that his swordsmanship was too soft. Second Senior Brother got agitated, he has already stabbed First Senior Brother, and he refuses to stop!"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately stood up.


    The master and disciple quickly descended the stairs.


    At this moment, the crowd that had been watching was no longer cheering but incessantly trying to persuade Su Han.


    Under the cover of night, Su Han, with his hair disheveled, swung his sword wildly like a fierce ghost, his eyes glowing with a bloody light. Tang Yu, facing him, was in a sorry state, his robe shed into tatters, with two shocking wounds on his chest from which blood surged, staining his trousers red.


    Wuxin and Xiaochuan wanted to step forward to stop him, but Su Han''s sword moves were too fierce for them to get close.


    Upon seeing Gu An arriving, the disciples hurriedly made way.


    Gu An stepped in between the two in two strides, grabbing Su Han''s right wrist with his left hand and blocking Tang Yu''s leg with his left arm.


    Shaken by the impact, Tang Yu staggered backward, astonished at how hard his master''s arm was.


    He then exhaled, looking at Su Han with a gaze filled with fear.


    With his wrist in Gu An''s grasp, Su Han could not move, and with a forceful squeeze from Gu An, his sword nged to the ground.


    "Wake up!"


    Gu Anmanded in a deep voice, and Su Han shivered, the bloodthirsty hatred in his eyes beginning to fade.


    Standing not far away, Wuxin was secretly startled.


    First Senior Brother moves so fast!


    Although Gu An had reached the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, he was not considered a strong cultivator in their hearts, mainly because he often belittled himself.


    Gu An''s actions just now changed Wuxin''s perception.


    He suddenly realized First Senior Brother was not simple.


    Xiaochuan, on the other hand, took this as usual because Gu An had once subdued the frenzied Meng Lang.


    Perhaps Gu An''s Spirit Root Qualification was mediocre, but in Xiaochuan''s heart, Gu An''sbat ability was strong, at least making him feel very reliable.


    The other disciples were also intimidated by Gu An''s move, as it was the first time they saw him in action, and he could easily suppress Tang Yu and Su Han, both at the seventhyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.


    Zhen Qin was the first to cheer, breaking the silence. The others followed and gathered around.


    "Master, so you are this formidable!"


    "Second Senior Brother, wake up!"


    "Master, did Second Senior Brother suffer from a deviation?"


    "It''s all First Senior Brother''s fault for mocking Second Senior Brother. I have never seen Second Senior Brother so angry."


    The disciples chattered nonstop, while Gu An kept his gaze fixed on Su Han.


    Su Han gasped heavily, his body suddenly slumping like mud, but his right hand was held by Gu An, preventing him from falling to the ground.


    He looked up at Gu An, weakly saying, "Master¡­ I¡­"


    Before he could finish, his neck slumped, and he passed out.


    Gu An instructed two disciples to help Su Han back to his room, then he turned to look at Tang Yu.


    Under his master''s gaze, Tang Yu''s face was flushed; he didn''t know how to exin, but he felt aggrieved as he was injured.


    "Go back to your room and stop the bleeding," Gu An said expressionlessly.


    Hearing this, Tang Yu quickly bowed and then left.


    Gu An turned to the others and said, "Aren''t you disbanding yet? Are you not practicing today?"


    With that, he turned and walked toward the attic.


    The disciples watched his retreating figure, exchanging looks.


    Although Gu An didn''t say anything too harsh, they all thought that Gu An was angry.


    Little did they know, Gu An was just not in the mood to lecture.


    That night, all the disciples in the valley were preupied with their own thoughts, unable to calm their minds.


    Gu An stayed alone in the attic, and in the middle of the night, he sensed several strong Divine Senses sweeping over.


    Eventually, his fight with Lin Futian had caught the attention of the Supreme Sect.


    The next morning.


    Su Han came to visit Gu An. He was there to apologize.


    "Apologizing to me is useless; you didn''t hurt me," Gu An said, looking at him with a calm expression.


    Su Han gritted his teeth, "He started by mocking that my swordsmanship was inadequate."


    Gu An asked, "Did you ever tell him about the origin of your swordsmanship?"


    "I¡­"


    "You and Tang Yu joined Medicine Valley on the same day, and you two had the best rtionship. You know him well; he is brash but not malicious by nature," Gu An said with a heavier tone, as he didn''t want his disciples to be enemies after so many years of being together.


    He didn''t forcefully stop Su Han from continuing to practice the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword; such matters simply couldn''t be stopped, and if stopped, perhaps even the bond between master and disciple would be lost.


    Thinking back on the years spent together with Tang Yu, Su Han could not help but feel remorse.


    Initially, Tang Yu had only jokingly criticized that his swordsmanship was ineffective, already frustrating him for being unable to master the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. Hence, a conflict erupted, and Tang Yu, also angered, spoke more harshly, leading to his furious and sudden deviation.


    "Master, I was wrong. I will go to First Senior Brotherter," said Su Han, taking a deep breath, earnestly.


    Gu An said, "Don''t wait any longer, let''s go now, I also need to check on the herbs."


    He stood up and walked towards Su Han.


    The two left the attic one after the other, with Su Han closing the door behind them. He caught up to Gu An''s pace and couldn''t help but ask, "Master, aren''t you going to ask why I lost myposurest night?"


    Gu An didn''t turn back and said, "It likely involves your Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. This swordsmanship was passed down to you by your father. Whether to practice it or not is not for me to decide. You need to think it through and decide what''s most important to you in your heart."


    Su Han slowed his steps, standing in front of the stairs, staring nkly at Gu An''s retreating figure.


    What''s most important?


    Gu An had no time to worry about his disciples'' conflicts. He had already said what needed to be said. If they couldn''t get along, then he would let them leave Mystic Valley and never meet again.


    Gu An began inspecting the herbs in each garden area to see which ones were nearing maturity.


    He needed to quickly gather 100,000 years of life span, so he harvested some herbs that were close to their maturity stage.


    Of course, for those herbs that were far from mature, Gu An didn''t touch them, as he wasn''t mad enough to destroy his own foundation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Now that he had many ways to collect life span, he wasn''t too worried.


    ...


    Above the mountain forest, cultivators floated in the air on their magic artifacts, looking down at the Law Enforcement Hall disciples searching below, among them was Ye Lan.


    Chu Jingfeng stood on a flying sword, his right sleeve fluttering with the wind, emanating an aura of worldliness unlike his former spirited youth.


    An old man flew over on a gourd, handing a leaf to Chu Jingfeng, saying, "It must have been the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal. Nearby, Lin Futian''s Wine Soul Gourd of Wanyin Sect was found with the souls of fifteen disciples of the Supreme Sect."


    Chu Jingfeng took the leaf and scrutinized it. The surface of the leaf was covered with fine sword marks, almost invisible at first nce.


    He said thoughtfully, "Does that mean the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal is really one of our own?"


    The elder nodded and said, "It should be so. The attack on Zuo Yijian was likely a factional dispute. Given his ease in killing Lin Futian, if he wanted to kill Zuo Yijian, Zuo Yijian would certainly not survive."


    Chu Jingfeng remained silent.


    The elder looked at his flowing right sleeve and said, "Jingfeng, it''s time to let go of your hang-ups and get your arm fixed. Otherwise, if you keep using your left hand for swordsmanship, it will be hard to change the habitter."


    "Why should I fix it? If the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal can use a leaf as a sword, why must I necessarily use my right hand to wield a sword?" Chu Jingfeng countered.


    Hearing this, the elder shook his head, sighing in resignation, and said no more.


    In the forest.


    Ye Lan stood in a ravine, looking towards the end as if it led to the ends of the earth and sea, her eyes filled with shock.


    "I heard that it was the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal who acted. This terrifying scene was caused by a single leaf." A female disciple came over, marvelling.


    The surrounding disciples also marveled at the incredible power of the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal, and Ye Lan admired him too.


    How high must one''s cultivation level be to have such terrifying strength?


    Ye Lan turned her head towards another direction, her eyes showing worry.


    ...


    Since Lin Futian''s death, cultivators flew over Mystic Valley every few days, most of them at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Gu An asionally could see Ye Lan among them.


    She did note down to visit Gu An, as if she was just passing by.


    But she passed over Mystic Valley four times within a month, how could Gu An not understand her intentions?


    "This girl¡­"


    Gu An stood at the window, watching the cultivators disappearing into the horizon, feeling warmth in his heart.


    He essed his attribute panel, looking at his 99,999 years of life span, his hands clenched in his sleeves.


    It was happening!


    Tonight, he was going to break through his current realm!


    Due to this month''s forced harvesting, the life span harvest for the next year would decrease, but after waiting for another year, it should recover and then continue to increase.


    He had intentionally left ten years of life span unharvested, waiting to secretly collect them that night.


    He wanted to thoroughly enjoy the sensation of harvesting life!


    Seeing that it was still early, Gu An couldn''t sit still and went downstairs.


    In the yard, he saw Su Han practicing swordsmanship on the eastern mountain top from a distance. Since the conflict that night, Su Han had be solitary, and others were afraid to disturb him, fearing that he might go berserk.


    The rtionship between Tang Yu and Su Han had, however, improved. After learning the origin of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, Tang Yu apologized to Su Han, but after that, he practiced even harder.


    An apology was an apology, but he did not want to lose to Su Han again, especially since he was the oldest disciple.


    Gu An reached the front of the garden fence, looking out with a smile on his face.


    "Master, what''s making you so happy?" Zhen Qin came running over, curiously asking.


    Gu An ruffled her hair, smiling, "What? Do I not smile often usually?"


    Zhen Qin giggled, "Master, since you''re in such a good mood today, why not teach me the Residual Wind Leg technique?"


    Gu An asked in surprise, "I thought you hated practicing swordsmanship and leg techniques, what''s changed?"


    "I want to be a Disciple of Law Enforcement Hall just like Uncle Ye Lan!" Zhen Qin clenched her fists, excitedly saying.


    Earlier, Wuxin and Xiaochuan had also seen Ye Lan, and they remarked on it to each other. Their conversation was overheard by Zhen Qin, who was weeding nearby, learning that Ye Lan''s robe belonged to the Law Enforcement Hall, and she greatly admired her.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Alright, I''ll teach you."


    It was also good to send this girl off sooner; she always disturbed him when he was reading!


    And so, Gu An began teaching Zhen Qin the Residual Wind Leg technique.


    When the deep night fell and all the disciples had gone back to their rooms, Gu An quietly left Mystic Valley. Before leaving, he also harvested two third-tier herbs from the garden.

 Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Do you know what realm is above Divinity Transformation?

    "My Martial Master spected that it might be the arrival of the Silent Karma Demon Lord from the Heavenly Extinction Sect!" Ye Lan said solemnly.


    Gu An frowned and asked, "Why do you think so?"


    "Last night, the Spiritual Energy of the Outer Sect was drained, even affecting the Inner Sect;bined with the recent killing of Lin Futian from the Wanyin Sect by the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal, all these incidents together prove that the Demon Path is preparing to besiege the Supreme Sect.


    Draining the Spiritual Energy of the Outer Sect is their first step, and among the Demon Path, only the Silent Karma Demon Lord of the Heavenly Extinction Sect is capable of such an act. It is said that his Heaven-Swallowing Demon Skill could make a thousand miles ofnd devoid of life," Ye Lan said, her eyes revealing a hint of fear as she spoke.


    This...


    Gu An was somewhat choked up.


    Lin Futian was killed by him, andst night''s events were also his doing...


    Is the Demon Path taking the me for him?


    Although Gu An was reluctantly turned into a spy for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, he never considered himself a Demon Cultivator.


    He thought for a moment and thenforted her, "Junior Sister, don''t worry. If the sky falls, there will be tall ones holding it up. The Supreme Sect is the top Sect of the Taicang Dynasty; even if the Demon Path attacks, shaking the Supreme Sect will be extremely difficult."


    Ye Lan took a deep breath, her eyes resolute as she looked at Gu An. Clenching her teeth, she said, "Senior Brother, let''s flee far away. I am now at the Foundation Establishment Realm, and we can hide in uninhabited mountains to cultivate in seclusion. I will help you reach Foundation Establishment!"


    Gu An almost lost hisposure.


    Goodness, she really wants to take this chance to pledge her life to me?


    Gu An helplessly said, "Junior Sister, you are exaggerating a bit. Moreover, where in this world is absolutely safe? If we hide in the mountains and encounter a Core Formation Realm Demon Cultivator, how would we deal with him? And you are only guessing; I don''t think the Demon Path will attack."


    "If the Demon Path really ns to besiege the Supreme Sect, shouldn''t they havee by now? Making so much noise but not making a move, could it be that they are giving the Supreme Sect time to gather the Great Cultivators from abroad?"


    Hearing this, Ye Lan found it reasonable.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Or why don''t youe with me to the Outer Sect to avoid the limelight?"


    Gu An gravely said, "Junior Sister, you really don''t need to worry about me. Don''t let me affect your cultivation. If you truly care about me, then strive to be stronger. In the future, you can take care of me then. It''s also for your own good, for cultivators who don''t prioritize cultivation will eventually encounter situations where they are powerless."


    Ye Lan felt ashamed and realized she was indeed being too anxious.


    "Senior Brother, I am now at the ninthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm. It won''t be easy for amon Demon Cultivator to kill me!" Gu An said with a proud smile.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Lan burst intoughter. She quickly covered her mouth and said, "Senior Brother, would any Demon Cultivator who dares to infiltrate the Supreme Sect be at the Energy Cultivation Realm? The previously deceased Lin Futian is said to be a Nascent Soul Realm old monster."


    Gu An scoffed, "What? Does a Nascent Soul Realm old monster not need to lift a finger to kill me?"


    "Yes, yes, Senior Brother is the most formidable," Ye Lanughed, easing the tense atmosphere in her heart.


    Afterward, Gu An inquired about the situation of the Outer Sect, and Ye Lan did not hold back, telling him everything.


    It was not until dusk that Gu An bid her farewell.


    Originally, he nned to enhance his cultivation and spells tonight, but hearing that the Outer Sect was already preparing for battle, he dared not act recklessly and decided toy low for now.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He still had a doubt in his mind.


    If the nearby Spiritual Energy was drained while he continued to break through, what consequence would it bring?


    He estimated that the Life Span Barrier would devour the Spiritual Energy of even farther ces; in such a case, the Supreme Sect would definitely not be able to sit still anymore.


    ...


    In the following three days, Gu An stayed within Mystic Valley, not even going to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Sky Dragon had already begun his training, and it didn''t matter that he hadn''t eaten meat for several days, as Gu An had prepared a batch of ripe Green Vine Fruits in advance, which it could eat if hungry.


    Gu An shared a soul resonance with Sky Dragon, so it remembered everything he instructed. Since its birth, it had never caused him any trouble, making him feel reassured about this child.


    That night.


    Gu An was reading in the attic, possessing a Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root; he could exhaust the Spiritual Energy within ten yards with a mere breath, and the conversion efficiency to Spiritual Power was extremely high.


    Since the Spiritual Energy of the Outer Sect was still recovering, he refrained from cultivating and continued suppressing it.


    Suddenly, Gu An sensed something, his expression subtly shifting.


    He did not get up but continued reading.


    Thirty minutester, a figure appeared outside his window, who quietly pushed open the window and then leaped in.


    Gu An immediately threw a Life Span Detection.


    [Fuxiong (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 160/198/240]


    After encountering Li Xuandao and Lin Futian, Gu An relied even more on Life Span Detection; after all, there were too many cunning old foxes in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Fuxiong appeared to be around fifty years old, of mediocre stature, d in ck clothes, with dark eye sockets and eagle-like eyes, giving off a deeply scheming impression.


    He stood up and looked at Gu An, asking, "Are you the Valley Master?"


    Gu An frowned and asked, "I am. Who are you?"


    Fuxiong did not answer but continued to size him up. After a few moments, he suddenly said, "Unregretful heart of the Thousand-Autumn Green Vine!"


    Gu An was silent.


    His Divine Sense had already spread out, confirming that Fuxiong hade alone.


    Reluctantly, he responded, "All Dharma withered hard to find root..."


    Upon hearing this, Fuxiong''s expression rxed, he walked to the table and sat down, as if he were in his own home. While pouring himself a cup of tea, he asked, "What about Cheng Xuandan? Is he dead?"


    Gu An nodded, "My master has passed away. May I know why the elder is seeking me?"


    "Do you know the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree?" Fuxiong took a sip of tea, then continued, his gaze sweeping around the room.


    The room, besides books, was filled with various herbs wrapped in Spirit Protection Paper.


    Gu An saw that he didn''t really care about the Green Vine Tree, so he asked, "What is the Green Vine Tree?"


    Upon hearing this, Fuxiong withdrew his gaze and looked back at Gu An, asking, "Hasn''t your master told you about it?"


    Gu An shook his head, indicating no.


    "The Green Vine Tree is the Holy Tree of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. More than two hundred years ago, our pavilion sent a Green Vine Tree to the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect, but over time, the clues were lost, and it''s unclear where exactly the Green Vine Tree is hidden," Fuxiong said with a frown.


    It arrived more than two hundred years ago?


    Gu An frowned and pondered in silence. Could Jiang Qiong have hidden something from him?


    Fuxiong sighed and said, "To be honest, my master is about to break through to the Divinity Transformation Realm. The Tribtion Crossing is extremely perilous, and I want to find the Green Vine Fruit to lend him a helping hand."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An curiously asked, "What realm is Divinity Transformation?"


    "Above Foundation Establishment is Core Formation, above that is Nascent Soul, and above Nascent Soul is Divinity Transformation," Fuxiong said, stroking his beard and smiling as if the one about to break through to Divinity Transformation was he himself.


    "Even a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator''s tribtion is perilous? I heard that Nascent Souls are already akin to immortals!" Gu An eximed in surprise.


    "What immortals? It''s still far off. From Foundation Establishment to Core Formation also requires passing through tribtions. Every tribtion is dangerous and mostly lethal. The higher the realm, the more deadly the Lightning Tribtions be. My master has been preparing for ten years to ovee his tribtion," Fuxiong said, his face revealing a look of longing.


    Gu An asked, "What needs to be prepared? Can''t one directly undergo the tribtion?"


    "How could that be possible? One must prepare elixirs to maintain Spiritual Power and heal injuries, have formations for support, and have several sets of magic artifacts ready. I haven''t heard of anyone who can just directly undergo the tribtion," said Fuxiong, ring at Gu An as if he found the question rather foolish.


    After hearing this, Gu An felt much more at ease.


    Suddenly, Fuxiongughed and said, "I see your Medicine Valley has plenty of medicinal herbs. How about taking me as your master? I''ll back you up and teach you spells, and you give three-tenths of Medicine Valley''s harvest to me every year. How about it?"


    Gu An frowned again.


    In a low voice, Fuxiong said, "Boy, my master, who is also your Martial Master, is in the Inner Sect. Once he breaks through Divinity Transformation, he will surely be an Elder. By then, you can have whatever you want!"


    Gu An widened his eyes, asking in surprise, "Your master could be an Inner Sect Elder? Then doesn''t that mean he has been lurking for many years? Why doesn''t he know the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree?"


    "It''s a long story. Let''s talk about taking me as your master first," Fuxiong said gravely.


    Gu An hesitated and asked, "Is this your master''s intention?"


    "How could it be? My master doesn''t even know that I''m here in this Medicine Valley. Boy, you''re just a Servant Disciple. What kind of person is my master, and why would he take notice of you?" Fuxiong stated displeasedly.


    Gu An stood up, towering over him, and asked, "Onest question."


    Fuxiong frowned and asked in a deep voice, "What question?"


    He really wanted to kill this annoying kid. So many nonsense questions!


    "Do you know what realm is above Divinity Transformation?"


    "What?"


    Fuxiong was taken aback, then burst into a rage. He had no idea whaty beyond Divinity Transformation and felt the other was mocking him.


    Just as he was about to get up, Gu An''s right hand was already on his head.


    He looked up to see Gu An''s face so cold, his eyes gleaming with a cold light, and his whole demeanor had suddenly changed.


    In that moment, Fuxiong felt as if he was facing his master.


    No, even his master wasn''t this terrifying!


    He wanted to speak, but his consciousness quickly drifted into oblivion, and his eyes became listless.


    Gu An was using the Soul Capturing Skill. Until then, he had never mastered the Soul Capturing Skill, but now, with a superior Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root, he grasped it immediately.


    It might not be proficient, but it was enough to deal with Fuxiong.


    His Spiritual Power suppressed Fuxiong, while his Divine Sense forcefully invaded Fuxiong''s mind, searching brutally.


    After an hour, Fuxiong had passed away.


    Gu An reopened his eyes and heaved a sigh of relief.


    This guy indeed didn''t know the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree, nor had his master sent him here.


    Gu An lifted his right hand, raising Fuxiong into midair, and from his palm, a burst of Spirit Power Fire began to incinerate the other.


    He closed his eyes, unwilling to watch this brutal scene.


    The Spirit Fire of the Void Crossing Realm was so powerful that within just four breaths, Fuxiong turned to ash, leaving behind only a Storage Bag. He had sessfully seized four years of life span.


    Gu An checked it, took out all the medicinal materials and Spirit Stones. As for the magic artifacts and talisman paper, he didn''t dare touch them and instead burned them together with the Storage Bag to prevent someone from tracing him here.


    The next morning, Gu An went downstairs as if nothing had happened.


    While the disciples were assembling for drill, he secretly felt guilty.


    Oh no, I''m acting like a demon!


    And so it continued until a monthter, with no cultivators from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilioning to find Gu An, he finally felt at ease.


    One day, Du Ye suddenly came looking for him, and the two talked on the penthouse floor.


    "The Third Miss has mastered the Qilin Step, and the n leader is very pleased. He ns toe to celebrate for the Third Miss, and at the same time, a banquet will be held in the Inner Sect. As a servant of the Ji Family, you must attend to help wee the guests. In ten days, I''ll wait for you in front of the Law Enforcement Hall in the Outer Sect.


    Prepare some medicinal herbs these days as a gift; perhaps you can gain the favor of the Third Miss," Du Ye said earnestly.


    Gu An nodded, having made up his mind.


    Tonight, I''ll practice the Eight Directions Step!


    Let''s see how strong Ji Xiaoyu''s mastered Qilin Step really is.

 Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Breaking Through the Void Crossing Realm, the Demon Lord Attacks

    Gu An didn''t continue to push his Cultivation Level, preferring to wait until he reached the firstyer of the Void Crossing Realm. He feared the time it would take to absorb Spiritual Energy would be too long, and that daybreak mighte before he finished.


    If the disciples discovered he wasn''t in the valley, it would spell trouble.


    With each notification that appeared, Gu An could distinctly feel the Earth Spirit Energy wildly surging upwards from beneath the ground.


    With a boom!


    Spiritual Energy rose in a wild frenzy from the ground, pulling at his robes and tangling his ck hair as if trying to lift them into the air.


    His body wasn''t blown away, for the Spiritual Energy had already entered him, tethering him to the ground like chains.


    This time, themotion caused by devouring Spiritual Energy was far greater than his previous breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm. In fact, the ground beneath Gu An vibrated so intensely he could feel it.


    He was secretly relieved he had the Life Span Barrier; otherwise, his Cultivation Level could not be concealed.


    But now he found himself worrying if such a disturbance would affect the Supreme Sect.


    After activating the Life Span Barrier, the Spiritual Energy wasn''t conjured from nothingness, but drawn from beneath the earth¡ªSpiritual Energy that naturally belonged to the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An had a new hypothesis.


    His progress in cultivation during lifespan evolution¡ªcould it be rted to the richness of the surrounding Spiritual Energy?


    He felt it very likely, recalling Li Xuandao, only 230 years old at the eighthyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm. It was incredible.


    Upon further thought, there was a huge gap between him and Li Xuandao. If Li Xuandao also had a Heavenly Spirit Root, the advantage was iparable to Gu An''s circumstances.


    As an Emperor, Li Xuandao could have the highest quality cave residences, ess to the best Immortal Cultivation Elixirs of the dynasty, and surely top-tier Cultivation Techniques.


    Furthermore, there were Formations, Magic Artifacts, and the like¡ªperhaps these were also reasons why Li Xuandao seeded in Tribtion Crossing so rapidly.


    When Zuo Yijian underwent his tribtion, many cultivators swooped in to take formation positions. Others meticulously prepared for their tribtions while he simply withstood them during cultivation evolution. In reality, failing meant death with no 200-year repetition cycles.


    Topare evolutionary cultivation with Li Xuandao, Gu An seemed far behind, but it wasn''t a fairparison.


    In reality, Gu An was a 34-year-old at the firstyer of the Void Crossing Realm!


    Could Li Xuandao reach the Void Crossing Realm before the age of 300?


    Was there a second person in this world who cultivated nakedly, staunchly, and withstood heavenly tribtions as he did?


    Thinking this way, Gu An felt much more bnced. The lifespan invested in cultivation was merely a number, while the Cultivation Level in reality was what truly mattered!


    At the same time, he wondered if he should cultivate other attribute-based techniques or perhaps find a Five Elements Skill to practice, which might further unlock the potential of his top-tier Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root.


    The rumbling grew¡ª


    The sound of Earth Spirit Energy surging into his body became louder, and a cyclone formed within the barrier with five-colored Spiritual Energy nearly submerging his figure.


    ¡­


    Clouds gathered, gradually obscuring the moonlight.


    In a residence, within a small pavilion and beneath an oilmp on the table, sat Zuo Yijian with white hair, holding a book from which the title "Investiture of the Gods" could be faintly discerned.


    "Above, the golden light separates into five colors, and below, red lotuses chase myriad paths, with an Eight Trigrams Immortal Garment shrouded in purple qi, and a three-edged treasure sword named Qingping¡­" Zuo Yijian muttered, his face alight with nostalgia.


    He had been immersed in "Investiture of the Gods" for several years, finding new insights with each reading. Although the book contained no Technique of Immortal Cultivation, the Immortal Sorcery described therein left him yearning.


    He believed the book contained profound truths, though they remained elusive to him for the time being.


    At that moment, Zuo Yijian felt something, suddenly rising to his feet with a focus that drilled into the ground.


    The night was somber, the cold wind harsh.


    The sound of the wind grew louder.


    The oilmp flickered violently on the table as if it would go out at any moment.


    Not just him¡ªall around, Cultivators flew out from their residences and courtyards, as more and more Outer Disciples gathered above the city.


    "What''s going on? The Spiritual Energy is sinking!"


    "Do you feel it too?"


    "Could we be under attack by Demons?"


    "That''s unlikely. This is the Supreme Sect. Who would dare to seek death?"


    "Could it be that arge Formation is activating underground?"


    The Outer Disciples debated among themselves. Ye Lan also flew out of her courtyard on her sword, looking anxiously towards the streets of the Outer Sect.


    Under the dim night sky, a continuous stream of cultivators ascended, while Servant Disciples who couldn''t practice the Sword Control Technique gathered on the streets, everyone panic-stricken.


    Everyone could feel the Spiritual Energy sinking into the ground, an unprecedented situation that naturally induced panic.


    What troubled them the most was that the rate of Spiritual Energy''s descent was elerating, thinning the concentration of Spiritual Energy within the Outer Sect.


    Spiritual Energy was the lifeblood of any Great Sect, as its foundationy in the richness of Spiritual Energy.


    ¡­


    In the woods, Gu An had stepped into the Divinity Transformation Realm, and his Nascent Soul emerged from his body, floating above his head.


    In the Nascent Soul Realm, one could condense a Nascent Soul, but ordinarily, it could not leave the body without severing its connection. Thus, the Nascent Soul usually only emerged when on the brink of death, to find a new body to inhabit.


    The Divinity Transformation Realm allowed the Nascent Soul to evolve into a Primordial Spirit, a manifestation akin to the soul. Primordial Spirit Emergence was a unique ability of the Divinity Transformation Realm, not severing the connection with the body. Below the Divinity Transformation Realm, one could not see the Primordial Spirit unless it manifested itself.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After the Primordial Spirit emerged from the Nascent Soul, a cultivator''s Divine Sense underwent a dramatic change.


    Gu An was immersed in this transformation, his Nascent Soul gradually turning into a blue lotus, then blooming. His Primordial Spirit slowly stood up from within, looking identical to his physical self, even down to the appearance of his clothing.


    Divinity Transformation Realm was not the end; Gu An continued to strive for an even higher realm. The Spiritual Energy he was devouring grew more and more immense, and he noticed that the forest outside the barrier began to vibrate gently.


    This made him even more nervous.


    The disturbance was too great!


    Gu An did not dare to let his Primordial Spirit fly out of the Life Span Barrier, fearing he might encounter a Cultivator of the Divinity Transformation Realm probing the area.


    The Supreme Sect surely had Cultivators of the Divinity Transformation Realm. After all, some of the powerful Elders from the Outer Sect had reached the Nascent Soul Realm, let alone those from the Inner Sect and the Main City of Sect.


    He even suspected that the Supreme Sect concealed a Void Crossing Realm; otherwise, why would Li Xuandao of the Divinity Transformation Realm Eight Layers hide his Cultivation Level?


    Time continued to pass.


    An Ancient Hourter, Gu An''s Cultivation Level had reached the ninthyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    Suddenly, two figures swept across the night sky. At the same moment he visually identified them, he immediately performed Life Span Detection.


    Oh my!


    Two Nascent Soul Realm Cultivators!


    Gu An grew even more nervous, only hoping that no one would notice this patch of forest.


    The Life Span Barrier could prevent others from seeing his figure, but it would be unfortunate if someone happened to pass by this exact spot.


    Afterward, strong Cultivators kept sweeping across the sky above, the lowest of them at the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Before long, he spotted figures of the Divinity Transformation Realm, and there was more than one!


    Gu An felt as if he had pierced the heavens, especially since he was now assaulting the Void Crossing Realm, which required an even more tremendous amount of Spiritual Energy.


    This night was destined to be restless.


    Only when the sky had just begun to brighten did Gu An''s growth in Cultivation Level finally slow down.


    Void Crossing Realm, First Layer!


    Upon reaching the Void Crossing Realm, one''s Primordial Spirit could traverse tens of thousands of miles. Whether it be Spiritual Power, Divine Sense, Perception, or Qi-Blood, all would experience a qualitative leap in strength.


    Gu An slowly stood up as the sunlight pierced through the heavens, shining all the way to the Life Span Barrier and falling upon him. Clothed in a robe of morning light, he looked toward the sunrise with a smile on his face.


    The Spiritual Power within him was incredibly vast, giving him a feeling of omnipotence.


    He deactivated the Life Span Barrier and then began walking towards Mystic Valley.


    Merely maintaining the Life Span Barrier had consumed almost two thousand years, clearly showing how significantst night''s disturbances were.


    With the breakthroughpleted, the world returned to normal, but the Spiritual Energy in the forest could notpare to that of the previous day.


    Even Gu An, now of the Void Crossing Realm, could not estimate just how much Spiritual Energy he had absorbedst night.


    On his way back, Gu An saw Great Cultivators flying in the sky. Sincest night, he had seen seven Divinity Transformation Realm Great Cultivators, which made him marvel at the profound depths of the Supreme Sect''s strength.


    He quickly returned to Mystic Valley and then stepped out from the attic, calling the Disciples to practice their drills.


    "Master, did you feel the sudden dip in Spiritual Energyst night?" Ye Yan asked, his brows furrowing as he spoke of the matter.


    The other Disciples chimed in, as they too had felt it. They were quite concerned, fearing that Mystic Valley might suddenly copse.


    Gu An chuckled and said, "This is the Supreme Sect, the safest ce in the Taicang Dynasty. How could it possibly copse?"


    Upon hearing this, the Disciples'' worries diminished significantly.


    Wuxin spected, "It might be rted to some kind of Formation. Perhaps some Great Cultivator in the Sect was breaking through, needing a vast amount of Spiritual Energy."


    Clearly, he had encountered something simr in Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, but he couldn''t disclose it.


    "Master, why do I feel that there is something different about you today?" Zhen Qin stared at Gu An, asking curiously.


    Gu An gave her a sidelong nce, saying irritably, "You always think there''s something different about me every day. If you want to learn the leg techniques from me, just say it directly."


    The other Disciples couldn''t help butugh, and Zhen Qin also giggled embarrassingly.


    The drill practice officially began, and Gu An used the process to get ustomed to his brand-new Spiritual Power.


    After practice ended, Gu An did not return to his room but instead walked towards the nearby forest.


    For this breakthrough, he had depleted quite a few herbs. The harvest for the next two years would be affected, and he could only cultivate newnd, expanding more gardens.


    Sigh.


    A Great Cultivator of the Void Crossing Realm farming herbs for you, the Supreme Sect should be content!


    Gu An thought to himself gleefully as he entered the forest, and, coincidentally, another Cultivator flew overhead. This reassured the Disciples in the valley, at least affirming that the Supreme Sect was indeed paying attention to the situation and not neglecting them.


    It wasn''t until noon that Ye Lan returned to Mystic Valley.


    After chatting for quite some time, she finally escaped the throng of Disciples and followed Gu An up to the attic.


    She closed the door, then proceeded to close the windows. Not only that, but she also took out Talisman Paper and pasted it on the doors and windows.


    Gu An watched her nervously and asked, "Junior Sister, what are you trying to do?"


    What to do?


    To follow or not to follow?


    Once all the isting measures were in ce, Ye Lan finally sat down at the table. As she poured herself tea, she said, "Senior Brother, something significant has happened. The Demon Lord might be soon attacking!"


    Gu An was taken aback, then sat down and asked curiously, "Who is the Demon Lord? Which Sect or faction are they from?"

 Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Do you know what realm is above Divinity Transformation?

    "My Martial Master spected that it might be the arrival of the Silent Karma Demon Lord from the Heavenly Extinction Sect!" Ye Lan said solemnly.


    Gu An frowned and asked, "Why do you think so?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Last night, the Spiritual Energy of the Outer Sect was drained, even affecting the Inner Sect;bined with the recent killing of Lin Futian from the Wanyin Sect by the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal, all these incidents together prove that the Demon Path is preparing to besiege the Supreme Sect.


    Draining the Spiritual Energy of the Outer Sect is their first step, and among the Demon Path, only the Silent Karma Demon Lord of the Heavenly Extinction Sect is capable of such an act. It is said that his Heaven-Swallowing Demon Skill could make a thousand miles ofnd devoid of life," Ye Lan said, her eyes revealing a hint of fear as she spoke.


    This...


    Gu An was somewhat choked up.


    Lin Futian was killed by him, andst night''s events were also his doing...


    Is the Demon Path taking the me for him?


    Although Gu An was reluctantly turned into a spy for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, he never considered himself a Demon Cultivator.


    He thought for a moment and thenforted her, "Junior Sister, don''t worry. If the sky falls, there will be tall ones holding it up. The Supreme Sect is the top Sect of the Taicang Dynasty; even if the Demon Path attacks, shaking the Supreme Sect will be extremely difficult."


    Ye Lan took a deep breath, her eyes resolute as she looked at Gu An. Clenching her teeth, she said, "Senior Brother, let''s flee far away. I am now at the Foundation Establishment Realm, and we can hide in uninhabited mountains to cultivate in seclusion. I will help you reach Foundation Establishment!"


    Gu An almost lost hisposure.


    Goodness, she really wants to take this chance to pledge her life to me?


    Gu An helplessly said, "Junior Sister, you are exaggerating a bit. Moreover, where in this world is absolutely safe? If we hide in the mountains and encounter a Core Formation Realm Demon Cultivator, how would we deal with him? And you are only guessing; I don''t think the Demon Path will attack."


    "If the Demon Path really ns to besiege the Supreme Sect, shouldn''t they havee by now? Making so much noise but not making a move, could it be that they are giving the Supreme Sect time to gather the Great Cultivators from abroad?"


    Hearing this, Ye Lan found it reasonable.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Or why don''t youe with me to the Outer Sect to avoid the limelight?"


    Gu An gravely said, "Junior Sister, you really don''t need to worry about me. Don''t let me affect your cultivation. If you truly care about me, then strive to be stronger. In the future, you can take care of me then. It''s also for your own good, for cultivators who don''t prioritize cultivation will eventually encounter situations where they are powerless."


    Ye Lan felt ashamed and realized she was indeed being too anxious.


    "Senior Brother, I am now at the ninthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm. It won''t be easy for amon Demon Cultivator to kill me!" Gu An said with a proud smile.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Lan burst intoughter. She quickly covered her mouth and said, "Senior Brother, would any Demon Cultivator who dares to infiltrate the Supreme Sect be at the Energy Cultivation Realm? The previously deceased Lin Futian is said to be a Nascent Soul Realm old monster."


    Gu An scoffed, "What? Does a Nascent Soul Realm old monster not need to lift a finger to kill me?"


    "Yes, yes, Senior Brother is the most formidable," Ye Lanughed, easing the tense atmosphere in her heart.


    Afterward, Gu An inquired about the situation of the Outer Sect, and Ye Lan did not hold back, telling him everything.


    It was not until dusk that Gu An bid her farewell.


    Originally, he nned to enhance his cultivation and spells tonight, but hearing that the Outer Sect was already preparing for battle, he dared not act recklessly and decided toy low for now.


    He still had a doubt in his mind.


    If the nearby Spiritual Energy was drained while he continued to break through, what consequence would it bring?


    He estimated that the Life Span Barrier would devour the Spiritual Energy of even farther ces; in such a case, the Supreme Sect would definitely not be able to sit still anymore.


    ...


    In the following three days, Gu An stayed within Mystic Valley, not even going to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Sky Dragon had already begun his training, and it didn''t matter that he hadn''t eaten meat for several days, as Gu An had prepared a batch of ripe Green Vine Fruits in advance, which it could eat if hungry.


    Gu An shared a soul resonance with Sky Dragon, so it remembered everything he instructed. Since its birth, it had never caused him any trouble, making him feel reassured about this child.


    That night.


    Gu An was reading in the attic, possessing a Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root; he could exhaust the Spiritual Energy within ten yards with a mere breath, and the conversion efficiency to Spiritual Power was extremely high.


    Since the Spiritual Energy of the Outer Sect was still recovering, he refrained from cultivating and continued suppressing it.


    Suddenly, Gu An sensed something, his expression subtly shifting.


    He did not get up but continued reading.


    Thirty minutester, a figure appeared outside his window, who quietly pushed open the window and then leaped in.


    Gu An immediately threw a Life Span Detection.


    [Fuxiong (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 160/198/240]


    After encountering Li Xuandao and Lin Futian, Gu An relied even more on Life Span Detection; after all, there were too many cunning old foxes in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Fuxiong appeared to be around fifty years old, of mediocre stature, d in ck clothes, with dark eye sockets and eagle-like eyes, giving off a deeply scheming impression.


    He stood up and looked at Gu An, asking, "Are you the Valley Master?"


    Gu An frowned and asked, "I am. Who are you?"


    Fuxiong did not answer but continued to size him up. After a few moments, he suddenly said, "Unregretful heart of the Thousand-Autumn Green Vine!"


    Gu An was silent.


    His Divine Sense had already spread out, confirming that Fuxiong hade alone.


    Reluctantly, he responded, "All Dharma withered hard to find root..."


    Upon hearing this, Fuxiong''s expression rxed, he walked to the table and sat down, as if he were in his own home. While pouring himself a cup of tea, he asked, "What about Cheng Xuandan? Is he dead?"


    Gu An nodded, "My master has passed away. May I know why the elder is seeking me?"


    "Do you know the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree?" Fuxiong took a sip of tea, then continued, his gaze sweeping around the room.


    The room, besides books, was filled with various herbs wrapped in Spirit Protection Paper.


    Gu An saw that he didn''t really care about the Green Vine Tree, so he asked, "What is the Green Vine Tree?"


    Upon hearing this, Fuxiong withdrew his gaze and looked back at Gu An, asking, "Hasn''t your master told you about it?"


    Gu An shook his head, indicating no.


    "The Green Vine Tree is the Holy Tree of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. More than two hundred years ago, our pavilion sent a Green Vine Tree to the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect, but over time, the clues were lost, and it''s unclear where exactly the Green Vine Tree is hidden," Fuxiong said with a frown.


    It arrived more than two hundred years ago?


    Gu An frowned and pondered in silence. Could Jiang Qiong have hidden something from him?


    Fuxiong sighed and said, "To be honest, my master is about to break through to the Divinity Transformation Realm. The Tribtion Crossing is extremely perilous, and I want to find the Green Vine Fruit to lend him a helping hand."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An curiously asked, "What realm is Divinity Transformation?"


    "Above Foundation Establishment is Core Formation, above that is Nascent Soul, and above Nascent Soul is Divinity Transformation," Fuxiong said, stroking his beard and smiling as if the one about to break through to Divinity Transformation was he himself.


    "Even a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator''s tribtion is perilous? I heard that Nascent Souls are already akin to immortals!" Gu An eximed in surprise.


    "What immortals? It''s still far off. From Foundation Establishment to Core Formation also requires passing through tribtions. Every tribtion is dangerous and mostly lethal. The higher the realm, the more deadly the Lightning Tribtions be. My master has been preparing for ten years to ovee his tribtion," Fuxiong said, his face revealing a look of longing.


    Gu An asked, "What needs to be prepared? Can''t one directly undergo the tribtion?"


    "How could that be possible? One must prepare elixirs to maintain Spiritual Power and heal injuries, have formations for support, and have several sets of magic artifacts ready. I haven''t heard of anyone who can just directly undergo the tribtion," said Fuxiong, ring at Gu An as if he found the question rather foolish.


    After hearing this, Gu An felt much more at ease.


    Suddenly, Fuxiongughed and said, "I see your Medicine Valley has plenty of medicinal herbs. How about taking me as your master? I''ll back you up and teach you spells, and you give three-tenths of Medicine Valley''s harvest to me every year. How about it?"


    Gu An frowned again.


    In a low voice, Fuxiong said, "Boy, my master, who is also your Martial Master, is in the Inner Sect. Once he breaks through Divinity Transformation, he will surely be an Elder. By then, you can have whatever you want!"


    Gu An widened his eyes, asking in surprise, "Your master could be an Inner Sect Elder? Then doesn''t that mean he has been lurking for many years? Why doesn''t he know the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree?"


    "It''s a long story. Let''s talk about taking me as your master first," Fuxiong said gravely.


    Gu An hesitated and asked, "Is this your master''s intention?"


    "How could it be? My master doesn''t even know that I''m here in this Medicine Valley. Boy, you''re just a Servant Disciple. What kind of person is my master, and why would he take notice of you?" Fuxiong stated displeasedly.


    Gu An stood up, towering over him, and asked, "Onest question."


    Fuxiong frowned and asked in a deep voice, "What question?"


    He really wanted to kill this annoying kid. So many nonsense questions!


    "Do you know what realm is above Divinity Transformation?"


    "What?"


    Fuxiong was taken aback, then burst into a rage. He had no idea whaty beyond Divinity Transformation and felt the other was mocking him.


    Just as he was about to get up, Gu An''s right hand was already on his head.


    He looked up to see Gu An''s face so cold, his eyes gleaming with a cold light, and his whole demeanor had suddenly changed.


    In that moment, Fuxiong felt as if he was facing his master.


    No, even his master wasn''t this terrifying!


    He wanted to speak, but his consciousness quickly drifted into oblivion, and his eyes became listless.


    Gu An was using the Soul Capturing Skill. Until then, he had never mastered the Soul Capturing Skill, but now, with a superior Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root, he grasped it immediately.


    It might not be proficient, but it was enough to deal with Fuxiong.


    His Spiritual Power suppressed Fuxiong, while his Divine Sense forcefully invaded Fuxiong''s mind, searching brutally.


    After an hour, Fuxiong had passed away.


    Gu An reopened his eyes and heaved a sigh of relief.


    This guy indeed didn''t know the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree, nor had his master sent him here.


    Gu An lifted his right hand, raising Fuxiong into midair, and from his palm, a burst of Spirit Power Fire began to incinerate the other.


    He closed his eyes, unwilling to watch this brutal scene.


    The Spirit Fire of the Void Crossing Realm was so powerful that within just four breaths, Fuxiong turned to ash, leaving behind only a Storage Bag. He had sessfully seized four years of life span.


    Gu An checked it, took out all the medicinal materials and Spirit Stones. As for the magic artifacts and talisman paper, he didn''t dare touch them and instead burned them together with the Storage Bag to prevent someone from tracing him here.


    The next morning, Gu An went downstairs as if nothing had happened.


    While the disciples were assembling for drill, he secretly felt guilty.


    Oh no, I''m acting like a demon!


    And so it continued until a monthter, with no cultivators from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilioning to find Gu An, he finally felt at ease.


    One day, Du Ye suddenly came looking for him, and the two talked on the penthouse floor.


    "The Third Miss has mastered the Qilin Step, and the n leader is very pleased. He ns toe to celebrate for the Third Miss, and at the same time, a banquet will be held in the Inner Sect. As a servant of the Ji Family, you must attend to help wee the guests. In ten days, I''ll wait for you in front of the Law Enforcement Hall in the Outer Sect.


    Prepare some medicinal herbs these days as a gift; perhaps you can gain the favor of the Third Miss," Du Ye said earnestly.


    Gu An nodded, having made up his mind.


    Tonight, I''ll practice the Eight Directions Step!


    Let''s see how strong Ji Xiaoyu''s mastered Qilin Step really is.

 Chapter 44: Chapter 44: The Pinnacle of Divine Feats, Teleportation Array

    Du Ye came quickly and left quickly, and Gu An could feel his excitement, as if he truly believed himself to be a surname Ji.


    Gu An was also very interested in the Inner Sect, and being able to visit the Inner Sect through the rtionship with the Ji Family banquet was a good thing.


    He nned to gather more Spirit Stones during these days so that he could also make some purchases when visiting the Inner Sect.


    Until nightfall.


    Gu An quietly left Mystic Valley, heading in the opposite direction of where he had made his breakthrough, and after about fifty miles, he stopped.


    Sitting in front of a cliff, he pulled up his Attribute Panel.


    He looked directly at the Eight Directions Step and invested five thousand years of lifespan into it.


    As a movement technique, it wasn''t only helpful inbat but also for escape, so it was essential to improve it.


    Apanying the fall of his thoughts, a series of notifications popped up:


    [You have invested five thousand years of lifespan into evolving and practicing the Eight Directions Step]


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for one year, and you have sessfully mastered the Eight Directions Step]


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for ten years, and your understanding of the Eight Directions Step has reached its peak, improving yourprehension of movement techniques]


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for fifty years, and you have gained insight into the Eight Directions Step, promoting it to the Eight Directions Mystic Step]


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for one hundred years, and your understanding of the Eight Directions Mystic Step has reached its peak, improving yourprehension of movement techniques]


    ...


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for three hundred years, and your Eight Directions Mystic Step has returned to its essence, capturing a trace of the true meaning of space, promoting it to the Qilin Step]


    ...


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for a thousand years, and your Qilin Step has returned to its essence, enhancing yourprehension of movement techniques and space, promoting it to the Heavenly Dragon Mystic True Step]


    ...


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for four thousand years, and your persistent practice has finally resonated with heaven and earth, breaking through the limit of your Heavenly Dragon Mystic True Step, promoting it to the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step]


    [You practiced the Eight Directions Step for five thousand years, and your Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step has reached the Mastery Realm, enhancing yourprehension of space]


    Eight Directions Step, Eight Directions Mystic Step, Qilin Step, Heavenly Dragon Mystic True Step, Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step!


    Gu An was secretly exhrated, and at the same time, a flood of memories began to pour into his mind. He quickly activated his Life Span Barrier and then immersed himself in the inheritance.


    After an hour, Gu An opened his eyes.


    He first looked at the Life Span Barrier, which had only consumed two hundred years of lifespan.


    Although inheriting Cultivation Techniques and Spells wouldn''t increase one''s Cultivation Level, it still required the absorption of Spiritual Energy; after all, in evolutionary practice, no matter what one practiced, one was always in an environment infused with Spiritual Energy.


    Compared to his breakthrough to the Void Crossing Realm, the Spiritual Energy he absorbed this time was not much.


    Gu An looked at the Attribute Panel again, falling into thought.


    His Cultivation Level certainly still needed to be raised, but recently he had toy low and couldn''t act rashly.


    Moreover, he wanted to improve his Cultivation Technique before his Cultivation Level. He nned to visit the Inner Sect to see if there was a Five Elements Skill. If there wasn''t a good option, he would bite the bullet and fullymit to the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill.


    After a moment of consideration, Gu An decided to invest in the secret technique taught by Jiang Qiong from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, the Demon Shadow Divine Skill.


    Jiang Qiong said this secret technique was very suitable for intelligence work, and he wanted to see exactly how suitable it was.


    A small investment should do, let''s put two thousand years of lifespan into it!


    [You have invested two thousand years of lifespan into evolving and practicing the Demon Shadow Divine Skill]


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for ten years, and you have preliminarily mastered the Demon Shadow Divine Skill]


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for a hundred years, and your Demon Shadow Divine Skill has reached the Mastery Realm, speeding up your execution of the Demon Shadow Divine Skill]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for two hundred years, and your Demon Shadow Divine Skill has reached its peak, improving yourprehension of movement techniques]


    ...


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for five hundred years, and your Demon Shadow Divine Skill has returned to its essence, elevating to the Carefree Demon Body Skill]


    ...


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for a thousand years, and your Carefree Demon Body Skill has reached its peak, enhancing yourprehension of movement techniques and causality]


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for thirteen hundred years, and your Carefree Demon Body Skill has returned to its essence, elevating to the Great Yin-Yang Transformation]


    [You practiced the Demon Shadow Divine Skill for two thousand years, and your Great Yin-Yang Transformation has reached its peak, improving yourprehension of movement techniques and causality]


    Demon Shadow Divine Skill, Carefree Demon Body Skill, Great Yin-Yang Transformation!


    It only evolved twice; this secret technique must be ratherplex in itself, and Jiang Qiong did not deceive him.


    Gu An immediately activated the Life Span Barrier and then submerged his consciousness into the inheritance.


    After a long while.


    He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with surprise and delight.


    This secret technique was indeed perfect for espionage!


    The Demon Shadow Divine Skill allows the caster to be covered in Demonic Qi, forming a demon shadow that even Divine Sense cannot prate. The Great Yin-Yang Transformation was even more exaggerated; it can''t be forcibly dispelled, allowing the caster to maintain the demon shadow state until death, with their true body remaining hidden even after death.


    Most importantly, the technique could not be deduced, and neither Magic Artifacts nor Dharma Treasures could reveal the true body.


    So domineering!


    With this skill, Gu An could do many things in the future.


    Especially whenbined with the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step, it was invincible, for the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step already contained the mystery of the Teleportation Divine Power, and each step could manifest a Dharma Aspect, allowing for both evasion and attack, with endless profundity.


    Gu An pulled up his Attribute Panel again, his face showing satisfaction.


    Name: Gu An


    Life Span: 34/30823


    Spirit Root: Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root


    Cultivation Level: Void Crossing Realm First Layer


    Cultivation Techniques: Fire Control Art (unfinished), Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill (Mastery), Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill (Peak), Alchemy (Initial Insight), Myriad Poison Mystic Skill (unfinished), Yin Yang Art (unfinished)


    Ultimate Skills: Gale Shadowless Leg (Complete Understanding), Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword (Complete Understanding), Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step (Mastery), Great Yin-Yang Transformation (Peak), Wood Spirit Sword Technique (Novice), Ziwei Array Chronicles (Novice)


    Spells: Soul Capturing Skill (Novice), Sword Control Technique (Complete Understanding), Enchanting Eyes (unfinished), Poison Wood Array (Initial Insight), Wind Control Skill (Complete Understanding), Corpse Control Skill (unfinished)


    Divine Powers: Mystic Yellow Dragon Might (Minor Achievement)


    What a fruitful night!


    Gu An deactivated the Life Span Barrier, then stood up and took a step forward; his figure vanished into thin air, only to reappear dozens of yards away in the forest. Then, with another step, he disappeared again.


    He was like a consistently reappearing sh; such was the mysterious essence of the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step. And this was merely a trivial trial; the maximum distance he could cross was much farther.


    Soon after, he returned to Mystic Valley.


    ...


    It was high noon, and the sunlight was brilliant.


    Gu An stood in the city, his eyes filled with curiosity as he looked around at the towering buildings. The streets where he stood were bustling with passersby and even demon beast figures could be seen. Above, numerous cultivators flew back and forth. The city alone probably housed hundreds of thousands of people.


    The Supreme Sect had four major Inner Sect cities; each housed hundreds of thousands of disciples. This was almost too astonishing.


    Gu An suddenly felt he had underestimated the strength of the Supreme Sect as well as the vastness of the Taicang Dynasty.


    The ten days hade to an end. Early yesterday, Gu An had already visited the Outer Sect where he was tasked with managing the disciples'' Caves. Having finished the work by dawn, and when noon arrived today, he found Du Ye and the two of them used the Teleportation Array to arrive directly at the Inner Sect City.


    ording to Du Ye, the Outer Sect City was thousands of miles away from the Inner Sect City, withnds in between where demon beasts raised by the Supreme Sect lived, as well as secret realms for disciples to train and Medicine Valleys for nting high-rank medical herbs.


    "The Teleportation Array is an amazing creation; I must study it thoroughly," Gu An thought to himself. He had already asked Du Ye about purchasing arrays in the Inner Sect, and that it was possible as long as he had enough Spirit Stones or Spirit Energy Elixirs.


    In the Immortal Cultivation World, Spirit Energy Elixirs also served as a form of currency, capable of restoring a cultivator''s Spiritual Power as well as being used like Spirit Stones. Various sects had already standardized Spirit Energy Elixirs so that each Elixir contained Spiritual Energy equivalent to one Low-Grade Spirit Stone, with the same value.


    Ever since Li Xuandao invited him to manage Medicine Valley, he had nned to expand his management of the valleys.


    If every Medicine Valley had a Teleportation Array, how convenient would that be?


    "Gu An, hurry up," Du Ye urged from ahead, and Gu An quickly caught up with his pace.


    Along the way, Du Ye introduced him to the buildings they passed by. Gu An listened attentively, nning to explore in theing days.


    The Ji Family banquet would not end in just a few days; he had plenty of opportunity to explore.


    Gu An wasn''t just listening; he was also using Life Span Detection.


    He had yet to see anyone in the Foundation Establishment Realm; the worst were in the Elixir Formation Realm, but almost all these Elixir Formation Realm disciples were over two hundred years old.


    After a few streets, Gu An finally detected the presence of someone in the Foundation Establishment Realm; the person was only forty years old and had already reached the ninthyer of Foundation Establishment Realm. It was clear that they were a talented individual who had qualified for the Inner Sect based on their Spirit Root.


    It seemed as though Du Ye was deliberately trying to broaden Gu An''s horizons with his unhurried pace, which Gu An was happy to amodate.


    After half an hour,


    They arrived in front of a mansion. This mansion was vast, its courtyard walls stretching for miles, and the que above the gate bore two characters.


    Ji Mansion!


    What boldness! Could all Ji Family Inner Sect Disciples live here?


    Gu An quietly criticized the situation, feeling a sense of foreboding.


    If this continued, one day the Supreme Sect would suppress the Ji Family, and then he would really be an infiltrator for the Ji Family.


    Although he was currently affiliated with the Supreme Sect, in his heart, the Ji Family was of greater importance.


    The Ji Family had raised and nurtured him, allowed him to grow up, and led him to join the first Sect like the Supreme Sect. Such favors could not be repaid by simply dedicating low-rank medical herbs.


    Of course, Gu An wouldn''t impose himself to repay the Ji Family, but should the Ji Family need him, as long as it wasn''t too much to ask, he wouldn''t refuse.


    In front of Ji Mansion''s gates, two Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators were on guard. Gu An cast his Life Span Detection and saw that their ages had already surpassed a hundred years; obviously they were not geniuses and were probably simr to Gu An and Du Ye¡ªlikely house servants from the Ji Family.


    Du Ye immediately stepped forward, taking out his Token, his demeanor humble and subservient.


    "Then you can take over for us. When it gets dark, we''ll take you to your ce to stay," the cultivator named Zhang Yan said thoughtfully.


    Du Ye dared not refuse and immediately agreed.


    Just like that, Gu An and Du Ye began their guard duty upon arrival.


    Gu An took his position in front of a Qilin statue and suddenly had an idea.


    "Du Ye, you keep watch for me, I''ll give you a hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones. I want to go to the Inner Sect to buy some medical herb seeds; this is also for Miss Third''s business," Gu An said."


    Upon hearing this, Du Ye was momentarily stunned. He wanted to argue but found he couldn''t refuse.


    A hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones!


    The kid was quite generous!


    Thus, after handing over a hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones to Du Ye, Gu An left and began to wander alone within the Inner Sect City.


    He hadn''t gone far when a voice called out: "Gu An, what are you doing here?"

 Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Become My Disciple

    Gu An looked back and saw Li Ya''s childhood friend, Zuo Lin, walking towards him.


    After many years, Zuo Lin''s cultivation level had only reached the thirdyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, presumably still obsessed with practicing the sword.


    Gu An turned around and greeted him with a sped fist, saying, "My family summoned me for a task, so here I am."


    "You have a family? Aren''t you born from house servant origins?" Zuo Lin asked curiously.


    Gu An replied, "I indeede from a house servant background, a servant of the Ji Family. Our Third Miss is about to host a banquet, and I came along with other servants to help."


    "What? You are from the Ji Family?" Zuo Lin''s eyes widened.


    Gu An retorted, "Didn''t Senior Brother Li tell you?"


    Zuo Lin shook his head and said, "He didn''t mention it, and it''s quite a coincidence. My father was also invited by the Ji Family, and I followed him here for the excitement. Isn''t Ji Mansion right behind us? Where are you heading?"


    He was always interested in Gu An, always feeling that Gu An was not simple, so he did not want to miss out now that they had finally met.


    "I n to stroll around the Inner Sect city."


    "Then let me apany you. Though I am not an Inner Sect Disciple, I havee here often, thanks to my father''s influence," Zuo Lin said enthusiastically, and Gu An didn''t decline.


    The two chatted as they moved forward.


    As Zuo Lin talked about his father, Gu An gained a deeper understanding of the hierarchy within the Supreme Sect.


    Usually, disciples would advance to higher realms as they progress, but some would take the path of power, like Zuo Yijian, who joined the Hall of Elders.


    Unlike other departments, the Hall of Elders was the center of power in the city. The threshold for the Outer Sect Hall of Elders was the Core Formation Realm, while for the Inner Sect Hall of Elders, it was the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    The Hall of Elders held absolute power in each city, and it was said that in the Sect''s Main City, the power of the Hall of Elders was even greater, being able to decide the position of the Sect Leader. Therefore, some Nascent Soul Realm cultivators chose to stay in the Outer Sect as elders to continue seeking their own benefits.


    Zuo Yijian arrived in the Inner Sect but had not yet joined the Hall of Elders; however, he had be the head of the Book Collection Hall, which was no small position.


    "It''s all because of the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal that my father has gone crazy. Now he spends all day engrossed in ''Investiture of the Gods'',pletely neglecting his sword practice," Zuo Lin said indignantly.


    Gu An asked, "Do you think ''Investiture of the Gods'' isn''t interesting?"


    "It''s indeed very interesting. Let me tell you, my favorite character is Yang Jian. Why isn''t he a Sword Cultivator..." As Zuo Lin talked about ''Investiture of the Gods'', his speech grew denser.


    Gu An silently reflected, it seemed he had underestimated the impact of ''Investiture of the Gods'' on the world of Immortal Cultivation.


    As Zuo Lin praised Pan An, Gu An initially felt secretly pleased, but it became mundane after a while, as he wasn''t the true author; he wrote mainly to earn Spirit Stones.


    Soon after, Gu An asked Zuo Lin to lead him to the Scripture Pavilion.


    The biggest difference between the Scripture Pavilion and the Book Collection Pavilion was that the Scripture Pavilion contained only cultivation techniques and spells.


    On the way, Gu An had asked about the Five Elements Skill, only to be scorned by Zuo Lin.


    In the world of Immortal Cultivation, cultivation techniques generally focused on a single attribute, even for those with multiple Spirit Roots, unless someone intended to start over.


    Starting over with cultivation techniques, although maintaining the realm, the process of reumting Spiritual Power could drive most cultivators to despair.


    Immortal Cultivation isn''t like learning martial arts; it requires years to umte, and no one wants to retrace a journey of decades or centuries, let alone those old freaks who have cultivated for a thousand years. They only grit their teeth and press on, deeply studying one path. This is exactly why the Traditions of Immortal Cultivation blossom so diversely.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Upon reaching the Scripture Pavilion, Gu An indeed did not find the Five Elements Skill, but he still purchased basic skills for the other four attributes, choosing the cheapest ones avable since he could advance through extra expenditure.


    Spirit Stones needed to be mainly spent on purchasing seeds!


    Zuo Lin puzzled over why he bought different attributes'' cultivation techniques, to which Gu An replied it was for his disciples, earning Zuo Lin''s deep respect.


    Back in Mystic Valley, Zuo Lin could feel his attitude towards the Servant Disciples.


    Gu An was not only trying to ingratiate himself with someone of Imperial Family background like Li Ya, but he was also kind to those of lower status. Perhaps Li Ya was right; he truly was a good man.


    Zuo Lin watched Gu An''s profile and thought so.


    "Brother Zuo, could you take me to see the formations?" Gu An asked with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Zuo Lin readily agreed.


    The result left Gu An somewhat disappointed.


    Teleportation Arrays were indeed avable, but they were all exorbitantly priced; he could not afford them!


    He would have to consider it another day. Although he was a Void Crossing Realm cultivator, forcefully taking them was not an option.


    After arriving at the Inner Sect, Gu An felt convinced that the Supreme Sect must be hiding old monsters of the Void Crossing Realm, especially since the threshold for the Inner Sect Elders was the Divinity Transformation Realm, and even higher up was the Sect''s Main City.


    Upon further reflection, the Supreme Sect was indeed potent. So many cultivators from the Demon Path died at the Outer Sect, and the Demon Path did not dare tounch an attack on the Supreme Sect. Even Jiang Qiong, a spy at the Core Formation Realm, only dared operate outside the Outer Sect.


    If the Supreme Sect was a grand map, Gu An was merely operating in a tiny corner.


    Until evening, Gu An bid farewell to Zuo Lin, then returned to the front of Ji Mansion where Du Ye was still waiting, which touched him somewhat.


    "Why did you onlye back now? Without me, you couldn''t get in!" Du Yeined.


    Gu Anughed and patted his shoulder, not saying much. The two entered Ji Mansion.


    Upon entering, Gu An sensed many auras. It turned out Ji Mansion also had seclusion restrictions, and he even caught a whiff of the Divinity Transformation Realm aura.


    Along the way, he kept using Life Span Detection on everyone he met.


    Ji Mansion was popted, and many were prodigies.


    Although Ji Xiaoyu brought only five people into the Supreme Sect, the Ji Family had many branches, and each year, many family members entered various sects.


    Thirty minutester, Du Ye introduced Gu An to Ji Lin, this renowned genius of the Outer Sect.


    [Ji Lin (Foundation Establishment Realm Nine Layers): 36/330/900]


    A thirty-six-year-old at the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, very strong!


    He must have consumed quite a few Elixirs.


    This is what Gu An thought as he took out the prepared herbs.


    Ji Lin was not arrogant and treated Gu An decently, painting a grand picture for him, and Gu An feigned excitement, ending the meeting smoothly.


    Afterwards, Du Ye led Gu An to their amodations; the two shared a yard, but fortunately, they each had a separate house.


    There were no issues during the night.


    The next morning, as soon as the sky brightened, Gu An was dragged out of the courtyard by Du Ye.


    The two stood waiting at the main gate, not just them but also a dozen other cultivators were there; under the leader''s arrangement, they lined up in two rows, prepared to wee the guests for today''s banquet.


    An hourter, the guests started arriving.


    The first to arrive was a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator!


    After that person entered the Ji Mansion, Gu An heard other house servants discussing that this person was from the Inner Sect''s Law Enforcement Hall, with considerable power.


    As time passed, more and more guests arrived, and every leading person was at least in the Nascent Soul Realm, with a not insignificant proportion in the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    No wonder Li Xuandao had to conceal his cultivation level; although strong in the eighthyer of Divinity Transformation Realm, he was still far from invincible.


    One guest caught Gu An''s attention more than once. This person was the master of Fuxiong, named Luo Xunye. Gu An had memorized his face when he had searched Fuxiong''s soul.


    [Luo Xunye (Nascent Soul Realm Ninth Layer):254/804/1300]


    A two hundred fifty-four-year-old at the ninthyer of Nascent Soul Realm could indeed be considered a genius.


    The Ji family members in charge at the mansion''s front obviously had a good rtionship with Luo Xunye, even exchanging pleasantries for a while.


    Who would have thought this man was a Demon Cultivator?


    Gu An silently thought to himself, standing quietly throughout, rtively at ease.


    About another hour passed before Gu An spotted another individual from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, a spy.


    Jiang Qiong!


    [Jiang Qiong£¨Nascent Soul Realm First Layer£©:192/700/2490]


    After seven years without seeing her, she had managed to seed in Tribtion Crossing so quickly!


    Jiang Qiong was dressed in the robe of an Inner Sect Disciple, her demeanor cold,cking the frivolity she had when facing Gu An before; she merely nced at him and the two had no interaction before she walked into the Ji Mansion.


    "Why has shee? It can''t just be to celebrate, can it?" Gu An puzzled internally.


    Could Jiang Qiong be nning to scheme against the Ji Family?


    "Pan¡­"


    Suddenly, a call filled with surprise drew Gu An''s attention, as he saw Gu Yu, whom he had once met in the Outer Sect''s Book Collection Pavilion, swiftly approaching him.


    Following Gu Yu was a gorgeously dressed middle-aged man, exuding an extraordinary aura, though his own energy was faint, clearly having cultivated some kind of Energy Concealing Sorcery.


    Gu An instinctively sent out a Life Span Detection.


    [Gu Zong (Void Crossing Realm Second Layer):690/1805/2800]


    Good heavens!


    Void Crossing Realm!


    The Supreme Sect indeed harbored someone from the Void Crossing Realm!


    This person also bore the surname Gu, clearly rted to Gu Yu by blood. Gu An had previously felt that Gu Yu was no ordinary person.


    "Gu An, are you from the Ji Family?" Gu Yu came up to Gu An and excitedly asked.


    Gu An nodded, replying, "I am just a house servant."


    "With your talents, why be a house servant! I will have my father recruit you into the Inner Sect!" Gu Yu stated boldly, causing the surrounding Ji family members to look sideways.


    Gu Yu turned to Gu Zong and said, "Father, this is the person I often mention. Please take him under your wing!"


    Following Gu Zong, all the cultivators, both Nascent Soul Realm and Divinity Transformation Realm, curiously surveyed Gu An upon hearing Gu Yu''s words.


    Oh no!


    How did it go wrong with this youngster?


    Gu An inwardly cursed.


    Gu Zong frowned and said, "In such a public setting, what is the decorum!"


    Gu An breathed a sigh of relief; Great Cultivators indeed knew better than to break the rules publicly.


    Gu Zong looked at Gu An, his stern expression suddenly disappeared, he revealed a gentle smile and said, "Young friend, my name is Gu Zong, please take me as your master."


    Upon these words, everyone visibly reacted, Du Ye included who looked towards Gu An in disbelief.


    The breath of relief Gu An had just released was caught up again.


    "My Spirit Root Qualification is mediocre, I fear I may not be suitable to take you as my master¡­" Gu An helplessly said.


    Gu Zongughed and replied, "I don''t recruit disciples based on their qualifications, but on our connection. I quite like what you have written."


    With everyone watching, how could Gu An agree, and moreover, he did not prefer to take someone of the same realm as his master. When he had pledged to Cheng Xuandan, it was out of necessity.


    "I need to discuss this matter with others; I hope you can understand," Gu An took a deep breath and said with a forced difficulty.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Zong burst intoughter, he walked forward, patted Gu An''s shoulder, left a sentence, and then walked into the Ji Mansion:


    "After the banquet, let''s have a good talk. Even if you do not be my disciple, help me with a task and I will fulfill all your requests."


    Gu Yu winked at Gu An and then followed his father''s steps.


    After this batch of guests entered the mansion, the surrounding Ji family members gathered around, asking him what he had written that had earned Gu Zong''s high regard.


    An old cultivator joked, "It couldn''t possibly be Investiture of the Gods that you wrote, could it?"


    Gu An smiled and said, "I do wish it were me who wrote that."


    Du Ye scoffed, "How could he possibly have written Investiture of the Gods, it''s probably something rted to cultivating herbs."


    The others joined in the ribbing, and through this incident, Gu An''s presence suddenly skyrocketed.


    Just as Gu An was thinking of escaping, a cultivator from the Ji Family came out from the mansion and said, "Who is Gu An? The third young mistress has summoned him!"

 Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Primordial Daoist Talisman, Demon Path Ambition

    "He is Gu An!"


    Du Ye pushed Gu An, who staggered a bit before looking at the summoning cultivator and said, "I am Gu An."


    "Come."


    The cultivator replied, then turned and walked toward the mansion.


    Gu An followed his steps, puzzled. What did Ji Xiaoyu want with him?


    As a child, he had little interaction with Ji Xiaoyu, given the stark difference in their statuses.


    After Gu An left, the Ji Family cultivators guarding the gate surrounded Du Ye, inquiring about Gu An. Du Ye''s expression turned unnatural; he could only reply to each question in turn.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An followed the message-carrying cultivator for about two li before finally reaching Ji Xiaoyu''s courtyard.


    The message-carrying cultivator stopped at the courtyard entrance, gestured with his hand for Gu An to enter, then turned and left.


    Gu An could already sense Ji Xiaoyu''s aura. By his judgment, Ji Xiaoyu was also at the Ninth Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm but significantly stronger than Ji Lin.


    He stepped into the courtyard, which was filled with a bamboo grove that warred with the wintry atmosphere, making it feel like springtime.


    Following the small path through the bamboo, he soon saw a pond enveloped in white Spirit Mist; within the mist, a figure was meditating, vaguely discernible as a woman.


    As Gu An approached, he saluted Ji Xiaoyu who was in the pond and said, "Gu An pays his respects to the Third Young Miss."


    Ji Xiaoyu, dressed in green, sat cross-legged, floating above the pond''s surface with her fingers intertwined and resting on her knees. Her long hair, held up by three pearl-studded hairpins, framed her shining, jade-like forehead which bore a faint, red mark. In terms of facial features, only Jiang Qiong couldpare to her in Gu An''s opinion.


    Unlike Jiang Qiong''s enchanting demeanor, which blended innocence and wickedness, Ji Xiaoyu was like a celestial nymph descended from the heavens, her expression impassive and radiating a sanctity that forbade desecration.


    Gu An thought back to the first time he had met Ji Xiaoyu as a child; even then, she didn''t seem like a child. Her eyes appeared as if they had been tempered by the ages.


    He immediately conducted a Life Span Detection:


    [Ji Xiaoyu (Foundation Establishment Realm Ninth Layer):34/830/8900]


    What the heck?


    An ultimate lifespan of eighty-nine hundred years?


    The key point was that she was only at the Ninth Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. How could she possibly have eight hundred and thirty years of life expectancy?


    Surprised, Gu An suddenly felt Ji Xiaoyu was more than just someone with Dual Spirit Roots.


    "You did well earlier. After the banquet, you should meet Gu Zong, and you can take him as your master," Ji Xiaoyu said without opening her eyes, her voice melodious yet authoritative.


    She had actually eavesdropped on the conversation at the mansion''s gate!


    Gu Anined inwardly, but verbally responded, "Third Young Miss, honestly, I don''t wish to take him as my master. I can tell that his status is extraordinary and his cultivation level must be very high, but with my mediocre abilities, having a renowned master would only cause me troubles. I wish to stay in my Medicine Valley and live out my life peacefully.


    Supplying a batch of medicinal herbs to the Third Young Miss each year is already more than enough to fulfill me."


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu opened her eyes. The mist before her dispersed as she turned her head to look at Gu An with a slight upward flick at the corner of her eyes, adding amanding air to her delicate features. Her bright eyes seemed to be trying to see through Gu An''s heart.


    Gu An slightly lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.


    It wasn''t that he feared her, but his current public identity was a mere Qi Cultivation Realm house servant. He had to y the part fully.


    "Then don''t take a master. However, since Gu Zong wishes to meet you, you''ll have to see him regardless. This matter is indeed difficult for you. Tell me, what can I do for you? As long as it''s within my power, I will make it happen," Ji Xiaoyu softly said.


    Perhaps it was because Ji Xiaoyu had once saved Gu An when he was younger that he held a fondness for her. Hearing her offer, he didn''t hesitate to say, "Third Young Miss, the Mystic Valley where I stay is too small. I wish to cultivate more medicinal herbs. Could you help me acquire another Medicine Valley?


    Of course, please don''t move me from Mystic Valley; my heart is tied to that ce, and I can''t bear to leave."


    Ji Xiaoyu fell silent upon hearing this.


    Gu An was not in a hurry.


    If she couldn''t manage it, then he would ask Gu Zong.


    He had a rough idea of what Gu Zong wanted from him.


    What else could they want from a writer like him?


    Ji Xiaoyu finally spoke, "I can''t fully promise the Medicine Valley matter, as this ce is not Ji Mansion, and you don''t wish to leave your Valley. I will try my best. Besides this, you may make another request."


    Gu An promptly said, "Could you give me a set of Teleportation Array? I wish to connect the two Medicine Valleys for ease of travel."


    "That is not difficult. After the banquet, I will have someone deliver it to you," she replied.


    "Thank you, Third Young Miss!"


    Gu An smiled, saluting her once more.


    Ji Xiaoyu closed her eyes then asked, "By the way, what exactly did you write that made Gu Zong hold you in such high regard, even wanting to take you as his disciple?"


    Gu An thought for a moment, realizing he couldn''t keep this a secret. After today, Ji Xiaoyu might investigate him. It might be better to be forthright; Ji Family might even protect him in the future.


    "Investiture of the Gods."


    When Gu An uttered these four words, Ji Xiaoyu abruptly opened her eyes and turned to look at him, showing a look of surprise for the first time.


    "Investiture of the Gods is written by you? How do you know so much?" Ji Xiaoyu asked, frowning.


    With a helpless tone Gu An replied, "It''s just my imagination, it''s not real."


    Many were saying that "Investiture of the Gods" was a piece of ancient history, and individuals like Zuo Lin and Wuxin thought the same, which had made him nervous for a while.


    If he hadn''t checked in the Book Collection Hall of the Outer Sect and found no records rted to Huaxia, he might have actually believed that "Investiture of the Gods" was real.


    "Imagined? But the world of ''Investiture of the Gods'' that you depict is so vast and the Daoist sorcery so captivating," Ji Xiaoyu whispered softly.


    Clearly, she also enjoyed reading "Investiture of the Gods."


    Gu An pretended to be uneasy, appearing unsure of how to continue the conversation.


    "You mustn''t speak about this to anyone else. ''Investiture of the Gods'' has too great an influence, and Pan An''s name has already spread throughout the Taicang Dynasty; other sects all want to find you," Ji Xiaoyu cautioned.


    Thinking it over, she raised her right hand, the jade ring on her middle finger shing with light, and a small bronze sword appeared in her palm.


    "This is a Talisman Treasure. You only need to infuse it with Spiritual Power to activate it. This treasure can y cultivators in the Core Formation Realm. Keep it to protect yourself," she said.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s words made Gu An take another look at the small bronze sword.


    This was his first encounter with such a Talisman Treasure. Previously, Jiang Qiong had mentioned to him that Talisman Treasures do not recognize a master and require stored Spiritual Power to be used, often left by Great Cultivators to protect their juniors. He hadn''t expected that he would get to enjoy this privilege today.


    He did not refuse and epted the small bronze sword.


    "Go back to your room and rest. You don''t have to stand guard anymore."


    Ji Xiaoyu closed her eyes again, her tone returning to its previous indifference.


    Gu An bowed politely with his hand, then turned and left.


    After leaving the courtyard, Gu An curiously pondered the indescribable, inexplicable aura he felt on Ji Xiaoyu, an aura that inexplicably drew one toward it.


    He did not think too much of it and walked toward his own courtyard.


    As more guests arrived, the Ji Mansion grew lively, bursting with people everywhere.


    The Divinity Transformation cultivators were lively and jovial, Nascent Souls keeping thempany, while those in Core Formation could only scurry about busily, their status dictated by their cultivation realm tantly apparent in the Ji Mansion.


    As he walked, Gu An suddenly saw someone.


    Jiang Qiong.


    The two met on a corridor face-to-face; Gu An was veryposed, his expression unchanging. Jiang Qiong was the same.


    As they brushed past one another, maintaining half a meter distance, Gu An suddenly felt a Jade Pendant being slipped into his left hand.


    "Check with Divine Sense once you''re back in your room, and let''s pretend we don''t recognize each other,"


    The voice of Jiang Qiong reached Gu An''s ears¡ªshe was using the Sound Transmission Skill.


    Gu An clenched the Jade Pendant tightly and left without turning back, passing by each other as though they were strangers.


    ...


    Inside his room, Gu An sat cross-legged on his bed, his left hand gripping the Jade Pendant, the back of his hand facing upwards. Even inside, he did not let the Jade Pendant show.


    He sent his Divine Sense into the Jade Pendant and soon furrowed his brow.


    Inside the Jade Pendant was a vestige of Divine Sense left by Jiang Qiong, informing him of why she hade to the Ji Mansion.


    Jiang Qiong''s current target was precisely Ji Xiaoyu.


    Not just her, but Thousand-Autumn Pavilion and other Demonic Sects had also sent spies, all aiming to seize the Primordial Daoist Talisman within Ji Xiaoyu''s body.


    The Primordial Daoist Talisman was a very special power, like bloodline, innate to one''s birth, but once the owner formed a core, the Primordial Daoist Talisman would emerge on the Golden Core. At that point, if the Golden Core were taken away, the Primordial Daoist Talisman would leave the cultivator''s body.


    ording to Jiang Qiong, a Daoist Talisman of this nature was a once-in-ten-thousand-years urrence, rarer even than Heavenly Spirit Roots, and possessed life-altering natural benefits.


    No wonder Ji Xiaoyu had such an exaggerated lifespan¡ªit was because of the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    Now, Gu An was in a quandary. On one side was Jiang Qiong, and on the other Ji Xiaoyu. Whom should he support?


    Forget it!


    He wouldn''t interfere; after all, Jiang Qiong wouldn''t make a move until the banquet was over, waiting for Ji Xiaoyu to aplish Core Formation. By then, Gu An would have already returned to Mystic Valley.


    Gu An was very curious about the Primordial Daoist Talisman; was the special aura he had felt on Ji Xiaoyu the aura of the Primordial Daoist Talisman?


    Even he, a Great Cultivator of the Void Crossing Realm, could not help but feel greedy, which showed how powerful the primordial force contained within the Primordial Daoist Talisman was.


    As time passed, the banquet proceeded smoothly, and the lurking Demon Cultivators did not act rashly.


    At noon, Ji Xiaoyu showcased the Qilin Step for the guests, and Gu An witnessed this scene in the courtyard.


    Ji Xiaoyu stepped out from the courtyard, ascending to heaven with each step, creating a Qilin Dharma Aspect beneath her feet. After seven steps, the Qilin Dharma Aspect enveloped her body. At a nce, it appeared as though seven dark-red Qilins stood in the air¡ªa magnificent sight.


    With Gu An''s keen vision, he could tell that Ji Xiaoyu could take two more steps¡ªnine steps was her limit for the Qilin Step.


    But the ultimate limit of the Qilin Step wasn''t nine steps. Mastered to perfection, one could make a thousand steps, where thousands of Qilin, akin to avatars, could encircle and confuse an opponent.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Regardless, Ji Xiaoyu''s mastery of the Qilin Step at the age of thirty-four was indeed remarkable. With it, she could sweep through cultivators of the same realm.


    In the evening, Du Ye came looking for Gu An with Gu Zong and Gu Yu.


    Having led the way, Du Ye left, not daring to disturb them.


    An Ancient Hourter, Gu Zong left with a smile of satisfaction.


    Gu An escorted them to the gate of the courtyard. Gu Yu turned back, winked at Gu An, and said, "Remember, I must have many beautifuldies as friends in the book. In half a year at most, I''lle looking for you, and the Medicine Valley you want will definitely not disappoint!"

 Chapter 47: Chapter 47: The Demon Shadow Divine Skill, Begins to Show Its Might

    Gu Zong was asking Gu An to write a book about his deeds, and naturally, Gu An would not refuse, after all, it wasn''t as if he was being asked to cast Gu Zong as the main protagonist of "Investiture of the Gods."


    As an exchange, Gu Zong would elevate Gu An''s status to that of an Outer Disciple and grant him a Medicine Valley twice the size of Mystic Valley.


    Six monthster, Gu Yu would go to find Gu An with the items.


    Writing a book in exchange for a Medicine Valley, Gu An felt it was a good deal, as he had nothing else to do on normal days.


    That night, after returning to his room, Du Ye pressed Gu An for details about what Gu Zong wanted with him.


    "Sect secrets, are you sure you want to pry?" Gu An asked meaningfully, instantly frightening Du Ye to the point where he shuddered all over and dared not inquire further.


    The next morning, as the guests of Ji Mansion dispersed, a cultivator found Gu An and handed him a storage bag, saying it was from the Third Miss. He swept it with his Divine Sense and found it was filled with materials for formations, a rich assortment indeed.


    Gu An hesitated whether or not to remind Ji Xiaoyu, but as soon as he saw the cultivators of the Ji Family in Ji Mansion increasing instead of decreasing, and even many cultivators meditating on the eaves, he knew that the Ji Family had already sensed the crisis.


    Since that was the case, there was no need for him to worry.


    At noon, Gu An followed Du Ye as they left, using the Teleportation Array to return to the Outer City.


    After saying goodbye to Du Ye, Gu An headed towards Mystic Valley.


    He had already started nning the nting in the second Medicine Valley in his mind.


    With the addition of Li Xuandao''s Medicine Valley, he would have three Medicine Valleys, and his future life span ie was sure to skyrocket.


    Even though he had reached the Void Crossing Realm''s firstyer, Gu An would not consider his life span to be in excess. Above the Void Crossing Realm, there were surely many more levels, each requiring more of one''s life span the higher one climbed.


    His goal was eternal life, to reach the pinnacle of the Immortal Cultivation path!


    Riding on a flying sword, roaming freely between heaven and earth, Gu An stood against the wind, harboring dreams of evesting youth through the seasons.


    When he arrived back at Mystic Valley, his brows furrowed.


    Hended from Sword Control, and his flying sword then buried itself into his storage bag. Ye Yan, who was not far off weeding, saw him and immediately ran over.


    "Master, you''re finally back. Yesterday, a senior came to stay in our Medicine Valley," reported Ye Yan immediately.


    Gu An nodded and said, "I know, you keep busy."


    He noticed that there were gs hidden among the weeds around Mystic Valley, clearly part of a formation.


    He first felt out for the aura of the other, then pretended not to notice the formation and walked towards the direction of that cultivator''s aura, quickly inspecting the medicinal herbs along the way.


    Good heavens!


    Six fourth-tier medicinal herbs were missing!


    Gu An''s eyes suddenly turned cold.


    The other''s cultivation level was no trivial matter, being a Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator, but even if they were Divinity Transformation, if they dared to steal his herbs, they would have to pay a price!


    Gu An made his way to Xiaochuan''s courtyard and saw someone in the courtyard performing Alchemy. The Pill Furnace appeared ancient, nearly as tall as a person, with wisps of blue smokeing out of it.


    The one performing Alchemy was an old man, hunched over and short, with white hair tied behind his head with a grass rope.


    [Qiu Qianli (Divinity Transformation Realm Second Layer):486/930/1050]


    Once Gu An was certain the other hadn''t hidden a stronger cultivation level, he directly approached and asked, "May I ask for your honored name, senior, and from whence youe?"


    His tone was aggressive, a stark departure from his usual manner of addressing people.


    Qiu Qianli stood up, turned towards Gu An with a smile, and said cheerfully, "I am Qiu Qianli, passing through this Medicine Valley and thinking to stay a few days."


    Gu An asked, "Is senior from the Supreme Sect?"


    Given that Ji Xiaoyu was about to reach Core Formation, he couldn''t help but suspect the other''s identity.


    Usually, there were no Divinity Transformation cultivators visiting his Medicine Valley.


    The busy disciples also turned their gazes toward the yard, sensing that Qiu Qianli was no ordinary visitor. They all felt relieved to see Gu An returning.


    "And you, are you the master of this Medicine Valley?" Qiu Qianli asked with a chuckle.


    Gu An replied, "That''s correct, senior, but why do you not answer me?"


    Qiu Qianli shook his head with an amused expression, muttering to himself, "A Qi Cultivation realm Individual Cultivator dares to speak to me in such a tone."


    He suddenly squatted down and pped the ground with his palm.


    In an instant, the earth trembled, the gs hidden in the forest in each direction quivered, unleashing a surge of Demonic Qi. The Demonic Qi rose swiftly, forming a demonic that enveloped the entire Mystic Valley, and then the turned transparent as if everything that happened was an illusion.


    "What are you trying to do?"


    Gu An asked, feigning panic.


    The disciples in the distance sensed something was wrong and immediately rushed over.


    The first to arrive were Xiaochuan and Ye Yan, then Wuxin, Zhen Qin, and Su Han. The others hurried over too but dared not approach rashly, standing anxiously outside the yard to watch.


    Su Han stood at the forefront, with a sword in hand, though his trembling legs revealed his nervousness.


    Zhen Qin''s face turned pale with fear, but she still stood in front of Gu An, which made him want tough.


    This silly girl!


    Qiu Qianli''s right palm was swirling with chilling Demonic Qi. He slowly stood up, wearing a ferocious grin, "Now that the Valley Master has returned, I won''t disguise myself any longer. If you wish to live, then just obediently listen to me, otherwise I''ll skin you alive, extract your souls, and let you neither live nor die!"


    Sensing his terrifying aura, all disciples felt a pang of fear.


    Wuxin mustered the courage to ask, "We are all Servant Disciples, and even refining our souls would be of no benefit to you. Let''s talk this out; what is it that you want us to do?"


    He spoke quickly, worried that Gu An might not understand Qiu Qianli''s true cultivation level.


    Qiu Qianli sneered, "Wise of you. From now on, just wait in the valley for my orders. I intend to use your Medicine Valley for cultivating Elixirs. Don''t even think of escaping; my formation is invisible and colorless, even a Core Formation Realm cultivator who encounters it would turn instantly into a pool of blood."


    Having witnessed the formation taking shape earlier, they naturally believed his words.


    Qiu Qianli looked at Gu An and said with a mocking smile, "Valley Master, what would you do now if I told you Ie from the Wanyin Sect?"


    The Wanyin Sect!


    Truly a shadow that won''t disperse...


    In his entire life, Gu An had scarcely killed anyone, besides Fuxiong, everyone else was from the Wanyin Sect.


    Feigning terror, Gu An clenched his teeth and said, "Please forgive my earlier insolence, senior. As long as you do not harm my disciples, you maymand me as you wish, even if it''s to refine souls, please start with mine!"


    Upon hearing these words, the disciples immediately panicked, but none dared speak out for fear of enraging Qiu Qianli.


    Wuxin clenched his fists inside his sleeves, filled with self-reproach, "If only I had cultivated more diligently on a regr basis, and once my cultivation technique had reached its full potential, my brother wouldn''t have to suffer like this..."


    Zhen Qin, Xiaochuan, Su Han, and Ye Yan all shared a simr sentiment.


    Qiu Qianliughed, augh full of contempt.


    Gu An hastily said, "Senior, I have fifth-grade medicinal herbs in my house, particrly suitable for use as medicine primer, do you need them?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Not bad, you are quite aware of the times, go on then!" Qiu Qianli said, waving his sleeve.


    Immediately, Gu An turned around and ran towards his loft.


    The others watched Qiu Qianli warily, afraid that he would make a sudden move.


    Qiu Qianli casually dug at his ear and nced towards Zhen Qin, smiling and saying, "Little girl,e over here and assist me."


    Seeing his malicious smile, Zhen Qin felt extremely disgusted, but more than that, she was filled with dread.


    What should she do?


    Based on the spectacle of the formation from just before, it was certain that no one in the valley was a match for this demon cultivator.


    Just as Zhen Qin was engulfed in anxiety, a figure d in purple-ck suddenly appeared beside Qiu Qianli.


    Qiu Qianli''s pupils abruptly contracted, instinctively turning to look.


    So fast!


    Impossible!


    Just as Qiu Qianli was about to retaliate, the other party''s right hand, swift as a sword, pierced directly through his chest, lifting him into the air.


    His eyes widened, disbelieving as he looked down at the individual below him.


    This was a figure enveloped in dark purple mes, its true face indiscernible, as if it hade straight from the Nine Nether World.


    Wuxin, Zhen Qin, and the rest were equally startled by the mysterious figure that appeared so suddenly, retreating in unison.


    "Thousand-Autumn Pavilion... Demon Shadow Divine Skill..." Qiu Qianli said with a trembling voice, his toneden with terror.


    He desperately realized he could not summon any Spiritual Power within him; the strike from before hadpletely shattered his Golden Core, and the overpowering Spiritual Power of the attacker pressed down on his Primordial Spirit within his body, rendering it unable to escape.


    The adversary must be higher than the Divinity Transformation Realm!


    Gu An, who had been performing the Great Yin-Yang Transformation, nced back at Wuxin.


    Wuxin seemed to realize something and his expression changed drastically.


    Immediately after, the hand that Gu An used to pierce through Qiu Qianli suddenly clenched into a fist, releasing a terrifying burst of Sword Qi, instantly disintegrating Qiu Qianli''s physical body, leaving only his Primordial Spirit dangling from his arm, while Qiu Qianli''s Storage Bag fell into his other hand.


    Blood sttered everywhere!


    Wuxin and the rest were sshed by it but were so shocked they couldn''t react, frozen in ce.


    "Pre-..."


    The Primordial Spirit of Qiu Qianli began to speak tremblingly, but before he could finish, it was crushed to dust by Gu An''s overwhelming Spiritual Power.


    Gu An''s figure vanished into thin air.


    The next second, the sound of a door being smashed open echoed from afar, and Gu An, holding a fifth-grade Tiger Blood Flower, was seen climbing down from the balcony of his loft.


    He rushed towards the courtyard where Wuxin and others were, shouting loudly, "Senior! Stop this madness!"


    He leaped over the courtyard wall and arrived beside Zhen Qin, looking at the blood-stained courtyard, he hurriedly turned his head towards his disciples and saw that none were missing, then he finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    In a tense voice, he asked, "The demon... where did he go?"


    His voice was low, as if fearful of being overheard by Qiu Qianli.


    As if woken from a trance by his voice, Zhen Qin screamed and, gripping Gu An''s robe, said with a trembling voice, "Master, he''s dead... he was..."


    The other disciples also snapped out of their shock, turning their heads in all directions, dreading the mysterious shadow might reappear.


    It took Gu An a while to understand from them what had just happened.


    It has to be said, acting can be very exhausting.


    Gu An instructed his disciples to hold their ground and stay alert.


    At the same time, he silently exerted force with his right foot, allowing his Spiritual Power to spread underground, destroying the invisible formation beneath.


    Suddenly, a screen of Demonic Qi appeared above Mystic Valley, and shortly after, the mysterious Demon Path Formation began to copse, the Demonic Qi dissipating like smoke, as if it had never been there, with the autumn leaves atop the mountain following suit and fluttering down.


    "The formation is lifted?" Ye Yan tentatively asked.


    Wuxin took a deep breath and said to Gu An, "Brother, let us speak elsewhere!"


    Eliminating Qiu Qianli had granted him sixty-six years of life span, not a bad oue.


    Feeling pleased, Gu An feigned a puzzled look; he hesitated for a moment and finally nodded.


    The two headed towards Gu An''s loft, while the other disciples gathered together to discuss the recent ordeal.


    Inside the loft, Wuxin closed the door, turned to face Gu An, and said through clenched teeth, "The one who just attacked must be a Great Cultivator from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, perhaps someone my father sent to protect me..."

 Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Yang Wood Primordial Skill, Nine Layers of the Void Crossing Realm

    Watching Wuxin''splex expression, Gu An wanted tough, but his years of acting experience kept him from breaking character.


    Gu An''s expression kept changing, first shock, then relief, and finally tension.


    Seeing the changes in his senior brother''s expression, Wuxin felt even more awkward, but he did not regret revealing the matter.


    Since thest time they opened their hearts to each other, Wuxin felt that his senior brother was the closest person to him, and there should be no secrets between them.


    "You must not speak of this matter, or I can''t protect you!" Gu An took a deep breath and said seriously.


    Wuxin nodded solemnly, recalling the previous battle, which sent chills down his spine.


    Curious, Gu An asked, "Can you recognize the person just now, what realm was he in?"


    He wanted to gauge the depth of Thousand-Autumn Pavilion.


    Upon hearing this, Wuxin scratched his head and guessed, "I didn''t see his true face, but he might be in the Nascent Soul Realm, his movement technique was too fast, it feels like those in Core Formation Realm would scarcely possess such capability..."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu An was stunned.


    This foolish boy...


    He remarked emotionally, "You say your father doesn''t care about you, but look, he still sends people to protect you."


    "He really doesn''t care about me, but it might also be because he fears I might tarnish his reputation, or perhaps the person who acted just happened to be on a mission to Supreme Sect," guessed Wuxin, feeling unmoved and still resistant to his father.


    Afterwards, Gu An gave a few more instructions and then took Wuxin downstairs.


    Gu An did not let the disciples clean up the courtyard but preserved the scene, waiting for Wuxin to go to the Outer Sect the next day to find the Disciple of Law Enforcement Hall.


    All the disciples in the valley had witnessed the previous battle; hiding it was impossible, so it was better to inform Supreme Sect in advance.


    He stood in front of Qiu Qianli''s Pill Furnace, observing the elixir inside it; he couldn''t tell what elixir Qiu Qianli was concocting, but decided to keep it for Supreme Sect to determine.


    That night.


    Gu An went to the Eight Scenic Caves, and as usual, fed the Sky Dragon sheep meat. Afterward, he took out Qiu Qianli''s Storage Bag.


    He emptied everything inside and then destroyed the Storage Bag.


    One must say, a Cultivator in the Divinity Transformation Realm was indeed rich, with just Spirit Stones and Spirit Energy Elixirs amounting to a massive sum.


    He inspected each item, burning all those of no use to prevent anyone from tracking him.


    For the Magic Artifacts, he also erased Qiu Qianli''s marks one by one, making all the artifacts ownerless.


    In the end, he was left with a letter containing a nk sheet, which required Divine Sense to read and an individual had to be in the Divinity Transformation Realm to discern it.


    After investigating, he learned why Qiu Qianli hade, which was for the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    Qiu Qianli''s mission was to rendezvous with a member of Wanyin Sect at the Outer Sect and steal the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    Apart from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, Wanyin Sect had nted many spies inside Supreme Sect, and the individual Qiu Qianli was supposed to meet must be of high cultivation level.


    Demon Path spies truly infiltrated everywhere!


    How many were there, just like he had been, coerced into such roles?


    Gu An felt a mix of emotions and then stood up to check the medicinal herbs within the Eight Scenic Caves.


    ...


    The next morning, Wuxin, along with Tang Yu and Su Han, headed for the Outer Sect. Gu An had the other disciples carry on with their normal tasks¡ªgrazing sheep, weeding, watering.


    By noon, the trio returned. Their quick return was due to a ride from a Core Formation Realm Cultivator on a giant redwood fan, which amodated dozens of people. Ye Lan was also there.


    As everyonended, Gu An greeted them.


    The leader was an Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall named Murong Ying.


    [Murong Ying (Core Formation Realm Layer 3): 268/503/908]


    Murong Ying wore a purple robe, was tall and handsome, sporting a head of hair mixing ck and white. His every action disyed the poise of a high-ranking individual.


    After hearing the full ount of the incident from Gu An, he nodded slightly, saying, "You''ve done well. We will clean up this area, and we will not allow any Demon Cultivator to lurk."


    Gu An immediately expressed his gratitude.


    The Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall did not linger to chat with the valley''s disciples. They went to Xiaochuan''s courtyard and on seeing the bloodstains on the walls and ground, everyone was terrified.


    Murong Ying headed to Qiu Qianli''s Pill Furnace, peered inside, and quickly furrowed his brows.


    Meanwhile.


    Ye Lan came over to Gu An,forting him.


    Gu An had Wuxin seek her out first as her intervention made it easier to mobilize the Law Enforcement Hall, so when she heard about the incident in Mystic Valley, she was eager to rush over immediately.


    After about half an hour, Murong Ying took the Pill Furnace away and then motioned for the Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall to leave.


    Watching the departing figures of the Law Enforcement Hall disciples, Zhen Qin couldn''t help but look at Gu An and asked, "Is it over just like that?"


    Gu An didn''t have high expectations for Law Enforcement Hall to take action, reporting the incident was sufficient; he did not want to be branded as a spy for the Demon Path.


    "They will investigate, at the very least you must trust your Martial Uncle Ye," Gu An said with a smile.


    Upon hearing that, Zhen Qin felt it made sense.


    Still, the demeanor of the Law Enforcement Hall had stung her, and she secretly vowed to be an Outer Disciple as soon as possible.


    For Mystic Valley, Qiu Qianli was merely a hup, but for Gu An, it was a caution.


    How many dangers had Mystic Valley already faced?


    No!


    It was time to advance his Cultivation Level!


    ...


    Before they knew it, seven days had swiftly passed.


    That evening, Gu An quietly left Mystic Valley and sat down in a forest a hundred miles away.


    He summoned his Attribute Panel and focused on the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill.


    First, he would enhance his cultivation technique!


    He instantly sacrificed ten thousand years of his life span.


    In the end, the Divine Wood Pure Yang Skill leveled up to be the Yang Wood Primordial Skill, achieving mastery in the process.


    The Yang Wood Primordial Skill also awakened a Divine Skill, which delighted Gu An.


    He immediately activated a Life Span Barrier and transmitted the Yang Wood Primordial Skill.


    An hourter, the transmission ended, and Gu An had also understood the mysteries of the Divine Skill.


    This Divine Skill, named Yang Wood Boundless, could channel spiritual power into the earth to condense Yang Wood, which would cover thend. This Yang Wood could devour the essence, spirit, and even the spiritual power of living beings, which was extremely terrifying. As long as the practitioner had enough spiritual power, it could cover tens of thousands of miles.


    A very domineering Divine Skill, Gu An liked it very much!


    Gu An continued to look at the cultivation level in his Attribute Panel, nning to level his cultivation to the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm. As for breaking through, he feared it might be too conspicuous, and currently, he only had just over twenty thousand years of life span left.


    He first sacrificed a thousand years of his life span, sessfully moving from the first to the fourthyer of the Void Crossing Realm, which was quite good.


    However, after sacrificing another thousand years, his cultivation level only reached the fifthyer of the Void Crossing Realm.


    In the end, he had used a total of seven thousand five hundred years of his life span, reaching the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm.


    He still had thirteen thousand years of life span left and decided to stop there.


    As the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged into his body, he began to carefully perceive the mysteries within him. He couldn''t always rely on sacrificing life span; he wanted to establish his own understanding of cultivation.


    Spiritual energy of heaven and earth entered his body, gathered atop his Golden Core, generated spiritual power, and nourished his muscles, bones, and Primordial Spirit, continuously enhancing his cultivation level.


    Even upon reaching the Void Crossing Realm, a cultivator''s Golden Core remained within the dantian, and after reaching the Void Crossing Realm, Gu An could feel even more the significance of the Golden Core.


    This made him think of the Daoist myth of the Golden Core Path.


    The Core Formation Realm might just haveid the foundation; the true mysteries of the Golden Core would need to be explored at higher realms, just like the Spirit Root. Gu An always felt that cultivating a single Spirit Root would hit a barrier at some stage.


    Immortals are omnipotent; how could they only possess methods of a single attribute?


    The same goes for the Primordial Spirit and the Golden Core. The Primordial Spirit is the manifestation of the soul, enabling cultivators to break free from the physical body''s constraints.


    Gu An wanted to try, in theing days, to integrate other attribute skills with the Yang Wood Primordial Skill. He aimed to create a perfect Five Elements Skill that would perfectly match his supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root.


    Two hourster, Gu An had sessfully reached the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm. The spiritual energy between heaven and earth had been depleted by him, probably rming the Outer Sect once again.


    That was good; the Supreme Sect would surely be more vignt, increasing the pressure on the spies from the Demon Path, and this could also improve Ji Xiaoyu''s chances of sessfully crossing the tribtion.


    Gu An inwardly felt satisfied, having lent a hand to Ji Xiaoyu.


    ...


    Sure enough, the next morning, while Gu An was leading his disciples in exercises, he saw several Great Cultivators sweeping across the sky above Mystic Valley, with the disciples also talking about the previous day''s descent of spiritual energy.


    The consumption of spiritual energy from advancing from the first to the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm was in no way inferior to advancing from the firstyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm to the firstyer of the Void Crossing Realm, and might even be more substantial. The Supreme Sect''s Outer Sect having encountered this situation twice in a row was probably in a tight spot.


    Gu An nned to continue saving up life span, so he wasn''t worried about being discovered.


    Next, it was time for the grand development of Medicine Valley!


    The autumn wind was bleak, and Mystic Valley lived a secluded life.


    Since the disaster brought by Qiu Qianli, the disciples in the valley trained even harder.


    A month quickly passed.


    That day, Gu An was studying the Ziwei Array Chronicles under a tree, while the White Spirit Rat dozed off next to him, looking as plump as a fat dog.


    As he read the Ziwei Array Chronicles, his right hand petted the White Spirit Rat, quite cozily.


    Suddenly!


    Gu An seemed to perceive something and looked toward the distance, in the direction of the Inner Sect.


    He felt a powerful aura from the Void Crossing Realm, with a Great Cultivator in the midst of battle!


    It seemed Ji Xiaoyu had sessfully formed his core, and the spies from the Demon Path could no longer restrain themselves and were engaged in a massive battle.


    Gu An couldn''t help but think of Jiang Qiong, hoping she wouldn''t act recklessly. With her cultivation at the firstyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, it would be quite difficult for her to snatch Ji Xiaoyu''s Golden Core.


    The Inner Sect was so far from the Outer Sect that the disciples in Mystic Valley didn''t feel the battle''s aura and continued their own cultivation practices.


    Even as night fell, Gu An could still feel the distant battle''s aura, a testament to its intensity.


    The cold wind blew in from the window; Gu An sat at the desk reading, when footsteps approached from outside.


    "Senior brother, may Ie in?" Wuxin''s voice came through.


    Gu An replied, "Come in."


    He quickly switched the book in his hand from Green Hero Travelogue to Cheng Xuandan''s Hundred Herbs Collection.


    Wuxin pushed the door open, then closed it behind him and walked to the desk. Seeing the Hundred Herbs Collection in Gu An''s hands, he secretly admired it and his eyes firmed up even more.


    The senior brother is so studious; I must help him!


    Gu An looked up and asked, "What brings you here sote?"


    Wuxin took a deep breath and said, "Senior brother, you''ve been stuck at the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm for some time now, haven''t you?"


    Gu An raised his eyebrows, what does that mean?


    You wouldn''t be dissatisfied with the position of the first disciple and coveting my Valley Master position, would you?


    Followed by Wuxin, who said, "Senior brother, actually I am a genius, but I practice a Divine Skill that suppresses the growth of my cultivation. This skill, meant for slow umtion and sudden burst, possesses the mysterious power to change one''s fate!"

 Chapter 49: Chapter 49 Daoist Expansion Skill, Divine Power Collection

    Am I actually a genius?


    Upon hearing Wuxin''s words, Gu An almostughed.


    He spoke with a smile, "In my eyes, you''ve always been a genius. Could it be that you wish to pass on your cultivation technique to me?"


    Wuxin nodded and said, "When I say genius, I meanpared to the others in the valley. However, whenpared to my brothers and sisters, my innate talent is quite mediocre. The cultivation technique I practice is called Daoist Expansion Skill, taught to me by a divine monk."


    "Once one cultivates this skill, their cultivation realm won''t increase, but their cultivation level continuously umtes. I n to release the seal on my realm before my life''s limit approaches. By then, my spirit root qualification and lifespan will transform. However, once the seal is broken, the Daoist Expansion Skill will be ineffective."


    After listening to this, Gu An couldn''t help but be interested in the Daoist Expansion Skill.


    "What realm is that divine monk at?" he inquired curiously.


    Upon hearing this, Wuxin shook his head, "I am not clear about his cultivation level. He calls himself an Immortal Seeking Daoist."


    "If he is a Daoist, why do you call him a divine monk?"


    "He has been fully ordained and wears a kasaya. How could he be a Daoist? My appearance is modeled after him. He said I would have extraordinary destiny in the future and forcefully shaved my head. The scar on my head is his doing, making it so I can''t grow hair now."


    As he said this, Wuxin felt quite wronged. He wished to be handsome like Gu An and be liked by girls.


    Gu An didn''t continue to question and asked Wuxin to describe the Daoist Expansion Skill.


    He wanted to see just how mystical the Daoist Expansion Skill was.


    Wuxin began to exin the Daoist Expansion Skill seriously, and the exnation took an entire hour.


    The Daoist Expansion Skill truly was profound. Even the breathing techniques were incrediblyplex, and to Gu An, who was of a higher cultivation realm, the Daoist Expansion Skill had even more hidden secrets.


    "Senior brother, have you memorized it? Or should I write it down for you to see tomorrow?" Wuxin asked with concern.


    Gu An smiled and nodded, "Alright, this skill indeed sounds formidable. Thank you for your kindness. Let''s rest for tonight."


    "What''s there to thank, what''s our rtionship?" Wuxinughed. He was pleased, feeling he had finally helped his senior brother.


    After finishing, he turned around and left.


    As soon as he went downstairs, Gu An began to practice the Daoist Expansion Skill.


    Wuxin worried that he wouldn''t remember, so Gu An went along with Wuxin''s idea, to avoid exposing his current talent and realm.


    In reality, as long as it wasn''t a particrly special Daoist Sorcery, Gu An could remember it firmly in his heart just by listening to the words.


    ...


    Three days passed, and in the woods, Gu An was exchanging sword techniques with Su Han.


    That day when Qiu Qianli caused trouble, Su Han was the one who stepped forward with a sword, which moved Gu An deeply, so he decided to teach him a few moves.


    Initially, Su Han didn''t hold much hope, thinking his master was just bored, but the fighting turned outpletely different from what he had expected.


    Gu An, holding a wooden sword, used simple footwork and even more ordinary sword moves, yet he was able to effortlessly break down every single one of Su Han''s attacks.


    Su Han was greatly shocked, and Gu An''s image grew significantly in his heart.


    After dozens of moves, the sword in Su Han''s hand was flicked to the ground by Gu An.


    Su Han, looking at the wooden sword hovering in front of his throat, couldn''t help but swallow nervously and turned to Gu An in astonishment.


    Gu An sheathed his sword and looked at him with a smile, asking, "How was that?"


    "So impressive..." Su Han replied with embarrassment.


    Gu An shook his head, "I''m not asking you to evaluate me, but to ask what you felt."


    Su Han was stunned for a moment, then reflected carefully.


    Wait a minute!


    Something came to him, his expression changed dramatically, and he looked at Gu An with shock, cautiously asking, "Master, were you using the moves from the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword?"


    Gu An nodded, "Yes, I don''t have a deep understanding of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, but do you know why I could decipher your sword moves?"


    "Why?" Su Han pressed.


    "I''m faster than you."


    "But..."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You feel that I am slower than you? Yet I always manage to easily dismantle your sword moves?"


    "Yes, master, it really feels like you are very slow, but just..."


    "Think about it carefully. I seem slow because you are watching me as a person. My eyes, however, are on your sword. Before you strike, I''ve already judged your sword''s trajectory. As you strike, I do too, but as a defender, my sword swing is nowhere near as extensive as yours. Hence, when our swords sh, my speed is less than yours, yet I can catch up."


    Gu An patiently exined, and Su Han listened with a frown, beginning to carefully recall the sword exchange they had just had.


    Su Han quickly understood.


    Indeed, from the moment the two of them drew their swords, the oue had already been decided.


    Su Han raised his eyes to Gu An, a look of admiration on his face, "Master, you are truly amazing. You were able to practice the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword better than me after only watching the sword manual once."


    Gu An stepped forward, smiling, "In fact, I have also practiced sword techniques, so I understand them better than you. But only you know this. You mustn''t tell others. I also carry some grudges and cannot let people know that I understand swordsmanship."


    Upon hearing this, Su Han was deeply moved, immediately kneeling on one knee, raising his hand to swear.


    "I will never reveal that master is skilled in swordsmanship. If I do, may thunder strike me down, and may I live a bitter and solitary life!"


    Gu An quickly pulled him up, saying irritably, "There''s no need for such an oath. If you promise, I will believe you."


    Although he said so, he was still very pleased with Su Han''s attitude.


    Given his way of doing things, taking the risk to instruct Su Han in swordsmanship was already a gamble.


    Su Han scratched his head and smiled sheepishly.


    Gu An continued to instruct Su Han in swordsmanship. Although he had not practiced the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword diligently, his achievement in the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword made it easy for him to impart some pointers.


    An hourter, Gu An left the forest, leaving Su Han to practice swordsmanship alone.


    He arrived at the entrance of the valley, his gaze fixing on the wooden railing of a courtyard ahead, where a figure stood apanied by the servant disciple Yang Min.


    Jiang Qiong!


    Under the bright sunlight, how dare this scoundrel directly enter Mystic Valley?


    Gu An internallymented. He became aware of Jiang Qiong approaching Mystic Valley, which was why he had ended his private instruction of Su Han ahead of time.


    He chose not to intervene earlier because Jiang Qiong flew here on a sword without attempting to conceal his figure or aura.


    Gu An walked briskly towards them, and upon reaching Jiang Qiong''s side, he said to Yang Min, "You can go busy yourself with other matters, I''ll attend to her."


    Relieved, Yang Min hurriedly left.


    Jiang Qiong turned to look at Gu An and smiled, "Your disciple really is timid."


    Gu An said, "Let''s go upstairs to talk."


    Jiang Qiong had no objections and followed him to the attic.


    Once inside, Gu An closed the door and asked in a low voice, "Martial Master, why have youe, and in broad daylight at that..."


    Jiang Qiong casually sat down, first flicked her sleeve and threw out four talisman papers, sticking them on the doors and windows, then poured herself some tea from the teapot on the table. She spoke nonchntly, "What''s there to fear? I''m still an Inner Sect Disciple of Supreme Sect. Before my serious injury, I didn''t expose my identity.


    The reason I went into hiding was because I had enemies at that time. Over the years, I have investigated, and that enemy has already died."


    Gu An sat down opposite her, curious, he asked, "Was that enemy from Supreme Sect?"


    "To be precise, like me, that person was a spy from the Demon Path," said Jiang Qiong, with a smile that was not quite a smile, deliberately emphasizing the words "spy from the Demon Path."


    Gu An wanted to press for more details, but Jiang Qiong waved her hand and said, "Don''t ask anymore. I n to stay in your Medicine Valley for a while. Once the heat dies down, I''ll leave. What do you say?"


    Gu An frowned and asked, "What happened?"


    He could sense that Jiang Qiong had suffered serious internal injuries but was just putting on a calm front.


    At his question, Jiang Qiong''s eyes becameplex, and she said softly, "That Ji Xiaoyu really is not simple. She just stepped into the Elixir Formation Realm and was able to avoid my attack. At the moment when I was distracted, she was gravely injured by a Nascent Soul Cultivator of the Ji Family."


    "You engaged her?" Gu An suddenly became tense.


    Jiang Qiong gave him a white look and said irritably, "Have you forgotten the Demon Shadow Divine Skill I taught you? I did not reveal my true self, so you don''t need to worry."


    Gu An heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this.


    He pressed on, "Was Ji Xiaoyu''s Primordial Daoist Talisman taken by someone?"


    Jiang Qiong shook her head and said, "No one seeded. With her Qilin Step, it''s very difficult for Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to get close to her. Cultivators of Divinity Transformation and even stronger from the Demon Path were blocked by members of the Ji Family and Supreme Sect Cultivators. The elders of Supreme Sect are indeed formidable..."


    She seemed to recall something and showed a look of after-fright.


    Knowing that Ji Xiaoyu was unharmed, Gu An breathed a sigh of relief.


    Neither of them dying was, in his view, the best oue.


    Gu An observed Jiang Qiong, contemting how tofort her.


    Jiang Qiong lifted her eyes to look at him and asked with a cheery smile, "You didn''t tip off the Ji Family, did you?"


    Gu An quickly shook his head and said, "How could I do that! I''m not that kind of person!"


    "Really?"


    "Truly! Do you want me to swear an oath, Martial Master?"


    Gu An said earnestly; he had just taken an oath with Su Han, and now he was supposed to swear again to Jiang Qiong?


    Jiang Qiong evaluated him and said with a tsk-tsk of amazement, "No need, actually I was thinking of using you to notify the Ji Family, to have them prepare for a battle so that when Ji Xiaoyu forms her elixir, there would be a fierce fight."


    "What a pity, I didn''t expect you to be that kind of person; I really misjudged you," Jiang Qiong feigned a sorrowful expression and even sighed.


    Gu An remained silent.


    Jiang Qiong shifted her tone and smiled, "But this also shows that you are more biased towards me; you haven''t let my affection go to waste. In the future, Martial Master will treat you well. Congrattions, you havepletely captured Martial Master''s heart."


    "Martial Master, don''t talk nonsense!"


    "Ha-ha, you, oh you, it seems you have been bound by the constraints of the Righteous Path and cannot take a joke."


    Jiang Qiong covered her mouth with a coyugh, causing Gu An to feel quite helpless.


    At that moment, Jiang Qiong suddenly reached into her Storage Bag and ced a bronze token on the table.


    The bronze token was square, with missing edges and densely inscribed with tiny letters.


    Jiang Qiong''s eyes burned with eagerness as she said, "This is the true reason I went to the Ji Mansion. This is the Divine Power Collection of the Ji Family, which records one of the ten Great Divine Powers of the Ji Family. It was a congrattory gift from the n Leader of Ji Family to Ji Xiaoyu.


    This item requires the essence blood of the Ji Family''s direct lineage to open, but of course, if one''s cultivation surpasses the Divinity Transformation Realm, the restrictions inside can be forcibly broken."


    "The Ji Family passed down the Qilin Step to Ji Xiaoyu and also the Divine Power Collection. It seems they want to help her enter the Holy Land in the future."


    The Divine Power Collection?


    Gu An''s gaze involuntarily shifted towards the bronze token, his eyes filled with curiosity.


    Jiang Qiong pushed the bronze token towards Gu An and said, "Keep this item with you for now. Hide it within the Eight Scenic Caves. When I obtain the essence blood of the Ji Family''s direct lineage, I wille to find you. In the meantime, to have it with me would invite disaster."


    Gu An looked at the bronze token on the table and blinked.

 Chapter 50: Chapter 50 Heaven and Earth Path Gang, Tianya Valley

    Gu An put the bronze piece into his storage bag and asked, "Are the Ji Family''s ten great Divine Skills really that powerful, a talent from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion like you even envies them?"


    Jiang Qiong''s gaze shifted to the wooden cab beside her, and she softly said, "Very powerful, and it''s not something you can cultivate if you wish to. Within the Ji Family, anyone who managed to cultivate one of the Divine Skills, regardless of their status, would receive focused cultivation from the Ji Family and be moved into the main Ji lineage."


    "Within the Taicang Dynasty, all the sectsbined would still find it hard to topple the Supreme Sect, and the same is true for the noble families, with a huge gap between them. There are three great noble families that stand above the dynasty, one of which is the Ji Family."


    Hearing her words, Gu An suddenly suspected that there might be a spy from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion within the Ji Family.


    Deserving of the Demon Path!


    Following her words, Gu An asked, "Who are the other two families?"


    "Zhou and Gu."


    "Howe there''s no Li?"


    "Haha, the Li Family is just a puppet."


    Jiang Qiong''s words showed disdain for the Li Family, which refreshed Gu An''s understanding of the Taicang Dynasty.


    The royal family isn''t the strongest noble family?


    That''s right, Li Xuandao''s life span might be impressive, but it still can''tpare to Ji Xiaoyu.


    Ji Xiaoyu was the most talented person Gu An had encountered so far. Gu Zong was probably the Gu Family, whose Void Crossing Realm cultivation level was enough to prove the depth of the Gu Family''s heritage.


    As for the Zhou Family, Gu An had not yete into contact with them.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity, Gu An continued to ask Jiang Qiong about the world of Immortal Cultivation, and she answered all his questions.


    After about 30 minutes, Jiang Qiong grew impatient.


    "Why do you have so many questions? Hurry up and arrange a ce for this olddy to stay!" Jiang Qiong red as she spoke.


    This was the first time Gu An heard her refer to herself as "this olddy," suggesting that her injuries were bing unbearable.


    Thus, Gu An took Jiang Qiong downstairs and personally arranged amodation for her.


    After settling in, Jiang Qiong began to cultivate energy to heal her injuries and did not leave her room anymore.


    Zhen Qin found Gu An, curious about Jiang Qiong''s identity.


    Gu An simply said she was an Inner Sect Disciple, which was enough to awe Zhen Qin. Just like that, news of an Inner Sect Disciple''s arrival quickly spread throughout Mystic Valley, and all disciples knew about it, especially that the Inner Sect Disciple was quite beautiful.


    Late at night, Gu An went alone into the Eight Scenic Caves and buried that bronze piece in the ground.


    After Jiang Qiong left, he would further investigate the Divine Power Collection of the Ji Family.


    ...


    As autumn gave way to winter, snow began to gently fall from the sky.


    After nearly a month of recuperating in Mystic Valley, Jiang Qiong bid farewell to Gu An. Watching her fly away with her sword, the direction opposite of the Inner Sect, Gu An guessed that she was probably leaving the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An looked towards Zhen Qin''s room, sensing that she was cultivating some kind of special technique, which Jiang Qiong had taught her.


    Before leaving, Jiang Qiong had exined to him that it was Zhen Qin who insisted on learning from her.


    Gu An watched for a while, then headed towards the woods, ready to check on the Demon Sheep moving about in the forest.


    The Demon Path should have already dispersed, and it was time to resume the peaceful farming life.


    Gu An wouldn''t becent with his nineyers of Void Crossing Realm; he felt it wasn''t enough. He was already looking forward to what abilities a lifespan of a million years could unlock, hoping for something powerful.


    In the following days, he would asionally leave the valley to manage the caves of the Outer Disciples, and at the same time, he would visit the Outer Sect to purchase seeds for high-rank medical herbs.


    The winter snow grew heavier, nketing the world in an expansive whiteness.


    One night, Gu An quietly entered the Eight Scenic Caves.


    He dug out the bronze piece from the ground and then brought it to the base of a Green Vine Tree. He sat down right there, and Sky Dragon came over, rubbing against him.


    Gu An suddenly noticed that Sky Dragon''s body was getting wider, which was not a good sign.


    He began to admonish Sky Dragon, telling him not to overeat. He didn''t want to raise a fat dragon.


    After ying with Sky Dragon for a while, Gu An started to strike the bronze piece with his Divine Sense.


    Jiang Qiong hadn''t lied to him; the bronze piece indeed contained a powerful Restriction that could not be forcefully broken by anyone below the Void Crossing Realm.


    Gu An had already decided that if the item could only be transmitted to one person, he would learn it first, then pass it on to Jiang Qiong. If it could be used repeatedly, he would pretend he hadn''t touched it.


    Boom!


    The powerful Divine Sense of his nineyers of Void Crossing Realm surged into the bronze piece, and the mysterious Restrictionsted only a moment before being forcefully broken. Once the Restriction was shattered, a vast memory flooded into his mind.


    This memory was veryplex and chaotic, with various pieces of information aggressively invading his mind, causing him to frown slightly.


    Even after breaking the Restriction, there was still the need to sort out the information, which might also be a form of assessment.


    With Gu An''s strong Divine Sense, he could grasp the subtle connections. After a while, he sorted things out.


    This Divine Power was called Heaven and Earth Path Gang!


    ...


    The winter snow was pure white, and the snowfall this year was heavier than before. Gu An had no choice but to lead the disciples in shoveling snow.


    Unless it was urgent, they wouldn''t use Spiritual Power; as Gu An said, this could also be considered a form of cultivation.


    The snow fell heavily like a downpour, only slowing down after half a day.


    Gu An stood in front of the wooden railing, looking at the medicinal herbs he had nted, noting that not a single nt had suffered, which brought a smile to his face.


    After looking for a while, Gu An''s gaze drifted to the entrance of the valley, where he saw a man wearing a rain hat and a straw coat approaching. He carried a long spear wrapped in cloth on his back.


    [Luo Hun (Core Formation Realm Eight Layers): 66/400/2803]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A maximum lifespan of 2800 years!


    It''s not simple!


    Gu An immediately walked over, making his way to Luo Hun. He cupped his fists in a salute, ready to ask questions, but Luo Hun preempted him, "Who is Valley Master Gu An?"


    Luo Hun''s voice sounded somewhat young, but it was full of vigor.


    Gu An responded, "I am, may I ask who you are?"


    Lifting his head, Luo Hun revealed a handsome face from beneath his rain hat, except the left side had a brand mark, bearing the character for "prisoner."


    "His Majesty sent me here to give you an ancient hour to prepare, and then to follow me," Luo Hun said expressionlessly. After speaking, he walked past Gu An, heading into the valley.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s eyes twinkled with joy.


    Finally, they hade!


    He was eager to see just how extensive the Medicine Valley prepared by Li Xuandao was.


    He immediately went to find Wuxin. Wuxin had be the position of the greatest disciple in Mystic Valley, capable of overseeing the entire valley.


    The so-called greatest disciple was a position, not necessarily the disciple of the Valley Master, simr to the Supreme Sect''s greatest disciple who, possessing the strongest strength, wasn''t the disciple of the Sect Leader either.


    When Wuxin heard that Gu An would be leaving for a while, he was very excited. Gu An couldn''t help but remind him repeatedly, especially that the medicinal herbs must be left for him to personally harvest upon his return.


    Wuxin knew his senior brother had few hobbies, with picking being one of them; he promised not to harvest on his own.


    Luo Hun then approached Ye Yan, who was swinging a long staff, practicing a staff technique passed down in his family.


    Upon seeing Luo Hun approaching, Ye Yan hastily stopped and nervously looked towards him.


    Luo Hun took out a secret manual from his bosom and threw it to Ye Yan, saying, "Your physique is not bad, you can practice it."


    Catching the manual, Ye Yan replied, "But I am only of mixed spirit root..."


    "Spirit roots only define one''s aptitude for energy absorption and cultivation. There are other aspects to a person''s aptitude. Your physique is superior to ordinary people, making you a good candidate for spear training.


    Once you''ve mastered it, you can go to Cangzhou to join the army, establish your merits, and then exchange them for heavenly and earthly treasures to cleanse your marrow and change your destiny."


    Ye Yan was invigorated by Luo Hun''s words and promptly thanked him.


    Luo Hun nodded slightly, then continued to walk to other ces, browsing the medicinal herbs nted within the valley.


    An hourter, Gu An found him and said they could go.


    Luo Hun lifted his hand and withdrew the long spear from behind, a dazzling golden long spear that caught the attention of the disciples in the valley.


    Nice gear!


    Gu An inwardly scoffed.


    Luo Hun leapt up with a bound, setting foot on the long spear in mid-air. He nced at Gu An standing on the snowy ground and said, "Hop on."


    Gu An instantly leaped up,nding behind him, setting foot on the shaft of the spear.


    With a surge of Spiritual Power from Luo Hun, the long spear sped off with them, leaping over peaks and drawing a long line across the nketed snow fog in the sky.


    The disciples in the valley gathered together, curiously discussing Luo Hun''s identity.


    The high sky was cold, and Gu An''s ck hair was swept back, revealing a fair and graceful face.


    "Not bad, you have fine control over Spiritual Power, standing very steadily."


    Luo Hun''s voice sounded, his back to Gu An, with a tone of slight admiration.


    Gu An casually replied, "I have a fondness for the Sword Control Technique in my regr life, so I''ve studied it."


    "Although your cultivation level is low, being regarded by His Majesty means you must have extraordinary qualities. Once in that Medicine Valley, give it your all. I will protect the safety of the valley..."


    Luo Hun began talking about the Medicine Valley, and Gu An listened intently.


    ording to Luo Hun, that Medicine Valley was very important to His Majesty, who nned to cultivate a batch of geniuses there for future use. If Gu An performed well, he could even receive a share of precious medicinal herbs.


    Gu An could feel that Luo Hun genuinely respected Li Xuandao, which piqued his interest in the "prisoner" mark on Luo Hun''s face.


    The Medicine Valley named Tianya Valley by Li Xuandao was indeed near the Supreme Sect, yet it was thousands of miles away from Mystic Valley, nestled in a range where Demon Beasts roamed.


    Gu An suggested building a Teleportation Array inside Tianya Valley to connect it to his Mystic Valley, but Luo Hun rejected the idea, stating that the existence of Tianya Valley must not be revealed to the Supreme Sect.


    This made Gu An really want to scoff.


    You ced it near the Supreme Sect and still want to keep it a secret?


    However, he thought of the Eight Scenic Caves and supposed Li Xuandao might have set up a high-rank formation.


    To amodate Gu An, Luo Hun flew at a leisurely pace. As night fell, they were still flying.


    Gu An noticed the region was thick with Demon Energy, and even creatures on par with the Elixir Formation Realm lurked within.


    As expected!


    Suddenly, a third-tier Demon Bird swooped down from behind. But Luo Hun punched out, his Spiritual Power coalescing into a golden spear shadow that ripped the Demon Bird apart and casually absorbed its Demon Core into his hand.


    After this show of force, no demons dared to obstruct their path again.


    It wasn''t until the next morning that Gu An finally caught sight of Tianya Valley.


    Thend and mountains ahead were enveloped in white snow and fog, with a white snow vortex among the mountains where the sunlight reflected, creating a vision of circling white cranes¡ªbeautiful, as if from an Immortal Realm.


    Gu An''s gaze prated the snow fog, seeing Tianya Valley, and his expression turned odd.


    situated amongst mountain ranges, Tianya Valley was indeed twice the size of Mystic Valley in terms of territory. On the surrounding mountains stood stone steles, clearly part of some sort of yet-to-be-activated formation.


    The problem was that the valley was overrun with wild, untamed grasses!


    Which meant, he had to start by clearing thend!


    Gu An couldn''t help asking, "Is it just the two of us in Tianya Valley for now?"


    Luo Hun looked ahead, allowing the long spear to descend. He replied, "No need to worry, I will capture a few demon creatures nearby to help you. This valley must not recruit anyone casually; we must wait for His Majesty to send people."

 Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Zhou Tongyou, The Strongest in a Century

    Catching demons?


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s interest was piqued.


    As they continued to descend, the terrain of Tianya Valley emerged through the snow and mist. Seen from mid-air, it appeared like a vast green ocean, with small streams flowing from the surrounding mountains into the valley. Along the edges of the valleyy two small rivers that, upon closer inspection, flowed into the ground.


    Soon, Luo Hunnded with Gu An, who then took out a cloth to wrap his long spear.


    "From now on, you are the Valley Master. You can do whatever you like andmand me at any time," Luo Hun said.


    Gu An nodded and took out the Heavenly Residence Sword, saying, "You can start by constructing some pavilions around the perimeter. I''ll take care of the weeding."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Luo Hun''s eyesnded on the scabbard of the Heavenly Residence Sword, and his pupils dted instantly; he knelt down immediately, saying solemnly, "This lowly one, Luo Hun, greets the Master of the Heavenly Residence Sword!"


    Gu An had deliberately taken out the Heavenly Residence Sword, fearing that Luo Hun might not take him seriously enough.


    The effect was quite good!


    "What are you doing? Get up, get up," Gu An feigned panic and quickly helped Luo Hun to his feet.


    After rising, Luo Hun gave aplex look and said in a deep voice, "I didn''t expect His Majesty to have given you the Heavenly Residence Sword."


    Gu An asked in surprise, "Why such a big reaction?"


    Luo Hun answered, "There are three Emperor Swords in Taicang, and to see the sword is to see the Emperor: Heavenly Inquiry, Heavenly Residence, and Heavenly Punishment. His Majesty holds the Heavenly Punishment Sword, and the Crown Prince possesses the Heavenly Inquiry Sword. Without His Majesty''s permission, no one can take a sword at will, so to see the sword is like seeing the Emperor."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An suddenly felt that Li Ya held a high position in Li Xuandao''s heart, equal to that of the Crown Prince.


    Without Li Xuandao''s consent, it would be difficult for Li Ya to inherit the Heavenly Residence Sword.


    But now that the sword was in his hands, Gu An wondered if Li Xuandao had any schemes in mind.


    Gu An was ustomed to considering the worst-case scenario, so he felt that Li Xuandao''s thoughts were not so simple¡ªafter all, the heart of an emperor is as unfathomable as the sea.


    "I see. Let''s get to work then," Gu An replied.


    Luo Hun had no objections, but he couldn''t help giving the Heavenly Residence Sword a few more nces.


    Then, he saw Gu An using the Heavenly Residence Sword to weed, which left him speechless.


    After struggling for a while, Luo Hun finally turned and left.


    An hourter.


    The array steles around Tianya Valley were activated, each emitting a burst of blue light that shot into the sky. The lights converged high above to form a semi-circr barrier that enveloped the entire Tianya Valley before turning transparent.


    After activating the formation, Luo Hun began to build the pavilions.


    By noon, Gu An had cleared all the weeds at the bottom of the valley, working with incredible efficiency. If not for the need to hide his real strength, he could have cleared the weeds with a mere stamp of his foot.


    Three dayster.


    Gu An had finished sowing, and Luo Hun had brought many seeds of high-rank medical herbs, seemingly with an endless supply from his storage bag.


    During these three days, Luo Hun had built five pavilions and caught three monkey demons.


    All three monkey demons were second-tier demon beasts, capable of walking upright. Apart from their hairy bodies, they looked no different from humans.


    Luo Hun asked Gu An to name them, so he named them ording to their cultivation levels from highest to lowest: Sun Da, Sun Er, Sun San. This left Luo Hun silent for a long while.


    The three monkey demons, however, seemed quite pleased with their surnames.


    Gu An led the three monkey demons around the garden area, assigning them their daily tasks.


    The three monkey demons were already capable of human speech and were quite clever;municating with them was easy. Gu An wasn''t worried about them causing trouble because they were bound by curse magic by Luo Hun, who controlled their life and death.


    Meanwhile, Luo Huny on the stairs of a pavilion, taking out a book from his bosom. On it were clearly written the words "Investiture of the Gods."


    He too was an admirer of "Investiture of the Gods." Gu An had discussed it with him before, and Luo Hun had been very excited, unlike his usual aloof demeanor.


    As evening approached, Gu An found Luo Hun and informed him that he was returning to Mystic Valley.


    Luo Hun was worried about him encountering danger on the way, as the path was rife with demon creatures. Nevertheless, Gu An insisted on going back.


    Gu An assured him that he would be careful.


    Luo Hun thought for a moment, then took out ten talisman papers from his storage bag, "These contain an Invisibility Technique. Infuse them with Spiritual Power, and you can be invisible, your aura undetectable. Unless you encounter a third-tier or Elixir Formation Realm existence, it would be very hard to detect you.


    Each talismansts for five ancient hours, so use them sparingly since you still need to return."


    Gu An epted the talisman papers, thanking Luo Hun with a bow of his fist.


    Luo Hun was still somewhat uneasy and suggested, "Why don''t you perform Foundation Establishment first? I have Foundation Establishment Pills here."


    Gu An shook his head, "I have my own Foundation Establishment Pills. You don''t have to worry about me. I''ve memorized the way back, and I have plenty of Spirit Energy Elixirs."


    With that, he flew away on his sword.


    Leaving from within Tianya Valley, he was not obstructed by the formation, but entering would be difficult.


    Luo Hun watched Gu An''s departing figure, his brow slightly furrowed.


    He thought of His Majesty''s words and could only sigh.


    Li Xuandao had instructed that if Gu An died, he would rece him with someone else as Valley Master. Luo Hun''s only task was to guard Tianya Valley.


    ...


    After traveling a hundred miles away from Tianya Valley, Gu An suddenly sped up. Before nightfall, he returned to Mystic Valley.


    With Tianya Valley to manage, Gu An''sing days became busy¡ªtending to the residences of Outer Disciple''s Cave was one of his tasks, and he had to visit Tianya Valley from time to time to check on things. He didn''t trust the monkeys entirely.


    Although constantly on the move, Gu An felt energized rather than tired, his fighting spirit undiminished.


    In a few years, his lifespan was about to surge!


    Once the promised Medicine Valley from Gu Zong was in his hands, a life span of a million years seemed not so out of reach.


    Gu An even contemted studying Puppetry Technique; he thought of leaving a puppet in each Medicine Valley to help guard the condition of the medical herbs.


    Before that, however, he had to enhance his apparent cultivation level.


    The cultivation level of the ninthyer in the Energy Cultivation Realm was not enough, at least going back and forth between Mystic Valley and Tianya Valley would be quite troublesome.


    And so, after fifteen days passed.


    Gu An came to the Outer Sect, and he went to visit Elder Liu at the Book Collection Hall.


    He felt Elder Liu had more authority than Zhu Qinglu from the Elixir Hall.


    The two met alone in the inner room, where Elder Liu was perusing thetest volume of Investiture of the Gods, saying with a smile, "Not bad, not bad, it''s very thrilling, I can''t help but itch to read more just by flipping through it."


    Gu An hesitated and then said, "Elder Liu, I have a favor to ask."


    Elder Liu, without looking up, asked, "What is it?"


    "I''m preparing for my Foundation Establishment, but I don''t want to be an Outer Disciple, I want to continue as the Valley Master of Mystic Valley; it''s also more convenient for writing. If I be an Outer Disciple and have to carry out missions, I''m afraid I''ll die out there..."


    "Is that all?"


    "Can Elder Liu arrange it?"


    "Of course, hehe, I''ll go directly to Gu Yu. He once told me his father holds you in high regard and asked me to look after you and try to meet your requests as much as possible."


    Elder Liu said with augh, his expression as cunning as a fox''s.


    Gu An immediately expressed his gratitude.


    Putting down the book in his hand, Elder Liu said, "You''re already considered a special talent of the Supreme Sect. The proceeds you turn in annually already rank among the top three in the Medicine Valley, not to mention, you can also write Investiture of the Gods. Because of your book, the number of disciples the Supreme Sect recruits each year has increased by fifty percent.


    Your contribution has already far exceeded the contributions of Outer Disciples carrying out missions."


    "You just rx, even if you''re able to reach the Core Formation stage in the future, we won''t send you out on missions."


    Laughing at his own remarks, Elder Liu was amused by the irony.


    He himself had not been able to reach the Core Formation stage, how could Gu An?


    Gu An felt a burden lifted, this would make things much easier.


    He just had to avoid appearing too talented and could gradually improve his apparent cultivation level; this would also be convenient for his future actions.


    Suddenly, Elder Liu seemed to recall something and said, "Lately, the genius Zhou Tongyou of Jueshan Sect ns toe to the Supreme Sect to challenge young Cultivators below a hundred years old. It''s expected to be a lively event. You can gather more information to inspire your next book. Remember, when the timees, make sure to include the Supreme Sect in the story."


    Investiture of the Gods was nearingpletion, and Elder Liu had already received instructions from above.


    Gu An nodded and curiously asked, "Is that Zhou Tongyou very impressive?"


    "Naturally, he is impressive. He was born with Dual Spirit Roots, and his physique, the Evil Suppressing Golden Body, was cultivated by the Zhou Family''s efforts over thousands of years. He has been unbeaten within the same realm, and once, with the cultivation level of the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, he slew a Cultivator in the thirdyer of the Elixir Formation Realm.


    His fame shook the Immortal Cultivation World, and he has been called the strongest genius in the Taicang Immortal Cultivation World in a hundred years," Elder Liu said with admiration as he recounted that battle, and Gu An listened earnestly.


    Geniuses who can defeat enemies beyond their own realm, in Gu An''s eyes, all had the aura of a main character.


    After all, he couldn''t do that, or rather, he didn''t dare to do so.


    Compared to defeating strong enemies beyond his own realm, he preferred to suppress weaker ones with a stronger cultivation level.


    Half an hourter, Gu An left the Book Collection Hall.


    After purchasing a batch of items in the city, he hurried back to Mystic Valley.


    The next morning, Gu An gathered his disciples for training exercises and announced that he had sessfully established his foundation the previous night, which surprised the disciples.


    Wuxin felt both excited and a bit reluctant.


    With their master''s sess in foundation establishment, he would surely move to the Outer Sect, and Wuxin would be the Valley Master!


    "Master, does that mean you''re going to leave us?" Zhen Qin hurriedly asked, her tone sounding reluctant, with a pitiable expression on her face.


    The other disciples also looked nervously at Gu An, as Wuxin reined in his excitement and pretended to look downcast.


    Gu An sighed and said, "Yes... "


    The disciples'' expressions instantly dimmed, and Wuxin''s heart pounded uncontrobly.


    The most saddened was Xiaochuan, as he was going to be the one with the oldest seniority in the valley.


    "However, because our Medicine Valley''s harvest has been good, I applied to the Outer Sect to stay in Medicine Valley, and the Outer Sect has agreed," said Gu An, swiftly transitioning.


    The disciples were stunned for a moment and then burst into cheers, crowding around Gu An.


    Wuxin froze, standing motionless for several breaths before he managed to squeeze out a smile.


    The happiest was Xiaochuan; knowing he had no hope of foundation establishment in this life, if Gu An could apany him for a lifetime, of course, he would be overjoyed, as only Gu An would indulge his interest in raising demon creatures.


    Mystic Valley burst into joy, and it took Wuxin a good while to settle his emotions.


    Seeing his mood, Gu An pulled him aside and revealed that he would soon have a new Medicine Valley and that even if he remained in Mystic Valley, Wuxin could be in charge of it in the future.


    Wuxin would have the de facto authority of the Valley Master!


    This news excited Wuxin greatly.


    Seeing his enthusiastic smile, Gu An thought of Cheng Xuandan and Zhang Chunqiu again.


    Things had changed.


    Days quickly passed by, and Gu An went out of the valley every two days to manage the Outer Disciples'' caves and visited Tianya Valley once every half a month.


    Once he knew that Gu An had established his foundation, Luo Hun becamepletely reassured about him and stopped bothering him.


    Seeing Luo Hun''s fondness for reading, Gu An brought him a copy of Green Hero Travelogue.


    However, oddly enough, when Gu An visited Tianya Valley afterward, he never saw Luo Hun holding Green Hero Travelogue.


    Maybe he didn''t like it?


    Then he wouldn''t bring it next time!


    But why wasn''t he reading Investiture of the Gods anymore?

 Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Internal Strife, Third Medicine Valley

    Winter had passed, and spring was upon them once more, signifying the arrival of another New Year.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In Mystic Valley, the disciples were bustling about with preparations for the Spring Festival, while Gu An walked around with the White Spirit Rat cradled in his arms, inspecting each garden area.


    The White Spirit Rat thoroughly enjoyed being held by him, its eyes closed, seemingly asleep.


    A whooshing sound broke through the air from afar, and Gu An turned his head to see, a smile spreading across his face.


    Ye Lan had returned.


    She swiftlynded beside Gu An, retracting her flying sword into her storage bag, and said with a beaming smile, "Senior brother, I''m back for the festival. You wouldn''t be unweing, would you?"


    Gu An looked at her and asked with a smile, "Is the Law Enforcement Hall not busy?"


    "No matter how busy it is, I can always find a few days to rx. A proper rest is conducive to cultivation¡ªthat''s what you''ve always taught me, and I''ve kept it in mind."


    Ye Lan blinked and said in a yful tone.


    After chatting for a while, Ye Lan pulled Gu An toward the loft, saying as they walked, "Senior brother, let''s go to your room first. I have something to show you."


    A treasure?


    Gu An set the White Spirit Rat down on the ground and followed Ye Lan.


    As they made their way to the loft and entered the room, Ye Lan didn''t close the door, which relieved Gu An somewhat.


    Ye Lan walked over to the desk and pulled a brocade box from her storage bag, looking sideways at Gu An with a victorious smile, "Senior brother, this is a Foundation Establishment congrattory gift I prepared especially for you."


    "There''s no need for this. When you established your foundation, I didn''t give you any gifts."


    "Without senior brother''s Foundation Establishment Pill, could I have established my foundation? I''m definitely not one of those geniuses who can forcibly establish their foundation with their own Spirit Root Qualification," Ye Lan said, shaking her head and smiling.


    Hearing this, Gu An no longer demurred. He moved next to her, curiously looking at the brocade box.


    Ye Lan opened the box, revealing a nt root inside that resembled ginseng. If one did not pay close attention, they would hardly notice the faint fluctuations of spiritual energy within.


    [Human-Faced Tree (Reviving State): 0/600/22000]


    Twenty-two thousand years of maximum lifespan?


    Gu An raised an eyebrow; it was the first time he had seen the words "reviving state."


    Ye Lan exined, "This is the root of a sixth-grade Spirit Tree. Just nt it in the ground for a few years, and it will grow again, enhancing the spiritual energy of the area."


    Gu An asked curiously, "Such a precious treasure, where did you get it from?"


    Ye Lan blinked and replied, "Not long ago, when I captured a spy from the Demon Path, I found it in the cave of a spy from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. I didn''t report it."


    "That¡­ isn''t that bad?"


    "Don''t worry, other disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall also keep some things, and the higher-ups have tacitly approved it. It''s fine as long as we don''t get too greedy, and no one knows about this treasure."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An felt less burdened. After thinking it over, he said, "If you need any herbs in the future, just let me know. I will soon have a second Medicine Valley, and we can help each other out."


    Ye Lan smiled, "Alright, I''ll go find the others now. I''ve brought gifts for them too."


    Gu An nodded, and Ye Lan then took her leave.


    He gazed at the brocade box on the desk, considering where to nt it.


    After much thought, he decided to save it for the Third Medicine Valley. The new valley needed a boost in spiritual energy; the more abundant the energy, the faster the herbs would grow.


    Mystic Valley already had its own rhythm and didn''t need a Spirit Tree, not to mention Tianya Valley¡ªwhy should he nt the seed himself?


    Tianya Valley was Li Xuandao''s Medicine Valley. He only had managerial rights. Should he need anything from Tianya Valley, he could simply ask Li Xuandao for it.


    Sometimeter, Gu An put the brocade box into his storage bag and then sat at the desk, picking up a brush and beginning to write on a piece of paper.


    The arrival of Ye Lan made the atmosphere in Mystic Valley even better.


    As night fell, various activities for the Spring Festival began, the liveliness never ceasing. Once everyone was seated and started drinking, Zhen Qin asked Ye Lan to share her experiences of executing tasks as an Outer Disciple, and she agreed without refusal.


    Besides protecting the Outer Sect, disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall also had to venture out for training experiences, and Ye Lan was no exception.


    "The mission we took on at the time was to eradicate evil. We were sent to a mountain town where nearly a thousand households had died off in just a few short days. To prevent evil entities from further harming the civilians, the local authorities requested help from the Supreme Sect. There were seven of us¡­"


    Ye Lan vividly recounted the experience, and since it was nighttime, the listeners, especially the disciples, were wholly engrossed and anxious, with the female disciples huddling together.


    Watching the young girl who used to follow him around grow into someone who could stand on her own, Gu An''s smile never once faded.


    When Ye Lan got to the part about the ghosts, all the disciples'' hearts rose to their throats, even Xiaochuan, Wuxin, and Su Han were particrly on edge.


    It wasn''t untilte into the night that the disciples dispersed.


    Ye Lan followed Gu An back to the loft, where he took out a martial arts manual he had written and handed it to her, saying, "This is a leg technique manual I found in the Inner Sect a while ago. Practice it when you have some free time."


    Gale Shadowless Leg!


    Ye Lan took the manual, not opening it right away but instead cing it into her storage bag. Looking at Gu An, she said, "Senior brother, you''d better be careful around Lu Jiujia in the future."


    "What''s wrong with him?" Gu An asked, puzzled.


    Ye Lan sighed and said, "Remember how we talked about the infighting within the Supreme Sect? The elders who oppose the Sect Leader are secretly recruiting disciples. Lu Jiujia has taken an Elder of the Outer Elder Hall as his mentor, and that Elder is serving the Sect Leader''s adversary. If things continue like this, the Supreme Sect will inevitably erupt into chaos.


    If the Sect Leader gets thestugh, he will certainly clean out the disruptive disciples. Lu Jiujia won''t be able to escape."


    "I tried to warn him before, but he didn''t listen. He says that the path of Immortal Cultivation requires struggle and that it''s better to take a risk than to lead a mediocre life. His choice is not wrong, I''m just worried that if you get too close to him, you''ll be implicatedter. He probably thinks the same, which is why he hasn''t returned to Mystic Valley."


    Hearing this, Gu An fell into silence.


    He couldn''t interfere with Lu Jiujia''s choices because what Lu Jiujia had said was true¡ªthe path of Immortal Cultivation demands contention.


    He didn''t vie for power because he could snatch life spans, and thus, he had no right to instruct others on how to cultivate immortality.


    Ye Lan started talking about other matters, revolving around the Outer Sect. Surprisingly, the internal struggles of the Supreme Sect even involved the Ji Family and the royal descendants. Gu An listened with keen interest.


    It was only by dawn that Gu An finally saw Ye Lan off.


    Despite talking throughout the night, both of them were still full of vigor.


    Before she left, Gu An reminded her not to forget to practice the Gale Shadowless Leg, to which Ye Lan nodded, her eyes carrying a trace of silent resentment.


    After her departure, Gu An called his disciples to practice drills.


    ...


    On a blistering summer day, the thirty-five-year-old Gu An stood by the window, gazing at the sky with a slight frown on his face.


    He was waiting for Gu Yu.


    The half-year deadline had passed; why hadn''t hee yet?


    Gu An was looking forward to his third Medicine Valley every day, his seeds already prepared and awaiting sowing.


    Could something have gone wrong?


    Gu An''s concern grew;st month, when he visited the Outer Sect, he distinctly felt an unusual atmosphere. A new group of disciples in ck had appeared in the city, said to be from a division established by the new Great Elder of the Outer Sect called the Demon Extermination Hall.


    The Demon Extermination Hall was directly under the control of the Great Elder, and even the lowest Cultivation Level among its disciples was the fifthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Their treatment was even above that of other divisions.


    The Supreme Sect had eight Outer Cities; if the Outer Sect was like this, let alone the Inner Sect and the Main City of the Sect, such strife would surely spread to the Gu Zong.


    Sigh!


    So annoying!


    It''s affecting my gardening!


    All of a sudden, Gu An felt like throwing a punch to burst those troublemakers.


    Just then, he sensed something and his gloomy face immediately bloomed into a smile.


    He''s here! He''s here atst!


    Gu An caught Gu Yu''s aura. Struggling topose himself, he didn''t go downstairs.


    After a while, Gu Yu finallynded within Mystic Valley.


    "Gu An!"


    Gu Yu called out loudly, drawing the attention of all the disciples in the valley.


    Gu An pushed open the door, looked at Gu Yu, and said, "Brother Gu,e up and we''ll talk."


    Gu Yu threw thepass into his Storage Bag and then climbed the stairs.


    After entering the room, Gu An closed the door and poured him tea. Gu Yu, however, didn''t sit down. Instead, he started browsing the bookshelf as if searching for something.


    "I haven''t written the final volume of Investiture of the Gods yet," Gu An spoke up.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Yu showed his disappointment. He turned around to the table, took out a series of books from his Storage Bag, and finally, he produced a Token.


    "This is your Valley Master Token; your Medicine Valley is situated between the Outer Sect and the Inner Sect, less than a hundred miles from the Outer City. For you, at the Foundation Establishment Realm, going back and forth would not be much trouble. These books are the life experiences penned by my father. You can refer to them.


    My father said you''re not obligated to stick to the exact facts, so feel free to make changes, or even draw from his experiences to conjure up a fictional tale," Gu Yu exined, his expression gleeful, as he hinted suggestively with his eyes to Gu An.


    Gu An put down the teacup in front of him, took the Valley Master Token, and observed it. Unlike the bronze Token of Mystic Valley, this one was silver-white, with severalyers of Restrictions sealed within.


    "Later, I''ll take you to the Medicine Valley. If you get lost afterward, project your Divine Sense into the Token and it will guide you," Gu Yu said after sipping his tea, then continued.


    Gu An nodded; he couldn''t wait to see his new Medicine Valley.


    Gu Yu seemed to recall something and said, "By the way, when you write about me, include Zhou Tongyou. Write him as the strongest young genius in the Immortal Cultivation World who greatly admires me, obedient only to my leadership."


    Gu An''s face twitched, "That doesn''t sound like a good idea; I''m afraid it could cause me trouble."


    "Whatever you want, just name it, I can fulfil it."


    "It''s not about the price."


    "A hundred Top-Grade Spirit Stones!"


    "If he sees it, he will surely investigate me¡­"


    "A thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones, that''s all my possessions!"


    "What about a pun; would that work?"


    At this, Gu Yu raised his eyebrows, "Fine, but you can only change one character."


    "Agreed!"


    Gu An promised, though he had no intention of defaming Zhou Tongyou in the book. He considered making these two into brothers who both loved andpeted with each other, thus offending neither.


    He could tell that Gu Yu bore no animosity towards Zhou Tongyou; otherwise, he wouldn''t just make Zhou Tongyou his underling but would nder him in the book.


    Gu Yu was likely just envious of Zhou Tongyou. If Gu An could turn Zhou Tongyou into his brother and add some emotionally charged plot points, Gu Yu would probably be satisfied.


    After resting for an hour, the two set off immediately, flying out of Mystic Valley on swords.

 Chapter 53: Chapter 53 The So-Called Understanding, Gu Ans Fury

    At dusk, the setting sun sank in the west.


    Gu An stood on the cliff, overlooking the Medicine Valley ahead, his face showing a look of satisfaction.


    Before himy a series of not-too-tall mountains, and between them, a spacious valley that stretched for tens of miles in length and around two to three miles in width. The periphery of Medicine Valley was lined with rows of trees, serving as a natural barrier against the wind and waves.


    Gu Yu stood beside him and said, "There are Cave mansions of Inner Sect Disciples nearby, and not just one. As long as you don''t stray further than a hundred miles, you won''t encounter any Demon Beasts."


    Gu An nodded, his eyes brimming with anticipation.


    What he saw was not just the Medicine Valley, but a continuous flow of Life Span numbers.


    Gu Yu gave Gu An''s shoulder a pat before flying away on his sword while Gu An leapt forward, jumping toward Medicine Valley, his limbs swirling with visible wind currents, a manifestation of the Wind Control Skill.


    Gu Yu looked back while riding on his Flying Sword, his eyebrows slightly raised, a hint of surprise in his eyes, but he did not turn back.


    Afternding, Gu An first went to the entrance of the valley where a stone stele stood, bare, with no inscriptions.


    He used his finger as a sword to carve four characters with Sword Qi.


    Third Medicine Valley!


    The name was kept simple because he nned to have many more Medicine Valleys in the future.


    Looking at his own handwriting, Gu An was very satisfied, his calligraphy reflecting the sharpness resulting from the meticulous practice he put in for writing his books.


    After admiring his writing for a while, Gu An began to look for a ce to build a loft.


    He decided to first construct the Teleportation Array.


    Eventually, twilight came to an end, and night gradually fell.


    By the campfire, Gu An sat on a rock, flipping through a book in his hand. This was given to him by Ji Xiaoyu, and it recorded how to construct the Teleportation Array she had provided.


    One must admit, the development of Immortal Cultivation in this world was indeed strong; looking at the book felt like reading a manual, albeit a simplified version, as the Teleportation Array Ji Xiaoyu had given to him already had Restrictions in ce. He simply needed to follow the sequence in the book to construct it.


    Gu An prepared to stay up all night to build the Transmission Array tform, and once it was ready, he would bring several Disciples over to sow seeds.


    Activating the Teleportation Array required Spirit Stones. At the moment, he was quite wealthy, not to mention the Spirit Stone earnings from "Investiture of the Gods." Gu Yu had just given him a thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones, enough for him to squander for a long while.


    When night passed, Gu An had sessfully constructed the Transmission Array tform and immediately flew away on his sword.


    After returning to Mystic Valley, he built a Transmission Array tform next to his loft. His activities drew all the Disciples toe and watch.


    Xiaochuan asked what he was doing, and he did not hide it.


    Hearing that Gu An was about to take over another Medicine Valley and construct a Teleportation Array, the Disciples became interested and peppered him with questions.


    As Gu An worked on the Array tform, he answered their questions.


    By noon, the construction wasplete, and under everyone''s watchful gaze, Gu An ced Spirit Stones into the grooves on the array pirs. Once the stones were in ce, he channeled Spiritual Power into the activation mechanism.


    Boom¡ª


    The Teleportation Array roared to life, the ground trembling slightly. From atop the Array tform, two pirs emanated a bright light, converging to form a barrier of light.


    Gu An turned and surveyed the crowd,manding, "Wuxin, go to the Outer Sect and recruit three Servant Disciples. Su Han, Zhen Qin, and Ye Yan,e with me; the rest of you will stay and guard Mystic Valley."


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin and the other two excitedly stepped forward and followed Gu An into the Teleportation Array.


    Before long, the teleportation light screen dissipated, and the Array tform returned to calm.


    On the other side.


    Within Third Medicine Valley, Gu An started instructing the three Disciples to weed, while he took care of building houses.


    Su Han used a sword, Ye Yan used a spear, and Zhen Qin employed leg techniques to weed.


    Ever since Luo Hun taught Ye Yan a set of Spear Techniques, he couldn''t help but beg Gu An for an iron spear, which Gu An procured from the Outer Sect. It was no ordinary iron spear as it could contain Spiritual Power, and could be considered the lowest grade Magic Artifact.


    Gu An wasn''t interested in Spear Techniques, so he didn''t bother to watch Ye Yan''s practice.


    Ever since practicing with the spear, Ye Yan''s strength had been improving day by day; Gu An witnessed for the first time a real genius within Mystic Valley.


    Ye Yan''s Cultivation Level still rose slowly, but his actualbat strength surged rapidly. After only six months of practicing with the spear, even Tang Yu and Su Hanbined were no match for him, which dealt quite a blow to the pair.


    Gu An also reflected on his ownprehension, which was the only thing that one could not directly enhance with Life Span.


    In this world, it seemed that Spirit Root Qualification could not decide everything.


    Gu An called for Su Han, Zhen Qin, and Ye Yan, partly because he wanted to guide them. In the cmity brought by Qiu Qianli, their performance had earned his favor, and he decided to cultivate them well, to help them go further.


    Located between the Inner and Outer Sects, Third Medicine Valley had richer Spiritual Energy that could help them in their cultivation. asionally, Gu An would also give them extra lessons.


    All three had the character to endure hardship. Beforepleting their weeding task, none of them took a break, even secretlypeting to see who could work faster.


    Once they had cleared the weeds, Gu An had finished building four lofts.


    The four gathered in front of the lofts to rest. Su Han looked at Ye Yan with a trace of defiance in his eyes.


    Ye Yan, on the other hand, was much calmer, having be more restrained since practicing with the spear.


    As Zhen Qin wiped off sweat, he asked Gu An, "Master, is just the three of us enough for such arge area?"


    "Of course it''s enough. In the past, I took care of Mystic Valley all by myself while your Martial Uncle Meng Lang and Martial Uncle Li Ya cked off every day," Gu An said with a quietugh.


    Looking back at those past petty squabbles, it all seemed amusing now, a pity that the old friends were no longer there.


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin prodded Gu An for more stories about his past.


    Su Han and Ye Yan also listened carefully; they had great respect for Gu An.


    Even though Ye Yan did not learn his Spear Technique from Gu An, he still felt indebted to his master. Without Gu An, would the mysterious Cultivator ever have visited Mystic Valley, let alone bestow upon him a Spear Technique?


    After chatting for half an hour, they all got back to work.


    Three dayster.


    Third Medicine Valley was fully sown with medicinal herb seeds, but it still looked like a barrennd, since seeds take time to germinate and grow.


    Gu An led them back to Mystic Valley to pack up their things, then had them move to live in Third Medicine Valley.


    Curious about this, the remaining Servant Disciples also wanted to go to the Third Medicine Valley, but Wuxin suppressed their curiosity.


    As the Valley Master of Mystic Valley, Wuxin couldn''t allow anyone to leave!


    Mystic Valley was his foundation!


    And so, Gu An''s trifecta of Medicine Valleys began operating, and the idyllic farming life unfolded.


    ...


    An Ancient Hour had passed since the Third Medicine Valley was sown, and while Zhen Qin and the other two guarded the valley, Gu An only came by asionally.


    They only needed to take a little time each day to check on each of the areas, spending the rest of their time on cultivation.


    As evening approached, the sky turned a reddish hue.


    Zhen Qin walked out from her house, stretchedzily, and looked full of energy.


    The Cultivation Technique taught by Jiang Qiong allowed her Cultivation Level to increase rapidly, far surpassing her past, thus her zeal for cultivation reached its peak.


    She turned her head and saw Ye Yan still practicing his Spear Technique on the hillside by the entrance of the valley.


    "Not absorbing energy, can practicing the spear alone be useful?" Zhen Qin murmured to herself. She didn''t go over to join the excitement but took the opportunity to rest and check on each of the plots.


    This was all her master''s painstaking effort, after all.


    Elsewhere.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Ye Yan was practicing his spear in the glow of the setting sun, his sweat pouring down like raindrops. Despite the soreness in his body, he didn''t stop.


    The Spear Technique he practiced was his only opportunity; he didn''t want to miss it, nor did he want to remain a Servant Disciple for life!


    "Even though the Spiritual Energy is richer inside, why don''t you practice your spear in the valley?" A voice came, startling Ye Yan, who turned to look.


    Standing in the air above the woods ten zhang away, a figure stood with a foot on the treetop, his blue garment fluttering in the wind, disying an Immortal''s demeanor.


    When did they appear?


    Ye Yan was secretly rmed. He put away his spear and turned, asking loudly, "Senior, may I know your business here?"


    Gu An had said that this was now the territory of the Inner Sect; hence any Cultivator they encountered must be respectfully addressed as Senior to avoid any discourtesy.


    The man in blue had an ordinary face, but his bright eyes were sopelling that one could hardly meet his gaze.


    "I was just passing by and saw you practicing the spear. Your Spear Technique is no ordinary one; it incorporates the method of absorbing energy to temper the body, which is quite rare."


    Zhou Tongyou leaped down from the tree and walked towards Ye Yan.


    Seeing him approach, Ye Yan was very nervous. How should he deal with him in the absence of his master?


    "You haven''t answered my question yet," Zhou Tongyou reminded him. His tone was calm, but the calmer he was, the more pressure Ye Yan felt.


    Ye Yan, bracing himself, replied, "Behind me is my master''s Medicine Valley. It''s only been sown for an Ancient Hour; I don''t want to affect the growth of those herbs because of my cultivation."


    "Is this Spear Technique taught by your master?"


    "No, it''s from a friend of my master."


    "To have such a friend, your master must also be extraordinary. May I ask for your master''s name?"


    "My master is named Gu An."


    While answering, Ye Yan was perplexed, not understanding what the other party''s intentions were.


    Zhou Tongyou stopped walking and raised his hand, proposing, "How about a little sparring? I won''t use Spiritual Power or magic artifacts, just techniques. What do you say?"


    Ye Yan frowned, quite hesitant.


    "Are you scared?"


    Zhou Tongyou''s words ignited Ye Yan''s fighting spirit. He had faced even the great Cultivators of the Demon Path without fear; why would he be afraid of the man before him!


    ...


    At noon, Gu An used the Teleportation Array to arrive at the Third Medicine Valley. He first used his Divine Sense to survey all the plots and, finding no problems, then turned his attention to his disciples.


    Soon, he was drawn to Ye Yan, who was practicing his spear at the entrance of the valley.


    As he approached, Ye Yan noticed and slightly turned, showing his back to him.


    "Yan''er, how did you get injured?" Gu An approached and asked.


    After a moment of hesitation, Ye Yan chose to face Gu An and was seen with a bruised face and even a palm print on his left cheek.


    He told Gu An about what had happened the previous evening. Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately became furious.


    Someone had dared to bully his disciple!


    "What''s his name? Will hee again?"


    "I don''t know; he didn''t say. He just said that he''de to find me again when he''s less busy."


    "Don''t worry, your master will support you!"


    Gu An patted Ye Yan''s shoulder and gave him some Healing Pills to take.


    For the next few days, Gu An stayed in the Third Medicine Valley, yet the assant who had beaten Ye Yan did not show up.


    However, after Gu An left to take care of his Cave in the Outer Sect, he returned to find that Ye Yan had been beaten again.


    The assant hit him and then left.


    Time and again, over the next two months, Ye Yan was beaten four times, each time Gu An wasn''t present.


    Gu An began to suspect that the assant was deliberately avoiding him.


    That day at noon, Gu An was reading under a tree. Below was a slope that led to the entrance of the valley, giving him a clear view of Ye Yan practicing the spear.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An sensed something, his eyebrows raised slightly as he thought, finally, they havee!

 Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Your Sword is So Fast

    Under Gu An''s watchful eye, a figure flew swiftly andnded in front of Ye Yan.


    Seeing him, Ye Yan immediately tensed up and even took two steps back.


    [Zhou Tongyou (Elixir Formation Realm, Nine Layers): 62/900/3100]


    It was actually him!


    Gu An hadn''t expected to encounter Zhou Tongyou, whose name had recently shaken the Supreme Sect.


    Zhou Tongyou challenged younger disciples everywhere he went, undefeated in battle, his fame even reaching the Outer Sect.


    Since Zhou Tongyou''s Jueshan Sect was also a respected righteous sect, which maintained good rtions with the Supreme Sect, the Great Cultivators of Supreme Sect couldn''t target him. Thus, Zhou Tongyou had been wantonly challenging for over half a year now, without anyone to punish him.


    Zhou Tongyou only engaged inbat, never killing, and he proimed that he would only challenge those under the age of a hundred. Many Cultivators of the Supreme Sect could only watch, seething in silent anger.


    The entire Supreme Sect was under the pressure of Zhou Tongyou''s presence, with no one daring to question his rules. Even though his opponents were under a hundred years old, he was still 38 years away from that age himself. He challenged disciples of the Supreme Sect who were ny-nine years old, which in actuality gave the Supreme Sect an advantage.


    Yet even so, no one had been able to defeat him.


    Zhou Tongyou''s gaze nced at Gu An on the nearby hillside, his expression calm.


    Gu An put his book away and then stood up and walked down.


    He made his way between Zhou Tongyou and Ye Yan, turned to face Zhou Tongyou, and sped his fists, saying, "I am Gu An, Ye Yan''s master. May I know where my disciple has offended the senior?"


    Ye Yan, watching Gu An standing in front of him, felt deeply moved.


    Gu An had said before that all the Cultivators here were Inner Sect Disciples, which meant they had reached the Elixir Formation Realm.


    How could Ye Yan not be moved when Gu An, only at the Foundation Establishment Realm, dared to confront a Cultivator of the Elixir Formation Realm for his sake?


    "You''re his master? Your Cultivation Level is disappointing," Zhou Tongyou said, scrutinizing Gu An with a frown.


    Gu An replied, "My disciple is only at the Qi Cultivation Realm. As his master, how high can my Cultivation Level be?"


    Zhou Tongyou huffed, "I''m not bullying your disciple, I''m acknowledging his worth."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Yan''s face instantly turned green, and he found himself at a loss for words.


    Gu An stared at him, saying, "If you wanted to give him pointers, you could have been straightforward. My disciple would have been grateful for your favor. But you didn''t articte that and struck quite heavily. Perhaps you really had an intention to instruct, but in your heart, you must have disdained him, which is why you couldn''t be bothered to exin."


    If Zhou Tongyou were the top genius of the Supreme Sect, Gu An might have reconsidered, but he was not.


    Without reason, Gu An didn''t want to provoke Zhou Tongyou. However, if Zhou Tongyou bullied him, Gu An wouldn''t be lenient or merciful.


    Zhou Tongyou, hearing Gu An''s words, furrowed his brows even more deeply.


    He wanted to retort, but he understood that Gu An had not misjudged him; he did indeed hold some contempt for Ye Yan. His frequent offers of instruction were just whims.


    "Hmph, it seems you areing to use me. Very well, the rule remains the same: no use of Spiritual Power, relying only on techniques. If you win against me, I will apologize to your disciple and gift him aplete book on Body Refining Sorcery. How about that?" Zhou Tongyou stared at Gu An, his voice cold.


    "Master, forget it!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ye Yan hurriedly interjected, well aware of Zhou Tongyou''s strength; even if it were a contest of techniques alone, it was unfathomably deep.


    Gu An asked, "Only aparison of techniques?"


    "That''s right!"


    Seeing Gu An''s interested reaction, Zhou Tongyou revealed a smile, though it was somewhat ferocious.


    Gu An frowned and said, "If you lose, you cannot speak of your defeat to me, nor can you bother us master and disciple anymore."


    Hehe, he actually wants topare techniques with me!


    Zhou Tongyouughed, "All ording to your wishes. Quickly, take up a weapon."


    Gu An raised his right hand, and with a motion through the air, he drew a branch from the forest to himself, grasped it in his hand as if it were a sword, and gestured to Zhou Tongyou with his left hand.


    Zhou Tongyou immediately walked towards Gu An, the distance between them narrowing. Ye Yan quickly moved out of the way, wary of hindering his master.


    When they were less than seven steps apart, Zhou Tongyou suddenly elerated, stepping right up to Gu An, and aimed a punch with his right fist towards Gu An''s abdomen.


    Even without using Spiritual Power, the punch, as it was thrown, seemed to roar like tigers and leopards. Zhou Tongyou''s fist hadn''t even made contact with Gu An when Gu An already felt an overwhelming fierce energy bearing down on him.


    Hu¡ª¡ª


    Zhou Tongyou''s fist stopped, his pupils shaking violently, his expression astonished.


    Ye Yan''s eyes widened in disbelief at the scene before him.


    Gu An''s body leaned slightly backward, the branch in his hand pointed at Zhou Tongyou''s throat, while Zhou Tongyou''s punch was still two feet away from Gu An.


    "If what I had in my hand was a sword, I wonder if I could have wounded you?"


    Gu An asked calmly, watching Zhou Tongyou''s face change colors.


    After a few moments, Zhou Tongyou retracted his fist, and Gu An withdrew his ''sword'' in kind.


    Zhou Tongyou took a deep breath, looked at Ye Yan, and said, "My apologies, I went too far!"


    He took out a book from his Storage Bag and tossed it to Ye Yan, then his gaze turned back to Gu An.


    "Your swordsmanship is very fast. Who exactly are you?"


    Gu An threw the branch back into the forest, saying calmly, "I''m just a Cultivator with mediocre Spirit Root Qualification who doesn''t like Energy Absorption. I simply enjoy practicing the sword. My sword techniques aren''t exquisite, but they are fast enough. Had we not set rules, I certainly wouldn''t have been a match for you."


    If Zhou Tongyou had refused to honor the oue, Gu An would have made him regret it. Now that he kept his word, willing to apologize to a Servant Disciple, Gu An''s impression of him changed.


    This person may be proud, but he''s not a bad sort.


    Upon hearing this, Zhou Tongyou''s face shifted between shades, and he clenched his teeth, asking, "You really won''t talk about today''s incident?"


    "I don''t even know your name, so how could I speak of it?" Gu An countered.


    Zhou Tongyou heaved a sigh of relief, bowed with folded fists to Gu An, and then turned and left, moving even faster than when he arrived.


    Ye Yan came over, eximing excitedly, "Master, I didn''t expect your sword to be so fast, defeating him with just one move!"


    Gu An nced towards the valley. Inside, Zhen Qin was absorbed in Energy Absorption, while Su Han was practicing the sword in a forest miles away. Neither had noticed the recent sparring match.


    ```


    "Don''t let this matter out, treat it as a secret between just the two of us, master and disciple. Don''t even mention it to your fellow senior brothers and sisters," Gu An instructed Ye Yan.


    Ye Yan nodded excitedly, feeling an even closer bond with his master.


    Teaching Zhou Tongyou a lesson was just a minor interlude for Gu An, after which he could leave Third Medicine Valley without having to stay on guard.


    However.


    One monthter, when Gu An returned to Third Medicine Valley, he saw Zhou Tongyou''s figure at the entrance of the valley.


    Ye Yan was practicing with his spear while Zhou Tongyou stood by watching.


    Zhou Tongyou, sensing Gu An''s gaze, immediately beamed and waved at him enthusiastically.


    A hint of displeasure shed in Gu An''s eyes as he walked over.


    Upon reaching the entrance of the valley, Gu An asked with a frown, "Why are you here again?"


    Is this guy nning to stick around the Supreme Sect?


    Zhou Tongyou said excitedly, "I figured out how to break through your sword technique,e on, let''s have another match!"


    "Didn''t we agree you wouldn''t bother me anymore? Going back on your word?"


    "It''s not bothering you. Look, ask for anything you want, I just want to try out your sword moves," Zhou Tongyou hurried to exin.


    Ye Yan, who was unharmed, spoke up, "Master, he has been waiting here for four days."


    Gu An frowned, hesitating.


    Zhou Tongyou, thinking of something, pulled out a small cloth bag from his storage bag and said, "In here are seeds of fourth-grade medicinal herbs, all for you. Just spar with me, I''m not doing it to win; I want to learn from you."


    Gu An took the cloth bag, weighed it with his hand, and sighed, "Only this one time."


    "There will be no next time!"


    Zhou Tongyou said excitedly, thinking to himself that this time he would definitely make Gu An admit defeat convincingly!


    He took a sword out of his storage bag and tossed it to Gu An, saying, "This is a mid-grade flying sword, very suitable for cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm. It''s for you, take this sword and fight me!"


    With that, he himself pulled out a long spear.


    What a move!


    A longer reach means a stronger punch?


    Gu An, holding the flying sword, didn''t know whether tough or to cry.


    Zhou Tongyou, facing his gaze, felt somewhat awkward and quickly exined, "Same rules as before, no using spiritual power, only techniques!"


    "Come on then!"


    This time, Zhen Qin and Su Han heard themotion and ran over quickly, but before they could reach the entrance of the valley, Gu An made the first move.


    He threw the flying sword in his hand, attacking Zhou Tongyou!


    Zhou Tongyou''s pupils suddenly dted, thinking to himself how fast!


    No, this fellow''s physical strength is tremendous!


    Zhou Tongyou sidestepped and thrust forward with his spear because he saw Gu An following closely behind the flying sword.


    In the blink of an eye, Gu An tilted his head, grabbed the spear shaft with his left hand, pulled it back, and with his right hand used two fingers as a sword, pointing at Zhou Tongyou.


    Everything happened too fast, so fast that even Ye Yan couldn''t keep up with his eyes.


    When the two stopped, Gu An''s fingers were already at Zhou Tongyou''s throat.


    Zhou Tongyou still held the long spear in his hands but his body had stiffened.


    "How can you be so fast... are you really only at the firstyer of Foundation Establishment Realm?" Zhou Tongyou asked through gritted teeth, cold sweat forming on his forehead.


    Gu An replied, "If we used spiritual power, you would be faster than me; it''s your rules that gave me the advantage. I''m not your match at all, why do you insist on using such rules to defeat me? We ordinary cultivators have our own dignity, too."


    He released his hands, and Zhou Tongyou''s face turned bright red, his teeth clenched as he said, "I didn''t mean to trample on your dignity."


    "Farewell!"


    He left as if fleeing.


    By this time, Zhen Qin and Su Han had arrived. Gu An ignored them, picked up the flying sword, and walked towards the valley.


    In the eyes of the three disciples, his silhouettepletely embodied the demeanor of a master.


    Another monthter, Zhou Tongyou came again, bringing even more seeds of medicinal herbs. Gu An could only reluctantly ept them.


    This time, Gu An defeated him in three moves, leaving him feeling dejected but also glimpsing a sliver of hope.


    Zhou Tongyou''s generosity made Gu An somewhat reluctant to send him away.


    Time flew by, and the end of the year arrived.


    Winter snow nketed Tianya Valley.


    Gu An, apanied by three monkey demons, patrolled Medicine Valley. After checking everything, he headed toward the loft, looking at his lifespan as he went. Although he had been busy sowing seeds this year, the increase in his lifespan was not slow; thanks to the contributions from Outer Disciple''s cave and Mystic Valley, he had gained a fair amount of lifespan.


    In a few more years, when Tianya Valley and Third Medicine Valley weed their harvest, his lifespan would start to surge.


    Just as Gu An arrived in front of the loft, Luo Hun came over, looking very awkward and hesitant as he said, "Lately, why haven''t you brought any books?"


    "Do you want to read books? I thought you didn''t like them."


    "Medicine Valley is dull, there needs to be something to rx the Daoist Heart."


    "Alright, next time I''ll bring you thetest volume of Investiture of the Gods."


    *Cough cough*, bringing a few volumes of Green Hero Travelogue wouldn''t be bad either."


    ```

 Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Supreme Immortal Venerable, Sect Leader Changes Hands

    Seeing Luo Hun''s awkward expression, Gu An suddenly realized, "So this fellow shares my tastes, why didn''t you say so earlier!"


    Gu An immediately patted Luo Hun on the shoulder andughed, "Brother Luo, I didn''t expect you to share my preferences. To be honest,pared to the battles and struggles over Daoist traditions in ''Investiture of the Gods,'' I prefer the tranquil interactions between people and the experience of roaming mountains and waters. Those are what truly refine the Daoist Heart!"


    His words made Luo Hun feel less embarrassed, and a smile spread across his face.


    The two began to talk freely about ''Green Hero Travelogue,'' and their rtionship grew closer.


    However, Luo Hun still maintained his reserve, not daring to talk about the affairs between men and women in ''Green Hero Travelogue,'' but only about the strange and wonderful sights.


    Teasing the pseudo-earnest Luo Hun gave Gu An a great sense of amusement.


    From now on, Tianya Valley wouldn''t be so boring!


    ¡­


    Time flies like an arrow, and three years swiftly passed by.


    Another scorching summer arrived, and Gu An was now thirty-eight years old. Starting this year, the Third Medicine Valley would wee the first batch of mature medicinal herbs, and he was looking forward to it.


    As for Tianya Valley, since it nted high-rank medical herbs, it would require more waiting.


    One morning, Gu An was leading his disciples in drills in Mystic Valley.


    Even though Zhen Qin and the other two had gone to the Third Medicine Valley, three new servant disciples were weed, and Mystic Valley was still bustling.


    As Gu An was twisting his waist, he suddenly sensed something and smiled.


    Xiaochuan noticed his smile and couldn''t help but ask, "Senior Brother, what are you smiling at?"


    "It''s nothing, continue practicing," Gu An brushed it off, and Xiaochuan had no choice but to drop the subject.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A whileter, the drills disbanded, the disciples scattered, and Gu An walked towards his own loft.


    Just as he reached the foot of the building, a whizzing sound came from the distance. He turned his head and saw someone flying towards him on a sword.


    It was Li Ya!


    After many years, Li Ya was still d in ck robes, but there was a change in his demeanor, and a strand of white hair above his brow added a touch of weathering.


    From afar, Li Ya saw Gu An and a smile cracked on his stern face, like an iceberg melting.


    Li Ya''s cultivation had reached the Nine Layers of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and Gu An felt that he was even stronger than Ji Lin had been, probably not far from Core Formation.


    Afternding, Li Ya opened his arms and hugged Gu An, which caused him to stiffen a bit.


    "Not bad, you''ve reached Foundation Establishment, it seems you''ve been working hard," Li Ya said, pinching Gu An''s shoulder with a satisfied smile on his face.


    Gu An naturally wriggled out of his "clutches" and grinned, "You''re finally back, has everything been going smoothly?"


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "Not smoothly, but I''ve turned misfortune into a blessing. Let''s go inside and talk."


    Gu An nodded and led him upstairs.


    An hourter.


    In the loft, Gu An and Li Ya sat opposite each other, drinking. After hearing about Li Ya''s experiences over the years, he was filled with emotion.


    "It feels like it could be written into a book," Gu An remarked.


    Li Yaughed and said, "Indeed, though I''ve had several close brushes with death, they''ve made me who I am now."


    Over the years, Li Ya had gone south in search of a legacy from a Divinity Transformation Cultivator, contended with various prodigies, and finally broke through the encirclement. Unfortunately, that Divinity Transformation Cultivator had actually intended to possess him. Luckily, he turned danger into safety.


    Although he didn''t exin how he escaped the peril, Gu An conjectured it had to do with the soul in his body.


    After the crisis of possession, Li Ya learned a whiff of Sword Intent in that cultivator''s cave, which he absorbed over three years, transforming him.


    Afterward, he returned from Jizhou in the south, encountering other twists and turns on his way. For instance, he came across a woman oppressed by a local noble family and rescued her. Unfortunately, shortly after he left, he heard the family had been forced to death.


    The tragedy was widely discussed among themon folk, prompting him to return and ughter that noble family, stirring up much controversy in the region.


    The local government pursued Li Ya for several days before giving up and even withdrew the warrant for his arrest.


    When Li Ya recounted this part of his journey, his tone was not overly sorrowful but rather cold.


    Gu An poured another cup of wine for Li Ya, who suddenly asked, "Junior Brother Gu, what is the purpose of cultivating to immortality? Is it merely in pursuit of the elusive longevity? But from ancient times to now, has there ever been a person who truly achieved immortality?"


    Hearing this, Gu An poured wine for himself and said, "I''m not sure what those who pursue immortality are truly seeking, but I know that as long as you live, you should feel at ease. Whatever makes you feel at ease is what you should do."


    "I spend my days nting flowers and herbs. To many, that seems like a waste of years meant for cultivation, but I find such days interesting. The herbs I grow can help the Sect and have some significance, right?"


    He didn''t think Li Ya was being affected; after going through certain events, it''s normal to feel lost.


    Hearing this, Li Ya pinched his wine cup and fell into deep thought.


    This contemtionsted half an hour, and Gu An didn''t disturb him, but instead began to read ''Green Hero Travelogue.''


    Once Li Ya had finished thinking, his eyes brightened. He looked up at Gu An and said, "Great truths are never found in grand temples. Junior Brother Gu, thank you, I think I know what to do now."


    He stood up, took out a small white jade bottle from his Storage Bag, and said, "This is an elixir made from a thousand-year-old Spirit Fat that refines muscles and bones. You can take at most two a year. I must return to form my core."


    Without waiting for Gu An to ask him to stay, he jumped out the window and left.


    Gu An was silent. Why did this youngster always like to jump out of the window?


    His gaze settled on the white jade bottle on the table.


    Why does everyone love to give him gifts?


    A helpless expression crossed Gu An''s face, but he still put the bottle into his Storage Bag.


    ¡­


    The summer nights arrivete; Gu An went to the Third Medicine Valley. Just stepping off the Teleportation Array, his gaze was drawn to a small pavilion in the distance, where Zhen Qin, Su Han, Ye Yan, and Zhou Tongyou were sitting together, chatting merrily.


    Gu An walked over immediately.


    Zhou Tongyou, who was chatting away, nced at Gu An and smiled. When the others followed his gaze, they quickly stood up.


    Approaching the pavilion, Gu An asked with annoyance, "Why are you here again? Haven''t you emptied your storage bag yet?"


    Three years had passed, and Zhou Tongyou hade no less than ten times, each time bringing medicinal herbs, elixirs, and magic artifacts. During theirst spar, it took Gu An ten moves to defeat him, and he barely won.


    Well, he had to pretend it was barely a victory.


    Zhou Tongyouughed and said, "Don''t worry, I''m not here to spar with you this time. I''m here to say goodbye. I''m leaving. I''ve been at the Supreme Sect for so many years, and you''re the true friend I''ve made. I really acknowledge you."


    A friend?


    Gu An didn''t know how to respond.


    Ye Yan looked at Zhou Tongyou with some reluctance. Over the years, every time Zhou Tongyou visited, he would give Ye Yan cultivation advice, amounting to half a master to him.


    "What do you mean you''ve been at the Supreme Sect for so many years? Are you not a disciple of the Supreme Sect?" Zhen Qin asked in shock, his eyes wide open.


    Su Han and Ye Yan were also greatly shaken.


    They all had the same thought.


    Could this person be a spy from the Demon Path?


    Zhou Tongyou said with a smug smile, "Forget it, I wanted to keep a low profile because I was afraid of putting pressure on you. But now that I''m about to depart, I won''t pretend any longer¡ªI am Zhou Tongyou of the Jueshan Sect!"


    With that revtion, Zhen Qin and the others were stunned, which only made Zhou Tongyou enjoy their reaction even more. He even lifted his chin, looking at Gu An, wanting to see his shocked expression.


    Gu An''s face changed dramatically, sending Zhou Tongyou''s mood soaring.


    However, Zhen Qin suddenly fired a cold shot, "Is your fame really that big?"


    Zhou Tongyou''s pupils slowly dted, and he stiffened on the spot.


    Fearing that he would change his mind and decide to stay, Gu An quickly said, "Indeed, it''s huge. To suppress all the young disciples of the Supreme Sect, I hadn''t realized¡­ My apologies, my apologies..."


    Upon hearing this, Zhou Tongyou''s face rxed as Gu An signalled with his eyes, prompting Zhen Qin and the others to exim in amazement.


    "My god! Did I hear that right?"


    "It''s actually you..."


    "How is that possible!"


    Zhou Tongyou''s face twitched uncontrobly; for some reason, these words sounded grating to him.


    Taking a deep breath, he said, "There will be major changes at the Supreme Sect. Be careful on regr days. We''ll meet again if fate allows, in the green hills and clear waters."


    With that, he leapt up, transformed into a rainbow light, and soared towards the horizon.


    The three disciples were so astonished by his movement technique that they stared nkly in the direction he had gone.


    Gu An waved his hand and said, "Disperse. Focus on cultivating well. Reach the Foundation Establishment soon, so you at least have the qualifications to see him again."


    The three disciples quickly bowed and departed.


    Gu An pondered Zhou Tongyou''s words¡ªmajor changes at the Supreme Sect?


    He hoped his Medicine Valley wouldn''t be affected.


    Turning around, he headed towards his own attic. Once upstairs and in the room, he closed the door and sat down at the desk. He took out paper and a brush and began pondering the book of Gu Zong and his son.


    The final volume of "Investiture of the Gods" had been delivered to the Book Collection Hall, and now it was time for a new book.


    Following "Investiture of the Gods," the next must-write was "Journey to the West," but he feared its impact would be too great. So, he decided to put it aside for now and first write a novel about Gu Zong and his son to cool down the fever, making Pan An seem less divine.


    Lately, the Outer Disciples had exaggerated Pan An to the point of being a living immortal, which made Gu An somewhat uneasy.


    He nned to borrow ssic plots from web novels he read in his previous life for his second book.


    Gu Zong had been cultivating for five hundred years and was renowned in the Immortal Cultivation World as the strongest Elder of the Supreme Sect. In the year his Daoist friend gave birth to their youngest son, the Demon Path invaded, and the Supreme Sect facedplete devastation.


    Using his divine skills, Gu Zong called upon the power of heaven and earth to annihte the Demon Path, but he also fell into a space rift caused by his divine skills.


    People thought he had died, but he had actuallynded on a deserted ind overseas, where he identally discovered an Immortal''s inheritance.


    Twenty yearster, Gu Zong returned, only to find his son, Gu Yu, had been demoted to a servant disciple because someone had stolen his Heavenly Spirit Root!


    Zhou Tongyou and Gu Yu were of the same age. They were good friends from childhood, and even after Gu Yu was demoted, Zhou Tongyou still looked forward to his resurgence. After centuries of grudges and grievances, the two became the pirs of the Supreme Sect, guarding the peace of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    After contemting, Gu An''s eyes brightened.


    He started to write.


    Chapter One, The Fallen Genius!


    ...


    The second year after Zhou Tongyou''s departure, in the spring season, Gu An went to the Outer Sect to submit his book. Liu Chang was very interested in the "Supreme Immortal Venerable" he had written and chatted with him for a long time.


    As he left the Book Collection Hall, Gu An overheard other disciples discussing rumors that the Sect Leader, Lv Baitian, had deviated while cultivating and had perished by ident, with Elder Chu Tianqi taking over as Sect Leader.


    Gu An was rmed¡ªwas the Sect Leader murdered?


    He hurriedly left the Outer City and headed for the Third Medicine Valley.


    Upon entering the valley, he saw Gu Yu waiting there. Behind Gu Yu was a hunched old man, gaunt and withered, with a head of white hair and wearing tattered clothes, inspecting the gardens with his eyes.


    Seeing Gu An arriving on his sword, Gu Yu''s face lit up with a smile, and he stood up, saying, "You''ve finally returned. This is a distant rtive of my father''s; you can call him Elder Tian. His Spirit Root qualification is mediocre and he has no hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment in his lifetime.


    He will assist you in the Medicine Valley from now on; you can order him around as you please."


    Gu An''s gaze shifted to the old man, his eyes showing a slight change.


    [Lv Baitian (Qi Cultivation Realm, Six Layers): 742/850/3200]

 Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Heavenly Destiny Returns to Ji

    Lv Baitian...n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Isn''t this the Sect Leader who just perished?


    Gu An imagined many possibilities, but his expression did not change much. Curious, he asked, "Since he is a distant rtive of your father, why not arrange a better ce? This Medicine Valley is both dirty and tiring."


    Gu Yuughed, "The Supreme Sect wasn''t founded by my dad. Being ced in this Medicine Valley is already better than the Outer Sect''s Medicine Valley."


    Looking at him, he seemed unaware of Elder Tian''s true identity.


    Gu An also couldn''t outright refuse. Wouldn''t refusing imply that he knew Elder Tian''s real identity?


    Gu Yu dragged Gu An upstairs, and throughout, Elder Tian did not look back at Gu An even once.


    After entering the room, Gu Yu closed the door, turned around excitedly, and asked, "How is it? Should the book be out by now?"


    Gu An smiled and said, "It''s out. After much thought, I have made you the protagonist."


    "Really?"


    "Really, you''ll see it soon."


    Gu An smiled as he nodded. Pan An''s name was already famous throughout the Taicang Immortal Cultivation World. His second book would definitely be heavily promoted by the Supreme Sect, especially with ''Supreme Sect'' mentioned inside.


    This book was to satisfy the high-ranking officials, and after this, Gu An would not write about them again.


    It''s worth mentioning that, this time upon releasing the book, the Book Collection Hall allocated an additional 20% of the profits to him, granted by the Supreme Sect.


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Gu Yu became extremely excited. He immediately pulled out a Spirit Stone from his Storage Bag, and mmed it onto the table, saying, "Thanks!"


    Gu An''s eyes turned to the Spirit Stone on the table, and his brows lifted.


    Such strong spiritual energy!


    Gu Yu smiled proudly, "This is a Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone, worth a hundred Top-Grade Spirit Stones. I only have two in total, given to me by my mother. It''s a genuine token of appreciation. You just focus on writing, and I can handle anything else for you!"


    A hundred Top-Grade Spirit Stones?


    Gu An was stunned. This guy was trulyvish.


    The disparity between the rich and poor in the Immortal Cultivation World was just too vast!


    This one Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to a million Low-Grade Spirit Stones. A Servant Disciple''s monthly sry was only one Low-Grade Spirit Stone!


    Such a wealthy house!


    Gu An felt a pang of envy, then epted the Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone and smiled, "I won''t disappoint you."


    Gu Yu was very excited, and began to inquire about the details of the book, but Gu An kept his mouth sealed, increasing his anticipation.


    It wasn''t long before Gu Yu left; Gu An guessed he was heading to the Book Collection Hall.


    After bidding Gu Yu farewell, Gu An approached Elder Tian, introduced himself, and Elder Tian did the same, very respectfully, showing no signs of being the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect.


    Elder Tian, at 742 years old, had a lifeline of 850 years, meaning he could only live another 108 years.


    Gu An spected it was rted to an injury. With the Sect Leader''s cultivation, his lifespan should be close to two thousand years.


    Afterward, Gu An took him for a walk around, exining the workings of Medicine Valley, and what he should normally do.


    Elder Tian listened intently, asionally asking about the species of medicinal herbs they passed by. He genuinely seemed interested in a farmer''s life.


    Could it be that he had fallen from grace due to deviation?


    When Gu An heard about the Sect Leader''s misfortune, he instinctively thought the Sect Leader was sabotaged, especially with the ongoing strife between him and other elders for many years. But seeing Elder Tian''s condition didn''t seem so.


    Life Span Detection wouldn''t lie to him; this person was indeed Sect Leader Lv Baitian!


    Elder Tian''s arrival didn''t change the daily routine of the Third Medicine Valley; Zhen Qin and the other two spent most of their time cultivating, hardly interacting with him. However, every time Gu An returned, he always chatted with Elder Tian.


    Half a year swiftly passed.


    Autumn arrived, leaves falling and drifting into Tianya Valley.


    Gu An stood on a small path between gardens, watching three Monkey Demons sweep the fallen leaves, in the distance, Luo Hun sat on a hillside, holding the Green Hero Travelogue, absorbed in reading, beside him stood his spear, with wisps of spiritual energy entering it, forming a faint whirlwind.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An sensed something and nced towards the distance.


    He looked away just as quickly.


    Before long, a figure approached from the mouth of the valley, dressed in a ck and white robe, debonair, holding a folding fan in his hand.


    Li Xuandao!


    After many years, the Emperor of Taicang still boasted an impressive presence.


    Gu An turned his head,unching a Life Span Detection.


    The ninthyer of Divinity Transformation Realm!


    Luo Hun on the hillside also noticed the arrival of Li Xuandao and quickly got up, tucked the Green Hero Travelogue into his Storage Bag, and then carried his spear down the hill.


    Luo Hun arrived before Li Xuandao first to greet him, followed by Gu An.


    As Li Xuandao walked towards the Medicine Valley Pavilion, he turned to Gu An beside him and asked, "So, how is it? Are you satisfied with this Medicine Valley of mine?"


    Gu An replied, "It''s very good, beyond my expectations. Some of the high-rank medicinal herbs are even unheard of to me, fortunately, Your Majesty provided me with a copy of the Medicinal Herb Chronicles."


    "Hm? What did I instruct you before?"


    "Uncle."


    "That''s more like it."


    Li Xuandaoughed heartily. Luo Hun, standing by his side, had a subtle expression.


    Uncle?


    Luo Hun seemed to recall something, his expression turning peculiar.


    The three of them arrived at the pavilionughing and talking. Li Xuandao sat down at the stone table while Luo Hun immediately poured him wine.


    Li Xuandao raised his hand to signal Gu An to sit down as well. He looked at Gu An and asked, "Li Ya should have returned to the Supreme Sect by now, right?"


    Gu An nodded and said, "He came backst year."


    "Did he mention anything about his experiences over these years?"


    "Yes, Uncle should have sent someone to follow him, right?"


    "How dare we send someone to follow him? There are just informers everywhere. Tell me, how could a Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator escape the soul-possession of a Divinity Transformation Realm Great Cultivator? What secret is he hiding?"


    When Li Xuandao asked this, he picked up his wine cup, drained it in one go, and then looked at Gu An with a smile.


    Gu An frowned and said, "A secret? He did not tell me, and I could not possibly ask him directly."


    Li Xuandao said with a half-smile, "My son has been mediocre since he was young, the least talented among all my children. Yet, ever since he joined the Supreme Sect, he has soared to great heights and continues to surprise me. I am naturally happy to see his growth, but I fear others might use him."


    Gu An looked at his expression, suddenly finding it hard to judge his attitude towards Li Ya.


    But no matter what, Gu An''s heart was definitely with Li Ya.


    "Then I will try to inquire indirectly in the future," Gu An mused, though he only said this; he had no intention of asking.


    Li Xuandao nodded in satisfaction, then turned to look at Luo Hun standing beside him and asked with a smile, "Luo Hun, do you think Li Ya has the potential to be Crown Prince?"


    Luo Hun''s expression changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "I dare not assume too much!"


    "You, you''re really no fun," Li Xuandao shook his head with a chuckle.


    He looked at Gu An again, who hastily said, "Uncle, please don''t ask me such things. I wish to avoid trouble and prefer to focus on gardening for you!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Li Xuandaoughed aloud, picked up a nearby jug of wine, and poured it directly into his mouth, much more boldly than before.


    Afterward, he picked up another jug and continued pouring.


    Gu An realized that something was amiss¡ªthis Emperor was troubled!


    Luo Hun noticed it too, and he asked with furrowed brows, "Your Majesty, has something happened?"


    After downing three jugs of wine, Li Xuandaoughed and said, "It''s nothing serious. You must have read ''Investiture of the Gods,'' haven''t you?"


    Luo Hun nodded and replied, "It''s well-written, and you like it very much, don''t you?"


    "I indeed like it, but recently some have used ''Investiture of the Gods'' to criticize me, calling me King Zhou. The Li family has ruled for five hundred years; they argue it''s time for a change of emperor, for the Heavenly Destiny to return to the Ji Family.


    In recent years, the Ji Family frequently sends their youths out to exterminate demons and gain good reputation, deeply winning the hearts of the people," Li Xuandao said with a lightugh.


    Gu An''s heart skipped a beat.


    Luo Hun became furious, speaking sternly, "Your Majesty, who ims the Heavenly Destiny should be with the Ji Family? I am always ready for yourmand, even if it means killing Pan An, I am willing to go!"


    Good grief!


    No ''Green Hero Travelogue'' for you then!


    Gu An felt indignant internally, but his expression showed only concern.


    Li Xuandao snorted, "Foolish, killing Pan An would only prove I am narrow-minded. I can''t even tolerate a novelist!"


    Gu An was very pleased with Li Xuandao''s words.


    That''s a wise Emperor!


    Don''t worry, Your Majesty, my next book will be ''Journey to the West,'' featuring an Emperor with the Li surname.


    Though ''Journey to the West'' carries critical undertones, it targets the Jade Emperor, and the depiction of Emperor Li Shimin within the book is quite favorable.


    Though no Heavenly Court exists in this world, there is an Immortal Cultivation World. Criticizing the Immortal Cultivation World also fits well, aligning with the expectations the Cultivators have about Pan An, so long as he doesn''t specifically target the Supreme Sect.


    As Gu An pondered, Luo Hun remained angry.


    "The Prefects of various states all have their own backing, increasingly escaping the control of the court. Now that people''s grievances are rising, using ''Investiture of the Gods'' to criticize me is probably just their first step. One day, the sword will hang before me.


    I need to cultivate my own power; Tianya Valley ys a significant role, you must not disappoint me," Li Xuandao said with a smile, standing up and walking towards the garden, with Gu An and Luo Hun hurrying after him.


    It took three days before Li Xuandao finally departed.


    During these days, Li Xuandao always took the opportunity to express his expectations for Li Ya to Gu An.


    The more he did so, the more Gu An felt there was more to it.


    Anyway, he decided to let it go in one ear and out the other, unmotivated to involve himself in their father-son affairs.


    After Li Xuandao left, Gu An also decided to leave. Before leaving, Luo Hun advised him not to bring ''Investiture of the Gods'' anymore, only ''Green Hero Travelogue.''


    To this, Gu An just chuckled.


    ...


    As seasons changed, another three years passed.


    This year, Tianya Valley weed its first batch of mature medicinal herbs, and Gu An harvested nearly five thousand years of lifespan, greatly lifting his spirits.


    Starting this year, his annual lifespan ie was set to skyrocket, and his total lifespan had already exceeded seventy thousand years. He was determined to reach a million years.


    One day, Gu An brought Su Han and Zhen Qin to the Outer Sect.


    Both of them had reached the Foundation Establishment. Besides their constant cultivation, Gu An had crafted many low-rank elixirs to help them achieve Foundation Establishment smoothly.


    After Gu An delivered them to the Hall of Elders in the Outer Sect, he turned and left. Servant Disciples needed to register in the Hall of Elders before they could officially be Outer Disciples.


    Just as he walked down a street, a familiar voice called out, "Senior brother, long time no see!"


    Gu An turned around to see Lu Jiujia, dressed in the ck attire of the Demon Extermination Hall, walking toward him, followed by six Demon Extermination Hall disciples.


    "How have you been recently?" Gu An asked with a smile.


    Ever since the change in sect leadership, the Demon Extermination Hall''s influence had surged, even surpassing that of the Law Enforcement Hall. It wasmon to encounter their members in the Outer City.


    Lu Jiujia approached him and nodded, "Quite well. Our master just promoted me. Not only has my treatment improved, but my authority has increased too. Senior brother, if you need anything in the future, juste to me."


    He took out a ck token from his storage bag and handed it to Gu An.

 Chapter 57: Chapter 57: The Aura of an Immortal Venerable, the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect

    Gu An held the Demon Extermination Hall''s token without refusing, and looked at Lu Jiujia with a gratified smile, "Not bad, you''ve now be the person you once aspired to be."


    On hearing this, Lu Jiujia''s mood became even more ted. He chuckled and said, "In the past few years, I indeed walked on thin ice. I dared not contact you out of fear that it might implicate you. Now, the storm has passed, and from now on, we can stay in touch frequently."


    After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lu Jiujia hurriedly took his leave with others, iming they needed to capture a spy from the Demon Path.


    Gu An watched his retreating figure, feeling slightly conflicted.


    The reputation of the Demon Extermination Hall was not good; although it was the most powerful division in the Outer Sect, it was also the most disliked. It was said that if someone offended the Demon Extermination Hall, being used of being a spy from the Demon Path by the Hall meant certain death.


    Gu An could clearly sense the disdainful and repulsive gazes from the people around him.


    He decided not to think too much about it and turned away to leave.


    An hourter.


    He arrived at the Third Medicine Valley. Just as he reached the entrance to the valley, he saw Elder Tian standing in front of the stele, pinching his beard, seemingly lost in thought.


    Over the years, Gu An had be familiar with Elder Tian. Elder Tian behaved very much like a Servant Disciple, and Zhen Qin, Su Han, and Ye Yan did not notice anything different about him. Gu An also treated him as a Servant Disciple.


    "Elder Tian, why are you standing here?" Gu An walked towards Elder Tian while greeting him.


    Elder Tian looked at Gu An, his face revealing a kind and gentle smile, his eyelids almost too heavy to lift, giving off the impression of being one foot in the grave.


    "Valley Master, I was wondering why this ce is called the Third Medicine Valley. Could it be that you have two other valleys?" Elder Tian asked with augh.


    Gu An walked up next to the stele and replied with a light chuckle, "That''s not the case. I only have this one herb valley besides. It''s called the Third Medicine Valley because it reflects my principle in dealing with matters¡ªI don''tpete for first or second ce, but I strive for third. I believe that sticking your head out too much in anything can lead to trouble.


    The top three are all formidable, but third ce is the safest."


    Upon hearing this, Elder Tian''s eyelids slightly opened as he fell into thought.


    Gu An patted his shoulder andughed, "Today I''ve brought roasted chicken and fine wine to taste together. This is a Spirit Chicken raised in the Outer Sect, costing me ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones."


    Elder Tian snapped out of his reverie and followed in Gu An''s footsteps.


    Ye Yan was not practicing his Spear Technique at the valley entrance but was standing on the central pathway of the courtyard, his body erect, holding a long spear with one hand, and meditatively closing his eyes. As he put it, he was feeling the connection between himself and his spear.


    Gu An never inquired about the Spear Technique or the Body Tempering Technique Ye Yan practiced. He was not interested in Spear Technique, and since the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill he practiced was already a Body Tempering Technique, there was no need for another.


    "Yan''er,e and have a drink with us to celebrate your senior brother and senior sister bing Outer Disciples," Gu An called out loudly.


    Curious, Elder Tian asked, "Over the years, you''ve turned all the herbs that belong to you into Elixirs for the disciples. What''s your aim? Even if they are indebted to you, the rtionship will likely fade over time. Why not use all the resources for yourself?"


    "And me, I''m just an old bag of bones, not knowing how long I''ll live. Giving me Elixirs, wouldn''t that be wasteful?"


    Having spent several years together, Elder Tian hade to have a fondness for Gu An. Gu An treated him well and did not ignore him as other disciples did, even willing to share Elixirs to help him improve his Cultivation Level.


    Before his Cultivation Level declined, he could never have imagined there would be such a selfless person within the Supreme Sect.


    He even regretted his previous negligence towards the Outer Sect.


    Gu An smiled and said, "I''m of mediocre talent. Being too obsessed with improving my Cultivation Level would only make my life painful. It''s better to give it to the juniors who still harbor hope. As for you, Elder Tian, even though you''re older than me, you are also considered my disciple. Naturally, I must treat everyone equally.


    Even if it doesn''t increase your Cultivation Level by much, it will still boost your Qi-Blood, letting you live better, right?"


    His gaze rested on Ye Yan, a smile on his face.


    The sunlight cascaded down, illuminating his profile, causing Elder Tian to be somewhat moved.


    Elder Tian suddenly remembered what Gu Zong said when rmending Gu An.


    "Don''t underestimate that youngster just because his Cultivation Level is low. The fact that he could write ''Investiture of the Gods'' shows the vastness of his heart. After gaining fame and wealth, he was still willing to stay devoted to the Supreme Sect and tirelessly contribute to it. Regarding character and magnanimity, I think he is superior to a Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm."


    As he mulled over these thoughts, Elder Tian''s mouth curved into a smile, as if influenced by Gu An''s own smile.


    Soon, the three of them gathered around the stone table, starting to drink and eat.


    Gu An shared his experiences from that day, excluding the matters about Zhen Qin and Su Han. He also brought up the Demon Extermination Hall to see what Elder Tian''s take on it would be.


    However, Elder Tian remained indifferent, simply smacking his lips while holding a chicken leg.


    Ye Yan spoke up, "I actually think the Demon Extermination Hall is quite good. Back in Mystic Valley, I encountered Demon Cultivators several times. The Outer Sect really is too chaotic. The Demon Extermination Hall''s bad reputation is probably also due to Demon Path spies stirring up trouble in the dark."


    Gu An nodded, considering this a possibility.


    Since the establishment of the Demon Extermination Hall, Mystic Valley indeed had not seen any Demon Cultivators again, nor any spies from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilioning to look for him.


    "Master, after I achieve Foundation Establishment, I don''t want to stay in the Supreme Sect. I wish to join the military," Ye Yan suddenly dered.


    Good heavens!


    Talking of jumping ship in front of the former Sect Leader?


    Gu An asked, "Why?"


    Ye Yan''s face was resolute as he said, "The Supreme Sect prioritizes Spirit Root Qualification. For someone like me, it''s hard to stand out. Besides, joining the military would allow me to y demons and rescue themon people. My parents were killed by a demon, and since I was young, I have vowed that once I''ve mastered spells, I will travel the world and be a knight who eradicates demons."


    Elder Tian lifted his eyes to look at him, nodding slightly.


    Gu An revealed a smile and said, "I never expected you to hold such lofty ambitions. Your master supports you."


    Ye Yan revealed a smile, immediately lifted his wine bowl, and toasted Gu An, then poured another bowl and clinked bowls with Elder Tian.


    The atmosphere became even more harmonious. After Ye Yan opened his heart, he talked more than usual, and Elder Tian also became more talkative.


    "Master, will we need to call for disciples from Mystic Valleyter on?" Ye Yan asked.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "Let''s wait until after your Foundation Establishment. I''m afraid others will disturb your Path Enlightenment. With me and Elder Tian here, we''re sufficient to handle matters."


    All the different sectors were already on the right track, and the daily misceneous work was not much.


    After hearing this, Ye Yan felt even more moved.


    Gu An began to talk with him about the future, going through one jar of Spiritual Wine after another until Ye Yan became drunk.


    ...


    At the End of Summer, the scorching heat between heaven and earth was receding.


    Gu An stood on the grasnd of Mystic Valley, watching as four Demon Extermination Hall Cultivators flew away, silent and speechless.


    Wuxin came over and said, "Brother, what are you daydreaming about? There are so many boxes, aren''t you going to check them out?"


    The four individuals had just been sent by Lu Jiujia and hade especially to bring gifts to Mystic Valley. They waited half an hour, leaving only after Gu An returned.


    Gu An''s gaze returned from the distance to Wuxin, smiled, and said, "You can do the inventory. I guess it''s all herbs."


    Upon hearing this, Wuxin''s face broke into a smile, the feeling of being trusted was just too good.


    Now, Gu An had handed over the full management power of Mystic Valley to Wuxin. He was only responsible for picking. Wuxin had noints about this arrangement. Why would he object if Gu An could help him with some of thebor? What he wanted was power, not to drive Gu An away.


    Without Gu An, he always felt that something was missing in Mystic Valley, so he spent most of his time cultivating when Gu An was away.


    Gu An turned and walked towards the Transmission Array tform.


    After a while, he arrived at the Third Medicine Valley.


    Since Zhen Qin and Su Han had be Outer Disciples, this medicine valley had be very quiet. After Ye Yan finished his own work, he would practice his Spear Technique, and Elder Tian was also a man of few words.


    Gu An stepped down from the array tform and saw Elder Tian squatting in the garden, admiring a fourth-grade herb.


    The old man often zoned out, and Gu An had gotten used to it.


    He walked up to the attic and took out the Ziwei Array Chronicles to read.


    In the past year, he had been quietly delving into the Ziwei Array Chronicles and had gained substantial insights.


    Several Ancient Hourster, Gu An felt something and immediately stored the Ziwei Array Chronicles in his Storage Bag, then waited inside the house.


    "Gu An! Gu An! Come out quickly!"


    Gu An heard Gu Yu''s shouting, which grew louder from a distance. The guy hadn''t evennded before he started yelling.


    He got up, stepped out of the attic, and stood on the second-floor balcony. He saw Gu Zong and Gu Yu flying toward him on a golden wheel, their speed incredibly fast.


    Afternding, Gu Zong put his magic artifact back into his sleeve, while Gu Yu took a step forward, excitedly said, "Gu An, your..."


    "Ahem!"


    Gu Zong let out a cough on purpose, and Gu Yu realized something and quickly shut his mouth.


    Gu An stood upstairs, smiling, "You two,e up and talk."


    Gu Yu nodded and hurried upstairs, while Gu Zong turned around and gestured for Elder Tian toe over.


    The group of four gathered in the upstairs room, where Gu Zong raised his hand and cast two restrictions on the windowsill.


    Gu Yu, holding onto Gu An, sat him down, still excited, "The Supreme Immortal Venerable is aplete sess! The entire Immortal Cultivation World is watching, and not only that, but the surrounding dynasties and sects are also purchasing this book from the Supreme Sect!"


    "Hahaha, when the Supreme Immortal Venerable first came out years ago, how many people ridiculed Pan An for losing his talent. Now, in just a few years, everyone is chasing after it, all anticipating me, Gu Yu, to prove my genius name!"


    Seeing how excited he was made Gu An want tough and cry.


    That the Supreme Immortal Venerable would be famous didn''t surprise him at all. After all, such a story of rising against the odds and face-pping the strong, is a huge emotional impact for the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Gu Zong spoke up, "Our visit today is not just to talk about this, but it is rted. The Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect is preparing toe to the Supreme Sect to cultivate, and she''sing for you. The Daotian Sectes from the Great Yu Dynasty adjacent to the Taicang Dynasty and is the number one sect of the Great Yu Dynasty.


    Their Holy Daughter is the daughter of the Sect Hierarch of the Daotian Sect. Her arrival can establish a long-term friendly rtionship between the Supreme Sect and the Daotian Sect."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "When the timees, I''ll have to bring the Daotian Sect''s Holy Daughter to meet you. Don''t worry; this will not be disclosed. You only need to meet her alone. She has promised not to reveal your identity."


    Gu An felt overwhelmed.


    I''ve be part of the diplomatic corps?


    Gu Zong stroked his beard and smiled, "The Supreme Immortal Venerable has yed a significant role in the development of the Supreme Sect. The Hall of Elders appreciates you very much. If you can persuade the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect to stay, the Hall of Elders will grant you a seedling of a seventh-grade Spirit Tree.


    Once it grows, it will significantly enhance the local Spiritual Energy, and even if your qualifications are mediocre, it won''t be difficult to reach Core Formation in the future."


    "They wanted to grant you a cultivation technique or a high-rank dharma artifact, but Yu''er said you are averse to conflict and only like gardening. Hence, they decided on the seventh-grade Spirit Tree instead. This tree can also help with the entire Medicine Valley''s harvest, its benefits immeasurable."

 Chapter 58: Chapter 58: If You Became the Sect Leader, What Would You Do?

    Seven-Tier Spirit Tree!


    This is the grade and rank of the Green Vine Tree, the Supreme Sect actually managed to produce a Spirit Tree on par with the Holy Tree of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?


    Could it be that the Green Vine Tree within the Eight Scenic Caves isn''t a true Holy Tree, or perhaps it hasn''t fully matured yet?


    Gu An became excited instantly, as he simply couldn''t refuse such a treasure.


    What''s so difficult about keeping the Holy Daughter behind?


    Doesn''t she like to read books?


    I''ll write her some spin-off stories of Investiture of the Gods!


    "When will the Holy Daughter arrive?" Gu An took a deep breath and asked, his joyful heart not showing on the surface, instead, he feigned worry and solemnity.


    Elder Gu Zong smiled and said, "She will arrive within a year at most, you don''t have to feel pressured."


    Gu Yu, standing nearby, teased, "Don''t worry about her expecting you to reciprocate with your person, after all, the gap in cultivation level is evident. She just likes your book."


    Gu An nodded, as he was not so narcissistic to think that of all the people who liked Investiture of the Gods, it was only about him.


    Elder Gu Zong looked at Elder Tian standing by and asked, "How have you been staying here?"


    Elder Tian nodded and said, "Very good, the Valley Master has treated me well."


    Gu An felt helpless inside his heart. Had Elder Gu Zong brought his distant rtive in fearing that he wouldn''t be suspicious?


    No way!


    The act must be yed throughpletely!


    Gu An looked towards Elder Gu Zong, hesitating to speak.


    Elder Gu Zong seemed to notice his confusion and said with a smile, "He has long known of your Pan An identity. It''s because he likes Investiture of the Gods that I asked him toe here. Besides him, only the people of the Hall of Elders know. Don''t worry, we are even more concerned than you about your Pan An identity being exposed."


    Before the appearance of Investiture of the Gods, there were always disciples writing books, but the impact brought by Pan An had been unprecedented.


    No one had anticipated that a book could bring more disciples to a sect, resources for cultivation, and even help the sect with foreign rtions, especially after the book Supreme Immortal Venerable came out, the entire world''s attention was on Supreme Sect. Being in a high position, he saw it most clearly.


    Gu An breathed a sigh of relief.


    Suddenly, Gu Yu said, "Zhou Tongyou has been quite good to Gu Yu, I take back my previous words. Let''s not have Gu Yu bully him anymore."


    Gu An looked at him, his gaze peculiar.


    Elder Gu Zong smiled and said, "My own image isn''t bad either. No matter where I go, I can hear people mentioning my name, asking when I will return to clean up those evil people for my son?"


    "Cough cough, we can''t reveal that in advance. If we did, there would be no suspense."


    "That''s true."


    Gu An changed the subject, inquiring about the Holy Daughter of Daotian Sect, knowing he must find out as much as possible to better face her.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elder Gu Zong began to introduce the Holy Daughter.


    Shen Zhen, with a triple Spirit Root, the youngest daughter of the Daotian Sect Hierarch, although not the top in talent, her aptitude for musical spells is incredibly high, and she normally loves zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.


    Just by the introduction, Gu An felt that Shen Zhen''s character wasn''t very dominant.


    With a liking for zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, her temperament should be quite good.


    ...


    Late at night, the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Beneath the Green Vine Tree, Gu An was practicing swordsmanship, practicing the Wood Spirit Sword Technique.


    The Wood Spirit Sword Technique was the swordsmanship Zuo Lin had passed on to him as a test of his depth, this technique wasn''t rare, it was purchasable within the Outer City.


    Because it was a wood attribute, Gu An decided to practice it himself and not invest life span into this sword technique.


    But, isn''t real-time just another form of life span?


    With his mastery of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword and his exceptional talent as someone with the Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root, Gu An found a genius''s sense in the Wood Spirit Sword Technique.


    He had already mastered the Wood Spirit Sword Technique and was now pursuing a higher realm.


    Every Cultivation Technique, Spell, and Ultimate Skill has minor realms, which ording to his summary, from low to high, are Initial Learning, Initial Insight, Proficiency, Minor Achievement, Integration, Mastery, Pinnacle, and Returning to Simplicity.


    It felt like leveling up proficiency in a game, which Gu An found quite interesting.


    The Sky Dragon, a zhang long, watched Gu An practicing his sword technique from above the tree. It now possessed the dignity of a True Dragon, without any deformity.


    Gu An moved within a three-zhang radius underneath the tree, creating a series of afterimages as if nearly ten versions of himself were practicing swordsmanship. His Heavenly Residence Sword in hand was extremely sharp, with strength energy overflowing. This strength energy dissipated after traveling some distance without damaging any of the nts around.


    After practicing for an ancient hour, Gu An finally stopped.


    ng¡ª


    The Heavenly Residence Sword sheathed with a sound like a dragon''s chant.


    He threw the Heavenly Residence Sword into his Storage Bag and then stretchedzily.


    The Sky Dragon descended from the sky, speaking in a young boy''s tender voice, "Master, that was amazing. Can you teach me?"


    Gu An nced at it and asked with a smile, "Can your dragon ws wield a sword?"


    "With w as sword, wouldn''t that work?" the Sky Dragon asked, blinking its dragon eyes.


    Gu An paused for a moment, struck by the idea.


    Interesting!


    He immediately took out the Wood Spirit Sword Manual he had drawn from his Storage Bag and threw it to the Sky Dragon, saying, "Then practice on your own. When Ie back, you can ask me anything you don''t understand."


    The Sky Dragon caught the Sword Manual with its ws and quickly said, "Remember to bring me some roast chicken!"


    Gu An nodded with a smile and then turned to leave.


    The Sky Dragonnded andid the Sword Manual on the ground, flipping through it with its ws.


    After leaving the Eight Scenic Caves, Gu An walked into the forest. Beneath the night sky, the forest was covered with snow, yet he left no footprints.


    Early the next morning, just after Gu An had apanied the disciples through their drills, he was nning to head to the Third Medicine Valley when Ye Lan arrived.


    Junior Sister has arrived, so naturally, Gu An must keep herpany.


    The two of them went up to the loft to chat.


    Gu An first inquired about her recent condition. Even if he were busy, she would visit him every year. Gu An would be lying if he said he wasn''t moved.


    "Sincest year, disciples from the Outer Sect have frequently gone missing. Our Law Enforcement Hall has investigated, but cannot find the real culprit. Instead, it''s the Demon Extermination Hall that constantly finds spies from the demonic cult to admit their guilt," Ye Lan sighed.


    After the Sect Leader position changed hands, she and Lu Jiujia ceased contact, mainly because their respective departments were at odds, having reached the point of being utterly ipatible.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Then let the Demon Extermination Hall do the catching, which would be perfect because you can spend time cultivating."


    Ye Lan shook her head and said, "It''s not that simple. The leader of the Demon Extermination Hall wants to annex the Law Enforcement Hall, and it seems like the Outer Sect''s Great Elder has simr intentions. If our hall fails to aplish anything, it will eventually be dissolved."


    "It''s fine. If it''s dissolved, juste back. The elixirs I can provide are no worse than what the Law Enforcement Hall offers."


    "That won''t do, what about you if you give them to me?"


    Ye Lan outright refused, her expression very serious.


    Seeing this, Gu An couldn''t say much more; he could only change the topic to discuss other matters.


    Since Ye Lan wanted to stay a few more days, Gu An decided to stay in Mystic Valley until after the Spring Festival was over before leaving.


    ...


    After the Spring Festival, the winter snow hadpletely melted. Gu An first went to Tianya Valley and harvested thousands of years of life span before nting anew. After spending two days there, he headed to the Third Medicine Valley.


    Mystic Valley was bustling, Tianya Valley had three monkey demons -- neither were deste, but the Third Medicine Valley was different. Each time Gu An visited, it was utterly silent.


    Ye Yan and Elder Tian both enjoyed this tranquility, not disturbing each other.


    Gu An walked into a garden and began to harvest the ripe medicinal herbs.


    Elder Tian approached, curious, he asked, "Why do you always pick them yourself?"


    Gu An replied, "I must do something, and when I personally pick them and wrap them up, I feel a sense of satisfaction from contributing to the sect."


    Hearing this, Elder Tianughed and said, "You are indeed contributing, it''s not just self-satisfaction."


    "I hope the higher-ups feel the same way," Gu An said with a lightugh as he continued picking.


    Suddenly, Elder Tian asked, "What would you do if you were made the Sect Leader?"


    Gu An''s heart skipped a beat, but his movements didn''t stop as he said with annoyance, "Stop daydreaming, you''re not the Sect Leader, how could you pass it to me? Besides, I can only manage Medicine Valley, not the millions of disciples in the Supreme Sect."


    "With my cultivation level, who would listen to me if I really became the Sect Leader?"


    He definitely did not want to be the Sect Leader!


    He wanted to cultivate in peace, not face the pressure head-on. If he became the Sect Leader and met an enemy he couldn''t defeat, could he run away?


    Gu An was not so loyal to the Supreme Sect!


    Elder Tianughed and asked no more.


    Elder Tian followed Gu An into the loft after he finished picking.


    "Actually, I know an extraordinary cultivation technique; do you want to learn it? Even Elder Gu Zong doesn''t know it," Elder Tian suddenly asked.


    "I''m not learning. Wouldn''t it be better to write books with that time? Haven''t you seen? I don''t usually practice; my cultivation level depends entirely on elixirs."


    "You''re still young, how can you be so..."


    "You don''t understand, right? This is called enjoying life. I like to act within my capacity. Of course, that''s just me. Everyone has different pursuits," Gu An said casually. What''s with this old man and his chattiness today?


    Trying to ruin my Daoist heart?


    Elder Tian wanted to continue speaking, but suddenly, a noise came from the sky. Both of them turned their heads to look. They saw Gu Zong flying on a magic artifact with a ck-clothed woman behind him, her face covered with a ck veil, revealing only a pair of bright and captivating eyes.


    The Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect had arrived?


    Gu An asked Elder Tian to ce the herbs inside the house first while he turned to greet Gu Zong and hispanion.


    He conducted a life span detection.


    [Shen Zhen (Elixir Formation Realm Second Layer): 78/660/1050]


    After the golden wheelnded, Gu Zong smiled and said, "Gu An, this is the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect, Shen Zhen. You must treat her well."


    He turned to Shen Zhen, who lifted her hand to salute him. He nodded in acknowledgement and swiftly left on his golden wheel.


    Shen Zhen looked at Gu An, her eyes scrutinizing him intently. Just by looking at her eyes, one could imagine that she was an exceptionally beautiful woman.


    Gu An saluted with his hand, saying, "My name is Gu An; it''s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Shen."


    Shen Zhen nodded slightly, then curiously asked, "Which do you prefer, ''Investiture of the Gods'' or ''Supreme Immortal Venerable''?"


    Testing me right off the bat?


    Gu An, unruffled, replied, "I like both. It''s not possible for someone to like only one book. Depending on one''s mood, they would want to read different books, right?"


    At this, Shen Zhen''s eyes immediately lit up.


    "Actually, I''ve written a book too. Do you want to see?" asked Shen Zhen, blinking.


    Gu An naturally wouldn''t refuse and said, "Shall we go upstairs to take a look?"


    Shen Zhen nodded, then followed Gu An up to the second floor of the loft.


    Gu An originally wanted to leave the door open, as it could be awkward for a man and a woman to be alone in a room, but Shen Zhen closed the door behind them.


    They sat down at the table, and Shen Zhen took a book out from her storage bag. Her brows slightly furrowed as she seemed to hesitate. After a moment''s thought, she still handed the book in her hand to Gu An.


    Gu An took it and his brows shot up.


    ck Hero''s Travelogue?


    What in the world!

 Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Great Demon Calamity

    This book title really shouldn''t be chosen!


    Gu An suddenly dared not open the book, could it be that the Green Hero Travelogue was written by Shen Zhen?


    Then his perception of the author would shatter!


    That''s not right, Shen Zhenes from the Daotian Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty, how could she possibly publish a book within the Supreme Sect?


    After realizing this, Gu An calmed down and began to read through ck Hero''s Travelogue.


    Shen Zhen looked down at the table, her ears slightly red among her long hair.


    After Gu An read the first page, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.


    She wasn''t the author of Green Hero Travelogue. The difference in writing was apparent, but it was also clear that she was indeed imitating the Green Hero Travelogue.


    He patiently read on.


    Every story in Green Hero Travelogue starts with the localndscape, first describing the scenery, then the interactions between people; the ck Hero''s Travelogue did the same.


    However, Shen Zhen''s experience was obviously inferior to the author of the Green Hero Travelogue, the descriptions ofndscapes in her book were somewhatcking, at least in Gu An''s eyes, they weren''t as visuallypelling as those in the Green Hero Travelogue.


    The room fell into silence.


    Late on, Shen Zhen stood up and went to look at the bookshelf nearby.


    An hour passed by before Gu An finally closed the ck Hero''s Travelogue, and Shen Zhen, holding a book, turned her head and asked, "How is it?"


    Gu An asked, "Do you like the Green Hero Travelogue?"


    Standing in front of the bookshelf, Shen Zhen nodded slightly and said, "Aside from cultivation techniques, the first book I read was the Green Hero Travelogue, but my favourite is still your Supreme Immortal Venerable."


    That''s quitemon, but authentically so.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Actually, I also really like the Green Hero Travelogue. It was because I read it that I couldn''t resist the urge to start writing."


    Shen Zhen immediately came over, noticeably more excited than before, her eyes gleaming as she started to discuss the Green Hero Travelogue with Gu An.


    Her ck Hero''s Travelogue also involves romance between men and women but it''s not as explicit as the Green Hero Travelogue, and falls within the scope of normal books.


    Through the Green Hero Travelogue, their rtionship quickly grew closer.


    They talked from the Green Hero Travelogue to the Investiture of the Gods, and then to the Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    After a long while.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Have you ever met the author of the Green Hero Travelogue?"


    Shen Zhen shook her head slightly and said, "Although I really like his Green Hero Travelogue, I feel that he''s not very serious. I don''t want to meet him, but you''re different. From the Investiture of the Gods to the Supreme Immortal Venerable, your styles are so different, it makes me very curious about you."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An felt slightly disappointed.


    Who exactly is the Green Hero, that was his biggest curiosity within the Supreme Sect.


    "After finishing Supreme Immortal Venerable, will you continue to write about conflicts in the Daoist tradition like in the Investiture of the Gods?" Shen Zhen looked at Gu An and asked.


    Gu An responded vaguely, "Maybe. What about you, Ms. Shen, will you stay in the Supreme Sect?"


    Shen Zhenughed and said, "The Supreme Sect pressures you, huh? Actually, we just need a nominal alliance. The Daotian Sect also needs to join hands with the Supreme Sect, to deter other sects within the Great Yu Dynasty, as well as face the great demon cmity together."


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and pursued, "What is this great demon cmity?"


    "On this continent, there are nine dynasties including Taicang and Great Yu, which have expelled powerful demons. As a result, the regions outside the nine dynasties have be overrun with demons. Now, the external demons have grown to threaten the dynasties.


    Even though various immortal cultivation sects often dispatch disciples to exterminate these demons, the territories outside are vast, and some exceptionally talented demons have grown up. In a maximum of a hundred years, the dynasties will face a demon cmity not seen in thousands of years, and dynasties will certainly fall."


    When Shen Zhen spoke of this matter, her expression was solemn.


    After listening, Gu An felt pressure surging towards him.


    He already imagined a scenario where thendscapes were shattered, the Supreme Sect''s frontlines were failing, forcing servant disciples to join the battlefield.


    No way!


    Within a hundred years, he must extend his life span to a million years, unlock the next function, and dramatically increase his cultivation level!


    Gu An thought to himself, then followed up with a question, "Given the situation, why don''t you focus on cultivating rather than thinking about writing books?"


    Although Shen Zhen wasn''t as good as Ji Xiaoyu, Zhou Tongyou, or Li Ya, her talents weren''t poor, and with the backing of the Daotian Sect, she could certainly climb higher if she focused on cultivating.


    Hearing this, Shen Zhen lightlyughed and said, "Everyone has their own destiny, cultivation is not mine. I prefer reading and writing books. Who knows, maybe one day I will achieve enlightenment through them? Who said that absorbing nature''s spiritual energy is the only way to enlightenment?


    I have reviewed various books from ancient times to the present, and it seems there are no Qi Cultivators who have survived to this day."


    Gu An saw her in a new light¡ªshe really dared to dream.


    They talked a bit more, and when Shen Zhen prepared to leave, Gu An got up to see her off.


    Downstairs, she summoned a flying sword, stepped on it, and with a parting word, flew towards the horizon: "Young Master Gu, I will set up my cave nearby. Let''s exchange more in the future."


    Gu An watched her departing figure with a smile on his face.


    He was happy not because Shen Zhen was going to live nearby, but because he was d about acquiring a seventh-tier Spirit Tree.


    ...


    The Supreme Sect acted swiftly; not three days after Shen Zhen left, a sapling of the seventh-tier Spirit Tree arrived, personally delivered by Gu Zong.


    After Gu Zong left, Gu An, carrying the sapling of the seventh-tier Spirit Tree, went to the central area of the garden.


    Though it was called a sapling, this tree was already ten feet tall. Gu An nted it on a grassy area connected to four sections of the garden, with Elder Tian and Ye Yan watching from behind.


    After nting it, Gu An looked at the tree, his face full of a brilliant smile.


    [Mystic Pure Tree (seventh-tier): 48/8999/65000]


    Sixty-five thousand years of maximum life span, iparable to mere mortals!


    Elder Tian chuckled and said, "The Mystic Pure Tree is extraordinary. Although it cannot bear fruit, cultivating under it can calm the mind and enhance the spirit."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s smile grew even brighter, and he said, "Elder Tian, you must take good care of the Mystic Pure Tree in the future and ensure it remains undamaged."


    "Rest assured, it has been nted in the soil, and its vitality is even stronger than my old bones."


    Hearing Elder Tian''s words, Gu An shook his head in amusement. The old man did have a sense of humor.


    Afterward, Gu An turned and left.


    Elder Tian and Ye Yan stayed chatting in front of the tree, not following his pace.


    Gu An walked to the edge of Medicine Valley near the cliffside. In this patch of grass, a tree was nted, but it showed no signs of growth yet.


    It was the sixth-rank Spirit Tree, the Human-Faced Tree''s root, which Ye Lan had previously given.


    This root had been buried for a few years and remained in a state of revival, aged zero.


    Gu An had tried to aid it with his Wood Attribute Spirit Power, but like a bottomless pit, it would absorb his spiritual power without showing any effects.


    He squatted in front of the Human-Faced Tree''s root, the point of the root barely poking out of the soil.


    After watching for a while, Gu An suddenly felt a faint flow of spiritual energy from the ground towards the Human-Faced Tree, tracing it back to its source, he was surprised to find it came from the Mystic Pure Tree.


    Could the Mystic Pure Tree be helping the Human-Faced Tree revive?


    Gu An was excited but also worried. He feared that the Human-Faced Tree might drain the Mystic Pure Treepletely, especially since this thing came from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion and its name was somewhat ominous.


    If the Human-Faced Tree were to grow into something evil, Gu An would uproot it, as he could not allow it to destroy the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An felt it necessary to keep someone watching over it, to prevent it from growing unnoticed.


    Ye Yan had reached the eighth level of the Energy Cultivation Realm. His progress in cultivation was mostly dependent on elixirs; although he absorbed nature''s spiritual energy while practicing with his spear, it did not greatly increase his cultivation level.


    Once he left, it would be time to hire some help.


    ...


    After the height of summer had passed, forty-three-year-old Gu An arrived at the Outer City. First, he submitted his writings, then strolled the streets.


    He noticed that the Outer City was not as bustling as before. Although there were still many disciplesing and going on the streets, most of them looked serious and spoke in hushed voices.


    Looking up, Gu An saw four disciples from the Demon Extermination Hall descend from the sky andnd in front of a distant pavilion. They surrounded a disciple who had just exited the building and began interrogating him.


    The disciple was visibly irritated. A verbal altercation ensued, and then a fight broke out. When one of the Demon Extermination Hall disciples revealed a token, the disciple surrendered and was meekly escorted away.


    Catching demon spies for so many years and they still haven''t caught them all?


    Gu An frowned, confused but not intending to intervene. As long as they did not bother him, it was fine.


    He headed towards the Beast Hall, nning to keep a few demon beasts in the Third Medicine Valley so Elder Tian would not feel lonely.


    Elder Tian was diligent and had earned Gu An''s favor. Gu An now considered him as his own servant disciple.


    An hourter, Gu An walked out of the main entrance of the Beast Hall with three bags at his waist, each a Beast Control Bag containing a live creature, but each bag could only hold one demon beast.


    As he stepped out, he coincidentally ran into Lu Jiujia.


    This time, Lu Jiujia was alone. He approached the Beast Hall with a gloomy expression, but his face immediately brightened with a smile when he saw Gu An and he hurried over.


    "Senior brother, are you here to buy demon beasts?" Lu Jiujia asked warmly, hisplexion paler than before and his brow marked with a sinister aura, giving off an eerie vibe overall.


    Gu An nodded and asked with concern, "You look pale, are you alright?"


    "What could be wrong with me? I''m just tired from recent training," Lu Jiujia shook his head.


    Gu An noticed a hidden trace of demonic Qi within him. It was so subtle that it would have been difficult to detect without close observation.


    Has this guy turned into a demon cultivator?


    Lu Jiujia was not forting, so naturally, Gu An did not pry further.


    After exchanging a few polite words, Lu Jiujia reminded before parting, "Senior brother, try not to go out of the valley at night. Lately, a powerful demon cultivator has infiltrated the Outer Sect."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    With that, he turned and left.


    Gu An watched his retreating figure but did not dwell on it much and headed towards the Third Medicine Valley.


    Upon arriving, he released the three Spirit Dogs he had just bought, all of second-rank demon beast lineage, not cheap.


    "I n to stay in Mystic Valley recently; you take care of them," Gu An instructed Elder Tian.


    Elder Tian nodded, and Gu An turned and walked towards the Transmission Array tform.


    It might have been an illusion, but as Gu An stood on the Transmission Array tform, he noticed Elder Tian looking at him with a hint of worry.


    Before he could think more about it, the formation activated, and he arrived in Mystic Valley.


    As soon as he got to Mystic Valley, Gu An sensed a familiar presence.


    Li Ya!


    He descended from the Array tform and looked towards the distance, seeing Li Ya instructing disciples in sword practice, and even Xiaochuan was participating.


    After a quick instruction, Li Ya turned and walked towards Gu An.


    When they met, Gu An asked curiously, "Howe you are here?"


    Core Formation Realm Level One!


    Reaching the Core Formation Realm at forty-five, just five years behind Jiang Qiong!


    Li Ya chuckled and said, "I came to protect you. Hearing that a Demon Lord from the Heavenly Extinction Sect had infiltrated the Outer Sect, I was worried about you. I thought I would wait until this matter is resolved before heading to the Inner Sect."

 Chapter 60: Chapter 60 Save me, Ancestor!

    "Can you really take on that Demon Lord?" Gu An asked with a face full of doubt.


    Li Yaughed proudly, "I have formed my core, don''t underestimate me!"


    "Elixir Formation Realm is just an Inner Sect Disciple in Supreme Sect, can you really match a Demon Lord?"


    "You kid, I came all the way here to protect you, and you''reining?"


    "I''m just afraid it will be like that time, remember? You rushed out to confront the Demon of Greed and ended up injured on the ground."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Can we not mention that?"


    The two began to bicker, with Gu An teasing Li Ya, who didn''t get angry, because he could feel that Gu An meant well, fearing he would drag him down.


    Little did Gu An know, his worry wasn''t about being a burden, but rather being a drag.


    Brother, if the Demon Lordes, I can''t make my move with you by my side!


    Gu An couldn''t bring himself to express his true thoughts, and since Li Ya insisted on staying, he had to let it go.


    "By the way, have you seen Junior Brother Lu recently?" Gu An asked.


    Li Ya shook his head, "Haven''t seen him, I ran into him before, he was taken in by Demon Extermination Hall. I don''t get along with the Elder of the Demon Extermination Hall, so we haven''t kept in touch."


    Speaking of which, his expression turned indifferent, showing no concern for Lu Jiujia.


    Despite his warmth to Gu An, he was actually quite cold to others.


    "Let''s go upstairs and have a good talk. I heard you''ve acquired another Medicine Valley recently, and it''s in the Inner Sect. You must tell me all about it." Li Ya pulled Gu An upstairs.


    Their conversationsted until deep into the night.


    Gu An didn''t mention his identity as Pan An but said that the harvest from Mystic Valley pleased the higher-ups, so they assigned him an extra Medicine Valley.


    With Li Xuandao being criticized because of Investiture of the Gods, how could Gu An dare to reveal Pan An''s identity to Li Ya?


    What if Li Ya let something slip?


    After all, they were father and son, no matter how big the conflict, their rtionship was closer than with Gu An before aplete fallout.


    ...


    As summer gave way to autumn, the temperature still felt quite hot.


    Ten days had passed since Li Ya''s arrival, and in that time, Mystic Valley had not encountered any danger. Gu An even went out to manage the caves of the Outer Disciples, with Li Ya insisting on apanying him. However, when they reached the caves, he didn''t enter, fearing that he might cause trouble for Gu An.


    Gu An wanted Li Ya to stay in Mystic Valley to protect the disciples, but Li Ya didn''t care about the others at all. In his words, he would only teach them swordsmanship out of respect for Gu An.


    That evening, as Gu An was picking mature herbs, Li Ya was meditating on a mountaintop to the west. The setting sun was just above his head, making him look like a peerless master.


    Suddenly, Gu An noticed something. His right hand paused momentarily before he continued picking herbs.


    "So there is a Demon Lord. I hope he doesn''t set his sights on my Medicine Valley."


    Gu An thought silently. The presence of the other was far beyond the Foundation Establishment Realm, but it did not pose a threat to his senses.


    The faint traces of Demonic Qi began to move away from Mystic Valley, which did bring him some relief.


    Compared to the life span of several decades he could gain from ying the Demon Lord, he was more worried about revealing his strength.


    Until nightfall.


    Inside the house, Gu An was reading the Ziwei Array Chronicles. He was engrossed in the section about wood attribute formations.


    Suddenly, his brows furrowed, and he let out a sigh.


    Mystic Valley hadn''t attracted trouble, but Li Ya had caught the attention of the Demon Lord.


    On the mountaintop, Li Ya, who was meditating and absorbing energy, suddenly opened his eyes. He stood up, walked to the edge of the cliff, and looked down at the forest below the mountain he was on, about a hundred feet away. A mysterious figure, like a ghostly shadow, stood beneath the trees, looking up at him from afar.


    Under the moonlight, the figure merged almost perfectly with the darkness, and one had to be close to notice his presence.


    Li Ya frowned. He raised his hand toward the distance, then leaped up, soaring towards the end of the night sky.


    The figure beneath the trees turned into a wisp of ck mist and dissipated, vanishing without a trace.


    After 30 minutes had passed.


    Li Yanded beside a river in the valley, originated from the mountains and about two zhang wide, glittering under the moonlight.


    No sooner had hended when a puff of ck mist appeared on the grass across from the river, which then congealed into a human figure.


    Li Ya asked, "You''re not from the Heavenly Extinction Sect, and you seem to know me?"


    The mysterious figure''s hoarse voice came, "Prince Li Ya, inheritor of the Divinity Transformation Sword Intent from Jizhou''s number one Sword Cultivator¡ªan unexpected pleasure to encounter you."


    Li Ya drew his sword from his waist, pointing it at the shadowy figure, "ying ghost tricks!"


    As soon as the words fell, rampant Sword Qi burst from his body, causing his ck clothes to flutter intensely. Seven silver sword shadows quickly condensed around him, dazzling under the night sky.


    "Dare to resist me in the Elixir Formation Realm?" the mysterious person let out a scornful, coldugh.


    He turned into Demonic Qi and dissipated once more, and in almost an instant, he reappeared behind Li Ya.


    Li Ya''s pupils shrank, and he immediately leaped up, while simultaneously swinging his sword behind him. The seven silver sword shadows shed toward the mysterious figure at an extremely fast speed.


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    The silver sword shadows fell one after another, stirring up clouds of dust, and the surrounding trees shook violently.


    In the air, before Li Ya could see whether the mysterious figure was hit, a strong gust of wind swept by his side, giving him no chance to react as he was sent flying.


    Li Ya plummeted into the forest like an arrow, toppling many trees along the way, and flew hundreds of feet beforeing to a halt.


    As the dust cleared, the blood-covered Li Ya leaned against a tree trunk that was full of cracks, with branches still trembling.


    The mysterious figure appeared in mid-air, gazing down at Li Ya with a snort, "Kid, you dare to make a move against me just after reaching the Core Formation? You''ve got guts. Do you even know what realm I am?"


    Li Ya struggled to lift his head, his vision dyed red with blood.


    "Damn it..."


    Li Ya clenched his teeth, trying hard to stand up, but he couldn''t.


    "Sigh, kid, how did you get hurt again? You''re not ying with your own life, you''re ying with your ancestor''s life!"


    An elderly voice rang out in Li Ya''s mind, its tone filled with helplessness.


    The mysterious person lifted his right hand, reaching out towards Li Ya through the air. In the darkness of the night, he was surrounded by Demonic Qi, his true face concealed.


    Before he could speak, a hand wrapped in Demonic Qinded on his shoulder, startling him.


    Instantly, his body sprouted wooden branches, mingled with fresh blood, blooming like a blood flower in the air.


    The Demonic Qi on his body dissipated, revealing his true form¡ªa middle-aged man in the robes of an Outer Sect Elder, his stern and imposing face filled with incredulity as he was pierced through by the branches.


    With great difficulty, he turned his head, catching a glimpse of a purple-ck figure standing behind him.


    "The Demon Shadow Divine Skill... you..." the middle-aged man said with a trembling voice.


    Li Ya''s eyes widened in anger and he eximed, "Elder Chen, how could it be you?"


    The man known as Elder Chen didn''t have time to respond as the Storage Bag at his waist was snatched away by the person behind him. Immediately after, the wooden branches on his body ignited with a green me, rapidly burning him to ashes, his soul utterly eradicated along with his body.


    The purple-ck figure stood in mid-air, his right arm still in the position of grabbing Elder Chen''s shoulder.


    Below him, Li Ya felt an immense pressure. He knew Elder Chen was a Nascent Soul Realm Great Cultivator. How could someone of such cultivation be killed so effortlessly?


    "Void Crossing Realm! At least the fifth level or higher!"


    The voice of the ancestor echoed in Li Ya''s mind, heavy with gravity.


    The words ''Void Crossing Realm'' made Li Ya''s heart race.


    In the silent night within the mountain forest, Li Ya''s heart was in his throat, ready for the figure to strike at any moment.


    Inside, he roared, save me, ancestor!


    After several breaths,


    the purple-ck figure vanished into thin air, causing Li Ya''s body to jolt, and he quickly looked around.


    "He has left, he must have weighed something." The voice of the ancestor resounded in Li Ya''s mind, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.


    "Stupid boy, stop worrying about Gu An, hurry to the Inner Sect. This Outer Sect is getting more and more sinister; someone must be damaging the heavenly virtue, and if you stay, trouble will eventually find you!"


    The ancestor''s tone became stern, and Li Ya fell silent.


    ...


    Inside the Mystic Valley Pavilion, Gu An gazed at the Storage Bag in his hand and sighed softly.


    Sorry, Senior Brother Li, without you getting hurt, you would never leave this ce.


    Gu An felt guilty, as Li Ya hade for his sake. Although Elder Chen had clearly intended to capture Li Ya, if Li Ya had gone directly to the Inner Sect, the subsequent disaster would have been avoided.


    He decided to give Li Ya more medicinal herbs after his return.


    Killing Elder Chen granted him thirty-seven years of life span, no more, no less.


    He began to inspect Elder Chen''s Storage Bag, his Divine Sense scanning it several times, removing anything potentially dangerous and burning it.


    It wasn''t until daybreak that Li Ya returned.


    The fellow had changed into clean robes, appearing as if he hadn''t been through a battle at all.


    Downstairs, Gu An ran into him and asked, "Senior Brother Li, why does yourplexion seem off?"


    Li Ya smiled and said, "I had a little mishap while practicingst night, it''s nothing."


    Gu An frowned, then pulled him upstairs, taking out all the elixirs he had prepared, dozens of bottles, iming they were all stocked up for personal use.


    Li Ya asked in surprise, "Junior Brother Gu, what is this for?"


    "You''ve returned from outside the valley with a pale face, you must have been in a battlest night, right?" Gu An said gravely.


    Li Ya''s expression darkened in response.


    Taking a deep breath, he said, "Indeed, I encountered a Demon Cultivatorst night and got injured. Junior Brother Gu, move to Medicine Valley in the Inner Sect. The Outer Sect is no ce to stay!"


    No ce to stay?


    I don''t believe it!


    Gu An''s foundation was here, he couldn''t possibly abandon it. Whoever brought trouble would die!


    On the surface, Gu An gave a wistful smile, "Senior Brother Li, the medicinal herbs we grow here in Medicine Valley are just Low-Rank Medical Herbs, the Demon Lord wouldn''t even nce at them. In fact, we''re safer without you here. You should go to the Inner Sect; we''ll be fine. I can get help from Lu Jiujia, we''re still on good terms."


    "But..." Li Ya hesitated.


    Gu An interrupted, "Senior Brother Li, I always feel that the chaos in the Outer Sect isn''t strongly rted to the Demon Cultivators. The Demon Extermination Hall has been established for many years, and we''ve caught countless spies from the Demon Path. Is it possible that someone is causing trouble under the guise of the Demon Path?


    Going to the Inner Sect might save the Outer Sect, but if you stay, how long can you protect me alone?"


    Li Ya''s expression turned cold as he reflected on Elder Chen.


    After struggling for a few moments, he took a deep breath and said, "Junior Brother Gu, you are right! I will head to the Inner Sect now!"


    Gu An''s face lit up with a smile, then he forcefully stuffed all the elixirs into Li Ya''s hands, moving him greatly.


    After a brief conversation, Gu An urged him to set off, and Li Ya also felt the urgency.


    Because he was injured, Li Ya could only travel by sword flight. After flying out of Mystic Valley, he couldn''t help looking back, murmuring, "Do you see? This is why I can''t let him go. Whoever dares to harm him, I will make them regret it!"

 Chapter 61: Chapter 61 The Secrets of the Supreme Sect, The Division Between Righteous and Demonic

    After Li Ya departed, Gu An discreetly ced Elder Chen''s storage bag into the Eight Scenic Caves. That very afternoon, he made his way to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He wandered around, inspecting the premises, but his brow was furrowed the whole time.


    For a long time.


    Elder Tian finally took the bait.


    He came over, curious, and asked, "Valley Master, why are you constantly frowning?"


    Gu An nced at him, shook his head slightly, and said nothing.


    Elder Tian took a step forward, saying, "Perhaps I can''t help you, but many things, once spoken, don''t seem so burdensome. I can offer advice from an outsider''s perspective."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately sighed and started recounting the events in the Outer Sect, including how Li Ya, who was in the first level of the Elixir Formation Realm, got injured while protecting him.


    The reason he specifically mentioned Li Ya was to ensure that the former Sect Leader remembered Li Ya''s contributions.


    Gu An felt that Elder Tian would not really spend his life here; he might make aeback one day.


    After he finished speaking, Elder Tian furrowed his brow.


    Unable to hold back, Gu Anined, "The Demon Extermination Hall in the Outer Sect has been capturing demon infiltrators all these years, yet despite so many years of effort, demon cultivators still manage to infiltrate the Supreme Sect. Can the Supreme Sect really im to be the foremost sect when its disciples cannot guarantee their own safety inside?"


    "It''s one thing for me to be killed, but I''m worried about my disciples."


    Upon saying this, he sighed again, clearly distressed and frustrated.


    Even he apuded his own acting skills.


    If acting could be included in the attribute panel, it would surely reach the pinnacle of mastery, leaving room to strive for a return to innocence.


    Elder Tian sighed along and said, "It does sound troublesome, but that''s how the Immortal Cultivation World has always been. No sect really cares about servant disciples¡ªto put it harshly, they don''t even consider them as true disciples."


    Gu An frowned¡ªthis time, he was genuinely troubled.


    Such wordsing from the former Sect Leader sounded particrly harsh.


    "However, I''ve heard that the new Sect Leader ispassionate and has the support of the Hall of Elders. Perhaps he can change the current situation, at least better than the previous Sect Leader," Elder Tian continued, his expression unchanged as if he wasn''t criticizing himself, and it was hard to tell if he was being sarcastic.


    Gu An didn''t respond but sighed and continued inspecting the herbs.


    Elder Tian didn''t follow his pace, and he didn''t bring it up again, fearing that doing too much could be counterproductive.


    An ancient hourter, Gu An returned to Mystic Valley.


    He nned to stay in Mystic Valley recently, making sure to return there the same day even when visiting other ces.


    The disciples in Mystic Valley were puzzled as to why Gu An had been staying there continuously until Wuxin and Tang Yu made a trip to the Outer Sect and learned that demon cultivators had infiltrated recently, which made them nervous but also touched.


    Their master cared for them!


    Ever since the establishment of the Third Medicine Valley, the disciples felt that their rtionship with Gu An had be distant, but now, they felt closer again.


    Wuxin felt the greatest pressure. He began to insist on the disciples practicing spells, aiming for each to have a slight ability to protect themselves.


    He bought some shy spells from the Outer Sect for the disciples to practice.


    Counter-killing demon cultivators was difficult, but if the fight was noisy enough, maybe it would draw the support of the Outer Sect.


    Gu An did not stop him, thinking this might improve the unity of Mystic Valley and was an excellent opportunity to train Wuxin''s leadership and organizational skills.


    Several dayster.


    Ye Lan arrived.


    She came for the same reason as Li Ya, worried about Gu An.


    In the attic, Ye Lan took a sword out of her storage bag and ced it on the table, saying, "Recently, there have been demon cultivators around, and their cultivation levels are not low. This sword is called the Qinghong Sword. Keep it with you. Though it doesn''t possess great power, it is connected to the White Spirit Sword I hold.


    If you encounter danger, I will sense it immediately ande to rescue you."


    Gu An couldn''t help butugh and said, "Junior Sister, you''re only a few levels higher than me in cultivation. Don''t get yourself killed!"


    Get yourself killed?


    Ye Lan paused briefly, then quickly understood. She red at Gu An and huffed, "Elder Brother, if we really fought, I could subdue you in one move. Don''t be fooled by how I act around you; others have apletely different experience facing me."


    "It seems my junior sister is indeed formidable. I underestimated you," Gu An admitted with augh. He then picked up the Qinghong Sword.


    The scabbard was exquisitely made, adorned with a carving of a flying goose among the clouds, very poetic. He then drew the sword; with a sh of light, a slender de appeared before him.


    "It''s really beautiful. I''ll hang it at my side from now on," Gu An said with a smile.


    Those words brought a smile to Ye Lan''s face.


    Gu An noticed that although Ye Lan''s looks were not as stunning as Ji Xiaoyu or Li Xuanyu, she was quite attractive the more he looked at her.


    Ye Lan then sat down, watching Gu An y with the Qinghong Sword.


    Suddenly curious, Gu An asked, "If you encounter danger, can the Qinghong Sword sense the White Spirit Sword?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Ye Lan raised her eyebrows and said, "What, Elder Brother, you intend to protect me?"


    "Hahaha, how could that be? You know I''ve never been in a skirmish. Going there would only make things worse for you," Gu Anughed.


    "You know that''s good. Elder Brother, if I ever face danger, don''t you daree to my rescue."


    "Don''t worry, I''m afraid of dying."


    Ye Lan giggled, "I''m afraid of dying too, but I have to survive. Without me, I''m afraid you''d be bullied by others."


    "Nonsense. Have I ever been bullied all these years?"


    "Then here''s to Elder Brother staying safe for a lifetime."


    ...


    Since Li Ya had left, Mystic Valley hadn''t faced any more dangers. When autumn arrived, Gu An calcted the time and found that a batch of herbs in the Third Medicine Valley should be ripe, so he returned there.


    He stepped out of the Array tform, his gaze involuntarily turning towards his own loft.


    There was someone inside!


    Shen Zhen!


    Gu An did not go directly to look for Shen Zhen, considering there were no secrets in that loft, the only secret being "Green Hero Travelogue," which she happened to like.


    He walked into a garden, began picking herbs, and watching the tips continuously popping up, a smile curved the corners of his mouth, his mood extremely joyful.


    No matter how high his realm reached, he always felt happy seeing his lifespan increase.


    He wondered how much his cultivation level might ascend given his million years lifespan.


    He had searched through all the books in the Outer Sect''s Book Collection Hall, yet had not found any records of ascension, nor did anyone know how vast this world truly was.


    Therger the world, the higher the realms for sure. The Supreme Sect alone possessed the Great Cultivators of the Void Crossing Realm, and that True Inheritor who traveled abroad might have already surpassed the Void Crossing Realm, yet still wasn''t invincible in this world.


    The path of immortal cultivation was long and arduous.


    Gu An picked herbs while his thoughts wandered aimlessly.


    After he finished picking, he turned and walked towards the loft.


    Passing by Elder Tian, Elder Tian spoke up, "Ms. Shen came looking for you several times."


    Gu An nodded slightly, then continued on his way.


    Elder Tian hesitated for a moment, then said, "About the matter you mentioned, I''ve informed Elder Gu Zong. It might improve the situation for the Outer Sect."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An turned back to look at him, a smile on his face, "Elder Tian, you see, everyone has their own merits. You always say you''re about to go into the soil, but you can still help thousands of disciples in the Outer Sect. Thank you."


    Gu An lifted his hand in salute, turned his head, and left.


    Elder Tian seemed thoughtful, murmuring to himself, "Everyone has their own use¡­"


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An went upstairs, pushed open the door, and saw Shen Zhen sitting at the desk, writing with fluid strokes. She was still dressed in ck, her face veiled in ck, her hair piled up in a bun, with two strands like willow leaves fluttering beside her cheeks, giving her eyes and brows a soft and gentle beauty.


    Shen Zhen did not look up; she seemed to not notice Gu Aning in.


    Gu An walked over, moved to her side, trying to see what she was writing.


    At that moment, she stopped writing calmly and then tidied up the papers.


    But Gu An, having already seen part of the content, appeared puzzled and hesitated to speak.


    Shen Zhen stood up, stuffed the papers into her sleeve, walked to the side, creating some distance between them, and smiled, "I looked for you several times, and you were never here. Is the Outer Sect''s Medicine Valley that dear to you?"


    Gu An helplessly said, "Lately the Outer Sect isn''t safe, and I couldn''t take all my disciples with me, so I had to stay there. After all, my cultivation level is higher than theirs."


    The reason he disclosed this was to pass the message upwards through her.


    The more people talked about it, the more power and hope they might gather.


    "With your current achievements, not to mention entering the Inner Sect, going to the Main City of the Sect in the Supreme Sect isn''t difficult either. Why not write well instead of bothering with these trifles?" Shen Zhen asked curiously.


    Gu An answered, "You are the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect, possessing resources that ordinary people can''t even think of. Why not focus on your cultivation instead of indulging in music, chess, and painting?"


    Shen Zhen fell silent.


    Gu An then began to tidy up the desk.


    After a while, Shen Zhen said with emotion, "No wonder you write about the Supreme Immortal Venerable. Indeed, only you understand me in this world. If you were to die, I''d have neither books to read nor a confidant."


    "No way, I can''t let you die. I''ll tell you a secret."


    She raised her hand, waved her sleeve, closed the room door, and from her sleeve flew out several talisman papers, which she adhered to the doors and windows.


    Gu An looked at her curiously, what secret could save his life?


    "Inside the Supreme Sect, some people are trying to cultivate Demon Skill to break through to higher cultivation levels to prepare for the uing great demon cmity. But whether this skill is feasible remains uncertain, so your Outer City is being used as a test.


    This matter cannot be overt, as it would damage the reputation of a reputable sect, so they disguise it under the guise of capturing Demon Cultivators," Shen Zhen said calmly, her gaze bing unfathomably indifferent.


    Gu An frowned, "How do you know this?"


    Shen Zhen answered, "Because the Daotian Sect is also trying this, sacrificing some lower-level disciples in exchange for the prolonged existence of the sect, a feat that will be remembered through the ages."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An felt extremely ufortable.


    "What kind of Demon Skill requires the sacrifice of disciples?" Gu An pressed on.


    "In this life, cultivating towards immortality is said to defy the heavens, yet the higher the realm, the more one can feel the Heavenly Destiny. This Demon Skill allows those Great Cultivators who cannot break through any further to defy their Heavenly Destiny. All in all, you should give up the Medicine Valley out there; staying longer will do you no good.


    Because you are Pan An, they are afraid you''ll write indiscriminately, so they dare not tell you. Just don''t say it was me who told you."


    Shen Zhen''s words left Gu An silent.


    The distinction between the righteous path and the Demon Path seemed absurd at that moment.


    Shen Zhen''s eyes curved into a smile, "By the way, you just read my book; how did you feel about the content?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s expression became odd again, he earnestly said, "Actually, Green Hero Travelogue also has its ws; some things are not necessary to learn."


    "Why can''t they be learned? That represents the most genuine shes, the truest reflection of human emotions."


    "Do you have to write it?"


    "Yes."


    "Then, can the protagonist not be called Gu An?"

 Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Preparing for a Breakthrough, Immortal-Slaying Sword Array

    "What''s there to fear? There are more people named Gu An in the world than just you. Unlike you, I can''t just create characters at will; I need to acknowledge someone before I can write their story. From my perspective, you fit the role of the male protagonist the best. ording to what I know, your only w is that your cultivation level is low."


    Shen Zhen spoke earnestly, causing Gu An''s face to twitch.


    Was this apliment?


    Why did it sound more like a personal attack?


    If I were to reveal my cultivation level, even your father might not be able to measure up!


    Gu An continued to persuade, but Shen Zhen stubbornly refused to change his name.


    In the end, Shen Zhen suggested exchanging a secret manual for his name, and Gu An had no choice but to agree.


    After Shen Zhen left, Gu An stayed in the attic, browsing through the secret manual she had given him.


    Mystic Sound Art!


    This was a musical spell that could damage one''s internal organs and bewilder an enemy''s senses, quiteprehensive indeed.


    Gu An had beencking in this type of spell and could further his study in the future.


    After reading through the Mystic Sound Art once, he tossed it into his storage bag and got up to leave.


    ...n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A monthter, Gu An arrived at the Outer City. He first went to the Elixir Hall to submit this year''s harvest.


    Elder Zhu Qinglu met him. Gu An noticed that Zhu Qinglu looked fatigued, and there was a trace of demonic qi surging within him, just like Lu Jiujia.


    "Elder Zhu, you look unwell, what happened?" Gu An asked.


    He wasn''t sure how the Outer Sect''s Demon Skills were cultivated. Some people had gone missing, but on this visit to the Outer City, he noticed a hidden trace of demonic qi in many disciples, almost all of whom belonged to various factions and were not ordinary disciples.


    Was it collusion or a trap? He couldn''t judge, and Shen Zhen hadn''t borated.


    Elder Zhu Qinglu said with a smile, "The practice is strenuous, but no worries. Don''t you have a Medicine Valley in the Inner Sect? You better move there quickly, don''t stay in the Outer Sect anymore. Recently, Demon Cultivators have been rampant, and it''s too dangerous out here."


    Gu An tentatively asked, "A lot of people have told me that it''s very dangerous in the Outer Sect now. If it''s so dangerous, why doesn''t the leadership send more people to wipe out the demons?"


    "And what is the area under construction in the city? It is almost upying one-fourth of the city area."


    Upon arriving in the Outer City, he had seen many disciplesying stones at the city center. Those stones were not mortal stones; each could contain spiritual energy.


    No matter how he looked at it, it appeared just like a gigantic sacrificial tform was being set up.


    Elder Zhu Qinglu replied nonchntly, "The higher-ups have their considerations which we cannot specte. What we can do is try to protect ourselves. As for the thing being constructed in the city, it''s an array tform that will provide protection for the Outer Sect in the future."


    Seeing his demeanor, Gu An felt that he was not a good person; he likely knew the inside story and had benefited from it.


    Gu An did not continue to inquire and, after exchanging a few pleasantries, left.


    Stepping out of the Elixir Hall, Gu An stood on the street and looked distantly at the array tform under construction.


    Dark clouds filled the sky. The once-thriving, sunny Outer City seemed so gloomy, as if it belonged to the Demon Path.


    Gu An stood still, watching for quite some time before finally turning to leave.


    The autumn breeze swept through the street, stirring his garments and slightly shaking the Qinghong Sword at his waist, its scabbard shing with a cold light.


    After leaving the Outer City, Gu An went to tend to the caves.


    When he arrived at Li Xuanyu''s cave, he found her inside.


    "From now on, you don''t need toe here. I have to move to the Inner Sect. Here is yourpensation," Li Xuanyu said as she sat at the table, waving her right hand and piling spirit stones on the table.


    Gu An immediately bowed and then went to collect the spirit stones into his storage bag.


    He didn''t say much and turned to leave.


    Li Xuanyu watched his leaving figure and asked indifferently, "I heard your leg technique is very powerful?"


    Gu An stopped, turned to look at her, and said, "Did Brother Li Ya tell you that? My leg technique is no match for his."


    Recently, Li Ya had stayed in Mystic Valley, watching Tang Yu practice the Residual Wind Leg, and had learned about the time Gu An had used the Residual Wind Leg to subdue Meng Lang.


    He hadn''t expected him to tell Li Xuanyu so quickly...


    "Hmm, I just asked casually."


    Li Xuanyu''s face remained calm as she spoke. She paused and then said, "I look forward to the day you join the Inner Sect. Then you and I canpete."


    Gu An replied, perplexed and helpless, "How can Ipete with you, Senior Sister? I could never catch up to you."


    "Go back now."


    Li Xuanyu didn''t continue his line of conversation but instead gave him the order to leave.


    Gu An could only depart.


    After leaving her cave, Gu An didn''t feel much psychological burden.


    As long as he denied everything, what could Li Xuanyu do about it?


    ...


    Late at night, Gu An walked through the mountain forest. In the afternoon, he had already told Wuxin that he needed to go out and wouldn''t return until tomorrow.


    The reason he had mentioned it in advance was that he was preparing for a breakthrough.


    Once he made a breakthrough, it would undoubtedly cause a significant disturbance. If the disciples were looking for him then, and found he wasn''t in his room, they might get suspicious.


    Ever since his visit to the Outer City, Gu An had sensed a strong atmosphere of danger.


    The rulers practiced Demon Skills, and the nobles'' children fled the Outer Sect¡ªall these signs made him anxious.


    Although the Void Crossing Realm, Level Nine, was strong, the Supreme Sect had its share of those from the Void Crossing Realm. Thus, after several days of struggle, Gu An decided to break through to a higher major realm first.


    Ultimately, dying the unlocking of the million-year lifespan feature by one year wouldn''t be too bad!


    This time, he took a long detour, traveling three hundred miles by night, and stopped in a dense forest. He stopped because he sensed two Nascent Soul auras, one of which he had felt before.


    Zuo Yijian!


    The Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake, who had previously gained Sword Enlightenment near Mystic Valley, was injured by Gu An in the guise of the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal. Since then, Gu An had only seen him at the Ji Family estate.


    Gu An had suppressed his aura to the lowest level, fearing no detection by anyone in the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Miles away, above the forest, Zuo Yijian, d in blue robes, hovered in the air, with five precious swords floating beside him, circling around his body, epitomizing the demeanor of a Sword Cultivator.


    Facing him was a man in a wide ck robe, burly in stature, wielding a long staff, with thick eyebrows and piercing eyes, and a square and imposing face. His ck robe fluttered intensely, and his overwhelming domineering presence caused the trees below to tilt to the sides.


    "Zuo Yijian, you should have been content to stay in the Inner Sect and study, so why obstruct me?" the man in the ck robe asked coldly.


    Zuo Yijian, expressionless, replied, "Chen Xuanjin, as a Great Elder of the Outer Sect, you practice Demon Skill, harming your fellow disciples. It''s not me who obstructs you; it''s your abundance of injustice thatpels me to act on behalf of the heavens to apprehend you."


    Hearing this, Chen Xuanjin burst into derisiveughter.


    "Do you really not know whom I''m working for?" Chen Xuanjin snorted coldly, then nted his staff into the ground. A burst of purple light emerged from the base of the staff, forming purple runes and creating aplex and mysterious formation with a diameter of over a hundred meters.


    Just as the edge of the formation nearly touched Zuo Yijian, it was blocked by an invisible Sword Intent. From above, it looked as though a piece was missing from the edge of the purple light formation.


    "Of course I know. I cannot take on him, but I can handle you. Killing you means that even if your sessor as Great Elder of the Outer Sect continues tomit wrongs, I can protect the Outer Disciples for a while."


    Zuo Yijian said expressionlessly, as the five precious swords around him unsheathed simultaneously, their sword light illuminating the night sky.


    "You think you can kill me?"


    Chen Xuanjin reacted as if he had heard a huge joke; his face twisted ferociously as his aura suddenly exploded, and a fierce wind arose, shaking the trees in the surrounding ten miles severely.


    Zuo Yijian''s expression changed slightly, and he involuntarily squinted.


    "You at Nascent Soul Realm level one think you can kill me at Nascent Soul Realm level nine? Zuo Yijian, do you think because you have your master as a backup, I wouldn''t dare kill you?"


    "Since you''ve chosen the path of power, refusing to remain ordinary, you are fundamentally mistaken. Saving some mediocre Outer Disciples as opposed to saving the entire Taicang Dynasty¡ªweigh what''s heavier and what''s lighter. If you don''t understand, then you''ve lived in vain!"


    Chen Xuanjin stood proudly, his domineering aurapressing Zuo Yijian''s sword shadows, causing his five precious swords to tremble.


    "I''ll give you onest chance, turn back now and it''s still not toote. Either go back to your Investiture of the Gods or die." Chen Xuanjin''s staff emitted rolling Demonic Qi, surprisingly condensing into a massive ck dragon that coiled around him.


    Zuo Yijian took a deep breath and said, "Since you mentioned the Investiture of the Gods, do you know of the Immortal-ying Sword Array?"


    Immortal-ying Sword Array!


    Chen Xuanjin''s expression drastically changed, revealing a look of astonishment.


    Gu An, who was secretly keeping an eye on them from a distance, was also surprised.


    "One breath bes three pure ones, the marvelous technique prates Mount Sumeru..."


    Zuo Yijian muttered, his surrounding precious swords trembling fiercely, quickly dispersing and forming an array, its killing intent soaring into the heavens.


    Gu An, standing under a tree, was stunned.


    Could studying really reveal Daoist Sorcery?


    Was he a genius?


    Chen Xuanjin was also frightened and immediately cast a spell to attack.


    A great battle erupted instantly!


    The heavens shook and the earth moved, and the forests toppled.


    Gu An stood under the tree, unflinchingly, his pupils shining with Sword Qi, closely watching Zuo Yijian''s figure.


    After ten breaths,


    the battle ended.


    Gu An sighed with relief.


    That scared me!


    Gu An truly thought Zuo Yijian had discerned the Immortal-ying Sword Array from the Investiture of the Gods.


    If that were so, wouldn''t it mean that the Investiture of the Gods was real? What a world that would be!


    The swordsmanship Zuo Yijian used was self-created, truly powerful enough topete with a Great Cultivator at Nascent Soul Realm level nine, but it did notst for long.


    The night sky cleared, the mountains and forests turned to wastnd, and dust flew into the air.


    Chen Xuanjin hovered in the air, gasping heavily, his face full of lingering fears. His eyes looked down at the rolling dust below.


    He could feel that Zuo Yijian was not yet dead, his brows furrowed in consternation.


    Although he wanted to kill Zuo Yijian, reason told him that doing so might cause trouble.


    Even though he was at the Nascent Soul Realm, within the Supreme Sect, he was still just a pawn.


    Just then, a sound of something cleaving the air came, startling Chen Xuanjin. He nced up abruptly, his pupils dting.


    A cold light sped from the horizon, scattering the dust and stirring up countless leaves as it passed, like a chilling sword slicing through the ages.


    Lying in the rubble, Zuo Yijian sensed something and instinctively opened his eyes. The dust above suddenly dispersed, the night sky reflecting in his pupils, where amidst the darkness, a bright light shined mesmerizingly.


    "It''s him..."


    Zuo Yijian''s eyes widened as he saw the swirl of Sword Qi around the leaves piercing Chen Xuanjin''s chest, blood sttering the night sky.


    In that moment, Zuo Yijian finally understood.


    The Flying Leaf Sword Immortal had not intended to harm him back then, but to guide him; otherwise, how could he have survived?


    Now, the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal''s intervention to save him both surprised and shamed him.


    Just who was this senior?

 Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Breakthrough to the Unification Realm!

    After Chen Xuanjin was pierced through the chest by a leaf swirling with Sword Qi, the Spiritual Power inside his body dispersed, and his eyes widened in fear, as his courage nearly shattered.


    He immediately escaped by ejecting his Nascent Soul and fled toward the horizon.


    In the trembling forest, Gu An calmly watched Chen Xuanjin flee. He intentionally did not kill Chen Xuanjin¡ªkilling him would only yield twenty to thirty years of life span. It was better to let him return, to intimidate the person pulling the strings from behind the scenes.


    Even if he killed Chen Xuanjin now, someone else would take his ce, addressing the symptom but not the root cause.


    If intimidation failed to work, and his Mystic Valley was threatened, then Gu An would be forced to govern his domain personally.


    Under the night sky, Gu An''s gaze was so cold. He turned and left, quickly vanishing into the forest.


    Amidst the ruins.


    Zuo Yijian struggled for a long time before he managed to stand up. Covered in blood and dirt, he looked incredibly disheveled. He called out loudly for his seniors, but no one responded to him.


    He had no choice but to sit cross-legged and start cultivating energy to heal on the spot.


    Elsewhere, Gu An moved quickly, spanning a thousand miles before he finally stopped.


    He was still hidden in the woond. Pulling up his clothing hem, he sat down in front of a tree and then called up his Attribute Panel.


    Looking at his life span of over a hundred thousand years, he took a deep breath.


    Void Crossing Realm''s Tribtion, who knows how many times it would fail.


    But he had made up his mind, no matter how many times he failed, he would break through!


    Otherwise, he felt no sense of security!


    First, let''s invest ten thousand years of life span!


    [You have invested ten thousand years of life span into your cultivation level for evolutionary practice]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for a hundred years, you with the Great Aplishment of Yang Wood Primordial Skill forcefully broke through to the Unification Realm, starting Tribtion Crossing, and you did not survive the trial of the Five Elements Divine Thunder, Tribtion failed]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for four hundred years, you with the Great Aplishment of Yang Wood Primordial Skill forcefully broke through to the Unification Realm, starting Tribtion Crossing, and you did not survive the trial of the Five Elements Divine Thunder, Tribtion failed]


    ¡­


    Continuous failures began!


    Every three hundred years, a Tribtion Crossing would be attempted!


    It''s no wonder the Supreme Sect practiced Demon Skills to break through Heavenly Destiny; this realm is indeed hard to withstand.


    After ten consecutive failures, Gu An''s heart began to quiver.


    Is it really this hard?


    He had practiced the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step, the Great Yin-Yang Transformation, and mastered two Divine Skills. Were Tribtion Crossings still this difficult?


    Gu An noticed that most of his Tribtions rted to the Five Elements. Could it be that the Tribtions he faced were much more difficult than those faced by others?


    After Core Formation, Li Ya once said that Tribtions also varied in type. Different Cultivators may face different Tribtions, primarily rted to one''s talent and cultivation technique.


    Gu An''s eyes grew sharp.


    No matter how hard, he would seed!


    Heaven does not let down those who persevere!


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for five thousand four hundred years, you with the Great Aplishment of Yang Wood Primordial Skill forcefully broke through to the Unification Realm, starting Tribtion Crossing, and you did not survive the trial of the Five Elements Divine Thunder, Tribtion failed]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for five thousand seven hundred years, you with the Great Aplishment of Yang Wood Primordial Skill forcefully broke through to the Unification Realm, starting Tribtion Crossing, and you did not survive the trial of the Five Elements Divine Thunder, Tribtion failed]


    ¡­N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The prompts of failure still continued!


    Gu An quickly checked his Attribute Panel, looking at his life span, feeling slightly relieved.


    His confidence was still abundant!


    However, after ten thousand years had passed, he still had not seeded.


    On the verge of losing hisposure, he quickly invested another twelve hundred years.


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Gu An''s eyes turned red as he once again invested twelve hundred years.


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Sess!


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for nine hundred years, you with the Great Aplishment of Yang Wood Primordial Skill forcefully broke through to the Unification Realm, starting Tribtion Crossing, and you survived the trial of the Five Elements Divine Thunder, Tribtion seeded, advancing to the firstyer of the Unification Realm]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for twelve hundred years, your cultivation level increased]


    He seeded!


    Gu An let out a sigh of relief, it actually took twelve thousand four hundred years to finally achieve a sessful breakthrough!


    Although the life span spent in life span evolution much exceeded that of actual practice, it still put immense pressure on him.


    If the Unification Realm was so challenging, what about theter realms?


    But on second thought, with his initial talents, to reach the Unification Realm before the age of fifty was incredible.


    What''s spent isn''t life, but merely numbers!


    Gu An adjusted his mindset, activated the Life Span Barrier, and prepared to enjoy the boost in cultivation level.


    The ground began to overflow with Spiritual Energy, visibly manifesting at a visible speed. Within three breaths, the ground showed waves of green, formed by the Wood Attribute Spiritual Energy.


    Spiritual Energy flowed into his body, stirring up a cyclone that enveloped him.


    Themotion grewrger andrger!


    Gu An felt that this time the disturbance would exceed his prior experiences; it seemed like just a single realm breakthrough, but this realm required an iparably greater amount of Spiritual Energy than previous realms.


    As the Spiritual Energy entered his body, Gu An''s cultivation level began to rise, and insights about the Unification Realm flooded his mind as if he had truly experienced those years of practice.


    ¡­


    In the Outer City.


    Within a mansion, Chen Xuanjin''s Nascent Soul floated in front of a desk, hisplexion dark and his gaze fixated on the ancient bronze mirror before him.


    Suddenly, a blurry face reflected in the mirror, and an indifferent voice emerged, "What brings you to me sote at night?"


    "I was nearly executed by the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal... and also Zuo Yijian, he''s thwarting our grand scheme!" Chen Xuanjin gritted his teeth, his voice filled with bitterness and a hint of fear.


    When the flying leaves pierced his flesh, Chen Xuanjin felt as if he was facing death itself, and now he was extremely horrified in retrospect.


    He felt that had he reacted even slightly slower, he might have truly perished!


    The person in the mirror fell silent upon hearing this.


    Chen Xuanjin did not disturb him, waiting quietly instead.


    After a while, Chen Xuanjin seemed to sense something, and his face drastically changed.


    "The Spiritual Energy is sinking again!" he said hastily, ncing towards the door as if afraid the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal would appear any moment.


    "Tomorrow, I''lle to the Outer Sect myself!" the person in the mirror dered, and as the voice faded, the image vanished.


    Chen Xuanjin turned to look outside the window. The dark clouds gradually covered the bright moon, as if a terrifying omen was approaching, further unsettling his heart.


    It wasn''t just him who felt the sinking of the Spiritual Energy; the entire Outer City was in uproar, with more and more disciples taking to the skies.


    Lately, Demon Cultivators roamed wildly, with disciples going missing from time to time. With the sudden sinking of Spiritual Energy tonight, who wouldn''t panic?


    Ye Lan flew towards the Law Enforcement Hall, and along the way encountered Lu Jiujia, who flew at her head-on with Sword Control; both stopped simultaneously.


    Lu Jiujia had a stern expression. Seeing Ye Lan, he hesitated to speak.


    Ye Lan, expressionless, said, "Is it your doing again?"


    Lu Jiujia shook his head, "No, the Demon Extermination Hall has already ordered heightened alert, this time it might truly be a Demon Cultivator invasion."


    "Truly?" Ye Lan asked with a sarcastic tone.


    Lu Jiujia frowned.


    Ye Lan continued, "Senior Brother Lu, do you really think this path is correct? If they can be cruel to other disciples, are you so sure they''ll never turn on you?"


    Lu Jiujia retorted, "If we don''t take this path, then what? Follow your lead, and join the Law Enforcement Hall that could be disbanded at any moment?"


    Their gazes locked, bristling with silent confrontation.


    In the end, they brushed past each other, neither uttering any further threats.


    ...


    The clouds churned, and in the night sky, an enormous inverted vortex appeared, vast and boundless, with the forests below undting like waves, oppressive to the extreme.


    In a secluded patch of woods, where no one could spy on him, Gu An continued his meditation.


    A full hour had passed, and his Cultivation Level was still rising, not yet breaking through to the Unification Realm.


    The amount of Spiritual Energy required for the Unification Realm was huge, far beyond Gu An''s expectations.


    Considering such a realm, how terrifying must real Tribtion Crossing be?


    He suddenly felt that failing the simted Tribtion Crossing countless times was of no consequence since failing a real Tribtion Crossing even once could lead toplete annihtion.


    Gu An felt his Spiritual Power surging uncontrobly, and his mood was anything but calm.


    If the Unification Realm held such immense Spiritual Power, how powerful must a true Immortal be?


    He became lost in endless daydreams.


    The Earth Spirit Energy crazily flowed into his body, with green qi waves erupting from the ground, making him feel as though he was in the midst of an ocean.


    Outside the Life Span Barrier, the woods shook violently, and numerous Cultivators flew overhead, but none noticed Gu An''s presence.


    The impact he caused was not limited to this; to be precise, the entire Supreme Sect felt the effects, with the woods outside each Outer City trembling, causing rm and unease among the Supreme Sect''s Cultivators.


    Having experienced this before, Gu An was not the least bit panicked; in fact, his mood carried a touch of yfulness.


    Wanting to practice Demon Skills, wanting to sacrifice Outer Disciples, let''s see if you panic now!


    Gu An was very dissatisfied with the idea of sacrificing a few for the greater good, not because he was noble, but because he was among those being sacrificed.


    Time continued to pass.


    More and more Cultivators flew over Gu An''s head, and he kept using the Life Span Detection.


    More than ten Divinity Transformation Realm Cultivators passed by, and he even saw those from the Void Crossing Realm.


    Indeed, the Supreme Sect was a den of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!


    As the number of Cultivators from the Void Crossing Realm increased, Gu An even caught a glimpse of Gu Zong.


    The patrolling Gu Zong emitted a formidable aura, unlike the gentleness shown to Gu An before. His overwhelming pressure made all creatures tremble.


    This night was destined to be restless.


    Another half hour passed, and Gu An finally achieved a breakthrough to the Unification Realm, his entire perception undergoing a transformation.


    He felt a deeper integration between his physical body and his Primordial Spirit, the process of Primordial Spirit Emergence became much easier, and his control over both his body and his Primordial Spirit far surpassed that of his previous state.


    This feeling was so wonderful that he found it indescribable.


    After reaching the Unification Realm, Gu An''s Spiritual Power also changed, bing stronger and more abundant.


    His Divine Sense range was rapidly expanding, but he refrained from actively probing, fearing that he might disturb the Great Cultivators passing by above.


    The number of Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivators had surpassed ten!


    Gu An even saw Great Cultivators of the Ji Family from the Void Crossing Realm, which exined why the Ji Family dared to have a residence in the Supreme Sect, and also why that person had not appeared during Ji Xiaoyu''s banquet.


    After a short while longer, the increase in Gu An''s Spiritual Power started to slow down.


    This signaled that the breakthrough was nearing its end.


    Gu An''s heart gradually returned to calm.


    The Life Span consumed by this barrier had exceeded a thousand years, but he wasn''t distressed about it, as the Life Span Barrier had shielded him from the detection of over a hundred Great Cultivators.


    Those he considered Great Cultivators had at least reached the Nascent Soul Realm.


    And this was only one direction of the Supreme Sect; if he added up the Great Cultivators checking the other seven directions and cities, how many would there be?


    The only thing that put Gu An''s mind at ease was that he hadn''t seen shadows of Great Cultivators from the Unification Realm, at least for now.


    Although this couldn''t definitively say that the Supreme Sect had no Unification Realm Great Cultivators, it did suggest that the Unification Realm stood at the pinnacle within the Supreme Sect.

 Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Heavenly Repair Platform, The Mysterious Formation

    ```


    The morning sun split through the mountains and rivers of the earth, sweeping across the Outer City, with disciples constantly flying in and out, busy and yet repressed.


    In a mansion.


    Chen Xuanjin''s Nascent Soul hovered within the hall, his head lowered, extremely tense.


    In front of him sat a man in the chief seat, dressed in a ck robe with dragon patterns, his face young and handsome but his brows exuded such authority that it created a pressure incongruous with his appearance. His long hair was coiled under a silver crown with Qilin carvings, and just sitting there, he radiated an aura of unrivaled supremacy.


    "Your brother was executed by the demon cultivator from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, and now you have been seriously injured by the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal. Tell me, might Zuo Yijian''s master be connected to the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?" the man in the ck robe slowly asked.


    His tone was calm, as if speaking of an insignificant matter.


    Chen Xuanjin quickly raised his head and said, "We cannot rule out this possibility. It''s no secret that the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion has nted spies within the Supreme Sect. Didn''t you say before that there must be spies from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion among the high ranks? Haven''t they just revealed themselves now?"


    Offending Zuo Yijian meant endless trouble, but if Chen Xuanjin could topple Zuo Yijian''s backer, then he wouldn''t be afraid of Zuo Yijian anymore.


    The man in the ck robe narrowed his eyes, his gaze falling upon Chen Xuanjin, who quickly lowered his head in fright.


    The hall fell into silence once again.


    After a while.


    The man in the ck robe spoke in an eerie tone, "Prepare the formation. With the demon cultivators causing chaos recently, after this matter is resolved, we can pin the me on the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion."


    Chen Xuanjin hastily said, "But in my current state, I fear..."


    "This time, I will take it upon myself."


    "What? That can''t be, whether this can seed or not is not yet determined, and the Daotian Sect is also waiting for us to try it."


    "Nothing is ever certain to seed. The path of immortal cultivation is inherently thorny. We''ve been nning this for a century, and the Supreme Sect must act; we can''t let those lurking in the shadows ruin our grand n. Don''t try to persuade me further."


    Hearing this, Chen Xuanjin could only suppress his worries and agree to the matter.


    Elsewhere.


    Mystic Valley.


    Gu An was directing the disciples in their drills. Themotion from the previous night had left the disciples restless, so they were discussing in small groups.


    Tang Yu asked, "Master, howe you returned so quickly?"


    The others looked towards Gu An as well.


    Gu An snorted, "Didn''t you feel themotionst night? I rushed back because I was afraid something would happen to you."


    Upon hearing this, the disciples all felt ashamed, believing that they were too weak and always a concern for their master.


    Xiaochuan said with worried urgency, "Senior brother, why don''t you go to the Inner Sect''s Medicine Valley? It''s okay if we disband, we can all find our own way in the Outer Sect, so you can be safe."


    He wasn''t afraid of dying; he just didn''t want Gu An to overexert himself.


    Gu An had already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm and had a future beyond theirparison. Why should he always live in fear because of them?


    Gu An said, "If you want to go to the Outer City, I can let you go, but I must remind you that the Outer City is not necessarily safer than Mystic Valley, since disciples disappear in the city all the time. I''m not threatening or implying anything. Whatever you choose, I''ll respect it, and I can''t keep you against my own will. Whether you stay or go, the bond with Mystic Valley remains."


    He spoke from the heart.


    He yearned for longevity and knew he would inevitably face many partings and deaths; he had long been prepared and did not concern himself with the fates of others.


    Unless someone truly mattered to him, then he would act ording to his heart.


    Hearing his words, the disciples fell silent, looking at each other.


    Wuxin hesitated to speak, but ultimately held back.


    "Leave, why leave? Could we, as servant disciples in other ces, ever receive elixir refinement from a master like ours? Mystic Valley doesn''t need so many servant disciples, but our master still took us in without reducing our treatment. We can''t be ungrateful!"


    Tang Yu was the first to speak. His greatest regret was that he had not charged to the front like Su Han when Qiu Qianli caused trouble.


    Once, Su Han had been following his lead, but now Su Han had achieved Foundation Establishment, while Tang Yu was still unsure if he would ever reach that level in his lifetime. The gap had started to grow from that cmity.


    Tang Yu did not resent Gu An but felt ashamed. He swore to perform well and regain the favor of his master.


    As he spoke up, the other disciples joined in agreement, and the atmosphere became lively, no longer as oppressive as before.


    Gu An smiled and signaled for the disciples to continue their drills.


    Just as they finished their drills, Ye Lan arrived, confirming Gu An''s safety before quickly leaving.


    Gu An stood by the window, looking in the direction of the Outer City.


    Great Cultivators still asionally flew overhead, though not as many as the previous night.


    Gu An''s Divine Sense could easily span thousands of miles to observe the Outer City, and that wasn''t even the limit of his abilities.


    He saw the massive Array tform being rapidly constructed¡ªeven disciples had started moving Spirit Stones. He watched silently, still unable to discern the purpose of the formation.


    The issue of the sinking Spiritual Energy had thrown the Supreme Sect into turmoil, and the tense atmosphere had only begun to ease after nearly ten days.


    Gu An was affected by this.


    ```


    Several Outer Disciples were moving their caves, resulting in the loss of a few channels for him to collect life span; these disciples were clearly nning to flee the Outer City.


    Gu An, however, was not disappointed. He now had three Medicine Valleys and his life span would only continue to increase in the future. He was even nning to expand the Third Medicine Valley.


    He was just waiting for the matters of the Outer Sect to end quickly. As long as it didn''t threaten his Mystic Valley or the few people he cared about, he was toozy to meddle in the conspiracies of the Supreme Sect.


    Just as Shen Zhen had said, even the Great Yu Dynasty''s top sect, the Daotian Sect, was involved in such activities. Why should he force himself to intervene? He did not possess such a strong sense of justice to save those suffering from hardship. With so many hardships in the world, could he save everyone even if he wanted to?


    Moreover, such matters were not easy to manage. If he forcibly disrupted the Supreme Sect''s ns, and the sect faced a great cmity of demons and could not hold on, he would be the sinner of the Supreme Sect. Everyone in the Supreme Sect would me him. After all, aside from the sacrificed victims, all others benefited.


    Those he saved might even feel that without his intervention, they wouldn''t have been sacrificed and thus me him.


    He couldn''t keep saving one group of people after another and carry the mission of saving all lives forever. Just the thought of it made him feel tired.


    Time continued to pass.


    One day, Gu An came to Tianya Valley, first harvesting the matured medicinal herbs, then leading three Monkey Demons to sow the seeds.


    Luo Hun approached from behind and said, "A month ago, the Earth Spiritual Energy subsided, and many Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect were patrolling around. Some even passed through the airspace above Tianya Valley. What exactly happened to the Supreme Sect?"


    Gu An casually replied, "It seems there was a Demon Cultivator invasion. Oh, and Li Ya was injured by a Demon Cultivator before. He is now recuperating in the Inner Sect."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Hun frowned deeply, turned around, and walked into the forest.


    Afterward, Gu An''s Divine Sense saw him casting a spell on a piece of Talisman Paper. Once his Spiritual Power was infused into it, the Talisman Paper ignited, quickly turning to ashes.


    Gu An, now at the Unification Realm, could keenly sense a strand of Spiritual Power belonging to Luo Hun fleeing toward the horizon at great speed.


    It seemed Luo Hun was sending a message to Li Xuandao.


    Gu An didn''t think much about it and continued sowing.


    After finishing the sowing, he gave a few instructions to the three Monkey Demons and then left Tianya Valley.


    Compared to those conspiracies and tricks, he was more concerned about the development of the Medicine Valley. Focusing his energy on this was the right thing to do.


    ...


    The sky was overcast with clouds, and the Outer City was crowded with people.


    Su Han and Zhen Qin stood in front of a stele. Su Han read out loud, "Heavenly Repair tform."


    Following Zhen Qin''s gaze, they could see a massive Array tform stretching over a dozen miles in front of them, incredibly majestic. Around the edge of the tform stood statues of various poses, all depicting ancient Immortals.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    At the very center of the Heavenly Repair tform stood a hundred-zhang-tall stone pir, square and upright, its surface etched with many indentations that resembled human meridians, exuding mysterious signs.


    "Senior Brother, what do you think is the purpose of this Heavenly Repair tform? Why has the Sect summoned all Outer Disciples to return, and we even have to gather on the tform tomorrow?" Zhen Qin asked with a slight frown, her tone quite dissatisfied.


    Su Han looked at the Heavenly Repair tform and said softly, "I don''t know either. It might have something to do with the descent of Spiritual Energy a month ago."


    Many Disciples who had just returned and were seeing the Heavenly Repair tform for the first time were standing in the streets behind them, also discussing the tform.


    How powerful must the Formation be to operate such arge tform?


    Without an answer, Zhen Qin turned to look in other directions. In a daze, she thought she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure, but when she looked carefully, she saw no one, as if she had been mistaken.


    "Strange..." muttered Zhen Qin.


    In the crowd not far away, Jiang Qiong walked in blue garments, her gaze casually sweeping over the Heavenly Repair tform without any expression on her face.


    An old man with a hunched back and a cane in his hand, only reaching her shoulder, apanied her.


    "Miss, this Array tform is not simple. I''m afraid there will be big trouble tomorrow. Should we really stay?" the hunched-back old man asked.


    Not just him, but many Disciples around were worried, with various spections.


    Jiang Qiong, unfazed, replied, "It''s indeed not simple. The Restrictions within the tform are veryplex, and it would take decades to deduce andplete. But since we''re already here, we must see what happens tomorrow."


    The hunched-back old man looked at her and eximed, "Miss, you''ve changed so much. Do you have attachments to someone in this Supreme Sect?"


    "Indeed, I do. That''s why I asked you toe."


    "Hehe, it seems my old bones will need to be put to work again."


    The two casually chatted, not mentioning the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, so no one suspected their identities.


    Meanwhile.


    On the other side of the Heavenly Repair tform, two young figures stood on the edge of a nineyered pavilion, one of them being the backer of Chen Xuanjin, a man in a ck robe.


    The man in the ck robe looked down at the Heavenly Repair tform, his gaze profound, as he pondered something unknown.


    The young man beside him asked, "Master, the Outer Disciples of this city should have almost all returned. Should we summon more Servant Disciples from nearby Medicine Valleys, Beast Fields, and mines?"


    This voice was unmistakably Chen Xuanjin''s!


    He had taken over the body of a young Disciple.


    The man in the ck robe said softly, "No need. The more Servant Disciples there are, the less pure their Cultivation Levels would be."

 Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Demon Suppressing Umbrella, Qinghong Trembles

    A night passed, and with the dawn of the next day, more and more Outer Disciples entered the Outer City.


    Disciples from the Demon Extermination Hall and Law Enforcement Hall began to guard each city gate, checking the identity card of every disciple who entered.


    On the Heavenly Repair tform, many disciples were already sitting in meditation waiting; Su Han and Zhen Qin stood at the edge of the tform, looking out with furrowed brows.


    "Senior brother, I have a bad feeling about this, shall we leave?" whispered Zhen Qin.


    She practiced the cultivation technique taught by Jiang Qiong, with a keen perception. Those Demon Extermination Hall disciples standing at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform made her ufortable, an unease that instinctively made her want to flee the area.


    Su Han also felt that something was amiss, so he nodded and left with his junior sister.


    The two of them went against the flow; it wasn''t just them, other disciples also sensed something off and wanted to leave the Outer City, but many more chose to trust the Supreme Sect.


    Reaching the city gate, Su Han and Zhen Qin were stopped by Demon Extermination Hall disciples, who stated that today entry was allowed, but exit was not.


    Su Han''s gaze moved to the gs standing on the city wall, his eyebrows furrowing again¡ªthose gs hadn''t been there when they entered the city yesterday.


    "Junior sister, I''ll draw their attention, you prepare to escape," Su Han said using the Sound Transmission Skill.


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin instinctively looked towards him.


    Just then, Su Han suddenly drew his sword and charged towards the city gate in a swift stride.


    "How dare you!"


    The Disciples guarding the gate shouted angrily; without needing orders, other surrounding Demon Extermination Hall disciples immediately took action.


    Zhen Qin wanted to support Su Han, but seeing him encircled, she knew that if she helped him now, they would both be captured, thus wasting his efforts.


    She immediately moved toward the city gate. However, nearly a hundred Disciples of the Demon Extermination Hall blocked the way, and there were also people on the walls, making it very difficult to escape.


    Zhen Qin charged towards the direction with the fewest people. At the same time, other disciples wanting to leave the city also started to fight, causing chaos at the front of the city gate.


    The cultivation level of the Demon Extermination Hall disciples was at least at the fifthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Su Han was quickly subdued and pinned to the ground, unable to move.


    He struggled to raise his head, only to see Zhen Qin injured and on the ground, which made his eyes turn red.


    The one who injured Zhen Qin was a woman dressed in the ck garb of the Demon Extermination Hall. She came from outside the city, blocking the gate, and coldly announced to everyone, "Today we are checking for spies from the Demon Path. Anyone who tries to leave will confirm their identity as a demon cultivator!"


    At her words, the restlessly anxious disciples instead let out a sigh of relief.


    So it was a search for demon spies¡ªno wonder the grand setup.


    They were worried that the Supreme Sect was up to something else. If it was just a search for Demon Cultivators, they were not afraid, for they had nothing to hide.


    Su Han, Zhen Qin, and otherbative disciples had their Spiritual Power sealed with talisman paper by the Demon Extermination Hall disciples and were then escorted to the Heavenly Repair tform.


    As noon approached, all the city gates in the Outer City were closed.


    A loud bell rang out, and an imposing voice reached all the disciples in the city:


    "All disciples must immediately gather at the Heavenly Repair tform!"


    Disciples from various streets began heading towards the Heavenly Repair tform, and the vast expanse of the tform was already upied by tens of thousands of disciples.


    The news about the Outer City investigating demon spies had spread, and those who were not demon spies felt at ease, some even cultivating by absorbing energy on the tform.


    Ye Lan followed the Law Enforcement Hall disciples to the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform. She was about to step onto the tform when she suddenly saw a row of disciples kneeling on the ground in the distance. Her delicate brows furrowed because she recognized Su Han and Zhen Qin, who appeared disheveled with blood on their mouths, obviously having just been through a battle.


    She did not act rashly, but instead withdrew her gaze, pondering how to rescue her two fellow disciples.


    After much thought, she had to admit the only person she could turn to was Lu Jiujia.


    The Law Enforcement Hall had beenpletely suppressed by the Demon Extermination Hall, making it impossible to get people out of the Demon Extermination Hall, even for the leader of the hall.


    Ye Lan began to worry about Gu An, hoping he had not entered the city.


    She always felt that today''s events were more than just a hunt for demon cultivators.


    As a disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall, she could not flee just because of suspicions. Deep down, she still held some trust in the Supreme Sect, believing that the shady dealings of the Demon Extermination Hall could only operate in the shadows.


    In the distance.


    Jiang Qiong and a hunchbacked elder stood at the window of a pavilion. They were not the only ones; some Inner Sect Disciples who were passing by the Outer City did not go to the Heavenly Repair tform either, but they were curious about what the Outer Sector was up to.


    "Last night, there was a powerful Divine Sense checking the entire city; its cultivation level may have already surpassed the Divinity Transformation Realm," the hunchbacked elder said with a heavy tone and furrowed brow.


    Surpassed the Divinity Transformation Realm?


    Jiang Qiong narrowed her eyes.


    The hunchbacked elder then asked, "Miss, is it now time for you to tell me why you havee here?"


    Gazing towards the distant Heavenly Repair tform, Jiang Qiong replied, "To kill a traitor."


    A traitor?


    The hunchbacked elder looked puzzled.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Time continued to pass.


    When the number of people on the Heavenly Repair tform surpassed one hundred thousand, the tform still appeared spacious.


    Lu Jiujia stood at the edge of the tform, scanning the disciples on it. The murderous aura on his face became even more apparent, giving off a very dangerous vibe.


    Ye Lan approached, and seeing her, Lu Jiujia''s brow furrowed.


    "Su Han and Zhen Qin have been captured by your people, can you let them go?" Ye Lan asked in a low voice.


    Though she had severed ties with Lu Jiujia, for the sake of the two juniors, she had no choice but to humble herself.


    If she were the victim, she could choose death, but those two were Gu An''s disciples, and she could notpletely ignore them.


    Upon hearing this, Lu Jiujia''s brows furrowed even tighter, but he still nodded slightly.


    "Thank you!"


    Having said that, Ye Lan turned and left.


    Lu Jiujia watched her retreating figure, wanting to say something but stopping himself. In the end, he could only sigh and then went to look for Su Han and the others.


    After half an incense stick of time, he returned to his original position with Su Han and Zhen Qin.


    Zhen Qin cautiously asked, "Martial Uncle Lu, is it really just about catching the spies from the Demon Path?"


    Lu Jiujia nodded lightly, without saying a word.


    Zhen Qin breathed a sigh of relief and said no more, while Su Han observed Lu Jiujia, his instincts telling him that something was off about Lu Jiujia.


    Suddenly.


    To the east of the Heavenly Repair tform, a red umbre rose from behind arge building, swiftly flying to the airspace directly above the center of the tform, drawing many gazes.


    The red umbre opened, and beads made of white jade began to fall, tied together by tassels in the air; they swayed and collided with each other, producing a clear, chiming sound.


    With a loud bang!


    The red umbre burst forth with strong spiritual power, and a pale golden light circle expanded swiftly, covering the entire outer city and connecting with the tall gs on the city walls.


    Everyone in the city looked up, some in astonishment, others in fear.


    A figure appeared out of nowhere below the red umbre, strikingly the man in the ck robe.


    "I am Chu Xian, an elder from the Main City of Sect of the Supreme Sect. I havee here to cleanse the Demon Path spies from the Outer Sect."


    The man known as Chu Xian spoke, his words falling, and the vast aura of the Void Crossing Realm enveloped the entire Outer Sect, making everyone feel his immense power.


    Ye Lan looked up at the high and mighty Chu Xian from the sea of people, her eyes filled with shock.


    What kind of cultivation level did one need to possess such a demeanor?


    Not just her, but Lu Jiujia, Su Han, and Zhen Qin were also shocked. The majority of the outer disciples revered Chu Xian like an Immortal.


    "The Outer Sect has had the Demon Extermination Hall for many years, and many spies from the Demon Path have been captured, yet their atrocities continue. Let us check the Demon Exhibition Hall first!"


    The voice of Chu Xian was so cold. As he spoke, the red umbre above him whirled, emitting sinister sounds that echoed throughout the city.


    Lu Jiujia''s face drastically changed, his hands covering his chest, and with a thump, he knelt on the ground.


    Not just him, the other disciples of the Demon Extermination Hall did the same, some even cried out in agony.


    "Martial Uncle Lu, what''s wrong with you?" Zhen Qin quickly asked, extremely anxious.


    Lu Jiujia felt as if he was being devoured by ten thousand insects, the pain was extreme, he had no strength to reply. He could only raise his hand to signal Zhen Qin and Su Han to stay away.


    The disciples of the Outer Sect who were on the tform were all looking towards the edge area where the disciples of the Demon Extermination Hall were, talking in hushed, shocked tones.


    "The magic artifact on my head is the Demon Suppressing Umbre. Under its light, all Demonic Qi vanishes. Any practitioner of Demon Skills will turn to blood water!" Chu Xian''s voice rose once again.


    The Heavenly Repair tform exploded into chaos!


    The Demon Extermination Hall was actually full of Demon Cultivators?


    In all these years, how many had the Demon Extermination Hall captured, already making it abhorrent. Now knowing that they were all Demon Cultivators, how could they not be enraged?


    Various curses and condemnations arose.


    Lu Jiujia was in excruciating pain, his forehead on the ground, his body trembling.


    "Damn¡­ it''s true¡­"


    Lu Jiujia gritted his teeth, his face twisted to the utmost, he couldn''t mobilize his spiritual power, and his heart plunged into unprecedented fear.


    Suddenly, Demonic Qi emerged from his body, rising up, not just from him, but also from other Demon Extermination Hall disciples. It climbed swiftly into the air towards the Demon Suppressing Umbre.


    Ye Lan stepped out from the crowd and saw Lu Jiujia in agony. She immediately came forward and took out an elixir from her storage bag to feed him.


    This act caused other disciples to start cursing her, but she remained indifferent.


    However, her elixir had no effect.


    "Junior Sister¡­ run¡­" Lu Jiujia''s voice was straining, each word seeming to exhaust all his strength.


    As the word "run" fell, he suddenly spat out arge mouthful of ck blood.


    "What in the world is going on?"


    Ye Lan asked in a deep voice. She paused, then quickly added, "I can''t possibly escape right now, not unless the truth is revealed and the entire sect unites to resist. That''s the only chance for survival."


    Lu Jiujia no longer had the strength to reply. He shakily raised his right hand, his index finger pointing to the heavens.


    p>Ye Lan turned her head to look, and the person he was pointing at was indeed Chu Xian above them.


    "Next, we must inspect the tform for spies from the Demon Path."


    Chu Xian''s voice rang out, quieting the morous Heavenly Repair tform in an instant. Even the disciples with clear consciences suddenly felt a bit panicked at this moment.


    The Demon Suppressing Umbre swayed again, that sinister sound causing everyone''s hearts to palpitate.


    Ye Lan seemed to sense something, sharply looking down just as the ground of the Heavenly Repair tform revealed dense, strange blood runes. Her feet were precisely on these runes, and a malevolent power burrowed into her body, forcibly sealing her spiritual power and immobilizing her.


    She trembled all over, and her White Spirit Sword also emitted a sound because of it.


    All the disciples on the tform knelt in unison, resembling the rise and fall of a tide, the ground beneath their feet also covered with dense blood runes.


    "To think the invasion of the Demon Path was this deep. Since this is the case, there is no need for this Outer Sect to exist anymore."


    Chu Xian''s voice descended from the heavens, so ice-cold, plunging everyone into a deep abyss.


    ...


    In Mystic Valley, within a loft.


    Gu An was busy writing a book when suddenly the table trembled, causing him to stop writing.


    His gaze shifted to the Qinghong Sword ced on the table beside him. At this moment, the Qinghong Sword was vibrating intensely, as if the de was about to rush out of its sheath, with a faint sound of a bird''s cry.


    Watching the Qinghong Sword, Gu An''s expression changed.

 Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Sword Falling from the Sky

    Atop the Heavenly Repair tform, tens of thousands of disciples knelt in submission, the bloodlines beneath their feet surging and transforming into streams of blood that enshrouded their bodies.


    "Elder, I''m not a spy from the Demon Path!"


    "You are the demon cultivator! Traitor! May you meet a horrible end!"


    "Ridiculous, so many spies from the Demon Path, truly the biggest joke. I never expected the Supreme Sect to be so dark, still iming to be the foremost upright sect of Taicang, hahaha, it won''t be long before the Taicang Dynasty is also annihted!"


    "Chu Xian, even in death, I won''t let you off as a ghost!"


    "Such actions, are you not afraid of the wrath of gods and men, of retribution?"


    Cries of agony, pleas for mercy, curses, and all manner of sounds filled the air within the Outer City.


    At the center of the Heavenly Repair tform, the channels in the stone pirs began to fill with fresh blood flowing upwards, like veins engorging with blood, eerie and terrifying.


    Billowing dark clouds gathered from all directions above the heaven and earth, quickly enveloping the skies over the Outer City, casting a shadow over the city.


    The pale golden light emanating from the Demon Suppressing Umbre began to take shape, enveloping the entire city. Those disciples who hadn''t ascended the Heavenly Repair tform tried to flee, but couldn''t break through at all.


    Ye Lan trembled, striving to rise, but she simply couldn''t. Feeling her Spiritual Power being drained, her eyes were filled with panic and despair.


    Su Han and Zhen Qin by her side were the same, unable to even speak, only able to wait desperately for death toe.


    In the distance.


    Within an attic.


    The hunchbacked elder, gazing at Chu Xian''s silhouette, wore a grave expression and said, "I never thought he would be so powerful, the geniuses of the Supreme Sect are truly extraordinary, it has not been many years..."


    Fear also shone in Jiang Qiong''s eyes, the mere pressure from Chu Xian made her dare not act rashly, the gap was too vast.


    "So it is, the legendary Heaven and Earth Nirvana Array..."


    Jiang Qiong muttered to herself, causing the hunchbacked elder to look at her and say, "Miss, this formation might threaten us, we should leave quickly."


    Jiang Qiong nodded; her target was not Chu Xian. His appearance had taken her by surprise, especially the Heaven and Earth Nirvana Array, which left a great impact on her.


    They immediately turned and prepared to retreat from the Outer City.


    Boom¡ª


    Thunder roared within the dark clouds overhead, as if the gods were bellowing, a heavy and loud sound.


    Chu Xian looked up, his eyes calm. After a mere nce, he redirected his gaze to the city beneath him.


    Looking at the struggling tens of thousands of disciples below, a look ofpassion appeared in his eyes.


    "For the thousand-year lineage of the Supreme Sect, making this sacrifice is not in vain for your lifetimes of cultivation," he muttered, as if consoling himself. The pity in his eyes gradually vanished, reced by detachment.


    He raised his hand and grasped the Demon Suppressing Umbre, ready to increase its power and refine the cultivation of all disciples on the tform in one go.


    Ye Lan was already prostrate on the ground, lifting her eyes with difficulty. Under the rolling thunderclouds, Chu Xian''s figure was so terrifying.


    But at this moment, what she saw was not Chu Xian, but another silhouette.


    She worried that Gu An wouldn''t escape this cmity.


    She regretted in her heart, thinking that she should have looked for Gu An yesterday, urging him to leave the Supreme Sect in advance.


    The unforgivable actions of today meant Chu Xian would surely kill all the Servant Disciples belonging to this part of the Outer City.


    More and more Blood-Colored Runes appeared on her body, like chains pulling taut. They seemed to drag her into the ground; an unprecedented wave of exhaustion swept over her like a tsunami. Her eyelids trembled as they closed.


    The White Spirit Sword on her waist quivered fiercely, as if anxious for its master.


    Just then.


    Ye Lan seemed to sense something and opened her eyes instinctively. Sunlight shone on her face, and not only her, but other disciples enduring torture opened their eyes as the sky suddenly brightened.


    The badly mutted Lu Jiujia could only nce at the sky with the corner of his eye. Under his gaze, the dark clouds overhead had been blown away, and from the lingering traces of clouds at the edge of the sky, it was clear they were dispersed by some tremendous force.


    Jiang Qiong and the hunchbacked elder moving quickly through the streets saw it more clearly; they turned their heads and stopped in their tracks.


    They saw above the Demon Suppressing Umbre, outside the pale golden shield, a sword floating in the air, enveloped by Sword Qi, its de indistinct, only its slim form recognizable.


    Chu Xian looked up and moved the Demon Suppressing Umbre away, his brows tightly furrowed.


    "Who?"


    His voice rang out, his tone carrying a hint of tension.


    This "who" gave hope to everyone in the city; those sealed on the Heavenly Repair tform looked on with eyes full of anticipation.


    Boom!


    A tyrannical Sword Intent burst forth from the sword shadow in the sky, instantly shattering the pale golden dome that covered the entire city.


    Chu Xian''splexion changed drastically. He immediately channeled his Spiritual Power into the Demon Suppressing Umbre. The umbre shook violently, releasing a mighty force to oppose the Sword Qi from the sword shadow.


    "Un¡ª"


    Chu Xian''s eyes widened in shock as he uttered the beginning of a word, but the sword shadow descended with overwhelming dominance. It scattered the vast power of the Demon Suppressing Umbre, smashing it head-on and piercing through his flesh.


    Like a meteor falling!


    The sword shadow descended from the sky,nding on the Heavenly Repair tform, its de embedding into the stone of the tform, trembling nonstop. The powerful Sword Intent released, dispelling all Blood-Colored Runes on the tform; the massive stone column shattered instantly.


    The Sword Intent swept over Ye Lan, causing her clothes to flutter, and she felt as if she had awakened from a nightmare.


    Su Han and Zhen Qin felt the same, quickly getting to their feet.


    More and more disciples freed from their bonds stood up, all turning to look at the sword shadow at the center of the tform; in their eyes, the sword was not to be feared, instead, it was their savior.


    Some looked up to see Chu Xian still suspended in the air, his right hand gripping the shaft of the Demon Suppressing Umbre, his body trembling, blood flowing uncontrobly from every orifice.


    "Why...," Chu Xian''s voice trembled, but before he could finish speaking, his body burst forth with sword light after sword light, turning to ash in midair, not even his Primordial Spirit managed to escape.


    The vault of heaven then emitted a dark yellow glow as if dusk had arrived.


    "How is this possible... He was in the Void Crossing Realm..."


    The hunchbacked elder''s eyes widened in terror and disbelief.


    Jiang Qiong, too, could not maintain herposure. Chu Xian had existed beyond the Divinity Transformation Realm, so what level of cultivation was required to y Chu Xian with a single sword strike?


    Following her gaze, a pir of energy descended from the sky, connected to the Heavenly Repair tform, as if splitting the entire world in two.


    That was Sword Qi!


    A Sword Cultivator of such caliber was actually born into this world...


    In that moment, Jiang Qiong felt extremely insignificant and mediocre, as if her injuries from the past century had already disqualified her from the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Simultaneously.


    Third Medicine Valley.


    Beneath arge tree, Elder Tian looked in the direction of the Outer City. Even from this great distance, he could see the column of Sword Qi above the Heavenly Repair tform.


    "Unification..."


    Elder Tian murmured to himself, a sound that only he could hear.


    Atop the mountain at the edge of Medicine Valley, Ye Yan stood firm against the wind. Suddenly, a strong gust blew, pulling his robe behind him as he grasped his long spear, standing tall and unwavering as a pine.


    He squinted his eyes, staring at the distant column of Sword Qi, filled with amazement.


    Dozens of miles away.


    Shen Zhen stood on a cliff, with the entrance to her cave dwelling behind her. The wind swept her ck clothes and veil, partially revealing her face below.


    Her eyes, too, reflected the column of Sword Qi, brimming with curiosity.


    The Supreme Sect had such a Sword Cultivator hidden within its ranks!


    She couldn''t help but think of the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal, plucking leaves to y Nascent Souls; his realm was unknown to all, as was his true identity.


    ...


    Ye Lan stood on the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform. Before her were tens of thousands of disciples. She couldn''t see the sword shadow enveloped by the crowd, but her gaze involuntarily shifted to the White Spirit Sword at her waist.


    The sword was still trembling slightly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Aplex array of emotions crossed her eyes.


    It was at this moment that the Outer Disciples in front of her began to retreat en masse, causing a thunderous mor. Ye Lan was drawn by a sharp sound.


    It was the sound of a sword de grinding against stone!


    She immediately leaped up, stepping on her Flying Sword to rise into the sky. Not just her¡ªtens of thousands of disciples did the same, scattering into the air in a magnificent sight.


    All those who reached the sky stared wide-eyed because they saw the sword shadow that had killed Chu Xian moving rapidly, its de still embedded in the stone of the tform, sparks flying, the Sword Intent overflowing.


    Elder Liu Chang of the Book Collection Hall furrowed his brows, chanting, "The... Righteous... Path..."


    Once the sword shadow finished thest stroke, it soared into the sky, swept over the heads of all the disciples, and vanished into the horizon in the blink of an eye.


    Everyone turned to look at the Heavenly Repair tform, where tworge characters were etched in the center.


    Righteous Path!


    The strokes were vast and fierce, exuding the ultimate sharpness and a killing aura!


    Jiang Qiong and the hunchbacked elder also flew up to see the two characters, and the two Demon Cultivators from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion were just as shocked.


    The Taicang Righteous Path conducted the affairs of the Demon Path, but in the end, the mysterious Sword Cultivator intervened and left behind the words "Righteous Path."


    What did this imply?


    While the Supreme Sect had its dark aspects, it also had Great Cultivators with a sense of justice!


    Jiang Qiong had always sneered at the Supreme Sect''s im to the Righteous Path, believing they were merely fooling the world. Yet now, she suddenly felt that perhaps the Supreme Sect wasn''t as deplorable as she thought.


    ...


    In Mystic Valley, within a pavilion.


    Gu An sat at his desk, his brows slightly furrowed.


    Someone had locked onto his Qinghong Sword, making it difficult for him to directly retrieve it.


    He was controlling the sword with his Sword Intent. That previous strike was no ordinary attack, it was the maneuver of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword at the Integration Realm!


    "Since you want to pursue, so be it. Let them know that in the Supreme Sect, a sword hangs over their heads," Gu An thought to himself. He then picked up the writing brush, preparing to try and multitask.


    The Qinghong Sword had already traveled more than six thousand miles away from him, and the distance was rapidly increasing.


    Above the sea of clouds, the Qinghong Sword enveloped in Sword Qi swiftly moved, leaving behind a long trail of disturbed air that stretched to the end of the heavens.


    Suddenly, the Qinghong Sword stopped, hovering above the clouds.


    Within three breaths, a streak of golden light sped from the horizon, quickly approaching the Qinghong Sword to within less than a hundred feet.


    As the golden light dissipated, a man in a blue Daoist robe appeared, holding a horsetail whisk. He seemed to have the appearance of an immortal, but his expression was somewhat grave.


    "Who exactly are you? There''s no mention of a Unification Realm Sword Cultivator in the Taicang Dynasty," the man in the Daoist robe asked, his tone serious.

 Chapter 67: Chapter 67: The Furious Vice Sect Leader

    The voice of the man in the Daoist robe echoed above the sea of clouds, his gaze fixed on the Qinghong Sword.


    He couldn''t discern the true form of the sword, as his Divine Sense failed to prate the Sword Qi on its surface, which rmed him greatly.


    The achievement in the Sword Dao of this person was undoubtedly the strongest he had encountered!


    However, he received no response.


    It seemed that the whole world consisted only of him and the sword; there was no second person present.


    Yet, he could feel a trace of Divine Sense fluctuation on the Qinghong Sword, indicating that the sword was being controlled, which tightened his mind and made him prepare for battle.


    At that moment, the Qinghong Sword burst out with a powerful Sword Intent. Instantly, rolling thunderclouds surged from all directions, darkening the entire world.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The terrifying Sword Intent locked onto the man in the Daoist robe, causing him to be visibly moved.


    Thousands of lightning bolts inteced in the cloud above, while bolts of pale lightning, like a group of dragons, tumbled through the sea of clouds. The Sword Qi on the Qinghong Sword surged wildly, burning fiercely like a roaring me.


    The man in the Daoist robe immediately waved his horsetail whisk, casting out strands of Gang Qi, which gathered around him forming a huge Golden Light Mountain. Divine Statues rose atop the mountain, as if silently screaming.


    A sudden downpour fell, and fierce winds howled through the clouds.


    Under the shing lightning, the Qinghong Sword, enveloped by Sword Qi, seemed like a supreme demon sword, exerting immense pressure on the man in the Daoist robe.


    The Qinghong Sword soared into the air, its tip pointing at the man in the Daoist robe.


    The man in the Daoist robe immediately struck with his palm. The Golden Light Mountain on his body burst forth with dazzling light, all the Divine Statues simultaneously swung their palms, turning Spiritual Power into a majestic group of light that attacked the Qinghong Sword, sweeping across the sky like a gxy.


    The Qinghong Sword moved!


    Boom!


    The sword struck towards the man in the Daoist robe!


    As the sword moved, winds and thunder howled, and the heavens and earth trembled!


    Cold light dazzled the sky; the Qinghong Sword appeared like the fastest light in the world, the fiercest thunder, unstoppable as it sted all obstructions away!


    The golden river of light was directly dispersed, the Golden Light Mountain on the man''s body instantly shattered, shocking him into hopping away; but in the next second, the Qinghong Sword had already reached him, relentlessly pursuing.


    He struck out with a palm, and the space in front of him seemed to solidify, an invisible barrier forcibly brought the Qinghong Sword to a halt, stirring up waves of qi around the barrier, giving it form.


    Suddenly!


    The man in the Daoist robe''s expression changed, cursing inwardly.


    ng¡ª


    The sound of shattering ss rang out, and the man instinctively retreated. Time seemed to slow, and in his pupils, the tip of the Qinghong Sword drew closer and closer, its Sword Qi blooming like a dazzling, beautiful flower.


    Boom!


    A strong gust of wind attacked the face of the man in the Daoist robe, blowing off his hair ornament, his ck hair danced wildly, his Daoist robe was pulled violently backward, and the sea of clouds behind him was scattered. The thunderclouds above tore open, sunlight poured down, seemingly splitting the heavens with a giant gap stretching to the horizon.


    The man in the Daoist robe widened his eyes, staring at the sword hanging in front of him, unable to calm his emotions.


    This sword was fully capable of injuring him, but it had stopped when he was defenseless.


    Under his gaze, he saw the Qinghong Sword slowly descending.


    He seemed to understand something, neither dodging nor striking.


    The Qinghong Sword gently tapped his chest three times, then turned and left, moving faster than it had when he had been pursuing it.


    The man in the Daoist robe didn''t chase after it this time, knowing it was pointless to do so, as he was no match for his opponent.


    His expression gradually darkened; the sunlight falling on him felt piercingly harsh.


    ...


    Inside the house, Gu An was writing. Simultaneously, he lifted his other hand to catch the Qinghong Sword flying in from the window.


    He had let the Qinghong Sword circle around a few times, retrieving it only when the disciples in the valley were not paying attention.


    After the previous encounter, Gu An had suddenly gained confidence in his Sword Dao.


    Killing Chu Xian in the Void Crossing Realm granted him ny-three years of life span. The man in the Daoist robe he had encountered afterward was also in the Unification Realm. Judging by his aura, he had just entered the Unification Realm, at most not beyond the Second Layer, but he was no match for his Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    He had always thought his actualbat ability in the same realm was weak, but now, it seemed, he might have underestimated himself.


    Even without muchbat experience, his cultivation in spells and ultimate skills was tangible, not fabricated from thin air.


    Not everyone could spend thousands of years cultivating spells, as most cultivators spent most of their time on Energy Absorption.


    Of course, it''s always safer inbat to fight from a higher realm against a lower one!


    Gu An ced the Qinghong Sword back into its sheath, then set it on the table. He turned his head toward the Outer City, where many Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect had already rushed there.


    With tens of thousands of Outer Disciples alive, Chu Xian''s sins could not be hidden. Ye Lan and others were now safe.


    It was likely that the Supreme Sect wouldn''t practice that Demon Skill for a while.


    The two characters that Gu An had carved at the Heavenly Repair tform became the focus of the cultivators'' gathering. Great Cultivators marveled at his Sword Intent, while the Outer Disciples were indignant, cursing Chu Xian and demanding that the higher-ups must thoroughly investigate the matter.


    Because Chu Xian had isted the Outer City with a formation in advance, the Servant Disciples in Mystic Valley heard nothing, only the sea of clouds stirring above, which drew a few more nces from some disciples outside.


    An hourter, more and more cultivators swept over Mystic Valley, causing a buzz among the disciples in the valley.


    Gu An did note downstairs, pretending to be unaware of the matter.


    Today, the Supreme Sect was destined not to be peaceful.


    ...


    After one night, in the early morning, Ye Lan, Su Han, and Zhen Qin returned.


    Gu An received them in the attic, and Wuxin and Xiaochuan insisted on joining the excitement. Gu An let them enter the room together.


    Zhen Qin began to recount the experiences of the previous day, startling and astonishing Wuxin and Xiaochuan, making their emotions fluctuate with the story.


    Ye Lan was unusually silent and did not keep staring at Gu An; Gu An guessed the reason, so he pretended not to notice her abnormality.


    When Zhen Qin and Su Han finished speaking, Wuxin sarcastically said, "I had long seen that the Supreme Sect was not as righteous as the outside world imed, but I never expected them to be so shameless as to sacrifice more than a hundred thousand fellow disciples. Even the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion has never seen such a heartless act!"


    Xiaochuan was also very upset, thinking about the Demon Cultivators Mystic Valley had encountered over the years, he gritted his teeth and said, "Senior Brother, why don''t we switch to another sect? Cultivating nts somewhere else is also cultivation!"


    Gu An gave him a nce and said, "Nonsense, speak less of such things in the future. Anyway, at least the matter was interrupted, and there are still righteous people within the Supreme Sect."


    He could not bear to part with his foundation, especially the Eight Scenic Caves.


    "There have already been Great Cultivators from the Main City of the Sect who havee to administer justice, and they said they would definitely give an exnation to the Outer Disciples. Let''s see how the Sect handles it from now on.


    The incident yesterday was too big; it will inevitably spread to the Immortal Cultivation World and cannot possibly be concealed," Ye Lan said, without looking at Gu An as she spoke.


    Su Han suddenly remembered something and quickly said, "Master, Martial Uncle Lu has been seriously injured. Even if he survives, I''m afraid..."


    Gu An had actually seen Lu Jiujia''s dreadful condition yesterday, but he was powerless to help. Lu Jiujia''s cultivation level had been drained, and even if he survived, he would be disabled and would likely find it very difficult to cultivate further.


    He did not know if Wuxin''s Daoist Expansion Skill could help him.


    "Tell him, if he doesn''t mind, he cane to Mystic Valley to find me, and we can nt flowers and live a peaceful life together," Gu An sighed.


    The mention of Lu Jiujia''s fate made the atmosphere in the room extremely oppressive.


    "Alright, you all may leave now, I will have a talk with Junior Sister Ye," Gu An said, waving his sleeve.


    Everyone hurriedly paid their respects, then turned and left.


    Zhen Qin thoughtfully closed the door, and just as the door was about to shut, she gave Gu An a yful look, making him somewhat smile wryly.


    The room fell into silence.


    Gu An could feel that Ye Lan''s breath was not calm. He showed a smile and said, "Junior Sister, you were frightened, weren''t you? How about resting for a few days in Mystic Valley?"


    Ye Lan took a deep breath, turned to face him, and said, "It was indeed a shock, but not from fear. Brother, I suddenly understand what you said before; I have been foolish. The path of immortal cultivation should focus on cultivation. If we hid in the mountains and met such evil people as yesterday, being utterly powerless to fight back would be the most tragic thing for us both."


    Hearing her say this, Gu An instead worried that she was putting too much pressure on herself.


    "Junior Sister, don''t think too much. It''s right to work hard at cultivating, but dangers like yesterday are rare," Gu An earnestly advised.


    Ye Lan nodded and said, "Although I don''t know who the Great Cultivator was who intervened yesterday, I will learn from him. When I''m as powerful as he is, I''ll stand by your side, Brother."


    She smiled and even raised her eyebrows at Gu An.


    Seeing her return to her usual self, Gu An smiled as well.


    Later, Ye Lan talked about the Demon Extermination Hall; almost all of its disciples had been ruined, but the Main City of the Sect was preparing to thoroughly investigate the Demon Extermination Hall. ording to the information she received, this incident might impact the Hall of Elders of the Main City of the Sect.


    Within the Supreme Sect, there was never a monopoly of opinion. Everyone had their own adversaries, and Chu Xian had many. Those people would surely exploit this incident to make a move.


    Gu An was also looking forward to changes within the Supreme Sect. If it continued to be so vile, and if one day he grew tired of it and became strong enough, he would let the Supreme Sect hear a different voice.


    ...


    Two dayster.


    In the Third Medicine Valley,


    Gu An was checking the herbs when he suddenly sensed two presences. His eyebrows twitched, but he did not turn around.


    Before long, Gu Zong arrived with a man, who was none other than the Daoist robe man who had fought with the Qinghong Sword before.


    "Gu An,e here," Gu Zong called from afar.


    Gu An immediately turned and walked over, while casting a Life Span Detection at the Daoist robe man.


    Divine Sense can detect a person, but Life Span Detection must be done through the eyes.


    [Ji Hantian (Unification Realm First Layer): 780/3300/3500]


    Indeed, a Unification Realm First Layer!


    And he even has the surname Ji?


    Recently, he had seen a Ji-surnamed Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator; surprisingly, there was also a Ji-surnamed Unification Realm Great Cultivator hidden within the Supreme Sect.


    The Ji Family''s foundation was truly terrifying.


    Gu An walked up to Gu Zong and raised his hand in greeting.


    Gu Zong smiled and said, "Gu An, this is the Vice Sect Leader, and he''s from the Ji Family."


    Hearing this, Gu An immediately greeted Ji Hantian.


    Ji Hantian nodded his head and showed a smile, saying, "No need for such formality, especially since you are also from the Ji Family. Come, let''s go upstairs and talk."


    Gu An immediately led the way.


    Once they were upstairs in the room, Gu An closed the door, and Gu Zong followed by setting up a Restriction.


    Suddenly, Ji Hantian mmed the table and shouted angrily, "This is preposterous! Utterwlessness! Pan An, you must write this down and expose the sins of the Supreme Sect to the entire world!"

 Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Promotion in Status, Searching for Pan An

    "Have me write it?"


    Gu An dared not respond, unclear about why Ji Hantian was angry.


    If Ji Hantian wanted Gu An to nder himself, he definitely wouldn''t write it!


    "Why are you so loud?"


    Gu Zong said discontentedly as he sat down and motioned for Gu An to sit next to him. Gu An nodded and took a seat on the stool beside him.


    Ji Hantian struggled to calm his emotions and said, "Using over a hundred thousand disciples to forge a formation, is this truly the righteous path? If it hadn''t been for that mysterious sword cultivator''s intervention, I would still be in the dark!"


    He was genuinely distressed.


    At that time, while in seclusion, he had felt a powerful sword intent and, startled, immediately left his retreat. He traveled tens of thousands of miles, and though he failed to save Chu Xian, he overheard the Outer Sect disciples'' curses. This made him furious yet curious about the identity of the sword cultivator, so he chased after him.


    To his surprise, he was easily defeated by the opponent...


    Since reaching the Unification Realm, Ji Hantian felt he could roam across the Taicang Dynasty unopposed, with few capable of challenging him, most being old freaks in prolonged seclusion. He had not tasted defeat for too long.


    Most crucially, the opponent had not only defeated him but also helped him!


    "Had that person not intervened, once I emerged from seclusion, would the hatred for the extermination of that Outer Sect segment have fallen upon the Demonic Sect?" Ji Hantian stared at Gu Zong as he asked.


    Gu Zong gave a bitter smile and did not respond, but his answer was clear.


    Ji Hantian then looked at Gu An and said, "You must write out everything about the incident three days ago, including the nefarious deeds of the Demon Extermination Hall and the sword cultivator who averted the disaster for the Outer Sect. That person intervened, signifying they are also from the Supreme Sect, albeit discreetly.


    Promoting his feats will help maintain the image of the Supreme Sect, at least not branding it as demonic all at once."


    Hearing that he could praise himself, Gu An felt no pressure.


    However, he couldn''t agree too readily.


    Gu An feigned difficulty, hesitating to speak.


    Ji Hantian frowned and asked, "What? Don''t you want to do it?"


    Gu Zong replied irritably, "For such a major issue, if he writes it, he''ll certainly offend a ton of people. You just put him in great trouble with a single request, daring you are to ask indeed!"


    At this, Ji Hantian appeared somewhat embarrassed.


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "I am willing to work for the Supreme Sect, but..."


    Gu Zong, smiling, asked, "What do you want? Just say it."


    Ji Hantian frowned but remained silent.


    "I want my Medicine Valley to expand, specifically the Third Medicine Valley of the Inner Sect. Allocate an area of a hundred square miles to me. I will cultivate more medicinal herbs there. The herbs provided to the Sect will remain as usual, and I won''t be greedy," Gu An stated earnestly.


    Upon hearing this, Ji Hantian couldn''t help but ask, "That''s it? You could ask for much more."


    He had expected Gu An to make exorbitant demands but was met with such a minor request.


    Gu An nodded and said, "I only want these. With my mediocre talent, seeking treasures and cultivation techniques would only invite trouble. Cultivating medicinal herbs is my hobby; it gives me inspiration when I write and also contributes to the Supreme Sect."


    Ji Hantian looked at Gu Zong.


    Gu Zongughed and said, "Don''t underestimate him; that''s really what he thinks. You are unaware of Pan An''s fame; just get to know more about him in theing days. If he speaks up, the Hall of Elders will surely promote him to True Disciple."


    "Oh? Are his books really that powerful?"


    "Take a look at ''Investiture of the Gods''; you will definitely like it."


    "Alright then, I''ll make the decision right now and allocate that hundred square miles to you. You can nt whatever you want there, and you''ll also receive a set of sixth-tier Spirit Protection Formations. Gu Zong, handle this matter," Ji Hantian said earnestly.


    Gu Zong nodded with a smile.


    Gu An immediately raised his hand to thank Ji Hantian.


    Gu Zong began to inquire how the Sect Leader viewed this matter; Ji Hantian said with a sarcastic tone that he definitely pretended to be unaware.


    The Sect Leader and the Vice Sect Leader don''t get along!


    In the meantime, Ji Hantian also mentioned Lv Baitian, also known as Elder Tian, expressing dissatisfaction with him.


    It appeared that Elder Tian had changed his appearance and physique, which is why Ji Hantian hadn''t recognized him.


    Only then did Gu An realize that Elder Tian had truly deviated. Elder Tian usually loved seclusion and seldom managed the Supreme Sect, leading many to misuse his name. Only after he deviated did they elect Elder Chu Tianqi as the Sect Leader.


    From Ji Hantian''s words, it was clear he considered Elder Tian as already dead.


    This gave Gu An more to specte about the rtionship between Gu Zong and Ji Hantian.


    A full hour had passed before Ji Hantian and the other left.


    Gu An stood on the grass, watching them depart.


    Suddenly, Elder Tian approached, curious and asked, "Was there trouble in the Outer Sect?"


    Gu An nodded and briefly exined the situation, causing Elder Tian to frown.


    "Elder Tian, what do you think? Do you consider the Supreme Sect righteous or evil?" Gu An asked casually as he squatted down to examine a medicinal herb in front of him.


    Elder Tian responded, "The boundary between righteousness and evil is not easy to define. Discussing righteousness and evil should not be based on the present but judged by posterity."


    Those words...


    No wonder the Supreme Sect is so warped!


    Gu An didn''t inquire further, no longer bothering with Elder Tian.


    He began nning how to fully cultivate the hundred square miles, as Gu Zong had already promised. Besides Shen Zhen, he would ask the Inner Sect disciples in nearby caves to move further away to avoid future conflicts.


    Inner Sect Disciples differed from Outer Sect Disciples. Those who became Inner Sect Disciples were not only highly talented but also possessedplex connections. It wasn''t an exaggeration to say that anyone you met in the Inner Sect was a person with a significant background.


    Following this incident, Gu An hade to understand that the Taicang Dynasty didn''t belong to the Emperor, nor did it belong to the sects, but to the influential families.


    Members of the Ji Family could not only be the Vice Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, but they also managed to ce members of the Ji Family in every sect throughout the Taicang Dynasty.


    Not to mention the Gu Family and the Zhou Family.


    Gu An felt that Chu Jingfeng and Sect Leader Chu Tianqi also came from the same n, proving that the Chu Family was also formidable.


    However, this was of no concern to him, as he had no intention of establishing his own family. He did not want too many attachments.


    First pursue the path, then follow your heart!


    ...


    The actions of the Gu Sect were swift. In less than a week, the arrangements wereplete. Nearby Inner Sect Disciples were relocated, and he also received a set of Sixth Layer Spirit Protection Array.


    The Spirit Protection Array was specifically used to enhance and contain Spiritual Energy.


    In the vast expanse of the world where Spiritual Energy flowed, every Great Sect began by locating Spirit Lineages and then sealing off the Spiritual Energy, ensuring an abundance of it within the sect. This, however, caused the Spiritual Energy avable to themon folk to be sparse.


    With this array and the expansive resources of medicinal herbs, even if his Cultivation Level reached the Core Formation Realm, Nascent Soul Realm, or Divinity Transformation Realm, he could always downy his talents by saying that his advancements were solely through the umtion of resources, thus eliminating any perceived threat from others.


    Moreover, the Gu Sect allowed him to keep twenty Servant Disciples in the Third Medicine Valley. Normally, Servant Disciples are not allowed in the Inner Sect. Bringing four initially was already an exception, but his rtions with the Gu Sect made it possible.


    Gu An had recruited seven people from Mystic Valley, including Tang Yu.


    As for Xiaochuan and Wuxin, they still remained in Mystic Valley, but Gu An now allowed them to visit the Third Medicine Valley anytime they wished.


    The days ahead were looking up.


    Time flew by, and a month had passed since the cmity at the Outer Sect.


    One day, Gu An went to the Outer City. Without the Demon Extermination Hall, the Outer City had regained its prosperity from years ago, and the going-anding disciples were not so tense anymore.


    As he walked, Gu An suddenly spotted someone.


    Jiang Qiong!


    During the confrontation with Chu Xian, Gu An had sensed Jiang Qiong with his Divine Sense but pretended not to notice. He thought she would have left after a month but was surprised to see her still around.


    Jiang Qiong walked up to him and smiled, "Come with me."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An looked at the hunchbacked elder behind her andunched a Life Span Detection.


    [Hu Mo (Divinity Transformation Realm Nine Layers): 970/1300/1570]


    Gu An could feel the Demonic Qi hidden within the old man.


    Jiang Qiong was really bold. It was one thing for her toe alone, but bringing a fellow Divinity Transformation Sect member wasn''t she afraid of revealing too much?


    Seeing Gu An hesitate, Jiang Qiong raised her hand, disying a token.


    Great Elder of the Outer Sect!


    Equivalent to the head of the Outer Sect!


    Gu An looked at her in surprise. How did she manage it?


    Jiang Qiong smirked and then brushed past him. He quickly followed her pace.


    Later, Gu An entered Jiang Qiong''s residence, where there were several Servant Disciples, none of whom had an aura of the Demonic Path.


    Jiang Qiong led Gu An into a great hall, while Hu Mo stood at the doorway. Gu An could feel him enacting a spell, isting the room to prevent anyone from peeping inside.


    Gu An watched Jiang Qiong sit at the head of the table, casually crossing her legs,cking the demeanor of a Great Elder of the Outer Sect.


    "How did you manage it?" Gu An couldn''t help but ask.


    Jiang Qiong snorted, "Your Martial Master has vast Divine Skills. Bing a Great Elder of an Outer City is nothing, not to mention that one day I might even be the Sect Leader."


    Gu Anughed, then inquired, "If you became the Sect Leader, would your loyalty lie with Thousand-Autumn Pavilion or the Supreme Sect?"


    "If I were the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, then I wouldn''t be a Demon Cultivator. Naturally, I would align with the Supreme Sect. Even if they offered me the position of Pavilion Master in the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, I wouldn''t ept," Jiang Qiong casually replied, her words filled with disdain for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion.


    Gu An suddenly understood why the Supreme Sect had so many spies from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, yet the Pavilion failed to overthrow the Supreme Sect.


    In the eyes of the cultivators from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, the Pavilion was far inferior to the Supreme Sect!


    Wuxin would rather remain a Servant Disciple in the Supreme Sect than go back to being a Young Master at the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion.


    "From now on, if any cultivators from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilione looking for you, you must not reveal the whereabouts of the Green Vine Tree. That tree belongs only to you and me, no longer to the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. Understood?" Jiang Qiong earnestly said.


    Gu An nodded.


    Sorry, it belongs only to me.


    Jiang Qiongughed, "Apprentice, tell me, what do you need? Just speak up."


    Gu An thought for a moment and replied, "Could you promote Ye Lan from the Law Enforcement Hall? She is my martial sister. As for other requests, there''s no need at the moment. My Medicine Valley in the Inner Sect has already expanded; I don''t need more. If you have seeds of high-rank medical herbs, you can give them to me. I''ll nt them and harvest them for you once they''re ready."


    Jiang Qiong''s smile grew brighter as she assessed Gu An, "Not bad, I indeed did not choose the wrong apprentice. Don''t worry, your Martial Master won''t be formal with you, and of course, I won''t let you suffer."


    "Additionally, I have a task for you."


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Besides nting medicinal herbs, what else can I do for you?"


    "Keep an eye on Pan An''s activities from day to day. From the information I''ve gathered, Pan An is not high in cultivation level and is hidden in the Outer Sect. Exactly who he is, the Hall of Elders keeps it extremely confidential."

 Chapter 69: Chapter 69 Sword Venerable Fudao, Famous All Over the World [Fourth Update]

    "You''re asking me to find myself?"


    Gu An really wanted tough, but he restrained himself.


    Ji Hantian asked Gu An to write about himself, Jiang Qiong asked him to search for himself¡ªalthough the identities involved were different, he still found it absurd.


    What kind of situation was this?


    Gu An said with a hesitant face, "I usually stay within Medicine Valley, and I''m afraid it will be very difficult for me to notice any news about Pan An."


    Jiang Qiong waved his hand and said, "That''s hard to say. Pan An loves writing books and must interact with people. The book ''Supreme Immortal Venerable'' can greatly stir the emotions of the lower-level cultivators. Perhaps he oftenmunicates with Outer Disciples and Servant Disciples. Just pay more attention, and you can tell me anything you find."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An could only nod.


    Afterward, Jiang Qiong spoke about some other matters, then had Hu Mo, who was guarding the door, fetch a bag of high-rank seeds for Gu An to take away.


    After leaving Jiang Qiong''s residence, Gu An headed towards the Heavenly Repair tform.


    It was said that the Heavenly Repair tform had be the most notable sight within the Outer Sect City, attracting disciples from other Outer Sect cities and Inner Sect cities.


    The great battle that urred a month ago had spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World¡ª even Luo Hun from Tianya Valley had heard about it, which also implied that Luo Hun asionally left Tianya Valley.


    Upon reaching the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An saw that there were at least ten thousand people there.


    Next to the characters for "Righteous Path," many cultivators were meditating.


    Gu An first noticed two familiar faces.


    Zuo Yijian and Zuo Lin!


    The father and son were observing Gu An''s Sword Intent.


    Gu An''s characters, carved by his Sword Intent, naturally also left behind Sword Intent, which had a great attraction for those of the Supreme Sect who pursued the Sword Dao.


    Gu An also saw another person¡ªhis disciple, Su Han.


    Su Han too was a swordsman; his Hateful Heaven Divine Sword had initially grasped the essence, which rapidly increased his Sword Dao achievement, transforming his entire demeanor.


    Gu An watched from a distance and did not disturb him; instead, he listened to the discussions of other disciples.


    "The Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao is truly majestic. It''s hard to imagine the height of his Sword Dao achievement."


    "It''s said that Sword Venerable Fudao possesses strengthparable to the Vice Sect Leader, and he wouldn''t necessarily lose even if he faced the Sect Leader."


    "Perhaps Sword Venerable Fudao is the Sect Leader?"


    "How could that be? The Sect Leader has already dered that he had no knowledge of Chu Xian''s actions and has ordered a thorough investigation of everyone rted to Chu Xian, regardless of their status. Anyone who vites the doctrines of the Supreme Sect will be severely punished."


    "Looking at these characters for ''Righteous Path'' really fills me with excitement. I heard that Pan An ns to include Sword Venerable Fudao in his book; I wonder what kind of story it will be."


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    This was the title given to Gu An by Chu Tianqi, the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, specifically meant for the mysterious Sword Cultivator who executed Chu Xian.


    Sword Venerable Fudao, upholding the Righteous Path; if the Supreme Sect ever sees injustice again, the Sword Venerable may act on behalf of the Sect Leader to execute the unrighteous Sect Leader and to exterminate the demons within the sect.


    It sounds awe-inspiring, but Gu An found it to be of little use.


    Chu Tianqi''s announcement throughout the sect truly preserved his own position, as from the time he had conferred the title of Sword Venerable Fudao, theints within the sect had greatly reduced, instead praising him for his proper actions, considering this Sect Leader to be generous and willing to face his responsibilities.


    Gu An also overheard some questioning the Sect Leader.


    More urately, they were questioning the Chu Family.


    Chu Tianqi and Chu Xian¡ªit''s hard not to link them together.


    This also pointed to the undercurrents within the Supreme Sect. Those praising and questioning were speaking publicly, which was not in line with the cultivators'' way of doing things. Whether they were pawns or not was hard to ascertain.


    However, all of this had nothing to do with Gu An.


    After staying a while at the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An proceeded to the Inner Sect''s Transmission Array tform.


    He was going to the Inner Sect to purchase arge amount of medicinal herb seeds. Although Gu Zong, representing the Sect, had given him many medicinal herb seeds, they were far from enough to cover an area of a hundred miles.


    Just thinking about all hundred miles being filled with his herbs fired Gu An with excitement.


    A month ago, his bold action not only saved those around him but also brought him significant benefits, which pleased him greatly.


    ...


    Towards evening, Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley. With the arrival of seven Servant Disciples, this part of the Medicine Valley gained quite a bit of liveliness; they were all clearing weeds in various directions, and the barks of Spirit Dogs could be heard from the distant woods, adding a pastoral charm.


    As soon as Gu An returned, he sensed Shen Zhen''s presence; that guy was waiting on his loft again.


    After climbing to the loft, Gu An saw Shen Zhen standing before a bookshelf reading a book. Hearing footsteps, she ced the book back on the shelf and then turned to look at him.


    Gu An closed the door behind him, then asked, "Ms. Shen, what brings you here today?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I heard you''re going to write a book about Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "I will include him, but it''s not entirely about him. The main focus will be the event that happened a month ago in the Outer Sect."


    "Then you should be careful. The fame of Sword Venerable Fudao has spread even beyond the Taicang Dynasty. I just received a letter yesterday mentioning that the sword cultivators of the Great Yu Dynasty are preparing to challenge him.


    Many people think that since you are going to write about Sword Venerable Fudao, you must be connected to him, and they believe it would be easier to approach you than to find Sword Venerable Fudao himself," Shen Zhen said with a lightugh, her eyes gleaming mischievously.


    Gu An responded helplessly, "How could I meet Sword Venerable Fudao? To write about him, I also need to gather materials from the Outer Sect."


    "Don''t worry. I haven''t disclosed your identity to anyone. I even refused to inform my father when he wanted to know about you," Shen Zhen spoke as she took a book from her storage bag and ced it on the table.


    "Although I haven''t said anything, you should still be very careful. The strength of Sword Venerable Fudao has made many sects uneasy, all longing to probe his information. Also, this is the book I wrote. It will be distributed throughout the world by the Book Collection Hall in no more than a month. You can take a look first," she said before stepping away, brushing past him.


    The two were already familiar with each other, so Gu An didn''t see her out. He walked over to the desk, sat down, and then picked up the book written by Shen Zhen.


    Supreme Secret Records!


    Hmm?


    It sounds very serious.


    Gu An immediately started flipping through the book, but as he read, his brow began to furrow.


    Goodness!


    He had previously thought that Shen Zhen''s writing was inferior to the Green Hero Travelogue, especially in matters of men and women. He had no idea she wrote in even more detail than the Green Hero Travelogue.


    Was she pretending in front of him and writing so unrestrainedly in private?


    Should this content be published?


    Gu An hoped the Book Collection Hall''s review process would be effective.


    Although he was quite displeased, he still found it very enjoyable to read.


    He read like this throughout the entire night.


    At dawn, Gu An gathered his disciples to start their drills. As the number of disciples in the Third Medicine Valley increased, he felt traditions should not be lost¡ªhe even had Elder Tian join in.


    After the drills, Gu An began assigning tasks, leaving only three people to sow the seeds while the others continued to clear thend.


    The Third Medicine Valley was surrounded by dense forests. To turn it into suitable farnd required a lot of time and effort. Even without using spells, Gu An did not feel tired, and he even admonished the disciples that this, too, was a form of cultivation.


    The disciples themselves didn''t feel tired either and were very enthusiastic. Therger the Third Medicine Valley, the more they would benefit because Gu An was generous with them¡ªthe more medical herbs there were, the more elixirs they could enjoy.


    Life became peaceful.


    Gu An spent most of his time in the Third Medicine Valley, busy withnd clearing and sowing.


    Five dayster, Shen Zhen came looking for Gu An again. She was very angry because her book had been rejected by the Book Collection Hall.


    Gu An almostughed, but he held it back.


    Shen Zhen was stubborn. The more the Book Collection Hall disapproved of her publication, the more she insisted on publishing it. She decided to print the book herself and distribute it quietly in the Inner Sect.


    Gu An advised her to revise it and remove some content, then it might be possible to publish, but she wouldn''t listen.


    No matter what, without the support of the Book Collection Hall, Gu An felt her book was unlikely to be sessful, and his worries lessened considerably.


    The winter snow gradually fell, covering the earth in whiteness.


    At noon, Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley.


    Unexpectedly, there was an additional person in the valley, and his presence was not weak.


    Luo Hun sensed Gu An''s presence and sprang from the woods,nding in front of him like a flying goose.


    "You''vee at just the right time. Let me introduce someone to you. His Majesty arranged for him toe. Let him take whatever medical herbs he wants from our harvest to assist him in making a breakthrough soon."


    Luo Hun spoke, then led Gu An toward the lofts in the distance.


    Gu An was never envious of the herbs in Tianya Valley. He just wanted to pick them. After picking, it was up to Li Xuandao to decide what to do with them, since the herbs originally belonged to Li Xuandao.


    When the two men arrived in front of the loft, the door of a room in the adjacent courtyard was pushed open, and a man in white clothes walked out.


    [Yi Liuyun (Divinity Transformation Realm Nine Layers):466/1208/2850]


    Divinity Transformation Realm Nine Layers!


    The Emperor''s strength in hand is not weak.


    Yi Liuyun appeared to be just over forty years old. His posture was graceful and handsome, and with his white clothing, he showcased the beauty and aloofness of a swordsman to the fullest.


    From across the courtyard wall, Yi Liuyun greeted with a bow, "I am Yi Liuyun, and I greet the Valley Master."


    Luo Hun introduced him, "Senior Yi is the No.1 Sword Servant by His Majesty''s side. His mastery of the Sword Dao is considered top-tier within the Taicang Dynasty. There are few in the realm of swordsmanship who can match him, hardly more than a handful."


    Gu An raised his hand to greet Yi Liuyun in return.


    Yi Liuyun focused on Gu An and asked, "Valley Master, you are also a disciple of the Supreme Sect, do you know about Sword Venerable Fudao? What exactly is his realm?"


    Sword Venerable Fudao was renowned worldwide, but everyone only knew he had in Chu Xian of the Void Crossing Realm. None knew he had shed with Vice Sect Leader Ji Hantian, and Ji Hantian hadn''t mentioned it, as if it had never happened.


    "I''m just an Outer Disciple of the Supreme Sect and don''t know much, but Sword Intent from him remains on the Heavenly Repair tform outside the sect. Senior might want to take a look."


    Swordsmen probing about Sword Venerable Fudao likely wanted a challenge.


    Gu An wanted him to go to the Heavenly Repair tform to see the word ''righteous'', to see clearly the gap between himself and Sword Venerable Fudao.


    As expected, upon hearing that the Supreme Sect held Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent, Yi Liuyun''s eyes lit up. He leaped up and flew straight out of the herb valley.


    Gu An turned to Luo Hun and asked, "Can he go directly to the Supreme Sect?"


    Luo Hun nodded, "He has the Emperor''s Sword Servant Order, allowing him free ess to various Great Sects."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An asked no further. He walked toward a section of the gardens, preparing to pick herbs that were nearly ripe.


    An Ancient Hourter, he left Tianya Valley.


    A new year arrived in the cold winter.


    Right after the Chinese New Year, Gu An went to the Outer Sect. He first requested a batch of high-rank medical herb seeds from Jiang Qiong, then went to the Heavenly Repair tform to watch the excitement.


    Zuo Yijian and his son were still seated in meditation, immersed in the Sword Dao, and Gu An also saw Yi Liuyun''s figure.


    He, too, was meditating near the words "righteous path", his brow deeply furrowed, lost in thought.


    Gu An''s gaze then moved up just above the word "path," and his brow involuntarily furrowed.

 Chapter 70: Chapter 70 Righteousness and Demons, Reading the Deification [Fifth Update]

    ```


    Following Gu An''s gaze, sitting cross-legged directly above the character for "Dao" was a inly-dressed man, whose figure and appearance were unremarkable, and even his aura seemed quite ordinary.


    If it weren''t for Gu An''s constant use of Life Span Detection, he wouldn''t have noticed anything extraordinary about this person.


    [Underworld Demon Emperor (Void Crossing Realm Nine Layers): 3847/5700/14000]


    It''s actually a demon!


    Gu An knew that demons of the same realm typically had longer life spans than Cultivators of Human Race, but he was still startled to see the opponent''s limit of fourteen thousand years.


    What Cultivation Technique is this creature practicing that it doesn''t reveal any Demon Energy, that even he, a Unification Realm Great Cultivator, cannot detect it.


    And, more importantly, do demons also take pleasure in practicing swordsmanship?


    It reminded Gu An of the Sky Dragon he was raising, which was also obsessed with the Sword Dao.


    He didn''t keep his gaze on the Underworld Demon Emperor, but instead continued to scan the other figures on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Those who dare to sit and meditate on the sword have significant Cultivation Levels, after all, the Qi Cultivation Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators must busy themselves with Energy Absorption, and have not yet reached the stage of idle meditation for Path Enlightenment.


    Gu An realized he had underestimated the influence of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Although he had not heard of Chu Xian before, with Chu Xian''s Cultivation Level, he must be quite famous among the major forces in the Immortal Cultivation World, especially among the Great Cultivators, who probably all knew of him.


    The fall of a Void Crossing Realm cultivator would surely cause an upheaval in the Dynasty!


    It seems that from now on I must keep a low profile. As my reputation ferments, who knows how many diverse entities might be drawn to me.


    After surveying everyone on the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An eventually left.


    He had already developed the habit of using Life Span Detection whenever he encountered a stranger; without checking their background, he felt uneasy.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the following years, I shall devote myself to peaceful farming until the Immortal Cultivation World forgets Sword Venerable Fudao!


    He had already written the book concerning Sword Venerable Fudao and the Outer Disciple scandal, Ji Hantian had been pressing him hard, and he had finished itst month. This book isn''t a serial novel; one volume is enough.


    ...


    Spring vitality covered thend, bringing life to all things.


    Within the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An and Gu Yu were drinking in the house.


    "Your ''Righteousness and Demons'' has spread all over the Taicang Dynasty, and now no one talks about Supreme Immortal Venerable; it''s all about Supreme Sect and Sword Venerable Fudao," Gu Yu said with envy.


    Gu Anughed, "After all, Supreme Sect is the foremost sect of the Righteous Path, and with such a scandal happening now, it''s natural that everyone would be curious. Don''t worry, in a few years, the Immortal Cultivation World will lose interest, and then they will still follow the legendary stories about your battles with the Demon Emperor from the Exotic Realm."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Yu''s expression brightened, and he began to praise Gu An for his good writing, eagerly asking about the continuation of the story.


    Gu An wouldn''t reveal anything, which greatly tantalized Gu Yu.


    "By the way, I''ve recentlye across a book in which the protagonist is named Gu An, quite intriguing," Gu Yu suddenly said as he took out a book from his Storage Bag.


    Supreme Secret Records!


    Gu An felt a tremor in his heart at the sight of this title.


    Damned! She really went through with it!


    My reputation is at stake, Gu Anmented!


    Toting the Supreme Secret Records in his hand, Gu Yu chuckled and asked, "Brother Gu, have you read this book?"


    Gu An curiously asked, "What book is this?"


    "It''s a great book. Be honest, did you write it?" Gu Yu asked with a smile.


    "How could that be? Let me have a look. Is it that interesting?"


    Grabbing the Supreme Secret Records from him, Gu An began to flip through it.


    Gu Yu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Really, you didn''t write it? Or was it written by someone you know?"


    After finishing the first page, Gu An furrowed his brows as if truly seeing it for the first time.


    Seeing him frown, Gu Yu refrained from teasing him further and continued to pour himself a drink.


    Watching Gu An''s expression grow increasingly unpleasant, Gu Yu thought for a moment and said, "This book began to circte within the Inner Sect; you probably don''t know many Inner Sect Disciples, so it might just be a coincidence, as the name Gu An isn''t that umon."


    Closing the Supreme Secret Records, Gu An took a deep breath and asked, "The Book Collection Hall actually allows this kind of book to circte?"


    "This book hasn''t gone through the Book Collection Hall; it''s being passed around privately by the disciples," Gu Yu exined helplessly.


    Gu An fell silent.


    Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, Gu Yu stood up to leave, offering a few words offort to Gu An before he departed.


    After he left, Gu An began to critically examine Supreme Secret Records.


    It had to be admitted, Shen Zhen really did study the Green Hero Travelogue, as this book seemed to him to have surpassed the original in excellence.


    Although some contents were quite indelicate, the character of Gu An in the book was filled with chivalry, his personality was dashing and unrestrained, which made him quite likable and did not tarnish his image.


    Only after reading for an hour did Gu An close the Supreme Secret Records, then he stepped out of the attic and continued his work.


    His goal was to fill a hundred square miles with medicinal herbs as soon as possible. Today, he needed to fence off thend to prevent Inner Sect Disciples from intruding.


    ...


    In the Inner Sect City, Ji Mansion.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat at the desk, holding a book in her hands, with someone sitting opposite her ¨C it was Ji Hantian.


    ```


    "How is it, how well is ''Righteousness and Demons'' written?" Ji Hantian set down his teacup and asked.


    As Ji Xiaoyu flipped through the book, he replied, "Very well. The narrative is immersive and doesn''t shield the wrongdoings of the Supreme Sect. It portrays Chu Xian''s hideousness in great detail, yet the united spirit of the Outer Disciples is also touching. At least when I read it, I don''t think the Supreme Sect ispletely rotten.


    Instead, I sense the depth and spirit of the Taicang''s foremost orthodox institution."


    The corners of Ji Hantian''s mouth curved, and he said, "Do you know who Pan An is?"


    Ji Xiaoyu was silent.


    "It''s actually your house servant Gu An, surprising, isn''t it?" Ji Hantian asked with a smile.


    Ji Xiaoyu spoke somberly, "I knew, I just didn''t expect that you would know too, great-grandfather. You didn''t have him write this book, did you? It could cause him a lot of trouble."


    Ji Hantian coughed artfully and said, "No matter, I will protect him. Thanks to this book, I now have more say in the Hall of Elders. It''s not impossible to bring down Chu Tianqi in the future."


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at the book in his hands again and said indifferently, "I feel that the Ji Family should not aspire to the position of Sect Leader. It''s quite good as it is now, spread across various factions, not bing a target of public criticism."


    "You don''t understand the hard times I endured under Lv Baitian''s thumb, otherwise, why would I have let you join the Supreme Sect? It was to gain face with your talents," Ji Hantian snorted, feeling irritated just at the mention of Lv Baitian.


    "You''ve gotten Gu An into such trouble; is there anypensation?"


    "Of course, I''ve expanded his Medicine Valley to a hundred miles in diameter. Oh yes, in the future, you can provide him with the Ji Family''s high-rank medical herbs to nt. I''ve looked into it; thed really has a knack for managing Medicine Valley. Getting closer to him, he might eventually reflect well on the Ji Family.


    I''ve read ''Investiture of the Gods''; his portrayal of Ji Fa indicates he has the Ji Family in his heart," Ji Hantian spoke earnestly, eliciting a frown from Ji Xiaoyu.


    Dissatisfaction shed in Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes as he said, "Great-grandfather, in dealing with people and affairs, one must not be too calcting."


    "Silly child, this isn''t calcting¡ªit''s about creating a win-win situation. Why not do it?"


    Ji Xiaoyu bowed his head and continued reading, causing Ji Hantian to shake his head slightly.


    Getting to his feet, Ji Hantian said, "The Conference of a Hundred Races is about to begin. You should prepare yourself. You must secure the top position on the Hidden Dragon List."


    With that, he took two steps and then vanished into thin air from within the room.


    Ji Xiaoyu remained seated, continuing to stare at the book in his hands.


    ...


    In March, the spring breeze was cool.


    On a day in the early part of the month, the Ji Family sent people to the Third Medicine Valley to deliver arge number of medicinal herb seeds to Gu An. The lowest grade among them was fourth-grade, which pleased Gu An immensely.


    The Ji Family cultivator, before leaving, hinted openly and covertly that the Third Miss was quite fond of him and that the seeds were personally selected by her. For any future needs, he could seek her out.


    Naturally, Gu An would not refuse and stated that he would never forget the Third Miss''s kindness. Only after hearing this did the cultivator leave contented.


    Both the Ji Family and Gu Zong, Jiang Qiong included, were pressing seeds on him saving Gu An a lot of costs. He nned to recruit more Servant Disciples, filling at least twenty positions, assigning each a Demon Beast and providing the best treatment.


    One day, Gu An took Elder Tian to the Outer City. Elder Tian had taken the initiative toe, wanting to see the word ''Righteousness'' on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Arriving at the Outer City, the two split up.


    Gu An had just reached the entrance of the Chores Hall when a male disciple approached him, whispering, "Daoist Friend, I have a treasure here, for just two Low-Grade Spirit Stones."


    "Two pieces? Why don''t you just rob?" Gu An responded irritably and walked around him.


    The disciple blocked his path again and took out a book from his Storage Bag, saying mysteriously, "Look carefully, do you recognize this book? Many Inner Sect Disciples read it after ending their closed-door cultivations, it contains great opportunities."


    Gu An nced at it and saw four words.


    ''Supreme Secret Records.''


    He pushed the other aside, leaving behind the words, "Sorry, I read ''Investiture of the Gods''."


    The disciple watched his back and cursed silently before turning to pitch to others.


    An hourter, Gu An walked out of the Chores Hall, followed by eleven people, men and women, all very young and excited.


    The fact that Gu An could recruit so many Servant Disciples at once meant his identity was certainly not simple; following such a senior would make their journey of Immortal Cultivation much broader.


    They proceeded to the Heavenly Repair tform in great numbers.


    The Servant Disciples had always been curious about the Heavenly Repair tform, but with their low Cultivation Levels, they dared note on ordinary days, fearing they might displease a Great Cultivator.


    Gu An quickly spotted Elder Tian''s figure, who was staring intently right below the ''Righteousness'' character.


    He nced in another direction.


    The Demon Emperor of the Void Crossing Realm''s Nine Layers was still there, at this moment, his right hand was gesturing something.


    Gu An only watched for two breaths and thought, good fellow.


    Isn''t that a technique of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword?


    This chap canprehend sword techniques just by contemting Sword Intent?


    That''s monstrous!


    No, I must put forward the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword next time, invest a life span of a few thousand years to maintain my standing in the Sword Dao.


    Gu An withdrew his gaze and approached Elder Tian.


    "Hahaha, I''ve got it! I''ve got it!"


    Suddenly, a loudughter erupted from the Heavenly Repair tform, resonant and loud, turning the heads of tens of thousands of people on the tform.


    The speaker was an old man wearing a Taoist robe, his grizzled hair slightly unkempt.


    He leaped into the air, soared high, then stretched out his hand, pointing two fingers towards the word ''Righteousness'' on the tform.

 Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Swords Dao Holy Land, Restart Plan [Sixth Update]

    Seeing that the old man wanted to destroy his characters, Gu An''splexion changed.


    What does that mean?


    Toprehend my sword intent and then smash my characters?


    Gu An was about to take action himself, but fortunately, there was no need for him to intervene.


    "Impudence!"


    A thunderous shout rose, and the speaker was none other than Li Xuandao''s first sword attendant, Yi Liuyun.


    As a ninthyer Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator, Yi Liuyun''s presence was formidable. His thunderous shout startled everyone in the city.


    Not only Yi Liuyun, but also other Great Cultivators around the characters for "righteous path" who were understanding the sword began to stand up one after another. Even the Underworld Demon Emperor of the ninthyer Void Crossing Realm lifted his eyes to look at the elder in the sky, his gaze filled with dissatisfaction.


    Gu An immediately used Life Span Detection.


    [Pang Yu (Void Crossing Realm secondyer): 1279/1720/1770]


    Nearing his limit!


    No wonder he is so crazed!


    Pang Yu, in the sky, looked at Yi Liuyun and scoffed with contempt: "A mere Divinity Transformation, and you dare to obstruct me?"


    Divinity Transformation?


    The disciples on the Heavenly Repair tform were in an uproar, retreating en masse, fearing that they might be affected by thebat between Great Cultivators.


    "You look down on Divinity Transformation, but do you hold Void Crossing in esteem?"


    An icy voice came through, not from the Underworld Demon Emperor but another cultivator. Gu An had seen him earlier; he was a fifthyer Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator, dressed in the robes of an elder from the Supreme Sect.


    Pang Yu''s expression shifted slightly. He withdrew his hand and with a wave of his sleeve huffed, "Fine, your Supreme Sect has the advantage of numbers, truly remarkable. I''m leaving!"


    With that said, he turned and flew towards the city''s outskirts, disappearing from the Outer City in the blink of an eye.


    "You seek to leave after attempting to destroy my Supreme Sect''s ce of enlightenment?"


    A disdainful snort sounded, a voice all too familiar to Gu An,ing from Gu Zong.


    Gu An felt Gu Zong swiftly sweep across the firmament, pursuing Pang Yu.


    The fifthyer Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator also vanished from the spot.


    The tense atmosphere on the Heavenly Repair tform eased, and the cultivators on the tform began discussing the person from before while marveling at the might of the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An felt that this Outer Sect city owed him a huge favor. When had so many Great Cultivatorse here before? Now at any time, there were two Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivators watching over the city, making him feel incredibly secure.


    All thanks to the characters for "righteous path" that he had left behind!


    Afterward, Gu An led the Servant Disciples on towards Elder Tian.


    The Servant Disciples were extremely excited. Today they were promoted to Servant Disciples and also witnessed the sh between Great Cultivators. The realm names of Divinity Transformation and Void Crossing left them yearning.


    "Let''s go, it''s time to head back."


    Gu An patted Elder Tian on the shoulder and spoke.


    Elder Tian snapped back to reality and stood up to follow.


    As their gazes crossed, Gu An couldn''t shake the feeling that something about Elder Tian had changed, though he wasn''t sure if it was just his perception.


    He instinctively used Life Span Detection.


    Hmm?


    Energy Cultivation Realm eighthyer?


    How did he suddenly jump twoyers?


    How long has it even been?


    Surprised internally, Gu An kept his face expressionless.


    He had long anticipated that Elder Tian would make aeback, as Elder Tian hadn''t stepped down due to defeat but because of his own oversight. Such a person could easily return to their peak.


    An hourter, Gu An and the others returned to the Third Medicine Valley, where he asked Xiaochuan to help arrange for these disciples.


    Xiaochuan had visited the Third Medicine Valley a few times and no longer wished to leave. He even transported all of the demon creatures he was raising over. Gu An was very fond of him and naturally wouldn''t refuse.


    Among his peers, only Xiaochuan remained by his side.


    Although Wuxin was his junior brother and hadete, he didn''t hold the same importance in his heart as Xiaochuan did.


    Since childhood, Xiaochuan had always followed Gu An, obedient in every way. Such a junior brother was naturally cherished by him.


    Gu An knew that after two hundred years, when his old friends passed away, it would be hard for him to form such a bond with others again, so he cherished it all the more.


    After returning to the valley, Elder Tian went to sit in meditation under a big tree alone, seemingly deep in thought.


    The setting sun cast itsst warm glow on the mountain top, where Ye Yan practiced with his spear against the backdrop of the sunset, creating a unique atmosphere that led the newly arrived Servant Disciples to discuss incessantly.


    ...


    The seasons changed, and more than two years swiftly passed by.


    That summer, the now forty-six-year-old Gu An stood on the mountain peak, looking down at thendscape. Everywhere he looked, there were medicine fields, and glimpses of garden scenery could be seen amid the trees.


    It had taken Gu An more than two years to fill a hundred-mile radius with medicinal herbs. Looking out at the fields, his heart swelled with a sense of aplishment.


    A figure came up beside him, none other than Xiaochuan.


    "Brother, Ye Yan has been gone for several months. When will we recruit another Servant Disciple to fill the vacancy? Our Medicine Valley is so vast; with one person short, the others have to walk that much further," Xiaochuan inquired.


    Gu An took out the Valley Master Token and handed it to Xiaochuan, saying, "You go recruit. It''s a good opportunity to see your judgment."


    Upon hearing this, Xiaochuan immediately brightened with joy, quickly expressed his thanks to Gu An, and then hastened down the mountain.


    Gu An''s gaze, however, turned towards the Outer City. He sensed a potent surge of sword intent.


    Someone else had seeded inprehending the sword at the Heavenly Repair tform.


    In those two years, there had been four individuals who experienced a major boost in sword intent on the Heavenly Repair tform, further increasing the reputation of both the tform and Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The Heavenly Repair tform even became the holynd for the sword cultivators under the Taicang Dynasty, with sword cultivators from various sects and schoolsing to visit, and the Supreme Sect demonstrating the magnanimity of the foremost righteous sect by allowing disciples from other sects toe andprehend the Sword Intent.


    This approach, on top of the spread of "Righteousness and Demons," not only preserved the good reputation of the Supreme Sect but elevated it to the next level.


    Every time Gu An thought about this, he admired the people of the Hall of Elders.


    Those were truly capable people, skilled at power struggles and excellent in handling crises, no wonder they managed to be Elders.


    After pausing at the mountain summit for a while, Gu An turned and descended.


    Two years had passed, and the majority of the herbs were still growing, but his current life span was increasing rapidly.


    He decided to restart his daily routine.


    Every night, he invested five years of life span into his cultivation level, gradually enhancing it.


    Being at the firstyer of the Unification Realm made him feel somewhat vulnerable, as more and more Great Cultivators arrived at the Heavenly Repair tform, and who knows when an old monster of the Unification Realm might appear.


    He walked down the slopes of the mountain, headed to his loft more than twenty li away, taking a walk like this every day, appreciating his base of operations without ever feeling tired.


    Just like now, he strolled while enjoying the scenery along the way, his mood pleasant.


    After half an ancient hour.


    Gu An walked along the riverbank when a figure descended from the sky andnded behind him.


    "Long time no see," Li Ya said, patting Gu An''s shoulder, trying to scare him.


    Gu An pretended to shiver, because Li Ya had practiced a method of concealing his energy,nding without a sound.


    "Howe you''re here? How have these years treated you?" Gu An asked Li Ya with surprise.


    Li Ya chuckled proudly, "Of course it''s good. After being severely injured by a demon cultivatorst time, I''ve been training hard and have made great progress."


    "Is that so, I don''t believe it."


    "Want topare?"


    "Forget it, the gap between our realms is too big, it wouldn''t be fair."


    "As long as you know."


    "Heh."


    Gu An smiled, thinking to himself, brother, it''s you who wouldn''t stand a chance!


    The two chatted as they moved forward.


    Li Ya talked about his experience going to the Inner Sect, where he immediately sought the Hall of Elders. Unfortunately, before he could await the result, a cmity broke out in the Outer Sect. He was extremely worried at that time, fearing that something might have happened to Gu An.


    He took a day to visit Gu An in Mystic Valley, but Gu An was not there when he arrived.


    After learning that Gu An was safe, he returned to the Inner Sect to focus on his cultivation.


    He didn''t want to be defeated again, nor did he want to keep fighting across realms.


    "What brought you to me today?" Gu An asked curiously.


    Li Yaughed, "The emperor ordered me and Li Xuanyu to attend the Grand Assembly of Hundreds. The Assembly is no trivial matter; it is apetition ofbat among the hundred great ns of the nine dynasties,plete with strength rankings recorded in books and circted in the Immortal Cultivation World. Moreover, the victor receives unimaginable opportunities.


    It''s a matter that concerns not only the face of the n but is also a struggle for personal fame and fortune."


    "By the way, Ji Xiaoyu of the Ji Family will also participate," shared Li Ya.


    Gu An imagined the various scenarios, quite interested.


    However, he had no qualification to participate, and even if he did, he couldn''t be bothered to go.


    Such things were better left heard but not attended.


    "Can you beat our third youngdy?" Gu An teased.


    Li Ya said confidently, "I couldn''t before, but now it''s not a certainty."


    Gu An nced at him; something was off about this kid''s Qi-Blood.


    Why did it feel like he had the essence of a demon beast?


    Chatting like this, the two made their way back to the valley. That evening, they drank untilte, with other disciples gathered around to listen to Li Ya talk about the Grand Assembly of Hundreds. Even Elder Tian joined in on the fun.


    "By the way, the former Sect Leader, Lv Baitian, once captured the top spot in the Hidden Dragon List, Dragon and Phoenix List, and Immortal Fate List. He was an unrivaled force at every stage. It is said that he was the strongest Sect Leader in the past three thousand years of the Supreme Sect. It''s just that, s, he has fallen after a deviation," Li Ya remarked with a sigh.


    Gu An raised his eyebrows; Elder Tian was that impressive?


    He didn''t look towards Elder Tian to avoid revealing that he knew of Elder Tian''s true identity.


    Tang Yu couldn''t help asking, "Martial Uncle Li Ya, could Zhou Tongyou im the top spot on this season''s Hidden Dragon List?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Hidden Dragon List was a rankingpetition among the geniuses of various ns who were under a hundred years old.


    Zhou Tongyou had already be the foremost among the young generation, and his fame grew evenrger thanks to the book Supreme Immortal Venerable. Many people believed that the Zhou Tongyou in the book was the very same Zhou Tongyou who had been to the Supreme Sect, dominating his peers and leaving the sect with his head held high.


    Li Ya nced at him and said, "What are you talking about? That top spot is naturally mine. What Zhou Tongyou? Just watch, this time your Martial Uncle will teach him the taste of defeat!"


    With these words, all the disciples looked up to Li Ya in admiration; such high-spiritedness was indeed enviable.


    Elder Tian chuckled, "Actually, Zhou Tongyou is not your biggest rival. There''s someone else in the Supreme Sect whose talent surpasses Zhou Tongyou. It''s just that he has been in seclusion and hasn''t made his name known."


    Li Ya looked at him and asked, "Who?"


    "Lv Xian; he reached Core Formation by the age of thirty."


    "What?"


    Li Ya was moved, and the others were shocked as well.


    Most of those present were over thirty and couldn''t imagine what it took to achieve Core Formation at such an age.


    Gu An''s expression turned strange; in the past two years, someone from Tianya Valley hade, and it was Lv Xian.


    He had not previously associated Lv Xian with Lv Baitian, but now it seemed these two might share some blood rtions?


    Li Xuandao was indeed impressive, managing to recruit the Supreme Sect''s most hidden genius. This was somewhat outrageous.

 Chapter 72: Chapter 72: The Reincarnation of Great Power, The Name of Gu An [Seventh Update]

    Elder Tian mentioned Lv Xian, which led the disciples to ask questions eagerly, wanting to know what kind of person this number one genius truly was.


    Li Ya also took note of this name and decided that he must defeat Lv Xian during the Hundred n Conference to prove his own talents.


    That night, the Third Medicine Valley was lively, and Elder Tian became talkative, asionally bursting intoughter.


    As dawn just broke, Li Ya bid farewell to Gu An.


    "I''m leaving, wait for my name to be known all over the world!"


    Watching Li Ya''s departing figure, Gu An suddenly felt some envy. Li Ya was always so vibrant and full of fighting spirit, while Gu An tended to overthink everything, cautious and indecisive.


    However, just thinking about the miserable state in which Li Ya had been injured, the corners of his mouth couldn''t help but lift upwards.


    It''s okay to envy, but not to emte!


    After Li Ya had left, the disciples of the Third Medicine Valley continued theirbors. With the growing territory, it required daily patrols.


    Gu An returned to Mystic Valley and after checking the various gardens, he flew towards Tianya Valley.


    On the way, he found a ce and secretly sacrificed five years of his lifespan to enhance his cultivation level, then continued on his journey.


    Upon arriving at Tianya Valley, Gu An entered through the mouth of the valley, walking up the slope where he saw Yi Liuyun and Lv Xian sparring.


    Lv Xian wore a red robe with flowing long hair. At first nce, he could be mistaken for a woman. Holding arge fan shaped like a gourd, he effortlessly countered Yi Liuyun''s sword moves. The two moved through the air, equally matched.


    Yi Liuyun had suppressed his cultivation level, otherwise Lv Xian would have been no match for him.


    Gu An couldn''t help but perform a Lifespan Detection on Lv Xian again.


    [Lv Xian (Core Formation Realm, Level 1): 75/480/4900]


    Reached Core Formation by thirty, but then no breakthroughs in cultivation for the next forty-five years?


    If not for the maximum lifespan of 4900 years disyed there, Gu An would have found it difficult to acknowledge him as the Supreme Sect''s top genius.


    Apart from Ji Xiaoyu, who possessed the Primordial Daoist Talisman, a lifespan limit of 4900 years was definitely the strongest human talent Gu An had seen.


    Lv Xian did not look injured; perhaps like Wuxin, he had practiced some extraordinary technique?


    Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun San quickly ran towards Gu An, very excited because Gu An usually brought them tasty treats.


    Although they were demons and had been captured by Luo Hun, Gu An did not disdain them, so they shared a good rtionship.


    "This is a fifth-tier Spirit Fruit, you can only eat one each, don''t fight over them."


    Gu An took out three watermelon-sized crimson fruits and ced them on the ground, letting the three Monkey Demons choose for themselves.


    He then walked towards a garden area; today was another harvest day.


    As his medicine valley continued to expand, he now had the opportunity to pick daily, and he thoroughly enjoyed his current life.


    After he had finished picking, Yi Liuyun and Lv Xian also stopped their sparring. Bothnded, and Yi Liuyun began to critique Lv Xian''s performance, which Lv Xian received humbly.


    "Senior Yi, when will you cross tribtion? I am waiting for you to challenge Sword Venerable Fudao." Lv Xian asked expectantly, his tone serious as if he truly believed Yi Liuyun could defeat Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Yi Liuyun hesitated, "At most half a year. I will go to the Tribtion Crossing Valley of the Supreme Sect to cross the tribtion then. As for challenging Sword Venerable Fudao, we''ll see."


    Since his visit to the Heavenly Repair tform, he had discarded the idea of contending with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The gap was too vast.


    Facing such Sword Intent, he couldn''t muster even the slightest desire to fight.


    Lv Xian raised an eyebrow, his delicate, almost feminine face showed a look of anticipation as he continued to persuade, "Just try, what if you win? Once you reach the Void Crossing Realm, your Sword Intent will naturally transform. You''ll definitely have the strength to fight, and even if you lose as the first person to challenge Sword Venerable Fudao, your name will resonate throughout the world."


    Passing by, Gu An really wanted to make a sarcastic remark.


    Lv Xian was truly deranged. Ever since he arrived in Tianya Valley, he had been urging Luo Hun to challenge the top spear practitioner of the Supreme Sect, and he had urged the three Monkey Demons to challenge nearby third-level Great Demons.


    And it was not just asionally; whenever he encountered someone, he would urge them.


    If he was genuinelybative, Li Ya wouldn''t have remained unaware of his reputation.


    "I''ll think about it," Yi Liuyun frowned.


    Upon seeing Gu An, Lv Xian immediately approached, enthusiastically putting an arm around Gu An''s shoulder and said with augh, "Valley Master, I feel you are no ordinary person either. How about aiming for the position of National Master? I can teach you spells, just let me know what you want to learn."


    Gu An responded, "I''ve said many times, I don''t want topete for anything, I just want to tend to my nts and flowers."


    "How could that be? Every person has a fame they wish to achieve."


    "Then what fame are you trying to achieve?"


    "Naturally, to be the best in the world."


    "Then why not spend the time you use persuading others on cultivation?"


    "I don''t need to cultivate; I''ll be unbeatable eventually."


    "Then you''re incredible."


    What a bragger!


    Dare to speak of being unbeatable in front of me?


    Gu An suddenly had an idea and said with a chuckle, "I heard you''re participating in the Hundred n Conference. If you manage to be the champion, I''ll learn your spells."


    "Really?"


    "Really."


    "I didn''t want to participate, but since you say so, just wait, I''ll leave tomorrow."


    After saying this, Lv Xian headed towards his dwelling.


    As Gu An watched his retreating figure, he truly couldn''t fathom this person.


    Yi Liuyun came over and transmitted his voice, "Don''t provoke him too much. Ever since he formed his core, he easily falls into dreams when he cultivates¡ªsometimes he dreams he''s the Emperor, other times he dreams he''s a dominating Sword Emperor in the Mortal World, and he even dreams he''s the Demon Emperor. ording to him, in every life, he could reach the pinnacle in the Mortal World."


    What kind of problem is this?


    Could he possibly be a reincarnated Great Power?


    Gu An immediately dared not underestimate Lv Xian, fearing the worst-case scenario. This person might really be of great importance.


    The next morning, before Gu An left, Lv Xian had already departed, which made Gu An even more eager to attend the Great Assembly of the Hundred Tribes.


    The Hidden Dragon List was a contest for geniuses under a hundred years old. It was unclear whether Zhou Tongyou, Ji Xiaoyu, Li Ya, or Lv Xian would stand out as the leader.


    Before Lv Xian returned, Gu An decided to advance his cultivation level to the ninth level of the Unification Realm.


    He would secretlypete with these geniuses in their rate of growth!


    ...


    By noon, when Gu An returned to Mystic Valley, he sensed a familiar presence staying in his attic.


    Along the way, he greeted Wuxin and then headed upstairs.


    Upon entering the house, Gu An saw Ye Lan sitting at his desk, holding a book.


    Oh no!


    Gu An closed the door, walked over to the desk, and took the book from her hands, saying sternly, "It''s improper for a youngdy to read such books."


    Since the incident at the Outer Sect, Ye Lan seldom visited him, spending most of her time training outside. Now, she had been promoted to a deacon of the Law Enforcement Hall, holding a certain status and power.


    Ye Lan looked at Gu An and smiled, "I heard from Zhen Qin that you usually enjoy reading ''Green Hero Travelogue.'' I wanted to see what type of books you like."


    "I don''t know about ''Supreme Secret Records,'' but don''t listen to Zhen Qin''s nonsense; this is nder. ''Green Hero Travelogue'' was left by our master. I haven''t read it, nor destroyed it. It''s merely kept as a memento."


    "Is that so?"


    "When have I ever deceived you, Sister?"


    "Humph."


    Ye Lan took out a book from her storage bag and threw it on the table.


    Gu An nced at it, his eyelid twitching.


    Supreme Secret Records!


    How has this book be so popr?


    Ye Lan looked at Gu An and spoke solemnly, "Brother, I saw the protagonist''s name was Gu An and thought it was a coincidence. Now, after flipping through ''Green Hero Travelogue,'' I feel it''s not a coincidence anymore. Tell me the truth, did you write ''Supreme Secret Records''?"


    "How is that possible, I don''t write books! I only love tending to various nts!"


    "Hehe, you think I would believe that now? Brother, even if you wanted to read, could you not choose ''Investiture of the Gods'' or ''Supreme Immortal Venerable''? They are much better than such vile books that could affect our Daoist heart."


    "It really isn''t me who wrote it..."


    Gu An felt wronged, all thanks to Shen Zhen!


    Suddenly, Ye Lan stood up, scaring him into stepping back, but she circled the desk and came up to him, raising her right hand.


    About to hit someone?


    Gu An felt a headacheing on.


    Fortunately, Ye Lan wasn''t there to hit him, but to straighten his robe, her head slightly lowered as she spoke softly, "Brother, if you really like this kind of stuff... I could try to find a dual... cultivation method, I could join you..."


    Gu An saw that her ears were red.


    He quickly stepped back, breaking away from her hand, and said sternly, "Junior Sister, don''t joke around like this. If you continue, I will..."


    Ye Lan looked up at him with a burst ofughter, covering her mouth.


    "Look at you, making me out to be a flood beast. Alright, no more jokes. I''m here for another matter, concerning your disciple Su Han." Ye Lan''s face turned serious as she spoke.


    Gu An furrowed his brows and asked, "What about him?"


    "Do you know his family''s swordsmanship, named ''Hateful Heaven Divine Sword''?"


    "I have some recollection. Is there a problem with that swordsmanship?"


    "Yes, it''s not his family''s swordsmanship, but the forbidden swordsmanship of the Sword Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty, not to be shared with outsiders. Su Han often used the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword when he was training outside, killing too many opponents, and eventually someone recognized the sword skill.


    The influence of this incident has been quite significant; I''ve heard that the Sword Sect is already preparing to capture Su Han."


    "That bad?"


    Gu An was moved. Could Su Han really create a scene like a novel''s protagonist with his talents?


    Ye Lan nodded and said, "I''ve already sheltered Su Han in the Law Enforcement Hall, but if the Sword Sect arrives, the Law Enforcement Hall definitely won''t be able to protect him. After all, they are a Great Sect and the Supreme Sect won''t risk offending the Sword Sect for the sake of one Outer Disciple."


    Gu An thought for a moment and then said, "I will think of a way."


    Ye Lan reassured him, "If it''s too much trouble, then just let it be. You can''t protect him forever. I told you because I wasn''t sure how important he is to you. I didn''t want you to feel regretfulter."


    Gu An nodded, then praised Ye Lan for considering things very thoroughly.


    Ye Lan didn''t stay long. After she had left, Gu An transported himself to the Third Medicine Valley, and then went to visit Shen Zhen.


    Since Shen Zhen tarnished his reputation, he needed her help.


    Previously, Shen Zhen had invited him to her cave, so he knew how to find it.


    After 30 minutes, Gu An entered Shen Zhen''s Cave.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "It''s rare indeed for you toe seeking me out," Shen Zhen said, smiling. In her cave, without a veil, her stunning beauty was fully revealed, sweet and alluring.


    She was holding a pen dipped in ink, and Gu An looked up to see papers stered all over the walls.


    This wench...


    Why is she drawing?


    Gu An quickly averted his gaze and said, "My disciple is in trouble, rted to the Sword Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty. Can you help?"


    "The Sword Sect? No problem, they must give Daotian Sect respect!" Shen Zhen dered boldly.


    Gu An then rted the whole situation to her.


    Shen Zhen frowned, hesitantly said, "There seems to be a problem..."

 Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Perhaps You Are a Genius, Mad Swordsman Wishes to Impart His Technique

    "Is there a problem?"


    Unable to help himself, Gu An rolled his eyes in exasperation and said, "Next time, wait for me to finish before you decide, will you? Isn''t this like giving me hope and then personally snuffing it out?"


    Shen Zhen shook her head and replied, "The problem doesn''te from the Sword Sect but from the Daotian Sect. The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword is not only a taboo swordsmanship within the Sword Sect, it''s a forbidden technique throughout the entire Great Yu Dynasty. Whenever the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword emerges, it inevitably leads to bloodshed and ughter.


    A hundred years ago, someone mastered it and killed hundreds of thousands before being seriously injured by an elder of our sect and fleeing the Great Yu Dynasty."


    "The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword is a kind of swordsmanship that can break Heavenly Destiny. The stronger the hatred, the stronger the sword intent. Even a person with mediocre talent can break through the limitations of their Spirit Root if they harbor sufficient hatred.


    However, as their cultivation level rises and their hatred deepens, they are very likely to deviate and be a bloodthirsty demon. That''s why the Sword Sect forbids anyone from practicing it."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "If that''s the case, why did the Sword Sect create this swordsmanship?"


    Shen Zhen answered, "It was created by a genius from the Sword Sect. Naturally, the Sword Sect has the responsibility to handle this matter. They have already destroyed all copies of the sword manual, but the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword still appears from time to time. Maybe the creator dispersed the manual throughout the Immortal Cultivation World before he died."


    Gu An furrowed his brows.


    Will practicing this swordsmanship lead to the loss of one''s mind?


    If so, Gu An couldn''t in good conscience allow Su Han to continue practicing it¡ªhe couldn''t favor his disciple at the risk of bringing ughter to the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Speaking with solemn concern, Shen Zhen said, "Every sect in the Great Yu Dynasty opposes the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. If you insist on protecting him, you''ll only invite endless trouble. There''s one other solution: have him discard the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword in front of the Sword Sect.


    To abandon the sword technique isn''t just about forgetting it; it''s about destroying his meridians and Spirit Root, rendering him mortal."


    Gu An nodded and replied, "I understand."


    Without further ado, he paid his respects to Shen Zhen and then departed.


    Shen Zhen watched his retreating figure, shaking her head slightly without offering further persuasion; she believed her words were clear enough.


    The following noon,


    Gu An arrived at the Outer City. The night before, he had invested a century of his life span from miles away, and his cultivation level had increased significantly.


    The trouble caused by Su Han made him increase the daily investment of his life span, striving to reach the ninthyer of the Unification Realm as soon as possible.


    While walking to Ye Lan''s residence, Gu An pondered the situation with Su Han.


    Su Han was his disciple, whom he certainly wanted to help, but he couldn''t do so unreasonably. Moreover, ording to Shen Zhen, cultivating the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword was not good for Su Han; he would eventually lose his mind, a path of suffering.


    After much thought, Gu An decided to let Su Han choose for himself, with the most he could do being to help him this one time.


    At the same time, he considered another issue.


    If he invested ten thousand years of his life span into the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, could he find a way to improve it so that it no longer leads to deviation?


    But this was a matter for the future. Even if he managed to create it now, the Sword Sect wouldn''t believe him. He couldn''t just demonstrate it for them.


    He wouldn''tpletely expose himself just for Su Han.


    Although they shared the name of master and disciple, he didn''t owe Su Han anything.


    Half an hourter, Gu An and Ye Lan walked out from the main gate of the Law Enforcement Hall.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Since he''s made up his mind, Brother Gu, don''t bother with him anymore. In this world, no one should be responsible for another person''s life to the end. I''ll arrange for someone to send him away from the Supreme Sect quietly," Ye Lan said.


    Gu An nodded. He had negotiated with Su Han for a long time, but Su Han refused to give up the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, even though he promised not to let Su Han give up his cultivation. Still, Su Han was unwilling to let go.


    Su Han said that the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword was given to him by his father and was the only connection he had to his father. He also wanted to use the sword to avenge his father.


    With the conversation reaching this point, Gu An could only give up.


    "Alright, thank you for your trouble," Gu An said, nodding to Ye Lan.


    The two exchanged a few words before Gu An took his leave.


    Walking on the street and watching the bustling crowd, Gu An felt quite sentimental.


    Lu Jiujia had strayed from his path for the sake of his own journey, ending up as a disabled person, only able to stay in Mystic Valley to cultivate the Daoist Expansion Skill with Wuxin, and to see if there was hope of rising again in the future.


    Su Han, driven by vengeance, was willing to be an enemy of the Immortal Cultivation World without regret.


    Gu An was strong, but he still couldn''t decide the path for everyone around him, nor could he change their thoughts.


    Human affairs churn endlessly, driven by grudges and emotions.


    As Gu An thought about this, his heart seemed to reach an epiphany, entering a strange state.


    Unknowingly, he had climbed onto the Heavenly Repair tform.


    He identally bumped into someone and quickly snapped out of his reverie.


    "Sorry,"


    Gu An immediately uttered an apology, his heart filled with surprise.


    This was the first time he had entered such a self-forgetting state. He hadn''t experienced anything like it even when inheriting cultivation techniques and spells before.


    Looking back, he couldn''t quite articte it, yet he felt some subtle change within himself.


    "Were you just experiencing Path Enlightenment?" asked the person Gu An had collided with, his voice cold and detached.


    Gu An involuntarily looked at the man¡ªd in green, with a rugged appearance and a Sword Box on his back from which three sword handles protruded.


    Gu An instinctively performed a Life Span Detection.


    [Han Ming (Void Crossing Realm Fifth Layer): 587/1902/2780]


    This person had also cultivated a method to conceal his energy!


    The Immortal Cultivation World was truly a ce with exceptional individuals at every turn.


    Gu An curiously asked, "What is Path Enlightenment? I was just lost in thought."


    He silently noted that it was not wise to wander while lost in thought, as it could easily attract trouble.


    Han Ming stared at him and said, "To seek Path Enlightenment is indeed to ponder over certain matters, to resonate naturally with the heavens and the earth during contemtion, and thus enter a wondrous state. You need not apologize; it was I who deliberately stopped you. If you had walked any further, you would have collided with those Great Cultivators."


    "Is Path Enlightenment very impressive? Yet, I haven''t felt any change in my Cultivation Level." Gu An asked, half seriously and half pretending to be ignorant. However, in reality, he truly did not understand what Path Enlightenment was.


    Han Ming turned around and looked toward the words ''Righteous Path'' in the distance and said, "Path Enlightenment is extremely rare. It cannot be taught or predicted, relying solely on one''s ownprehension and blessings. Some people break through realms with Path Enlightenment, and some create astonishing Ultimate Skills through it.


    I have also experienced Path Enlightenment, from which I conceived my own Swordsmanship. Although I am not clear on what you areprehending, in time, you wille to appreciate its benefits."


    "Thank you for the guidance, senior. May I ask for your name?" Gu An asked with a hand raised in salute.


    Han Ming replied, "My name is Han Ming, from the Great Yu Dynasty. I havee to seek the wisdom of the Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Senior, how do you wish to seek guidance?"


    With a burst of energy and focus, Han Ming suddenly shouted, "I am Han Ming, a Sword Cultivator from the Great Yu Dynasty, here to challenge the wisdom of the Sword Venerable Fudao. In a month''s time, outside the city, we shall have a Sword Competition. If Sword Venerable Fudao wins, I am willing to inscribe my Sword Dao on the city walls for the disciples of Supreme Sect to cultivate.


    However, if Sword Venerable Fudao loses or dares note, then I shall add two words beside the ''Righteous Path''!"


    This voice thundered like a rock shattering the sky, resounded throughout the city, and traveled far and wide, even reaching the disciples in the Third Medicine Valley who all looked up.


    Countless gazes from the Heavenly Repair tform descended on Han Ming, focusing on him.


    Gu An instinctively stepped back, not wanting others to associate him with Han Ming.


    However, Han Ming turned and walked towards Gu An.


    Don''te over here!


    Gu An felt quite helpless.


    "Little friend, may I invite myself to your abode? We can discuss our experiences with Path Enlightenment. Frankly, I wish to attain Path Enlightenment once more. Whether sessful or not, I shall impart my Swordsmanship to you," Han Ming said with a friendly smile.


    In the distance, Zuo Lin, who was sitting in meditation beside Zuo Yijian, saw Gu An and his eyes brightened.


    With his level of Cultivation, he naturally heard Han Ming''s words.


    Indeed!


    Thisd is not simple; my previous intuition was right!


    Zuo Lin wanted to stand up but was held back by Zuo Yijian beside him.


    "Don''t cause trouble; that Han Ming is no simple character. He was once known throughout the world as ''Mad Swordsman'' for using his Nascent Soul Realm Cultivation to y a Great Cultivator of the Divinity Transformation Realm," said Zuo Yijian in a solemn tone, his eyes sharply fixed on Han Ming.


    Upon hearing this, Zuo Lin was stunned.


    Under the gaze of many, Gu An found it hard to withstand the pressure and could only nod, then quickly walked away, with Han Ming following closely behind.


    The Cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform began to discuss the name Han Ming, with many having heard of it; his deeds swiftly spread.


    The Void Crossing Realm Elders sitting on the tform merely gave Han Ming a nce and did not interfere.


    Gu An thought for a moment and decided to lead Han Ming to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He was curious to see what would happen when Han Ming met Elder Tian.


    The journey was silent, with Han Ming following behind Gu An, his thoughts unknown.


    After the two arrived at the Third Medicine Valley, Han Ming could not help but ask, "Do you own all thisnd within a hundred miles?"


    "That''s right, what about it?" Gu An responded.


    After a moment of silence, Han Ming said with a sigh, "I had thought to take you as my disciple, but seeing that you possess such a vast Medicine Garden, it shows that Supreme Sect has great esteem for you. I can''t help but feel a little disappointed."


    You just challenged me, and now you want to take me as your apprentice?


    Gu An mocked inwardly but responded with a smile, "Thank you for your kind offer, senior, but I am not one for fighting and killing, nor do I pursue high or low Cultivation Levels, so I will respectfully decline to be your disciple."


    The twonded, drawing the attention of many disciples.


    Elder Tian, who was dozing beneath a tree in the distance, opened his eyes. He recognized Han Ming, and his expression subtly shifted, though Han Ming had not recognized him.


    After the two went upstairs and settled down, Han Ming began to recount his experiences with Path Enlightenment. Gu An listened intently.


    Han Ming attained Path Enlightenment at the age of two hundred. At that time, he was unable to break through to the ninthyer of the Elixir Formation Realm and felt that his life would be constrained to that point. Thus, he sat under a waterfall, despondent, for seven days and nights before finally attaining Path Enlightenment.


    Overnight, his Sword Heart gained sudden enlightenment, and his Sword Intent evolved.


    Listening to his story, Gu An began to ponder the limit of Life Span.


    He wondered if Path Enlightenment could change the limit of Life Span.


    To date, Gu An had not yet seen anyone break the limit of Life Span. Current Life Spans were subject to change.


    Different realms of Cultivators saw their current Life Spans increase with higher realms, but each major realm had no standard life span limit since Life Span is linked to conditions, Cultivation Techniques, natural treasures, and so on.


    Li Xuandao, for instance, although in the Divinity Transformation Realm, had a Life Span simr to some in the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Or Ji Xiaoyu, who had a Life Span of over eight hundred years at the ninthyer of Foundation Establishment,parable to the eighthyer of Divinity Transformation like Li Xuandao.


    If a person is severely injured, their Life Span can change ordingly, such as Elder Tian or Lu Jiujia.


    After all, people are not data, without constant values. He could only observe more closely.


    After Han Ming finished speaking, he asked Gu An to share his own experiences with Path Enlightenment. This time, Gu An did not hide anything and spoke truthfully about his concerns, only omitting the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword.


    As he finished, Han Ming pondered and said, "Worrying about the safety of your disciples and realizing that you cannot control the destinies of others¡ªsuch Path Enlightenment may make you a genius."


    "In a month, during my Sword Competition with Sword Venerable Fudao, I might die. Why not, in this month, I impart all of my Sword Dao to you, how about that?"

 Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Breaking Through to the Ninth Layer of the Unification Realm

    ```


    Sword Transmission?


    Gu An instinctively resisted.


    He had already mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, Wood Spirit Sword Technique, and even had the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword in his panel, thus, there was no need to waste time and life span on practicing other sword techniques.


    After all, he could rely on life span to deduce and upgrade his swordsmanship, so why learn so many?


    Making an excuse, Gu An said, "Senior, I''m not interested in the Sword Dao, to put it precisely, I''m not interested in any methods ofbat. I rarely even cultivate on normal days; my true passion lies in nts and flowers."


    Han Ming was taken aback, then furrowed his brows.


    Gu An pretended to be anxious and exined, "Senior, it''s not that I''m resisting you. You can go and ask around; all the disciples in the Valley know my character. My spirit root qualification is limited, so instead of spending my limited life span on the elusive pursuit of immortality, I''d rather live freely and enjoy a brief two hundred years."


    Han Ming looked at him, silent.


    Gu An didn''t say more either.


    It''s not like he could beg Han Ming not to teach him, right?


    After quite a while, Han Ming said with emotion, "I finally understand why you easily attain enlightenment. Your state of mind has surpassed most cultivators. Letting go of obsession and experiencing the myriad states of the Mortal World might indeed make it easier to perceive the True Meaning of Heaven and Earth."


    The two continued to discuss Path Enlightenment, and Han Ming no longer insisted on teaching swordsmanship.


    After chatting for a whole day and night, Han Ming finally left.


    He nned to visit the Supreme Sect and look for a suitable inheritor.


    Gu An rmended someone, Zuo Lin.


    As it happened, Han Ming also knew Zuo Yijian, so he agreed to consider Zuo Lin.


    After he left, Gu An began to patrol the Third Medicine Valley.


    Elder Tian caught up to him and asked curiously, "Valley Master, the cultivator from earlier seemed extraordinary, but his clothes clearly came from the Great Yu Dynasty. What did he want with you?"


    "He wanted to take me as a disciple and teach me the Sword Dao."


    "So, did you ept?"


    "How could I? If I had epted, wouldn''t that be tantamount to betraying the Supreme Sect? Though I''m not strong, I have a loyal heart towards the Supreme Sect."


    Gu An casually refuted, and the more casually he spoke, the more genuine Elder Tian felt he was.


    Elder Tian didn''t think Gu An was putting on an act. Having been at the Medicine Valley for many years, Gu An was serious about everything he did, and treated the servant disciples properly; aside from not loving cultivation, Elder Tian really couldn''t find any faults with him.


    Elder Tian began to apany Gu An on his patrols, checking the medicinal herbs along the way, and they chatted intermittently.


    During this time, Gu An asked Elder Tian for his views on the mentor-disciple rtionship.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elder Tian, who had lived for over seven hundred years, had life insights that Gu An was very interested in. While he did not necessarily n to emte them, listening to them was always beneficial.


    At the same time.


    The news about Mad Swordsman Han Ming challenging Sword Venerable Fudao rapidly spread throughout the cities of the Supreme Sect. Everyone who heard the news was filled with anticipation.


    Han Ming was a world-renowned sword cultivator, and Sword Venerable Fudao was currently the most famous cultivator of the Supreme Sect. Who wouldn''t want to watch a swordpetition between the two?


    Most importantly, disciples of the Supreme Sect also wanted to see Sword Venerable Fudao''s true face and witness his elegance.


    Half a monthter, when Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley, he heard that Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun were also discussing this matter.


    This made Gu An start to waver.


    Initially, he didn''t want to ept the challenge, confident that the Supreme Sect, teeming with experts, wouldn''t let Han Ming disrupt the Heavenly Repair tform.


    But with the situation blowing up so much, if he didn''t go, wouldn''t that be a blow to his reputation?


    That won''t do.


    He had to hasten his progress in bing stronger!


    Han Ming was a genius who could kill across realms. With his Unification Realm level one cultivation, he could control swords from a distance. What if he took a fall?


    He had to reach level nine of the Unification Realm in advance!


    Gu An saw that Han Ming was a decent person and decided to give him a vigorous defeat. What if Han Ming had another epiphany after his loss?


    ...


    Late at night, Gu An continuously teleported through the forest, covering a hundred miles with each step, using the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step to quickly move away from the Supreme Sect.


    Constantly drawing on the Spiritual Energy of the Supreme Sect, he felt a bit guilty, so this time he decided to break through in a ce rarely touched by humans.


    He was determined to reach level nine of the Unification Realm in one go!


    Oh, how unpredictable the world is, always someone disrupting his ns and rhythm of bing stronger.


    After traversing nearly twenty thousand miles, Gu An finally stopped. He was deep in the mountains, and the forest was filled with a thick aura of demon energy and ghostly energy.


    Gu An sat down under a tree and immediately initiated the Life Span Barrier.


    He could not go any further; who knew where further wandering would lead.


    Gu An began to invest a thousand years of his life span into his cultivation level, sessfully reaching the secondyer of the Unification Realm, as Earth Spirit Energy began to flow towards him.


    Afterward, he continued to invest another thousand years of his life span.


    A thousand years followed another thousand years.


    Until he reached level nine of the Unification Realm, he had altogether invested eighteen thousand years of his life span. After level five of the Unification Realm, each level required three thousand years of life span to break through, rted to the Spiritual Energy of the environment he was in.


    That was eptable to him, after all, just progressing from level nine of the Void Crossing Realm to level one of the Unification Realm had consumed more than twelve thousand years of his life span.


    Seeing that he still had over two hundred thousand years of life span left, Gu An felt quite pleased and began to enjoy the elevation of his realm.


    The forest shook, and gusts of wind came from all directions, while green waves of energy surged beneath Gu An.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A deafening roar echoed from afar. It was a demon beast howling.


    ```


    Gu An secretly felt a shock in his heart; the aura of this demon beast was no less than that of the Divinity Transformation Realm. Such terrifying creatures were actually hidden in this area.


    Fortunately, when he had his breakthrough earlier, he didn''t venture this far. Otherwise, if he were eaten by a demon, that would be incredibly unlucky.


    Then, more beasts began to roar, one after another, the sounds bing more numerous and joining together as if to overturn the night sky.


    The clouds in the night sky churned, obscuring the stars and moon, making it hard to tell whether they were clouds or demon energy.


    At this moment, Gu An felt as if he was trapped in a realm of demons, surrounded by the shrieks and wails of demons from all directions¡ªterrifying and horrific.


    The forest ahead shook violently as if the trees were about to uproot themselves at any moment.


    In the darkness behind the woods, the massive mountains began to move. With Gu An''s vision, he could see clearly that it was a giant demon at least three hundred yards tall, in the shape of a tortoise, carrying a mountain on its back. As it moved forward, dust filled the air.


    Gu An saw many lost souls and ghosts circling around the mountain, like an entourage following an army.


    No wonder the Great Yu Dynasty, despite having cultivators, couldn''t exterminate all the demons, ghosts, and fiends in the world. On his way here, Gu An''s divine sense had picked up the voices of vigers in the mountains, letting him know he had not yet left the Great Yu Dynasty.


    The Great Yu Dynasty was vast, Gu An felt it was even bigger than Earth from his previous life, and this vastnd was teeming with countless demons and ghosts.


    The other eight dynasties probably weren''t much smaller than the Great Yu Dynasty, but ording to what Shen Zhen had said, thebined territory of the nine dynasties was just a tiny corner of this continent.


    This world was truly boundless!


    The endless Earth Spirit Energy flowed into Gu An''s body, causing his cultivation level to grow constantly.


    No wonder it took eighteen thousand years of his lifespan to go from the firstyer to the ninthyer of the Unification Realm. The amount of Spiritual Energy required was enormous. Gu An suspected that thismotion would affect tens of thousands of miles around and might even reach the Supreme Sect.


    If the ninthyer of the Unification Realm was already causing such a stir, what would happen when he aimed for an even higher realm? Would it rm the entire dynasty?


    The main issue was thepression of eighteen thousand years'' worth of Spiritual Energy into a short period. The amount of Spiritual Energy drawn was immense, and once the energy in this area was exhausted, he would have to draw from other ces as the world also needed time to replenish its Spiritual Energy.


    No matter!


    He''d focus on breaking through first!


    Nobody could stop him from bing stronger!


    Gu An simply closed his eyes, refusing to look at themotion around him.


    ¡­


    In the spacious cave, the firelight violently flickered, casting long shadows of arge pot.


    It was a giant iron pot with a diameter of ten yards, sitting over a roaring fire. The soup inside was boiling, with bones surfacing and sinking.


    Tied up in front of the cave wall were two human children, a boy and a girl, both appearing to be around twelve or thirteen years old.


    The boy was rubbing the hemp rope around his wrists against a protrusion on the wall. Even though his wrists were bloody, he didn''t frown, and his motion got even faster, revealing the white bone of his wrist joint.


    Next to him, the girl sat kneeling on the ground, nervously watching the cave entrance, as if afraid of something.


    The cave shook violently, and a terrifying demonic wind blew in from outside, carrying the wailing of numerous demons, making one''s scalp tingle.


    Extreme terror turned the children''s lips white, causing their bodies to shake uncontrobly.


    Finally, the boy broke the hemp rope around his wrists. He quickly removed the ropes from his body and proceeded to untie the girl.


    However, the ropes around the girl were tied too tightly, and he,cking the strength, couldn''t untie them.


    "Uh-huh¡ª"


    A deep, breathy sound came from outside the cave, resembling the croaking of toads, causing the boy to pause and a look of despair to appear in his eyes.


    He looked towards the twisted path ahead and saw a massive, corpulent figure appear on the cave wall. Both children''s faces instantly grew pale.


    Suddenly!


    As if something had yanked the corpulent figure away, it disappeared in an instant.


    Following that, crisp and loud chewing sounds echoed from outside the cave. The boy leaned against the wall, hastily covering his mouth to avoid making a sound.


    The girl who was still tied up closed her eyes, not daring to look towards the cave entrance.


    ¡­


    The Earth Spirit Energy receded, causing the demons to flee in all directions. This night was destined to be restless.


    Two ancient hourster, Gu An''s cultivation level had only reached the sixthyer of the Unification Realm. He predicted that he would need to wait until daylight to reach the ninthyer of the Unification Realm.


    Compared to his previous breakthroughs, he was now consuming Spiritual Energy several times faster, yet the time required to break through had lengthened.


    Normal Unification Realm cultivators wouldn''t cause such a stir during their breakthroughs because they umted slowly, rather than devouring the Spiritual Energy needed for hundreds or even thousands of years of cultivation in a short time.


    Gu An waited patiently.


    Time flew rapidly.


    Dawn arrived, and the first rays of morning light cut across the sky. The sky was covered with demonic clouds, and the woods were surrounded by demon energy, as if engulfed in a flowing fog.


    Gu An was sitting under a tree, and suddenly opened his eyes.


    Unification Realm, ninthyer, achieved!


    Upon reaching this level, he distinctly felt his divine sense and senses greatly enhanced. He even felt his heart condensing Spiritual Power, as if something was about to grow out of it.


    The speed at which he devoured Earth Spirit Energy began to slow down. Gu An felt he was more than a hundred times stronger than before.


    The ninthyer of the Unification Realm was nothing like the firstyer!


    Gu An didn''t believe any cultivator at the firstyer of the Unification Realm could kill him across realms!


    As soon as this thought emerged, he broke out in a cold sweat.


    He had almost damaged his Daoist Heart!


    He shouldn''t think this way; those who had been in across realms probably had the same mentality!


    He couldn''t look down on anyone and had to be prepared to be in at any moment. Only then could he give his all!

 Chapter 75: Chapter 75: The Exaggerated Extreme Life Span, Gu An Takes on an Apprentice

    After his cultivation level becamepletely stable, Gu An closed the Life Span Barrier.


    This time, the Life Span Barrier had consumed over eight thousand years, and at this rate, opening the Life Span Barrier would eventually be a significant expenditure of life span.


    He still needed to work hard to earn life span. He might seem wealthy now, but if he wanted aprehensive upgrade, his life span would not be sufficient!


    Gu An stood up, stretched his arms in azy yawn, and then touched his chest.


    The Unification Realm seemed to be a transition, not as phased as the realms before, but this transition put a great test on the umtion of cultivation.


    Gu An could feel that the next realm had something to do with the heart, the thing condensed on his heart was a sign, but he could not yet determine what it might be.


    He began to move forward.


    Still using the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step, he continuously teleported, covering hundreds of miles in a single step while spreading his Divine Sense to feel the Nine Layers of the Unification Realm.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on one direction, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    After hesitating for a moment, he moved toward that direction.


    ...


    Next to the mountain stream, a boy covered in bloodstains and dirt stood in front of a mountain wall, holding arge stone in his hand, with a girl standing behind him, equally disheveled, staring ahead in terror.


    On the other side of the stream, the trees parted as a two-zhang tall Wolf Demon emerged from the woods, walking upright. Its deep ck fur and even in the early morning, its wolf eyes flickered with threatening ferocity.


    The Wolf Demon opened its mouth, exhaling foul breath, its gaze fixed intently on the two ahead.


    The boy''s arms shook in fear, but he bravely stepped forward.


    The two did not notice a figure appearing on the mountain top behind them, it was Gu An.


    Gu An had changed into a set of white clothes and wore a specially made mask with restrictions that blocked Divine Sense probing. He had made it when he had nothing better to do.


    The breeze fluttered Gu An''s robe as he looked down at the two children below, casting Life Span Detection.


    [Goudan (Insignificant): 12/99/9999]


    [Little Flower (Insignificant): 12/78/230]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A maximum life span of 9999 years?


    Gu An doubted his own eyes, this number surpassed the records of the Ji Family of the Human Race.


    Could this child also possess an Innate Daoist Talisman within him?


    Just then, the Wolf Demon suddenly leaped towards the boy named Goudan. Gu An raised his hand and a Sword Qi shot out,nding between the Wolf Demon and Goudan. Stones shattered and water sshed skyward, scaring the Wolf Demon into halting and fleeing.


    Dust filled the air, causing Goudan to close his eyes and start coughing.


    When the dust settled, he looked to find a crack half a zhang wide and a hundred zhang long next to the stream, as if it were cut by a gigantic sword.


    Footsteps came from nearby, startling Goudan, who quickly turned around, only to see Gu An.


    Although Gu An looked normal, he wore a mask, so Goudan did not drop the stone in his hand.


    "You... are you a human... or a demon?" Goudan asked cautiously, his voice weak and trembling.


    Gu An spoke, "Naturally, I am human. Why else would I save you?"


    He altered his voice to sound aged, as if he were in his forties or fifties.


    Hearing this, Goudan let out a sigh of relief, but did not drop the stone, earning a look of admiration from Gu An.


    "Where is your home? I will take you back," Gu An continued.


    Upon hearing this, Goudan fell silent.


    At that moment, the girl named Little Flower behind him suddenly burst into loud sobs.


    "My mom and dad... they were eaten by demons..."


    She spoke in a choked voice, her emotions erupting, causing Goudan''s eyes to turn red as well.


    Goudan then recounted their ordeal.


    A group of demons had broken into their vige, devoured all the adults, and then took the children to this area. Every day, they witnessed their peers being boiled into soup. It was supposed to be their turnst night, but suddenly there was an earthquake, and the demon guarding them ran out.


    At daybreak, they had escaped the cave and found no trace of the demons, so they began to flee. But they hadn''t gotten far when they were targeted by a Wolf Demon that was on its way.


    Gu An was silent as he heard the ount, this was his first real glimpse into the suffering of the Mortal World.


    Since his youth, he had lived in the Ji Family, never facing the threat of demons. Later on, at the Supreme Sect, using the lives he seized, his journey could be considered smooth sailing.


    Compared to him, these two children truly suffered.


    Gu An feltpassion, but Goudan''s extraordinary maximum life span made him hesitate to bring him back.


    This kind of maximum life span, if one cultivated, would surely attract countless troubles.


    Gu An even suspected that Goudan possessed great fate, which was why only he survived out of his whole family. Just as he was about to be eaten, Gu An was nearby making a breakthrough. And as the Wolf Demon was about to catch him, Gu An saved him.


    When all these coincidences came together, they were no longer mere coincidences!


    A child of fate?


    Seeing that the two were now without both parents and even without rtives to rely on, Gu An could not bear to leave them alone.


    After thinking it over, Gu An decided to first take them to a safe ce.


    With a step, he appeared behind Goudan, lifting him up, then went to Little Flower. Lifting one in each hand, he moved swiftly through the air.


    The two were stunned by his movement technique, no longer crying, tensed all over.


    Ten breathster.


    In a stretch of woond, Gu An stopped and gently set the two down on the ground.


    He took out a bottle of elixir from his storage bag and poured half into each of their mouths.


    They choked violently as the elixir was poured down, but as the medicine went down their throats, they felt a warm current flowing smoothly, which then spread to every bone and muscle. The sensation was truly magical.


    The two of them widened their eyes, their faces filled with disbelief.


    Gu An then sat cross-legged in front of them and asked, "Do you want to cultivate to be immortals?"


    He didn''t dare to directly take Goudan back with him, but he could teach them the ways of immortal cultivation, so they couldter seek to join the Supreme Sect on their own, absolving him of any connection to them.


    By offering the Supreme Sect a top genius, he felt it was a way to make amends for the numerous times he had drawn spiritual energy without permission over the years.


    "Are you an immortal?" Goudan asked excitedly, his face alight with thrill.


    "I am not. I''m just striving to be one. Since you have nowhere else to go, I can teach you the ways of immortal cultivation. In the future, when you join the Supreme Sect, you''ll have a ce to belong," he answered, continuing to disguise his voice to avoid recognition should they meet again at the Supreme Sect.


    Goudan quickly nodded, even kowtowing and calling him master.


    He turned to look at Little Flower, who was still in a daze, and pushed her head forward, saying, "Quick, call him master!"


    Little Flower instinctively called out, "Master!"


    Gu An wanted to refuse, but seeing their hopeful expressions, he simply couldn''t.


    Damn it!


    Was this the influence of great destiny?


    Gu An felt it wasn''t his soft-heartedness, but rather the destiny surrounding Goudan that was affecting him.


    Immortal cultivation indeed talks of destiny, cause and effect, and believes in those elusive existences.


    "Alright, now I will pass on to you the mental method mantra. Listen carefully and remember well," Gu An said gravely.


    The two immediately sat up straight, staring intently at him, afraid to irritate him.


    Gu An passed on the Yang Wood Primordial Skill that he practiced to them. He wasn''t afraid of Goudan mastering itpletely; once he umted a million years of lifespan, he would continue to advance the skill.


    Actually, he was also curious to see how far Goudan could develop the Yang Wood Primordial Skill.


    Up until now, he still wasn''t sure what rank the cultivation techniques and ultimate skills he possessed would hold in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Time quickly passed by.


    Gu An''s lessonsted half a day, mainly exining to Little Flower. Goudan remembered everything after hearing it once.


    The fruits of extreme lifespan surely didn''t lie!


    Gu An told Goudan to go to one side to cultivate, while he personally instructed Little Flower.


    "Master, it feels like there''s something inside me! Could it be Spiritual Power?"


    In the afternoon, while Little Flower was deep in contemtion, Goudan, not far away, suddenly eximed with extreme excitement.


    Upon hearing this, Little Flower''s eyes widened in disbelief, then her face fell in disappointment.


    Gu An calmly said, "All this fuss andmotion, what kind of behavior is that? Do you want to summon demons over?"


    Hearing this, Goudan immediately shut his mouth.


    As evening neared, Little Flower finally memorized the firstyer of the Yang Wood Primordial Skill mental method.


    One night passed.


    Goudan hadpletely embarked on the path of immortal cultivation, while Little Flower had still not managed to cultivate any Spiritual Power.


    A cultivator with average five-element Spirit Root Qualification needed a month of cultivation to manifest Spiritual Power, so Gu An was not disappointed with Little Flower.


    As dawn just broke, Gu An prepared to leave.


    "Goudan, I''m going out for a while, I''ll be back this evening. Take good care of your junior sister," said Gu An.


    Goudan opened his eyes sharply and quickly got up, anxiously asking, "Master, will you reallye back? Don''t abandon us, I promise I won''t shout anymore."


    Little Flower also woke up and stood up upon hearing this. She ran over and clung to Gu An''s waist, refusing to let him go.


    Gu An couldn''t help but smile wryly, yet he spoke with a stern voice, "I''m going to y demons. Do you want to hinder me?"


    Upon hearing this, Little Flower quickly let go.


    Goudan''s eyes flicked about, then he said, "Master, since we''ve both taken up cultivation, why don''t you give us new names?"


    He felt that receiving a name from his master was significant; it would bring them even closer to their master.


    Gu An hesitated for a moment, then raised his right hand and with his index finger, he pointed towards the ground and used Sword Qi to write.


    Goudan quickly ran over, standing beside him to watch.


    Although they were from a vige, there was a schoolteacher there, so he could just about recognize the characters.


    Once Gu An finished writing, Goudan couldn''t help but ask, "An... An what? Master, what is the second character?"


    "Your name is An Hao. ''Hao'' stands for heaven, and I hope you can be like the sky for your junior sister and carve out a piece of heaven for yourself," he exined.


    "As for Little Flower, her name shall be An Xin. I hope you, my disciple, can live a life of peace and contentment," Gu An said soothingly. After finishing, he vanished into thin air.


    Renamed An Hao, Goudan looked around but could no longer see Gu An. He crouched down and gazed at his new name, murmuring, "An Hao, Hao..." as if trying tomit the character Hao to memory.


    An Xin crouched down beside him, apanying him as they both looked at the characters on the ground.


    Meanwhile,


    Gu An was rapidly making his way to the Supreme Sect. When he arrived back in Mystic Valley, Wuxin was still leading his disciples in their drills.


    Walking from the entrance of the valley, he saw many cultivators flying overhead, it seemed themotion from the night before had drawn the attention of the Supreme Sect.

 Chapter 76: Chapter 76: The Center of Attention, What It Means to Be a Sword Cultivator

    ```


    Seeing Gu An walking from the valley entrance, Wuxin hurried over.


    Lu Jiujia was also practicing drills with the Servant Disciples. Now he was Wuxin''s right-hand man. He just nced at Gu An from a distance without approaching him.


    Although he had returned for several years, Lu Jiujia still dared not face Gu An. If he could avoid it, he would because he felt that he owed Gu An.


    Gu An had given him so many Elixirs, but he ended up straying from the path and ultimately became a cripple. Whenever he thought about it, he felt regret.


    He even felt he deserved his oue for all the bad things he had done in the Demon Extermination Hall; it was no more than he deserved.


    Gu An, on the other hand, didn''t go out of his way to enlighten Lu Jiujia, letting the young man settle and reflect on his own.


    "Senior Brother,st night the Spiritual Energy subsided again. Although it wasn''t as severe as the previous times, you should still be careful when you go outtely." Wuxin approached Gu An and reminded him.


    Gu An nodded and said, "I''ve also sensed this and came back for that very reason. How''s Medicine Valley?"


    "It wasn''t affected. By the way, Senior Brother, will you go watch the uing duel between the Mad Swordsman of Great Yu and Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "Has Sword Venerable Fudao agreed to participate?"


    "Not yet. But the news has been spreading like wildfire. Surely, Sword Venerable Fudao will make an appearance, right?"


    The two chatted as they walked toward the attic.


    Now that Mystic Valley had recruited a new batch of Servant Disciples, these disciples would frequently nce at Gu An while practicing their drills, curious about the real Valley Master.


    It was said that the Medicine Valley could produce an Outer Disciple every few years, how could they not be expectant?


    After talking briefly with Wuxin, Gu An went upstairs. He nned to make a few new sets of clothes for An Hao and An Xin.


    Half an Ancient Hourter, he proceeded to the Third Medicine Valley to inspect his own valley.


    The Third Medicine Valley was so vast that he had to check it personally to ensure there were no oversights.


    The death of a single nt meant the loss of his Life Span!


    The disciples of the Third Medicine Valley were also discussing the descent of Spiritual Energy the night before, specting various possibilities. Gu An chatted with them a bit as well.


    It wasn''t until dusk that Gu An finally left.


    ...


    The sky was a fiery red, the forests dark and mysterious.


    An Hao stood on a tree branch, scanning the distance, hoping to find Gu An''s figure.


    Below, with a nervous voice, An Xin asked, "Could it be that Master will not return?"


    "No, he won''t. Master said he woulde back, so he definitely will!" An Hao said firmly, with a resolute tone.


    Truthfully, he was also uncertain but forced himself to appear calm.


    Just the thought of Master potentially not returning made him feel indignant, and he really wanted to cry, but he couldn''t shed tears in front of An Xin.


    His father once told him that boys could cry but should never cry in front of women.


    Suddenly, a handnded on An Xin''s head, startling her into a shriek, after which she quickly jumped away.


    Hearing this, An Hao quickly turned his head and saw the figure he had been longing for all day. He was instantly overjoyed and excitedly shouted, "Master!"


    He jumped down and pounced toward Gu An, hugging his waist, just like An Xin had done that morning.


    An Xin, seeing clearly that it was Gu An, was also excited and rushed forward to hug him.


    Although they had known each other for only two days, Gu An already held an unshakeable position in their hearts.


    Gu An pushed one hand on each of their heads, pushing them away gently and said softly, "Practice well. If you''re not diligent in your training, I will leave you behind."


    "If we make a name for ourselves, will you not leave then?" An Hao asked.


    Gu An took out two sets of clothes from his Storage Bag and said, "Haven''t I told you? In the future, you''ll have to go to the Supreme Sect. I cannot be with you forever. Once you are capable of protecting yourselves, I will leave."


    Upon hearing this, An Hao''s face immediately darkened, and An Xin pursed her lips, her eyes quickly reddening.


    Gu An ignored their emotions, handed them the clothes, and then led them towards the river in the forest.


    Half an Ancient Hourter, An Hao and An Xin had changed into new clothes and even had their hair tidied. It cannot be denied, the two looked quite impressive in their new attire, almost like celestial children; no wonder the demon had saved them forst, possibly unwilling to devour them.


    Gu An decided he would apany them every night from then on, returning to the Supreme Sect during the day.


    In the surrounding thousand miles, there was no trace of any powerful demon. There were many viges and towns, so they were safe to practice there.


    And so the days passed.


    The month-long wait eventually came to an end.


    The Outer City was packed to the brim, and even the hills outside the city walls were dotted with figures of Cultivators seated in meditation. Many disciples from the seven other Outer Cities, the four Inner Sect Cities, and the disciples from the Main City of the Sect hade to witness the match. Even disciples from other Sects hade to watch.


    The Supreme Sect did not suppress the matter, resulting in the entire Immortal Cultivation World of the Taicang Dynasty discussing it.


    At the South City Gate, Han Ming stood proudly with his eyes closed, the Sword Box in front of him, his hands resting on top of it as the warm breeze of thete summer rustled his garment.


    On the city walls, numerous Cultivators were watching him, chatting incessantly.


    "It''s uncertain whether Sword Venerable Fudao wille."


    "I think it''s better if he doesn''t. If he does, his true identity will be revealed, and he will surely face endless trouble afterwards."


    "Of course he muste. He''s so powerful, even if his true identity is uncovered, who in this world can defeat him?"


    "It is said that Sword Venerable Fudao is the Sect Leader. He hasn''t shown himself because he wants to cultivate another powerful force for the Supreme Sect that can match the Sect Leader."


    ```


    "I heard that the Mad Swordsman of Great Yu has surpassed the Divinity Transformation Realm for many years. If this battle really breaks out, his name will surely go down in history," said someone.


    Zuo Lin and his father Zuo Yijian also stood atop the city wall, looking down at Han Ming''s figure.


    Anxiety was written all over Zuo Lin''s face. Having taken Han Ming as his master, he was naturally concerned about Han Ming''s safety.


    Jiang Qiong and Hu Mo, who had reached the ninthyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm, were floating in the air on a huge gourd, discussing the uing battle.


    Ye Lan stood on the top of a tall building, gazing toward the South City Gate from afar. The sky was azure and cloudless, the mountains outside the city were rugged, and the figure of Sword Venerable Fudao was nowhere to be seen.


    She was apanied by a dozen disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall, all of whom were her subordinates, including Zhen Qin. They all looked very excited.


    Five miles away, Shen Zhen, who wore a ck veil, stood on top of the Treasure Pagoda, also gazing in the direction of the South City Gate with an expectant look in her eyes.


    The sword cultivator duel that had been brewing for a month had captured the attention of the entire Supreme Sect, and even the Immortal Cultivation World was waiting for the oue of this battle.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands, Han Ming remained with his eyes closed, patiently waiting.


    Meanwhile.


    Fifteen thousand miles away.


    In a spacious forest, Gu An was giving swordsmanship guidance to An Hao.


    An Hao reached the secondyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm after absorbing energy for three days, and now, having reached the thirdyer, Gu An was imparting to him the techniques of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, giving him a means to fight.


    Meanwhile, An Xin was still cultivating, trying to gather her first strand of Spiritual Power.


    The gap in their talents was like a chasm!


    Gu An taught only once, and An Hao memorized the sword moves immediately, making it very smooth for him to teach.


    Is this what it feels like to teach a genius?


    No wonder Great Cultivators dote on geniuses so much. Even he was starting to favor An Hao a bit.


    An Hao practiced swordsmanship while curiously asking, "Master, what is the name of this sword technique?"


    He held a wooden sword, but even so, there was a sharpness in the air as he swung it.


    "Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword. You are the only one who has learned my sword technique. Do not dishonor this technique in the future," Gu An said.


    With An Hao''s talents, once he entered the Supreme Sect, he would surely be highly valued. If he additionally became an inheritor of Sword Venerable Fudao, that would be even more extraordinary.


    In the future, if the Supreme Sect wanted to suppress An Hao, they would have to consider whether it was worth opposing Sword Venerable Fudao.


    "Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword..." An Hao murmured to himself, his eyes shining brightly. He could feel the intricacy of this set of sword moves. Every time he practiced the movements, he gained new insights, which made him addicted.


    In the forest, the sound of the sword cutting through the air echoed. Gu An stood to one side, quietly watching, his wooden mask hiding his expression from An Hao''s curious gaze.


    In the distance, An Xin opened her eyes and looked with a face full of envy.


    She too wanted to practice swordsmanship.


    An hourter.


    An Hao had actually cultivated Sword Qi. As the sword sliced through the air and the Sword Qi swept across, it passed by Gu An and struck the trunk of a tree behind him, leaving a subtle sword mark.


    After producing the Sword Qi, An Hao was like a conduit opened between heaven and earth, moving with greater speed, his swordy fluid and graceful, swift as a startled swan. The Spiritual Energy of the forest started to gradually converge toward him.


    Gu An watched with a taut nerves.


    What kind of monster is this?


    He felt he had opened a can of worms. If he had not saved An Hao, An Hao would have already been buried in a demon''s belly, and the world would not have such a monstrously talented individual.


    He began to mourn for the likes of Li Ya and Ji Xiaoyu, Lv Xian, Zhou Tongyou, and other peerless geniuses, sorry, but from now on, the top spot in the world belongs to my disciple.


    Gu An himself was not interested in being the number one in the world. After all, one might encounter an enemy from heaven even when invincible on earth. What he pursued was the end of the Immortal Cultivation Path, he believed that there was more than this one world.


    At noon, Gu An said, "Stop now."


    Upon hearing his instruction, An Hao immediately ceased, his forehead drenched with sweat and panting heavily, but his face was spirited, his eyes shining brightly.


    "Master, how did I do?" asked An Hao proudly, feeling his spirits rise at the age of twelve.


    Gu An spoke, "You care too much about the sword in your hand. Remember, the sword does not lie in the hand, but in the heart. Whatever the heart desires, everything can be your sword. Go pick a leaf."


    Hearing this, An Hao scratched his head, then walked over to the side.


    Gu An then gestured to An Xin, who, full of anticipation, immediately ran over with a smile on her face.


    "Xin''er, you go pick a leaf as well," Gu An said softly.


    An Xin did as she was told without dy.


    Momentster, both disciples returned to Gu An, curious about what he was going to do next.


    Gu An took the leaf from An Hao''s hand first, saying, "A true sword cultivator, even with a mundane leaf, can exhibit the power of a formidable divine sword."


    He pinched the leaf between two fingers of his right hand and flicked it gently toward the distance. An Hao and An Xin watched intently.


    Boom!


    A sudden gust of wind arose, tangling their hair. The two of them widened their eyes in disbelief.


    The leaf suddenly unleashed a terrifying Sword Qi, shattering the forest ahead and charging towards the horizon with an unstoppable force. It vanished in the blink of an eye.


    A swath of forest had been cleared, ten meters across, with dust billowing, creating a sight to behold.


    And that direction, was precisely toward the Outer Sect of Supreme Sect!

 Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Two Leaves Determine Victory or Defeat!

    At the Outer Sect of Supreme Sect, in front of the South City Gate.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, if you do not show yourself within 30 minutes, I shall engrave two more characters on the Heavenly Repair tform!"


    The voice of Han Ming rose, resounding loud as the distant thunder, echoing between heaven and earth, lingering for a long time.


    His words sparked a flurry of discussions among the cultivators. Although the disciples of Supreme Sect frowned, they dared not insult him, for he had first shown courtesy before resorting to arms.


    After a month of eager anticipation for the appearance of Sword Venerable Fudao, even the disciples of Supreme Sect felt some disappointment that he had note.


    Zuo Lin on the city walls breathed a sigh of relief; in truth, he felt that Han Ming was no match for Sword Venerable Fudao, but after spending a month together, he truly did not wish for Han Ming toe to harm.


    Zuo Yijian looked towards the distance, his intuition telling him that Sword Venerable Fudao would certainlye.


    The noise within the city grew louder and louder.


    On the magic artifact gourd, Jiang Qiong whispered, "Could Sword Venerable Fudao really be the Sect Leader?"


    "It''s possible. Though Han Ming is not much stronger than Chu Xian, if Sword Venerable Fudao wants to defeat him, he must reveal his true form, which is why he dares not appear," Hu Mo pondered deeply.


    "If Sword Venerable Fudao is indeed the Sect Leader, that would be interesting. It would be seen as a y directed and acted by himself..."


    His expression was mocking, his tone filled with disdain.


    A faint light glowed from the gourd underneath them, a force of restriction isting them from the surrounding space.


    Jiang Qiong was about to say more when suddenly, an intense Sword Intent burst forth from the South City Gate, followed by an overwhelming oppressive force approaching from the south.


    She looked up sharply, as did Hu Mo beside her.


    In front of the South City Gate.


    Han Ming picked up the Sword Box and stepped forward a hundred yards; he nted the Sword Box into the ground, and as the base sank into the earth, the Sword Box opened and two treasured swords sprung out to the sides.


    His right hand resting on the lid of the Sword Box, he burst forth with a vast Sword Intent, startling all the onlookers.


    Before the majority could follow his movement with their eyes, a Sword Qi charged from the ends of the earth, overwhelming forests in its path, unstoppable.


    In the blink of an eye, this Sword Qi collided with Han Ming''s vast Sword Intent.


    Han Ming''s Sword Qi formed a blue light barrier reaching nearly two hundred yards high, a spectacr sight. When struck by the mysterious Sword Qi, his blue Sword Qi ripped apart, as if crushed instantly.


    His eyes widened, he looked up, his pupils reflecting a cascade of leaves.


    Boom¡ª


    The leaves swept over over the top of his head with force, causing his hair to flutter, and he staggered backward two steps.


    All the cultivators on the city wall changed their expressions dramatically, Zuo Yijian instinctively raised his arm to protect his son, barely making out what was hidden in that Sword Qi.


    Another loud boom shook the city wall violently, but it did not crumble.


    As the violent Sword Qi dispersed like a gust of wind, leaves appeared embedded in the wall, with spider-web cracks spreading around them.


    Han Ming regained hisposure and stepped forward again, drawing two treasured swords from the Sword Box, and looking into the distance.


    Leaves swept by, and a fierce wind roared in from the end of the heavens and earth, threatening to uproot everything along its path.


    Han Ming stood firm, his robe stretching back, highlighting his strong physique.


    He stared tensely at the horizon, as if facing a formidable enemy, while all the surrounding cultivators and those within the Supreme Sect watched with bated breath.


    Sword Venerable Fudao had arrived!


    ...


    "Wow! Master, you are so amazing, what Swordsmanship is this? I want to learn!"


    After a brief stupor, An Hao burst into excitement, jumping around.


    Gu An took the leaf from An Xin''s hand, startling An Xin into looking up at him as well.


    "I used the Swordsmanship I taught you earlier. Once you master it, you can do it like me. But true Sword Path Great Achievement is about returning to simplicity; without such great ostentations, you can have an unstoppable force," Gu An whispered, then flung the leaf from An Xin''s hand.


    An Hao and An Xin''s gazes followed the leaf as it gently drifted ten steps away before suddenly elerating, shing by like a bolt of lightning.


    This time, the leaf did not create the deafeningmotion from before; it seemed ordinary, only moving very fast.


    An Hao chuckled, "I like it when it''s loud and scary!"


    Gu An ced his hands on their shoulders, taking them as they vanished into thin air on the spot.


    More than fifteen thousand li away, in front of the Supreme Sect''s Outer Sect South City Gate.


    Han Ming held two swords, ready for battle.


    All was silent in heaven and earth!


    Everyone awaited Sword Venerable Fudao''s next move!


    Suddenly!


    Han Ming''s pupils shrunk dramatically, and he immediately released the swords in his hands, beginning to cast a spell. The remaining sword in the Sword Box unsheathed itself, and the three swords circled around him. Following his pointed right hand, the tips of the three treasured swords rose up and surged forward.


    The three swords intertwined and spun, a terrible Sword Qi erupted, transforming into three sword Qi dragons speeding ahead, lifting everyrge tree in their path, throwing dust into the air and trembling the mountains and earth, with cultivators in the sky being flung away. The scene was incredibly spectacr.


    A cold light streaked across the distance, it was a leaf wrapped in swirling Sword Qi.


    It''s here!


    Han Ming intently watched the leaf in the distance; this leaf did not have the oppressive force of the previous one, but his intuition told him it was even more dangerous!


    The leaf suddenly elerated!


    Transforming into a streak of cold light, it powerfully scattered Han Ming''s Sword Qi, the three treasured swords were deflected instantly, and before they came to a stop, the leaf had already reached Han Ming.


    So fast!


    Damn it!


    Han Ming was shocked, instinctively thrusting his palm forward, his robe bursting into a golden light, surprisingly condensing into a golden bell shadow.


    Boom!


    The leaf shattered the golden bell shadow and pierced into Han Ming''s right shoulder, its tremendous force making it impossible for him to resist, his body being dragged backwards as the ground beneath him cracked.


    Han Ming was sent crashing along the way, smashing into the city wall, causing the wall behind him to crack open, but the city wall did not copse.


    The reason for its integrity was not due to the wall being overly sturdy, but rather the result of Gu An''s deliberate control.


    Han Ming was hung on the city wall, vomiting fresh blood, his head drooping as if he were dead.


    "Master..."


    Zuo Liny on the shaking city wall, calling out anxiously.


    Who knows how many cultivators gasped in shock¡ªcould it be that the Mad Swordsman of Great Yu was defeated by Sword Venerable Fudao with just two leaves?


    What was the magnitude of this gap?


    "The Flying Leaf Sword Immortal! Sword Venerable Fudao is the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal!" an Outer Disciple from the Supreme Sect eximed excitedly.


    There was no need for rification, all the spectators hade to this conclusion on their own.


    On the gourd magic artifact, Hu Mo opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing at all.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ye Lan, gazing towards the sky where remnants of sword qi lingered, had eyes filled with envy.


    Just what realm must one cultivate to in order to possess such almost ghostly god-like power?


    Shen Zhen skimmed over the city wall,nding on the ground. She quickly took out paper and ink, beginning to sketch the scene of Han Ming hanging on the city wall.


    ...


    Under the blue sky, amidst the mountains and fields, a small town sat beside argeke.


    "If anyone asks you, don''t mention me. Just say you are children from this town," Gu An transmitted his voice, then An Hao and An Xinnded behind him. They subconsciously looked back, but Gu An''s figure was already nowhere to be seen.


    At this moment, they were in an alley with earthen walls covered in moss on both sides.


    As An Xin was about to speak, An Hao covered her mouth and then said, "Little sister, let''s go catch some frogs."


    He gave An Xin a meaningful nce, waiting for her nod before releasing his hand.


    Afterward, the two of them walked out of the alley, drawn by the bustling streets, their faces involuntarily beaming with smiles.


    After all, they were still children.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An, who had taken off his mask and donned a green Daoist robe, stepped into an inn.


    Taking the rare opportunity to be out, he also nned to enjoy the mortal world''s scenery.


    He arrived on the second floor of the inn and sat at a table by the window, ordering the establishment''s signature dishes and alcohol, then turned his gaze to the street outside the window.


    Along both sides of the street were various peddlers shouting their wares and some travelers from the jianghu passing by. Gu An even felt the presence of cultivators, though they were not many.


    The patrons inside the inn were discussing feuds and stories of martial heroes of the jianghu, making Gu An feel as if he had crossed through time once again.


    Before the food and drink were served, Gu An sensed a powerful divine sense sweeping past the town.


    As expected, someone had followed!


    The divine sense was fleeting and did not reappear afterward.


    Gu An was not in a hurry; he was prepared to fully rx that day.


    After the food and wine were served, he began to drink alone, admiring the ancient streets bustling with peopleing and going below the window.


    Sunset gave way to moonrise.


    As night fell, the town remained lively. Rednterns were hung up from all the buildings, and small rivers meandered through the town, casting a ghostly glow.


    Gu An walked onto a stone bridge, his eyebrows slightly raised.


    He could sense a strand of demon energy infiltrating the town.


    It was not too strong, about equivalent to a second-order demon creature,parable to the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    Since Gu An had already nned to return to the Supreme Sect the next morning to enjoy the praise for his victory, he was not in a hurry and wanted to see what the demon creature was up to.


    The town seemingly had no cultivators on the surface, yet the second-order demon creature was so cautious¡ªcould there be a special reason for this?


    Gu An slowly walked towards the source of the demon energy.


    As he passed by a courtyard, a voice called out to him.


    "Junior Brother Gu!"


    This voice was old,ced with surprise, doubt, and other emotions.


    Gu An turned his head and saw an elder in a courtyard looking at him.


    The elder had white hair and a hunched back and appeared to be in his seventies or eighties.


    Gu An frowned, then hesitantly asked, "Senior Brother Zhang?"


    Zhang Chunqiu!


    It had been so long that Gu An had almost forgotten Zhang Chunqiu''s aura, and Zhang Chunqiu''s appearance and stature had changed significantly.


    The elder hurried out, excitedly saying, "It is you! Just now, I felt that the person on the bridge looked like you when I was upstairs, but I didn''t expect it to really be you. Junior Brother Gu, how did youe here? Did you be an Outer Disciple ande out on a mission?"


    Gu An nodded and replied, "Something like that. Senior Brother, what brings you here?"


    This was too much of a coincidence, wasn''t it?


    Zhang Chunqiuughed and said, "This town is the richest near the Supreme Sect, and I n to retire here."


    That exined it.


    Gu An had chosen this town because it was bustling with people and therefore safer.


    Zhang Chunqiu grabbed Gu An''s wrist and said with a smile, "Come inside and talk. You''re not in a rush, are you?"


    "Not at all, not at all," Gu An responded. He could feel that there was no one else in the courtyard, and he really wanted to ask where the little Lotus was.


    He had once eavesdropped on Zhang Chunqiu talking to himself and knew that Zhang Chunqiu had descended the mountain for the sake of a girl named Lotus.

 Chapter 78: Chapter 78: The Infamous Demon Gu An, Renowned Throughout the World

    The moon at the end of summer was very round, but the passing clouds soon obscured it.


    Gu An sat inside with Zhang Chunqiu, chatting idly. Zhang Chunqiu recounted the experiences of these years while he listened attentively.


    Zhang Chunqiu''s story was like one written by a schr. He left the Supreme Sect for the woman he loved, but that woman was a demon.


    In his early years, Zhang Chunqiu went to the Supreme Sect in search of an immortal fate. On the way, he was attacked by a demon but was saved by a female demon named Lotus, eventually making his way into the Supreme Sect.


    He always remembered Lotus''s kindness and would go out each year to find her. The affection between the man and the demoness quickly heated up, and yearster, with no hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, he chose to leave the mountain and enjoy the rest of his life with Lotus.


    After they met, they came to this town together, bought a vi, got married, and had a son.


    After spending a long time with the demoness, Zhang Chunqiu''s Spiritual Power was drained, and even his Qi-Blood was on the decline. Lotus, not wanting to be a burden, left one clear morning without saying goodbye.


    Upon hearing this part of the story, Gu An really wanted to say something, but he held back.


    "You might think I was deceived by her, but that''s not the case. The end of a union between a human and a demon is fated to be such. The reason I came down the mountain was that there was no hope on the path of immortality, and I don''t regret it. Her Life Span is longer than mine; I don''t have many years left.


    Her leaving early is a good thing, to avoid the agony of parting at death," Zhang Chunqiu said with a cheerfulugh, his expression kind, and his murky eyes seeming to see through the vicissitudes of the Mortal World.


    Looking at him, Gu An couldn''t help but recall the time when he first entered Mystic Valley, how young Zhang Chunqiu was back then.


    Indeed, times have changed, people are not the same.


    He sensed that Zhang Chunqiu had only three years left in his Life Span, which made him feel somewhat mncholic.


    An hourter, the Demon Energy that Gu An had sensed earlier arrived in the courtyard, none other than Zhang Chunqiu''s son.


    [Zhang Buku (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 22/460/2300]


    A 22-year-old at the secondyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm is definitely a genius!


    Do unions between humans and demons easily give birth to geniuses?


    Gu An wondered if it might be because Lotus''s talents were too high.


    "Buku, this is your Martial Uncle, Gu An," Zhang Chunqiu called to Zhang Buku, who had climbed over the wall into the courtyard.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zhang Buku looked like a teenager of sixteen or seventeen, except for the more abundant hair on his cheeks.


    "Good day, Martial Uncle Gu," Zhang Buku greeted timidly as he approached.


    Gu An smiled and nodded, then took out an elixir from his Storage Bag and said, "This is a Top-Grade Spirit Elixir, consider it a gift for our meeting."


    "How could I ept this?"


    "Elder brother, aren''t you looking down upon it?"


    "How could I? It''s just that it seems too valuable."


    The two insisted back and forth for a while, but eventually, Zhang Chunqiu couldn''t outmatch him and let Zhang Buku ept it.


    Curious, Zhang Buku looked over Gu An. This was the first time he had received a gift from someone other than his parents, which made him feel favorable towards Gu An.


    Zhang Chunqiu began to inquire about the situation in Mystic Valley, and Gu An did not hide anything.


    Upon hearing that Cheng Xuandan and Meng Lang were dead, Zhang Chunqiu wasn''t saddened but rather reflective, and he advised Gu An to be careful in his future endeavors.


    Then, Gu An mentioned that Li Ya had achieved Core Formation; Zhang Chunqiu clicked his tongue in wonder, acknowledging he had always seen Li Ya''s potential to soar high.


    The two talked for a long time.


    Only when Zhang Chunqiu could no longer hold on did Gu An take his leave.


    Before parting, with the support of Zhang Buku, Zhang Chunqiu turned around and said, "Junior Brother Gu, since you''ve reached Foundation Establishment, it means your talent is not utterly poor. Cultivate well and see the world for your elder brother in a few hundred years."


    Gu An stood at the door, turned back to look at him, and nodded slightly.


    From beginning to end, Zhang Chunqiu did not ask anything of him, only reminiscing about the past.


    As Gu An walked out of the courtyard, he couldn''t help but look back. He could hear the low voices of Zhang Chunqiu and his son, with Zhang Chunqiu asking where his son had gotten into trouble that day, and Zhang Buku saying he had fought with a young man.


    The young man he encountered was none other than An Hao, who had fought with Zhang Buku earlier. Although there was a gap in their Cultivation Levels, Zhang Buku had no intention of killing; after a few exchanges, he left.


    That too, must be fate.


    Zhang Buku had a potential Life Span of two thousand three hundred years and could well be a famous Great Demon among the Demon n, while An Hao was even more exceptional, possessing talents to chase after the number one spot in the world.


    Yearster, when they met, would they remember the time they fought as children in this small town?


    Gu An''s mouth curved into a smile as he disappeared into the night.


    ¡­


    At dawn.


    In the wild mountains and steep cliffs, An Hao and An Xin sat on either side of Gu An, facing the rising sun in meditation.


    The sunshine fell on them, painting a harmonious scene.


    An Hao''s left cheek bore three scratches, inflicted by Zhang Buku. He had been looking for Zhang Buku all night, to no avail, and had left the town for this deste ce far away, still feeling indignant.


    Gu An could not sit still any longer. He stood up and said, "I have something to attend to and will return in the evening. Hao''er, take good care of your Junior Sister."


    With that, he vanished on the cliff.


    An Hao and An Xin then opened their eyes and turned to look, but their Master had already disappeared.


    "What do you think our Master really is? Why can he only be with us at night?" An Xin asked curiously.


    An Hao, stroking his chin, pondered, "Remember the storyteller who came to the vige two years ago, telling stories of the Jianghu? I think Master is one of the top demons in the world, but his reputation must be a misunderstanding. Otherwise, why would he save us? That''s why he doesn''t want us to be affected by his fame."


    An Xin widened her eyes and then asked, "If Master really is a demon, what is he going off to do now?"


    "I don''t know... But no matter what, he is our Master. He has been kind to us, and we must remember his kindness."


    "Yes!"


    ¡­


    Gu An, whom his disciples called the great demon, returned to Mystic Valley and immediately used the Teleportation Array to go to the Third Medicine Valley.


    As expected, after the great battle, there would be people looking for him!


    Gu An entered his own attic room and saw Shen Zhen painting at the desk.


    "I must say, Holy Daughter Shen, have you made yourself at home here? Come whenever you wish; aren''t you afraid of offending me?" Gu An said helplessly.


    Without looking up, Shen Zhenmanded, "Hurry over and take a look!"


    Immediately, Gu An walked over, nced at her work, and couldn''t help but frown.


    "Is this Han Ming?"


    "That''s right. How is it? Did I do a good job?"


    "Aren''t you afraid he will hold a grudge against you?"


    "Dare he? My father is not to be trifled with!" Shen Zhen huffed, rendering Gu An silent.


    Having a backing really is impressive!


    Gu An looked closely and had to admit that Shen Zhen''s painting skills were extraordinary. The scene of Han Ming nailed to the city wall was drawn with striking rity, even capturing the cracks on the wall.


    "What do you think, how about that?" Shen Zhen asked, full of pride.


    Gu An then snatched her brush and added a few strokes to the paper.


    Shen Zhen squinted to see the changes and then her eyes widened in surprise.


    Gu An had added the traces of strong wind and shadows, bringing more tension to the scene¡ªthis was the technique of Earth''sics.


    This style didn''t necessarily mean it was better than Shen Zhen''s, but the key point was that this was the first time Shen Zhen had seen such a technique.


    The paper was in, yet it made her sense the trajectory of action, as if it captured the process of Han Ming smashing against the city wall.


    She turned her head to Gu An and couldn''t help asking, "You know how to paint?"


    "A little."


    "What about poetry and song?"


    "I know a bit of each."


    Admiration shone in Shen Zhen''s eyes, making Gu An involuntarily lift his chin.


    Trying to show off, huh!


    "That''s true, after all, you could write ''Investiture of the Gods,''" Shen Zhen remarked.


    Gu An then asked, "Why do you want to paint this?"


    Could it be that Shen Zhen had a grudge against Han Ming?


    "Honestly, I''m quite interested in Sword Venerable Fudao. I always felt he would be a handsome and aloof swordsman. With so many peopleing to watch, he never shows up, which is truly a mark of character," Shen Zhen said, her eyes betraying a hint of infatuation.


    Gu An''s mouth twitched as he said, "What if he turns out to be an unattractive old man?"


    "That''s not impossible. Besides writing, I n to investigate Sword Venerable Fudao. I must find him."


    "To what end?"


    "Of course, to be Daoist friends. Pan An, don''t think that I frequent your ce because I like you. Although I''m not keen on cultivating, my Daoist friend must be a top cultivator in the world. Otherwise, how would he handle the offense when I write books and paint pictures?" Shen Zhen gave Gu An a sidelong nce, then gathered her painting and walked toward the door.


    Gu An shook his head with a chuckle, making no attempt to follow her.


    Only after Shen Zhen left Medicine Valley did he go downstairs, preparing to check the herbs.


    The servant disciples were still discussing Sword Venerable Fudao, with each showing a fanatical look on their faces. Listening to their praises, Gu An felt very pleased.


    Although he had made a show of strength recently, Gu An wouldn''t be arrogant; he still had to earnestly umte life span.


    The ninthyer of the Unification Realm was not enough to satisfy him!


    ...


    In the blink of an eye.


    A year had passed, and another summer arrived.


    Now, Gu An did not visit An Hao andpany every day but twice a month instead. An Hao''s cultivation level had reached the ninthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, capable of protecting An Xin.


    Last month, An Hao passed the test arranged by Gu An, personally ying the wolf demon that had previously pursued them. Gu An had let the wolf demon escape just for An Hao to kill.


    Alright, he admitted that upon seeing An Hao''s talent initially, he had devised many ns for training him.


    The reason he hadn''t gone to the Supreme Sect yet was that An Xin''s cultivation level was still insufficient, and the two were still young, able to learn more from following Gu An.


    On this day, at noon, Gu An went to the Outer City alone. He first stopped by the Heavenly Repair tform.


    The number of sword cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform was increasing, and many were not from the Supreme Sect.


    The news that Sword Venerable Fudao had severely injured the Mad Swordsman of Great Yu spread wildly through the Immortal Cultivation World. Now, Sword Venerable Fudao had be the most admired figure among the disciples of the Supreme Sect.


    Even a yearter, every time Gu An visited the Outer City, he could hear the disciples discussing it.


    As the fame from that battle spread, more and more sword cultivators came to visit, and the Supreme Sect did not deny them ess, only strengthening the defensive forces in this part of the city, which resulted in Jiang Qiong gaining significant power, since she was the Great Elder of this city.


    Gu An observed from a distance and saw Han Ming standing beside Zuo Lin, impatiently scolding, while Zuo Lin sat on the ground, his face gloomy.


    Gu An was amused.


    This was the scene he wanted to see, which was why he rmended Han Ming to take Zuo Lin as his apprentice.


    Zuo Lin was a genius, but he was particrly dull when it came to the Sword Dao, despite his love for it.


    After relishing the scene for a while, Gu An turned his attention to other individuals on the tform, curious to see if there were any unfamiliar Great Cultivators.


    Upon scanning the area, indeed there were!

 Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Ghost Mother of Ephemera, Lv Xian Returns

    [Ghost Mother of Ephemera (Unification Realm Second Layer): 3750/8090/54000]


    Unification Realm Second Layer!


    This exaggerated life span!


    First the Underworld Demon Emperor, now the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, why does it feel like they''re characters from the Underworld?


    Gu An secretly marveled that even ghosts had life spans, which meant that even in death, they couldn''t exist forever.


    Thinking about it, it made sense¡ªif ghosts could exist indefinitely, wouldn''t they rule the world?


    He had only heard of millennia-old evil ghosts, never of a ghost emperor who lived for millions of years. Of course, it could also be that Gu An''s level wasn''t high enough, and he hadn''t encountered such beings, but at least the Mortal World was a world dominated by the Human Race.


    Perhaps there was some force in the universe suppressing the existence of spirits, maintaining bnce in all things.


    Though the life span of the Human Race was short, they could cultivate quickly, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera, disguised as a female disciple of the Supreme Sect, looked quite young, with her Cultivation Level aura suppressed at the Foundation Establishment Realm, making it hard for anyone to notice anything unusual about her.


    Gu An refrained from looking too closely, afraid of drawing her attention.


    There were so many bull-headed and snake-hearted beings within the Supreme Sect that as long as they posed no threat to him, he couldn''t be bothered to care.


    "Gu, my young friend."


    Han Ming suddenly came over, a smile on his face.


    Although he had suffered a crushing defeat, he felt no shame. Instead, he was very grateful.


    Sword Venerable Fudao had nailed him to the city wall with a tree leaf, and the Sword Intent contained in that leaf had benefitted him greatly; clearly, it was meant to be instructive.


    With Sword Venerable Fudao''s abilities, if he had wanted to kill him, he certainly wouldn''t have survived.


    Gu An watched the approaching Han Ming and immediately raised his hand in salute. Han Ming stepped forward, enthusiastically took his hand, and said, "Gu, my young friend, now that you''re here, you must practice swordsmanship with me. The disciple you rmended is just too stupid, it aggravates my Daoist Heart to no end."


    As he spoke, Han Ming pulled Gu An in the direction of Zuo Lin.


    Unable to free himself while concealing his true Cultivation Level, Gu An reluctantly followed.


    Han Ming had Gu An sit beside Zuo Lin and then taught him the incantations for swordsmanship. Zuo Lin was very happy to see Gu An and chatted incessantly, causing Han Ming to be irritable and bombard Zuo Lin with criticism.


    Zuo Yijian sat to one side, smiling as he watched his son get scolded, while also sizing up Gu An.


    Apart from being good-looking, Gu An''s Cultivation Level seemed rather ordinary, and Zuo Yijian couldn''t figure out what Han Ming saw in him.


    Zuo Yijian closed his eyes, feeling the Sword Intent within the words ''Righteous Path,'' while recalling the scene of Han Ming''s defeat. As if grasping something, yet also seemingly an illusion, he was engulfed in thisplex sensation.


    A full Ancient Hour passed before Gu An finally managed to excuse himself from Han Ming''s insistentpany.


    Han Ming''s swordsmanship, he had memorized after just one listening. However, to remain inconspicuous, he forced himself to listen six times. It was truly exhausting.


    Gu An left swiftly under Han Ming''s disappointed gaze.


    In the future, he''d need to avoid Han Ming at the Heavenly Repair tform!


    That guy was too exhausting!


    Gu An thought to himself and then went about his business, first visiting the Elixir Hall, then the Book Collection Hall toplete his tasks, and afterward went to visit Jiang Qiong at the Great Elder''s residence.


    In the hall.


    Jiang Qiong tossed a Storage Bag to Gu An and said, "This bag contains all the high-rank medical herbs I''ve collected; once they mature, you can have a two-tenths share. Isn''t your Martial Master good to you?"


    Gu An scanned the contents with his Divine Sense and his expression brightened.


    So many seeds, all of them at least fourth-grade!


    "Thank you, Martial Master!" Gu An sincerely said.


    Jiang Qiong could have asked someone else to nt them¡ªshe was now the Great Elder, with great power.


    Hearing his thanks, Jiang Qiong smiled in satisfaction. She liked seeing Gu An''s grateful expression.


    "Try not to sell the Green Vine Fruit; it has a significant effect on enhancing Qi-Blood and foundational strength and is a treasure beyond the value of Spirit Stones," said Jiang Qiong earnestly.


    It was clear she had found records of Gu An selling the Green Vine Fruit.


    Gu An nodded; now that he didn''t need Spirit Stones to buy seeds, he naturally wouldn''t sell them.


    "I''m nning to strive higher next. Your Medicine Valley could be part of my aplishment. Cultivate it well, and in the future, I will find Elixir Formation Realm Cultivators'' Golden Cores for you and use secret techniques to help you be an Elixir Formation Realm Cultivator," Jiang Qiong continued.


    Gu An hastily offered thanks again.


    Then Jiang Qiong waved her hand, indicating that he could leave.


    As Gu An turned to go, he''d barely taken two steps when Jiang Qiong''s voice floated after him, "Gu An, do you write books?"


    At these words, Gu An''s heart skipped a beat.


    What did she mean?


    Had Jiang Qiong found out? Or was it just a probing question?


    Gu An turned back, his face puzzled, and asked, "Write what books?"


    Jiang Qiong studied his face, which didn''t seem to show any sign of guilt, so she shook her head and said, "Never mind, you can go now."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An scratched his head, then left, even more bewildered.


    Jiang Qiong sat in her chair thinking hard for quite some time, before she finally took a book out of her Storage Bag and began to read through it.


    The cover read four words:


    Supreme Secret Records!


    ...


    Summer days were scorching.


    Thirteen-year-old An Haoy by the riverbank, facing the sky, with his head submerged in water, continuously blowing bubbles with a gurgling sound.


    Not far away, An Xin was sitting and cultivating under a tree, her brows slightly furrowed, clearly encountering some difficulties in her practice.


    A figure cast a shadow over An Hao''s body, prompting him to open his eyes involuntarily. As soon as he recognized the neer, he quickly flipped himself upright.


    "Master!"


    An Hao scrambled up, rubbed his soaking wet hair, then began cultivating energy, allowing his spiritual power to dry his hair, causing wisps of white smoke to rise from his head.


    Gu An, wearing a mask, spoke in a hoarse and deep voice, "Today I won''t teach you swordsmanship but will pass on a leg technique to you."


    Upon hearing this, An Hao''s eyes lit up, and he immediately became excited.


    Finally, he could stop learning swordsmanship!


    Not only did An Hao possess a strong spirit root qualification, but his understanding was also exceptionally high. After practicing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword for a year, he hadpletely mastered the movements and the mental method, and now it was time to cultivate his own sword intent.


    Gu An raised his leg, standing on one foot like a golden rooster, a posture that immediately astonished An Hao. Even An Xin, who was in the midst of energy absorption, had her attention drawn by it.


    "This technique is called the Gale Shadowless Leg, watch closely."


    Gu An said in a deep voice, the only person currently inheriting this move was Ye Lan, and others cultivated the Residual Wind Leg, the fundamental leg technique. Although the Residual Wind Leg was the basis of the Gale Shadowless Leg, it was hard to see the close connection between the two whenpared together.


    He wasn''t afraid that Ye Lan and An Hao would recognize each other''s leg techniques in the future. If they could recognize it, it would mean they were inbat, and it would be a good opportunity for An Hao to show mercy.


    Having spent over a year together, Gu An hade to regard An Hao as his own child. An Hao was inherently good-natured and even had a spirit of chivalry deep down, albeit a little carefree.


    Gu An kicked out his leg, and in an instant, myriad leg shadows burst forth, generating a fierce wind, sshing water droplets, and directly toppling the forest trees opposite. A hundred paces away, a cliffside crumbled, revealing a series of densely packed footprints, a truly magnificent sight, which even dispersed the clouds above.


    An Hao was dumbstruck, trembling all over, while An Xin stared with wide eyes.


    What a domineering leg technique!


    "I want to learn! I want to learn! It feels even mightier than the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword!" An Hao eximed excitedly, even kicking a few times on the spot.


    "The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword is stronger than the Gale Shadowless Leg; it''s just that I haven''t shown you all its power yet," Gu An said.


    "Hehe, I got it, I will not forget to practice the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword in the future!" An Hao hurriedly assured.


    Gu An began to pass on the technique to him. As always, An Hao remembered the leg technique after seeing it only once, then started practicing on his own.


    Time after time, he became more proficient.


    Suddenly, Gu An felt it might be time to send An Hao to the Supreme Sect.


    This kid''s talent was too frightening. If he could enter the Supreme Sect earlier, he might be able to build a better foundation, while Gu An could only teach him cultivation techniques and ultimate skills.


    But...


    Gu An thought of An Xin, whose talents were too mediocre.


    Never mind, he''d let them both go. Talent was something he couldn''t change for the time being, so why worry about it on her behalf?


    Gu An decided to wait another half a year before sending the two children to the Supreme Sect.


    In ten years, An Hao would likely make a name for himself.


    It was uncertain how long it would take him to catch up with Li Ya and Ji Xiaoyu.


    Gu An even began to look forward to Li Ya fighting An Hao. With Li Ya''spetitive nature, it was only a matter of time before he faced off against An Hao.


    Inside the Supreme Sect, there was sibling rivalry among disciples. Even though there was a thirty-some-year age difference, they could still be considered of the same generation.


    In the summer heat, An Hao quickly became drenched in sweat, but he continued practicing the leg technique with tireless excitement, his young body outlining muscr lines through his wet clothes, exuding a sense of power.


    Gu An stood by, quietly watching.


    ...


    Tianya Valley.


    Gu An was sowing seeds, while Sun San followed closely by, carrying a basket.


    To avoid being recognized, Gu An did more than just harvesting; asionally, he would also do other things.


    "I''m back!"


    A voice came from the entrance of the valley, and without turning his head, Gu An knew Lv Xian had returned.


    Lv Xian, in a blue robe, walked toward them from the entrance of the valley with a folding fan in his hand. He looked more spirited and manlypared to when he wore red, exuding an air of easy confidence.


    "How did it go? Was everything smooth?"


    Yi Liuyun, sitting on top of the mountain, asked, his voice echoing throughout Tianya Valley.


    Luo Hun, holding his long spear, appeared in front of the terrace to wee Lv Xian''s return. Gu An had no choice but to pay his respects as well.


    More than Lv Xian, Gu An was concerned about how Li Ya had fared at the Hundred Races Conference.


    With a smile that suggested nothing could ruffle his feathers, Lv Xian said, "Naturally smooth, though there were some hups along the way. But as expected, I managed to take the top spot without much trouble."


    At those words, both Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun showed smiles. They all served Li Xuandao and would face life and death together in the future. The stronger Lv Xian became, the happier they naturally were.


    Again, Yi Liuyun asked across the Medicine Valley, "No threats from the Ji Family, Gu Family, or Zhou Family talents?"


    Lv Xian replied, "There was a woman from the Ji Family named Ji Xiaoyu who gave me a bit of a challenge, but it''s a pity she withdrew midway. I regret not beating her fair and square, and besides her, there were less than a handful who could be considered my match."


    "Did any of His Majesty''s children impress you?" Luo Hun asked eagerly.


    Lv Xian shook his head, speaking disdainfully, "Although I greatly admire His Majesty, his children just don''t measure up, nowhere near his caliber. Oh yes, there was a prince named Li Ya, who did show some grit worth my notice. To win against him, I had to break his arms and legs; I estimate he''ll need a year or two to recover."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Hun''s face turned ashen.


    Gu An also frowned involuntarily.

 Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm, Heavenly Spirit Root Revealed

    Hearing that Li Ya was injured, Gu An felt rather displeased.


    This guy was not only heavy-handed but also demeaning Li Ya right now!


    Previously, Gu An had thought that ev if Lv Xian defeated Li Ya, he would hold back in consideration of Li Xuandao''s face, but it turned out this guy was so arrogant that he didn''t ev regard Li Xuandao highly in his tone.


    Yi Liuyun appeared out of nowhere in front of Lv Xian and frowned as he asked, "Why did you hurt His Highness? Isn''t knocking him out ough?"


    Clearly, Li Xuandao oft mtioned Li Ya in his presce as well.


    "What''s wrong? Can''t he be hurt? He''s not the Crown Prince, and he''s far fromparable to the Crown Prince," Lv Xian retorted with a frown, his tone very dissatisfied.


    "Ev if he''s not the Crown Prince, he''s still a prince cared about by the Emperor!" Yi Liuyun''s tone was somewhat heavy.


    Luo Hun was silt, and from his expression, it was clear that he was also displeased.


    Lv Xian snorted, "Not allowed? Th beat me up and break my limbs!"


    At that momt, he saw Gu An approaching and immediately became excited, rushing up to greet him.


    "Valley Master, I''ve won the first ce in the Hundred Tribes Conferce. How about it? Will you cultivate with me?" As Lv Xian spoke, he took out a gold tok from his storage bag, on which was writt ''Leader of the Hidd Dragon List.''


    Gu An nodded, "Th let''s learn."


    Upon hearing this, Lv Xian immediately pulled him to the side.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Yi Liuyun looked at Luo Hun and asked, "Should we inform His Majesty about this?"


    Luo Hun thought for a momt and said, "There''s no need, His Majesty definitely has people watching over Prince Li Ya."


    Yi Liuyun sighed, shook his head, and th disappeared on the spot.


    Gu An followed Lv Xian to an op area where three monkey demons followed and curiously watched from the side.


    "What kind of spell do you like?" Lv Xian asked as he rubbed his hands together, eager to begin.


    "Anything but swordsmanship."


    Gu An replied, as this had be agreed upon before, and he did not want to go back on his word.


    However, one thing at a time, he could not let go of Lv Xian injuring Li Ya.


    "Th shall I teach you a hand technique? I have a very strong hand technique, and it was with this move that I broke Li Ya''s limbs," Lv Xian said with a proudugh, and after finishing, he ev red at Yi Liuyun in the distance, clearly meaning for Yi Liuyun to hear.


    Gu An nodded, "Let''s start the teaching, and let''s see how powerful it is."


    Lv Xian immediately began to teach the hand technique, demonstrating the moves and exining the mtal method as he wt.


    Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm!


    The name sounded very imposing!


    Gu An watched carefully.


    Preparing to give Lv Xian a hard time.


    The sun shone brightly, gradually setting to the west.


    By the eving, Lv Xian, looking frustrated, said, "Are you really unable to remember, or are you messing with me?"


    His voice was loud, startling Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun, who rushed over, fearing he would start a fight.


    Gu An sighed, "I''ve already said that my talt and understanding are very poor. You didn''t believe me and insisted on teaching me, and now you are upset."


    "But... surely you can''t be that bad?"


    Lv Xian could not understand, but it didn''t seem to him that Gu An was pretding.


    Yi Liuyun spoke up, "The Valley Master''s cultivation level is all due to stacking elixirs, which is understandable. I''ve told you before, stop always persuading others; everyone''s situation is differt."


    Luo Hun reminded, "What the Emperor values is his nting ability."


    He emphasized the word ''values.''


    Lv Xian took a deep breath and said, "I don''t believe it. I must teach him!"


    Gu An hastily said, "Next time, I need to go back."


    "You''re not allowed to leave!"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An turned and walked away, while Yi Liuyun and the other person quickly stopped Lv Xian.


    "Damn it, Valley Master, you muste back! Once you master the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm, you''ll have the power to protect yourself, evpete for Heavly Destiny, and reach higher levels!"


    Lv Xian shouted at the back of Gu An.


    Gu An didn''t understand him; why was he cruel to his opponts yet liked teaching cultivation?


    Was he suffering from a split personality in his dreams?


    As Gu An pondered this, he controlled his sword and left, quickly disappearing into the twilight.


    In the days that followed, every time Gu An visited, Lv Xian would teach him spells, and no matter how he taught, Gu An could never master them. But Lv Xian didn''t give up¡ªif not this spell, th another.


    Time flew by.


    The d of the year arrived.


    Heavy snow covered thousands of miles of forest.


    Dressed in a  robe and wearing a mask, Gu An walked out of the forest, followed by two people, An Hao and An Xin.


    The normally lively An Hao was also silt now.


    Gu An halted his steps, gazing at the continuous snow-capped mountains ahead, and said, "Several hundred miles further and we will reach the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect. Once you reveal your Spiritual Power, they will take you into the city to test your Spirit Roots."


    An Xin, with her eyes red, couldn''t help but ask, "Master, wh will we see you again?"


    "I saved you merely because it was convit on my way; this was a destined counter not meant to be. Hceforth, we shall not meet again, and you must not mtion me to anyone," Gu An said with his back to them.


    He had taught An Hao and An Xin how to cultivate without any ulterior motives, simply on a whim.


    He did not need their repaymt and hoped that their rtionship would d there.


    Suddly, An Hao knelt down, and An Xin followed, kneeling on the g; both of them kowtowed towards Gu An.


    This time, Gu An did not stop them and epted their three resounding kowtows. An Hao''s forehead was chafed raw, his skin a bloody pulp, but he felt no pain, his gaze steadfastly fixed on his master''s silhouette.


    He would never forget the terrifying experice in the demon''s cave and the despair wh facing the wolf demon.


    "Master, no matter who you are, I will forever remember your kindness. I will strive in my cultivation, be known throughout the world as the most formidable person. If a timees wh you hear my name and need my help, just ask, and I will not hesitate to die a thousand times over!"


    With a solemn voice, An Hao, who had just turned fourte, exuded a determination stronger than that of grown m.


    Gu An waved his sleeve, and a swift snowstorm swept in from the horizon, causing An Hao and An Xin to instinctively raise their arms to shield their faces.


    "If you want to help me, try living a thousand years first!"


    The voice of Gu An faded in the wind, and as the snowstorm passed, they looked up to find his figure gone.


    An Xin looked to An Hao, waiting for him to make a decision.


    He stood up, looking towards the horizon and softly said, "An Xin, we must not let our master down!"


    An Xin nodded firmly, and the siblings stepped forward, the flying snow seemingly devouring them.


    Gu An, on the other hand, returned to Mystic Valley.


    First, he checked the herbs in Mystic Valley, th walked back to his loft. Throughout, his Divine Sse remained locked on An Hao and An Xin.


    Ev though the pair were less than three hundred miles from the Supreme Sect, he was still somewhat worried, giv the chaotic mix at the Supreme Sect nowadays.


    In the following days, no matter where he wt or what he did, he would keep part of his Divine Sse fixed on An Hao and An Xin until they safely reached the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect.


    Wh the young An Hao revealed his Qi Cultivation Realm with Nine Layers, it startled the Elder of the Outer City, who personally received them.


    The main reason for choosing this particr Outer City was because it was filled with Great Cultivators, suring An Hao wouldn''t be easily ambushed or his body seized.


    ...


    A new year arrived during the Spring Festival.


    Mystic Valley.


    Gu An, Ye Lan, Zh Qin, Wuxin, Xiaochuan, Tang Yu, and others were seated a a long table celebrating, while other Servant Disciples sat at another table, each merrily interacting.


    "Have you heard? Rectly the Outer Sect recruited a disciple with a Heavly Spirit Root, ev the Elders of the Main City of the Sect were astonished. That person is An Hao, only fourte this year, and already almost at the Foundation Establishmt stage. It''s incredible.


    Compared to him, I feel like my cultivation has be applied to a pig," Zh Qin said while pinching a wine bowl, clicking his tongue in wonder.


    Heavly Spirit Root!


    The others were captivated, Wuxin couldn''t help asking, "Really? The Taicang Dynasty hasn''t se a Heavly Spirit Root in hundreds of years."


    "It''s true. We from the Law Enforcemt Hall ev guarded him for a few days until the Sect Leader took him away," Ye Lan nodded, moreposed than Zh Qin.


    The discussion about the Heavly Spirit Root continued non-stop, with Wuxin narrating many legds, causing Ye Lan to frown.


    "How does this kid know so much? Could there be a problem?"


    Ye Lan watched Wuxin, siltly pondering; though she had known Wuxin for many years, people can change.


    No, she must check Wuxin''s try records.


    As Gu An listed to everyone discuss An Hao, a smile couldn''t help but appear on his face.


    His days of farnd life had just gained a new source of anticipation, which was watching how high An Hao could grow.


    After chatting for a long time, the topic finally shifted to the Immortal Cultivation World. Reportedly, Cangzhou''s Changluo was suffering a demon cmity with demons attempting to assassinate the Emperor, who survived by luck. Enraged, the Emperor was thoroughly investigating the matter, with families already being executed.


    Knowing that Li Xuandao concealed a Cultivation Level of Divinity Transformation Realm Nine Layers, Gu An was not at all concerned; instead, he listed with relish.


    The Spring Festival, a time of bidding farewell to the old and weing the new, this night''s festivities continued until dawn. Wh the morning sun rose, Ye Lan and Zh Qin departed.


    Gu An did not immediately leave Mystic Valley but quietly tered the Eight Scic Caves, bringing delicacies for Sky Dragon.


    Beath the Gre Vine Tree, seeing Gu An''s arrival, Sky Dragon was very happy, rapidly swimming a him. Now nearly two zhang in lgth with fully grown dragon horns, it looked like a True Dragon, its ck dragon scales shimmering with a cold gleam.


    "Master, wh can you take me out?" Sky Dragon nuzzled Gu An''s face, pleading pitifully.


    Gu An rubbed its head andughed, "Hav''t I told you? Wh you are fully grown. There are many people outside eyeing your flesh, just like you eyemb meat."


    "How big is fully grown? I feel I''m already very strong now, and you might not ev be my match, Master," Sky Dragonined.


    Although Gu An had practiced swordsmanship under the tree, he had never revealed his real strgth, and ev Sky Dragon was unaware of it.


    Hearing this, Gu An felt that he indeed needed toe up with a solution.


    "I''ll think of something," Gu An pondered.


    He decided to visit Jiang Qiong to see if she understood the Transformation Skill, allowing Sky Dragon to transform into a snake, which would th apany him outdoors.


    Upon hearing this option, Sky Dragon immediately became excited, ev cheering, elicitingughter from Gu An.


    After spding an ancit hour in Eight Scic Caves, Gu An left, his departure so swift because he captured a familiar aura approaching Mystic Valley.


    Gu An returned to his loft and pretded to read.


    Before long, a figure leapt through the window. Before touching the g, their voice rang out, "Junior Brother Gu, guess what treasure I''ve brought back for you?"

 Chapter 81: Chapter 81: The Ancient Gold-Swallowing Insect, Demon Path Besieging the Supreme Sect

    Gu An looked at Li Ya, who had climbed in through the window, and said helplessly, "What treasure couldpare to my windowsill?"


    Dressed in gre, Li Ya walked to the table, took a pouch from his waist,id it on the table, and said with a proud smile, "This treasure, you will definitely like."


    Gu An probed with his Divine Sse, frowned, and asked, "Why is it a bug?"


    "These are Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insects. Their teeth can bite through any metal or ore in the world. If you feed them gold-attribute Spirit Energy, it can help them grow stronger. There are a total of sixte inside, one of them a que, which is perfect for guarding your home and can also help you with mining," Li Ya said with augh.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s interest was piqued, and he asked curiously, "How do I bond with this thing?"


    "There''s a special way to bond, which involves dropping a bit of your blood to the que to establish a soul bond." Li Ya said, smiling, th took out a thin manual from his Storage Bag and gave it to Gu An.


    Gu An took it but did not op it immediately; instead, he asked, "How''s it going, was the Hundred ns Tournamt smooth?"


    Li Ya pulled a chair over from the side and sat down opposite Gu An, with a sigh he said, "Not really smooth, but it was quite an eye-oper. The world truly is full of experts, and giuses are asmon as carp crossing the river. My talts are nothing at the Hundred ns Tournamt; I barely made it into the top hundred, and Zhou Tongyou only made it into the top t."


    Seeing Li Ya''s optimistic demeanor, Gu An felt a bit less worried.


    Li Ya began to recount what he had se and heard at the Hundred ns Tournamt, and Gu An listed inttly.


    Halfway through the conversation, Gu An ev stood up to pour some wine, drinking and listing.


    Li Ya talked until dusk, still having much to say.


    Gu An said thoughtfully, "So, only our Third Miss could pose a threat to Lv Xian?"


    "Her Qilin Step is indeed incredible. She was the only one who wounded Lv Xian. Unfortunately, after taking nine steps, she faced a heavly tribtion and had to stop thebat. We hav''t se her since th," Li Ya nodded and said.


    "Heavly tribtion? What do you mean? Is Qilin Step that powerful?"


    Gu An was surprised; he had tak many steps in the past two years without facing any heavly tribtion.


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "How would I know? She probably has some secret inside her."


    Primordial Daoist Talisman!


    Gu An thought to himself, is this like starting with a cheat?


    "Compared to Ji Xiaoyu, Lv Xian''s strgth is what shocked me the most. He will be my target afterward; I want to challge him and win back the honor," Li Ya said, his fighting spirit soaring.


    Gu An asked, "You just said he broke all your limbs, don''t you hate him?"


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "It was a regr sparring match, what''s there to hate? Besides, it was me who refused to admit defeat. From a sior, I learned that he is a pitiful person. He has other remnants of souls inside him trying to seize his body, which is why he sometimes appears abnormal; fridly at one momt, violt the next."


    Other remnants of souls?


    Gu An felt relieved. If that was the case, th he was reassured.


    He had be worried that Lv Xian was the reincarnation of an Immortal, but it didn''t seem to be the case now.


    "What do you mean, why are there other remnants of souls?" Gu An asked, puzzled.


    "Not sure, it might rte to some treasure, or he might have be possessed. Before he clears out the remnants of souls inside him, he will always be tormted. No wonder I had never heard of him at the Supreme Sect before; probably the Lv Family was protecting him. Oh right, his father was the previous Sect Leader, Lv Baitian."


    "Lv Baitian was driv to insanity by deviated cultivation, and now his son is tortured by inner remnants of souls; it''s curious whether this is a coincidce or not."


    Li Ya said with a frown and th sighed before adding, "If Lv Xian were not affected by these remnants of souls, by now he might have formed his Nasct Soul and would have unimaginable strgth."


    Gu An couldn''t helpughing; he hadn''t expected to find himself feeling sympathetic towards Lv Xian.


    "By the way, who is the sior you mtioned? Sounds quite powerful," Gu An asked, feigning curiosity.


    "A sior who prefers to remain unnamed. Sorry, I can''t reveal more," Li Ya replied.


    Heh, must be the old grandpa inside you!


    Gu An could feel the soul inside Li Ya growing stronger.


    He suddly thought of something; if he could sse the soul inside Li Ya before reaching the Unification Realm, th those Great Cultivators in the Void Crossing Realm should also be able to detect it.


    From Li Ya''s tone, it didn''t seem like anyone had discovered this.


    Is it because the cultivation technique that Gu An practiced was too powerful, or was there another reason?


    Ev though it was getting dark, Li Ya showed no sign of leaving and kept chatting with Gu An, now sharing stories about the sights he had se on his journey.


    It wasn''t until the next morning that Li Ya finally left.


    After he was gone, Gu An picked up the manual Li Ya had left behind and began to study how to bond with the Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insects.


    ...


    Under the vast clear skies, the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An stood before Elder Tian, lifting his right hand to reveal a gold insect perched on the back of his hand; at first nce, it looked like a gold beetle, but its mandibles were muchrger.


    "Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insects, these creatures are quite rare, at least hard toe by within the Taicang Dynasty," Elder Tian praised.


    "This was a gift from my sior brother Li Ya. He ced within the top hundred at the Hundred ns Tournamt and brought this insect back for me. It will help us patrol Medicine Valley in the future," Gu An said with a smile.


    He had mtioned Li Ya to Elder Tian more than once, hoping that if Elder Tian ever resumed his position as Sect Leader, he might remember Li Ya and give him special cultivation.


    Elder Tian nodded and said, "It seems this Li Ya is indeed a gius and values loyalty and fridship highly. One Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insect is already worth a fortune, let alone sixte."


    Gu An oped the pouch at his waist, and one by one, the Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insects flew out. One of them, twice as big as the others,nded on his shoulder, while the rest hovered a him.


    As Xiaochuan passed by, he couldn''t help bute over, and Gu An began to show off the insects.


    ```


    Until eving, all the Servant Disciples of the Third Medicine Valley had witnessed the Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insect. Gu An did this not merely to show off; he was worried that the Servant Disciples wouldter attack the patrolling Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insects.


    ...


    Spring came and wt, autumn followed, and three years passed by swiftly.


    Gu An crossed the threshold of fifty years of age. In these three years, his days were peaceful and fulfilling. His life span had already exceeded three hundred thousand years, and moreover, the harvest of his life span was increasing every year.


    On this day.


    Xiaochuan arrived at the Transmission Array tform with Ye Lan.


    Gu An was ying with the White Spirit Rat, which was now as fat as arge dog. Seeing Ye Lan''s arrival, he immediately got up to greet her.


    Ye Lan''splexion was not good. Facing Gu An, she oped her mouth and said, "Elder brother, let''s talk inside the house."


    Gu An nodded and th led Ye Lan upstairs.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Xiaochuan turned to the White Spirit Rat, but the rodt turned and ran, infuriating Xiaochuan who picked up a stone to throw at it, unfortunately missing.


    Meanwhile.


    After tering the room, Gu An closed the door.


    He had just turned a wh he heard Ye Lan speak, "Elder brother, Wuxin is a spy from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion!"


    At these words, Gu An''s expression subtly changed, and he asked frowning, "Nonsse, what evidce do you have?"


    Ye Lan took out sheets of paper, saying, "All of these are records of disciples left by the Demon Extermination Hall. The person who brought Wuxin into the sect is not a spy from the Demon Path, but if you trace the connections further, they all lead to spies from the Demon Path. Moreover, the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion has be searching for the son of a Pavilion Master for years.


    That person happs to resemble a monk, with an indelible scar on his head."


    Gu An took them and examined closely.


    These papers also recorded who they had be in contact with on a daily basis, including Wuxin.


    Wuxin had visited them a few times wh he wt to the Outer City.


    How careless!


    Why not be more vignt in such matters?


    Gu An cursed inwardly, but he didn''t panic because Ye Lan was the one who discovered this.


    After inspecting the papers, he looked up at Ye Lan and asked, "How many people know about this?"


    "Just me for now. On normal days, the Law Enforcemt Hall wouldn''t scrutinize the Servant Disciples. We did find that one of the Valley Masters in the Outer Medicine Valley is a spy from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, but we hav''t discovered who exactly it is. We wanted to continue the investigation, but someone higher-up forbade it," Ye Lan said fretfully, furrowing her elegant brows.


    "Who forbade your investigation?"


    "The Great Elder of the Outer Sect, Jiang Qiong. However, her people said it was an ordering from the Inner Sect."


    Gu An suddly felt that Jiang Qiong being the Great Elder of the Outer Sect was rather convit, as she could shield him from the storm.


    Although Gu An had never worked for the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, with the Gre Vine Tree involved, he could not wash his hands clean. He certainly did not want his peaceful farming life disturbed.


    Gu An stepped forward, grasped Ye Lan''s shoulders with both hands, took a deep breath, and said, "Junior sister, this matter must be suppressed. Ev if Wuxines from the Demon Path, after living together for so many years, I believe he is not a bad person."


    Ye Lan''s face flushed slightly as he held her. She looked down, and said, "Elder brother, are you also from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion? If you are, I''m willing to follow you."


    "How could that be? I am a man of the Supreme Sect in life and will be a ghost of the Supreme Sect in death."


    "I don''t care. From now on, no matter which sect you join, you have to take me with you."


    "Th, can you suppress this matter?"


    "Mm, I''ve already destroyed the other evidce. Only this copy in your hand remains."


    Gu An released her and threw the papers into his Storage Bag.


    He wouldn''t destroy them just yet, keeping them just in case.


    Ye Lan th said, "Actually, this is a small matter. I know you would protect him. I came to see you for a more serious issue. The Demonic Sects are preparing to besiege the Supreme Sect, and this time it''s for real. Someone in the Hall of Elders in the Main City of Sect has betrayed the Supreme Sect. This is information obtained by a spy from the Wanyin Sect that the Law Enforcemt Hall nted.


    The news has already be ryed to the higher-ups, and the four Inner Cities are preparing for war."


    "There are many Great Cultivators from other sects and dynasties in the Outer Sect, who have be staying for many years. The Supreme Sect finds it difficult to expel them. If the Demon Path truly attacks, the Outer City might be in great danger, and there might be spies from the Demon Path waiting to coborate from inside and outside."


    The Demon Path attacking?


    Gu An frowned and asked, "With the increase in the number of disciples in the Supreme Sect over the years, how dare they attack?"


    "It is said they have allied with the Demon n, aiming to annihte the Supreme Sect together and th divide the Taicang Dynasty among themselves," Ye Lan replied gravely.


    Allied with the Demon n?


    Gu An felt perplexed. Did these Demonic Sects not know of the great catastrophe of demons that would arrive in a hundred years?


    After sharing more intelligce, Ye Lan hastily departed. Gu An personally escorted her to the Transmission Array tform, to the Outer City via Mystic Valley, to avoid breaking any rules.


    As Gu An was about to return to his room, he suddly noticed Elder Tian sitting withered under an old tree.


    Come to think of it, he hadn''t checked on Elder Tian for quite some time.


    This fellow had previously gone to the Heavly Repair tform and had increased his Cultivation Level by two levels, but afterward, there had be no activity at all, which was truly strange.


    As Gu An thought about it, he st out a Life Span Detection.


    ```

 Chapter 82: Chapter 82: The Battle Between Righteousness and Evil, Guarding Medicine Valley

    [Lv Baitian (Core Formation Realm, Third Layer): 4/50/300]


    Core Formation Realm, Third Layer?


    Seeing Elder Tian''s cultivation level soar so high, Gu An felt secretly startled.


    In the future, he''d have to keep a close eye on Elder Tian, lest he surpass him without Gu An ev knowing.


    Gu An had realized that the higher the realm, the more people practice ergy-concealing sorcery, and it''s very difficult to judge an oppont''s cultivation level just by the sses.


    In other words, the world of immortal cultivation is all about who can hide deeper!


    Luckily, he had hidd deep ough and still had the confidce to continue hiding.


    Elder Tian seemed to feel Gu An''s gaze, oped his eyes, looked at him, and he nodded slightly before returning to his room.


    The Demon Path was about to attack, yet he was not the least bit panicked; he would do whatever needed to be done.


    The Supreme Sect was no pushover, especially with Elder Tian, the hidd sect leader, secretly exerting his power; Gu An''s task was to protect his Medicine Valley well.


    ...


    At the d of summer, the weather was cool.


    As Gu An walked within the Outer City, he noticed a significant increase in the number of Disciples of Law Enforcemt Hall and many Divinity Transformation Realm presces on the city walls in various directions.


    The whole city emitted a tse and solemn atmosphere.


    The Demon Path was truly about toe!


    As usual, he first wt to check the Heavly Repair tform.


    The Underworld Demon Emperor and Ghost Mother of Ephemera were still there, sitting alone like ascetics, without other demons hiding their idtities a them.


    Gu An always felt that the Underworld Demon Emperor might be rted to the Demon Path, but he hesitated to report this upwards, to avoid drawing himself into the vortex.


    His goal was immortality; would the Supreme Sect ev exist after t thousand years?


    He was never a person who harbored the great justice of the world in his heart; he was just an ordinary person.


    After scanning the area, Gu An didn''t see any powerful unfamiliar faces; it seemed the Supreme Sect had tight control over outsiderstely, only allowing outsiders to leave, not to ter.


    Afterwards, Gu An wt to visit Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong was not at her mansion, and her servant asked him to wait in the hall.


    Gu An stood in the hall, observing his surings. He could sse that there were very intricate restrictions within the hall, invisible to the naked eye.


    He oft studied the Ziwei Array Chronicles giv by Jiang Qiong, and his understanding of formations had umted to be quite substantial, which allowed him now to discern hints of their workings.


    While observing, Gu An suddly ssed something and his expression turned peculiar.


    There was arge space underneath this mansion, just like the Eight Scic Caves below Mystic Valley!


    An Ancit Hourter, Jiang Qiong finally returned.


    After she tered the hall, she waved her right hand and the door mmed shut.


    Gu An stood up to look at her; she walked to the head seat and sat down, said, "No need for formalities, take a seat."


    Her face was gloomy, clearly having countered something unpleasant.


    Gu An took out a storage bag from his waist and ced it on the table next to her, said, "These are the first mature batch of herbs, please check them."


    Jiang Qiong''s herbs were of high grade and rank, so now the first batch had matured.


    Jiang Qiong did not reach for the storage bag, instead she asked, "You must have other matters, too; otherwise, you could have simply let Hu Mo do the checking."


    Gu An nodded, said, "I heard news that the Demon Path intds to besiege the Supreme Sect, is that true?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This kind of matter, the Demon Path knew best.


    Jiang Qiong nodded, said, "Yes, in no more than half a year, the great war betwe good and evil under the Taicang Dynasty will erupt. The cause is the continuous expansion of the Supreme Sect over the years, which has made the Demon Path uneasy, and secondly because they have the support of the Demon n, a coalition that indeed holds hope of defeating the Supreme Sect."


    Gu An hesitated for a momt, th said, "I heard that after a hundred years, demons outside the nine dynasties will invade. Shouldn''t we be living in peace and striving to cultivate? How can we trust the Demon n so easily?"


    Hearing this, Jiang Qiong nced at him and snorted, said, "Do you think all of the Demon n are united? The demons outside the nine dynasties are not purely of the Demon n; if they invade, the Demon n will also face ughter, not to mtion the Human Race. Wh have humans ever truly united? Moreover, the more chaotic the situation, the more there is to struggle over."


    "The resources of the immortal cultivation world in the nine dynasties are limited. The stronger the Supreme Sect bes, the more it suppresses other sects'' cultivation resources. Since ancit times, the so-called struggles betwe good and evil have actually be aboutpeting for resources, just with a righteous cause as an excuse.


    This time, the Demon Path''s pre for starting the war is the Supreme Sect''s evil deeds, which you''ll soon hear about. Once the hearts of the Supreme Sect are unsettled, the Demon Path willunch their attack. If sessful, the roles of good and evil might be reversed; if unsessful, the Supreme Sect won''t have the residual power to annihte the Demon Path either."


    Hearing this, Gu An fell silt.


    He was the one who could best understand this, as each of his breakthroughs involved absorbing a massive amount of spiritual ergy, thereby affecting the Supreme Sect.


    If the spiritual ergy and spirit stones of the tire dynasty were conctrated in one sect, those in power within the sect would have a greater chance of breaking through. Thus, ev with only a hundred years left until the demon cmity, they stillpeted fervtly.


    Or rather, the Great Cultivators cared not for themon people but for their own cultivation level. As long as they were strong ough, they could ev travel southward across the sea in search of opportunities for immortality.


    After pondering for a while, Gu An asked, "Martial Master, which side are you on?"


    Jiang Qiongughed, said, "I stand with the victors. You need not worry; I can sure that our Outer City remains unharmed. Moreover, there are too many Great Cultivators in this city; the Demon Path won''t attack from this direction."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An secretly heaved a sigh of relief and jokingly responded, "As long as my Medicine Valley is safe."


    "Scared now? I told you to practice cultivation more oft, but you never list."


    "Cultivation is not something that should be rushed."


    "Hmph, you''re just lucky to have me as your Martial Master. Before you leave, go find Hu Mo; I''ve spok to him already, and he prepared a batch of Immortal Cultivation Elixirs for you ahead of time to help increase your cultivation level. You''re fifty years old and still hav''t formed your core; truly useless. Don''t ever say you''re my disciple in the future."


    "Thank you, Martial Master!"


    Gu An chuckled and said, but internally he was critical.


    A fifty-year-old at the ninthyer of the Unification Realm, have you ever heard of such a thing?


    I''d scare you to death if I told you!


    Next, Gu An asked about the highest cultivation level among the Demon Path''s most powerful, but Jiang Qiong was also unsure. She bluntly said that if Lv Baitian were prest, the Demon Path certainly wouldn''t dare to invade, but now with Chu Tianqi as the Sect Leader, it would be difficult to determine the victor in a battle betwe the strongest of the righteous and the demonic.


    This statemt made Gu An siltly mourn for the Demon Path.


    Lv Baitian is not dead yet!


    "By the way, Martial Master, have you ever heard of the Underworld Demon Emperor?" Gu An suddly asked.


    Jiang Qiong thought for a momt and shook her head, "I hav''t heard of it, what about it?"


    "It''s nothing, I just saw it mtioned in a book. They say he''s very powerful. Since you don''t know, let''s leave it at that, I should take my leave now."


    Gu An replied, th rose to perform a ceremonial bow, and turned to leave.


    Jiang Qiong watched his departing figure, psive.


    ...


    Since talking with Jiang Qiong, Gu An''s worries about the grand battle betwe righteous and demonic paths had significantly subsided, and his days continued as unevtful as ever.


    Three monthster.


    At the d of autumn, the Third Medicine Valley was still piled with many dry, yellow leaves.


    In the early morning, Gu An was leading his disciples in a drill, and Elder Tian was also participating, yet only Gu An noticed that his physique seemed ev more robust than before.


    This guy''s cultivation level had already reached the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm.


    It''s hard to know how he cultivated, as Gu An witnessed no fluctuations in spiritual ergy while he was a.


    After the drills ded, Gu An let the disciples disperse, while he walked towards the loft, sured by sixte Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insects, making his surings seem as if they were glittering with gold stars.


    Just as he reached the base of the loft, he stopped in his tracks.


    He saw two figures speeding from the sky, they were Vice Sect Leader Ji Hantian and Elder Gu Zong.


    Elder Tian, who was inspecting the medicinal herbs in the gard, turned his head to look, but after a nce, he redirected his atttion.


    Uponnding, Gu Zong and the other greeted Gu An and called him upstairs to talk.


    Once inside, Gu Zong, as usual, set up a restriction.


    Bang!


    Ji Hantian mmed the table, making Gu An''s heartbeat elerate.


    Damnit!


    Do they always have to m the table every time theye?


    Gu An really wanted to use the Great Yin-Yang Transformation, transform into a Demon Cultivator, and give Ji Hantian a thorough thrashing.


    The furniture in this room was made of fine wood; he would be heartbrok if it were damaged.


    "Chu Tianqi is too much. I didn''t expect the tire Chu Family to be so corrupt. Pan An, you must write a book about this, reveal it to everyone, as the Supreme Sect being the orthodox sect of the world, we must let the people oversee it!" Ji Hantian said furiously.


    Again?


    Gu An remained silt, regretting his previous mercy.


    Gu Zong sat down, annoyed, "What''s the rush? You act as if you don''t know his deeds at all. I think you just want to be the Sect Leader. This time, don''t use Pan An as your pawn again. Pan An has already be the g of recruitmt for the Supreme Sect; this g must not be a sword for fighting for power within the Supreme Sect."


    Gu An looked towards Gu Zong, appreciating his ssible speech.


    Ji Hantian sighed and said, "I indeed want to be the Sect Leader. I believe if I be the Sect Leader, I could make the Supreme Sect better. Look at what Chu Tianqi has done; his subordinates have be creating the Demon of Greed and ev conspiring to sacrifice an tire Outer Sect. I thought he was Sword Verable Fudao, so I trusted him, but he clearly is not.


    Now the Demon Path is bing aggressively threating, and unfavorable rumors about Chu Tianqi are rife within the sect, causing unrest; the Supreme Sect is in danger!"


    Creating the Demon of Greed?


    Gu An was surprised internally. He had previously heard from Chu Jingfg and thought it was the Chu Family''s adversaries involved with the Demon of Greed.


    Now it seems there was more to the story.


    Was it an internal power struggle, or a self-directed drama?


    "Chu Tianqi has indeed be disappointing. Wh he initially harshly punished Chu Xian''s descdants, I thought he was being virtuous at the expse of his kin. Now it seems, it was just self-preservation. However, it''s difficult to make a move against Chu Tianqi, many in the Hall of Elders are his supporters, plus he has good rtions with the Daotian Sect." Gu Zong shook his head.


    Hearing this, Gu An was confused.


    What exactly was this performance aiming at?


    What was the point of telling him, an Outer Disciple, all of this?


    It was probably a staged performance, intded to stir his emotions and motivate him to volunteer to expose the darkness of the Supreme Sect.


    The two continued criticizing Chu Tianqi, listing all his alleged wrongdoings, and Gu An couldn''t help but feel a surge of anger.


    If Chu Tianqi truly acted that way, he was indeed utterly reprehsible.


    Nevertheless, Gu An maintained his rationale and remained unmoved.


    Gu Zong looked at Gu An and said, "The Supreme Sect may face cmity soon. Your Third Medicine Valley grows too many medicinal herbs; it must be guarded. We are nning to sd fifty Core Formation Realm Cultivators to guard the Third Medicine Valley; what do you think?"


    Ji Hantian added, "The Gu Family and Ji Family will each provide twty-five people. Xiaoyu will be among them too, not only to help you guard the valley but also to keep her away from the war."

 Chapter 83: Chapter 83 Gathering Spirit Divine Finger, You Are Mine

    Fifty Elixir Formation Realm Cultivators?


    Gu An naturally wouldn''t refuse, after all, he could not always stay in the Third Medicine Valley; he immediately expressed his gratitude to the two from Gu Zong.


    An hourter.


    Only after that time did the two from Gu Zong leave; Gu An saw them out of the house.


    After their departure, Elder Tian approached, curiously asking, "Valley Master, what did they want with you?"


    In the past, Elder Tian wouldn''t have asked; now not only had his cultivation level ris, but he also dared to inquire about significant matters concerning the Valley Master. It seemed like he was indeed making aeback.


    Gu An feigned hesitation, th shared the information he had learned.


    The crimes of Chu Tianqi were exposed by the Demon Path, spreading wildly within the Supreme Sect; the five major factions of the Demon Path were preparing to join forces with the Demon n to besiege the Supreme Sect.


    As he spoke of various deeds,bined with his worried expression, it was as if a great disaster was immint for the Supreme Sect.


    Elder Tianforted him, "Valley Master, you need not worry too much. The Supreme Sect has stood on thisnd for thousands of years, surviving numerous dynastic changes. Historical records also mtion several instances where they were besieged by the Demon Path but always managed to turn danger into safety."


    Hearing his words, Gu An actually felt reassured.


    "Indeed, if the sky were to fall, there would be a tall one to bear it. As for me, I''ll just be at ease cultivating medicinal herbs and providing alchemy materials for the Sect; that is the only contribution I can make," Gu An said with a head shake and a wry smile.


    Elder Tian nodded in agreemt, smiling. He admired Gu An''s nature.


    "However, since the Demon Path ising, the danger is still unavoidable. Valley Master, I have a set of finger techniques, sharp and tricky. If the emy is careless, you might ev be able to kill opponts above your own realm. Let me teach you," Elder Tian continued.


    Gu An had never learned finger techniques before and was naturally interested; he couldn''t help but curiously ask, "Elder Tian, why do I feel like you have a remarkable backg, possessing so much knowledge and skill?"


    "Haha, the old has merely lived long and naturally gained some insights."


    Elder Tianughed heartily, no longer appearing timid or shrinking as before. Gu An ssed the demeanor of a true Sect Leader in him.


    Subsequtly, Gu An followed Elder Tian into the nearby forests, as Elder Tian said, this technique could not be disclosed to others; he was making an exception by teaching Gu An.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After tering the forest, Elder Tian began to exin the formidable aspects of the finger technique.


    Gathering Spirit Divine Finger!


    This technique could umte Spiritual Power and Spiritual Energy at the fingertip, ready to burst forth. The longer the ergy waspressed, the stronger the killing power; theoretically, there was no limit.


    After listing, Gu An grew ev more interested in the Gathering Spirit Divine Finger.


    ...


    Gu Zong and Ji Hantian acted swiftly; two dayster, fifty Elixir Formation Realm Cultivators had arrived, including Gu Yu, the son of Gu Zong.


    Gu Yu was the first to visit Gu An''s attic.


    "You really have a lot of clout, to actually get the Gu Family and Ji Family to sd twty-five Elixir Formation Realm disciples each to protect you, and these ar''t just Supreme Sect disciples, they''re all from noble families," Gu Yu sat down and teased.


    Gu An responded, "It''s probably not to protect me but to protect this Medicine Valley. Does the Supreme Sect have any other Medicine Valley thisrge?"


    "There are, but indeed, there ar''t any in the Outer or Inner Sects; it''s mainly because your idtity as Pan An is valued by the higher-ups," Gu Yu exined.


    "If it''s because of the Pan An idtity, wouldn''t such pomp reveal me?" Gu An questioned.


    "That''s true as well," Gu Yu acknowledged.


    In truth, Gu An felt the Supreme Sect wasn''t protecting the Medicine Valley, but rather the sevth-order Spirit Tree within, the Mystic Pure Tree.


    Gu Yu didn''t press further on the matter, instead, he mysteriously produced a book, saying, "Gu An, you really need to take a look at this book; it''s incredibly exciting and ev includes illustrations!"


    Gu An nced at it and was speechless.


    Supreme Secret Records!


    Gu Yu had changed his focus, no longer asking about thetest situation with the Supreme Immortal Verable.


    Gu An felt an urge to leave the Supreme Immortal Verable with a cliffhanger. He forcefully suppressed the annoyance he felt and took the Supreme Secret Records.


    After briefly flipping through a few pages, he was captivated.


    Goodness, Sh Zh was actually stealing techniques!


    The images ev used manga-style action strokes, allowing one to imagine a whole set of movemts, sparking a vivid train of thought.


    He cleared his throat and closed the Supreme Secret Records, cing it in his chest pocket, "I''ll read itter; the Demon Path is about to invade, and I''m really not in the mood for reading right now."


    Gu Yu siltly scorned him, saying, "That''s true, but you better take good care of this book; the Supreme Sect is cracking down on it, and it''s hard to find these days."


    "Don''t worry," Gu An reassured.


    After conversing briefly, the two descded from the attic.


    Gu Yu flew to his assigned post, while Gu An began inspecting the medicinal herbs along the way.


    The Third Medicine Valley was too vast; he could almost harvest every day, but he preferred to do it once a week¡ªafter all, ev if the herbs were ripe, leaving them for a week wouldn''t really affect them.


    An hourter, Gu An was walking on a mountain trail wh he felt the presce of Ji Xiaoyu. After hesitating for a while, he decided he should greet her.


    Ji Xiaoyu had saved him, giv him a Talisman Treasure and a Formation, and ev provided a batch of medicinal herbs. It would be rude not to greet her.


    After wandering for half an hour, Gu An evtually arrived at a mountaintop.


    Ji Xiaoyu, d in a purple robe, was meditating at the edge of a cliff, her back to the Third Medicine Valley, sured by a Formation that prevted Gu An from crossing.


    "Greetings to the Third Miss," Gu An said with a bow.


    He immediatelyunched a Life Span Detection.


    [Ji Xiaoyu (Fifth Layer of Elixir Formation Realm):50/400/8900]


    The Fifth Layer of the Elixir Formation Realm!


    She''s progressing so fast!


    With her back still turned, Ji Xiaoyu said, "You don''t need toe to greet me in the future; you are the master of this Medicine Valley, so there''s no need for such formalities."


    "If Miss Ji has any needs, feel free toe to me at any time, or speak with the disciples of the valley," Gu An responded.


    "Mm."


    Ji Xiaoyu hummed in acknowledgemt.


    Gu An suddly didn''t know what to say next, so he prepared to take his leave.


    Ji Xiaoyu suddly said, "Ji Hantian is my great-grandfather. If he makes any excessive demands of you, you cane to me, after all, you''re my person."


    Gu An hurriedly replied, "The Vice Sect Leader has not treated me unfairly."


    "I know him all too well. Ever since I was young, he has be using me for his schemes. Knowing that you''re Pan An, he definitely won''t give up the chance to use you. In the future, within the Supreme Sect, if you counter anything you find hard to refuse, you can use my name to get out of it."


    Ji Xiaoyu''s words brought a smile to Gu An''s face.


    Another pir of support!


    "Write another ''Investiture of the Gods,'' I think the books you write are the best," Ji Xiaoyu said coldly.


    So, a reader too?


    Gu An agreed, saying he was already preparing it.


    "You may leave."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately paid his respects and left.


    ...


    At dusk, Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley. It was harvest day again, and he expected to gather a lifespan of five to six thousand years.


    No sooner had he tered the valley than he felt a long-missed presce.


    Li Xuandao!


    Why was he here?


    Wasn''t it said that there was a demon upheaval in Changluo of Cangzhou?


    "Valley Master, His Majesty hase. Hurry to the house and see him," Luo Hun shouted from halfway up the mountainside.


    Gu An nodded at him th hurried toward the cluster of pavilions.


    Li Xuandao was waiting inside his pavilion, with Lv Xian and Yi Liuyun keeping himpany.


    Wh Gu An tered, Li Xuandao showed a smile, gestured for Lv Xian to be quiet, and th smiled at Gu An. "Gu An, it has be a long time. Is your cultivation going smoothly?"


    After bowing respectfully, Gu An said, "Naturally smooth. Thanks to the herbs your Majesty shared with me, I''ve reached the thirdyer of the Foundation Establishmt Realm."


    "Thirdyer isn''t ough; you''ll have to work harder. Once you''ve reached the Ninth Layer of the Foundation Establishmt Realm, I can assist you with Core Formation."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, I will certainly strive for it."


    As Gu An replied, he inttionally avoided looking at Lv Xian, who was ring at him as if he wanted to eat him alive, his gaze filled with anger and restmt.


    Despite teaching Gu An for so long, thetter had stubbornly learned nothing. If it wer''t for the fact that Gu An only came once or twice a month, Lv Xian would have suspected that Gu An was deliberately tormting him.


    Li Xuandao signaled for Gu An to sit at the table, and without any pretse, Gu An sat down.


    Lv Xian and Yi Liuyun stood while Gu An sat, which made Lv Xian ev more restful.


    Li Xuandao looked at Gu An, assessed him, and th asked softly, "Has anything significant happed in the Supreme Secttely?"


    Gu An frowned, hesitated, and said, "I heard that the Demon Path is nning to besiege the Supreme Sect. There are also some unfavorable rumors circting about the Sect Leader."


    He detailed all that he had heard but did not mtion his own Third Medicine Valley.


    Once Gu An finished speaking, Li Xuandao''s smile grew ev wider as he said, "Chu Tianqi is arrogant and looks down on everyone. He ev sees his own n as pawns. It''s not surprising that he would do such things."


    "My moles within the Demon Path have also reported back that at the d of the year, the Demon Path willunch a full-scale attack on the Supreme Sect."


    Gu An began to ponder Li Xuandao''s attitude towards the Supreme Sect.


    He asked in confusion, "Doesn''t the Demon Path fear Sword Verable Fudao? They say Sword Verable Fudao is the number one Sword Cultivator in the world."


    Li Xuandao shook his head, "Of course, they''re afraid, which is why they have only made their move now. Sword Verable Fudao''s true idtity has be revealed throughout the Demon Path. Although that person is strong, he isn''t invincible."


    That person?


    Surprised, Gu An wondered who could be impersonating Laozi''s rown.


    Li Xuandao looked at Gu An again and said solemnly, "A major conflict betwe the righteous and the demonic is on the horizon. Ideally, I should have you evacuate, but Li Ya is still there, and I need you to keep an eye on the Supreme Sect for me. I''ve arranged for a Nasct Soul Realm Cultivator to protect you; how about that?"


    Gu An quickly thanked him and th said, "Uncle, actually, there''s no need. I''m just an Outer Disciple, and the Demon n doesn''t know about me. Arranging a Nasct Soul Realm Cultivator for me might instead attract the atttion of the Demon n''s Great Cultivators."


    "Don''t worry, this person is skilled in the art of Energy Concealing, and ev those far above her realm won''t be able to detect her," Li Xuandao said with a wave of his hand.


    Unable to refuse?


    Gu An looked at Li Xuandao, weighing his options siltly.


    Li Xuandao continued, "You''re my person, and I naturally can''t afford to let anything happ to you. This person also has an excellt rtionship with Li Ya. You can introduce her to Li Ya wh the timees."


    Having said so much, Gu An naturally couldn''t refuse.


    An hourter, Gu An took his leave and began to pick the mature herbs.


    From inside the house, Li Xuandao could see Gu An''s diligt figure and he remarked, "This young man is steady in his work, which pleases me greatly. You must take good care of him."


    Lv Xian couldn''t help asking, "Your Majesty, are you admonishing me? I just want to know, who is more important to you betwe Li Ya and the Crown Prince?"


    Yi Liuyun frowned but didn''t stop Lv Xian.


    Li Xuandaoughed and said, "Both are important. What are you worried about? Li Ya isn''t ev in Changluo, he can''t threat the Crown Prince, unless..."


    "Unless what?"


    "Unless Li Ya masters the Emperor-Level Sword Technique."

 Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Eclipse the Sun, Heaven-Swallowing Dark Bird!

    Mastering the Emperor-Level Sword Technique would secure the position of Crown Prince?


    Gu An plucked the herbs while secretly listing.


    The Emperor-Level Sword Technique, he was quite familiar with it!


    If he had the chance, he''d ask Li Ya if he was interested in contding for the throne; Gu An could offer him a few tips.


    Wait a minute!


    This old fellow harbors ill inttions!


    Gu An ssed something amiss; he suddly suspected Li Xuandao had deliberately spok loud ough for him to hear since there was no Restriction isting the loft.


    He recalled something: Li Xuandao''s ambition was to be an immortal Emperor.


    For Emperors, the greatest threat could be the Crown Prince; ev non-immortal Cultivation dynasty''s Emperors would be wary of their Crown Princes as they age, and not many Crown Princes smoothly seeded to the throne.


    Could it be that Li Xuandao wanted to use Li Ya to eliminate the Crown Prince?


    It was indeed possible!


    Gu An stopped pondering and focused on picking herbs, letting the father and son fight among themselves.


    As Li Xuandao was there, Gu An didn''t leave immediately after finishing collecting the herbs, but only left early the next morning.


    Wh he left, Li Xuandao had not yet departed; he said he would stay for a while longer, suspecting Li Xuandao wanted to watch the great battle betwe the Righteous and Demonic Paths.


    ...N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An briefed Wuxin and others, warning them that the Demon Path was about to attack and to not wander a usually, which made all the disciples, including Wuxin, very anxious.


    Gu An nned to stay overnight in Mystic Valley from now on. The Third Medicine Valley had Elder Tian and fifty Elixir Formation Realm cultivators, making it very safe, unlike Mystic Valley, which only had a group of Servant Disciples.


    Nowadays, the fraction of lifespan ie provided by Mystic Valley was increasingly small, but the Eight Scic Caves below it were differt, and ev if Mystic Valley''s lifespan ie wasn''t much, he was too reluctant to give it up.


    T dayster.


    The Nasct Soul Realm cultivator arranged by Li Xuandao arrived at Mystic Valley.


    Gu An stood in front of the wood railing, looking into the distance. A woman in a cone hat, wielding a sword, walked towards him; the cold wind stirred her attire, hancing her ethereal aura.


    [Yang Ni (Nasct Soul Realm Nine Layers): 4/780/360]


    A two hundred-year-old Nasct Soul Realm, quite talted.


    Gu An thought siltly as he stepped toward Yang Ni.


    "I am Gu An, the Valley Master of this Medicine Valley. May I know who Daoist Frid is¡­"


    Gu An asked as he approached.


    Yang Ni suddly appeared before him, and he purposely pretded to be startled, stepping back.


    "Let me see your other Valley Master Tok," transmitted Yang Ni, her voice cold yet charming. Just hearing her voice, one would know she was a beauty.


    Gu An immediately took out the Tianya Valley''s Tok, which Yang Ni snatched, examined, and th returned to him.


    "I am here to protect you by His Majesty''s orders; from now on, I shall be your Outer Disciple," Yang Ni transmitted again.


    Gu An nodded, replying, "It seems Elder Han rmded you; I''ve be waiting for you for a long time."


    With that, he turned and led Yang Ni towards the loft.


    Yang Ni followed his steps, and the other disciples in the Valley cast curious nces at her, her appearance drawing unavoidable atttion.


    After tering the building, Gu An closed the door and said, "The Valley only has disciples who are at the Energy Cultivation level; no need to worry."


    Yang Ni waved her hand, transforming Spiritual Power into a gre Restriction that she stamped on the door.


    Very cautious!


    After finishing, Yang Ni walked to the table, ced down her precious sword, took off her cone hat, and her waterfall-like  hair cascaded down. She turned to look at Gu An; she appeared very young, as if in her early twties.


    Her features were lovely and exquisite, but there was a coldness in her eyes that gave her an ice-que demeanor, making it easy to overlook her beauty and difficult to look at her directly.


    She sized up Gu An and asked, "I heard you have a good rtionship with Li Ya?"


    "Yes, Sior Brother Li was also a Servant Disciple here in this Medicine Valley, and we tered on the same day," replied Gu An.


    Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Yang Ni''s face, that smile bringing forth a stunning charm.


    Gu An did not think much of it, as he knew Ji Xiaoyu, who was ev more beautiful.


    "That boy has always be stubborn, unable to get along with his siblings. I didn''t expect he could establish a fridship with a Servant Disciple like you," Yang Nimted with admiration.


    The way she said it...


    Yang Ni took out a gre jade bracelet from her Storage Bag and said, "This is a Top-Grade Dharma Artifact, capable of storing Spiritual Power. Consider it a meeting gift."


    Storing Spiritual Power?


    That was rare.


    Gu An immediately waved his hand, "That wouldn''t be right. You came here to protect me; how could I ept a gift?"


    "Just take it wh I give it to you. Li Ya''s mother is my sister; since you have a good rtionship with Li Ya, naturally, you are like my junior!" Yang Ni spoke impatitly, tossing the bracelet to him and th walking over to the bookshelves.


    "Go on with your business; don''t mind me."


    Gu An caught the bracelet and wanted to say that the loft was his and it wasn''t convit, but seeing Yang Ni''s inttion to stay, he had no choice but to let it be.


    Ever since he countered Sh Zh, Gu An no longer left items in the loft that couldn''t be se by others. After hesitating for a momt, he still turned and left, not disturbing Yang Ni.


    Yang Ni''s addition did not disrupt the life rhythm of Mystic Valley because she rarely left the room and didn''t interact with other disciples.


    Wh Gu An prepared to go to the Third Medicine Valley, she insisted on following him, and Gu An had no choice but to take her along.


    After arriving at the Third Medicine Valley, she was shocked and began to reassess Gu An.


    This Servant Disciple wasn''t simple!


    Gu An wasn''t afraid she would tell Li Xuandao; perhaps Li Xuandao already knew about the Third Medicine Valley, and keeping it a secret was difficult.


    After all, he had a clear conscice.


    If Li Xuandao became suspicious of him because of this, he wasn''t afraid.


    In his heart, his fear of Li Xuandao was far less than his fear of the Supreme Sect.


    Just like that, Yang Ni followed Gu An as he patrolled Medicine Valley, watched him picking herbs, and th sowing.


    After a month, Yang Ni developed some good feelings towards Gu An.


    Gu An was too honest and treated the Servant Disciples kindly, posing no threat to anyone; this made her understand why Li Ya had tak a liking to Gu An.


    Days passed by, one after another.


    Winter snow fluttered, covering every part of Medicine Valley where Gu An was.


    Li Xuandao had said that the Demon Path would invade the Supreme Sect at the d of the year, which made Gu An worry about it every day, unsure of wh the Demon Path would attack.


    That day.


    Mystic Valley.


    Gu An and Wuxin were leading the disciples in shoveling snow, while Yang Ni stood at a distance in front of a wood railing, her hands sping a sword.


    "Sior Brother, what cultivation level is this Outer Disciple?" Wuxin asked quietly next to Gu An, very curious.


    Yang Ni''s stance alone looked very strong.


    "None of your business, she''s my disciple, don''t ev think about it," Gu An responded irritably.


    Wuxin chuckled, "Sior Brother, you really get me. Wh will you arrange for me to have a Foundation Establishmt Realm disciple as my assistant? It would be quite prestigious wherever I go."


    "If I really arranged it, would you dare to take on the responsibility?"


    Hearing this, Wuxin seemed to think of something, smiled awkwardly, and said no more.


    Gu An continued shoveling snow.


    A whileter, he seemed to sse something, furrowing his brows slightly, but he did not stop his work.


    In the distance, Yang Ni also ssed something. With a leap, she flew to the southern mountain peak, her movemts causing everyone in the valley to look up.


    In the blinding snowstorm, the world plunged into a vast expanse of . From inside the valley, the figure of Yang Ni standing on the mountain peak was very blurry, as if she could be swallowed by the storm at any momt.


    "What''s wrong with her?" Wuxin couldn''t help but ask Gu An.


    Gu An looked up and said, "I don''t know either, we can ask her wh shees down."


    Goo-goo¡ª


    A series of light, ethereal bird calls echoed through the sky, drowning out ev the sound of the wind.


    The sudd bird calls made everyone frown and look a, trying to locate the source of the sound.


    Wuxin seemed to realize something, his face dramatically changed, and he quickly shouted, "Everyone back inside now! Hurry!"


    As he spoke, he grabbed Gu An and ran towards the pavilionplex.


    Gu An pulled his hand away and said, "You guys go ahead, I need to keep an eye on Medicine Valley."


    Wuxin looked back, urgtly said, "That''s the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion''s demonic beast, the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird; it''s not something a Foundation Establishmt Realm can deal with!"


    "Just go back, I won''t fight it! Don''t forget who you are!" Gu An said sternly.


    Upon hearing this, Wuxin could only clch his teeth and run back.


    Soon, only Gu An remained in the valley; the other disciples peered anxiously from the window sills towards the sky.


    Gu An had already ssed the presce of the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird.


    Very strong!


    Comparable to the Void Crossing Realm!


    Whoo-whoo¡ª


    A strong wind blew from the south, rolling up swirling snowwaves that swept across Medicine Valley. Gu An watched the swaying herbs with much heartache, but with Yang Ni and the other disciples a, he couldn''t reveal his true cultivation level. He could only move to the highest grade medicinal herb zone and guard it with the spiritual power of the Foundation Establishmt Realm.


    At that momt, Yang Ni appeared beside him out of nowhere, th took out arge g and nted it firmly into the g, raising her palm to inject spiritual power into the gpole.


    The g waved, forming a light scre that veloped them,pletely isting the wind and snow.


    Yang Ni breathed a sigh of relief, turned her head to look at Gu An, and scolded, "Are you crazy? What do these herbs have to do with you? Didn''t you sse that demonic qi?"


    Gu An replied, "I did sse it, but if I could sse it, the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect could surely¡­"


    Boom¡ª


    A terrifying air pressure suddly descded, causing Gu An to look up, and Wuxin and the other disciples did the same, their eyes wide.


    The vast snow fog was shak apart, and a monstrous bird, ormous ough to cover the sun and plunge the sky into darkness, appeared above. As it passed over Mystic Valley, its massive form cast the valley into darkness, which wouldn''t dissipate for a short while.


    Ev Gu An was shocked by the size of the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird. From his point of view, the bird''s wingspan was over a hundred miles wide, incredibly vast.


    On the back of the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird, there were also many auras of demon cultivators, no less than ts of thousands of them.


    It was headed directly towards the Outer City of the Supreme Sect!


    "The Thousand-Autumn Pavilion''s Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird, a sixth-grade demonic beast with the demonic might to destroy dynasties. This is also my first time seeing it," Yang Ni murmured as she looked up at the demonic beast in the sky, a hint of fear in her eyes.


    Gu An didn''t respond; his gaze was fixed on the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird, hoping the creature wouldn''t target his Mystic Valley.


    After the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird flew over Mystic Valley, sunlight spilled down, illuminating Medicine Valley, followed by falling snow that seemed like a vast  fog descding.


    This sce made all the disciples in the valley breathe a sigh of relief.


    Gu An had already ssed the presce of Great Cultivators fighting in the distance.


    Void Crossing Realm!


    And it wasn''t just two!


    The battles wereing from other Outer City areas, far from them.

 Chapter 85: Chapter 85: First Trial of Divine Finger, Xu Lian Demon Lord

    Outer Sect City.


    The city walls were lined with Outer Disciples; Ye Lan and Zh Qin were among them, furrowing their brows as they looked off into the distance. It wasn''t just them¡ªevery disciple was looking in the same direction, as if facing a formidable emy.


    The vast snowfall covered the mountains and rivers, and the fierce wind howled, asionally revealing the outlines of mountain ranges amid the swirling blizzard.


    Goo-goo¡ª


    The mysterious sound of bird cries rose again, sounding like ghosts from the Underworld approaching, making the disciples'' hearts pound like war drums.


    Gradually, a shadow appeared in the other half of the  expanse, stirring all the disciples.


    "What... what is that?" Zh Qin said with a trembling voice, her volume low as if she was asking herself.


    Ye Lan also wided her eyes; she thought she had se and known much, but she was still shocked by the sight before her.


    The huge shadow resembled a ck sea approaching, boundless, its ds melding with the horizons, and the mysterious bird cries grew louder.


    Anybody would feel fear wh facing such a colossal shadow, as if a deep abyss was croaching.


    A tremdous pressure emanated from within the city, startling the disciples to turn their heads. Suddly, dozs of Flying Swords soared into the air, circled by gold Spiritual Power, and with a loud bang, the swords shot forth simultaneously, their gold Spiritual Power merging into a gigantic Gold Phoix that swept across the city wall.


    The Gold Phoix, with a wingspan of a hundred yards, prested a majestic sight, yet it appeared tiny as it flew towards the terrifying shadow in the sky.


    The Gold Phoix ripped through the snow in its path, unstoppable as it collided with the terrifying shadow. Th, gold light burst forth, and a fierce wind roared, bringing with it swirling snow, forcing the Outer Disciples on the city walls to raise their arms to shield themselves.


    "Your Majesty Demon Emperor, what are you waiting for?"


    A chilling voice rose, drowning out all other noise betwe heav and earth.


    On the Heavly Repair tform.


    The Underworld Demon Emperor slowly stood up, and across from him, a Five-Layer Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator followed suit. Their gazes met.


    "I never imagined that Your Excellcy would be the legdary Underworld Demon Emperor; you''ve hidd yourself well,"


    The cold voice of this Supreme Sect Elder rang out as he lifted his right hand, producing a jade ruler in it.


    Several other Supreme Sect Cultivators also stood up, each exuding an aura far surpassing that of the Divinity Transformation Realm, causing other Cultivators on the tform to stand and retreat.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera also retreated, looking no differt from ordinary Cultivators.


    "Heh."


    The Underworld Demon Emperor let out a chillingugh that made one''s scalp tingle. His calm face quickly twisted as waves of Demon Energy flowed from his robe, spreading in all directions.


    Boom¡ª


    Thunder rumbled from the sky, with thunderclouds rolling in from all directions, pressing against the snow above, forming a vast  fog as if a second sky had appeared, oppressively heavy.


    The Underworld Demon Emperor looked up, a mocking sneer on his face. He suddly crouched down and mmed his palm on the g. In an instant, the dse Demon Energy covering the Heavly Repair tform violtly surged, and numerous Evil Ghosts crawled out of the mist, their roars reverberating through heav and earth.


    The battle betwe the righteous and the demonic had erupted!


    ¡­


    In Mystic Valley.


    Gu An was leading the disciples in inspecting the medicinal herbs. The fierce wind caused snow on the mountains to continuously slide down, and the distant rumbling persisted.


    Yang Ni stood next to Gu An, not shoveling snow but staring at the sky, her brow deeply furrowed.


    Wuxin moved closer to Gu An, anxiously saying, "Sior Brother, this disturbance seems pretty major, doesn''t it?"


    Gu An also cursed inwardly. Hadn''t Jiang Qiong said it wouldn''t affect this part of the Outer Sect City?


    Why did he feel like the Demon Path was invading from this side?


    "Don''t worry, the Supreme Sect won''t be easily breached," Gu An reassured.


    He ssed an unusually strong presce of Demon Energy in the Outer Sect City, unsure of its origins.


    Wuxin was troubled, yet his hands didn''t stop moving, a testamt to the training he had received over the years from Gu An.


    The sky gradually became covered with thunderclouds, diminishing the snowfall, which was actually fortunate for Mystic Valley.


    After clearing the snow in the various sections, Gu An had Wuxin gather all the disciples together while he stood at a distance with Yang Ni.


    "Can Supreme Sect really hold on?"


    "What''s that sound? It''s terrifying!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I wonder what the condition of the Outer Sect City is now; fortunately, we''re in Medicine Valley."


    "Hard to say. For all we know, Demon Cultivators could be eyeing us next."


    "Shut up, you doom monger!"


    The disciples were anxious and frighted, unable to calm themselves, overwhelmed by the pressure from grand Cultivator battles, Demon Energy, and demonic prowess, ssations they had never expericed before.


    Gu An nced at the disciples a hundred yards away, th turned to Yang Ni next to him and asked in a low voice, "With your strgth, how powerful an emy do you think you can deal with?"


    "As long as they''re not from the Divinity Transformation Realm, I can kill as many ase," Yang Ni''s response was bold, yet Gu An couldn''t feel pleased.


    Because there were sure to be those from the Divinity Transformation Realm appearing.


    At that momt, a figure flew swiftly from afar and quicklynded in the valley¡ªit was  other than Li Ya.


    "Sior Brother Li!" Wuxin eximed in delight. Li Ya was an Inner Sect Disciple, a guine Elixir Formation Realm expert, and his arrival couldn''t be more uplifting for Wuxin.


    As far as Yang Ni was concerned, to Wuxin''s eyes, she was just a Foundation Establishmt Cultivator¡ªsurely no match for Li Ya.


    Li Ya disregarded Wuxin, swiftly approaching Gu An. His gaze swept over Yang Ni, his brows slightly furrowed; th, turning to Gu An, he urgtly said, "Junior Brother Gu, we should evacuate. It''s too dangerous here now. All the Outer and Inner Sect Cities are in battle; there''s a traitor in Supreme Sect who has used the Teleportation Array to admit emies inside!"


    Eh?


    Didn''t Li Ya recognize Yang Ni?


    Gu An''s expression grew solemn as he responded, "No way. I can''t abandon Medicine Valley. And ev if we wanted to flee, where could we go?"


    To be honest, wh Li Ya arrived now, he was both moved and troubled.


    With the Demon Path invading, Gu An was not really panicked; he simply found it inconvit to make a move with other people a.


    "Think hiding is easy? We definitely can''t stay in Medicine Valley!" Li Ya said gravely.


    Gu An shook his head and replied, "If you want to hide, go ahead, Sior Brother Li. You really didn''t need toe to save me. I can''t abandon my disciples!"


    In Mystic Valley, there were more than twty Servant Disciples, not easy to transfer all together¡ªthey could indeed be used as his excuse.


    Just as Li Ya was about to speak, Yang Ni suddly said, "Someone''sing!"


    Li Ya instinctively looked up, and Gu An did the same.


    They saw a huge vortex forming in the thunderclouds above, and within the vortex, a figure was plummeting down, heading straight for Mystic Valley.


    The figure, like a meteor from Outer Heav, descded upon the northern mountaintop, stirring up a cloud of snow and mist.


    "Wuxin, you really made it hard for your brother to find you. I never thought you''d hide here, daring to sneak into the Supreme Sect as a spy!"


    A contemptuous and mocking sneer resonated throughout Mystic Valley, startling everyone into looking towards Wuxin.


    The disciples a Wuxin stirred, stepping back in a flurry.


    Wuxin''s expression turned ugly as he stared hatefully at the person atop the mountain.


    The man on the mountaintop wore a ck robe patterned with blood-red designs, his hair disheveled, his features handsome but with eyes full of deadly mace, his smile ev more ferocious as he looked down on Wuxin as if he were a mere insect.


    [Bai Wu (First Level of Nasct Soul Realm):03/790/980]


    Gu An, observing the results of the Life Span Detection, was not at all flustered.


    He dared to let the other party into the valley because he ssed that the man''s cultivation level posed no threat; it was just a precautionary measure he wanted to reconfirm.


    Li Ya frowned as he stared at Wuxin from a distance, a murderous intt shing in his eyes.


    Seeming to understand Bai Wu''s fearsomess, Wuxin gritted his teeth and shouted, "I''ll go back with you, just don''t harm the others!"


    "That won''t do. The order I received is to kill everyone from the Supreme Sect, including those insignificant Servant Disciples!"


    Bai Wu licked his lips and mocked, "And who said I''m taking you back? Today, you''ll perish here with them, and I can bring your head back instead."


    "Hmph!"


    A sudd cold snort sounded, startling Bai Wu as his pupils dted; he instinctively turned to look, only to see a woman in blue appear out of nowhere beside him, her sword shing down.


    It was Yang Ni!


    He immediately leaped away, but still got struck on the arm, blood spurting out.


    Yang Ni continued her assault, and the two of them began fighting on the mountaintop, sword qi flooding a, demonic ergy dispersing like fog, soon taking their battle high into the air.


    Li Ya couldn''t help but look towards Gu An and asked, "Who is that person?"


    "Your mother''s sister, Yang Ni. Don''t you recognize her?" Gu An replied softly.


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya''s expression turned perplexed, mumbling, "How could it be her..."


    Seeing his expression, Gu An grew secretly puzzled.


    What did he mean?


    Could it be that their rtionship wasn''t good?


    Without asking further, Gu An said, "I''ll go check the forest, where many medicinal herbs are nted."


    Having said that, he ran off towards the forest.


    Li Ya wanted to call after him, yet his heart was caught up in Yang Ni''s battle.


    "Damn it!"


    Li Ya cursed softly and leapt up, rushing to support Yang Ni.


    In fact, Yang Ni didn''t need his help; she was overwhelming Bai Wu in the fight. In less than 30 minutes, Bai Wu was already covered in blood. Despite his expansive disy of spells, Yang Ni''s movemt technique was too exquisite, and she easily dodged each attack.


    Seeing Bai Wu so flustered, Wuxin wided his eyes,pletely surprised by Yang Ni''s prowess.


    Where did his brother find such a powerful Great Cultivator?


    Meanwhile.


    Gu An reached the edge of the forest, his back to Mystic Valley, and looked towards the distant mountains.


    He raised his right hand, thumb pressing against his middle finger, beginning to aim at the distance.


    He ssed the presce of a Void Crossing Realm being hundreds of miles away, unsure why it lingered, but certain it meant no good.


    Too close to his Medicine Valley. It must be eliminated!


    Just in time to try out Elder Tian''s Gathering Spirit Divine Finger.


    He had already mastered the Gathering Spirit Divine Finger, and ev though he wasn''t adept, killing a Void Crossing Realm Demon Cultivator should be effortless!


    Spiritual Powerpressed at the front of his middle finger, he refrained from gathering the suring Spiritual Energy, fearing it might alert Yang Ni and the others.


    Hundreds of miles away.


    In a t area among the mountains, a group of Demon Cultivators was gathered, setting up an Array tform.


    A particrly imposing Demon Cultivator stood by, watching siltly.


    His name was Xu Lian, one of the Demon Lords of the Heavly Extinction Sect, with a cultivation at the fourth level of the Void Crossing Realm, idly ying with a  me in his right hand, his expression indiffert.


    A disciple of the Heavly Extinction Sect approached and said softly, "Master, the formation will beplete within 30 minutes."


    The Demon Lord Xu Lian replied indiffertly, "Finish the formation first, prepare¡­"


    Before he could finish, his expression changed abruptly, and he instinctively turned his head to look.

 Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Elder Tians Determination, Overwhelming Demons

    Xu Lian Demon Lord was speaking, but his mind had already drifted to the inside of Supreme Sect. This battle was about the millnial destiny of Wanyin Sect, ev its rise and fall.


    He could hardly wait to join the battle!


    But before he could finish his words, he instinctively ssed a terrifyingly dangerous aura and nced over subconsciously.


    Everything happed too quickly!


    Ev he, a Great Cultivator of the Fourth Layer of Void Crossing Realm, couldn''t react in time.


    In his eyes, a semi-transpart stream of air was approaching at an unimaginable speed, cutting through the mountains, causing the very world he saw to twist.


    The disciples who were setting up the Array tform in front of him all paused, everything seemed to freeze, except for the rapidly croaching sct of death.


    Boom!


    A mass of air tore through the sky, striking the in betwe the mountains, Xu Lian Demon Lord and a group of Demon Cultivators were instantly turned to ash, a bright light burst forth, gulfing the suring mountains and devouring everything in its path.


    Above Mystic Valley.


    Yang Ni, Li Ya, Bai Wu, and others who were in battle were startled, hurriedly distancing themselves, turning a to see a spectacr bright light in the sky, feeling a terrifying pressure approaching, causing their faces to drastically change.


    Li Ya quickly flew towards the forest below, rapidly locating Gu An.


    Gu An was hiding behind a tree, pretding to be shivering. Seeing he was unharmed, Li Ya rxed slightly and was about to speak wh a terrible gale arrived, tilting the forest backward and causing the mountains to violtly shake.


    Li Ya quickly moved to Gu An''s side, using his spiritual power to resist.


    "What''s happing..."


    Gu An asked through clched teeth, his tone filled with panic.


    Li Ya''s face was grave as he said solemnly, "Not sure, there might be Great Cultivators fighting."


    At that momt, several notifications popped up in front of Gu An:


    [You have sessfully tak 47 years of life from Xu Lian Demon Lord (Fourth Layer of Void Crossing Realm)]


    [You have sessfully tak 35 years of life from Zhang Zhongchong (Second Layer of Core Formation Realm)]


    [You have sessfully tak 4 years of life from Ch Duyuan (Sixth Layer of Core Formation Realm)]


    ...


    A total of twty-six people, with the lowest being in the Core Formation Realm, including two Nasct Soul Realm cultivators.


    What a sin!


    Gu An internally repted. He didn''t want to ughter, but who asked these people toe near his Medicine Valley.


    The wild wind dominated for a long time.


    Wh the storm finally subsided, Li Ya stood upright, whispering, "It seems we can only hide in Medicine Valley now, danger is everywhere."


    "I told you so."


    "Come with me into the valley!"


    Li Ya dragged Gu An towards the inside of Mystic Valley.


    As they just tered the valley, Yang Ni descded from the sky, holding a severed head that was still dripping blood, with Bai Wu''s Nasct Soul hanging on her sword de.


    At that momt, her aura was full of murderous intt, causing the disciples in the valley not to dare to approach.


    Yang Ni threw Bai Wu''s head in front of Wuxin and th flicked her sword, shattering Bai Wu''s Nasct Soul. She pointed her sword at Wuxin and said coldly, "Do you have anyst words?"


    Wuxin, terrified, turned pale and trembled all over.


    "Stop!"


    Gu An quickly rushed over, standing in front of Wuxin.


    Yang Ni''s expression was icy as she said, "He belongs to Thousand-Autumn Pavilion."


    "But he has be with me for decades and hasn''t harmed us once. There must be a reason for his actions! After this matter is resolved, I will have him leave Supreme Sect!"


    Gu An said through clched teeth, giving everything he had, his words causing Yang Ni to frown.


    Wuxin was touched; he dared not look at the other disciples and wished he could just crawl into a crevice.


    Yang Ni stepped forward, her sword tip nearly touching Gu An''s throat.


    Gu An nced at Li Ya and shouted, "Sior Brother Li, say something!"


    Li Ya, frowning, came over, pushed Yang Ni''s sword away, and said, "Let''s list to him. The Demon Cultivator from just now clearly had a grudge against Wuxin."


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Ni sheathed her sword and turned away.


    Gu An th turned back to Wuxin and said, "I''m sorry, brother, but I can''t keep you here anymore. If you return to Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, you''ll definitely suffer. Find a ce to live incognito. As long as you maintain a good heart, no matter where youe from, you can still be a good person."


    His words were solemn and heartfelt, making Wuxin''s eyes redd with emotion. He knelt on the g and kowtowed to him.


    Li Ya''s brow rxed, and he sighed softly.


    Yang Ni nced at Gu An, looking somewhat surprised.


    Hearing Gu An''s words, it was clear he had known about Wuxin''s idtity, and it seemed Wuxin didn''t want to be a cultivator of Thousand-Autumn Pavilion...


    Gu An helped Wuxin up and th let him hide inside a house to avoid being recognized by any Thousand-Autumn Pavilion cultivators who mighte across him.


    Li Ya looked at Yang Ni and asked via transmission, "Why have youe here?"


    "Do I really need to exin?"


    "Tell him I don''t want to fight for the throne."


    "But he said he owes it to your mother, he must pass the crown to you."


    "Crown Prince is virtuous and capable, also a triple Spirit Root, he is the perfect Crown Prince."


    "Saying these things to me is pointless."


    As theymunicated through transmission, Yang Ni''s gaze continued to rest on Gu An, pondering something.


    Li Ya''s transmission cautioned, "You better not harm my junior brother, or don''t me me if I turn against you!"


    Yang Ni ignored him.


    After the attack by Bai Wu, Mystic Valley became solemn, with disciples gathering in the courtyard, whispering among themselves, all discussing Wuxin''s idtity.


    The crisis at the Supreme Sect continued, with battles erupting in more and more directions.


    Gu An had be closely monitoring the Qinghong Sword at his waist, fortunately, it did not react to danger like the White Spirit Sword had.


    An ancit hourter, no demon cultivators hade to Mystic Valley again, and Gu An couldn''t suppress his impatice.


    He found Li Ya and informed him that he was going to another Medicine Valley, asking Li Ya and Yang Ni to stay at Mystic Valley.


    Li Ya knew that the Medicine Valley in the Inner Sect was definitely safer than Mystic Valley, so he nodded in agreemt.


    This time, Yang Ni did not cling to Gu An. In her heart, naturally, Li Ya was more important.


    Before leaving, Gu An left an Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insect in his room.


    He had established a soul connection with each Ancit Gold-Swallowing Insect, which could keep him informed about the situation in Mystic Valley at all times.


    After stepping on the Transmission Array tform, Gu An quickly arrived at the Third Medicine Valley.


    Upon arrival, he heard booming sounds from all directions, deafing, as he oped his eyes and saw dark clouds rolling in the sky. Although it was winter, there was a summer-like scorching heat permeating the air.


    Seeing him arrive, Xiaochuan immediately came up to him, suppressing his panic, and asked, "Sior Brother, what should we do?"


    Noticing that Elder Tian was still there, Gu An immediately felt relieved. He quickly threw a Life Span Detection and replied, "Don''t panic, trust our sect!"


    [Lv Baitian (Nasct Soul Realm Nine Layers): 4/560/300]


    Wow, he has advanced quickly!


    Stable now!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An thought so while wondering where Elder Tian''s absorbed spiritual ergy came from?


    He instructed Xiaochuan to stay nearby and not to run a, while he wt to patrol the Medicine Valley.


    As he passed by Elder Tian, he felt a very concealed yet powerful surge of spiritual power within his body, which secretly rmed him.


    Elder Tian was not absorbing nature''s spiritual ergy; was the spiritual power spontaneously gerated inside his body?


    This feeling...


    It was as if there was an trance to an exotic world inside Elder Tian''s body, from which spiritual power continuously emerged, very eerie.


    What kind of cultivation technique is this man practicing?


    "Valley Master, with the great battle erupting, do not wander off," Elder Tian''s voice came.


    He turned his head and saw Elder Tian sitting under a tree with his eyes closed, his staturepletely differt from usual, bing upright with an indescribable aura of a formidable being emerging.


    "I''m just going to check on those herbs, I won''t wander off," he said.


    With these words, Gu An hurriedly left.


    Elder Tian oped his eyes and looked at his retreating figure, his eyes showing a look of relief.


    "With such a disciple here, how can I bear to see the Supreme Sect destroyed?" Elder Tian murmured to himself, Gu An who had run a hundred feet away heard this statemt.


    Gu An''s expression did not change, as if he had not heard.


    He really cared about the herbs!


    The fifty Core Formation Realm disciples guarding the Medicine Valley were all in battle, including Ji Xiaoyu and Gu Yu, and they were each facing multiple opponts, a somewhat urgt situation.


    Along the way, Gu An quickly checked the herbs he countered along the way, harvesting those that were about to mature to prevt them from being destroyed on the spot by the battle, which would be a huge loss.


    During his journey, Gu An heard a high-pitched howl; he looked up to see a series of fiery red Qilins appearing in the sky, with the leading Qilin hiding a human figure.


    It was the figure of Ji Xiaoyu.


    Qilin Step!


    With each step she took, her figure flickered like a ghost, and the fiery red Qilin collided with a Core Formation Realm demon cultivator, instantly crushing him into pieces, burning his Gold Corepletely; it was tyrannically dominating.


    Gu An felt that her aura and speed were no less than those of a cultivator in the lower levels of the Nasct Soul Realm.


    Ji Xiaoyu seemed to feel his gaze; duringbat, she actually nced at him.


    With the Qilin Step, her dual hands wielded swords, casting spells with the swords that made her unmatched.


    Gradually, more and more demon cultivators rushed towards her, various spells attacking her from differt directions, creating a tremdous momtum.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes narrowed, and a powerful wave of ergy burst from her body, blowing all the suring demon cultivators several miles away, instantly killing the Foundation Establishmt Realm demon cultivators on the spot.


    She raised the treasured sword in her right hand, thrusting it towards the sky, a tremdous burst of spiritual ergy following the de, shooting into the sky, and forming a gold disk-shaped apparition with a diameter of over t miles, showing various profound and mysterious runes.


    With Gu An''s ke vision, he immediately recognized that the ergy wave Ji Xiaoyu had just used was a divine skill, Heav and Earth Path Gang!


    Previously Jiang Qiong had stol the Divine Power Collection containing Heav and Earth Path Gang from the Ji Family''s anniversary, and Gu An had also studied it regrly.


    As for the divine skills following Heav and Earth Path Gang, he had not se them before, but he could feel that they contained power surpassing the Core Formation Realm.


    This woman''s talt andprehsion were truly terrifying!


    Two divine skills in the Core Formation Realm!


    Within the gold apparition, numerous gold dragon illusions burst forth as if a troop of dragons from other worlds hade, rushing forward to attack demon cultivators in all directions, causing them to panic and flee.


    Some tried to resist with spells, only to have their spiritual power shredded by the dragons, following which they were struck by the dragons and swallowed whole.


    Because it was an illusion, Gu An could see those demon cultivators being swallowed into the dragons'' bellies, where they were burned alive by a mysterious gold me, leaving not ev ashes behind.


    After traveling t miles with Ji Xiaoyu at the cter, there were no more demon cultivators within a five-mile radius.


    She had in over a hundred Core Formation Realm cultivators and more than three hundred Foundation Establishmt Realm cultivators in one breath!


    This was just what Gu An had se; she had already be fighting for a long time before he arrived.


    Ji Xiaoyu hovered in the air, holding swords in both hands, slightly gasping for breath, sweat seeping from her pale forehead.


    She suddly turned her head, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    Following her gaze, countless indescribable demons and evil spirits appeared like a ck sea from the horizon, dsely packed and covering the sky, utterly uncountable.


    In the forefront of the army of demons, there was a man in a ck robe standing on a bone sword, holding a ck g.


    "Ji Family''s Qilin Step, Heav and Earth Path Gang, Heavly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form, you have mastered so many powerful methods at such a young age. If you are allowed to grow further, you might one day overshadow everyone else," a chilling voice from the man in the ck robe rose, followed by a terrifying pressure that veloped all beings.

 Chapter 87: Chapter 87 Angry Gu An, Lv Baitian Arrives

    While picking herbs, Gu An heard the words of the man in the ck robe and couldn''t help but look up. With a clear view, he could directly see the man''s face, so he st a Life Span Detection toward him.


    I really want to see what your cultivation level is, boy, to be talking so big!


    [Xu Jue (Void Crossing Realm Nine Layers): 98/00/300]


    Void Crossing Realm Nine Layers!


    Impressive!


    Gu An looked from afar and had no inttion of making a move, as the Ji Family might have a Great Cultivator watching over Ji Xiaoyu.


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at Xu Jue with an indiffert expression and showed no fear of his nearly overwhelming presce. Above her head, the Heavly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form began to descd, th stood erect and hovered behind her while sections of dragons emerged from it, circling a her, making her seem like the master of dragons, majestic and powerful.


    Xu Jue, seeing Ji Xiaoyu preparing for battle, showed a disdainful smile.


    He raised the ck g in his hand, about to speak, wh a cold snort resounded through heav and earth.


    "Xu Jue, as the Vice Sect Hierarch of the Wanyin Sect, are you not ashamed to bully a junior?"


    Vice Sect Hierarch of the Wanyin Sect?


    Gu An recalled that Lin Futian had mtioned that Xu Ruye''s father was already the Vice Sect Hierarch of the Wanyin Sect.


    So it was him.


    As Gu An thought this, he continued moving forward.


    Xu Jue raised an eyebrow and snorted, "Ji Ch, I didn''t expect you toe as well. It''s time to settle our grudge!"


    He leapt up into the thunderclouds; immediately afterward, deafing thunder rumbled from the clouds, and the boundless thunderclouds began to churn violtly. asionally, beams of light pierced through the cloud sea and rained down onto the Mortal World.


    The mighty roar of demons filled the air as they all rushed toward the Third Medicine Valley like wild beasts breaking free from their reins.


    The aura of these demons and evil ghosts was strong, and they dashed through the sky, creating an oppressive atmosphere.


    Ji Xiaoyu raised her sword, and the dragons within the Heavly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form immediately burst forth and tered the demon army, unstoppable.


    But the number of demons and evil ghosts was simply too great. The dragons couldn''t kill them all and, after rampaging for over a doz miles, dissipated along with their Spiritual Power.


    Gu An tered the forest to clear the snow in the gard area. Many herbs were crushed by the snow, which deeply pained him, and simultaneously, his killing intt began to grow.


    Fight if you must, make noise if you must, but don''t destroy my herbs!


    Gu An''s heart trembled.


    While he grieved over the herbs, Ji Xiaoyu had be sured by demons. She no longer used spells but fought with the twin swords in her hands, one sword per demon, one sword per monster, her momtum like a rainbow.


    Other disciples from the Core Formation Realm hade to support her, assisting her, but the number of disciples was still negligiblepared to the demon army.


    Gugu¡ª


    The voice of the Heav-Swallowing Dark Bird suddly rang out, overshadowing the roaring of all the demons and evil ghosts.


    Gu An felt annoyed. How had this creature not be killed by a Great Cultivator of the Supreme Sect yet?


    Just th.


    Gu An suddly felt something, turned his head, and saw, thirty miles away, a cat demon sliced in half, falling in a gard area, thrashing about in pain and crushing many herbs.


    His gaze intsified, and a Sword Qi emerged from the g, killing the cat demon.


    He looked up and saw ev more demons falling, like rain sprinkling over the area of the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An''s expression turned grim, and he shifted his right foot to the side.


    Meanwhile.


    The battle in the sky continued fiercely.


    Gu Yu, holding a long whip that swung like a dragon, shouted loudly, "Fellows, do any of you have backers? Call them quickly. My dad is blocking the demon leader at Cold Poison Valley!"


    All the disciples involved in the battle were from the Gu and Ji families, each with substantial backgs. Without needing his urging, some had already tak out treasure to summon help. In momts, various streaks of light and spectacrly dazzling Spirit Light burst forth, crisscrossing the battlefield.


    In the midst of the battle, Ji Xiaoyu suddly looked down, herplexion slightly changing. She saw gre lights emerging from the mountains and ins below, rapidly growing like a vast gre ocean about to surge from beath the earth, spectacrly scic.


    In the distance.


    Elder Tian, who was meditating under a tree, suddly oped his eyes and turned his head toward the direction of the battlefield, frowning.


    "Such vast Spiritual Power... Is it from the Gu family or the Ji family?"


    Elder Tian was puzzled; he could feel that this vast Spiritual Power was meant to protect this Medicine Valley, so he was not rmed and continued to practice.


    The gre Spiritual Power covered half the area of the Third Medicine Valley, and ev the Servant Disciples near the attic area could see this sce from afar.


    "What is that?"


    "Is this sorcery?"


    "It seems like it''s protecting our Medicine Valley; it must be one of our own."


    "What exactly is happing over there?"


    ¡­


    At the edge of the Third Medicine Valley, on top of a mountain, Sh Zh stood at the cliff. From her vantage point, she could overlook the vast sea of Spiritual Power.


    She immediately took out paper and a p and began to draw.


    Suddly, her pupils abruptly constricted. She saw countless gre Sword Qi burst forth from the gre sea of Spirit Power. Innumerable gre Sword Qi soared into the sky, spectacr beyond measure.


    Shoo! Shoo! Shoo¡­


    The sound of Sword Qi tearing through the air echoed through heav and earth. The disciples from the Gu and Ji families were shocked and quickly dodged, but they soon realized that all the Sword Qi was targeting the demons. One by one, demons and evil ghosts were exterminated, and bursts of blood-red fireworks bloomed in the air, hauntingly beautiful.


    Ji Xiaoyu stopped, looking a at the gre Sword Qi, her heart filled with awe.


    What kind of sorcery is this?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Spiritual Power contained in these swords Qi was something she could only dream of reaching, and she felt that ev her great-grandfather was far from its match.


    The gre Sword Qi did more than just soar into the sky; it also pursued and killed demons.


    In less than t breaths of time, heav and earth fell silt.


    Countless gre Sword Qi hovered in the air, shrouded in a blood mist, yet they could not be obscured.


    As the Sword Qi dissipated, no demons or evil spirits were to be se.


    All the disciples involved in the battle were shocked, staring nkly a them.


    In the mountains and forests.


    Gu An exhaled softly.


    This wave of attacks drained quite a bit of ergy, not only inunching it but also in controlling the Sword Qi to avoid harming the Supreme Sect disciples.


    Looking at the frzied pop-ups in front of him, his face darked.


    [You have sessfully seized two years of lifespan from the Restful Cat Demon (Tier 3)]


    [You have sessfully seized one year of lifespan from the Flying Winged Snake (Tier )]


    [You have sessfully seized one year of lifespan from the Greedy Dog (Tier )]


    ...


    All were either one year or two years of lifespan, with the two-year instances being extremely rare.


    The lifespans of those evil spirits werepletely abst!


    What''s going on?


    Gu An furrowed his brows. He thought of therge banner in Xu Jue''s hands. Could it be that these demi-demons were not normal living beings?


    Thinking about it, it made sse. This was the Inner Sect, how could the Demon Path possibly lead so many demons and ghosts here? It was only feasible if a powerful Demon Cultivator broke in and summoned them with some sorcery.


    Nevertheless, Gu An''s lifespan began to increase rapidly, as the quantity of these demons was notable.


    At this momt, Gu An suddly felt an urge to ughter wildly.


    Such a method would elerate his lifespan gain!


    But he still suppressed this thought. Excessive ughter could easily bring about disaster; he should maintain his previous path of gaining strgth, quietly and without emies.


    Since he was not yet clear about how far the highest realm in the Mortal World was from him, it was best to be cautious before bing invincible.


    Putting himself in others'' shoes, if he saw an ant growing rapidly by devouring other insects on the g, he would surely take action to eliminate it. Just like the ant couldn''t see him above, he couldn''t see higher realms or Immortals.


    As long as the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill could still be upgraded, it meant that there were still people in the world who could see through its hidd techniques.


    Keep it steady, don''t be reckless!


    Gu An¡ªrelying solely on nting flowers and herbs¡ªmight not have the fastest growth speed, but it was definitely the most stable. Picking and nting simultaneously, he could grow stronger without any emies over the years.


    No longer overthinking, he continued to check for herbs in the mountain forest, pushing aside the umted snow.


    Wh all notifications had settled, he gained more than fifty thousand years of lifespan in one breath.


    He had just se that the army of demons numbered at least two hundred thousand, which meant that the majority of them were not living spirits.


    The methods of the Demon Path were truly sinister!


    As the army of demons waspletely annihted, the crisis in the Third Medicine Valley was temporarily alleviated, but the battle betwe Xu Jue and Ji Ch continued above the sea of clouds, with neither able to secure a clear advantage.


    Above the sea of clouds, Xu Jue held a ck banner, sured by immse Demonic Qi, while dazzling gold light shone on his face.


    Following his gaze, ahead hovered a Heavly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form, ev more magnifict than Ji Xiaoyu''s, with a Gold Dragon emerging from it, lifelike as if it were a True Dragon.


    In front of the Heavly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form, a robed man stood suspded, his back to the gold light, rdering his face indiscernible¡ªas if a True Immortal was overlooking the world.


    "Your Demonic Reincarnation Array is nothing but a show of force," Ji Ch said indiffertly. He th raised his hand, and a beam of gold light burst from the Heavly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form behind him, tering his hand and solidifying into a long halberd, emitting a scorching gold me.


    Xu Jue snorted coldly and suddly turned a, transforming into a cloud of Demonic Qi and flying rapidly toward the horizon.


    Ji Ch pursued immediately, with the Gold Dragon leading the way, pulling the bright sun forward like a flock of gold dragons, its light illuminating heav and earth, majestic and awe-inspiring.


    ...


    After Ji Ch and Xu Jue departed, the Third Medicine Valley finally regained its tranquility, and Gu An continued to be busy.


    An ancit hourter.


    Gu An arrived beside a small river, moving all the nearby snow into the river to melt it.


    Suddly, a figure appeared beside him; he pretded to be startled and staggered backward.


    "Is it you? You..."


    Upon seeing the neer''s face, Gu An asked in astonishmt.


    [Lv Baitian (Second Layer of Void Crossing Realm): 4/950/300]


    What kind of speed is this?


    Elder Tian was still dressed in simple clothes, but his body had grown robust, his withered hair fluttering and gradually regaining vitality, ev his skin seemed younger.


    Under Gu An''s gaze, his face rapidly rejuvated by decades, appearing to be just over thirty years old, with  hair swirling like silver threads.


    Is this... a transformation?


    Elder Tian slightly raised his chin, his feet leaving the g, looking down at Gu An, and asked, "Do you hate these practitioners of the Demon Path?"


    Gu An''s mind raced, feigning insecurity and nervousness as he answered, "I do..."


    "Since that is the case, how about I take you to eradicate the Demon Path?" Elder Tian proposed.


    "Who... who exactly are you?"


    "Elder Tian was just a temporary name I took. I am named Lv Baitian; have you heard of me?"

 Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Become My Apprentice, and You Will Be the Next Sect Leader

    Good...acting!


    Gu An stared nkly at the arrogant Lv Baitian, thinking to himself.


    Lv Baitian tilted his jaw ev higher, thinking his grandeur had stunned the kid.


    "Could it be that you are the former Sect Leader who sumbed to demonic deviation?" Gu An feigned shock as he asked.


    Demonic deviation...


    A twitch crossed Lv Baitian''s face, and he snorted, "That was inttional on my part."


    "But you are only at the Energy Cultivation Realm now, how can you wipe out the Demon Path?"


    "Kid, I merelypressed my spiritual power into my primordial spirit, pretding to be deviated, just to show those people what Supreme Sect would be without me," said Lv Baitian, his tone filled with contempt, obviously directed at the Hall of Elders.


    Gu An fell silt.


    How many innoct disciples would die in the conflict betwe Lv Baitian and the Hall of Elders?


    "Let''s go."


    Lv Baitian reached out, wanting to grab Gu An''s shoulder, causing him to hastily retreat.


    "I''d rather not go, it''s too dangerous..." Gu An shook his head.


    He had to guard Medicine Valley!


    Lv Baitianughed teasingly, "Don''t you want to see how the battle betwe good and evil will d?"


    Gu An shook his head frantically like a bobblehead, waving his hands as he said, "I''d rather stay and watch over Medicine Valley."


    "Don''t worry, nothing will happ to your Medicine Valley. The aura I''ve just released has already attracted a Great Cultivator here," Lv Baitian said, no longer referring to himself as ''this seat'', his tone now warmer.


    Gu An truly felt the presce of a Void Crossing Realm aura rapidly closing in.


    The Supreme Sect has such a profound foundation; how many Void Crossing Realm Cultivators are they hiding?


    Lv Baitian made another move, and although Gu An could see his actions, it was not good to evade, so he had toply.


    Grabbing Gu An''s shoulder, Lv Baitian vanished into thin air with him.


    During the process of being grabbed, Gu An ran his Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill to the maximum, concealing his Gold Core and Primordial Spirit, making himself appear a guine Foundation Establishmt Realm Cultivator.


    The fact was, he was worrying too much, as Lv Baitian had no inttion of examining his physical body.


    After t breaths, Lv Baitian stopped, bringing Gu An to a grand hall.


    The hall was spacious, and the stone pirs on both sides were twined with familiar Divine Beasts like True Dragons, Phoixes, Qilins, and other Divine Beasts that Gu An did not recognize.


    Lv Baitian let go, moving forward with a step, leaving a stce behind, "Wait here for me, my powers have not fully recovered."


    Gu An could tell that he hadn''t reached his peak simply by using Life Span Detection, yet hearing such words from Lv Baitian seemed far-fetched.


    You hav''t recovered and still you put on an act before me?


    And you released your aura, not fearing that your adversaries might take this chance to finish you off?


    Wait, could this rash man have brought him along because he had discovered he was Sword Verable Fudao?


    Once Gu An considered this, a cold sweat broke out on him.


    He watched Lv Baitian ascd the steps, sitting on a gold chair like an emperor, looking down on all.


    He could see that Lv Baitian was indeed cultivating, as the spiritual power inside him was being released rapidly.


    The hall fell into silce, and Gu An pondered over Lv Baitian''s inttions.


    After a while, Gu An ssed two presces rapidly approaching, one of which was familiar to him.


    An Hao!


    The aura of the other person had reached the Unification Realm!


    He did not look back but instead walked to one of the side pirs to wait.


    Secondster, two figures flew into the hall.


    Gu An nced up and immediately performed a Life Span Detection.


    [Lei Zh (Unification Realm Layer One): 465/700/0]


    Lei Zh?


    Gu An had never heard of him and thought that it would be Sect Leader Chu Tianqi who woulde.


    It seemed that Chu Tianqi''s cultivation level might be ev higher.


    Gu An felt his own Unification Realm Nine Layers cultivation level was not that stable.


    After this cmity, he''d have to work ev harder to hoard life span!


    Being the strongest in Supreme Sect wasn''t ough; he also had to survive the uing Demon Cmity. Thinking of this, Gu An felt pressured.


    "Lv Baitian, you''re actually still alive!"


    Lei Zh spoke as he walked towards Lv Baitian, his voice booming like a bell.


    He had a broad frame, clothed in spldid ck robes, with a mysterious and fierce beast''s head on his back, mouth containing pale thunder, adding an ev more domineering air to his appearance.


    The sixte-year-old An Hao had grown taller, dressed in a tight blue robe, with long hair tied high, and two strands of hair flying like sword winds, his handsome face unable to hide the sharpness in his eyes.


    Gu An felt gratified looking at how he had turned out.


    He''s really grown handsome, like me.


    An Hao noticed his gaze and looked towards him, giving a slight nod.


    "Lei Zh, do you wish for me to be alive or dead?" Lv Baitian''s voice rose, his eyes remained closed, his tone ev more indiffert and pressuring than wh he faced Gu An.


    Lei Zh stood in the hall observing Lv Baitian, narrowed his eyes, and said, "A Void Crossing Realm, it seems you were indeed affected."


    Lv Baitian did not respond.


    The atmosphere in the hall grew subtly tse.


    Meanwhile, An Hao came by Gu An''s side, transmitting his voice, "Brother, who is this Lv Baitian?"


    Gu An looked at him incredulously.


    You don''t know yet you came?


    An Hao th transmitted, "I was brought here against my will. My master asked Elder Lei to protect me, and we were evacuating, but suddly Elder Lei turned on us and brought me here."


    Gu An couldn''t help but transmit a message asking, "In their presce, do you think our Sound Transmission Skill is of any use?"


    Upon hearing this, An Hao couldn''t help but nce at Lei Zh.


    Lei Zh''s robes fluttered slightly as a terrifying aura brewed a him, ready to erupt at any momt.


    "Lv Baitian, since you have faked your death, you''d better note back. Supreme Sect doesn''t need you."


    After Lei Zh''s words fell, the great hall''s doors thunderously closed, and an immse aura veloped the tire hall, causing An Hao''s breath to catch.


    "In front of the junior, you want to make a move on me, a former Sect Leader?"


    Lv Baitian''s voice sounded, his eyes remaining closed from beginning to d.


    Lei Zh stepped forward and said, "Let him witness the cruelty of the Immortal Cultivation World!"


    He suddly charged towards Lv Baitian, raising his right palm to strike toward the top of Lv Baitian''s skull.


    Boom!


    The collision of two powerful Spiritual Powers created a terrible gust, shaking the tire hall violtly, while Gu An pretded to barely withstand it.


    An Hao shifted his position to stand in front of Gu An, using his own Spiritual Power to contd against the pressure, protecting him.


    This kid ...


    Gu An looked at An Hao''s figure in front of him and felt a surge of relief.


    Although An Hao was only sixte, he had reached the Fifth Layer of the Foundation Establishmt Realm, and in terms of aura, Gu An felt that he was already not inferior to Cultivators at the Eighth Layer of the Foundation Establishmt Realm.


    Unfortunately, he faced the aura of the Unification Realm.


    An Hao clched his teeth, but ev so, he was forced to retreat by thebined pressure of Lei Zh and Lv Baitian.


    Gu An seemed to sse something, his gaze shifting to the front, only to see Lei Zh, who was on the offsive, trembling all over, his aura rapidly weaking, while another aura was escting at an exaggerated rate.


    Lv Baitian!


    "You... it''s impossible..."


    Lei Zh suddly cried out in shock, his tone incredulous and filled with despair.


    The sitting Lv Baitian slowly stood up, his feet leaving the g as he levitated and looked down upon him.


    Lv Baitian''s expression was so cold.


    Ninth Layer of the Void Crossing Realm!


    Lv Baitian''s Cultivation Level had soared several levels in an instant, not only that, but he was also breaking through to the Unification Realm. To be precise, he was merely releasing his true strgth.


    An Hao too was captivated by Lv Baitian''s figure, his eyes filled with astonishmt.


    "You deceived me... Defying Fate Divine Skill!"


    Lei Zh said with a trembling voice, a mix of shock and anger.


    Lv Baitian looked down at him mockingly and said, "Lei Zh, you are still as impulsive as before. Your recklessness has caused the deaths of many, yet you never learn your lesson. Today, it''s your turn to face the consequces."


    "I was hoping to wait for Chu Tianqi to arrive, but you came to deliver yourself to death first. Since that is the case, I will ept your Cultivation Level. Don''t walk too fast in theherworld; Chu Tianqi will soone to yourpany!"


    As his words ded, Lv Baitian raised his right hand and pressed it against Lei Zh''s forehead.


    Lei Zh struggled desperately, but he couldn''t break free, and not only that, Gu An could see his Primordial Spirit also struggling.


    Lv Baitian was using an unimaginable Divine Skill to suppress and th devour Lei Zh''s physical body, Primordial Spirit, and Spiritual Power.


    Gu An watched with a heart pounding in terror.


    What kind of Cultivation Technique was this?


    Boom!


    Lv Baitian''s aura climbed to new heights, while Lei Zh knelt on the g, his body visibly withering away at a rapid pace, his wild ck hair quickly turning .


    First Layer of the Unification Realm!


    At the same time, Gu An and An Hao felt the pressure on them sharply decrease as Lv Baitian began to conceal his aura, sparing them from difficulty.


    An Hao let out a sigh of relief, standing in front of Gu An, quietly watching.


    Gu An felt helpless in his heart; he had taught the boy too little. In such a situation, this kid didn''t think to flee but instead continued to watch the spectacle, leaving Gu An with nothing to say.


    Lv Baitian''s aura soared higher and higher, while conversely, Lei Zh''s aura rapidly declined, the trembling of the hall beginning to subside.


    After a while.


    Lei Zh''s Spiritual Power waspletely drawn out by Lv Baitian, and wh Lv Baitian withdrew his hand, his body fell backwards and th rolled down the stairs.


    He struggled to lift his head, his weaked face filled with pain.


    He raised his hand towards Lv Baitian as if to plead for mercy.


    Lv Baitian lifted his right hand and flicked his index finger. A bloody Strgth Energy burst forth, piercing through Lei Zh''s forehead, scattering his Primordial Spirit.


    Gathering Spirit Divine Finger!


    Gu An ssed that Lv Baitian''s aura had reached the Third Layer of the Unification Realm, and there was still an outpouring of Great Spiritual Power within him.


    That is to say, Lv Baitian''s Cultivation Level was definitely more than just the Third Layer of the Unification Realm, which was why he was an existce that the tire Demon Path dreaded.


    Gu An became secretly vignt, afraid that Lv Baitian would go mad and attack him.


    After all, Lv Baitian''s son, Lv Xian, was not normal!


    Lv Baitian ignored An Hao, looking towards Gu An with a smile curling at the corner of his mouth, and said, "How about it, do I now have the qualifications to eradicate the Demon Path?"


    Gu An pretded to reply nervously, "You are the Sect Leader, you naturally can..."


    He took a step forward, positioning himself in front of An Hao.


    "Gu An, take me as your master, and you will be the next Sect Leader!" Lv Baitian looked down at Gu An, speaking in a tone that brooked no argumt.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An was immediately troubled and responded with a wry smile, "Sect Leader, I am of mediocre talt; no matter how much you cultivate me, I could never achieve a Cultivation Level that would make everyone in the Sect truly convinced. The momt you pass on the leadership to me will be the momt Supreme Sect falls into chaos."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Lv Baitian gave a disdainful smile and said, "What if I were to transfer my Cultivation Level to you before my time is up?"


    That ...


    Gu An suddly found himself at a loss for words.


    But he couldn''t possibly ept the role of Sect Leader!


    Ev the powerful Lv Baitian had be forced to fake death and pass on his position; Gu An certainly didn''t want that trouble.


    Besides, by the time Lv Baitian''s time was nearing its d, his Cultivation Level might not represt much to Gu An!

 Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Turning the Tide: Emperors and Immortals

    An Hao, upon hearing Lv Baitian''s words, couldn''t help but reassess Gu An. In his eyes, Gu An seemed too ordinary. His previous action of standing in front of Gu An was merely an instinctive reaction, after all, his master had also protected him when he was weak.


    How could such a mediocre person be pursued for the position of Sect Leader?


    Facing Lv Baitian''s gaze, Gu An took a deep breath and said, "It still won''t do, Sect Leader. For all the years we''ve spent together in Medicine Valley, please spare me. I truly don''t want to cause trouble; I just want to live a quiet life tending to my grass."


    Upon hearing this, Lv Baitian frowned.


    No one had ever dared to refuse him, and not just once.


    Gu An continued, "The Vice Sect Leader mentioned that you usually only care about cultivating. You probably want to transfer your position to me so I can handle things for you. Why not establish another level above the Elders, limit it to three people, and have all major and minor Sect decisions made by these three, selected from the Hall of Elders, only answering to the Sect Leader?


    Also, ensure that the position of Sect Leader can only be chosen from among these three, so the Hall of Elders won''t oppose it."


    Hearing this, Lv Baitian''s tightly knotted brows rxed. He looked deeply at Gu An without responding, his gaze then turned to An Hao.


    "What is your name, and what rtion do you have with Chu Tianqi?" Lv Baitian asked.


    An Hao immediately responded with a fist and palm salute, "My name is An Hao, I am sixteen years old, and I have been in the Supreme Sect for over three years. Chu Tianqi is my master."


    The kid was smart, intentionally rifying the time he joined the sect and his age.


    It articted his talent and also indicated a shallow rtionship with Chu Tianqi.


    Gu An thought relivedly, if Lv Baitian insisted on killing An Hao, then he would not hold back.


    To be frank, no matter how you looked at it, Lv Baitian was not a fit Sect Leader, but what Chu Tianqi did was even more outrageous.


    "An Hao, are you that Heavenly Spirit Root? The peerless genius who was taken away by the Hall of Elders shortly after entering the Outer Sect?" Gu An seemed to recall something and eximed.


    An Hao nodded, his expression neither humble nor arrogant as he calmly looked at Lv Baitian.


    Lv Baitian sized him up and then said, "If I let you be my disciple, would you be willing?"


    An Hao immediately answered, "Of course I am willing, but I cannot act against my master. Although I have only met him a few times, there is still the name of master and disciple."


    Under someone''s roof, one must bow their head!


    An Hao was very wary of Lv Baitian in his heart; the Cultivation Technique Lv Baitian disyed earlier was too sinister and simr to that of a Demon Cultivator.


    But, he had to survive.


    What was Chu Tianqi?


    His true master was only one!


    Lv Baitianughed, stepped down the stairs, and walked towards Gu An and An Hao.


    "From now on, An Hao, you are my sole direct disciple. As for Gu An, since you do not wish to acknowledge me as your master, I will not force you. After this ordeal is past, if you have any needs, you can still find me. I will visit you often."


    Lv Baitian spoke with a gentle demeanor, his expression and tone no longer as domineering as before, resembling a kind elder.


    He waved his sleeve, and Gu An and An Hao were swept away by his Spiritual Power.


    When An Hao opened his eyes again, he found himself in the sky, standing on a dark cloud, with Lv Baitian in front of him and Gu An beside him.


    Lv Baitian erupted with a terrifying aura, startling the thunderclouds in the sky and causing countless Cultivators in the city below to look up.


    He flicked his finger, and a burst of Strength Energy shot out, crossing tens of miles to annihte a Divinity Transformation Realm Demon Cultivator, obliterating both body and spirit.


    Gathering Spirit Divine Finger!


    The Gathering Spirit Divine Finger he performed was not as loud as when Gu An performed it, but its lethality was no less formidable.


    He soared into the city on clouds, flicking his fingers to kill demons, one demon per finger, unstoppable.


    An Hao was dumbfounded. What kind of Spell was this?


    Gu An felt the aura of Lv Baitian growing stronger, this guy''s Cultivation Level was still increasing.


    More and more people noticed Lv Baitian, the Demon Cultivators were trembling, while the Supreme Sect''s morale soared.


    "Who is that? So powerful!"


    "Wait, isn''t that the former Sect Leader? How could that be!"


    "You mean Sect Master Lu? He is Sect Master Lu?"


    "Hss¡ªThat Demon Cultivator had killed hundreds of Core Formation Realm disciples, and he just annihted him with one finger, what level of cultivation is this?"


    "This aura... my God..."


    A tremendous uproar erupted from the Inner Sect City below, as Gu An and An Hao stood behind Lv Baitian, witnessing his ughter.


    The news of Lv Baitian''s revival spread quickly, with disciples from various Demon Path Sects passing the message. In less than 30 minutes, all the battlegrounds within the Supreme Sect were aware that Lv Baitian had revived and was rampantly ughtering.


    In another Inner Sect City.


    A group of Demon Cultivators was setting up an Array tform amidst ruins. The purple-robed woman at the forefront frowned and asked her disciple in a solemn voice, "Where is Xu Lian Demon Lord? Why hasn''t he formed the array yet?"


    No one could answer her. Other disciples of the Heavenly Extinction Sect were also anxious; they sensed an extremely terrifying aura from afar, causing them to shiver with fear.


    Far away in Mystic Valley, Yang Ni and Li Ya also felt it.


    Standing on top of a mountain, Li Ya frowned and asked, "What realm is this?"


    Yang Ni didn''t answer, for she wasn''t sure either.


    All she could sense was that the aura wasn''t Demonic Qi, but rather righteous and mighty, signifying that the Supreme Sect would likely emerge victorious.


    She was not surprised by this; throughout history, the Supreme Sect had managed to turn dangers into safety. In thisnd, no Immortal Cultivation Sect had stood as long as the Supreme Sect.


    ...


    In Tianya Valley.


    Li Xuandao, Lv Xian, Yi Liuyun, and Luo Hun stood on a mountain top, side by side, looking in the direction of the Supreme Sect.


    "Defying Fate Divine Skill, truly unimaginable, indeed the foremost remarkable skill of this age." Li Xuandao remarked.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Yi Liuyun snorted, "What remarkable skill, it''s clearly an evil skill, and the corruption of the Supreme Sect started from him."


    Lv Xian nodded and said, "The old man isn''t always in seclusion, rather he often pretends to be unaware of many things. I estimate that his feigned death was intended to purge the Supreme Sect and incidentally strike at the Demon Path. This has always been his style; he is too arrogant, believing that with his own cultivation level, he fears no turmoil."


    Speaking of Lv Defeated Sky, his tone wasplex.


    "If that person were still around, Lv Defeated Sky would have a tough time," Yi Liuyun sighed.


    Lv Xian resumed the conversation, the two of them discussing Lv Defeated Sky.


    Li Xuandao looked into the distance, his eyes deep.


    After a long while.


    Realizing that Li Xuandao had been silent for too long, Lv Xian consoled him, "Your Majesty, don''t worry. Although the old man is strong, his aptitude is not as good as mine. Give me time, and I will surpass him eventually!"


    Li Xuandaoughed, "Then you must strive to grow, for I cannot wait forever."


    "On the day I reach Unification, I will take down the old man''s head and present it to Your Majesty!"


    Lv Xian said confidently, making Luo Hun unable to help but give him a sidelong nce.


    ...


    At dusk.


    Gu Annded on the grass in the Third Medicine Valley, looking up to find Lv Defeated Sky and An Hao nowhere in sight.


    He had followed Lv Defeated Sky around the Inner Sect and killed in a circle. Since Lv Defeated Sky said that he did not wish to be the next Sect Leader, he could not let Gu An witness what was toe, thus he had dropped him off along the way.


    Apart from Lei Zhen, Lv Defeated Sky had not encountered other Unification Realm Great Cultivators temporarily, but the strength disyed by Lv Defeated Sky gave Gu An a sense of crisis.


    Now the two of them were on good terms, which was fine, but what if they broke off?


    Gu An could feel that Lv Defeated Sky possessed a strong killing intent, which wasn''t present when he had taken the guise of Elder Tian.


    It must be said, this guy really could restrain his nature, making him the most terrifying kind of person.


    While thinking, Gu An began examining the nearby herbs.


    It wasn''t long before a figure flew over andnded beside him, it was Shen Zhen.


    "The person who brought you back earlier, was that the former Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, Lv Defeated Sky?" Shen Zhen asked curiously, her voice tinged with excitement.


    Gu An nodded and asked, "Why? Are you very interested?"


    "Of course, he is the lifelong enemy my father acknowledged. How did hee back to life? What did you see while following him?" Shen Zhen was beyond excited, even taking out paper and pen.


    Gu An couldn''t help but roll his eyes and said, "Big sister, could you gather intelligence a bit more subtly? You''re brave, but I''m scared. I don''t want to be treated as a traitor."


    He always felt that Shen Zhen was not so naive or simple, but she had no reason to harm him; therefore, there was only one possible exnation.


    Machiavellian!


    She probably just liked to see others in awkward situations.


    Shen Zhen was relentless, pestering Gu An continuously until he could no longer bear it.


    "If you keep following me, I''m going to write ''Medical Hero Travelogue,'' and you''ll be the first woman the protagonist meets. I''ll even draw it, definitely more lifelike than what you draw!" Gu An red and said.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Zhen''s face instantly turned red. She red at Gu An, stomped her foot in humiliation, and then turned and flew away.


    Gu An was stunned, wondering why she didn''t scold him.


    This expression didn''t seem like anger.


    Gu An shook his head in amusement and continued checking the medicine valley.


    The moon rose as the sun set.


    The night was not peaceful for the Supreme Sect. By the time Gu An returned to Mystic Valley, he could feel powerful Divine Senses sweeping by intermittently, the Demon Qi and Demon Energy waning, indicating the Supreme Sect was likely victorious.


    Under the moonlight, kes of snow began to drift down.


    Gu An and Li Ya sat on the doorstep, speaking softly about the history of the Supreme Sect, mostly with Li Ya speaking and Gu An asking questions.


    They continued until dawn when Li Ya''s Inner Sect Disciple Token received an order, summoning all Inner Sect Disciples back to the city, making it necessary for him to bid farewell to Gu An.


    After Li Ya left, Gu An looked towards Yang Ni and transmitted his voice, "The great war between righteousness and evil is about to end, aren''t you going back too?"


    Yang Ni nced at him and also used the Sound Transmission Skill to ask, "When did I say I would only protect you until the end of this battle?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "From now on, I''ll stay by your side; that''s Li Xuandao''s intention."


    "Really?"


    "You can go ask him if you like."


    Gu An was silent for a moment, then continued by transmitting his voice, "Is His Majesty powerful?"


    He wanted to understand Li Xuandao from others'' perspectives.


    Li Xuandao aspired to be an eternal Emperor, but was suppressed by the Immortal Cultivation Sects, with the most powerful and influential person in these sects not being Lv Defeated Sky?


    Li Xuandao also poached Lv Defeated Sky''s son, Lv Xian; Gu An sensed that a confrontation between these two was inevitable.


    With Li Xuandao''s talents, it was indeed possible for him to rise to power.


    His public identity was only at the Core Formation realm, perhaps to guard against Lv Defeated Sky.


    Isn''t their confrontation a sh between sovereign and Immortal paths?


    "In terms of cultivation level, mediocre; but as for imperial tactics, he is indeed formidable," Yang Ni transmitted back with a mocking tone, clearly harboring resentment towards Li Xuandao.


    Just as Gu An was about to inquire further, he suddenly sensed something and then spoke out, "Help me guard the Medicine Valley for another half day; I need to make a trip to the Outer Sect City."


    There was a fish from the Demon Path that had slipped through the nearby!

 Chapter 90: Chapter 90: As Time Passes, Ranked in the Venerable Pavilion

    Generally, Gu An was not interested in cultivators from the Demon Path and avoided them as much as possible, but there was one exception.


    That was Xu Jue!


    Xu Jue previously led a demon army to besiege Ji Xiaoyu, allowing Gu An to gain over 50,000 years of life span, and Gu An was deeply impressed by him.


    After leaving Mystic Valley, Gu An flew towards the direction of the Outer City. He had flown a great distance before he utilized the Great Yin-Yang Transformation, turning into a demon shadow, and disappeared into the forests, stepping on the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step.


    Two hundred miles away from Mystic Valley, in a dense forest, Xu Jue was meditating under a tree. His hair was unkempt, wearing a tattered ck robe, and he was in a very sorry state.


    Small gs wrapped around him, and a faintly visible protective barrier shielded him.


    The Vice Sect Hierarch of the Wanyin Sect suddenly changed hisplexion, and then he spat out a mouthful of ck blood onto the grass, causing the weeds to wither and emit wisps of ck smoke.


    "Damn Ji Family..."


    Xu Jue gritted his teeth, his tone filled with hatred.


    During the pursuit by Ji Chen, he had also encountered an attack by other Great Cultivators of the Ji Family, nearly losing his life, and he felt somewhat frightened upon recalling the event.


    The Demon Path, uniting the power of the five sects--Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, Ancient Sky Sect, Wanyin Sect, Heavenly Extinction Sect, Cold Poison Valley--was repelled in just one day, and the power of the Supreme Sect chilled Xu Jue''s heart.


    Xu Jue thought of the Ji Family members within his sect, and he suddenly wanted to return and kill all the Ji Family Cultivators.


    However, just thinking about the strength of the Ji Family, he sighed.


    Forget it.


    Just endure a bit longer!


    One day, he would annihte the entire Ji Family!


    As Xu Jue was lost in thought, a strong gust of wind suddenly attacked from deep within the forest, causing him to instinctively look over.


    Boom!


    The formation around him suddenly shattered, and a purplish-ck figure appeared out of nowhere in front of him, pressing a finger to his temple, an overwhelming aura enveloping him and leaving him unable to move.


    "Demon Shadow Divine Skill... which expert from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion are you?"


    Xu Jue''splexion drastically changed, and he asked cautiously.


    Could there be such a powerful existence in the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?


    He was at the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm, and even though he was seriously injured, his level was not something that a Void Crossing Realm could suppress.


    "I have a question for you," Gu An spoke, his voice hoarse.


    Xu Jue breathed a sigh of relief on the inside, responding politely, "Senior, please go ahead!"


    Damn Thousand-Autumn Pavilion!


    I must lead the Wanyin Sect to tten you!


    All of a sudden, Gu An remembered that Xu Jue was Xu Ruye''s father, and Xu Ruye had died at his hand.


    "Never mind."


    As soon as Gu An''s voice rang out, a burst of sword qi flowed through his fingertip, piercing Xu Jue''s temple, and then severely damaging his Primordial Spirit.


    Xu Jue''s pupils dted, and before his body hit the ground, Gu An employed the Soul Capturing Skill to search his memory.


    The spells of Jiang Qiong''s sect were all very useful, and Gu An could use them for a long time.


    The memories of someone at the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm were immensely vast, but Gu An only searched for the spells rted to the demon army, and just from yesterday, making it easy to look up.


    Thirty minutester.


    Gu An withdrew his hand, and Xu Jue copsed to the ground.


    [You have sessfully seized 153 years of life span from Xu Jue (Void Crossing Realm Ninth Layer)]


    Not bad, the life span burst is high!


    Gu An suddenly found Xu Jue pleasing to the eye; he took Xu Jue''s storage bag and then incinerated his corpse into ashes.


    After doing all this, he then departed.


    He didn''t return to Mystic Valley, but actually went to the Outer City.


    Outside the Outer City, a majestic giant mountain had appeared, which on closer inspection was actually the corpse of a giant bird.


    A Heaven-Swallowing Dark Bird!


    Its corpsey on the ground, thousands of feet tall, evenrger than the surrounding mountains.


    Gu An rode his flying sword, looking from afar, his heart filled with curiosity. Where did such a gigantic beast live on ordinary days?


    He felt that the Taicang Dynasty probably didn''t have a habitat for this bird, guessing it was captured by the Demon Path from outside the nine dynasties.


    After the great battle, every gate of the Outer City had be more strict, carefully inspecting each disciple entering and leaving.


    After Gu An entered the city, he first went to look for Ye Lan.


    He encountered Ye Lan on patrol on a street.


    "Senior brother, why have youe?" When Ye Lan saw Gu An, her cold face immediately burst into a smile, and her subordinates tactfully dispersed. They had seen Gu An before and knew the rtionship between the two.


    "Came to see you, how are you, not injured, right?"


    Gu An asked with concern, and Ye Lan shook her head, then took him aside and started talking about yesterday''s events.


    After yesterday''s great battle, the Outer City suffered heavy casualties, mainly because a terrifying demon named the Underworld Demon Emperorunched an attack within the city, causing the formation of the Outer City to be breached and leading to a tough battle.


    Eventually, the Underworld Demon Emperor left, bing a shadow in the hearts of everyone in this Outer City.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An felt even more the cruelty of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Fortunately, the people he cared about were all unharmed.


    After chatting with Ye Lan for a while, Gu An said his farewells and left.


    He went to the surroundings of the Heavenly Repair tform, where there were much fewer people than before, and most of those left were injured.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera was still there, and her body was stained with blood, as if she truly was a disciple fighting for the Supreme Sect.


    It seemed that she was not part of the same group as the Demon Path or the Underworld Demon Emperor.


    After inspecting the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An went to find Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong was within the mansion. After Gu An closed the door, he looked at her and asked, "Didn''t you say that this city would not be implicated?"


    Jiang Qiong sat on a chair, herplexion ill-looking; her qi-blood was unstable, and she clearly had been injured as well.


    "The situation has changed. The intelligence I received was false. It seems that Thousand-Autumn Pavilion has already begun to suspect me," Jiang Qiong said somberly after taking a deep breath.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An felt a surge of joy and said, "In that case, why not abandon the dark and seek the light, and sever ties with Thousand-Autumn Pavilion altogether!"


    He had too many spy identities, and he himself felt guilty; he needed to discard some.


    Jiang Qiong shook her head and said, "It''s not that easy."


    Gu An did notfort her but asked, "By the way, did the Sword Venerable Fudao appear?"


    He was very concerned about who was impersonating him!


    "Fake. That person is not the Sword Venerable Fudao at all but a spy from the Demon Path who had been lurking in the Supreme Sect for hundreds of years. iming to be Sword Venerable Fudao, once the Demon Path understood his background, their wariness decreased, and theyunched a great war," she said.


    Jiang Qiong couldn''t help massaging her temples as she mentioned this.


    Gu An asked in astonishment, "The Demon Path is harming each other? Or has that person degenerated, bing bait for the Supreme Sect?"


    Jiang Qiong shook her head and said, "I''m not sure. My mind is a mess right now. It is said that Chu Tianqi has already fled, and Lv Baitian, who had died, took over as sect leader again, prepared to investigate the entire Supreme Sect. For the time being, you should visit me less often. I need to address the thorough investigation ordered from above.


    This morning, I received a message that the Venerable Pavilion will soon be established within the Supreme Sect, ranking above the Hall of Elders. The Sword Venerable Fudao is one of them, and the sect leader will also select three people from the Hall of Elders to join the Venerable Pavilion."


    "The Venerable Pavilion will re-govern the Supreme Sect and eradicate any improper practices."


    Lv Baitian truly listened to Gu An''s advice.


    It''s good to follow good advice!


    Gu An proposed this not only to deal with Lv Baitian but also in genuine hopes of improving the Supreme Sect. Since Lv Baitian was too busy to manage, it was better to let others do it.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There were too many people in the Hall of Elders, and by the time their opinions were unified, it was already chaotic below. The establishment of the Venerable Pavilion should relieve some of the Supreme Sect''s distress.


    Then, Jiang Qiong took out a storage bag, saying it contained high-rank seeds she had obtained in exchange for eighty percent of her savings. All of them were above the fifth rank. She urged him to visit her again when these herbs matured.


    It meant they would not see each other for several years.


    It seems the situation Jiang Qiong faced was very perilous; neither Thousand-Autumn Pavilion trusted her, nor was it impossible for the Supreme Sect to track her down.


    She truly was treading on thin ice.


    Gu An could only wish her good luck in his heart before leaving with the storage bag, his mood uplifted.


    ...


    The siege of the Supreme Sect by the five Demon Sects swept through the Immortal Cultivation World like a whirlwind, shaking the entire Taicang Dynasty.


    The strength of the Supreme Sect also made the entire Demon Path tremble, and in the following period, the Immortal Cultivation World fell into an eerie calm.


    After Lv Baitian reassumed leadership, he decisively founded the Venerable Pavilion, weakening the power of the Hall of Elders and thoroughly investigating Demon Path spies, executing over a thousand of them.


    After Chu Tianqi fled, the Chu family faced Lv Baitian''s furious retaliation. Every descendant of the Chu family within the sect was suppressed¡ªsome died, some were imprisoned, and some disciplined young disciples had their cultivation removed, received a curse seal, and were sent to the Outer Sect as servant disciples.


    Mystic Valley weed a Chu surnamed servant disciple.


    And it was someone Gu An knew.


    Chu Jingfeng!


    When Gu An had just entered the Supreme Sect, he was attacked by a Demon of Greed in Medicine Valley. At that time, Cheng Xuandan summoned the Inner Sect Disciple Chu Jingfeng, who ended up breaking an arm andter helped Gu An clear the evil cultivators around Mystic Valley allied with the Demon of Greed.


    Seeing Chu Jingfeng across from him, his face aged, made Gu An deeply mncholic.


    Thest time they talked, Chu Jingfeng promised him that he could seek the Chu Family''s help if he ever encountered any troubles.


    As time changed, the Chu Family hadpletely fallen.


    Chu Jingfeng still kept his one-armed figure, wearing tattered clothes, his hair messy, his face covered with stubble, looking disheveled and deste.


    "Brother Chu, as long as one is alive, there is still hope. Work hard, and as long as you behave well, the upper echelons might revoke your punishment," Gu An said, trying tofort him.


    Wuxin had quietly left, and now that he was in charge of Mystic Valley again, he needed to cultivate new talents.


    He felt that Chu Jingfeng was a good choice.


    If Chu Jingfeng behaved wellter, he might teach him Daoist Expansion Skill that Wuxin had passed to him.


    Daoist Expansion Skill relied on umting Spiritual Power to break limits; maybe it could save the crippled Chu Jingfeng.


    Chu Jingfeng numbly nodded, not saying a word.


    Gu An did not make it difficult for him, exined some matters, and then let him leave.


    When Chu Jingfeng left the room, he even closed the door behind him, his manner very humble; but from his demeanor, Gu An saw not respect but despair.


    s!


    Poor thing!


    Gu An shook his head, picked up a pen, and began to write a book.


    A half-year had passed since the great war between the righteous and the demons. Winter went, and spring went, and it was another summer year; he too had turned fifty-one, with many new insights on life, ready to express them in his book.


    Only in the evening did Gu An walk out of the attic, and through the Transmission Array tform, he arrived at the Third Medicine Valley.


    He sensed Shen Zhen inside his own house.


    Since half a year ago when Gu An threatened to write about her in his book, they had cut off contact.


    Her appearance now, could it be that she was here to settle ounts?


    After all, being a Holy Daughter, how could she not care about her face?


    As Gu An thought this, he walked upstairs to find Shen Zhen.


    Upon entering the room, he saw Shen Zhen sitting at a table, wearing a veil, doing nothing, just calmly looking at him.


    Something was off!


    Not like her usual self!


    Could she be about to lose her mind?


    Hurriedly, Gu An closed the door, then turned to look at her, about to ask, but she preemptively asked, "Have you started writing ''Medical Hero Travelogue'' yet?"

 Chapter 91: Chapter 91: 700,000-Year Life Span, Ancient Relic Species

    Hearing Shen Zhen''s words, Gu An almost lost hisposure; he quickly rified, "How could that be possible? I was just scaring you; I could never write such a book."


    He had to exin to protect his innocence from being tarnished by Shen Zhen.


    Shen Zhen stared at him as if she wanted to see right through him, while he remained calm and guilt-free.


    "Alright, I believe you," Shen Zhen said softly, but her tone was different from before, making Gu An unable to decipher her thoughts.


    Gu An walked over to the tea table and started heating water for tea.


    Only after he had set a teacup in front of Shen Zhen did she say, "Actually, I came to discuss another matter with you."


    "Speak," Gu An replied, then sat down at the table.


    Shen Zhen began, "It is said that the Elder Tian from the Medicine Valley was actually the current Sect Master Lu Baitian; is that true?"


    Gu An felt there was no need to hide this, so he nodded.


    Speaking of which, since the great battle six months ago, neither Gu Zong nor Ji Hantian had returned, so it was unknown whether they had been dealt with by Lv Baitian.


    Gu Zong was not much of a concern, clearly being part of Lv Baitian''s faction, but Ji Hantian had cursed at Lv Baitian in the Third Medicine Valley and openly expressed his desire to be the sect leader.


    "I would like you to introduce me to Sect Master Lu in my personal capacity, not representing the Daotian Sect," Shen Zhen said, fixing her gaze on Gu An.


    Gu An frowned, showing hesitation.


    Shen Zhen took out a redwood box from her storage bag and said, "This is a sixth-grade spirit tree, Purple Mist Bamboo. A single section can form a bamboo forest, nted at the edge of Medicine Valley it automatically forms a Purple Mist Maze Array, and its bamboo shoots are superior medical ingredients, highly prized."


    "What do you mean by this, what is our rtionship? Is there a need for such gestures?" Gu An said in a deep voice, then put the redwood box into his storage bag, continuing sternly, "For your matter, just a word is enough, and I will help. But do not take this as a precedent!"


    Shen Zhen was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst outughing, covering her mouth with her hand.


    Her eyes really looked beautiful when sheughed.


    Gu An thought to himself that by joking like this, the awkward atmosphere between them dissolved and their subsequent conversation resumed its usual tone.


    After a long talk, Shen Zhen finally left.


    Gu An then began wandering around Medicine Valley, selecting a suitable ce to nt the Purple Mist Bamboo.


    Eventually, he chose to nt it in the southern edge mountains and assigned Tang Yu to specifically guard the area.


    He began to anticipate Lv Baitian''s arrival.


    It was not for Shen Zhen''s sake that he was eager; he was concerned about Lv Baitian''s promise.


    Lv Baitian had said that Gu An could turn to him for anything he needed!


    Gu An, for now, did not desire a fourth Medicine Valley but high-rank medical herb seeds to gradually rece the low-rank ones. If he could fill a hundred-mile radius with high-rank seeds, his life-span ie would see a significant leap.


    If he reached a million-year life span and unlocked new functions, he nned to elevate himself fully!


    Days passed.


    Finally, at the beginning of autumn, Lv Baitian arrived.


    He was dressed in a dragon-embroidered ck robe, his ck hair coiled under a jade crown, his demeanor majestic¡ªa stark contrast to the former Elder Tian, now fully embodying the aura of a sect leader.


    Upon meeting, Gu An immediately threw a Life Span Detection at him.


    [Lv Baitian (Unification Realm Nine Layers): 755/3150/3200]


    Oh boy, he indeed reached the Ninth Layer of the Unification Realm!


    Moreover, his life span was nearing its limit; it was difficult for him to progress further.


    Gu An suddenly thought about something: previously, when Chu Xian deployed the great sacrifice array in the Outer Sect, could it have been prepared for Lv Baitian?


    No, that cannot be¡ªsince Lv Baitian had annihted the Chu Family, it surely wasn''t his doing.


    Gu An pondered this as he greeted Lv Baitian.


    The two entered the house to talk.


    Lv Baitian took out four books from his storage bag, cing them on the table, and said, "Following your suggestion, I established the Venerable Pavilion; here are the four members of the Venerable Pavilion for you to review."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately picked up a book and noticed that it contained not only the members'' names and portraits but also various detailed information, including their life experiences.


    He quickly flipped through it, seemingly in a cursory manner, but in reality, he memorized all the information.


    Thest book was about Sword Venerable Fudao, listing only the name and exploits, known in the Immortal Cultivation World as the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal and revered in the Supreme Sect as Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Sword Venerable Fudao, Gu Gua, Ji Hengshi, Zhou Yu!


    How extravagant¡ªthe three strongest ns of the Taicang Dynasty!


    And they were all of the Unification Realm cultivation level!


    Gu An had yet to meet these three.


    Until now, he had encountered six Unification Realm cultivators: Lv Baitian, Ji Hantian, Gu Gua, Ji Hengshi, Zhou Yu, and Lei Zhen¡ªand these were not even the full strength of the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An always remembered that the strongest of the Supreme Sect was the True Inheritor, who had already left the Taicang Dynasty.


    He wondered if the Supreme Sect had any Supreme Elders?


    While feeling overwhelmed, Gu An asked, "Sect Master, is it appropriate for me to see this kind of thing?"


    Lv Baitian chuckled, "If next time you want to write something like ''Investiture of the Gods,'' you could incorporate the Supreme Sect into it. The depiction of the Supreme Sect in ''Supreme Immortal Venerable'' is quite superficial, not profound enough."


    "I''ll look into itter; let me finish ''Supreme Immortal Venerable'' first," Gu An replied. ''Supreme Immortal Venerable'' had at least five million characters, and he published only one volume a year, each volume about a hundred thousand characters, asionally even taking two years for one volume. The end was still far off.


    The vast ie from the Spirit Stones brought by the Supreme Immortal Venerable was enormous, far surpassing that from the "Investiture of the Gods." He was unwilling to let go of it just yet.


    Lu Baitian smiled but didn''t urge further.


    Gu An timely mentioned Shen Zhen''s request, and Lu Baitian agreed immediately, saying they could meet today without any hesitation.


    Gu An then asked, "Sect Leader, do you still stand by what you told me before?"


    "What? Changed your mind and want to be Sect Leader now?" Lu Baitian asked with narrowed eyes, his tone quite pleased.


    "No, you said I coulde to you anytime I needed something. I want more high-rank medical herbs. I could even help you grow them, and deliver them to you once they''re mature. I want to learn about all sorts of exotic nts and strengthen my path of cultivation through nting," Gu An hurriedly exined.


    The path of cultivation through nting...


    Lu Baitian''s lips twitched, and his gaze was peculiar.


    In the end, Lu Baitian agreed, saying he would send someone with the seeds of the medical herbs after a few days.


    Afterward, Gu An stood up to look for Shen Zhen and bring him to meet Lu Baitian.


    After the two met, Gu An went downstairs and did not disturb their conversation.


    This time, Lu Baitian deployed a restriction that even Gu An couldn''t eavesdrop through.


    The two talked for one ancient hour before dispersing, with Lu Baitian leaving first and Shen Zhen standing beside Gu An, watching him leave.


    Shen Zhen turned to him, smiling, and asked, "Aren''t you curious about what we talked about?"


    Gu An shook his head, "I dare not ask, nor do I want to know. I fear the trouble it might bring."


    "I provided him with a piece of intelligence in exchange for the most powerful musical spell from the Supreme Sect. Once I master it, I''ll perform it for you," Shen Zhen said with a smile. Then, she leapt up and flew towards her cave.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An didn''t think much about it. Whatever Shen Zhen did was her own business, as long as it didn''t threaten him.


    He started looking forward to Lu Baitian''s delivery of high-rank medical herb seeds.


    Five dayster, Lu Baitian''s man arrived, handing Gu An a storage bag. He inspected it with his divine sense.


    The grade was very high, with the quantity reaching up to several hundred thousand seeds. There was also a booklet and a letter inside.


    Gu An returned to his room to read the letter. Lu Baitian wrote that these seeds were provided from his personal resources, not using the wealth of the Supreme Sect. If Gu An grew them well, he could keep half of the profits; if not, he must be his disciple.


    Seeing this, Gu An felt rather helpless.


    He couldn''t understand why Lu Baitian was so adamant about taking him as his disciple.


    Could it be that my personal charm has conquered him?


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, five years passed.


    In these five years, nothing significant happened in the Supreme Sect, and Gu An''s days became quite mundane, with Ye Lan, Shen Zhen, Li Ya, Jiang Qiong, and Gu Yu all busy with their cultivation, rarely seeking him out.


    Although the great battle between good and evil ended quickly, its impact was significant.


    One noon, Gu An used the Teleportation Array to travel to Mystic Valley.


    He was in a good mood, humming a tune.


    He had calcted earlier that his life span ie this year could exceed one hundred thousand, and his current total life span had already surpassed seven hundred thousand years.


    With a million years in life span very close, he was eager to grow stronger.


    Upon arriving at Mystic Valley, he sensed Li Ya''s presence; Li Ya was upstairs drinking tea with Yang Ni.


    Li Ya wasn''t concealed, so Gu An headed straight for the loft.


    After entering, Li Ya was the first to speak, "Junior Brother Gu, I''m preparing to leave the Supreme Sect to undertake trials in the North Sea Mountain, not returning until I reach the Nascent Soul Realm."


    Gu An, curious, asked, "What is the North Sea Mountain?"


    Li Ya smiled and said, "The North Sea Mountain is to the north of the Taicang Dynasty, about the size of the entire dynasty, surrounded by dynasties on all sides. It''s a gathering ce for demons and a ce for cultivators to seek fortune and undergo trials. Of course, it''s also very dangerous."


    Hearing this, Gu An suddenly felt that the North Sea Mountain might be suitable for his next breakthrough.


    Moving from the Nine Layers of Unification Realm to a higher realm was beyond his imagination. It would be best to stay away from the Supreme Sect!


    Yang Ni interjected, "You''re not looking for the North Sea Kun Fish, are you?"


    Li Ya scratched his head and said, "You caught me. News broke out a couple of years ago about a sighting of the North Sea Kun Fish in the North Sea Mountain. I want to check it out, got nothing else to do, and it''s a good chance to escape those arranged by my father."


    Gu An sat down and pressed on, "What''s the North Sea Kun Fish?"


    Yang Ni nced at him and said, "You should still remember the Heaven-Swallowing Dark Bird, right? There exist in this world ancient relic species, different from ordinary demons. They have colossal bodies, and the difficulty of their shape-shifting far surpasses that of the Demon n.


    Because of their gigantic nature, they are revered as Mountain Gods or Sea Gods in various ces and are elusive."


    Gu An grew even more interested and started to inquire about other ancient relic species in the world.


    Yang Ni casually described a few, which made his heart race.


    "Alright, I have to go now. A prodigy named An Hao has recently emerged in the sect. At 22, he''s already preparing for Core Formation, which is unbelievable. I need to work harder on my cultivation and not be his stepping stone," Li Ya said as he stood up.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An also felt that An Hao''s pace of cultivation was indeed fast.


    This showed that Lu Baitian held An Hao in high regard, investing a lot of cultivation resources in him.


    As Gu An pondered, Li Ya jumped out of the window and left.


    An old habit he couldn''t kick!


    Gu An turned to Yang Ni and asked, "He''s gone, what about you?"


    "I''m not leaving. Staying with you to garden seems rather enjoyable and much preferable to constant battling," Yang Ni replied.

 Chapter 92: Chapter 92: The Green Vine Tree Becomes a Spirit, The Realm Above Unification

    In the forest, Gu An was leading Yang Ni in sowing seeds. While he buried the seeds, he looked at the herbs nearby and said, "That''s the Shy Songgrass. Its leaves tend to curl up easily. When the wind passes through, it makes a strange sound, like singing. Often at times like this, you need to help open its leaves to avoid affecting its growth¡­"


    Yang Ni Squatted beside him, listening intently, her eyes filled with curiosity.


    When Li Ya left, Yang Ni said she wanted to stay and nt flowers and herbs. Gu An thought it was a joke, but unexpectedly, she was serious. She started to participate in the nting and would always ask him questions, disying great humility.


    After changing her attitude, Yang Ni began to integrate into Mystic Valley andmunicate with other Servant Disciples.


    Gu An wanted to assimte her and have her truly be one with Mystic Valley, so he taught with great dedication.


    "From now on, you will be in charge of the herbs in this garden. Let''s see what you''re capable of, whether you can protect the garden as well as you protect people," Gu An said with a smile as he got up.


    Instead of refusing, a look of anticipation appeared on Yang Ni''s face.


    Then, Gu An left, leaving Yang Ni alone to observe the garden.


    He returned to Mystic Valley and saw Chu Jingfeng standing in a daze in front of the wooden railing, lost in thought.


    In the many years since Chu Jingfeng had arrived in Mystic Valley, he had always been like this; if Gu An gave him tasks, he would do them, but if Gu An didn''t assign any chores, he would just idle away in a daze.


    Out of consideration for their past rtionship, Gu An decided to lend him a hand.


    "Brother Chu, I''ve just acquired a set of swordsmanship. Would you help me take a look?" Gu An asked with a smile, patting Chu Jingfeng on the shoulder.


    Chu Jingfeng nodded expressionlessly and then followed him into a secluded part of the forest.


    He was also a Sword Cultivator. Although his Cultivation Level had been ruined, his memory remained, so he felt he could be of help to Gu An.


    Contrary to his silence, he was actually very grateful to Gu An inside.


    When he had first arrived, he wished he could crawl into a hole in front of Gu An, but Gu An did not ridicule him. Instead, he treated him very well, and this treatment hadsted for many years, so it couldn''t be just an act. He couldn''t fathom what use he could still have for Gu An, and could only assume Gu An was truly kind-hearted, as the Sect Disciples all spoke highly of him.


    Under Chu Jingfeng''s watchful gaze, Gu An demonstrated the basic sword moves of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword. Even though his motions were clumsy and not smooth, it still brightened Chu Jingfeng''s eyes.


    "Gu¡­ Valley Master, what swordsmanship is this?" Chu Jingfeng asked, holding back his excitement.


    As a swordsman, how could he not be delighted by profound swordsmanship?


    Gu An scratched his head and said, "I don''t know either. This is what a senior passed on to me when I happened to visit the Heavenly Repair tform. He said if I could master this set of swordsmanship, I could be a Sword God in the Mortal World."


    Chu Jingfeng hesitated.


    Gu An smiled and said, "How about it? Do you want to learn? I''ll teach you. I have only one condition, and that is that you be the old you again. I miss the ambitious Chu Jingfeng, who, despite losing his Cultivation Level, could still train in swordsmanship. Haven''t there been legends recorded where people, without Energy Absorption, achieved enlightenment through Sword Enlightment?


    If others can do it, why can''t you?"


    Upon hearing this, Chu Jingfeng''s demeanor shifted, and he struggled internally.


    In the end, he agreed.


    Actually, he never wanted to deteriorate; it was just that he couldn''t find any meaning to continue living.


    Now, he suddenly felt that Gu An''s words made sense. If he lost his Cultivation Level, did that mean he couldn''t train in swordsmanship?


    A Sword Cultivator should face difficulties head-on, shouldn''t they?


    Thus, Chu Jingfeng began to train in the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword. He learned the sword moves at a swift pace, which amazed Gu An and gave Chu Jingfeng increasing confidence.


    ...


    Late at night.


    A dozen miles from Mystic Valley, by the river, Gu An moved some pebbles aside and lifted a stone b, then slipped underneath. The stone b closed immediately after, and the scattered pebbles uncontrobly gathered back together, restoring the area to its state before any disturbance.


    Gu An followed the underground tunnel and arrived at the Eight Scenic Caves.


    A five-zhang-long ck dragon burst out from the subterranean river and rapidly flew to face him.


    As usual, he took out a Demon Sheep corpse andid it on the ground, and the Sky Dragon opened its mouth, spewing fierce mes to roast the sheep.


    "In another two or three years, I will take you out, how about that?" Gu An asked, patting the Sky Dragon''s head with a smile.


    Gu An nned to set the Sky Dragon free on his next breakthrough, allowing it to live in the North Sea Mountain.


    Previously, he had wanted it to practice the Transformation Skill, but unfortunately, there was no such skill. He did pass on the Demon Shadow Divine Skill to the Sky Dragon, but despite several years of practice, it failed to master it.


    Upon hearing about going out, the Sky Dragon immediately stopped roasting the sheep and excitedly inquired where they would go.


    Gu An briefly introduced it to the North Sea Mountain, stirring up even greater longing in the dragon.


    He warned it not to reveal anything about him or the Eight Scenic Caves once it''s out, and it promised to keep the secret.


    In reality, exposure wouldn''t matter; by the time Gu An returned from the North Sea Mountain, he would undoubtedly have surpassed the Unification Realm, and even if the entire Thousand-Autumn Pavilion came, they wouldn''t be able to take his Green Vine Tree.


    Of course, he believed the Sky Dragon would keep its word.


    "You''d better cultivate diligently from now on; don''t get eaten by a demon as soon as you go out," Gu An teased.


    The Sky Dragon lifted its head proudly and said, "How could a dragon possibly be eaten by a demon!"


    Gu An rubbed its dragon head and then moved towards the Green Vine Tree.


    He ced great importance on this seventh-tier Spirit Tree. Every time he came to the Eight Scenic Caves, he would check on it to ensure it didn''t encounter any problems.


    Reaching the base of the tree, Gu An looked up at the branches of the Green Vine Tree.


    As he gazed, he suddenly frowned.


    He noticed a tremor in one of the branches, faint though it was, it had indeed urred.


    Sky Dragon was still roasting sheep not far away; he wasn''t the one ying tricks.


    Could this tree be bing a spirit?


    The more Gu An thought about it, the more he felt it was possible.


    This was after all the Holy Tree of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, bound to be sinister; bing a spirit wasn''t out of the question.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An continued to watch, but the Green Vine Tree did not show any more strange behavior, as if his previous feeling had been an illusion.


    He used his Divine Sense to probe and detected nothing unusual, but by doing so, he could warn the Green Vine Tree not to mess around.


    After staying for half an hour, Gu An finally left.


    He now had one more thing to be wary of, yet instead of worry, he felt a certain anticipation about the Green Vine Tree bing a spirit.


    ...


    Spring came and went, and two years passed by.


    Gu An''s lifespan had reached nine hundred and fifty thousand years, and he felt that he could reach a million years by the end of the year, which filled him with anticipation, keeping his spirits up all year long.


    One day, Ye Lan came to Mystic Valley to visit Gu An.


    The two stood in front of the pavilion window, watching the busy disciples while chatting.


    Ye Lan spoke of recent major events in the Immortal Cultivation World, and Gu An listened with great interest.


    A new sect had emerged in the Immortal Cultivation World, known as the Ephemera Sect. Nobody knew where the Ephemera Sect was located, but its cultivators constantly invaded various sects of the Demon Path, seizing cultivation techniques, spells, treasures, and the like, causing the Demon Path to fall into turmoil. In contrast, the sects of the Righteous Path remained unaffected.


    Some said that the Ephemera Sect was supported by the Supreme Sect because one of the Ephemera Sect''s Great Demon Cultivators, who used leaves to y his enemies, resembled the Supreme Sect''s Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Hearing this, Gu An was annoyed; why was someone else riding on his fame?


    "You''ve spoken about so many events, yet none targeted the Supreme Sect. It seems we have indeed established a powerful reputation," Gu An said with a smile.


    He was genuinely pleased; the more peaceful the Supreme Sect was, the better, since he could strengthen himself by nting flowers and herbs.


    After nting for another fifty years, there probably wouldn''t be anyone in the Taicang Dynasty stronger than him, right?


    Ye Lan thought for a moment, then said, "Actually, there is one. A cultivator in the Immortal Cultivation World who calls himself Ghost Thief has appeared, straddling both righteousness and evil.


    He used to rob the rich to aid the poor, but as his fame grew, just half a year ago, he dered his intention toe to the Supreme Sect to steal the Mystic Pure Tree, iming that the Supreme Sect has gathered nine-tenths of the resources of the Taicang Dynasty, going against the will of Heaven. He ns to steal the Mystic Pure Tree and then nt it by the edge of Heavenly Pond."


    Mystic Pure Tree?


    Upon hearing this, Gu An frowned immediately.


    This was the seventh-order Spirit Tree the Supreme Sect had bestowed upon him, which had grown by now. How could he let someone steal it?


    This Ghost Thief was indeed courting death!


    Never mind, in consideration of his chivalrous deeds, I''ll spare his life. But he must be scared off to prevent future attempts.


    Curious, Gu An asked, "Is this Ghost Thief formidable?"


    "Definitely. Otherwise, how could he still be alive after offending so many people and stealing so many treasures?" Ye Lan gave Gu An a pointed look.


    True. Why ask her? She doesn''t even know what is beyond the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    Gu Anughed, then inquired about her recent cultivation progress and whether she had been diligent.


    Although all lives must part eventually, he hoped that the day of life-and-death separation with Ye Lan wouldeter rather than sooner.


    His question prompted a lecture from Ye Lan.


    Ye Lan held the same wish, hoping that he would cultivate earnestly to extend his lifespan.


    The two began to bicker.


    After a while, Ye Lan suddenly asked, "Brother, are you acquainted with the current Emperor?"


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and asked, "Sister, why do you ask?"


    "The Emperor has introduced the Spring Festival, which, since the beginning of this year, has spread across all states. The customs and rules are exactly the same as your Spring Festival," Ye Lan said gravely.


    Gu An casually replied, "I too heard about it from an unnamed elder. Besides, having celebrated Spring Festival for so many years, it''s normal for others to know about it, especially since it conveys a good message."


    Ye Lan found this reasonable but still reminded him, "Recently, we''ve been ordered from above to collect more information about Emperor Li Xuandao and have increased the number of disciples sent to Cangzhou. It seems there might be aspirations toward the throne."


    "What do you mean, does the Sect want to seize the Imperial Throne?"


    "Not exactly; the Crown Prince is a disciple of our Sect, and having been the Crown Prince for a hundred years, the Sect naturally wants to support him."


    Gu An involuntarily turned to look at the woods a hundred feet to the west, where he saw Yang Ni watering the nts, and wondered if she was eavesdropping.


    After chatting a bit more, Ye Lan closed the window, wanting to share other matters and even got a bit handsy, which earned her a stern rebuke from Gu An.


    Ye Lan red at him in embarrassment and anger before leaving.


    Gu An watched her departing figure, his thoughts drifting to the North Sea Mountain.


    He would have to find a map in the Book Collection Hall to prepare for his breakthrough.


    He also wondered what realmy beyond Unification?


    Gu An went downstairs, intending to walk toward the Transmission Array tform when Yang Ni suddenly stopped him, conveying through a voice transmission, "Be careful of the Crown Prince. If he learns about your rtionship with Li Ya, he will surelye for you, plotting against you."

 Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Gu Ans Background

    "Isn''t the Crown Prince very virtuous? Senior Brother Li speaks highly of him, which suggests their rtionship must be quite good," Gu An asked telepathically, his tone puzzled.


    Yang Ni scoffed. "That''s only because Li Ya is naive. Over the years, the Crown Prince has sent many assassins to kill him, and I''ve intercepted them before."


    "Then why don''t you tell Senior Brother Li to be more cautious?"


    "Isn''t it his father''s idea? His father fears that by acting, they might provoke the Crown Prince, and if faces were torn, the Crown Prince would surely force a pce upheaval. His father''s cultivation level is mediocre, no match for the Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince seeds him, it will only be more dangerous for Li Ya."


    Yang Ni''s reply made Gu An want tough.


    Li Xuandao was nearly at the Void Crossing Realm, yet not the Crown Prince''s match?


    Thinking this way, Li Xuandao actually seemed a kindred spirit to Gu An.


    To this date, Li Xuandao had not exposed his true cultivation level. The only reason Gu An knew it was because he had activated the ''Golden Finger.''


    "I understand. I''ll be careful around the Crown Prince," Gu An replied using the Sound Transmission Skill.


    Yang Ni nodded and stopped hindering him.


    Watching Gu An''s departing silhouette, Yang Ni shook her head slightly.


    "Why have I genuinely started to care about this boy''s safety?"


    Ever since she learned that Gu An was linked to Medicine Valley in the Inner Sect, Yang Ni sensed his identity was not simple. At least within the Supreme Sect, he was sure to be well-protected and unlikely to encounter trouble.


    Soon, Yang Ni dismissed the thought; the Dusk Flowers she had nted were about to bloom, and she eagerly anticipated the sight.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley, walking up to the Mystic Pure Tree.


    The Mystic Pure Tree had grownrge, its leaves lush. The White Spirit Rat was dozing beneath it; ever since the tree provided shade, it rarely roamed around, mostly just sleeping under the tree.


    Gu An did not mind this, he was actually looking forward to it.


    Lv Baitian had said that the Mystic Pure Tree not only enhanced the Spiritual Energy of an area but also, meditating under it could enhance one''s aptitude.


    As the White Spirit Rat spent all day sleeping under the Mystic Pure Tree, could it be receiving enlightenment in its dreams?


    Time for an experiment!


    If it worked, he would also nap under the tree.


    Gu An took out an Ancient Gold-Swallowing Insect from his insect bag at his waist and let it fly up to the tree. He then met Xiaochuan and instructed him to ce a hundred pounds of iron ore under the tree every month to sustain the Ancient Gold-Swallowing Insect.


    The best thing about Xiaochuan was that he didn''t ask questions; he simply agreed to it.


    After checking the Mystic Pure Tree, Gu An visited the Human-Faced Tree and Purple Mist Bamboo, ensuring these treasures were growing well before he began inspecting the Third Medicine Valley.


    The Third Medicine Valley now grew many High-Rank Medical Herbs. Last year, when Lv Baitian came to visit, Gu An specifically requested to increase the number of servant disciples, and Lv Baitian immediately agreed, raising the number to three hundred.


    Even with three hundred people, Gu An felt it still wasn''t enough, but to increase further, he needed to show sufficient results to prove his point.


    It wasn''t until the evening that Gu An finally returned to his loft.


    He had harvested another batch of medicinal herbs today, adding thousands of years to his life span, moving ever closer to the million-year milestone.


    ...


    A monthter in the early morning, after leading the Mystic Valley disciples in drills, Gu An returned to the loft and spread a map on the table.


    This was personally drawn by a Great Cultivator of the Supreme Sect and had restrictions; when Divine Sense probed into it, one could even see detailed terrains, giving him the sensation of using a VR topographical map from his previous life.


    No wonder the map cost five Top-Grade Spirit Stones; it was truly worth more than its value.


    Gu An immersed himself in it, looking for a suitable breakthrough location.


    Just around noon, someone from the Mystic Valley came to visit. Yang Ni transmitted to Gu An, "The Crown Prince is here. Be careful on your own; I can''t show myself."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An slowly put away the map and then stood up to leave the loft.


    When he stepped outside, he saw a man in white holding a folding fan approaching, graceful and smiling, appearing much like a delicate schr.


    Gu An conducted a Life Span Detection.


    [Li Dai (Nascent Soul Realm Level 1): 189/960/1250]


    He had not cultivated any special techniques, and his cultivation level was as it appeared.


    A Nascent Soul less than two hundred years old was indeed a genius.


    Li Dai did not walk toward Gu An; instead, he approached Chu Jingfeng, who was inspecting the grounds by a wooden railing.


    "Chu Jingfeng, long time no see," Li Dai greeted from a distance.


    Chu Jingfeng turned around, his brow furrowed.


    The two met and exchanged pleasantries, with Li Dai''sughter being quite hearty, attracting the attention of other disciples in the valley.


    In the face of Li Dai, Chu Jingfeng appeared very tense, mostly just responding to Li Dai as he reminisced about old times.


    After chatting for a good while, Li Dai finally walked over to Gu An.


    He came in front of the loft and cupped his fists in salute. "I am Li Dai from Cangzhou. May I ask if you are Valley Master Gu An?"


    Gu An raised his hand in salute, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince. I am Gu An. Would you like toe up and talk?"


    Li Dai smiled and nodded, then ascended the stairs.


    The servant disciples became excited, not expecting this visitor to be the current Crown Prince. §Ö??@§à§å--*§Ñ?$-+


    Although they had joined an Immortal Cultivation Sect, they were still curious about the Crown Prince and wondered why he was looking for the Valley Master?


    Several people surrounded Chu Jingfeng, asking how the two had known each other before.


    Gu An and Li Dai chatted inside the room for a full ancient hour, and when Gu An saw him downstairs, his face was filled with smiles, and he even held Gu An''s hand before parting, making Gu An feel awkward.


    "Junior Brother Gu, you and I really hit it off. Next time I return to the Supreme Sect, I must find you for another chat," Li Dai said enthusiastically, appearing utterly guileless.


    Gu An agreed, then watched him fly out of Mystic Valley.


    The duo hadn''t talked about much before; it seemed as though Li Dai was truly there to make friends. They even talked about Li Ya, and Li Dai''s words were full of concern. Had it not been for Yang Ni''s prior warning, Gu An would have believed they were good brothers.


    Until his departure, Li Dai didn''t make any requests or try to recruit Gu An.


    Gu An could feel a Divinity Transformation Realm Cultivator hiding in the nearby mountains, likely someone protecting Li Dai.


    About ten miles away from Mystic Valley, the smile vanished from Li Dai''s face, and his expression darkened.


    An elderly man in a green robe flew to his side and whispered, "Your Highness, there is a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator in the valley."


    "Hmm, I''ve sensed it too; it''s Yang Ni. The Emperor actually sent Yang Ni to guard him. This man''s connections must be significant. We should investigate his background and his role within the Supreme Sect," Li Dai said coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent when he mentioned Yang Ni.


    The green-robed elder asked, "If he has no backing, should we capture him?"


    "Let me meet with the Sect Leader first; his attitude is crucial. If the Sect Leader supports me, then we shall directly kill Li Ya and Gu An, cutting off the Emperor''s spies and pawns," Li Dai replied.


    The two were unaware that Gu An had heard their conversation.


    To Gu An, a Divinity Transformation Realm in front of him was no different from an ant beside the road.


    "Want to kill me? That''s interesting."


    Gu An smiled; he wasn''t concerned at all.


    Even if he stood still and didn''t fight back, neither Li Dai nor the green-robed elder would have a hope of killing him.


    Gu An turned and went upstairs. It wasn''t long before Yang Ni jumped in through the window.


    Yang Ni''s face was grave as he said, "He must have sensed my presence. This young man''s cultivation seems to have reached the Transformation Realm."


    Gu An asked in confusion, "Do you have a grudge against him?"


    "Nonsense, his mother was involved in my sister''s death. How could there be no grudge?"


    "Does Senior Brother Li know about this?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "He doesn''t, as I have only suspicions without evidence. This guy came to the Supreme Sect, mostly seeking to establish ties with the Venerable Pavilion or the Sect Leader. Previously, his supporter Chu Tianqi has already fled, so he must seek new protection."


    "Let him be."


    Gu An took out a book and began to read.


    Yang Ni stood by his side, asking in surprise, "Aren''t you afraid he''ll abduct you to plot against Li Ya?"


    "What can I do? I''m no match for him, the Emperor asked you to look after me, and I can''t refuse. If he wants to kill me, I can''t stop him either. Might as well pretend nothing is happening and peacefully enjoy my days."


    Gu An casually replied, his carefree attitude impressing Yang Ni.


    Yang Ni reassured him, "Don''t worry, if he truly intends to harm you, I will definitely protect you, just don''t wander off."


    Gu An was too restless, sometimes going to the Outer City, sometimes to his Inner Sect Medicine Valley¡ªces she dared not trespass.


    "Thanks for the protection, Senior. Rest assured, under the watch of the Supreme Sect, he shouldn''t dare to act rashly," Gu An said, smiling at Yang Ni.


    Yang Ni nodded and left without another word.


    Gu An sensed her retreat to the woods for training; it seemed she was under great pressure. In the years she''d been in Mystic Valley, she only quietly practiced at night.


    Gu An also wanted to grow stronger. He essed his Attribute Panel and, seeing his Life Span, his lips curled upwards.


    Soon!


    ...


    In a residence surrounded by birdsong and the scent of flowers, with trees adorned with bright blossoms and a stream encircling a pavilion,


    Lu Baitian and Li Dai sat opposite each other in the pavilion, Li Dai picking up a wine pot to pour for Lu Baitian.


    "Being the Crown Prince for a century has indeed been tough on you. I''ve heard some of the civilian voices over the years," Lu Baitian said nonchntly as he epted the wine cup.


    Upon hearing this, Li Dai sighed and replied, "The Emperor has actually done quite well; it''s just unfortunate that his Cultivation Level is too low to suppress the Prefects and noble families across thends. Beneath the vibrant veneer of the Taicang Dynasty lies suffering and darkness. I want to improve the lives of themon people, and my mother''s family has agreed to support me fully."


    Lu Baitian gazed at the nearby stream, not staring directly at Li Dai, and said indifferently, "Who bes Emperor doesn''t matter to the Supreme Sect. What is important is being worthy of the trust of the Supreme Sect."


    Li Dai hurriedly assured him, "The Supreme Sect is the most revered in the world. If I be Emperor, the Supreme Sect can oversee my actions!"


    "Stop investigating Gu An. No matter how your Imperial Family fights among yourselves, you must not involve him."


    Lu Baitian said this nonchntly, causing Li Dai''s face to drastically change.


    In that moment, Li Dai thought of many possibilities.


    He cautiously asked, "What noble family is Gu An from?"


    Assuming Gu An came from some family because of his low Cultivation Level, as maybe someone mediocre from a noble house sent to live out his life at the Supreme Sect.


    "He doesn''te from any noble family; the only backing he has is me. Is that enough?"


    Lu Baitian said this, looking towards Li Dai, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

 Chapter 94: Chapter 94: A Million-Year Life Span, Five Elements Treasure Body!

    Crown Prince Li Dai hadn''t left for seven days before he returned to visit Gu An, this time bringing with him many medicinal herb seeds, clearly having put in a lot of effort.


    Although Gu An was unsure why he was being so generous, he appreciated and epted the gift, even inviting Li Dai for a drink, which made their conversation even more pleasant than before.


    Until his departure, Li Dai didn''t try to recruit him, seemingly content with just building a good rtionship.


    However, after Li Dai left, Yang Ni''s look at him changed.


    "I''ve never seen him be so attentive to someone," Yang Ni said with aplex tone.


    Gu Anughed and replied, "Who says I''m not amiable?"


    He wasn''t foolish; he guessed it might have something to do with Lv Baitian, but he wasn''t clear on the particrs.


    Li Dai hade to the Supreme Sect to find support, certainly not to turn to wealthy families, starting with excluding the Ji Family.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Besides that, only Lv Baitian wielded such significant influence.


    Yang Ni also suspected that Gu An had even greater backing; after all, not even Li Xuandao could make the Crown Prince this solicitous.


    She was very curious about who Gu An really was?


    "It''s best not to tell His Majesty about this. You''ve followed me for so many years, you should see that I''m notpetitive, and I definitely don''t want to be an object of suspicion," Gu An said seriously to Yang Ni.


    Yang Ni nodded in agreement. She joked, "Looking at it this way, Li Ya isn''t your blessing; rather, you''re Li Ya''s blessing. Indeed, anyone as diligent and earnest in nting as you, who grows so many medicinal herbs without scrambling for power, would be favored by the higher-ups of the Supreme Sect."


    Gu An picked up the Storage Bag given by the Crown Prince, took out a hundred seeds, and handed them to Yang Ni, saying, "These are all fifth-tier seeds. Take good care of them. If you do well, I''ll give you a tenth of the yield once they mature, and I''ll give you even more seeds in the future."


    Yang Ni epted the medicinal herb seeds with a delighted expression, readily agreeing to the task.


    Gu An looked at her, feeling very reassured.


    There were many people in the Third Medicine Valley, but Yang Ni was the only one who truly enjoyed nting flowers and herbs. Xiaochuan preferred raising demon beasts, while the other disciples tended to their duties for the sake of immortal cultivation.


    Gu An grew more expectant of Yang Ni.


    ...


    As summer gave way to autumn, the hues of fall covered Mystic Valley, Tianya Valley, and the Third Medicine Valley.


    In autumn, the Supreme Sect took on an addedyer of beauty, with autumn leaves nketing the mountains and the earth as far as the eye could see.


    As autumn drew to a close, one afternoon in Tianya Valley¡ª


    Gu An used Spirit Protection Paper to wrap up the freshly picked medicinal herbs, and three notifications appeared before him:


    [You have sessfully harvested Deer Bone Grass (fifth tier) for a lifespan of 52 years]


    [Your lifespan has surpassed one million years for the first time, unlocking the Life Span Detection feature]


    [Life Span Detection: Once activated, it will automatically discern cause and effect. When any creature harbors hostility towards your true self, a notification will appear. Notifications do not consume lifespan, but conducting a Life Span Detection will consume lifespan.]


    Staring at the feature before him, Gu An was momentarily stunned.


    What a great thing!


    This could inform him of potential enemies, useful for avoiding risk.


    He immediately activated the Life Span Warning.


    But there were no prompts for the time being, possibly because it would start discerning from now on.


    Gu An''s mood brightened. He felt this function was of great significance and worth the many years of waiting. Moreover, he had already umted a lifespan of one million years, and he was ready to break through!


    He began to work faster, harvesting the mature medicinal herbs in Tianya Valley, and moving all of them into the storage building. He noticed that the herbs in the storage building had been taken, leaving it empty.


    Without giving much thought, he left after cing the herbs down.


    No sooner had he left the storage building than Lv Xian approached him, saying, "Don''t rush off. I haven''t taught you the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm today."


    He has already taught Gu An eight spells, and two years ago, he decided to start afresh, to delve deeply into one spell.


    He refused to believe that anyone could be so dim-witted!


    He was prepared to invest fifty years in a battle of determination with Gu An.


    Fifty years of learning one spell, even a pig would get it by then, right?


    Gu An pushed him away, "Not today, maybe next time."


    Lv Xian was taken aback by being pushed by Gu An.


    Did this guy just push him?


    And he was moved by it!


    "No way!"


    Lv Xian grabbed Gu An''s shoulder, refusing to let him leave.


    Gu An, having no choice, turned his head and said, "It seems I''ve already mastered the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm. Why don''t you have a look?"


    "Really? Show me, quick!" Lv Xian immediately let go and urged excitedly.


    Gu An walked onto the open ground, then lifted his palm and struck out. Instantly, a surge of air followed from his palm, causing wave-like patterns to form in the air ahead, stretching several yards.


    He then withdrew his palm and said, "I didn''t trick you, did I? I''ve practiced diligently in private. I have other matters now, but you can teach me how to make it stronger next time."


    After speaking, he leaped into the air and flew towards the horizon.


    Lv Xian didn''t try to keep him any longer but stood there, frowning.


    After a while.


    Lv Xian couldn''t help but murmur, "No gestures to initiate, no energy trace behind, this is the state of handling it freely¡­"


    ...


    Upon returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An first went to the Third Medicine Valley to collect all the ripe medicinal herbs before returning to Mystic Valley.


    He found Yang Ni and informed her that he would be away for two days as he needed to report to the Inner Sect. Yang Ni didn''t suspect anything.


    He left at dusk, flying towards the direction of the Outer City and circled back near Mystic Valley. As the night fell, he snuck into the Eight Scenic Caves, brought out Sky Dragon, who was extremely excited, looking around with great interest.


    Gu An directly took it away from the Supreme Sect.


    He employed the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step, bypassed the Supreme Sect, and then headed towards the North Sea Mountains.


    Sky Dragon was amazed by Gu An''s stepping technique, but it was not shocked, for in its heart, its master was the closest being, and it had not yet encountered others or formed a worldview.


    The North Sea Mountains were over three hundred thousand miles away from the Supreme Sect. Along the way, Gu An continually executed the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step at full speed without stopping.


    Upon arriving near the North Sea Mountains, Gu An let Sky Dragon down.


    "Master, goodbye!"


    Sky Dragon eximed excitedly before leaving. Gu An smiled, then put on a mask, changed into a set of ck clothes, and continued on his journey.


    He nned to break through in the depths of the North Sea Mountains.


    The North Sea Mountains were a range of mountains surrounding a sea, with the North Sea actually being ake asrge as an ocean.


    Gu An stepped forward in the air and saw from afar the North Sea, where the surface shimmered under the moonlight with fog rolling in, truly boundless at a nce.


    En route, he saw a giant fish a hundred zhang long leap from theke, stretching its body in mid-air, a magnificent sight.


    The North Sea Mountains were home not only to demon creatures but also cultivators and ghosts.


    Gu An felt the presence of cultivators in a fierce battle, each with a Cultivation Level not weak, two of them at the Nascent Soul Realm. He merely nced and swiftly passed by without stopping.


    He would admire the scenery after his breakthrough!


    He wondered where Li Ya could be?


    Thinking this, Gu An spread his Divine Sense to find a suitable ce for his breakthrough.


    Less than half an hourter, Gu An arrived at a mountain deep in the wilderness and sat down under arge tree to meditate.


    No traces of humans were within three thousand miles, and there were few sightings of demon creatures, only ghosts wandering about, making the forest extremely gloomy and filled with ghostly energy.


    Gu An immediately activated the Life Span Barrier, rendering himself invisible.


    Then he pulled up his Attribute Panel:


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 58/1002060]


    [Spirit Root: Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root]


    [Cultivation Level: Unification Realm Nine Layers]


    [Cultivation Techniques: Fire Control Art (Initial Insight), Yang Wood Primordial Skill (Mastery), Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill (Peak of Perfection), Alchemy (Early Achievements), Myriad Poison Mystic Skill (Untrained), Yin Yang Art (Untrained), Daoist Expansion Skill (Untrained)]


    ...


    Seeing the seven-digit Life Span, he felt a great sense of aplishment.


    He decided to invest ten-thousand-year lifespans each into the Spirit Root, Yang Wood Primordial Skill, and Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill, then enhance his Cultivation Level. As for spells, ultimate skills, and Divine Skills, he could invest less lifespan, since he rarely fought anyway.


    Gu An directly invested one hundred thousand years of lifespan into the Spirit Root, regardless of the oue, he would stop, refusing to invest more.


    [You have invested one hundred thousand years of lifespan into evolving your Spirit Root through cultivation.]


    [Youprehend the nature of the universe for a thousand years, your Five Elements Spirit Root Perception Power has increased.]


    [Youprehend the nature of the universe for two thousand years, your Five Elements Spirit Root Perception Power has increased.]


    ...


    [Afterprehending the nature of the universe for seven thousand years, you finally grasp the True Meaning of the Five Elements, and your Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root has been tempered.]


    ...


    [Afterprehending the nature of the universe for fifty-six thousand years, you finally grasp the True Meaning of the Five Elements, and your Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root has been tempered.]


    Notifications kept popping up crazily in front of Gu An''s eyes. Although he had been prepared, his face still darkened.


    Perhaps he shouldn''t have improved the Spirit Root, as the Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root was already sufficient.


    But what''s done is done, so he had to endure!


    Even though there was no transformation, tempering should make his aptitude stronger.


    Gu An consoled himself with this thought.


    The notifications continued.


    [Afterprehending the nature of the universe for seventy thousand years, you finally grasp the True Meaning of the Five Elements, and your Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root has been tempered.]


    [Afterprehending the nature of the universe for eighty thousand years, finally grasping the True Meaning of the Five Elements, your Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root undergoes a transformation, the nature''s spiritual energy envelops you, and you enter a state of Nirvana.]


    [Afterprehending the nature of the universe for ny thousand years, you sessfully undergo Nirvana, as your Supreme Five Elements Heavenly Spirit Root merges with your body and soul, elevating to a Five Elements Treasure Body.]


    ...


    [Afterprehending the nature of the universe for one hundred thousand years, your Five Elements Treasure Body has been tempered.]


    Upon seeing the Five Elements Treasure Body, Gu An''s expression brightened, feeling as though another vige appeared after a dark and flowerless path, his persistence had paid off!


    Exciting!


    Just as Gu An''s mood soared, the Spiritual Energy from beneath the earth started to act up. The terrifying and violent Spiritual Energy surged towards him, the situation even more exaggerated than when he had broken through to the Unification Realm Nine Layers.


    Sorry, creatures of the North Sea Mountains, it''s time to startle you!


    Gu An began to immerse himself in the wonderful process of Spiritual Energy tempering his body.


    Beings throughout the North Sea Mountains sessively felt the sinking of Spiritual Energy. In less than fifteen breaths, even those on the fringes of the North Sea Mountains could feel this anomaly.


    In a valley.


    A man dressed in white, Li Xuandao, was meditating on an Array tform with thousands of Elixir Bottles and Storage Bags ced on it. gs and Talisman Papers were erected all around the tform and even on the valley walls, dazzling to behold.


    Li Xuandao opened his eyes, his brows furrowed deeply.


    "Again, Spiritual Energy is descending. What exactly is happening? Why is this phenomenon even urring in the North Sea Mountains?" Li Xuandao murmured to himself, a look of unease in his eyes.

 Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Primordial Ancestor of Li Family, The Momentum of the Ephemera Sect

    "You are passing on your swordsmanship to me?"


    Li Ya doubted if he had heard wrong, but the other person didn''t seem to be joking.


    The voice of the Primordial Ancestor rang in his heart, "Do not doubt him, with his cultivation level, there is nothing on you worth scheming for, even including the Li Family; he probably has some connection with you and feels a sense of care towards you."


    Gu An grasped the North Sea Heavy Sword, raising it and pointing it towards him.


    At that moment, Li Ya''s heartbeat nearly came to a stop.


    Facing the direction of Gu An''s sword, he felt a sense of suffocation and before he could think further, a sword intent burst from the tip of the North Sea Heavy Sword, rapidly entering his eyes, causing his entire body to stiffen.


    Upon closer inspection, within his pupils was a figure wielding a sword, performing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    Unknown how much time had passed.


    When Li Ya woke up, Gu An was no longer in sight, only the North Sea Heavy Sword stood in front of him, unshaken by the autumn wind.


    "Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword..."


    Li Ya murmured to himself, seemingly recalling something, his expression drastically changed, and he eximed in astonishment, "This sword intent is from Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    He had been to the Heavenly Repair tform and was deeply moved by the sword intent encapsted by the words "righteous path," unforgettable to him as he knew it belonged to the strongest sword cultivator he was aware of.


    "Primordial Ancestor, the person just now was Sword Venerable Fudao! He is not a demon cultivator!"


    Li Ya suddenly became excited, even clenching his fists.


    The brilliance of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword made his blood boil, feeling like he had received a peerless legacy, even surpassing the Dragon Image Divine Primordial.


    As long as he mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, he was confident he could sweep all the geniuses of this era!


    Li Ya was excited for a while, then suddenly realized the elder hadn''t spoken and couldn''t help but ask in his mind, "Primordial Ancestor? Why aren''t you speaking?"


    He started to panic, had the Sword Venerable taken the Primordial Ancestor away?


    Although he often argued with the Primordial Ancestor, without him inside his body, he would not have the same confidence walking in the world of immortal cultivation.


    "I am still here."


    The voice of the Primordial Ancestor rang out, instantly calming Li Ya''s panic.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Following that, the Primordial Ancestor''s words confused Li Ya, "The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword is a sword technique of the Li Family; the Emperor-Level Sword Technique is but an iplete version of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword..."


    Li Ya was moved.


    "There should be no one in this era who knows the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword; by the time I was alive, this sword technique had already disappeared. The existing Emperor-Level Sword Technique was something Ipiled..." the tone of the Primordial Ancestor grewplex.


    Li Ya swallowed hard and cautiously asked, "Primordial Ancestor, what do you mean by that; please rify!"


    "He might be the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family; perhaps this is why he has taken care of you and me," the Primordial Ancestor said somberly.


    The Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family!


    Li Ya widened his eyes, opened his mouth trying to say something, but a thousand words choked in his throat, unable to be spoken.


    ...


    After guiding Li Ya, Gu An did not linger in the North Sea Mountains. He rushed all the way to the Supreme Sect. content-hosted-on-MVLeMpYr


    A monthter, he would return to the North Sea Mountains to enhance abat technique.


    And start to amass a lifespan of ten million years after another six months!


    Gu An didn''t return directly to Mystic Valley but instead came to the Outer City, feeling good today and decided to stroll around.


    First, he visited the Heavenly Repair tform; even after many years, there were still many cultivators on the tform, including over five Mahayana Cultivators at the tform, among them that Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    The Mad Swordsman of Great Yu, Han Ming was still there, under his guidance, Zuo Lin''s swordsmanship had slightly progressed which he had not hoped for before.


    Zuo Yijian had already left; ording to Zuo Lin, he was obsessed with the "Investiture of the Gods," firmly believing he couldprehend his own Sword Dao from that book.


    "Master!"


    A joyous voice came from afar, Gu An turned his head and saw Zhen Qin, dressed in the robe of the Law Enforcement Hall, approaching quickly.


    Gu An showed a smile, and once she arrived, he smilingly asked, "How have you beentely?"


    Zhen Qin, mixing with Ye Lan, found life at the Law Enforcement Hall quite pleasant, and her cultivation level was also steadily increasing.


    "Just so, oh master, did you hear? Senior Brother Su has joined the Ephemera Sect." Zhen Qin spoke of Su Han, her face filled with worry.


    Gu An said, "Everyone makes their own choices; we can''t control them, so let him be."


    He had advised Su Han before and even assured that he wouldn''t waste Su Han''s cultivation, but it was in vain.


    Since that was the case, Gu An could only respect Su Han''s decision.


    But from then on, any trouble Su Han ran into, Gu An couldn''t care less, unless Su Han was about to die in front of him, out ofpassion, he might lend a hand.


    "Sigh, I don''t know if I''ll ever see him again in this life," Zhen Qin said with a tone full of mncholy.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ruffle her hair, chuckling, "You''ve really grown up, girl, even knowing how to be touched by the seasons."


    The master and disciple stood at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, chatting for quite a while, before Zhen Qin had to continue her patrol and bid him farewell.


    Gu An looked at her retreating figure, feeling quite moved.


    In two hundred years, he would no longer see this girl.


    Even as a Mahayana Cultivator, he currently had no way to change someone else''s ultimate lifespan, nor did he n to; after all, reincarnation is the norm for all beings. Forcing a change in someone''s destiny would only create obsessions, and should it fail, he would be the one who suffered.


    Everything around him was but a segment of life; what he pursued was eternal life. Of course, he wouldn''t shun social interactions as they form life''s rtionships.


    After scanning the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An turned and left.


    He strode towards the Elixir Hall, hearing plenty of disciples discussing the Ephemera Sect along the way.


    The momentum of the Ephemera Sect is growing stronger and stronger!


    Looking at this situation, it seems they aim to unify the Demon Path.


    Gu An wasn''t too concerned, Ephemera Sect couldn''t threaten the Supreme Sect, and even if they could, they couldn''t threaten him.


    How to increase the lifespan ie of Medicine Valley was what he cared more about.


    Even though he was already a Mahayana Cultivator, Gu An did not wish to go on a killing spree but continued to hoard medicinal herbs to preserve life, avoiding wastefulness and keeping a low profile, because he was not yet sure if he was invincible under the heavens.


    Reason told him that he was far from being invincible, which was proven by the descended Lu Lingjun.


    This world is vast!


    An ancient hourter.


    Gu An visited Jiang Qiong at the Great Elder''s residence, who was at home. After he entered, Jiang Qiong waved her sleeve, closing the main door.


    Gu An took out the previously stored herbs, Jiang Qiong didn''t count them, waved her sleeve to move the herbs aside, and then looked at him, saying, "I''m leaving."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but ask curiously, "Where to?"


    "The Supreme Sect''s suspicions of me are growing stronger, I can feel the looming threat of murder, I n to join the Ephemera Sect," Jiang Qiong said calmly.


    Again, the Ephemera Sect!


    What exactly is the origin of this Ephemera Sect?


    Gu An thought for a moment, then took out several Green Vine Fruits from his storage bag and said, "Take these with you."


    Jiang Qiong nced at the Green Vine Fruits on the ground and said with a smile that was not a smile, "Youd, didn''t you embezzle any?"


    Green Vine Fruits cannot be produced in a short period of time, the fact that Gu An could produce so many meant he had not consumed them regrly.


    "My talent is average, increasing Qi-Blood would only attract attention and bring about deadly disaster, rather stay mediocre to the end," Gu An shook his head and said.


    Jiang Qiongughed, "You really are without desires or demands, saying what mediocre talent, isn''t your sword daoprehension strong?"


    "But I don''t like practicing swordsmanship, nor do I want to be a swordsman. Imagine if you were to find me a master, think about it, would a swordsman at the Foundation Establishment Realm with a peerless sword technique have an easy life?" Gu An said earnestly.


    Jiang Qiong found this reasoning sound. In the Immortal Cultivation World, cultivation level indeed was crucial.


    She no longer pursued the matter, but said instead, "Ephemera Sect and Supreme Sect are bound to have a battle. Once I establish myself within the Ephemera Sect, I may be able toe for you in the future."


    Another battle?


    Gu An couldn''t help but frown, why was the Supreme Sect so fraught with disaster?


    "This Ephemera Sect is no ordinary force, possibly an external power. Half of the people from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion have already pledged allegiance to the Ephemera Sect. My role hidden within the Supreme Sect, yet they still managed to extend their reach to me, their intelligence capabilities are truly terrifying," reflected Jiang Qiong.


    Has Ephemera Sect already infiltrated the Supreme Sect?


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "You didn''t mention me, did you?"


    "How could I? With your cultivation level, even if I did, they wouldn''t be interested," Jiang Qiong nced at him.


    Gu An smiled, a look that seemed naive in Jiang Qiong''s eyes.


    This foolish grand disciple...


    Jiang Qiong shook her head with a smile, inwardly worried about how he would stand on his own in the future.


    She reminded him, "The new Great Elder of the Outer Sect is said to be extremely cruel, you should be careful. There have already been people from the Law Enforcement Hall investigating you. Relying solely on your junior sister to protect you will likely be difficult. When you enter the Eight Scenic Caves, be more observant, cautious, and also try not to trade Green Vine Fruits anymore."


    Gu An nodded, saying, "I''ll remember that."


    After chatting for 30 minutes, Gu An took his leave.


    After leaving the Great Elder''s residence, Gu An headed towards Mystic Valley.


    ...


    Autumn came and went, and heavy snow gradually covered Mystic Valley.


    One day, Mystic Valley weed a visitor.


    Gu An entertained the guest in the attic.


    "The Sect Leader has already instructed that if you encounter any issues in the Outer Sect, you cane directly to me," smiled Lv Songhan heartily, his smile very warm.


    This was the newly appointed Great Elder of the Outer Sect.


    Lv Songhan''s hair waspletely white, but his face wasn''t aged, smiling like a naive big fellow.


    Despite his warmth in front of Gu An, in reality, he was a Nascent Soul Cultivator, and in Jiang Qiong''s words, a formidable and tough character.


    Gu An raised his cup,ughing, "Then thank you for looking after me, Elder Lu."


    The two of them drank, bing more and more engrossed as they chatted, even ending up addressing each other as brothers.


    By midday, Gu An had only just seen off Lv Songhan.


    After his departure, Yang Ni, like a ghost, appeared beside him, clicking her tongue in amazement, "You are getting more and more impressive, even being on brotherly terms with a Nascent Soul Cultivator."


    Gu An shrugged and said, "You can also address me as Brother Gu."


    "Looking for a beating?"


    Yang Ni red at him, her posture suggesting she was about to draw her sword.


    Gu An feigned a cough and said, "Hearing the rise of the Ephemera Sect, be more attentive in Mystic Valley on regr days, and prevent the Ephemera Sect thieves from stealing the medicinal herbs."


    Yang Ni nodded slightly upon hearing this.


    Then, Gu An turned and left, Yang Ni watching him depart via the Transmission Array tform.


    "Strange, why did he suddenly bring up the Ephemera Sect? Could he have guessed my identity?" Yang Ni frowned, thinking this.

 Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Breaking Through to the Eighth Layer of the Mahayana Realm!

    As Gu An was relishing the increase in his Cultivation Level, the Spiritual Energy of the North Sea Mountain once again descended, this time bringing with it fierce winds, as if a storm was about to arrive.


    Demons, Cultivators, and Ghosts all hid away, waiting for this descent of Spiritual Energy to end.


    They were unclear about what exactly had happened and could only pray for the catastrophe to end soon.


    Deep within a certain valley, Li Xuandao had already begun his Tribtion Crossing.


    A cluster of thunderclouds hovered above the valley, not maintaining the same altitude as the thunderclouds in the sky, instead only slightly higher than the surrounding mountain peaks.


    This mass of tribtion clouds was umting divine might, strands of lightning churning within, intermittently visible, a sight that was startling and awe-inspiring.


    Li Xuandao was on the Array tform cultivating energy, with golden dragon shadows circling around him, causing his robes to flutter and make noises.


    After a while.


    Li Xuandao suddenly opened his eyes and looked up sharply, just in time to see a bolt of heavenly lightning strike down from the tribtion clouds.


    Boom!


    The outer Formation formed a light barrier to block this bolt of heavenly lightning. Before the light could dissipate, a second and third bolt struck down in quick session, lighting up the valley with a continuous intery of light and shadow.


    Li Xuandao raised his hand, and a treasured sword appeared in it. As soon as the sword was drawn, it let out dragon cries on its own, with the de shrouded in strands of blood qi, as if thousands of evil ghosts were roaring and wailing within it.


    He nted the treasured sword beside him, then closed his eyes and continued to cast spells with both hands. Spiritual Power flowed through the Array tform into the Formation in all directions.


    Block after block of Spirit Stones flew out from his Storage Bag, densely covering the empty spaces on the Array tform.


    With his eyes closed, Gu An opened his mouth, and one Spirit Pill after another flew out from their bottles, automatically entering his mouth, causing his momentum to rise dramatically.


    The night sky was swept by strong winds, with the thunder rumbling faintly. From high above, the valley seemed so insignificant, nestled in the dark, endless expanse of the North Sea Mountain, like a dimly lit star in the night sky.


    ...


    Time flowed swiftly by.


    After an Ancient Hour of sedimentation, Gu An finally reached the firstyer of the Mystic Heart Realm and now began to aim for the Mystic Heart Realm''s Nine Layers.


    Upon reaching Mystic Heart Realm, his heart underwent a transformation, sparkling with golden light and circting golden blood. On the surface of his heart, a rune even appeared, mysterious like some kind of imprint.


    Gu An reveled in the nourishment of Spiritual Energy while feeling the rune on his heart.


    In the depths of his mind, he gained some enlightenment.


    Primordial Divine Power!


    The Mystic Heart Rune could nurture a Divine Power unique to oneself, although the time it required to do so and its intensity were unknown.


    What kind of Divine Power might be nurtured depended on the experiences and achievements of the Cultivator in his lifetime, with each person''s resulting Divine Power being different.


    Gu An was captivated by this fortune and could not extricate himself. Through the Mystic Heart Rune, he began to have new thoughts about his many Daoist Sorceries, starting to sort through the results of his cultivation.


    Meanwhile, his Cultivation Realm continued to make breakthroughs.


    Mystic Heart Realm Second Layer! -read-first


    Mystic Heart Realm Third Layer!


    Mystic Heart Realm Fourth Layer!


    Gu An suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze turning toward the forest canopy.


    He saw a streak of lightning appear above the forest under the night sky; it did not descend from the heavens but materialized out of thin air and did not vanish in a sh but instead twisted wildly in the air, like a struggling long worm.


    What was that?


    Gu An frowned, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    The streak of lightning began to split, generating several bolts of lightning. Following that, the space between the lightning bolts abruptly tore open, revealing a ck fissure.


    A figure with disheveled hair leaped out. Under the illumination of the lightning, her fair skin was exposed; judging from her figure, she was a woman, barely draped with tattered cloth that failed to conceal her modesty, clearly indicating that her robe had shredded not long before.


    Gu An sensed the stranger''s aura and was inwardly shocked, immediately casting a Life Span Detection.


    [Lu Lingjun (Unification Realm Nine Layers): 1989/2750/3700]


    A nearly two thousand-year-old monstrosity!


    This was definitely the oldest person Gu An had ever encountered!


    And with a Cultivation Level of Unification Realm Nine Layers, she was already on par with Lv Baitian!


    Who was this person?


    Lu Lingjun stood suspended in the air, the ck fissure behind her closing rapidly and disappearing along with the lightning bolts.


    She took out a set of blue Daoist robes from her Storage Ring and covered her exquisite figure. Then she retrieved a belt and wrapped it around her waist.


    Gu An could no longer afford to worry about the proprieties of male and female differences; he just wanted to know the origins of this woman.


    Lu Lingjun''s long hair fluttered in the wind, revealing a face so delicate and perfect, yet her brow was slightly furrowed, her eyes full of confusion.


    A single strand of her hair fell loose and then transformed into a white snake that settled on her shoulder.


    Gu An cast Life Span Detection again:


    [White Spirit Demon Emperor (Unification Realm Eight Layers): 4678/6280/8300]


    A Unification Realm Demon Pet?


    Just who was this woman?


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor flicked its forked tongue and let out a light and graceful female voice: "Such rich Spiritual Energy; it seems we have ascended sessfully, the legends are not false!"


    Ascend... Ascension?


    Gu An froze, the weight of these two words overwhelming.


    Lu Lingjun''s eyebrows were tightly knitted, and she murmured, "The might of the heavenly thunder during the traversal was truly terrifying; I nearly met my end. I flew towards the weakest direction of the thunder and thus arrived in this realm.


    Judging from the richness of the Spiritual Energy, it is indeed more abundant than our mortal world, but whether the ascension is sessful, we still need to travel more."


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor looked into the distance, saying, "The Spiritual Energy here is descending, and there is Unification Realm Demon Energy in the distance, clearly a sign of a sessful ascension. We roamed the mortal world for two hundred years, traveling across the ends of the earth.


    There are only me in the Demon n at the Unification Realm and no more than five individuals in the Human Race. Only the legendary Great Heaven and Earth could have Unification Realms at every turn."


    Great Heaven and Earth?


    Gu An''s curiosity grew upon hearing this, feeling even more intrigued.


    It seemed that these two individuals came from a world weaker than this one.


    This world is so vast that no one knows its full extent. The Nine Dynasties are but a corner of this continent; what lies beyond the ocean, no one knows. At least Gu An did not believe that reaching the Unification Realm could represent the pinnacle of this continent, let alone the highest realm achievable in this world.


    The Immortals are but legends, ethereal and elusive, yet the world of Immortal Cultivation is vast indeed.


    In addition to marveling at the enormity of the world, Gu An also felt a sigh of relief.


    He had feared that some great power might descend upon the Nine Dynasties. In that case, the ninthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm would seem inadequate.


    This pair, a man and a demon, had ascended without any support or background. It would probably take some time for them to integrate into this world.


    Lu Lingjun and the White Spirit Demon Emperor were unaware of anyone below them. They spread their Divine Sense to confirm that there were no humans or demons within five hundred miles. Only then did they dare to converse without any guard.


    After chatting for a while, they flew toward the south.


    They felt that the south was brimming with the vital energy of the human race, while the north was heavy with demon energy.


    This is bad.


    I hope they don''t head for the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An silently prayed.


    From their conversation, Gu An suspected that their sessful ascension was aided by the Life Span Barrier.


    A Life Span Barrier that can avoid heavenly tribtions would naturally weaken the thunder, which could also exin why, after breaking through space, theirnding spot happened to be right above Gu An.


    Gu An was filled with many emotions.


    There were still Ascenders in the world, and anyone who could fight their way out of one world must be a formidable character. With their methods, they could probably continue to reign supreme.


    No!


    The ninthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm is unstable!


    Let the enhancement of Divine Skills be dyed, reach the Mahayana Realm first!


    Even for ones like Lu Lingjun and the White Spirit Demon Emperor, with their terrifying abilities, it surely can''t be possible to reach the Mahayana Realm in just a hundred years, right?


    Gu An immediately brought up his Attribute Panel.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Although the increase of his Cultivation Level had not yet ended, he was ready to start spending generously.


    Just continue absorbing Spiritual Energyter.


    As always, aim for a breakthrough in ten thousand years, do it grandly!


    [You invest one hundred thousand years of Life Span into Cultivation Level evolution and practice]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for one thousand years. You use the Great Aplishment of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill to forcefully assault the Mahayana Realm and begin Tribtion Crossing. You did not survive the Xuanhuang Five Gods Heavenly Tribtion, and the Tribtion Crossing failed]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for three thousand years. You use the Great Aplishment of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill to forcefully assault the Mahayana Realm and begin Tribtion Crossing. You did not survive the Xuanhuang Five Gods Heavenly Tribtion, and the Tribtion Crossing failed]


    ...


    Undergoing Tribtion Crossing every two thousand years, Gu An felt somewhat uneasy.


    Even if the Life Span consumed for evolutionary practice was more than what would be spent in actual, real-life cultivation, this also showed how difficult the Mahayana Realm was.


    Consider that the Supreme Sect has been established for several thousand years, yet there is no record of the Mahayana Realm in the Book Collection Pavilion!


    Gu An was already prepared to invest another hundred thousand years of Life Span.


    After all, the Life Span invested was just a number; it bes real only after it is converted into cultivation!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    The final oue was as he expected; a hundred thousand years were spent in vain.


    He grimaced and invested another hundred thousand years!


    The prompt appeared again, and the constant failures numbed his heart, his blood pressure rising.


    How could a Great Cultivator of the ninthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm be so easily enraged!


    But Gu An just couldn''t suppress his emotions right now.


    Atst!


    Gu An saw the word "sess," and couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief, a smile blooming on his face.


    [You practice Energy Absorption for eighty-seven thousand years. You use the Great Aplishment of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill to forcefully assault the Mahayana Realm and begin Tribtion Crossing. You survive the Xuanhuang Five Gods Heavenly Tribtion, and the Tribtion Crossing is sessful, your Cultivation Level breaking through to the firstyer of the Mahayana Realm]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for eighty-eight thousand years, your Cultivation Level breaking through to the secondyer of the Mahayana Realm]


    ...


    [You practice Energy Absorption for ny-two thousand years, your Cultivation Level breaking through to the fifthyer of the Mahayana Realm]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for ny-four thousand years, your Cultivation Level breaking through to the sixthyer of the Mahayana Realm]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for ny-six thousand years, your Cultivation Level breaking through to the seventhyer of the Mahayana Realm]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for ny-nine thousand years, your Cultivation Level breaking through to the eighthyer of the Mahayana Realm]


    [You practice Energy Absorption for one hundred thousand years, your Cultivation Level increases]


    The eighthyer of the Mahayana Realm!


    Two hundred thousand years of Life Span!


    Gu An felt a bit frightened thinking back, but thankfully, he was sessful.


    The consumption after sessfully crossing the tribtion was quite reasonable, showing that the improvements in the Spirit Root and Cultivation Technique were useful. He remembered that from the firstyer to the ninthyer of the Unification Realm, he had invested a total of eighteen thousand years of Life Span.


    After the fifthyer of the Unification Realm, eachyer required three thousand years of Life Span to break through.


    Considering that practicing in the Mahayana Realm is definitely harder, yet he was able to reduce the time, this proves that the earlier improvements to the Spirit Root and Cultivation Technique were effective. Moreover, this effect would continue to impact him in reality.


    At this moment, Gu An regained his confidence.


    Putting aside how powerful the strongest beings on this continent might be or how vast thends beyond the sea could be, focusing only on the Nine Dynasties'' territory, he could now walk about with authority.


    If Lv Baitian, at the ninthyer of the Unification Realm, could suppress the demon path of the Taicang Dynasty to the point where they dared not invade, considering that the Taicang Dynasty is not at the bottom among the Nine Dynasties, even if other dynasties had stronger beings, they should only be at the Mystic Heart Realm.

 Chapter 97: Chapter 97 The Terrifying Mahayana Realm

    The rising sun cast its rays, the sunlight streaked across the North Sea, swept over the mountains, and skimmed through the forests where Gu An was.


    At this moment, his cultivation level had reached the seventhyer of the Mahayana Realm, and he was striving to break through to the eighthyer.


    Gu An brought up his Attribute Panel and saw that he still had 370,000 years of life span remaining, and felt he could further enhance hisbat techniques.


    But he couldn''t continue today.


    After a night of struggle, the Spiritual Energy in the area had be sparse. He was worried about disrupting the ecology of the North Sea Mountain, so he decided to wait for some time for the North Sea Mountain to recover its Spiritual Energy before returning.


    His next goal was to umte ten million years of life span!


    The mere thought of that number was frightening, but Gu An was full of fighting spirit.


    The life of a cultivator was incredibly long; he could take his time and first decide which Spells, Divine Skills, and Ultimate Skills to enhance.


    Time continued to pass.


    When Gu An reached the eighthyer of the Mahayana Realm, the speed at which his physical body absorbed nature''s Spiritual Energy slowed down.


    He waited patiently for the breakthrough to finish.


    After an entire night, the Life Span Barrier consumed more than 20,000 years of life span, which showed how much of amotion Gu An had caused.


    Gu An spread his Divine Sense to see how extensive his perception range had be.


    A multitude of mountain and river sceneries entered his sight. He saw many Demons, Ghosts, Cultivators, and even behemoths like the Ancient Relic Species.


    Gu An reveled in the wonderful sensation of the Mahayana Realm''s Divine Sense.


    Suddenly, he spotted someone familiar.


    Li Xuandao!


    This guy was crossing Tribtion in a valley. Gu An saw the Formations inside the valley and all those Spirit Stones, bottles, and pots, and couldn''t help twitching at the corner of his mouth.


    No wonder Li Xuandao''s breakthroughs were so rapid; not only was he naturally gifted, but he also splurged resources like this!


    Thinking about how he had crossed Tribtion with his physical body alone during his cultivation evolution, Gu An couldn''t help but feel pained.


    Forget it.


    He shouldn''tpare like this, after all, he had never actually gone through a Tribtion in reality; he should be content.


    Gu An observed for a while longer and felt that Li Xuandao''s Tribtion Crossing was likely to be sessful.


    Then he turned his attention to other locations, mainly wanting to check on Li Ya''s whereabouts.


    Soon, his Divine Sense captured Li Ya''s aura. That guy was hiding in a cave, and by the looks of his aura, it seemed as if he had been injured again.


    Sigh, such a reckless fellow, don''t die out there.


    Gu An decided to find Li Yater and guide him under another identity.


    The old grandpa inside Li Ya wasn''t very effective!


    Gu An also caught sight of Sky Dragon who was bullying a group of Minor Demons, proudly proiming his ambition to be a great king.


    Eventually, Gu An''s Divine Sense enveloped the entire North Sea Mountain, with every nook and cranny within his sight. This feeling of overlooking everything fascinated him.


    Those Unification Realm Demons and Cultivators appeared no different from ordinary creatures in his eyes.


    It had to be said that the North Sea Mountain really was a ce of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. He sensed no fewer than a hundred auras of the Unification Realm here, of course, those who reached the ninthyer of the Unification Realm were rare, less than five, including Lu Lingjun who had not yet left the North Sea Mountain.


    Gu An indulged in the sense of power that belonged to him alone.


    When his cultivation stopped growing and his body ceased to absorb Spiritual Energy, he lifted the Life Span Barrier and stood up.


    He stretchednguidly, the sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves and falling on him, making him feel reborn.


    Indeed, no achievement, wealth, or emotion in the world couldpare to the sensation of growing stronger!


    ...


    Li Ya walked out of the cave, and the sunlight made him squint and furrow his brows. His upper body was wrapped in white cloth, stained with blood in many ces.


    He lifted his right hand, motioned through the air, and a Heavy Sword flew out from the cave,nding in his hand. His right arm trembled, and his face showed a pained expression.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Boy, your wounds have just healed and you''re already practicing Swordsmanship? Are you underestimating the weight of the North Sea Nether Iron, or overestimating the power of the Dragon Image Divine Primordial?" The ancestor''s voice sounded in Li Ya''s ear, filled with helplessness.


    Li Ya grinned, "I have to hurry with my cultivation; there isn''t much time left for me. I have to catch up with the recruitment of disciples by the Holy Land you mentioned."


    The ancestor responded irritably, "That Holy Land isn''t a must-go ce; it''s the path taken by noble families."


    "But didn''t you once say that the Li Family also reached a gloryparable to the Zhou Family and the Gu Family? Although I don''t wish to be a prince, I have a duty to uphold the prosperity of the Li Family!"


    Li Ya picked up the North Sea Heavy Sword and walked toward the clearing ahead.


    Behind him was a small hill, surrounded by forests, with only an area about five zhang in diameter that was clear.


    After the anomaly of the previous night, the ground was covered with various rocks and fallen leaves. The cloud seas in the sky were torn apart, allowing shafts of sunlight to thread through, forming streaks of rainbow light, beautiful and enchanting.


    Li Ya gritted his teeth as he swung the Heavy Sword in his hand.


    This sword, which he had forged under the guidance of his ancestor, was made from the rare North Sea Nether Iron. It weighed ten thousand jin, and upon infusing it with Spiritual Power, its weight would double.


    Without utilizing Spiritual Power, it was very strenuous for Li Ya''s injured body to wield it.


    Suddenly!


    A gust of wind swept in from the depths of the forest, startling Li Ya into turning and instinctively raising his sword to defend.


    With a thud!


    Li Ya was knocked flying, crashing against the mountain wall, sending rubble flying, and involuntarily spitting out a mouthful of blood. Uponnding, he nted the heavy sword on the ground, yet still fell to one knee, the white cloth rapidly reddening as all his wounds reopened.


    "Hmph, human brat, hand over the Dragon Image Divine Primordial!"


    A hoarse voice rang out, and a sinister figure emerged from the forest, a man dressed in a ck robe with the head of a fox and surrounded by Demon Energy, long ws on each hand as dreadful as five sharp knives.


    Li Ya red at the figure and gritted out the name, "Resentful Fox King!"


    The Resentful Fox King stared back at Li Ya, his brow suddenly furrowing, his face contorting violently, "You''ve been poisoned by my Fox Poison, and yet you can still stand; have you already swallowed the Dragon Image Divine Primordial?"


    By the end, his voice had be sharp, making the surrounding trees tremble.


    Li Ya gripped the hilt of his sword with both hands, gasping for breath, and yelled inwardly, "Ancestor, I still need to rely on you!"


    The ancestor couldn''t help but wail, "Do you really think my soul power is endless? Just saving you these past few nights has nearly drained me!"


    "I don''t believe it, you always say that!"


    "Rascal! How could my Li Family have produced an unworthy descendant like you!"


    "Who asked you to reside in my body, deliberately devouring my Spiritual Power, changing the manifestation of my spirit root, causing me to be detected as having a Mixed Spirit Root talent!"


    "You..."


    Li Ya and the ancestor bickered in their minds, growing more agitated with each exchange, causing Li Ya to start coughing uncontrobly.


    The Resentful Fox King stepped toward him, his murderous intent locking onto Li Ya, making him feel as if he were in a cold cer.


    Just then.


    It suddenly darkened before Li Ya''s eyes, and he instinctively looked up to see a dark purple figure standing in front of him.


    It was him...


    Li Ya remembered, back when he was gravely injured outside Mystic Valley by Elder Chen, it was this mysterious Demon Cultivator who saved him.


    The ancestor had said that this Demon Cultivator used the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion''s Demon Shadow Divine Skill!


    Li Ya had racked his brains before, but could not understand what connection he had with the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, and could only chalk it up to coincidence.


    But now, he was shocked.


    The mysterious Demon Cultivator had appeared again!


    Gu An, performing the Great Yin-Yang Transformation, looked towards the Resentful Fox King and sensed that the opponent was merelyparable to the Cultivation Level of the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    To be on the safe side, he still threw out a Life Span Detection, after all, this thing didn''t cost him any lifespan.


    [Resentful Fox King (Divinity Transformation Realm Four Layers): 1409/2900/3400]


    Well, a quite honest demon!


    The Resentful Fox King, unable to see through Gu An''s cultivation level, immediately grew nervous and asked, "Who are you?"


    Gu An raised his hand and pointed off into the distance, signaling for him to leave quickly.


    Gu An disliked killing opponents without grudge or grievance, he was already able to seize lifespan from medicinal herbs, and wanted to keep some leeway for his humanity, to avoid bing addicted to killing, which could lead to reckless or even arrogant behavior, and eventually cause a great disaster.


    The Resentful Fox King''s expression fluctuated between gloom and brightness, but ultimately, he clenched his fist, turned around, and left.


    [Resentful Fox King develops a grudge against you, hating you to the bone; do you wish to perform Life Span Detection on it?]


    A line of prompt suddenly appeared before Gu An''s eyes.


    Hmm?


    To hate to the bone just like this?


    He chose the path of death!


    Gu An raised his right hand, plucked at the air, and the horrifying Spiritual Power of the Mahayana Realm burst forth, directly causing the Resentful Fox King to explode and perish, his Primordial Spirit turning to ash.


    Without using any Spell or Divine Skill!


    Simply oppressed with Great Spirit Power!


    If the opponent had been carrying a Storage Bag, Gu An might have been gentler in his approach.


    Following that, Gu An received the prompt to seize lifespan, not bad, he seized one hundred and ny years, in line with his previous estimate, lifespans were taken between ten to twenty percent of the opponent''s remaining Life Span.


    Li Ya, who was kneeling on the ground, was stunned.


    A Demon King of the Divinity Transformation Realm just died like that?


    He didn''t even see how the Demon Cultivator made a move, to be killed from a distance?


    "How is this possible! What realm is he?"


    The ancestor eximed in shock within Li Ya''s heart, his voice trembling.


    This time, Gu An heard the soul voice in Li Ya''s heart.


    Even the Mahayana Realm cannot hear the voices of living beings, but the soul inside Li Ya wasmunicating with Soul Power, and each word spoken produced a slight fluctuation, which could not escape the Perception of the Mahayana Realm.


    Gu An turned to look at Li Ya, frightening him into retreating quickly until he pressed tightly against the rock wall.


    "This person''s cultivation realm is likely even higher than mine in life!" the ancestor said solemnly, his tone tinged with a hint of mncholy.


    He felt that Li Ya was doomed, and so was he!


    Hearing this, Li Yapletely panicked.


    All along, he believed that the ancestor was the most powerful, and that was why he dared to be reckless because he had the ancestor to back him up.


    Now that the ancestor was unable to shield him, how could he not be terrified?


    Gu An looked at Li Ya, who was close to dying from fear, and felt likeughing, but he really feared scaring Li Ya to death, and thus focused his Spiritual Power in his throat to change his voice and said, "I''ve saved you for the second time, do you think I want to kill you?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya immediately felt relieved, but Gu An''s next sentence made him tense again.


    "If I truly wished to kill you, even the soul in your body would not be able to help you." the-ce-MVLeMpYr


    He can see through the soul in my body?


    Li Ya was terrifed, this was even more unsettling than the threat of being killed.


    Gu An raised his hand and from a distance drew the North Sea Heavy Sword into his hand, the sword weighing ten thousand jin felt as light as a feather in his hand, but the force of the wind it stirred up indicated the sword''s weight.


    Seeing the other party holding the sword, Li Ya''s heart rose to his throat, unclear about the other party''s intentions.


    "Boy, your swordsmanship is too slow, its rate of improvement displeases me. I''ll teach you a set of swordsmanship, how does that sound?" Gu An''s deep and aged voice sounded, leaving Li Ya dumbfounded.

 Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Primordial Ancestor of Li Family, The Momentum of the Ephemera Sect

    "You are passing on your swordsmanship to me?"


    Li Ya doubted if he had heard wrong, but the other person didn''t seem to be joking.


    The voice of the Primordial Ancestor rang in his heart, "Do not doubt him, with his cultivation level, there is nothing on you worth scheming for, even including the Li Family; he probably has some connection with you and feels a sense of care towards you."


    Gu An grasped the North Sea Heavy Sword, raising it and pointing it towards him.


    At that moment, Li Ya''s heartbeat nearly came to a stop.


    Facing the direction of Gu An''s sword, he felt a sense of suffocation and before he could think further, a sword intent burst from the tip of the North Sea Heavy Sword, rapidly entering his eyes, causing his entire body to stiffen.


    Upon closer inspection, within his pupils was a figure wielding a sword, performing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    Unknown how much time had passed.


    When Li Ya woke up, Gu An was no longer in sight, only the North Sea Heavy Sword stood in front of him, unshaken by the autumn wind.


    "Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword..."


    Li Ya murmured to himself, seemingly recalling something, his expression drastically changed, and he eximed in astonishment, "This sword intent is from Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    He had been to the Heavenly Repair tform and was deeply moved by the sword intent encapsted by the words "righteous path," unforgettable to him as he knew it belonged to the strongest sword cultivator he was aware of.


    "Primordial Ancestor, the person just now was Sword Venerable Fudao! He is not a demon cultivator!"


    Li Ya suddenly became excited, even clenching his fists.


    The brilliance of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword made his blood boil, feeling like he had received a peerless legacy, even surpassing the Dragon Image Divine Primordial.


    As long as he mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, he was confident he could sweep all the geniuses of this era!


    Li Ya was excited for a while, then suddenly realized the elder hadn''t spoken and couldn''t help but ask in his mind, "Primordial Ancestor? Why aren''t you speaking?"


    He started to panic, had the Sword Venerable taken the Primordial Ancestor away?


    Although he often argued with the Primordial Ancestor, without him inside his body, he would not have the same confidence walking in the world of immortal cultivation.


    "I am still here."


    The voice of the Primordial Ancestor rang out, instantly calming Li Ya''s panic.


    Following that, the Primordial Ancestor''s words confused Li Ya, "The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword is a sword technique of the Li Family; the Emperor-Level Sword Technique is but an iplete version of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword..."


    Li Ya was moved.


    "There should be no one in this era who knows the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword; by the time I was alive, this sword technique had already disappeared. The existing Emperor-Level Sword Technique was something Ipiled..." the tone of the Primordial Ancestor grewplex.


    Li Ya swallowed hard and cautiously asked, "Primordial Ancestor, what do you mean by that; please rify!"


    "He might be the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family; perhaps this is why he has taken care of you and me," the Primordial Ancestor said somberly.


    The Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family!


    Li Ya widened his eyes, opened his mouth trying to say something, but a thousand words choked in his throat, unable to be spoken.


    ...


    After guiding Li Ya, Gu An did not linger in the North Sea Mountains. He rushed all the way to the Supreme Sect. content-hosted-on-MVLeMpYr


    A monthter, he would return to the North Sea Mountains to enhance abat technique.


    And start to amass a lifespan of ten million years after another six months!


    Gu An didn''t return directly to Mystic Valley but instead came to the Outer City, feeling good today and decided to stroll around.


    First, he visited the Heavenly Repair tform; even after many years, there were still many cultivators on the tform, including over five Mahayana Cultivators at the tform, among them that Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    The Mad Swordsman of Great Yu, Han Ming was still there, under his guidance, Zuo Lin''s swordsmanship had slightly progressed which he had not hoped for before.


    Zuo Yijian had already left; ording to Zuo Lin, he was obsessed with the "Investiture of the Gods," firmly believing he couldprehend his own Sword Dao from that book.


    "Master!"


    A joyous voice came from afar, Gu An turned his head and saw Zhen Qin, dressed in the robe of the Law Enforcement Hall, approaching quickly.


    Gu An showed a smile, and once she arrived, he smilingly asked, "How have you beentely?"


    Zhen Qin, mixing with Ye Lan, found life at the Law Enforcement Hall quite pleasant, and her cultivation level was also steadily increasing.


    "Just so, oh master, did you hear? Senior Brother Su has joined the Ephemera Sect." Zhen Qin spoke of Su Han, her face filled with worry.


    Gu An said, "Everyone makes their own choices; we can''t control them, so let him be."


    He had advised Su Han before and even assured that he wouldn''t waste Su Han''s cultivation, but it was in vain.


    Since that was the case, Gu An could only respect Su Han''s decision.


    But from then on, any trouble Su Han ran into, Gu An couldn''t care less, unless Su Han was about to die in front of him, out ofpassion, he might lend a hand.


    "Sigh, I don''t know if I''ll ever see him again in this life," Zhen Qin said with a tone full of mncholy.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ruffle her hair, chuckling, "You''ve really grown up, girl, even knowing how to be touched by the seasons."


    The master and disciple stood at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, chatting for quite a while, before Zhen Qin had to continue her patrol and bid him farewell.


    Gu An looked at her retreating figure, feeling quite moved.


    In two hundred years, he would no longer see this girl.


    Even as a Mahayana Cultivator, he currently had no way to change someone else''s ultimate lifespan, nor did he n to; after all, reincarnation is the norm for all beings. Forcing a change in someone''s destiny would only create obsessions, and should it fail, he would be the one who suffered.


    Everything around him was but a segment of life; what he pursued was eternal life. Of course, he wouldn''t shun social interactions as they form life''s rtionships.


    After scanning the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An turned and left.


    He strode towards the Elixir Hall, hearing plenty of disciples discussing the Ephemera Sect along the way.


    The momentum of the Ephemera Sect is growing stronger and stronger!


    Looking at this situation, it seems they aim to unify the Demon Path.


    Gu An wasn''t too concerned, Ephemera Sect couldn''t threaten the Supreme Sect, and even if they could, they couldn''t threaten him.


    How to increase the lifespan ie of Medicine Valley was what he cared more about.


    Even though he was already a Mahayana Cultivator, Gu An did not wish to go on a killing spree but continued to hoard medicinal herbs to preserve life, avoiding wastefulness and keeping a low profile, because he was not yet sure if he was invincible under the heavens.


    Reason told him that he was far from being invincible, which was proven by the descended Lu Lingjun.


    This world is vast!


    An ancient hourter.


    Gu An visited Jiang Qiong at the Great Elder''s residence, who was at home. After he entered, Jiang Qiong waved her sleeve, closing the main door.


    Gu An took out the previously stored herbs, Jiang Qiong didn''t count them, waved her sleeve to move the herbs aside, and then looked at him, saying, "I''m leaving."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but ask curiously, "Where to?"


    "The Supreme Sect''s suspicions of me are growing stronger, I can feel the looming threat of murder, I n to join the Ephemera Sect," Jiang Qiong said calmly.


    Again, the Ephemera Sect!


    What exactly is the origin of this Ephemera Sect?


    Gu An thought for a moment, then took out several Green Vine Fruits from his storage bag and said, "Take these with you."


    Jiang Qiong nced at the Green Vine Fruits on the ground and said with a smile that was not a smile, "Youd, didn''t you embezzle any?"


    Green Vine Fruits cannot be produced in a short period of time, the fact that Gu An could produce so many meant he had not consumed them regrly.


    "My talent is average, increasing Qi-Blood would only attract attention and bring about deadly disaster, rather stay mediocre to the end," Gu An shook his head and said.


    Jiang Qiongughed, "You really are without desires or demands, saying what mediocre talent, isn''t your sword daoprehension strong?"


    "But I don''t like practicing swordsmanship, nor do I want to be a swordsman. Imagine if you were to find me a master, think about it, would a swordsman at the Foundation Establishment Realm with a peerless sword technique have an easy life?" Gu An said earnestly.


    Jiang Qiong found this reasoning sound. In the Immortal Cultivation World, cultivation level indeed was crucial.


    She no longer pursued the matter, but said instead, "Ephemera Sect and Supreme Sect are bound to have a battle. Once I establish myself within the Ephemera Sect, I may be able toe for you in the future."


    Another battle?


    Gu An couldn''t help but frown, why was the Supreme Sect so fraught with disaster?


    "This Ephemera Sect is no ordinary force, possibly an external power. Half of the people from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion have already pledged allegiance to the Ephemera Sect. My role hidden within the Supreme Sect, yet they still managed to extend their reach to me, their intelligence capabilities are truly terrifying," reflected Jiang Qiong.


    Has Ephemera Sect already infiltrated the Supreme Sect?


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "You didn''t mention me, did you?"


    "How could I? With your cultivation level, even if I did, they wouldn''t be interested," Jiang Qiong nced at him.


    Gu An smiled, a look that seemed naive in Jiang Qiong''s eyes.


    This foolish grand disciple...


    Jiang Qiong shook her head with a smile, inwardly worried about how he would stand on his own in the future.


    She reminded him, "The new Great Elder of the Outer Sect is said to be extremely cruel, you should be careful. There have already been people from the Law Enforcement Hall investigating you. Relying solely on your junior sister to protect you will likely be difficult. When you enter the Eight Scenic Caves, be more observant, cautious, and also try not to trade Green Vine Fruits anymore."


    Gu An nodded, saying, "I''ll remember that."


    After chatting for 30 minutes, Gu An took his leave.


    After leaving the Great Elder''s residence, Gu An headed towards Mystic Valley.


    ...


    Autumn came and went, and heavy snow gradually covered Mystic Valley.


    One day, Mystic Valley weed a visitor.


    Gu An entertained the guest in the attic.


    "The Sect Leader has already instructed that if you encounter any issues in the Outer Sect, you cane directly to me," smiled Lv Songhan heartily, his smile very warm.


    This was the newly appointed Great Elder of the Outer Sect.


    Lv Songhan''s hair waspletely white, but his face wasn''t aged, smiling like a naive big fellow.


    Despite his warmth in front of Gu An, in reality, he was a Nascent Soul Cultivator, and in Jiang Qiong''s words, a formidable and tough character.


    Gu An raised his cup,ughing, "Then thank you for looking after me, Elder Lu."


    The two of them drank, bing more and more engrossed as they chatted, even ending up addressing each other as brothers.


    By midday, Gu An had only just seen off Lv Songhan.


    After his departure, Yang Ni, like a ghost, appeared beside him, clicking her tongue in amazement, "You are getting more and more impressive, even being on brotherly terms with a Nascent Soul Cultivator."


    Gu An shrugged and said, "You can also address me as Brother Gu."


    "Looking for a beating?"


    Yang Ni red at him, her posture suggesting she was about to draw her sword.


    Gu An feigned a cough and said, "Hearing the rise of the Ephemera Sect, be more attentive in Mystic Valley on regr days, and prevent the Ephemera Sect thieves from stealing the medicinal herbs."


    Yang Ni nodded slightly upon hearing this.


    Then, Gu An turned and left, Yang Ni watching him depart via the Transmission Array tform.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Strange, why did he suddenly bring up the Ephemera Sect? Could he have guessed my identity?" Yang Ni frowned, thinking this.

 Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Limitless Freedom Step, Supreme Elder

    Deep into the night, heavy snow descended upon the forests of the North Sea mountains.


    Gu An sat on a cliff, having activated a Life Span Barrier; he had invested a hundred thousand years of life span into the Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step.


    The Infinite Traceless Mystic Heaven Step advanced sessfully to the Limitless Freedom Step!


    It was still at the peak of perfection!


    Spiritual Energy descended; he began to pass on the Limitless Freedom Step.


    An hourter, Gu An opened his eyes, having fully inherited the Limitless Freedom Step.


    With the Limitless Freedom Step, one could predict an opponent''s attack trajectory, cross over Restrictions and Formations, and tread upon Dharma Aspects with infinite cunning uses.


    It was good for both fighting and escaping!


    In another month, he would enhance the Great Yin Yang Transformation and the Demon Shadow Divine Skill, which could conceal one''s identity and was very suitable for his Traditions of Immortal Cultivation.


    Gu An stood up and flew towards the Supreme Sect.


    Along the way, he spread his Divine Sense, searching for Li Ya.


    Li Ya was practicing his swordsmanship by thekeside in the North Sea, working diligently¡ªit was unclear when he might master the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    Gu An started looking forward to Li Ya''s duel with An Hao. Imagining both of them simultaneously unleashing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, he could foresee their shocked and incredulous expressions.


    It was so interesting!


    Gu An then started to search for Sky Dragon, only to find Sky Dragon was nowhere to be found in the North Sea mountains.


    Could it be that he was driven out by the demons of the North Sea mountains?


    As for the possibility of being eaten, it was also there¡ªif really eaten, then it was just its bad luck.


    Taking advantage of the darkness before dawn, Gu An hurried back to Mystic Valley at full speed.


    ...


    A new year came, and so did the Spring Festival.


    Lv Baitian arrived, bringing his newly epted disciple, An Hao, to celebrate the Spring Festival at the Third Medicine Valley; An Hao went to the Outer Sect to bring An Xin over.


    The grown-up An Xin was lithe and graceful, standing next to An Hao, they looked like a match made in heaven.


    The Third Medicine Valley, home to three hundred Servant Disciples, bustled with activity, Gu An nned to go to Mystic Valley that evening, not wanting to y favorites.


    Gu An and Lv Baitian sat under an old tree, drinking and talking about the trivialities of the Third Medicine Valley, and Lv Baitian enjoyed listening.


    ording to Lv Baitian, the mostfortable days of his several hundred years of life were spent in the Medicine Valley.


    "Since you reminisce about our Medicine Valley so much, why don''t you relinquish your position as Sect Leader and return to a pastoral life?" Gu An jokingly asked, feelingfortable enough to tease Lv Baitian now that they were more familiar with each other.


    Of course, his greatest reliance was still his own Mahayana Realm cultivation level!


    Lv Baitian shook his head andughed, "To not advance is to go back. If I were to give up the position of Sect Leader, it wouldn''t be long before I''d be branded a traitor of the Supreme Sect and even smeared with all sorts of filth, maybe even used of being a spy for the Demon Path."


    "Moreover, the Lv Family and the Gu Family, who support me, would not allow me to step down. In the Supreme Sect, cultivation level is key, but sometimes, it is not all that important."


    As he said these words, his tone was deep and meaningful, as if hinting at something to Gu An.


    Gu An changed the subject, "Recently, a branch of the Ephemera Sect has surfaced in the Immortal Cultivation World; You must have heard of it, right?"


    Having stayed in the Supreme Sect for a while, he still felt attached to it.


    Lv Baitian nodded lightly, then picked up the wine pot to pour more for Gu An, "The Supreme Sect has long been aware of the Ephemera Sect''s existence. In fact, two hundred years ago, the Ephemera Sect tried to infiltrate the Taicang Dynasty. At that time, the Imperial Family was under the control of the Ephemera Sect.


    I led the Supreme Sect in a battle against the Ephemera Sect in the North Sea and managed to repel them."


    "The Ephemera Sect''s resurgence probably stems from the belief that the Supreme Sect, having just experienced a great battle, is significantly weakened. In truth, the Supreme Sect is indeed temporarily unable to hinder the Ephemera Sect''s absorption of the Demon Path."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An asked in confusion, "What do we do then? Just let them grow in power?"


    Lv Baitian calmly replied, "It doesn''t matter. The Ephemera Sect has spies within the Supreme Sect, and we also have informants within the Ephemera Sect. The Ephemera Sect has many branches, but we have yet to understand their origins. ''To know the enemy and to know oneself is to be undefeated in a hundred battles.'' Let us wait and see.


    Also, I am preparing for a breakthrough to challenge my Heavenly Destiny."


    How could that be considered no matter at all?


    Not even knowing how strong the enemy truly was!


    Gu An felt Lv Baitian was feigningposure because he wanted to break through before taking action against the Ephemera Sect.


    "Speaking of the Ephemera Sect, I n to send ten of the young disciples with the most exceptional talents from our sect to the Third Medicine Valley. They can protect you and cultivate their minds alongside you," Lv Baitian said with a smile. MVLeMpYr-official-text


    Gu An was taken aback, asking in bewilderment, "What could they cultivate here with me? I can''t provide any guidance to them."


    "You don''t need to guide them. Just by immersing themselves in the life here, allowing their hearts to be still is enough," Lv Baitian shook his head and replied.


    Suddenly, Gu An wondered if this man had recognized him as Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Otherwise, why would he be so good to him, even sending talents to be his underlings?


    iming it was for them to cultivate their minds¡ªdid he actually want Sword Venerable Fudao to impart some guidance?


    Gu An began to probe Lv Baitian, asking why not have Sword Venerable Fudao teach these disciples since the Immortal Cultivation World praises him as the strongest.


    Lv Baitian frowned and said, "Truthfully, we don''t have the slightest clue as to who Sword Venerable Fudao really is. He might be a reclusive Ascetic, and such cases are not umon in the Supreme Sect.


    The Supreme Sect has existed for thousands of years with over a million disciples; invariably, some obtain great fortune, change their destinies against the heavens, yet choose not to reveal themselves."


    "There''s another possibility¡ªthat Sword Venerable Fudao is one of the Supreme Elders. The Supreme Elders are elusive, sometimes returning unexpectedly. Considering the words ''Righteous Path'' on the Heavenly Repair tform, it is very likely that a Supreme Elder is guiding the Supreme Sect''s ethos."


    There really is a Supreme Elder!


    No wonder Lv Baitian was not panicked.


    What truly relieved Gu An was that Lv Baitian seemed not to associate him with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    On second thought, Gu An suddenly realized he was indeed overthinking it.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    How old was he?


    How could he possibly be Sword Venerable Fudao?


    At most, they would think he had some rtion to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    With his worries alleviated, Gu An asked, "Sect Leader, if you sessfully break through, could you sweep through the Ephemera Sect by yourself?"


    Lv Baitianughed and said, "If the Ephemera Sect still had the strength it did two hundred years ago, and I were to break through, I could sweep them all by myself."


    "Young man, do you know what realm I am in?"


    He lifted his chin, looking proud and haughty.


    Gu An pondered and said, "You should be above the Divinity Transformation, shouldn''t you?"


    "Hahaha!"


    Lv Baitian roared withughter, drawing the attention of others in the distance.


    Gu An watched Lv Baitian show off, feeling secretly pleased inside.


    "Above Divinity Transformation is Void Crossing, and above that is Unification. And I, I am at the ninthyer of the Unification Realm!" Lv Baitian said softly. When he spoke these words, Gu An distinctly perceived his Spiritual Power diffusing, creating a Barrier to prevent other disciples from eavesdropping.


    Gu An showed a look of shock and muttered to himself, "The ninthyer of the Unification Realm... How many years of cultivation does it take to reach that?"


    "Haha, with your aptitude, let alone the Unification Realm, it''s hard to say if you could reach the Nascent Soul in this lifetime. As my disciple, my cultivation level will be yours one day," Lv Baitian revealed his intent once again, his tone full of seductive implications.


    Gu An''s face showed longing and delight, pleasing Lv Baitian inwardly.


    This kid is on the right track!


    "Forget it, standing high is not necessarily a good thing, just like you, there are times when you''re helpless. How high must one''s cultivation be to be considered high? Isn''t enjoying life more meaningful?" Gu An shook his head and said, making Lv Baitian want to spit blood.


    This kid really doesn''t know the dangers of the Immortal Cultivation World!


    If it weren''t for the protection of the Supreme Sect, how could Gu An be so carefree?


    Just as Lv Baitian was about to speak, he thought of Gu An''s previous opinion on the Outer Sect and his own teachings, and his words got stuck in his throat.


    Wasn''t it precisely because of Gu An''s disposition that he took an interest in him?


    If the desireless Gu An were to be the Sect Leader, that would be a blessing for the Supreme Sect. He may not be willing now, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t be in the future, especially since his time was far from over.


    And so Lv Baitian convinced himself.


    Gu An then asked, "Sect Leader, what realm lies above the Unification Realm?"


    He was probing the depths of the Supreme Sect!


    Lv Baitian snorted, "When you be my disciple, I''ll tell you!"


    "Why do you insist on me bing your disciple? Haven''t you already taken An Hao as a disciple? Why not cultivate him to be the Sect Leader?"


    "His background is unclear, and he has been a disciple under Chu Tianqi. I took him in simply appreciating his talent, not necessarily trusting him."


    "So you definitely trust me?"


    "Of course, I have already checked you thoroughly. You were a house servant raised by the Ji Family, with some connection to Li Xuandao, and even possibly some ties to the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. But I can see, you arepelled against your will.


    You have connections to Li Xuandao because of Li Ya, and to the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion because of the previous Valley Master," Lv Baitian finished with a look that said he had already seen through Gu An.


    Gu An was moved, his substantial change in expression satisfying Lv Baitian''s psychological needs greatly.


    "I didn''t expect you already knew. It''s indeed against my will. Do I need to sever ties with them in the future?" Gu An asked nervously.


    Lv Baitian waved his hand and said, "No need, just keep it as before. Directly severing ties will only bring you trouble. Besides, I might even glean some intelligence about them from you. There are as many spies in the Supreme Sect as there are stars, and I know of and have left untouched thousands of them."


    Gu An suddenly found it hard to judge him and could only give him an admiring look.


    Lv Baitian grew even morecent and then went on to talk about the major disturbances caused by spies in the past.


    Whenever such disturbances arose, Lv Baitian would round up the spies all at once. Officially, he caught them all, but in reality, he kept half of them. He branded half of his internalpetitors as spies from the Demon Path and dealt with them together.


    The surviving spies from the Demon Path were promoted by him. Those spies must have felt deeply trusted by him, either turning to the Righteous Path or bing more reckless, readying to strike on Lv Baitian''s orders the next time.


    After chatting for a long time, Gu An realized that Lv Baitian was teaching him how to handle Sect affairs.


    Until evening, Gu An came alone to Mystic Valley and joined the other disciples for dinner.


    As the conversation reached its peak, Gu An announced that he was making Lu Jiujia the eldest disciple, in charge of handling all the affairs of Medicine Valley, which confused Lu Jiujia.


    Yang Ni frowned and thought to herself, "He really suspects me. On a regr basis, he does not interact with this disciple named Lu Jiujia; how could he suddenly appoint him as the eldest disciple?"


    She felt it was time to make a move!

 Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Shenzhou Scripture, The Fear of the Unification Realm

    Gu An had no idea what Yang Ni was thinking, he chose Lu Jiujia simply because there was no one else to choose from.


    As for Yang Ni, in his view, she would leave sooner orter, so he never considered her for the role of chief disciple.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    When it waste at night, after the feast was over and everyone had returned to their rooms, Gu An quietly made his way to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    He had been studying the Myriad Poison Mystic Skill for some time and had made considerable progress.


    He came to the base of the Green Vine Tree, and with a thought, a figure shot out from a cave opening like a swift gust of wind, lifting debris along its path.


    The figure was none other than Meng Lang, transformed into a Poison Corpse.


    Gu An controlled Meng Lang with his divine sense, directing him to pick a ripe medicinal herb.


    After Meng Lang had picked the herb, Gu An waited quite a while but did not receive any prompt that the life span extraction had been sessful.


    The n had failed!


    It seemed that in the future, he would still have to do it himself!


    Feeling a slight regret in his heart, Gu An was not disappointed, for now the Third Medicine Valley and Tianya Valley were yielding crops, and his annual life span ie was at least a hundred thousand years¡ªand still growing.


    In less than a hundred years, he would be able to reach a life span of ten million years!


    With such speed, Gu An was quite satisfied, after all, how many realms could an ordinary cultivator advance over a hundred years?


    Gu An instructed Meng Lang to return to the cave while he himself took out the Heavenly Residence Sword and began practicing the Wood Spirit Sword Technique.


    ...


    The next morning, Gu An came down from the attic and led his disciples in drill exercises, which Yang Ni also joined. After the exercises, she hurried off into the forest.


    Gu An felt that her expression was unusual, quite out of the ordinary, so he watched her for a bit and saw her sowing seeds in the forest, causing his eyebrows to furrow slightly.


    Those seeds seemed unfamiliar!


    Being a Mahayana Cultivator with a photographic memory and the ability to observe subtleties, Gu An immediately noticed that the seeds in her hands were of a kind he had never seen before.


    He approached her and eventually came up behind Yang Ni.


    "What are you nting?" Gu An asked curiously, and while she was getting up, he sent a life span detection her way.


    [Ephemera (Tier 6): 0/120/5000]


    A Tier 6 Spirit Flower?


    And it''s even named Ephemera!


    Gu An could not help but associate it with the Ephemera Sect.


    Yang Ni replied, "I got these from an enemy''s storage bag a while ago. I''m not clear on what exactly they are called. I''ve had these seeds in my bag for dozens of years and only thought to nt them today."


    "Is that so?" Gu An mused.


    Observing his expression, Yang Ni said, "Yes, can''t I nt them?"


    "Go ahead and nt them," Gu An said with a smile, not pointing out the origin of the flower.


    Why would he refuse Yang Ni''s intention to nt a Tier 6 Spirit Flower?


    After all, the medicinal herbs she nted were for him to harvestter on.


    Gu An then offered a few words of encouragement to Yang Ni before turning to leave.


    Watching his retreating figure, Yang Ni found him even more inscrutable.


    "I can''t believe I got taken in by a Foundation Establishment youngster," she thought sarcastically to herself, then squatted down and continued nting the Ephemera.


    No matter what Gu An spected, as long as she had the chance to nt Ephemera, she would take it!


    She nced at Gu An''s retreating figure and thought to herself, "Once I make a significant contribution, I will ensure your safety. Then, I''ll introduce you to the Ephemera Sect."


    After years of interaction, she had grown quite fond of Gu An and felt it would be a pity if such a junior died in the strife of sects.


    Someone with his talent was suitable to join the Ephemera Sect and continue to shine.


    ...


    After the New Year, as everything came back to life, the Supreme Sect once again weed a lively atmosphere.


    In the early days of March, as Gu An and Shen Zhen were discussing books in the building, they suddenly felt something and put down their books.


    Gu An coughed, saying, "Put all this away."


    Blushing slightly, Shen Zhen quickly put all the drawing papers on the table into her storage bag.


    After cleaning up, the two of them went downstairs.


    They reached the open space in front of the attic and saw Cultivators flying in from the distant sky. Gu An recognized a familiar face among them, Ji Xiaoyu.


    There were a total of eleven Cultivators, and Gu An continuously used life span detection on them.


    Except for the Cultivator at the very front leading the way, all the others were below a hundred years of age. The lowest among them was at the eighthyer of the Core Formation Realm, and two had even reached the Nascent Soul Realm.


    The innate talent of those in the Nascent Soul Realm under a hundred years was formidable.


    The minimum limit of their life spans was at least two thousand years.


    The Cultivator leading the way was named Lv Chen, with a cultivation level of the secondyer of the Void Crossing Realm. Afternding, he greeted Gu An with a cupped fist, saying, "These ten disciples sent by the Sect Leader for tempering are now under your charge, Valley Master."


    He was very courteous towards Gu An, devoid of the airs typical of a Great Cultivator at the Void Crossing Realm, which piqued Gu An''s curiosity about what Lv Baitian had possibly done to set this up.


    Everyone from the Lv Family knew how to conduct themselves!


    Gu An raised his hand in greeting, replying, "Thank you for your efforts, senior."


    Seeing that Gu An observed full propriety, Lv Chen smiled, nodded, then soared away.


    Gu An looked towards the ten Supreme Sect geniuses, and they in turn were sizing him up.


    "Ms. Shen, what are you doing here?" a young man in green clothes frowned and asked, appearing displeased at the sight of Shen Zhen standing behind Gu An.


    This man, named Liu Yu, was at the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm and had a maximum life span of two thousand four hundred and nine years!


    Shen Zhen didn''t respond to him, but said to Gu An instead, "Since your Medicine Valley has guests, I''ll take my leave. We''ll be alone together next time."


    With those words, she leaped up and quickly disappeared behind the mountains.


    Alone together?


    People looked at Gu An with strange nces, and a cold gleam shed in Liu Yu''s eyes.


    [Liu Yu has be hostile towards you and wants to attack you. Do you want to use Life Span Detection on him?]


    Wants to attack me?


    How deep is this hatred?


    Gu An spoke, "Ms. Shen and I simply share a liking for reading, asionally exchanging our thoughts, and nothing more. She told me that her goal for a Daoist friend is none other than the Sword Venerable Fudao."


    All were young prodigies, and upon hearing this, they couldn''t help butugh. Liu Yuughed awkwardly and shot Gu An an apologetic look.


    They were not fools. Lv Baitian had personally named Gu An to lead them, so he must have had exceptional abilities. Even if he didn''t, he was Lv Baitian''s person, and they dared not offend him.


    The prodigies were pampered by the Supreme Sect, but being a prodigy didn''t mean they could do whatever they wanted, at least not if Lv Baitian wanted to deal with them, their families would have to weigh their actions carefully.


    Ji Xiaoyu asked, "Valley Master, what should we do? Just give us your orders."


    As soon as she spoke, the others quickly restrained theirughter and looked at Gu An with anticipation.


    The Sect Leader mentioned that they came here to cultivate their minds, and they subconsciously assumed that this would help their cultivation practices.


    Gu An smiled, "Then follow me. But don''tin of being tired or in pain, and no one is allowed to stop midway. Only failures give up halfway."


    At his words, the prodigies grew even more excited, looking at each other with eyes that seemed to spark with electricity.


    All prodigies have apetitive heart!


    Afterward, Gu An took them to a forest dozens of miles away, instructing them to clear thend, then taught them how to nt seeds, and finally led them to inspect medicinal herbs all around.


    Though these were trivial tasks, the ten disciples took them very seriously, not even willing to miss a single stone along the way.


    A few days passed, and someone couldn''t hold back anymore.


    A disciple named Chang Cang couldn''t help but stop and look at Gu An, asking in a deep voice, "Are you ying us? Is cultivating our minds supposed to be the same as being a Medicine Boy?"


    The others looked at Gu An, even Ji Xiaoyu frowned.


    Gu An knew this was dubious, but Lv Baitian had insisted on it.


    He sighed, took out ten books from his Storage Bag, and threw them to the ten people.


    Their faces lit up with joy as they caught the books.


    "The Shenzhou Scripture?" Someone read the title aloud, their eyes lighting up.


    Such a name seemed profound at first nce.


    Gu An turned around, "Figure it out yourselves."


    Having said that, he walked away, leaving them to start reading the book.


    Liu Yu opened the first page and read, "The Dao that can be told is not the eternal Dao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name..."


    With his back to them, the corners of Gu An''s mouth lifted into a smile.


    The Shenzhou Scripture was not the Tao Te Ching; he had simply pieced together memorable verses from ancient Huaxia ssics to form a misceneous book. It was enough to bluff someone.


    He couldn''t afford to write out the actual Tao Te Ching. What if someone truly came to understand something from it? That would be troublesome indeed.


    ...


    Since receiving the Shenzhou Scripture, Ji Xiaoyu and the others found their own ces to contemte it, not bothering each other, and the Third Medicine Valley continued at its normal pace.


    Five dayster.


    Ji Xiaoyu closed the Shenzhou Scripture, looked down at the busy Servant Disciples in the valley, thought for a moment, stood up, and went down the mountain to help.


    your-MVLeMpYr-source


    A prodigy seated on the opposite mountaintop saw what she did, appeared to realize something, and also started down the mountain.


    They couldn''tprehend the Shenzhou Scripture, but it seemed genuinely profound. Associating it with Gu An''s initial arrangements, they thought that maybe they could gain some insights while working in the fields.


    Another ten days passed, and the rest of the genius disciples were all engrossed in the menial tasks of the Medicine Valley, diligently working every day, reading the Shenzhou Scripture in their spare time, and practicing Energy Absorption at night.


    This pleased Gu An greatly. Sure enough, the ten top prodigies chosen by Lv Baitian, setting aside their aptitudes, were indeed no fools. As long as they believed something was the right thing to do, they were truly resolute and persistent.


    In the blink of an eye, half a year had passed.


    Gu An turned fifty-nine. That day, while he was collecting herbs in Tianya Valley, he suddenly felt something, hisplexion changed drastically, and he immediately left the herbs with Sun Da beside him, then quickly left Tianya Valley.


    This baffled Luo Hun and the others in the valley, but they didn''t think too much of it.


    Ever since learning that Gu An had mastered the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm, Lv Xian stopped bothering him and even stopped bothering others, spending all day in seclusion and cultivation, like a demon, his Cultivation Level growing extremely fast. At this rate, it wouldn''t take many years for him to form his Nascent Soul.


    After leaving Tianya Valley for a hundred miles, Gu An disappeared into thin air, stepping through space, and covered thousands of miles to arrive at Mystic Valley. From there, via the Transmission Array tform, he came to the Third Medicine Valley.


    Stepping off the Array tform, he walked swiftly towards the Mystic Pure Tree.


    The Mystic Pure Tree was still there, but in front of it stood someone, pausing to gaze at it.


    From a distance, Gu An sent a Life Span Detection his way:


    [Zong Ying (Unification Realm Layer 4): 860/2800/3100]


    This fellow had cultivated a unique sorcery, appearing to only be at the Nascent Soul Realm Second Layer on the surface.


    Gu An became interested in his Cultivation Technique. Though the Mahayana Divine Sense could tell he was hiding his true Cultivation Level, it couldn''t fully rify it.


    Gu An approached the Mystic Pure Tree and started, "I am Gu An, the master of this Medicine Valley. May I know who you are...?"


    Zong Ying was dressed in a Daoist robe with a pointed chin and small eyes, and a goatee on his mouth ¨C clearly someone not to be trifled with at first nce.


    He responded with a smile and a raised hand, "I am an Inner Sect Disciple, named Zong Ying. Just passing by and I was drawn to this extraordinary tree. Could it be the legendary Mystic Pure Tree?"


    Gu An stepped forward, grabbed Zong Ying''s wrist with his right hand, and exerted a little strength, using the power of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and smiled, "Indeed, it is the Mystic Pure Tree. Do you want it?"


    Zong Ying found it amusing; a mere Foundation Establishment Realm dared toy hands on him?


    The Supreme Sect really had no one left, to end up entrusting a Foundation Establishment Realm to cultivate the Mystic Pure Tree.


    That made sense; it wouldn''t attract much attention this way.


    Zong Ying prepared to break free from Gu An''s grip, using the strength of the Nascent Soul Realm, thinking it would embarrass the other party.


    However, the next moment, his expression changed drastically.


    His eyes hardened, his brows furrowed, and he began to struggle fiercely.


    His expression changed again, this time revealing a look of surprise, rapidly reced by terror.


    How is this possible!

 Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Ephemeras Wind, Arch-Enemy

    "You..."


    Zong Ying''s eyes widened, his voice trembling. He couldn''t believe what he was feeling.


    He had exerted all his strength, yet he still couldn''t break free from Gu An''s grasp. It wasn''t just about not being able to break free; he couldn''t even vent his power. Normally, as soon as the power of the Unification Realm exploded, the entire Medicine Valley would instantly copse.


    His physical strength and Spiritual Power couldn''t be transmitted out of his body. An unimaginable force was suppressing him all around, and he experienced a suffocation he had never felt before.


    He was, after all, a Cultivator of the Unification Realm!


    A figure free to roam thends of the Nine Dynasties!


    Zong Ying''s heart was filled with despair as he realized he was doomed, but he didn''t want to die!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Senior, please spare my life!" Zong Ying said through gritted teeth, void of any demeanor befitting his realm.


    Gu An had already isted the surrounding space with his own Spiritual Power, making their voices inaudible to the outside world.


    He had a good guess about Zong Ying''s identity, so he did not kill him directly. Instead, he asked, "Give me one reason to spare your life."


    By now, Zong Ying bore no hostility toward Gu An, likely because he was terrified.


    "I am known as the Ghost Thief... I came to steal the Mystic Pure Tree not for myself, but for all the mortals of the world... Senior, as a high being of the Supreme Sect, you must understand the disparities in the resources of the Immortal Cultivation World. The Supreme Sect holds too many Immortal Cultivation resources.


    The Spiritual Energy in themon areas is weak; those without illustrious family backgrounds simply cannot make their way. If this continues, only families of noble lineage will exist in the Immortal Cultivation World..."


    Zong Ying spoke hurriedly, his eyes even reddening as he spoke.


    Gu An felt a pang in his heart¡ªsuch impressive acting skills.


    He acknowledged the ideology of the Ghost Thief, protecting themon people was indeed a heroic deed, but you shouldn''t be stealing from me!


    "You are now aware of my strength. I have no choice but to kill you to avoid any leaks," Gu An said expressionlessly.


    MVLeMpYr-original-content


    At these words, Zong Ying almost lost his soul in fright. His eyes darted, and suddenly, he blurted out, "I have a sorcery that can make me utterly obedient to you. I cannot defy you, or else I will suffer misfortune and die a violent death!"


    There''s a chance!


    I can deceive him!


    The fear in Zong Ying''s heart receded, reced by excitement.


    [Zong Ying harbors hostility toward you, hatred to the bone. Do you wish to perform a Life Span Detection on him?]


    Just about to let you off, and you harbored hostility toward me?


    Interesting.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An grew interested and asked, "What sorcery?"


    Zong Ying exined, "This is the Heavenly Judgment Curse. Once we form a Skill Style pact, and I swear allegiance to you, it will be established."


    "Alright, then follow me. Let''s find a secluded ce to form the curse," Gu An said, pulling Zong Ying toward a distant Transmission Array tform.


    Zong Ying was still suppressed by his Spiritual Power and couldn''t move, but he rxed inside, believing the other party had truly fallen for his story.


    While Gu An pulled him along, Zong Ying pondered in his mind.


    Who exactly is this person?


    To suppress him, a Cultivator of the Unification Realm, so effortlessly, could he have reached the Mystic Heart Realm?


    Could this person be a retired Supreme Elder of the Supreme Sect?


    The more he thought, the more frightened he became. He must report this to the sect.


    Thus, the two of them were transported to Mystic Valley and left there. They drew curious nces from disciples along the way, but upon seeing them chatting andughing, the onlookers quickly diverted their gaze.


    Dozens of miles from Mystic Valley, Gu An made sure no one was following them before finally stopping.


    The two of them remained in a forest, Zong Ying unable to escape Gu An''s suppression of Spiritual Power the entire time.


    Zong Ying''s face carried a forced smile as he asked, "Senior, shall we begin?"


    Gu An nodded, a smile appearing on his face as well.


    Seeing Gu An''s smile, Zong Ying''splexion changed drastically, instinctively sensing danger. Before he could contemte further, a strong Divine Sense surged into his mind.


    Soul Capturing Skill!


    ...


    In a dim grand hall, Zong Ying knelt on the floor, his gaze directed toward a mysterious shadow atop the steps, enveloped in dark mist, its true form indiscernible.


    "You have the most potent Energy Concealing Skill. You will probe the depths of the Supreme Sect." A cold male voice came from the shadow, devoid of any emotions.


    Zong Ying hesitated, "Lv Baitian has returned to his position as Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, his Cultivation Level reaching the ninthyer of the Unification Realm. Are we really going head-to-head?"


    The mysterious shadow replied, "This is the mandate from the main branch, to assimte the Taicang Dynasty before the great demon cmity arrives. The Taicang Dynasty, being coastal, ys a crucial role in our future ns."


    Hearing this, Zong Ying asked excitedly, "The mandate from the main branch? Is the main branch finally free to help us?"


    "Mm. The failure two hundred years ago left the main branch unsatisfied with us. Although we have infiltrated the Taicang Dynasty,pared to the actions of other branches, we have brought disgrace to the Ephemera Sect. Begin your mission to probe the current foundation of the Supreme Sect while waiting for the Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator from the main branch to arrive.


    Then, wage war against the Supreme Sect."


    Upon hearing the words of the mysterious shadow, Zong Ying excitedlyplied, seeing this as a great opportunity to prove himself.


    The scene shattered, and Gu An''s Divine Sense moved on to other memories within Zong Ying.


    This guy wasn''t the Ghost Thief at all; he was merely using the Ghost Thief''s identity to make the Supreme Sect prepare in advance, allowing him to determine how many powerful cultivators the Supreme Sect had hidden.


    He avoided using the name of the Ephemera Sect because he feared alerting the enemy. If he failed, he could still survive under the identity of the Ghost Thief.


    The Ghost Thief acted in the name of chivalry, and the Supreme Sect was a part of the Righteous Path, so they might not kill the Ghost Thief.


    Had it not been for the life span detection, Gu An might have indeed been deceived by him.


    After a long time.


    An hour had passed in the real world, within the forest.


    Zong Ying fell to the ground with a thud before Gu An, his eyes rolled back, his body rigid,pletely dead. His Primordial Spirit was shattered by the powerful Spiritual Power of Gu An, his soul perishing before his body.


    Gu An expressionlessly snatched Zong Ying''s storage bag and then incinerated Zong Ying''s body with Spirit Power Fire.


    Killing Zong Ying granted him two hundred forty years of lifespan, but this did nothing to improve his mood.


    In Zong Ying''s memories, there was no trace of the Heavenly Judgment Curse. Gu An did see his acts of murder, treasure theft, annihting entire families, humiliating female cultivators, and crafting ghostly devices with Soul Refining. He was indeed utterly wicked.


    This gave Gu An an extremely poor impression of the Ephemera Sect.


    He had thought the conflict between the Ephemera Sect and the Supreme Sect was just a typical inter-sect conflict, but now he felt that if the Ephemera Sect were to unify the Taicang Dynasty, life would only be more difficult.


    There were darknesses within the Supreme Sect too, but the Unification Realm cultivators within it were not so despicable.


    "Mystic Heart Realm, huh..."


    Gu An thought to himself and then turned to leave.


    The autumn wind blew into the forest, scattering Zong Ying''s ashes in the air, where theypletely disappeared.


    Gu An first went to the Eight Scenic Caves, checking Zong Ying''s storage bag, destroying any suspicious items to avoid exposing the location of the Eight Scenic Caves, keeping only the Immortal Cultivation resources.


    The storage bag of a Unification Realm Great Cultivator was indeed exceptional, filled with countless magic artifacts of all sorts and many Elixirs, some of which were quite nefarious.


    After toiling for an hour, Gu An finally left the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Upon returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An went to find Yang Ni, wanting to see how the Ephemera was growing.


    He saw Yang Ni meditating within the Ephemera Garden. Previously, she was busy with cultivation and hadn''t been distracted by Gu An and Zong Ying. She had grown ustomed to frequent visits from the people of Elixir Hall, Law Enforcement Hall, and the Ji Family.


    Of course, the main reason was that Zong Ying''s Energy Concealing Skill was too strong.


    "Why are you cultivating here?" Gu An asked, noticing Yang Ni absorbing the Spiritual Energy of the Ephemera, which was not good for the growth of the Ephemera!


    Yang Ni opened her eyes and said, "I''m cultivating in the valley to avoid exposing my cultivation level."


    Gu An directly pulled her up and headed towards his loft, saying, "Come practice in my room. I just set up restrictions there recently, so the disciples cannot see inside."


    Yang Ni frowned but could not outright refuse Gu An, so she followed him back to the valley.


    ...


    Winter came, and thick snow covered the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An was reading in his room when Ji Xiaoyu suddenly came to visit. He quickly hid the Supreme Secret Records and then stood up to wee Ji Xiaoyu.


    Ji Xiaoyu closed the door, set up a Restriction, and then asked, "Is the Shenzhou Scripture something youprehended in your dreams?"


    Having studied the Shenzhou Scripture for half a year, she had many insights.


    Gu An seriously said, "This is not a technique for cultivation but principles for life that can stabilize your mentality. A calm mind will allow you to cultivate better."


    "Not somethingprehended in dreams?"


    "Certainly not. I met an old senior outside the Outer Sect before, who gave me the Shenzhou Scripture and spoke of grand simplicity among other confusing things. But over the years, I have studied the Shenzhou Scripture intensively. Although my cultivation level has not increased, my mindset has be more tranquil and open-minded; nothing worries me, and I don''t obsess over things."


    Gu An shook his head, and upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu looked at him deeply.


    Ji Xiaoyu said, "This book is indeed useful. My mind is much calmer now than before I came here, and I no longer think about things that can''t be achieved at the moment."


    "I would like to take this book back to the Ji Family. If you agree, I will try to obtain a seventh-grade Spirit Tree for you. The foundation of the Ji Family is no less than that of the Supreme Sect."


    "Of course, if you don''t agree, I won''t insist, and I promise not to reveal the Shenzhou Scripture."


    A seventh-grade Spirit Tree?


    Is the Ji Family that powerful?


    Gu An suppressed the surprise in his heart and calmly said, "Naturally, I am willing. The Confucius in the scripture had the aspiration to share his ideals with the world. How could I keep it to myself?"


    The Shenzhou Scripture is aption of phrases from many ancient Huaxia sages like Laozi, Confucius, Zhuangzi, among others. Gu An had also marked their names in the book, portraying their extraordinary images.


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu''s face showed a smile, and she began discussing the Shenzhou Scripture with Gu An.


    After a long conversation, she finally took her leave.


    Just as she was about to reach the door, Ji Xiaoyu suddenly turned back and said to Gu An, "Now that you own such a vast Third Medicine Valley and your status has changed, you must have heard of the Ephemera Sect. If someone from the Ephemera Sect tries to win you over, do not agree."


    "Why?"


    "The Ephemera Sect conducts itself in sinister ways and does not follow the Righteous Path. Engaging with them seldom leads to good oues, and furthermore, the Ji Family and the Ephemera Sect are sworn enemies."


    The real reason is at the end, right?


    Gu An mused internally while sensing the impact of the Ephemera Sect on the Supreme Sect. Ji Xiaoyu''s words signified she was aware that many people had been swayed by the Ephemera Sect.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Defying Fate, The Fear of the Green Vine Tree

    ```


    Gu An had waited for more than half a year, passed his sixtieth birthday, and still hadn''t received the seventh rank Spirit Tree from the Ji Family.


    He believed that Ji Xiaoyu wouldn''t deceive him, guessing that the Ji Family''s procedures were a bitplicated, and that he would have to wait a bit longer.


    In this respect, the Supreme Sect was better, for the Mystic Pure Tree they promised him had arrived rather quickly!


    On a sweltering summer day, Gu An was sowing seeds in the Third Medicine Valley, with Gu Yu chattering ceaselessly by his side, talking about the Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    This year, the plot of Supreme Immortal Venerable reached its peak, when the protagonist, Gu Yu, and the male lead, Zhou Tongyou, met, preparing to join forces to battle the evil that gued the world, leaving countless readers hanging in suspense.


    Gu An was in a good mood, becausest night he spent a hundred thousand years of his life span to advance the Great Yin-Yang Transformation into the Nine Extremes Yin-Yang Body.


    The Nine Extremes Yin-Yang Body retained the previous abilities of guarding against prying and deducing cause and effect, with the added intricacy of creating avatars. He could create nine avatars and control them to fight or act.


    Afterwards, he had even given it a try and used an avatar to gather herbs. Unfortunately, just like before, it did not capture any life span.


    Nothing to do but carry on as before!


    As Gu An sowed the seeds, he thought about whatbat techniques to improve next.


    Originally, he had wanted to enhance his skills once a month, but over the past year, he frequently felt the presence of Great Cultivators from the Unification Realm fighting in the North Sea Mountains, so he dyed his ns to be stronger.


    Gu Yu couldn''t help but look at Gu An and asked, "Hey, are you really listening?"


    Without looking up, Gu An replied casually, "I''m not going to write a book the way you want, just wait and see."


    "How much longer will Supreme Immortal Venerable take to write?" Gu Yu asked in a soft voice.


    Within a ten-mile radius, there were only the two of them, so there was no fear of being overheard.


    "It will be done soon, in just a few more years."


    "What will you write next?"


    "Let''s talk about thatter, I may not write anymore."


    "Don''t say that, if you stop writing, that would indeed be a great loss to the Immortal Cultivation World."


    "Me stopping is actually a good thing, otherwise cultivators wouldn''t cultivate properly and would just sneak away to read books all day."


    "Nonsense, who reads every day? You only write a few words a year, we only read books in our spare time from cultivation."


    The two began to bicker. It was only after Gu Yu pulled out thetest Supreme Secret Records that Gu An believed he wasn''t cking off reading.


    Gu An stored the Supreme Secret Records in his Storage Bag, then asked, "Has anything significant happened in the Immortal Cultivation World recently?"


    Gu Yu secretly scorned his behavior, then said, "Actually, yes. The Demon Path and Ephemera Sect have been battling in the North Sea Mountains for more than half a year now. Thousand-Autumn Pavilion and Wanyin Sect have been nearly decimated by the Ephemera Sect. If this continues, it won''t be more than two or three years before Ephemera Sect unifies the Demon Path."


    Speaking of the Ephemera Sect, his tone became excited again.


    "The Ephemera Sect will inevitably have a battle with the Supreme Sect, and this battle will unify the Immortal Cultivation World of the Taicang Dynasty. The Sect doesn''t seem in a hurry at all, it seems they are confident of victory."


    Hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but think of Lv Baitian''s ultimate life span and harbored doubts whether he could make a sessful breakthrough.


    Regarding ultimate life span, Gu An was at a loss, as it was not something he could reveal to others.


    Ultimate life span is like a kind of destiny, everyone who embarks on the path of Immortal Cultivation is struggling against fate, who can believe in destiny?


    Gu An felt that there must be ways to break destiny, but they were very hard to find.


    After chatting for another Ancient Hour, Gu Yu left, saying that recently Gu Zong had been in seclusion, apparently preparing for the battle against the Ephemera Sect. He also needed to properly cultivate and contribute to the Supreme Sect''s effort when the timees.


    On the seventh day after Gu Yu left, the Elixir Hall issued orders to collect herbs from the Medicine Valleys ahead of schedule. Even the Third Medicine Valley had Cultivators from the Lv and Ji Familiesing to gather arge amount of herbs¡ªthis indicated that something big was about to happen.


    Gu An didn''t think of an attack from the Ephemera Sect, but rather that Lv Baitian was preparing to challenge his Heavenly Destiny, to break through into the Mystic Heart Realm.


    In the blink of an eye,


    Autumn reced summer.


    On this day at noon, Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley and found that Li Xuandao was also there, his Cultivation Level having reached the Void Crossing Realm.


    Over two hundred years old and in the Void Crossing Realm, Gu An had only seen him at this level.


    This fellow was only openly disying that he was at the firstyer of the Elixir Formation Realm, quite low-key.


    Both settled down at the stone table in front of the pavilion to chat, and Li Xuandao praised Gu An''s outstanding nting ability, thanking the herbs cultivated by Gu An for his smooth breakthrough beyond the Core Formation Realm.


    Without those herbs, Li Xuandao nned to have Yi Liuyun help him transnt a Golden Core, which, for sure, wouldn''t be as strong as the Golden Core he could form by himself.


    To this, Gu An could only smile and say it was all thanks to his uncle''s talent.


    Seeing Li Xuandao''s smile, Gu An could guess that he must be very pleased, thinking that no one knew of his Void Crossing Realm Cultivation Level.


    "Gu An, how is Yang Ni doing on your end?" Li Xuandao picked up the tea bowl and smiled as he asked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "She''s doing well. She has now started nting medicinal herbs, bing a fellow cultivator in my field." Gu An replied.


    "nting medicinal herbs?"


    Li Xuandao''s expression turned intriguing.


    Suddenly, Gu An remembered something Lv Baitian had said about how, two hundred years ago, the Ephemera Sect had controlled the Imperial Family. Could it be that Li Xuandao''s cultivation technique came from the Ephemera Sect?


    Zong Ying was the best proof of this, capable of concealing his own Cultivation Level so that even those of higher realms would find it hard to detect.


    And then there was the Ephemera that Yang Ni nted...


    Well, well!


    Do I have an Ephemera Sect undercover agent by my side?


    The more Gu An thought about it, the more he felt it was possible.


    Li Xuandao continued, "Recently, the Immortal Cultivation World has been rather unsettled, you should be careful."


    Following his lead, Gu An asked, "Is uncle referring to the Ephemera Sect?"


    ```


    "That''s right."


    "Uncle, as the Emperor, what do you think of the Ephemera Sect?"


    Li Xuandao''s face remained calm as he said, "Ambitious wolves, they bring disaster upon themon people."


    Hearing this, Gu An was stunned; these words didn''t sound like something a member of the Ephemera Sect would say.


    Li Xuandao began to recount the past. It turned out that his father, the former Emperor, had been controlled by the Ephemera Sect, which turned the imperial court into a tool for their profiteering until their deeds were exposed. Subsequently, his father was murdered by the Ephemera Sect. He had no choice but to request the help of the Supreme Sect.


    His own position as Emperor was a result of his provision of intelligence to the Supreme Sect, which then supported his ascent to the throne, as he was not the Crown Prince.


    Li Xuandao''s tone was filled with hostility toward the Ephemera Sect, making Gu An feel that it was likely genuine.


    "I do wish to contend with the Supreme Sect, but that is just an internal imperial struggle. If the Ephemera Sect were to fight with the Supreme Sect, I would most certainly support the Supreme Sect without reservation," Li Xuandao said coldly, his eyes shing with a murderous intent aimed at the Ephemera Sect.


    Gu An asked in surprise, "With the Ephemera Sectmitting such detestable acts and their headquarters remaining unknown, how could there be so many willing to join them?"


    Li Xuandao replied, "Because of Ephemera, it is said that the nt can change the aptitude of Cultivators, even dy their demise. Moreover, the cultivation resources they provide to their members are indeed substantial. Thus, there are always people joining them."


    "From what I currently understand, the Ephemera Sect has an extremely strong foundation, perhaps even stronger than the entire Taicang Dynasty, because we are only dealing with a branch of the Ephemera Sect."


    Ephemera?


    Change in aptitude?


    Gu An raised an eyebrow; no wonder Yang Ni was meditating and cultivating in the Ephemera Garden.


    However, he remained skeptical about the effectiveness of Ephemera. A sixth-tier medicinal nt that could defy the heavens and alter fate?


    Li Xuandao continued to tell Gu An about the deeds of the Ephemera Sect from two hundred years ago. Back then, it wasmon for the poption of an entire city to vanish, leaving behind empty cities. To this day, Li Xuandao still hadn''t discovered where those people had gone, but it was certain that their fates were more grim than not.


    Listening to all this, Gu An felt as though he was hearing various ghost stories,pletely engrossed.


    This Ephemera Sect was indeed sinister!


    It was said that the members of the Ephemera Sect were not only Cultivators but also included demons and ghosts. This reminded Gu An of the Ghost Mother of Ephemera still remaining at the Heavenly Repair tform.


    your-chapter-source


    After talking for an entire Ancient Hour, Li Xuandao still had not finished, and Gu An was not yet tired of listening.


    Suddenly.


    A notification appeared before Gu An''s eyes.


    [Zhong Liang harbors hostility towards you, holding murderous intentions. Would you like to conduct a Life Span Detection on him?]


    Zhong Liang?


    Who is this person?


    He didn''t recognize him at all.


    Gu An was momentarily stunned. He was typically benevolent in his interactions and rarely made enemies.


    The name sounded challenging, and silently, Gu An chose ''Yes.''


    [It will cost 100 years of lifespan, do you wish to proceed?]


    That expensive?


    Gu An couldn''t help asking aloud, "Uncle, have you ever heard of Zhong Liang?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Xuandao frowned deeply and said, "Has the Ephemera Sect already started to make contact with you?"


    "Is this person from the Ephemera Sect?" Upon hearing that, Gu An became tense immediately and made his selection internally.


    [Zhong Liang (Unification Realm Third Layer):1462/2900/3000]


    Third Layer of the Unification Realm!


    Gu An frowned and began to ponder how the other party could have known about him.


    Was it because of Zong Ying?


    No, that couldn''t be, he had checked many times to make sure Zong Ying didn''t carry any items allowing other Great Cultivators to send messages, and it had been half a year since Zong Ying''s death.


    Who could it be then?


    As soon as Gu An thought that he had already attracted the attention of the Ephemera Sect, he felt an impulse to barge into theirir to silence them.


    Unfortunately, the Ephemera Sect had noir¡ªat least not in Zong Ying''s memory, as the ce Zong Ying met with that mysterious shadow was always different.


    "Two hundred years ago, Zhong Liang was the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect. He was gravely injured by Lv Baitian and fled. Where have you encountered him?" Li Xuandao asked with a grave voice.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "Previously, outside the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect, I met him by chance; he wanted to invite me out in search of an opportunity, which I declined. Now, having talked with uncle for so long, I suddenly remembered him, and I never imagined he really was a demon head of the Ephemera Sect."


    Li Xuandao did not doubt Gu An''s words but started to consider various possibilities.


    Could it be that Zhong Liang had his sights set on Li Ya, or was it on him?


    Li Xuandao''splexion turned somber.


    The name Zhong Liang dampened the mood for both men, and no longer in the mood to chat, Gu An conducted a brief check on Tianya Valley before hurrying away.


    After returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An went into the tunnel of the Eight Scenic Caves.


    He wanted to look through Zong Ying''s Storage Bag again, just to be safe.


    As soon as he arrived, he used his Divine Sense to see a vine from the Green Vine Tree fiddling with Zong Ying''s Storage Bag. He maintained his Energy Concealing state, making no noise with his footsteps, and approached quietly.


    When he emerged from the tunnel, the Green Vine Tree was visibly startled, its vine withdrawing swiftly.


    Gu An made his way over to it and said coldly, "Since you have developed consciousness, why hide and sneak around? Are you afraid of me? Be careful, or I''ll burn you with a single fire!"


    As he spoke, his right hand ignited with the Spirit Power Fire.


    Due to Zhong Liang''s hostility, he was in a foul mood.


    Upon hearing this, the Green Vine Tree shuddered violently, with leaves falling all around. A frail female voice then said, "I... I''m not afraid of you; it''s that tree I fear..."

 Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Ephemera Tree, Gu An Defeats the Demon

    "What tree?"


    Gu An asked while looking at the Green Vine Tree, which was nearly three hundred years old. The tree''s ability to speak did not surprise him.


    The voice of the Green Vine Tree sounded somewhat simr to Jiang Qiong''s, probably because it often heard Jiang Qiong speak while it was nurturing its spiritual consciousness.


    "I''m not sure... but I can feel it, it''s going to eat me..."


    The Green Vine Tree''s voice rang out again, causing Gu An to frown.


    The first thing that came to Gu An''s mind was the Human-Faced Tree. That thing also came from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion and was particrly sinister, but its grade and rank were lower than the Green Vine Tree''s, so why would it strike such fear into the Green Vine Tree?


    "Where is it?" Gu An pressed on.


    "I don''t know..."


    "Is it close to you?"


    "Very far, very far..."


    Hearing this response, Gu An could rule out the Human-Faced Tree.


    Could it be rted to the Ephemera Sect?


    Could the vanished townspeople have been consumed by some evil tree of the Ephemera Sect?


    The more Gu An thought about it, the more likely it seemed.


    And when he thought of Zhong Liang having set his sights on him, he felt extremely uneasy.


    He wasn''t afraid of Zhong Liang, he was afraid that someone would discover he was hiding his cultivation level.


    No!


    He couldn''t just wait for doom!


    Gu An''s eyes hardened, and he unleashed a terrifying divine sense of the Mahayana Realm, directly enveloping the Taicang Dynasty.


    The Taicang Dynasty was vast, but not too vast for a Mahayana cultivator''s divine sense!


    He began a carpet-search for Zhong Liang, determined to root him out, even if he had to dig three feet into the ground!


    One would never know without searching, but the search was startling. There were so many cultivators in the Taicang Dynasty that Gu An felt like he was sifting sand in a big wave.


    Gu An did not retreat in face of difficulties. Disbelieving in curses, he vowed to find the enemy lurking in the shadows.


    ...


    In a dim underground chamber, Su Han, shirtless, was seated in meditation inside a Cold Pool. The water exuded a cold qi, and beside him stood a white jade long sword that looked like it was made of bones, with blood swirling around the de, ghastly and ominous.


    A look of pain crossed Su Han''s face as he clenched his teeth and endured.


    A little whileter.


    Suddenly, he heard wailing from afar, which prompted him to open his eyes. Turning to the figure seated in meditation in front of the cavern wall, he asked, "Master, what was that sound just now?"


    Zhong Liang, with his eyes closed, said indifferently, "Don''t bother with them. They are just a bunch of pitiful creatures begging for mercy from the heavens. Whether they live or die has nothing to do with you."


    His white hair hung loosely, he wore a broad Daoist robe, his face was square and stern, and his brows conveyed a sense of oppression. Perpetual frowning seemed to have embedded a third eye at the center of his forehead.


    Listening to those wails, Su Han couldn''t calm his heart.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Don''t forget the purpose of joining the sect, and why you picked up my sword," Zhong Liang''s voice rose again, tinged with impatience.


    Su Han took a deep breath and closed his eyes again.


    As soon as he closed his eyes, Zhong Liang opened his, his gaze fixed on him, a cold light flickering in his eyes.


    "This boy''s hatred is not yet deep enough. I''ll have to think of a way to capture his master and use him to provoke the boy," Zhong Liang thought.


    Suddenly.


    Zhong Liang''s heart trembled, and for a moment, he experienced a terrifying sensation that made him frown.


    "What''s going on? Is it an illusion?"


    Filled with unease, Zhong Liang spread his divine sense but did not detect any enemies.


    Elsewhere.


    Within the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Gu An''s eyes suddenly shifted.


    Found it!


    Gu An hadbed through the Taicang Dynasty without finding the Ephemera Sect''s base. Then it urred to him to check underground, so he searched again for areas with unusual spiritual energy, and then he found Su Han.


    Next to Su Han sat a Unification Realm cultivator, and a few miles away, in a vast underground space, there was a huge Spirit Tree. Upon firstying eyes on that tree, Gu An was certain it was the being the Green Vine Tree feared.


    This must be the Ephemera Sect''s base. It didn''t look like anything good was happening here. Kill them all, then chase down Zhong Liang!


    He wouldn''t be able to rest easy until Zhong Liang was dead!


    Gu An turned back to look at the Green Vine Tree and said, "In the future, if you''re afraid of something, or if you sense anything unusual nearby, let me know immediately. I won''t let you be at a disadvantage."


    The body of the Green Vine Tree twisted, and it spoke in a timid voice, "Yes, Master."


    Gu An then stepped away.


    Even in the presence of the Green Vine Tree, he did not reveal his true strength. It was always good to keep an ace up his sleeve.


    After leaving the Eight Scenic Caves, Gu An entered the woods and, with his feet performing the Limitless Freedom Step, he vanished into thin air.


    ...


    In the underground chamber, Zhong Liang''s brows were tightly furrowed. His divine sense had swept around several times without detecting any anomalies, but he didn''t believe it was his imagination.


    At that moment, a hand suddenlynded on his shoulder.


    Hisplexion drastically changed, and instinctively, he tried to leap away, but to his horror, he found he couldn''t break free.


    In that instant, he felt the same as Zong Ying had before.


    Incredulous!


    Terrified!


    Despair!


    He was a cultivator of the thirdyer of the Unification Realm, yet he was pinned down by a single hand, unable to move.


    Zhong Liang cast a sidelong nce and saw a figure shrouded in Demonic Qi standing beside him.


    The one approaching was none other than Gu An, who had employed the extreme Yin Yang body. His figure was enveloped in a purple-ck Demonic Qi, preventing Zhong Liang from seeing his true face.


    There were over a hundred various formations and restrictions in this stronghold, but Gu An, relying on the extreme Yin Yang body and the Limitless Freedom Step, entered as if into a realm without people, stepping in without causing any disturbance. The surveince formations also failed to detect any invasion.


    Gu An pressed one hand against Zhong Liang, his gaze turning towards Su Han.


    Su Han''s cultivation level had already reached the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, but his maximum life span had not increased and remained at one hundred and ny-nine years.


    The life span of a normal cultivator at the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm was definitely over two hundred years. It seemed that the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword indeed had the potential to exceed limits, but it still could not break the restrictions of one''s Heavenly Destiny.


    No wonder those who cultivated the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, even if they advanced rapidly in cultivation, were more prone to deviation as they progressed.


    Su Han had not sensed Gu An''s arrival, as he was engrossed in his cultivation.


    Gu An''s gaze returned to Zhong Liang, preparing to use the Soul Searching Skill and began to search within Zhong Liang, unconsciously initiating Life Span Detection.


    What?


    It was you all along, kid!


    Then go to die!


    Gu An''s right hand clenched, and the terrifying Spiritual Power of the Mahayana Realm surged directly into Zhong Liang''s body, annihting himpletely, along with his soul, turning to ash!


    A gust of wind hit him squarely, causing Su Han to open his eyes instinctively. His pupils dted suddenly as he hurriedly stood up, drawing the white jade sword beside him.


    "Who are you?" Su Han pointed his sword at Gu An and asked in a deep voice.


    Where is Master?


    Why did he suddenly disappear?


    Su Han was filled with fear, especially since Gu An''s figure was frightening and the cave was dimly lit.


    A terrifying pressure burst from within Gu An''s body, instantly overwhelming Su Han, who copsed into the pool.


    Gu An turned and walked towards the nearby cave entrance, his figure vanishing into the darkness.


    Miles away, in a vast underground space dimly lit, there stood a hundred-zhang tall tree with blood-red leaves. Vines dropped down from the tree branches, each vine tying a person at its end.


    Their necks were entwined by the vines, unable to break free, their bodies visibly shriveling at a speed visible to the naked eye. Many people had already been sucked dry, turning into mummified corpses.


    The entire scene was horrific and extremely sinister.


    Beneath the giant tree stood many members of the Ephemera Sect, each escorting a group of cultivators, male and female, their bodies covered with talisman paper, their Spiritual Power sealed, looking like pitiful prisoners.


    There were over a thousand prisoners, and the Ephemera Sect members there numbered over a hundred.


    All the prisoners looked in despair at the giant tree that was feeding.


    "This is a demonic being... a demonic being..."


    "You won''t die a good death, deceiving me into joining the sect, only to feed me to this evil tree!"


    "What is this, a monster or a demon?"


    "Damn it all!"


    Some cursed, some wailed, some begged; their voices made this dark underground space even more terrifying.


    A demonically charming woman with a voluptuous figure and a beautiful face snorted coldly: "Victors make history, losers are forgotten, what''s there to scream about? You are no saints yourselves; who knows, maybe the heavens think we''re exterminating viins and eliminating evil!"


    As she spoke, she lifted a man next to her and pressed her mouth to his forehead, beginning to devour his life force. The man''splexion quickly became weak, and his eyes lost their luster.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A cold wind blew by, and the female demon cultivator subconsciously nced at the weeds at her feet. She saw the grass trembling, and before she could react, a leaf shot out abruptly, piercing straight through her brow, and her blood sttered in her mind.


    It was not only her, but virtually all the Ephemera Sect demon cultivators were assassinated by the grass leaves at the same moment, regardless of their cultivation levels, they all died violently.


    The prisoners froze, as if sensing something, and they turned their heads in unison to see a figure walking out of the darkness.


    "Demon Shadow Divine Skill! People from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion!" someone eximed with delight.


    No sooner had the voice faded than Gu An suddenly elerated, transforming into a series of afterimages as he swept past all the prisoners to arrive under the giant tree.


    The prisoners stood as if rooted to the spot, frozen in ce, and within a breath''s time, all of them turned to ash simultaneously.


    Gu An looked up and a line of prompts appeared in front of him:


    [Ephemera Tree (Grade Eight): 340/42000/230000]


    Grade Eight!


    No wonder the Green Vine Tree was afraid!


    On the main trunk of the Ephemera Tree, a piece of bark began to split, and soon after, a huge human face emerged, showing only the features without a distinguishable gender. However, its expression was one of greed and malice.


    Vines loosened and then all at once, struck towards Gu An.


    ng¡ª


    The sound of a sword being drawn echoed through the cavern, harsh to the ears.


    The Ephemera Tree was cleaved in two, its countless vines falling like heavy rain. The greedy face on it was also split in half, its expression seeming to freeze. The halves of the tree trunk suddenly began to shatter, with sword energies bursting out, creating a spectacr sight.


    Gu An sheathed the Heavenly Residence Sword back into its scabbard, then tossed it into his storage bag, and finally used his own Spiritual Fire to burn the Ephemera Tree.


    Rows of life span extraction prompts crazily popped up in front of him.


    A Grade Eight Spirit Tree is very strong, its presence nearly on par with a cultivator of the Unification Realm. s, it faced a Mahayana Cultivator.


    ...


    At noon.


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An walked down from the Transmission Array tform, his mood was very good. Last night, he had reaped more than forty thousand years of life span, with the Ephemera Tree alone contributing five thousand years.


    Only Su Han from that Ephemera Sect outpost remained alive.


    Once he knew those prisoners were also demon cultivators, Gu An showed no mercy and took the opportunity topletely silence them, leaving no future trouble.


    No sooner had he stepped off the Array tform than he felt the presence of Lv Baitian, Gu Zong, and Ji Hantian. The three were waiting in his pavilion.


    Gu An immediately went up, and as he ascended the stairs, the door of the room opened.


    As he stepped over the threshold and was about to pay his respects, Gu Zong waved his sleeve, closing the room door and reapplying the restriction.


    Gu An noticed their strange expressions and thought that the Ephemera Sect might be about to attack.


    He wasn''t panicked; once the Ephemera Sect realized their Ephemera Tree had been destroyed, they probably wouldn''t have the capacity to deal with the Supreme Sect.


    Lv Baitian''s face looked extremely bad, the whole person was very weak, pale, and as he looked at Gu An, he said through gritted teeth, "There''s a cruel piece of bad news I have to tell you."

 Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Attack of the Ascenders

    "What''s the bad news?"


    Gu An asked, sensing that Lv Baitian''s aura was very weak, so he performed a Life Span Detection on him.


    [Lv Baitian (Unification Realm Nine Layers): 764/2050/3200]


    It didn''t look like there was much of a change.


    Wait a minute!


    His lifespan had dropped by eleven hundred years!


    Gu An remembered that his previous lifespan was three thousand one hundred fifty years.


    Could it be a failed Tribtion Crossing?


    Gu An was secretly rmed, no wonder in the cultivation simtions, every time he failed, many years had to pass before he could attempt to cross the tribtion again. Reality was the same, and in reality, one might even die, and even if not dead, one could not continuously attempt the tribtion.


    Lv Baitian took a deep breath and said, "I failed the tribtion crossing, unable to break through to a higher realm. I even need many years to recuperate before I can recover my peak cultivation level."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s face changed drastically, and he immediately became excited, stepping forward two steps and anxiously asking, "Sect Leader, are you okay? You must take care of yourself, the Supreme Sect can''t be without you!"


    Hearing this, a smile appeared on Lv Baitian''s gloomy face, and Gu Zong also felt reassured.


    Ji Hantian, however, was displeased and said, "What do you mean it can''t be without him? If he dies, there''s still me."


    Which Vice Sect Leader doesn''t want to be the Sect Leader?


    But is it really good to be so blunt?


    Gu An thought to himself, his face still full of worry.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t die, but wanting to attempt a higher realm again in this life will be difficult. If I fail next time, then I will truly die." Lv Baitian said somberly, recalling his tribtion experience, his face showing a look of lingering fear.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask further, "Is the heavenly tribtion that difficult? Even a great cultivator like you can''t handle it?"


    Ji Hantian snorted, "He has surpassed countless beings of the Nine Dynasties in crossing the tribtion. Many people and demons spend their entire lives without even reaching the Unification Realm."


    Gu Zong nodded and self-mockingly said, "I''m one of those who can''t reach the Unification Realm."


    Gu An took a deep breath and bitterly said, "Don''t talk about the Unification Realm; I can''t even reach the Core Formation Realm."


    His current outward cultivation level was still at the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    "Don''t worry, even if I have to spend elixirs and precious treasures, I can get you to the Core Formation Realm. However, reaching the Nascent Soul Realm depends on your personal fate and opportunities; even the sect can''t help with that. Of course, you have one other option, and that is to be my disciple.


    I can directly transfer my cultivation to you." Lv Baitian said with a wave of his sleeve, assertively.


    Here we go again!


    Just as Gu An was about to refuse, Ji Hantian couldn''t help but interject, "Don''t think about transferring cultivation now; the Ephemera Sect is looking at us like a tiger watching its prey, they might attack tomorrow. Even if he inherits your cultivation, he won''t have your strength. Right now, the Supreme Sect truly can''t be without you."


    Gu Zong nodded, saying, "I have already contacted the Supreme Elders, though I don''t know how many can return."


    The conversation turned to the Supreme Elders, and Lv Baitian''s attention was diverted as he began to reflect.


    It turned out that the reason the Supreme Elders left the Supreme Sect was all to seek opportunities to reach above the Unification Realm. Historically, only a tenth of those Supreme Elders ever returned, and within that tenth, only a tenth managed a sessful breakthrough; the rest came back to live out the rest of their lives.


    Ji Hantian brought up the True Inheritor, believing that person was the Supreme Sect disciple most likely to surpass the Unification Realm, even more likely than the Supreme Elders.


    This made Gu An curious about the True Inheritor, wondering what sort of talent it was that made everyone in the Supreme Sect mention him with respect and anticipation.


    Gu An stood to the side, quietly listening, learning more about the past of the Supreme Sect.


    A full half an hour passed before the three ended their conversation.


    "The most important thing I came here for today is that we''ll be sending more high-rank seeds soon. You must carefully cultivate them; it concerns the future battle between the Supreme Sect and the Ephemera Sect," Ji Hantian said seriously to Gu An.


    Sending seeds?


    The more, the merrier!


    Gu An quickly promised, "No matter how many you send, I will do my best to cultivate them; I absolutely won''t be negligent!"


    Gu Zongughed heartily, "I love your enthusiasm. None of the other Medicine Valley masters are as earnest as you, either neglecting their duties or pocketing resources. Keep up the good work, andter we will promote you to an Inner Sect Disciple."


    Gu An promptly expressed his gratitude.


    Straight after, Lv Baitian and the other two got up and left.


    As they walked out of the pavilion, Lv Baitian''splexion instantly recovered. As the Sect Leader, he couldn''t let the disciples see him in a weakened state.


    Gu An went downstairs and watched them leave in the distance.


    He felt a bit regretful; he had wanted to ask Ji Hantian when the seventh-tier Spirit Tree would arrive.


    ¡­


    Neither the news of the fall of the Ephemera Tree nor of Lv Baitian''s failed tribtion had spread in the world of immortal cultivation, at least not when Ye Lan came to see Gu An. She hadn''t mentioned these two events.


    Uing Spring Festival, Ye Lan was unable to participate since the Law Enforcement Hall had a major mission that would take several months.


    Gu An stood on the edge of the terrace, watching Ye Lan''s figure disappearing into the flurry of falling snow until she vanished, only then did he withdraw his gaze.


    He looked at Yang Ni emerging from the woods. As Yang Ni walked past his building, he asked, "You said the Ephemera Sect has no foundation, yet it attracts so many cultivators to join; how foolish are the cultivators of this world?"


    Yang Ni stopped in her tracks, looked up at Gu An, and said, "Maybe the Ephemera Sect has something they want to obtain?"


    "Is that so? But I feel it''s more like a scam. Previously, the Demon Extermination Hall of the Outer Sect was just like this. Lu Jiujia initially trusted the Demon Extermination Hall, thinking he could follow a clear path upwards, but he ended up being persecuted."


    Gu An spoke in a reflective tone, shook his head, and said, "It appears that looking around this world, everyone can''t escape one word, and that is ''struggle.'' It''s still better here in the Medicine Valley; I don''t need topete for anything."


    Having said that, he turned and went back inside.


    Yang Ni frowned, sensing that Gu An was hinting at her.


    If Gu An had guessed her connection with the Ephemera Sect, why didn''t he just say it outright?


    Yang Ni pondered for a bit, then decided to find Lu Jiujia to chat and see what Gu An was talking about.


    ...


    With winter snow swirling, the Ji Family finally delivered the promised seventh-rank Spirit Tree.


    [Pure Yang Tree (Seventh-Rank): 2/8999/64000]


    Gu An carried a sapling taller than a person and began searching for a suitable nting site.


    In the end, he decided to nt the Pure Yang Tree in the open space in front of the loft, and he immediately summoned his disciples to shovel the snow and dig the soil.


    Hearing that it was a seventh-rank Spirit Tree, many disciples gathered around to watch the excitement.


    Even though the Pure Yang Tree was still in its sapling state, as soon as it was nted, the snow around it began to melt, making everyone nearby feel warm, as if it were a tree of fire.


    This Pure Yang Tree was Gu An''s personal treasure, so listening to the disciples'' discussions, he felt a great sense of aplishment.


    His gaze suddenly drifted towards the distance; he saw a group of cultivators flying over the mountain peaks on their swords, led by Lv Songhan, the Elder of the Outer Sect.


    Following Lv Songhan were two hundred Qi Cultivation Realm Servant Disciples, all above the seventhyer of Qi Cultivation Realm.


    Hm?


    Why has shee?


    Gu An saw Ascender Lu Lingjun also behind Lv Songhan. This chap''s surface cultivation level was the eighthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, a well-hidden depth.


    Who would have thought that this Servant Disciple was actually a ninthyer Cultivator of the Unification Realm,parable to Lv Baitian?


    If it really came to a fight, Gu An felt that Lv Baitian might not be a match for Lu Lingjun, as Lv Baitian had only lived for over seven hundred years, while Lu Lingjun was nearly two thousand years old, an old monster.


    After Lv Songhannded, he cupped his fists with a smile and said, "Brother Gu, here are two hundred Servant Disciples specially selected for you tomand, already approved by the higher-ups." read-this-on-NovelBin


    The choice of Servant Disciples was because it is difficult for Servant Disciples to steal the medicinal herbs here; after all, this is Inner Sect territory with a whole Outer City nearby, so security is not a concern. The main thing is manpower.


    Gu An went forward and exchanged pleasantries with Lv Songhan.


    In the midst of the crowd, Lu Lingjun sized up Gu An, curiously pondering how a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator could be brothers with a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator?


    What''s his background?


    The other Servant Disciples were thrilled, as this Medicine Valley in the Inner Sect''s territory represented a great opportunity for them.


    After Lv Songhan left, Gu An called Xiaochuan over, instructing him to arrange amodations for these Servant Disciples.


    He did not take another look at Lu Lingjun, not wanting to entangle closely with an Ascender.


    That day, the new Servant Disciples were all constructing the loft and then exploring the Third Medicine Valley on their own.


    Seeing two seventh-rank Spirit Trees hidden within the Third Medicine Valley, Lu Lingjun was quite surprised.


    Before ascending, she had seen a seventh-rank Spirit Tree, over twenty thousand years old andrger than mountains.


    The foundation of the Supreme Sect was terrifying indeed; she must take root here!


    Thus, Lu Lingjun showed great diligence in the days that followed, so much so that Gu An could not deliberately ignore her.


    After New Year, Gu An asked Xiaochuan to select ten people to be Deacons of the Medicine Valley, responsible for managing the other Servant Disciples, and Xiaochuan chose Lu Lingjun as one of these ten.


    Lu Lingjun''s intense gaze made Gu An quite ufortable.


    She was naturally beautiful, no female disciple in the valley was more attractive than her, and her performance was so impressive that if Gu An deliberately ignored her, it would only raise suspicions.


    Gu An spoke to the ten Medicine Valley Deacons, encouraging them with a few words before dismissing them.


    But Lu Lingjun approached him, whispering, "Valley Master, I have something to tell you, may we speak in your room?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Upon hearing this, Gu An hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement, leading her toward the loft.


    The other Deacons, still not far away, cast envious nces at Lu Lingjun.


    Being beautiful is indeed an asset!


    After entering the room, Lu Lingjun closed the door, and Gu An walked over to sit at the desk, casually flipping over the Green Hero Travelogue on the table.


    Lu Lingjun approached the desk and took out a secret manual from her bosom, handing it to Gu An.


    Gu An nced at it.


    Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art!


    Intimidating name!


    Lu Lingjun whispered, "This is my family''s cultivation technique, I hope the Valley Master will not disdain it."


    Gu An frowned and said, "What are you doing? Put it away quickly. What would it look like if someone saw this?"


    Lu Lingjun nodded, understanding, and she put the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art back into her bosom, then took out a Magic Artifact from her storage bag.


    "I told you, don''t act rashly!"


    Lu Lingjun then switched to a bottle of elixirs, iming they could enhance Qi-Blood and meridians.


    "Are you testing me with this? Are you questioning my devotion to the Supreme Sect!" Gu An rose angrily, his voice low as if he feared the disciples outside might hear.


    Lu Lingjun cursed greed under her breath.


    Suddenly, she thought of something else, took out a white jade long bottle from her storage bag, and said, "This is Heavenly Spirit Water. Though it''s just a single bottle, if sprinkled on the ground, it can gather Spiritual Energy, form ake that water can enhance the soil around it, allowing the heavenly materials and earthly treasures to grow faster.


    Moreover, it can condense Spirit Pearls every year, which can be swallowed or used for making elixirs."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An took the bottle from her hand, saying sternly, "This should not set a precedent. Tell me, what do you want, but it must not threaten the interests of the Supreme Sect."


    Lu Lingjun showed a smile, "Valley Master, may I have your permission to cultivate under the Mystic Pure Tree?"


    She had previously stood in front of the Mystic Pure Tree and spotted an enormously fat White Spirit Rat. Although the fat rat seemed to be sleeping, with her insight, she could tell that the fat rat was in a mysterious state of Path Enlightenment.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Void Crossing Realm, Is It Strong?

    Mystic Pure Tree?


    Gu An hadn''t expected Lu Lingjun to discover the mysteries of the Mystic Pure Tree so quickly. To him, this matter was not forbidden. On the contrary, it brought him more inspiration.


    In the future, he could use the Mystic Pure Tree to motivate the disciples to work harder!


    Gu An pondered and said, "Alright, but you can only go there at night. You must leave after dawn. The Mystic Pure Tree is an asset of the Sect, and many Great Cultivators will be watching. Understand?"


    As soon as Lu Lingjun heard this, she quickly thanked Gu An.


    Seeing this Unification Realm nineyer Great Cultivator so respectful before him, Gu An felt quite emotional.


    Wasn''t he the same?


    Despite possessing great cultivation, he still had to act cautiously because they were all dissatisfied with their current situations and believed they could ascend further.


    After a brief conversation, Lu Lingjun bid her farewell and left.


    Upon closing the door, Lu Lingjun descended the stairs, wondering to herself, "What book is ''Green Hero Travelogue''? It even surpasses the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art."


    Although Gu An moved quickly, she had still managed to see the book''s title in a sh.


    She decided to go to the Outer Cityter to investigate further.


    Having arrived at the Great Heaven and Earth Spirit Realm, Lu Lingjun was curious about everything here, yet also filled with awe. That''s why she started as a Servant Disciple, familiarizing herself with this world first before gradually advancing.


    Her goal was to be an Elder of the Supreme Sect; Third Medicine Valley was just a stepping stone.


    On her way, Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but wonder what the cultivation level of the Sect Leader of Supreme Sect was like.


    It must be higher than hers, right?


    ...


    Late at night, in the North Sea Mountain, a fierce wind whipped through the area, carrying snowkes with it.


    Gu An sat meditating under a tree, slowly opening his eyes, which flickered with sharp light.


    He had just spent a hundred thousand years of his lifespan to advance the Ji Family''s Divine Technique from Heaven and Earth Path Gang to Heaven and Earth Dominator Body and then to Daoist Gang Primal Energy.


    Once Daoist Gang Primal Energy was perfected, the invisible and colorless primal energy would automatically protect his body, warding off evil spirits and resisting various spells and divine skills. Moreover, he could manipte the Daoist Gang Primal Energy to attack enemies, both offensive and defensive.


    Gu An began refining the Daoist Gang Primal Energy, having inherited the evolving memory. He simply needed to run the technique ording to the sorcery to master it.


    An hourter, the Daoist Gang Primal Energy was perfected; he could store the Daoist Gang Primal Energy on the surface of his skin, allowing others to touch him but not harm him.


    Gu An still had 430,000 years of lifespan left and hesitated whether to continue enhancing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword was already very powerful, and it seemed that enhancing it further might not be very meaningful.


    His intuition told him that enhancing the Wood Spirit Sword Technique might be stronger than the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword because his cultivation technique had a Wood Attribute, and he temporarily did not obtain the Sorcery of Five Elements.


    But since he already had a sword technique, practicing another seemed pointless. It would be better to focus on onepletely.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Perhaps in a hundred years, a hundred thousand years of lifespan might not mean much to him. It would still be timely to practice the Wood Spirit Sword Technique.


    Forget it!


    He decided to focus on other spells and divine skills first.


    Actually, with Gu An''s eightyer Mahayana Realm cultivation, any spell in his hands could exhibit overwhelming power against those in the Mystic Heart Realm. He wouldn''t challenge stronger foes across realms, so enhancing these spells and divine skills was done in preparation for future breakthroughs.


    After much consideration, Gu An decided to enhance the Gathering Spirit Divine Finger taught by Lv Baitian.


    The Gathering Spirit Divine Finger was particrly unique; not only did it gather the caster''s Spiritual Power, but it also gathered the surrounding Spiritual Energy, meaning this technique could borrow the power of heaven and earth.


    Gu An had a bold idea.


    During his evolution, could he possibly use the power of heaven and earth to disperse a heavenly tribtion with just one finger?


    The thought alone was quite thrilling to him.


    Hopefully, his evolving self would be smart!


    Gu An immediately invested a hundred thousand years of lifespan into the Gathering Spirit Divine Finger.


    The Gathering Spirit Divine Finger advanced to Sky-Reaching Finger, then upgraded to Breaking Path Divine Light.


    A torrent of memories flooded into Gu An''s mind, immersing himpletely.


    The finger technique underwent transformation, evolving from being limited to the fingers to being able to be executed from any part of the body!


    As the Spiritual Energy in the North Sea Mountain continued to sink, all creatures discussed it widely; they had grown ustomed to the sinking Spiritual Energy, so they were not afraid, only curious about what exactly was happening.


    Another hour went by.


    Gu An opened his eyes and inwardly eximed.


    Such a dominant Breaking Path Divine Light!


    This spell specialized in breaking all kinds of formations, restrictions, and defensive spells and divine skills. It could also directly destroy an enemy, causing their body and path to perish.


    This round of enhancements hadn''t been a mistake!


    Gu An smiled and then stood up. He dispelled the Life Span Barrier and walked toward the deeper part of the forest. It was still early before dawn, and he prepared to enjoy the scenery of North Sea, meanwhile going to check on Li Ya.


    Li Ya was still at the edge of North Sea, diligently practicing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    When Gu An had initially taught him the swordsmanship, he had also infused a Sword Intent within the North Sea Heavy Sword to guide his practice.


    With the guidance of Sword Intent, Li Ya''s progress was swift, far easier than the arduous selfprehension he underwent during evolution.


    The trees in the North Sea Mountain forest were tall, giving one the sensation of having been shrunk. The forest was filled with Demon Energy, and Gu An even saw spirit beasts simr to the White Spirit Rat, peculiar and varied, some adorable and some extremely ugly.


    As Gu An enjoyed the scenery along the way, thousands of miles away by ake in North Sea, Li Ya stood bare-chested, wielding the North Sea Heavy Sword and swinging it toward the bright moon. read-first-on-NovelBin


    The shimmering surface of theke held the moon aloft, with snowkes scatterings, resembling stars falling.


    Li Ya''s body was drenched in sweat, his muscles taut with each sword swing, radiating a sense of power.


    "Never mind how well you have mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, your physical body has thoroughly merged with the Dragon Image Divine Primordial, and your strength isparable to that of a fourth-tier demon beast."


    The voice of the elder rang out, filled with admiration.


    Li Ya''s lips curled up in a smile as he continued to practice his swordsmanship without responding.


    He had already begun to imagine defeating Lv Xian, Zhou Tongyou, and Ji Xiaoyu, intending to astonish all the ns and rebuild the peak of the Li Family.


    "Impressive swordsmanship, truly a formidable young man." A voice sounded from the side, startling Li Ya so much that he turned around to see a schr-dressed man walking along the beach.


    Dressed in white, carrying a bookcase on his back, wearing a cloth hat, and holding a folding fan, he appeared to Li Ya in the moonlight like a fierce ghost.


    Li Ya frowned and asked, "What do you want?"


    Having stayed in the North Sea Mountains for many years, he had encountered both demons and evil spirits, and by now, no being could frighten him.


    The schr in white smiled and said, "I hail from the Ephemera Sect. You can call me Traveler of Graceful Crane. I''ve seen your swordsmanship is quite good, and your qi-blood far surpasses those of the same realm. How about it, join the Ephemera Sect with me?"


    The Ephemera Sect!


    Li Ya frowned. Over the past two years, the Ephemera Sect and various demonic sects had waged great battles in the North Sea Mountains, which he had naturally encountered.


    He resolutely responded, "I am a disciple of the Supreme Sect. Thanks for your kind offer."


    To him, he still took pride in the Supreme Sect, and in his eyes, how could a sect of unclear origin like the Ephemera Sectpare to the righteous, great Supreme Sect?


    "Many cultivators from your Supreme Sect, including elders, have joined our sect. The Supreme Sect will eventually be reced by the Ephemera Sect, so joining the Ephemera Sect sooner is the right path," the Traveler of Graceful Crane said, smiling broadly.


    Li Ya''s expression turned cold, and he lifted his sword towards the Traveler of Graceful Crane, "So, you''re saying I can''t refuse?"


    Seeing him raise his sword, the Traveler of Graceful Craneughed, "Young one, you think you are above all because you hold the soul of a great elder within you?"


    As he finished, he suddenly attacked Li Ya.


    Li Ya''s expression changed as he raised his sword to defend.


    ...


    Gu An had been wandering around the forest for several hours, and only when dawn was about to break did he leave, stepping with the Limitless Freedom Step.


    He arrived at the beach where Li Ya was, and from a distance, he spotted Li Ya sitting copsed in front of a rock, his head buried in his arms. The North Sea Heavy Swordy on the sand, enduring the continual wash of the waves.


    Hmm?


    Somethin appeared amiss!


    Gu An keenly sensed that the soul within Li Ya had vanished.


    He immediately walked towards Li Ya.


    It was only as he approached that Li Ya heard his footsteps.


    Li Ya slowly lifted his head. Upon seeing Gu An, surrounded by demonic qi, his expression dramatically changed. He hurriedly scrambled up and knelt before Gu An.


    "Primordial Ancestor! Please save my elder! He has been captured by the Traveler of Graceful Crane from the Ephemera Sect!"


    Li Ya urgently spoke, his voice even breaking into a sob.


    The reason he felt like crying was because he believed Gu An to be the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family, and in front of his own ancestor, his emotionspletely overwhelmed him.


    Gu An asked in an aged voice, "What happened?"


    MWhile he spread his divine sense to search for traces of Li Ya''s soul aura.


    He had never met the Traveler of Graceful Crane, so instead of looking for him directly, he searched for the soul aura.


    Li Ya began to recount his earlier encounter.


    After being defeated by the Traveler of Graceful Crane and suffering humiliation, the Traveler of Graceful Crane took his soul, iming that if he wanted to save that soul, he should join the Ephemera Sect and find him.


    The Li Ya who had diligently cultivated for years felt he hadpletely changed, but against the Traveler of Graceful Crane, he was utterly powerless, and his confidence was shattered.


    Gu An did not find the soul''s traces, guessing it was hidden by the Traveler of Graceful Crane. He was not panicked, believing that if he seriously searched, he would eventually find the Traveler of Graceful Crane.


    "Why didn''t you choose a safe ce to practice your swordsmanship, and instead practiced here without even a formation?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    He felt Li Ya wasmendable in every aspect, except for one bad habit: he was too reckless.


    Relying on having his grandfather inside him, he was reckless in his actions and always ended up injured.


    This incident would be a good lesson for him!


    "I..."


    Li Ya wanted to respond, but he was so ashamed he couldn''t rationalize his actions.


    The reason he chose this ce was precisely to attract attacks from demons and ghosts, enabling him to improve duringbat.


    Of course, his confidence stemmed from the elder''s soul within him.


    "You always escape from death, but have you ever thought, does it not burden him?" Gu An asked.


    Thinking of how often the elder reprimanded him for his recklessness, Li Ya felt even more embarrassed and wished he could hide in a hole.


    Seeing his distressed demeanor, Gu An felt a pang of sympathy and couldn''t bear to be too harsh.


    "You should join the Ephemera Sect," Gu An suddenly said.


    Li Ya looked up in shock, unable to believe what his revered ancestor was suggesting.


    "The Ephemera Sect harms people. You infiltrate the Ephemera Sect, and at the end of each month, find a mountain peak and release your aura. I will be able to locate you. When the Ephemera Sect gathers, I will make my move," Gu An said indifferently.


    Li Ya hurriedly responded, "But isn''t that very dangerous? The entire demon path is no match for the Ephemera Sect. It is said that the Ephemera Sect has members beyond the Void Crossing Realm, and not just one!"


    Gu An retorted, "The Void Crossing Realm, is it strong?"


    Li Ya was silenced.

 Chapter 106: Chapter 106 Nine Nether Road

    Li Ya finally agreed to join the Ephemera Sect, and Gu An did notfort him much, maintaining his image as a mysterious senior.


    After leaving the North Sea Mountains, Gu An returned to Mystic Valley.


    Next, he nned to start a long-term life-prolonging project, aiming straight for the grand goal of ten million years of life span!


    The cold winter had eventually passed, and the Spring Festival had arrived. The entire Taicang Dynasty was celebrating, withnterns and streamers everywhere. Even the Supreme Sect began to hold the Spring Festival.


    That day, Gu An took Xiaochuan and Lu Lingjun to roam the Outer Sect.


    Lu Lingjun was very interested in the Spring Festival. This was her initiative toe to the city of the Outer Sect, and since Heavenly Spirit Lake, formed by the Heavenly Spirit Water, had indeed won Gu An''s favor, he brought her along.


    It just so happened that Lv Baitian had failed his Tribtion Crossing. If Gu An could win Lu Lingjun over as a cultivator for the Supreme Sect, she could shield him in the future.


    Gu An''s foundation had been established, and the stronger the Supreme Sect, the more he could survive.


    These years, the Supreme Sect was improving, with fewer dark events urring, which increasingly strengthened Gu An''s sense of belonging to the sect.


    Upon arriving at the city of the Outer Sect, Xiaochuan went off on his own, having his own friends in the city as well.


    Gu An took Lu Lingjun to the Heavenly Repair tform, wanting her to see the characters for "Righteous Path."


    When he had carved the "Righteous Path" characters, he had just reached the Unification Realm. This was also why the Demon Path was more wary of Lv Baitian, as the Sword Intent on the Heavenly Repair tform was not unbelievably strong for those in the Unification Realm, after all, he was remotely engraving.


    "So many years have passed, and Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent still attracts so many cultivators to observe; it is truly impressive," remarked Gu An.


    Lu Lingjun had seen the characters "Righteous Path" when she first came to the Supreme Sect, and she nodded, "Indeed impressive."


    In her world, she had never seen such strong Sword Intent, which made her full of expectations for the Supreme Sect.


    If the Outer Sect had such powerful Sword Intent, what would the foundations of the Inner Sect be like?


    And the higher status Main City of Sect!


    Just thinking about it excited Lu Lingjun, feeling that she could find ways to breakthrough to higher realms in the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An found Lu Lingjun''s reaction quite t, and his tone was somewhat perfunctory.


    Oh no!


    This person looks down upon his Sword Intent!


    Could it be that she is confident in defeating him in his Unification Realm?


    Thinking this, Gu An''scency was considerably restrained.


    There are so many geniuses in the world, let alone those who can emerge from one world to another. He couldn''t underestimate anyone.


    Gu An continued to scan the Heavenly Repair tform, throwing in Life Span Detection at those unfamiliar cultivators.


    Because it was the Spring Festival, there were fewer people on the Heavenly Repair tform than usual, all wandering in the city, rxing their Daoist hearts.


    "Valley Master, may I wander alone, if that''s okay?" asked Lu Lingjun.


    This hurt Gu An even more. My Sword Intent isn''t attractive at all?


    "Go ahead, let''s regroup here at dusk," Gu An nodded, secretly deciding that he must keep Lu Lingjun at the Supreme Sect.


    Such an impressive person should serve the Supreme Sect!


    Wait a minute!


    Why am I suddenly thinking like a Sect Leader?


    It''s all Lv Baitian''s fault!


    Gu An shook his head, then turned towards the Elixir Hall.


    He also had many friends in the city of the Outer Sect, mainly in the Elixir Hall and Book Collection Hall. Each visit, he would hang out with a few good friends, have a few drinks, and listen to their cultivation experiences, enjoying this simple and leisurely life.


    Elsewhere.


    Lu Lingjun wandered around until someone stopped her.


    "Miss, I have good books here, buy one, many female disciples are reading them," said the disciple mysteriously, ncing around as if afraid of being noticed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Lu Lingjun raised an eyebrow, asking, "Do you know about ''Green Hero Travelogue''?"


    Upon hearing this, the disciple''s eyes lit up, "Expert indeed! I knew from Miss''s demeanor that you are well-versed in this area. Indeed, I have ''Green Hero Travelogue.'' Buy one ''Supreme Secret Records,'' and I''ll give you two ''Green Hero Travelogue'' for free!"


    "Oh? How many books are in theplete ''Green Hero Travelogue''?"


    "There are many, Miss. Would you like the whole set?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright, for two hundred low-grade Spirit Stones, buy ten ''Supreme Secret Records,'' and I will give you theplete set of the ''Green Hero Travelogue.''"


    "Okay."


    The twopleted the transaction, and afterward, the book-selling disciple quickly left, as if he were a thief.


    Lu Lingjun felt she had been duped. No way such unique and secretive books could be so cheap, but two hundred low-grade Spirit Stones were trivial to her. She stored all the books in her Storage Bag, nning to read them back at the valley.


    When Gu An reached the Elixir Hall, he saw an acquaintance.


    It was An Xin, a disciple he had taken in at the Outer Sect before.


    An Xin was of mediocre talent, only able to stay at the Outer Sect, and An Hao did not forget her, asionally sending various elixirs. Unfortunately, her cultivation level still improved slowly.


    Both born in the same vige, they had entered the Immortal Path but their paths were vastly different, which made Gu Anment the unfairness of fate.


    An Xin was doing odd jobs in the Elixir Hall. She felt she couldn''t always rely on An Hao; she wanted to make efforts on her own.


    Seeing the fragile An Xin dealing with a male disciple giving her a hard time, Gu An sighed internally.


    Perhaps, should he just take care of her for life?


    Although he valued An Hao more, An Xin was his disciple as well.


    Moreover, if he didn''t take action, he feared that one day, An Xin would die because of An Hao. As An Hao''s level got higher, his enemies would only increase, and sooner orter they would target An Hao''s vulnerability, which was An Xin.


    With that thought, Gu An walked over to An Xin. The disciple who saw Gu An approaching hurriedly smiled apologetically and bowed in greeting.


    In the Elixir Hall, Gu An held a significant status. After all, he visited every month, and the disciples who were often there knew he was close to the elders of the Elixir Hall.


    After dismissing the disciple, Gu An turned to An Xin.


    "Valley Master Gu, what do you need?" An Xin asked nervously.


    She understood Gu An''s identity better than any of the Outer Disciples here; he was someone who could converse andugh freely with the Sect Leader.


    Thest time Lv Baitian brought An Hao to confront Gu An during a dispute, An Hao took the opportunity to move An Xin to the Third Medicine Valley, and the two had met then. Although Gu An had not spoken to An Xin at that time, she remembered him distinctly.


    -exclusive


    "You''re An Xin, right? Why note with me to the Third Medicine Valley? You''re just doing chores anyway. Work for me, and the treatment will be better, plus, it''ll be easier for you to see An Hao. I''m quite familiar with your senior brother," Gu An said with a smile.


    An Xin, upon hearing this, hesitated slightly.


    Seeing through her thoughts, Gu An spoke earnestly, "It''s good to be independent and strong, but there''s no need to deliberately make yourself suffer. What''s good for you is good for An Hao too, so why hesitate?"


    An Xin was silent.


    This was the first time Gu An found the girl to be so stubborn. He said in a low voice, "I have a cultivation technique here that might change your natural talent. As long as you perform well in Medicine Valley, I''ll pass it on to you."


    He was referring to the Daoist Expansion Skill, a technique passed to him by Wuxin, which umted spiritual energy to suppress cultivation levels, allowing for a breakthrough that could alter one''s destiny when unleashed.


    Wuxin described it very mystically, but the skill had yet to be verified.


    Upon hearing this, An Xin finally felt tempted. She bit her lip and said, "Thank you, Valley Master Gu. Shall I go back and pack up now?"


    "No need to exin anything to the people at the Elixir Hall. I''ll handle it. Just go back directly; I''ll wait here for you. Don''t rush; returning before evening will be fine," Gu An said with a smile, unconsciously wanting to pat An Xin''s head, but he restrained himself.


    The child had grown up; such gestures were not suitable, and since they had not yet recognized each other, it would be somewhat presumptuous.


    An Xin smiled broadly, bowed to him, and then left.


    Gu An watched her leaving figure, feeling a deep emotion in his heart.


    The An Xin of the past was like a little bean, thin and weak. Now, she had grown up tall and beautiful, which pleased him greatly.


    After stepping out the threshold, An Xin breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Why did he look at me with such a smiling face? He doesn''t have any ill intentions towards me, right?"


    An Xin felt somewhat worried in her heart, but thinking that there were many disciples in the Third Medicine Valley and that Gu An would hardly dare to act recklessly, her heart felt steadier.


    ...


    After returning to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An asked Lu Lingjun to take care of An Xin, in case the two got closer and Lu Lingjun could give An Xin some guidance.


    This arrangement also eased An Xin''s nerves.


    During the journey, Gu An had noticed that An Xin was somewhat nervous, but he didn''t think much of it.


    Subsequently, he used the Transmission Array tform to return to Mystic Valley.


    Back in Mystic Valley, he summoned Chu Jingfeng and Lu Jiujia, and formally passed on the Daoist Expansion Skill to them.


    After hearing Gu An exin the effects of the Daoist Expansion Skill, both men''s breathing quickened. The first toe to his senses was Lu Jiujia, who immediately knelt to Gu An.


    Chu Jingfeng clenched his teeth, yet he did not kneel.


    Gu An quickly helped Lu Jiujia up. He didn''t need anyone to kneel to him; kneeling did not represent loyalty.


    It was just right to let these two try the Daoist Expansion Skill. If it proved effective, he would let An Xin cultivate it.


    After the two left, Gu An took out thetest volume of Green Hero Travelogue to enjoy.


    So many years had passed, and Green Hero Travelogue was still being published. Gu An truly admired the author. Didn''t this guy cultivate? How could he journey outside all year round?


    ...


    Under the night sky, in the woods, a dpidated temple sat.


    Traveler of Graceful Crane sat on the eaves, holding a scroll in his hands, he read by the moonlight and softly said, "Have you decided? Once you join the Ephemera Sect, you can''t leave, and you must also bear the Ephemera Seal on your body."


    Li Ya stood in the courtyard, his North Sea Heavy Sword on his back, and stared intently at the Traveler of Graceful Crane, saying, "Didn''t you want me to join the Ephemera Sect? What now? You don''t want me to join anymore?"


    The Traveler of Graceful Crane turned his head toward him, his demeanor aloof, his expression indifferent, his gaze seemingly piercing through Li Ya.


    "The Ephemera Sect''s purpose is to pursue the Nine Nether Road. A hundred years from now, a great demon cmity will sweep across thends of the nine dynasties. At that time, only by following the Nine Nether Road will one be able to escape the mortal hell. Joining the Ephemera Sect is to secure a path for oneself.


    If you perform well, you might obtain Ephemera, which can enhance your natural qualities," the Traveler of Graceful Crane said profoundly. The words "great demon cmity" made Li Ya frown.


    Li Ya inquired about what the great demon cmity was.


    The Traveler of Graceful Crane didn''t conceal it and exined it to him.


    Hearing that thends of the nine dynasties would be trampled by endless demons, Li Ya was also rmed.


    "Your words are absurd. The sea lies to the south; if we can''t beat them, can''t we still escape? Do we have to rely on your Nine Nether Road?" Li Ya challenged.


    "Since ancient times, how many cultivators have gone south, and how many have returned? The demons of the sea are even more terrifying."


    "If the cultivators of the nine dynasties unite, we might be able to withstand the great demon cmity."


    "Beyond the nine dynasties, demons have already been born that surpass the Unification Realm. Do you know what the Unification Realm is? It''s the existence above the Void Crossing Realm! Such supreme great demons can sweep across the nine dynasties with their power alone. Moreover, there''s not just one, and theymand endless legions of demons."


    The tone of the Traveler of Graceful Crane was cold, as if narrating the fate of all beings.


    Li Ya fell silent.


    Above the Unification Realm...


    He couldn''t help but think of the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family, unsure if the ancestor had surpassed the Unification Realm.


    The Traveler of Graceful Crane then added, "I forgot to tell you, the Ephemera Sect also has existences that surpass the Unification Realm. When he arrives, it will be the day the Supreme Sect turns to ruins."

 Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Holy Land, The Death of the Sect Hierarch

    Gu An had no idea what Li Ya had been through, but every few days, he would use his Divine Sense to search the Taicang Dynasty. Li Ya was practicing sword at the border of the Taicang Dynasty, and his body had gained an additional soul; it seemed that the Traveler of Graceful Crane had not deceived him.


    Next, they were just waiting for the Ephemera Sect to gather, and then they would wipe them out all at once.


    Since Gu An had destroyed the Ephemera Tree, the Ephemera Sect was still active, seemingly unaffected. Clearly, there was more than one Ephemera Tree.


    The real enemy of the Supreme Sect was not the current Ephemera Sect, but the Great Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage that would soon arrive.


    Gu An nned to find an opportunity to increase his Cultivation Level to the ninthyer of the Mahayana Realm.


    The gap between small realms was not insignificant, especially at high realms!


    After the new spring, everything returned to normal.


    Lu Lingjun no longer came to find Gu An. Shebored daily and practiced under the Mystic Pure Tree at night. When Gu An looked at her, he wasn''t sure if it was his illusion, but he felt like she didn''t want to meet his gaze.


    An Xin quickly adapted to the life in the Third Medicine Valley. The type of Valley Master dictated the nature of the Medicine Valley. The disciples in the Valley were very kind, and the people here did not prioritize Cultivation Level, which made her feel at ease.


    Spring departed and summer arrived; on this day, Gu An''s age jumped to sixty-one.


    Today, Tang Yu received a Foundation Establishment Pill from Gu An, and the entire Medicine Valley was bustling. Tang Yu represented their future, and they seemed to see themselves attempting the Foundation Establishment.


    This also made Lu Lingjun take a few more nces at Gu An, and An Xinpletely let down her guard. She felt that she had misunderstood Gu An; he truly was a good person.


    Gu An was not only kind to his disciples, but he also spoke very gently and never used foulnguage. It was almost never seen him frown; he was always smiling, making one feel as if immersed in a spring breeze.


    Sending the disciples away meant it was time to recruit new ones. Gu An still let Xiaochuan take charge of this, as a way to increase Xiaochuan''s authority.


    Around noon.


    Ji Xiaoyu came to visit Gu An. She and her fellow top ten geniuses still cultivated their hearts within the Medicine Valley, but they seldom interacted with the servant disciples, keeping a significant distance.


    "I am preparing to leave, to participate in the Holy Land assessment," Ji Xiaoyu said softly after sitting down.


    Holy Land?


    As Gu An poured tea for her, he curiously asked, "What power is the Holy Land, and where is it located?"


    Ji Xiaoyu answered, "The Holy Land is the oldest power on this continent, with a legacy of ten thousand years, located beyond the nine dynasties. They avoid worldly affairs and do not engage in any conflicts. Every hundred years, they recruit disciples. After entering the Holy Land to cultivate, one must leave within a hundred years at most.


    How long one can stay entirely depends on one''s own fate; the Ji Family rose to prominence with the legacy from the Holy Land."


    After hearing this, Gu An became even more curious and said, "What does the Holy Land aim for, to not retain people?"


    Ji Xiaoyu shook her head and said, "No one knows; even the elder rtives from our n who have been to the Holy Land did not talk much about it upon their return. They only mentioned that it is possible to inquire about the Immortal Path only while in the Holy Land."


    That sounds quite mysterious!


    "I''ve heard that there will be a great Demon cmity in a hundred years. Why doesn''t the Holy Land intervene?" Gu An asked further.


    Ji Xiaoyu picked up a tea bowl and said, "Actually, before the nine dynasties, there have been great Demon cmities that led this continent to be dominated by demons, and the Human Race barely survived, being penned like livestock by ghosts and monsters. At that time, the Holy Land did not intervene.


    Even without the Holy Land''s intervention, the Human Raceter rose and established the nine dynasties. My n''s elders say that the Holy Land has seen through the mundane world. They care not for the safety of a single lifetime''s people, but for the long-standing existence of the Immortal Cultivation Daoist Tradition."


    After hearing this, Gu An looked at the Holy Land in a new light. It seemed that this Holy Land truly transcended worldly concerns.


    Afterward, he no longer asked further but wished Ji Xiaoyu sess in passing the Holy Land assessment and to have smooth sailing.


    Ji Xiaoyu did not stay long; she had to leave today.


    Gu An saw her off down the stairs, watching as she departed.


    Lu Lingjun, who was passing by, came over and curiously asked, "Valley Master, who is this woman? She seems quite extraordinary."


    She had noticed the ten geniuses cultivating their hearts within the Medicine Valley and learned that these people were arranged by the Sect Leader and personally taught by Gu An, which made her regard Gu An highly.


    Among the ten, the one she was most curious about was Ji Xiaoyu.


    She could sense the aura of the Primordial Daoist Talisman, and she even felt an impulse to snatch it, but she restrained herself.


    "A True Disciple of the Sect, and the young miss of the Ji Family, named Ji Xiaoyu, one of the top talents of the Sect," Gu An introduced.


    Truly one of the top. Among the cultivators, only An Hao had a longer life span than Ji Xiaoyu.


    An Hao had already seeded in Core Formation and was said to have be a legend in the Inner Sect with no one able to rival him. Gu Yu evenpared him to the True Inheritor who was out gaining experience.


    There are many paths in this world; not all talents need to participate in the Hundred ns Conference or enter the Holy Land.


    Lu Lingjun nodded and then asked, "Valley Master, have you read the Supreme Secret Records?"


    The smile on Gu An''s face suddenly stiffened, and he frowned, saying, "Why are you reading such books?"


    Good gracious!


    When will the ways of the Supreme Sect be rectified?


    Even the Ascenders who just arrived are deeply affected!


    Gu An couldn''t help but curse Shen Zhen a few times in his heart.


    "Someone from the Outer Sect rmended it to me; could it be that it''s not written by you, Valley Master? I saw the protagonist''s name is also Gu An¡­" Lu Lingjun truthfully said.


    Gu An angrily said, "Do I look like that kind of person to you?"


    "Indeed, you don''t seem like it, so I had to ask."


    Lu Lingjun''s face then broke into a smile, the knot in her heart dissolving, making Gu An suddenly appear more pleasant to her.


    She had been holding back for a long time and couldn''t resist inquiring about this matter today.


    "Next time, I still need to check the Book Collection Hall. The supervision is not strict enough; there are still people selling this book. You better destroy the book," Gu An said seriously.


    Lu Lingjun rarely saw him so serious, and she felt inexplicably happy. She asked with a smile, "Valley Master, do you think the Supreme Secret Records is well written, or is the Green Hero Travelogue better?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An was dumbfounded.


    Lu Lingjun did not wait for his reply and turned to leave.


    Gu An watched her departing figure, wanting to say something but eventually just sighed.


    His reputation was ruined!


    He shook his head, turned, and walked toward the attic while taking out the "Green Hero Travelogue" from his pocket.


    Since his reputation was already ruined, he might as well not hide it anymore!


    ...


    The moon was bright, and the stars were sparse over Mystic Valley.


    Gu An was in the attic, reading a cultivation technique manual. It was a fire attribute basic skill; previously, when he had gone to the Inner Sect, he had bought other attributes'' basic skills because it seemed there were no Five Elements Skills in this world, so he nned to figure it out by himself.


    After all, he didn''t cultivate ordinarily, but what if he figured it out?


    Although hisprehension was poor, he had plenty of time to grind it out.


    Deep into the night, Gu An suddenly sensed a presence entering within a hundred miles of Mystic Valley.


    A Void Crossing Realm Cultivator! NovelBin-chapter


    Such cultivators stealthily approaching Mystic Valley were definitely not a good sign.


    Gu An did not act immediately because he suspected a person in his mind.


    Sure enough, after a while, Yang Ni left her separate courtyard, quietly departed Mystic Valley, and hurried toward the direction of that Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator.


    Eventually, the two met in a forest more than thirty miles away.


    In the dim woond, Yang Ni stopped and looked toward a figure under the trees ahead. By the moonlight, one could see it was a female cultivator.


    "You''re a bit slow, Yang Ni. Why have you been staying in the Outer Sect all this time? Didn''t Li Xuandao arrange for you to go to the Inner Sect?" the female cultivator asked, her voice cold.


    This female cultivator wore a purple gown, her long hair pinned up in a bun, interspersed with several jade hairpins. She held a dignified pose with beautiful features, and even though her eyes were full of coldness, they had a charm that enchanted the living.


    Yang Ni replied, "No, Li Xuandao asked me to protect an Outer Disciple who has a close connection with his son, Li Ya."


    "Has Li Xuandao detected your real identity?"


    "He shouldn''t have, otherwise he wouldn''t have sent me to protect Li Ya."


    "The Ephemera Tree was exterminated by a mysterious cultivator, and even the Sect Hierarch died. It could only be a Great Cultivator from the Supreme Sect. You must find a way to investigate if there are other Unification Realm cultivators above the fifth level within the Sect, excluding the Sect Leader."


    Unification Realm above the fifth level!


    Yang Ni was visibly moved and quickly said, "With my cultivation level, how could I possibly make contact with Unification Realm cultivators?"


    "ording to the news from our people in the Hall of Elders, Lv Baitian has already failed in his tribtion crossing. It''s unlikely he''s the killer of the Sect Hierarch. Given the mystery, it''s highly probable it was Sword Venerable Fudao. Ever since Sword Venerable Fudao became famous, our sect has been investigating him.


    Having ruled out all other possibilities, we can only specte that Sword Venerable Fudao is a cultivator who hides his cultivation level, possibly even lurking within the Outer Sect, where the Heavenly Repair tform is."


    Yang Ni frowned tightly at the words of the woman in the purple gown.


    "Of course, Sword Venerable Fudao is merely a guess, but in any case, you''ll need to find a way to investigate the Outer Sect."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Ni couldn''t resist saying, "I''ve been cultivating Ephemerately, I can''t leave."


    "Can''t leave?"


    The woman in purple hesitated, then spread out her Divine Sense to probe the distant Mystic Valley.


    A few breathster, she snorted coldly, "That kid does have a good skin."


    Yang Ni''s expression changed, and she hurriedly said, "Don''t you dare harm him!"


    "What''s your rtionship with him?"


    "He''s not only the person Li Xuandao wants to protect but also my newly epted disciple!"


    "Your disciple? How about offering him to me?"


    "Shut up!"


    Yang Ni was furious and actually drew her sword.


    The woman in purple looked at her with scorn and said, "I''lle again next year. If you haven''t provided information that satisfies me by then, that kid will be mine. After draining his life force, I''ll make his bones into a pendant and gift it to you, so you can look at it whenever you remember him."


    With that, she turned and left.


    Yang Ni watched the back of the woman in purple, eyes full of rage, but her hand holding the sword hilt could not draw the weapon.


    She took a deep breath and could only turn back to the valley, her movements swift as if she feared something might happen to Gu An.


    As she hurried back to Mystic Valley, the woman in purple walked through the woods, thinking about Yang Ni''s reaction just now and a sneering smile crossed her face.


    Snap!


    Suddenly, a hand pressed down on the shoulder of the woman in purple, stopping her in her tracks, her pupils dting immediately.


    Almost reflexively, she tried to twist her body, catching a glimpse of a deep purple demon shadow in the corner of her eye.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Thou...


    Boom!


    A terrifying Divine Sense forcibly invaded her mind, making her eyes go vacant.


    Elsewhere.


    Yang Ni returned to Mystic Valley and reached the attic where Gu An was. Seeing the oilmp still lit inside and sensing Gu An''s presence, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief.


    Inside the room, Gu An was sitting at a table, the woman in purple kneeling in front of him, with his right hand on her head, applying the Soul Capturing Skill.


    His Spiritual Power enveloped the woman in purple, ensnaring her with the innate creation of his Nine Extremes Yin Yang body, making her invisible and undetectable by Divine Sense unless someone walked in.

 Chapter 108: Chapter 108 Why Do You Have to Force Me?

    Gu An originally just wanted to eavesdrop, but the woman in the purple dress used her Divine Sense to probe him and even developed hostility toward him, signifying a desire to tear him to pieces.


    Could he tolerate this?


    Gu An directly captured her!


    Before killing her, he decided to probe for information about the Ephemera Sect. This woman''s identity was clearly not simple, and he might be able to attain some useful intelligence.


    The woman in the purple dress was called Su Shan, a former elder of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. She joined the Ephemera Sect two hundred years ago and had been hiding within the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion ever since the Ephemera Sect''s defeat.


    Yang Ni was personally recruited into the sect by her. Yang Ni''s reason for joining the sect was Su Shan''s promise to help her find the killer of her sister.


    Su Shan''s purpose in recruiting Yang Ni was to keep an eye on Li Xuandao and Li Ya. Since Li Ya had inherited the Heavenly Residence Sword, Su Shan felt that this child could potentially be the Crown Prince, so she had Yang Ni monitor this father and son duo, waiting for the Ephemera Sect to make itseback.


    Yang Ni did not fully trust Su Shan either, but regarded her as an additional channel to find the truth.


    Little did she know, the one who killed her sister was Su Shan herself!


    The power structure of the Ephemera Sect was veryplex, with many branches. Each Elder of the Void Crossing Realm was building their own merits, and if their contributions were great enough, they could enter the Nine Nether Road in pursuit of the Immortal Path.


    As for the Nine Nether Road, Su Shan had only heard of it and had never seen it. It was said that the Nine Nether Road could cross the ocean to another continent. The Nine Nether Road is a Yin Yang path opened by the Ephemera Sect, passing through the Ghost Realm where Yin and Yang meet, a ce filled with evil ghosts and extreme danger, but also full of opportunities.


    Gu An had probed for a long time but was unable to obtain information about the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, and had no way of understanding just how strong the main lineage was.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When he retracted his Divine Sense, an hour had passed. Your next


    He looked down at Su Shan''s enchanting face, his eyes full of disdain. During the Soul Capturing Skill he had employed earlier, he had seen many unsightly scenes.


    Once a Demon Cultivator, always a Demon Cultivator!


    Gu An then ended Su Shan''s life and burned her body to ashes.


    Thus, this Great Cultivator of the Void Crossing Realm died without any sound.


    She had contributed decades of life span to Gu An, which was somewhat satisfactory.


    After that, Gu An began to sort through her two Storage Rings.


    Meanwhile, Yang Ni was in her own room, still unable to calm down for cultivation, the threat of Su Shan continuously surfacing in her mind.


    Thinking about how she involved Gu An made her feel sorry.


    It wasn''t that she had special feelings for Gu An, but after many years of association, their rtionship had grown closer. The thought of a junior with such good character possibly being persecuted because of her obviously made her uneasy.


    When morning came, Lu Jiujia called the disciples out for morning exercises, and Gu An also came downstairs.


    "The ns for the day lie in the morning, Yang Ni, it''s time for morning practice!"


    Gu An walked to the courtyard where Yang Ni lived and shouted.


    Yang Ni quickly came out, merely nodding slightly at Gu An as if she hadn''t experienced the events ofst night.


    Gu An did not say much, but he was somewhat reassured when Yang Ni had dared to draw her sword when facing Su Shan''s threatst night.


    Well, in the future, he thought he''d allocate morend to her, allowing her to nt more flowers and nts.


    ...


    Since the night she encountered Su Shan, Yang Ni would go to the Outer Sect every other day, ostensibly to look for high-rank seeds.


    Gu An''s life, however, was not disrupted and he continued to shuttle to and from the three sides of Medicine Valley.


    At the end of summer.


    Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley. Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun had gone out, taking three monkey demons with them, and only Lv Xian remained in the Medicine Valley.


    "Thousands of miles away, a Great Cultivator''s Cave was discovered, along with many heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Yi Liuyun took them to move the finds. They will not return for several days," Lv Xian came up to Gu An and exined. His gaze fixed on Gu An, burning intensely.


    Gu An nodded slightly, then turned and walked toward the garden.


    "Who exactly are you, Gu An?" The voice of Lv Xian came from behind, his tone different from usual, heavy with resentment.


    Gu An stopped his pace, turned to look at Lv Xian, and smiled, "Who am I? I''m no deity, just an ordinary cultivator who enjoys nting."


    This guy is acting strange!


    Why does it feel like he''s apletely different person?


    Could it be that another remnant soul within him has taken over control of his thoughts?


    Gu An thought perplexedly.


    Lv Xian gave a coldugh, his face turning ferocious, "I''ve only taught you a few times, yet your mastery of the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm has already surpassed my ten years of arduous practice."


    Gu An raised an eyebrow, not expecting that his deliberate control had still given hints to Lv Xian.


    This could be troublesome.


    Lv Xian took a step forward, his aura as a ninthyer Core Formation Realm cultivator suddenly erupting, lifting the fallen leaves on the ground like a tornado taking off, grand and imposing.


    Though his cultivation level was at the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm, it wasparable to the aura of a lower-tier Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.


    Deserving of his reputation as the once number one talent of the Supreme Sect.


    "I had discovered that Cave long ago, calcting the day you woulde and deliberately sent them away. Today, let us determine who is superior," Lv Xian said with a cold smirk.


    His right palm began to umte Spiritual Power, with the space beneath his palm churning fiercely, as if a surge was about toe.


    Gu An raised his hand, "Don''t be irrational, I''m really not any genius. Why fixate on me? I pose no threat to you."


    If you act rashly, I''ll have no choice but to kill you.


    Lv Xian licked his lips, "Don''t worry, I won''t kill you. I just want to test your depth. If you continue to hide your strength, be careful not to end up like Li Ya."


    Upon hearing these words, Gu An''s eyes turned cold.


    "Try my Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm!" Lv Xian let out a thunderous shout as he struck with his palm.


    The palm wind swept out, shaking heaven and earth, a sudden whirlwind starting from the ground as the overwhelming pressure headed straight for Gu An, grass along the way getting uprooted as dust filled the air.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    The palm wind of the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm shot up to the sky, forming a wave of air nearly a hundred feet high, a magnificent sight.


    The smile on Lv Xian''s face froze, and following his gaze, behind the waves of air, Gu An stood unmovable, his palm strength forcibly blocked.


    Behind Gu An, the medicinal herbs of each garden swayed in the wind, untouched by the assault, still nted in the soil.


    At this moment, Gu An''s expressionless face, his entire demeanor changed abruptly, making Lv Xian feel estranged.


    "You..."


    Lv Xian spoke tremblingly, as he saw Gu An step towards him.


    With just one step, Gu An crossed a distance of several feet and instantly appeared in front of him.


    Boom!


    Lv Xian''s momentum was directly scattered, and the terrifying power made him fall backward,nding on the ground with no semnce of the grandeur befitting the leader of the Hidden Dragon List.


    Gu An raised his right hand, looking down at him, his palm facing his head.


    To his horror, Lv Xian found himself unable to move, a force of Spiritual Power that he could not contend with was oppressing him.


    "Divinity Transformation..." Lv Xian gritted his teeth and said.


    He was right in his judgement; Gu An had indeed suppressed his realm to the Divinity Transformation Realm, enough to easily suppress him.


    "Why did you have to force me?" Gu An looked down at Lv Xian and asked quietly.


    The killing intent in his eyes materialized, causing Lv Xian to feel the breath of death.


    The expressionless face was so terrifying, Lv Xian had never seen such a frightening look before.


    "Wait!"


    Lv Xian hurriedly spoke, showing a color of panic on his face for the first time.


    Gu An just quietly looked down at him.


    In fact, Gu An didn''t want to kill him either. After all, Lv Xian was Lv Baitian''s son, and he held no actual enmity towards him, indicating he really just wanted a sparring match.


    To avoid further entanglement, Gu An had to use the power of the Divinity Transformation Realm to strike terror into his heart.


    "I was wrong... don''t kill me..." Lv Xian forced out through clenched teeth, as he lowered his proud head, not daring to look at Gu An.


    Still sitting paralyzed on the ground, unable to stand up, such a posture made him feel ashamed.


    "But you made me reveal my true Cultivation Level, which will surely result in endless troubles in the future. This troubles me greatly. I just wanted to cultivate nts in peace. Why did you have to force me, why?"


    Gu An said coldly; by the end, his voice seemed like a low roar, his face distorting as if he were about to go mad.


    Lv Xian looked up, startled by his hysterical expression, and quickly said, "I won''t tell anyone... I promise! I swear!"


    Gu An''s right palm began to condense Spiritual Power, the terrifying power of the Divinity Transformation Realm frightening Lv Xian.


    "Wait, I know a clue about an eighth-tier Spirit Flower. This flower has been gestating for hundreds of years and hasn''t yet be sentient. Don''t you like cultivating nts? You can take it!" Lv Xian said hastily, truly frightened, beginning to tremble.


    Gu An was moved and narrowed his eyes to ask, "Where is it?"


    Feeling the oppressive force on him weaken, Lv Xian quickly took out a scroll of a map from his Storage Bag and said, "This is the map, I got it when I participated in the Great Hundred Tribes Meeting from an old senior who gave it to me."


    Gu An took the map, gave it a quick nce, then tossed it into his Storage Bag.


    He looked back at Lv Xian, frowning and said, "You truly won''t speak of it?"


    "If I speak of your cultivation, this life''s Tribtion Crossing will surely be gued by demons of the heart, leading to death and the vanishing of my Dao!" Lv Xian immediately swore an oath.


    After hearing this, Gu An retracted his aura, and his Cultivation Level returned to the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    The swaying flowers and grass in Medicine Valley also came to a halt; Lv Xian instantly sighed in relief, sweating profusely, catching his breath deeply.


    Gu An resumed his usual gentle demeanour, pulled Lv Xian to his feet, and dusted him off, saying, "Brother Lv, apologies for the offense. Promise me you won''t make such jokes again; they''re not funny!"


    Hearing these words, Lv Xian gave a forced smile.


    After that, Gu An turned and walked away, heading back to his original spot.


    Watching his retreating figure, Lv Xian remained silent for a long time.


    An hourter, Gu An bade farewell to Lv Xian and left.


    Lv Xian sat on the grass, watching the sun in the sky, remaining lost in thought.


    As the day gave way to night and then two days and nights passed, he didn''t get up.


    It wasn''t until Luo Hun, Yi Liuyun, and the three Monkey Demons returned, all talking andughing with evident good gains, that he stirred.


    Seeing Lv Xian sitting still on the ground, Yi Liuyun asked with augh, "Lv Xian, why aren''t you cultivating?"


    Lv Xian''s body shivered slightly; he turned his head to look at Yi Liuyun and asked, "Do you think I can achieve Divinity Transformation by the age of a hundred?"


    He knew about Gu An''s age because Gu An was about the same age as Li Ya.


    "If you hadn''t wasted time before, you would have definitely reached the Divinity Transformation Realm by the age of a hundred, but s, you are now ny, and it''s difficult to go from the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm to the firstyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm in ten years." Yi Liuyun shook his head and said.


    Luo Hun suggested, "His Majesty values you so much, if you ask, he will definitely provide you with a great number of Elixirs."


    Lv Xian remained silent.


    He fell into self-doubt, wondering if he was truly not a genius at all?

 Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Ancestor Xuan Tian, Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe

    Since Lv Xian was taken care of by Gu An, hepletely straightened up. When Gu An went to Tianya Valley again, he was in seclusion, cultivating. Luo Hun said he wanted to attempt to break through to the Divinity Transformation Realm as soon as possible.


    Gu An asked why, Luo Hun said he didn''t know either, which put Gu An at ease. Although Lv Xian was crazy and rash, his mouth was tight-lipped.


    That matter was considered past.


    Gu An had studied the map given by Lv Xian. It was too far from the Taicang Dynasty, so he had to put it aside for the time being.


    What if there were Mahayana Cultivators in that ce?


    He couldn''t take the risk!


    Now, the life span revenue from the three Medicine Valleys was considerable. Even without further enhancement, his life span could rapidly increase.


    In the blink of an eye,


    Two months had passed.


    The withered yellow scenery of autumn covered Mystic Valley. That day, nearing noon, Ye Lan came to visit him.


    Having not seen Gu An for almost a year, Ye Lan missed him a lot. As soon as she entered the room, she embraced him.


    "Junior Sister!"


    Gu An said sternly, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.


    Ye Lan let go of him and giggled, saying, "What''s wrong with a hug? It''s the courtesy of a brother and sister reuniting after a long time. Brother, don''t think too much about it. I''m not interested in romantic affairs now, I just want to pursue immortal cultivation."


    Gu An gave her a look, then turned to make her some tea.


    He had subconsciously performed a Life Span Detection on Ye Lan just now, which weighed heavily on his heart.


    [Ye Lan (Foundation Establishment Realm Fifth Layer): 56/130/130]


    The normal life span of a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator is over two hundred, but Ye Lan had reached her peak early on due to the elixirs umted by Gu An.


    What will happen when Ye Lan turns one hundred and thirty?


    Will it be the five decays of heaven and man, dying suddenly, or encountering inner demons, with Qi-Blood attacking her heart?


    Gu An sighed inwardly and decided to teach the Daoist Expansion Skill to Ye Lan. With seventy-four years remaining, perhaps it would be effective.


    Daoist Expansion Skill was a process of umting spiritual power. Gu An had a bold idea.


    What would happen if one consumed Spirit Energy Elixirs frenziedly while cultivating Daoist Expansion Skill?


    Ye Lan, unaware of her senior brother''s thoughts, began to recount what she saw and heard on her recent trip.


    The Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall went out to protect Crown Prince Li Dai. Their enemy was the Ephemera Sect, and in over half a year, she went through seven or eight battles and survived some close calls.


    Gu An already knew about this because he asionally used his Divine Sense to check on her. The disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall were basically used as informants; the real fighters were several Nascent Soul Cultivators.


    "Brother, we were able to return because a Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator came to protect the Crown Prince. Above the Nascent Soul is Divinity Transformation, and only above Divinity Transformation is the Void Crossing Realm. That senior was so powerful, he killed a Divinity Transformation Realm demon cultivator from the Ephemera Sect with a single palm.


    At that time, we all thought we were doomed. We didn''t expect the Crown Prince to have such a powerful figure behind him, who, I heard, is not a cultivator from the Supreme Sect," Ye Lan excitedly spoke of the Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator.


    Gu An raised an eyebrow, pretending to be shocked, "That powerful? How old must he be?"


    "It is said he''s already nine hundred years old," Ye Lan said, carefully observing Gu An''s expression.


    She had once suspected that Gu An was Sword Venerable Fudao. During the turmoil in the Outer Sect, her White Spirit Sword had sensed the Qinghong Sword. The sword that carved the word ''Righteous Path'' on the Heavenly Repair tform was the Qinghong Sword!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, after her investigation, Sword Venerable Fudao was at least a being who had transcended the Divinity Transformation Realm, which made her hesitant again.


    She had grown up with Gu An and knew his age.


    A few decades old and in the Void Crossing Realm?


    This was unheard of in the Immortal Cultivation World!


    Add to that, Gu An never acknowledged that he was Sword Venerable Fudao, so she wondered if Gu An might be a disciple of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Whether it was one case or the other, Ye Lan felt she didn''t match up to him, sotely she rarely expressed her feelings and focused more on cultivation.


    If she could raise her cultivation level, and her senior brother wanted a Daoist friend, then that would be her chance!


    Gu An eximed, "Junior Sister, you''re encountering cultivators of higher and higher realms now, but it seems difficult for your cultivation level to improve. Why not practice the cultivation technique of your senior brother?"


    "What cultivation technique?" Ye Lan asked curiously.


    The Gale Shadowless Leg given by Gu An was already her strongestbat method so she would not underestimate Gu An''s cultivation technique.


    Perhaps this technique was passed down by Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Gu An began to introduce the Daoist Expansion Skill, and Ye Lan listened attentively.


    After Gu An finished exining, Ye Lan couldn''t help asking, "Brother, you possess so many herbs, but your cultivation doesn''t seem to progress much. Could it be because of the Daoist Expansion Skill?"


    Gu An nodded, "This is an unparalleled miraculous skill, I''ll only pass it on to you, and you must not speak of it to anyone."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Lan''s heart immediately grew sweet, and she hesitated to say, "If I practice the Daoist Expansion Skill, will it add to your burden?"


    She knew that Gu An would certainly continue to provide her with elixirs to aid her cultivation, and to do so would inevitably dy Gu An''s own progress.


    Gu An smiled, "If you are worried, then don''t cultivate it. Just wait for your life to reach its limit, while your senior brother lives for several hundreds of years more. When that timees, I''ll take several junior sisters and enjoy the blessings of many," he teased.


    "No way, I want to practice!" Ye Lan dered with a re.


    Gu An immediately took out the already written Daoist Expansion Skill and handed it to her.


    After Ye Lan epted the Daoist Expansion Skill, she took out a ckwood box from her storage bag and said, "This is the gift I prepared for you. I intended to give it to you after we finished talking, but I didn''t expect you to give me a cultivation technique first. That makes it seem like I''m not as thoughtful."


    Gu An took the ckwood box, smiling, "Junior Sister, what are you talking about? Over the years, you''ve given me so many fantastic things, you are absolutely the best to me."


    The Sixth-grade Human-Faced Tree was a gift from Ye Lan, and every time she visited Gu An, she would bring various herbs.


    Gu An had refused before, but Ye Lan convinced him by promising to repay the debt of the elixir. Any further refusal would have seemed heartless, so now the two exchanged gifts and both were very pleased.


    When Ye Lan heard Gu An''s words, she smiled and introduced, "This is a Dark Vine, likely of fifth grade, but there is only a small section. It needs to be cultivated for a decade or two to fully recover. Once matured, it can guard the house and shield against prying Divine Senses."


    Gu An opened it to find something resembling charred ck wood with faint signs of life.


    He wasn''t disappointed though; for Ye Lan''s cultivation level to obtain even this fragment wasmendable. The Human-Faced Tree he received before was also just roots, but it has already started to regain its vitality.


    Following that, Ye Lan continued to share the news from the world of immortal cultivation.


    Gu An listened intently, thoroughly absorbed.


    Recently, a group of mysterious cultivators known as Nine Nether Thirteen Evil had appeared in the immortal cultivation world. They forcibly entered Wanyin Sect, seized its greatest treasure, and left victoriously, their strength sending shockwaves through the cultivation world.


    In addition, another significant event had urred: the Ancient Sky Sect sessfully nurtured the Holy Beast, Sky Dragon, boosting the morale of the entire sect. Discussions spread across the regions, suggesting that the Ancient Sky Sect was on the rise.


    That Holy Beast was none other than the Sky Dragon he had raised himself. He had investigated the Ancient Sky Sect before, and now seeing the Sky Dragon treated with great care by the sect, he had no worries.


    From Ye Lan''s words, the immortal cultivation world seemed peaceful, and the Ephemera Sect had calmed down, no longer shing fiercely with the demon path, but he knew this was just the calm before the storm.


    Once the Great Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage arrive, the cultivation world will again be plunged into violence and bloodshed!


    ...


    Deep in the night, amidst the North Sea Mountains, the Spiritual Energy began to sink, once again startling all beings.


    Gu An was seated within a Barrier, enjoying the enhancement of his cultivation level, having spent three thousand years of his life span to elevate his cultivation to the ninthyer of the Mahayana Realm.


    After half an hour, he invested another fifty thousand years of his life span into Alchemy.


    He had initially thought of improving his Alchemy skills on his own butter realized that Alchemy required talent as well.


    A fifty thousand-year life span investment promoted his Alchemy Skills to the Taiching Elixir Path, significantly improving his intuitive understanding of Alchemy.


    Vast memories flooded into his mind, immersing himpletely.


    The Alchemy skill he cultivated was the foundational Alchemy of the Supreme Sect. Different sects practice distinct Alchemy skills, hence evolving diverse paths of Alchemy.


    The Taiching Elixir Path also contained a spell called Taiching True Fire, which could aid him better in alchemy, and also serve as a weapon against enemies.


    These fifty thousand years of life span were well spent!


    When Gu An awoke, he raised his right hand, and a green me ignited on his finger. His lips couldn''t help but curve upward.


    He checked his attribute panel next, still having four hundred ny thousand years of life span. So wealthy!


    He deactivated the Life Span Barrier, stood up, and prepared to leave.


    Suddenly, his gaze was drawn to a crack in a nearby cliff.


    Themotion of the descending Spiritual Energy had caused the weeds in front of the cliff to sway wildly, and upon closer inspection, there was a crack from which peculiar Spiritual Energy, not of the regr Five Elements, was leaking.


    He immediately approached it, reached the cliff, and extended his Divine Sense into it.


    Soon, he sensed a Restriction.


    It would be very difficult for anyone below the Void Crossing Realm to break through.


    He had a hunch and didn''t forcefully prate the Restriction. Instead, he used the Nine Extreme Yin Yang Form to transform into a shadowy figure and employed the Limitless Freedom Step to step inside.


    Passing through theyers of Restrictions, he entered an underground space.


    This space was evenrger than the Eight Scenic Caves. In the center was an undergroundke, with a three-hundred-zhang long and hundred-zhang wide patch of grasnd and a row of old trees nearby.


    Under one of the trees sat a dpidated wooden hut.


    His Divine Sense detected no presence of cultivators or demons, only many fish in the undergroundke, including a two-zhang long giant fish that seemed like a Spirit Beast.


    As Gu An walked forward past a stone stele, it bore four bold characters.


    Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion!


    The Spiritual Energy here was abundant, even stronger than in the Eight Scenic Caves. He threw a Life Span Detection at the row of trees.


    All were six-grade Spirit Trees called Heart Clearing Trees.


    Excellent!


    Gu An was suddenly overjoyed. If no one was residing here, it could serve as his fourth Medicine Valley.


    Mystic Valley, Third Medicine Valley, and Tianya Valley were all under others'' watch, whereas his treasures were in Eight Scenic Caves, but there was only so much space there. .


    Gu An approached the wooden hut with the stone table, overgrown with moss, and two books on the table.


    One was a Nameless Book, and the other a secret manual.


    Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe!


    What an imposing name!


    Gu An picked up the Nameless Book and began to read.


    It was a will, left by the owner of Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion.


    The owner''s name was Ancestor Xuan Tian¡ªa Mystic Heart Realm cultivator!


    Gu An furrowed his brow as he continued reading.


    Ancestor Xuan Tian turned out to be a Supreme Elder from the Supreme Sect. After leaving the sect, he carved out this Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion here, intending to seek enlightenment. However, he sumbed to Deviation and chose to leave the Cave Mansion for the Demon Land beyond the nine dynasties before his death.


    The Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe was Ancestor Xuan Tian''s most powerful ultimate technique, inherited from a Holy Land, one of the nine major legacies of thatnd!

 Chapter 110: Chapter 110: The Nine Styles of Heaven-Cutting, The Aura from Afar

    "After eight hundred years of arduous Path Enlightenment, consuming countless elixirs, once my cultivation seeded and I achieved the Mystic Heart Realm, I could not escape the demon within my mind upon my life''s end, I resent... resent..."


    Gu An read this passage from the Nameless Book, his brow furrowing.


    The resentment of Ancestor Xuan Tian leaped off the page, a resentment directed at the heavens.


    He resented that the heavens had allowed him to achieve the Mystic Heart Realm, but before he could enjoy his aplishment, a demon of the mind was born.


    After reading, Gu An''s first thought was of the ultimate life span.


    It seemed that there was a kind of destiny trapping all beings, perhaps Ancestor Xuan Tian''s ultimate life span was only enough to reach the Unification Realm, but he forced his way into the Mystic Heart Realm with an immense amount of resources. Yet, his life span did not extend and he ultimately faced upheaval from inner demons, confronting death?


    The more Gu An thought about it, the more possible it seemed.


    All cultivators striving for immortality are not just battling the heavens, but perhaps even fate itself.


    Gu An believed destiny could be broken, and he himself was the prime example.


    The ultimate life spans he saw might just be a reminder of the existence of fate.


    Besides his ability to seize life spans, there certainly were opportunities in this world that could help others break through their ultimate life spans, though he hadn''t seen them yet.


    Precisely because immortality was so difficult to achieve, so many pursued it relentlessly, risking their lives.


    Let''s see if the Daoist Expansion Skill is effective; if it is, he could afford to sacrifice some of his life span to enhance it.


    Gu An felt hopeful, as those with Wuxin tended to have life spans far beyond those of their peers in the same realm.


    He continued reading; the subsequent sections chronicled the life deeds of Ancestor Xuan Tian, from joining the Supreme Sect topeting for the position of Sect Leader. It was like a novel; even brief descriptions could make one''s thoughts wander.


    After finishing the testament, he tossed the book into his storage bag and then picked up the manual for the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe to check.


    The more he read, the more engrossed he became, his pupils seemingly reflecting a figure wielding a huge axe.


    The Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe consisted of nine forms: severing life, demons, ghosts, mountains, seas,ws, immortals, gods, and heaven!


    It sounded very domineering, but it remained to be seen whether it could truly sever immortals and heaven.


    The nine forms were not nine levels but nine techniques. Ancestor Xuan Tian had mastered all nine before he sumbed to deviation. He encountered no match during his rampage across the Nine Immortal Sects, securing the Supreme Sect''s reputation as the legitimate leader of the Taicang world.


    However, he did not leave the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe in the Supreme Sect because it was a legacy of the Holy Land and could not be passed on to others. Being discovered by the Holy Land would lead to the removal of his cultivation level¡ªa special note in his testament.


    After skimming through it, Gu An tossed the manual into his storage bag as well.


    He turned and walked into the derelict cabin, everything inside was dpidated, the ground overgrown with weeds, and in the center of the room stood an axe, covered in dust.


    He approached the axe, blew gently, and the dust immediately dispersed, revealing a ck axe.


    The Heaven-Cutting Axe, a supreme-grade magic artifact, also forged from North Sea Nether Iron, and it was million-year-old North Sea Nether Iron at that, heavier than Li Ya''s North Sea Heavy Sword and able to withstand more Spiritual Power.


    Gu An, gripping the Heaven-Cutting Axe, raised an eyebrow.


    It''s quite heavy!


    Despite being a Mahayana Cultivator and having cultivated the Primordial Ruyi Skill, which gave him tremendous strength, even he could feel its weight, which showed just how heavy the Heaven-Cutting Axe was.


    Forget using the techniques of the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe, it seemed like just smashing it directly could kill someone.


    Gu An lifted the Heaven-Cutting Axe and got serious, making it seem very light in his hands, easy to wave around.


    He attempted to ce the treasure into his storage bag, but it was repelled by the space restriction.


    It won''t fit!


    Interesting!


    Gu An immediately set the Heaven-Cutting Axe down and then checked around; there were no other valuable items in the cabin.


    Immediately after, he stepped out of Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion and sealed the fissures on the rock wall. Now that he possessed the Five Elements Treasure Body with perfect Earth Attribute qualities, he could gather Spiritual Energy into earth.


    Afterpletely sealing the fissures, Gu An finally felt at ease.


    From now on, this would be his cave mansion!


    Gu An, his mood uplifted, the corners of his mouth turning up, stepped into the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion again.


    Time to reim the wild!


    ...


    At the end of autumn, in the Third Medicine Valley, disciples were busy sweeping up fallen leaves.


    Lu Lingjun suddenly looked up toward the horizon and saw a figure swiftly approaching.


    Her eyebrows knitted slightly, a sense of rm growing within her.


    Unification Realm, Ninth Layer!


    The neer was Lv Baitian.


    Lv Baitian quickly flew to the loft where Gu An resided and then stepped on the stairs to go up.


    Lu Lingjun withdrew her gaze, curious about the identity of the man.


    Although Lv Baitian had visited the Third Medicine Valley multiple times, he had never revealed his true identity. When An Hao and An Xin talked about him, they always said he was a senior elder from the sect.


    After entering the loft, Lv Baitian closed the door and set up a restriction to prevent prying eyes.


    Gu An set down the book he was holding and asked with a smile, "Sect Leader, what brings you here?"


    He stood up and went to brew some tea.


    "No need for that, sit down, let''s have a chat," Lv Baitian waved his hand as he walked to the table, drew a chair with a wave of his hand, and sat down.


    Gu An sat down and asked, "What shall we chat about?"


    What could I possibly chat with you about?


    "Not the matter of taking disciples again!"


    Gu Anined secretly in his heart, for he was a Mahayana Cultivator and could not possibly take a master.


    "Let''s talk about Li Xuandao," Lv Baitian began, his gaze fixed on Gu An.


    Gu An asked in astonishment, "What about him?"


    "Crown Prince Li Dai had his Golden Core taken, his Nascent Soul and Cultivation Level destroyed, and a Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm who was with him also died." Lv Baitian''s words moved Gu An.


    He was genuinely surprised.


    The Law Enforcement Hall of the Supreme Sect had just left, and Li Xuandao struck?


    Just entered the Void Crossing Realm and already able to execute a same realm opponent?


    Impressive!


    The means of a Great Cultivator in the Void Crossing Realm are numerous; even if unable to defeat an opponent, escaping should not be difficult.


    Don''t think that it''s easy for Gu An to kill someone in the Void Crossing Realm; he pressurizes a lower realm with his higher realm, leaving no time for the enemy to flee.


    Lv Baitian asked, "Does Li Xuandao have a Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm by his side?"


    With a sense of resignation, Gu An replied, "Whether he has one or not, I can''t tell."


    Lv Baitian paused, considered the logic, and his expression softened.


    "With the Crown Prince dead, the Supreme Sect can only support Li Ya. The imperial throne must be held by a prince of the Supreme Sect, but unfortunately, Li Ya has been away and hasn''t returned for many years," Lv Baitian sighed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "If it weren''t for the imminent attack of the Ephemera Sect, I would really like to depose Li Xuandao."


    Gu An asked in astonishment, "Why would you depose him?"


    Lv Baitian exined, "He has been Emperor for nearly two hundred years; the world below is rife with turmoil and evil spirits, and public grievances are soaring. Changing the Emperor to offer a sacrifice to the heavens might reverse the fortunes. Unfortunately, he has won over several Elders from the Hall of Elders, which prevented me from forcing him to abdicate before.


    Just as I was regaining my Cultivation Level, the Ephemera Sect arrived, bringing endless troubles."


    thank you for using mv _l _e _mpy _r


    Speaking of the Ephemera Sect, he showed a vexed expression.


    Gu An couldn''t tell whether he truly cared for the welfare of themon people or just disliked Li Xuandao.


    Both of them provided him with High-Rank Medical Herbs, so it was difficult for him to take sides and could only watch their struggle.


    Li Xuandao indeed has methods, capable of keeping a nineyer Great Cultivator from the Unification Realm from taking action against him, and he is still growing rapidly.


    If Lv Baitian knew Li Xuandao had already reached the Void Crossing Realm Cultivation Level, he would probably go kill Li Xuandao right now.


    Lv Baitian began talking about the Ephemera Sect; the Venerable Pavilion had collected many leads on the Ephemera Sect, and there were several spies within the Hall of Elders, not just one.


    This angered Lv Baitian immensely, as he had just cleared out a bunch of demon spies a few years ago, only to find that there were still spies among those left, and from the Ephemera Sect which he loathed the most.


    "I received intelligence that Sect Hierarch Zhong Liang of the Ephemera Sect has died, though I don''t know who killed him. The Ephemera Sect is now lying low, awaiting their main branch Cultivators; they all suspect Zhong Liang was killed by me, which isughable. I, on the other hand, suspect it was internal strife among themselves," Lv Baitian mocked.


    Gu An curiously asked, "Why are the major conflicts between the Ephemera Sect and the demon path concentrated in the North Sea Mountain?"


    Lv Baitian replied, "Because arge part of the Ephemera Sect''s high ranks are in the North Sea Mountain; they''re searching for an opportunity rted to our sect."


    "What opportunity?"


    "Our sect has a Supreme Elder who attained enlightenment in the North Sea Mountain a thousand years ago, surpassing the Unification Realm, then disappeared without a trace. However, legends suggest that he didn''t take with him the Heaven-Cutting Axe, a treasure of the Supreme Sect. This axe couldn''t be stored in a Storage Dharma Artifact; it''s involved in a major legacy.


    The Ephemera Sect has been seeking this legacy all these years."


    Just as expected!


    Gu An secretly felt pleased; the Ephemera Sect had been searching for so many years yet hadn''t found it, but he had discovered it by chance.


    It seems that the sinking of Spiritual Energy does have its benefits.


    "The Heaven-Cutting Axe is extraordinary, said to be connected to the Holy Land. For three thousand years, only that Supreme Elder has inherited such a significant legacy from the Holy Land; he is also my Martial Master," Lv Baitian remarked sentimentally.


    Ancestor Xuan Tian was indeed formidable.


    Considering the weight of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, Gu An found this perfectly reasonable.


    Lv Baitian obviously idolized Ancestor Xuan Tian and began to recount his exploits; he had never met Ancestor Xuan Tian but had often heard about him from his teacher.


    His teacher said that Ancestor Xuan Tian had never suffered defeat in his life and, no matter how many enemies, Ancestor Xuan Tian could always fight his way out. Ancestor Xuan Tian even ventured to the south on an adventure, reputedly obtaining Immortal Sorcery before returning to seclude himself.


    However, Gu An knew that Ancestor Xuan Tian had never obtained any Immortal Sorcery; he had roamed the seas for many years, nearly killed by the Demon King, which forced him to flee back home, intending to venture out again once he reached the Mystic Heart Realm. Unfortunately, he never achieved his wish until his death.


    Suddenly, Gu An thought about the True Inheritor who had gone out to gain experience, possibly heading to the sea as well.


    It was said that this True Inheritor was even more powerful than Lv Baitian, likely having reached the Mystic Heart Realm already.


    However, when Gu An mentioned the True Inheritor, Lv Baitian looked annoyed and unwilling to talk more.


    Clearly, their rtionship was not good.


    Just as Lv Baitian was speaking, he suddenly stopped.


    Gu An also felt a powerful auraing from the north, but he pretended not to know, especially since Lv Baitian was right in front of him.


    Lv Baitian turned his head, looking toward the sky outside the window, and murmured, "Has it finallye then?"


    Gu An asked in confusion, "What hase?"


    Lv Baitian stood up and said, "Nothing much, I have to go now."


    He left quickly, and Gu An quickly stood up to see him out, walking him to the entrance hall.


    Gu An saw that Lu Lingjun had also sensed the powerful aura from afar and was frowning deeply.


    It seemed that Lu Lingjun noticed Gu An''s gaze, nced back at him, and then continued sweeping leaves.


    Gu An looked in the direction Lv Baitian had gone, curiously wondering about the origin of that aura.


    It didn''t feel like the aura of a Cultivator, but had an indescribably strange sensation.

 Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Mystic Heart Attacks!

    The sky was cloudless for thousands of miles, and belowy an endless wastnd, crisscrossed by fissures on the surface of the earth that revealed themselves as canyons upon closer inspection.


    On a t expanse of barrennd, a massive ck qi was hovering, resembling a crack.


    At the bottom end of the ck qi was an array tform, circr in shape and over thirty feet in diameter, carved with mysterious andplex runes. Spiritual energy surged, causing them to reflect a faint luster.


    In front of the array tform, a group of Ephemera Sect cultivators stood waiting, numbering over a thousand, among whom Jiang Qiong and Su Han were also present.


    The person standing at the forefront was an elder in a gray robe, clutching a wooden staff with his back hunched, gazing at the ck qi above with eyes filled with anticipation.


    "Ephemera Sect Main Lineage..."


    Jiang Qiong looked at the spatial fluctuations within the ck qi, very nervous.


    She had joined the Ephemera Sect for some time and had a deep understanding of it. The Ephemera Sect in the Mortal World was just a branch and could not bepared with the main lineage at all.


    Suddenly!


    Thunder erupted from within the ck qi, followed by an expansion of the ck qi, revealing a dark red sky within, where thick clouds could be faintly seen swirling.


    The gray-robed elder at the forefront knelt down and shouted loudly, "We wee the descent of the main lineage''s Hierarch!"


    At his kneeling, the other Ephemera Sect cultivators knelt one after another, echoing his words in unison, their voices resonating loudly and clearly.


    Under everyone''s gaze, a figure appeared within the ck qi, with his back to the dark red sky, stepping out gradually.


    This was a man wearing a tight purple robe with a gold-rimmed red sash around his waist. The robe was imprinted with blossoms of the ephemera flower, and even stitched onto the back was a tree of the Ephemera.


    He had a handsome face with a proud expression, snow-white hair coiled below a purple jade crown pointing to the sky, and a red gem iid on the crown which at first nce resembled a terrifying and dreadful eye.


    With his hands sped behind him, he looked down upon the followers below, slowly saying, "Who is Elder Chi Han?"


    The gray-robed elder quickly answered, "Reporting to the Hierarch, I am!"


    The purple-robed man, high above, did not show any intention of descending. He calmly stated, "Find someone to lead me to the Supreme Sect, the rest stay here and wait for the descent of the main lineage."


    Upon hearing this, Elder Chi Han asked excitedly, "Are there more seniors from the main lineageing?"


    "Hmm, it''s time for the ephemera to bloom."


    ¡­


    The mysterious aura was too far from the Supreme Sect, even beyond the detection range of the divine sense of someone in the Mahayana Realm. Gu An made no rash moves, as his intuition told him that the aura was connected to the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage.


    Without a clear understanding of the strength of the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, he wouldn''t act recklessly.


    Although, from Zhong Liang and Su Shan''s memories, the Ephemera Sect was waiting for a Great Cultivator in the Mystic Heart Realm from the main lineage, Gu An was worried that things might have changed since he had eradicated the Ephemera Tree. What if more than one Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator came?


    Moreover, the Supreme Sect had profound resources and might not need his intervention. Perhaps a Supreme Elder would return.


    Setting aside the Supreme Elders, the Ji Family and the Gu Family also had immeasurable depths.


    When Gu An used his divine sense to search the Taicang Dynasty, he couldn''t find the main residences of these two families and estimated they were hidden in a Minor Heaven and Earth.


    This world contained many Minor Heavens and Earths, equivalent to innate spatial restrictions, which could also be described using Earth''s terminology as alternate dimensions.


    The day after Lv Baitian left, the atmosphere at the Supreme Sect became tense.


    Large numbers of cultivators in the Core Formation and Nascent Soul Realms flew over from above the Third Medicine Valley heading towards the Outer Sect direction, and even the nine talented disciples who were cultivating in the valley were summoned, bidding farewell to Gu An.


    Each disciple had their own identity token, through which the Supreme Sect could pass orders to everyone, including those disciples who were training outside.


    Xiaochuan came to Gu An''s side, asking nervously, "Senior Brother, what''s the big issue this time? It''s not an attack by the Ephemera Sect, is it?"


    Each time he went to the Outer City, he could hear other disciples discussing the Ephemera Sect. With its unbroken string of victories over the Demon Path and the great trouble it once caused the Supreme Sect two hundred years ago, all the disciples of the Supreme Sect felt threatened.


    "Unclear, no need to overthink. We just need to take good care of the medicinal herbs. If a real battle starts, you and I won''t make much of a difference. Trust in the Sect," Gu An reassured him.


    Xiaochuan found this sensible, but his thoughts still drifted towards the Outer Sect.


    Gu An turned and left, heading to harvest mature medicinal herbs.


    this chapter is mv|le|mp|y r


    Let the Supreme Sect take care of a falling sky; collecting herbs and flowers was of utmost importance!


    An ancient hourter, Gu An returned in front of the pavilion, pulling out the Qinghong Sword and began practicing his swordy.


    He rarely practiced swordy, attracting the attention of many disciples. They thought he had sensed the crisis and began to imitate him, starting to cultivate their own spells.


    Lu Lingjun also looked towards Gu An, unable to help shaking her head.


    Gu An''s sword moves were very peculiar; in her opinion, they didn''t constitute swordsmanship but rather resembled axemanship.


    Perhaps the Valley Master was merely trying to calm her nerves.


    Lu Lingjun watched for a while before withdrawing her gaze. She walked towards the distant mountains, preparing to observe the Outer Sect from the mountaintop to see what was happening.


    What Gu An was practicing was indeed not swordsmanship, but the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe.


    He purposefully used a sword to deceive onlookers; in fact, the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe had no legacy left in the Supreme Sect, and nobody used it.


    In the blink of an eye, three days passed.


    On this day, having settled matters of Mystic Valley, Gu An proceeded to the Third Medicine Valley to continue harvesting medicinal herbs.


    The Third Medicine Valley spanned a hundred miles, filled with too many herbs. Every day, there were herbs ripening. Each time Gu An harvested, he would leave a portion behind, ensuring a significant lifespan ie each time.


    The herbs would not be affected if left to grow for several months after maturation.


    After sessfully harvesting five thousand years of lifespan, Gu An had a servant disciple send the herbs to the storage tower while he looked for Lu Lingjun.


    "I''m nning to take a trip to the Outer Sect. Are youing?" Gu An asked. Lu Lingjun had previously mentioned to remember to bring her along the next time he went to the Outer Sect.


    Of course, a deeper reason for Gu An was to add another fighting force to the Supreme Sect.


    Upon hearing this, Lu Lingjun nodded immediately; she had been observing for three days and was eager to see the action in the Outer Sect.


    And so, Gu An led Lu Lingjun to the Outer Sect.


    Upon arriving at the Outer Sect, Gu An made an appointment to meet Lu Lingjun in front of the Heavenly Repair tform at dusk before setting off alone.


    "Such a sensible person,"


    Lu Lingjun watched Gu An''s fading figure and thought to herself in silence.


    She then turned around and saw that in the sky above the South City Gate, there were numerous Great Cultivators suspended in the air, each with arge g behind them. Spanning as far as the eye could see, there were around a thousand people, perfectly encircling the entire Outer City.


    These people were at the very least at the Nascent Soul Realm!


    A single Outer City housed so many high-realm cultivators. Lu Lingjun had previously probed with her Divine Sense and found that the other Outer Cities were in a simr state, which made her marvel at the profound depth of the Supreme Sect''s foundation.


    With the strength the Supreme Sect had shown so far, she felt it could easily sweep through the Mortal World she came from.


    On the other side.


    Gu An found Zhen Qin of the Law Enforcement Hall.


    The Law Enforcement Hall hadn''t been tasked withbat, but instead patrolled the city to prevent Ephemera Sect cultivators from sneaking in.


    Zhen Qin was pulled aside to the streets by Gu An, who took out a copy of the Daoist Expansion Skill from his Storage Bag and handed it to her, saying, "Keep it safe. Once you return, cultivate diligently and tell no one, including your Martial Uncle Ye."


    Zhen Qin nced at it, saw that it was a cultivation technique, and was instantly thrilled. She nodded repeatedly.


    She was aware of the fact that Gu An had a Medicine Valley within the Inner Sect; his status was certainly beyond herparison, and the cultivation technique Gu An gave her must be extraordinary.


    Although she had been cultivating Jiang Qiong''s cultivation technique, her cultivation level had troubled her with its difficulty to improve over the recent years.


    After a brief chat, the master and disciple parted ways.


    Gu An did not go to look for Ye Lan, because she was partaking in the Outer Sect meetings at the Great Elder''s residence.


    The entire Supreme Sect had already entered a state ofbat readiness!


    The reason Gu An chose toe to the Outer City today was because he had sensed an aura surpassing the Unification Realm entering the Taicang Dynasty and moving closer to the Supreme Sect.


    Mystic Heart Realm!


    The person was not flying fast, for someone was leading the way; of course, it might also have been an attempt to pressure the Supreme Sect. The careless disy of powerful aura, not only detectable by Great Cultivators of the Unification Realm but also by those of the Divinity Transformation and Void Crossing Realms, was the reason for the intensely tense atmosphere in the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An had no intention of taking action in haste; he wanted to see the full extent of the Supreme Sect''s capabilities.


    It would be uneptable if he had to deal with every enemy himself.


    Killing cultivators could grant life span, but the amount added wasn''t much, not much different from that of medicinal herbs, so he wasn''t eager to kill enemies.


    Of course, if there were many enemies, he wouldn''t mind taking actions to snatch some kills.


    Gu An arrived at the Heavenly Repair tform and positioned himself behind the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, pretending to be sensing the Sword Intent of the tform.


    "Gu junior, what brings you here?" Aughing voice came from the side as the Mad Swordsman of Great Yu, Han Ming, approached with a smile.


    He stood behind the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, exchanging pleasantries with Gu An.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera, on the other hand, did not react and kept her eyes closed.


    Despite the imminent battle, hundreds of disciples were still engaging in Path Enlightenment on the tform.


    Han Ming, at the fifthyer of the Void Crossing Realm, did not realize that the female disciple meditating beside was an old monster at the secondyer of the Unification Realm.


    After a few formalities, Gu An curiously asked, "The Ephemera Sect is attacking; why haven''t you left, Senior? Aren''t you afraid of being affected?"


    "What is the Ephemera Sect to worry about? They have been defeated by the Supreme Sect in the past, and it will probably be the same this time. The Supreme Sect is harboring too many Great Cultivators and old monsters. You should also take the opportunity to watch and gain a deeper understanding of the Supreme Sect," Han Ming chuckled.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An grew even more curious and began to ask him about the powerful Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect.


    Han Ming shared what he knew about the Supreme Sect while nearby disciples couldn''t help but eavesdrop.


    Ny percent of the Supreme Sect''s disciples were not clear on how strong exactly their sect was, for the Supreme Sect was simply too vast.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera seemed disturbed, so she stood up, intending to move away.


    Gu An deliberately turned his back to her and pretended to step back naturally, bumping into her.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Upon realizing he bumped into someone, Gu An quickly turned around and said, "Miss, I''m sorry."


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera frowned but merely shook her head without saying much.


    She passed by Gu An.


    "Stop!" Han Ming''s voice suddenly rang out, his gaze fixed on the Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera couldn''t help but halt in her steps.


    The surrounding disciples cast puzzled nces, as Han Ming was a prominent figure on the Heavenly Repair tform, and his actions easily drew attention.


    Gu An quickly spoke up, "It was my fault; I identally bumped into her!"


    Han Ming ignored Gu An, still staring at the Ghost Mother of Ephemera''s figure, and said coldly, "Who exactly are you, Your Excellency? You''ve hidden yourself well, but you revealed a sh of your aura just now."


    "You''re not a person, are you? You''re a ghost!"


    A ghost?


    As soon as he spoke, the surrounding disciples all rose to their feet, with some even drawing out their magic artifacts.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An was taken aback and looked at the Ghost Mother of Ephemera incredulously before retreating to the side.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera turned around. She did not look at Gu An, but instead eyed Han Ming indifferently and said, "You are not of the Supreme Sect, why trouble yourself with needless affairs?"

 Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Unrivaled Battle, Enlightenment in the Painting

    "I receiNovelBined guidance from Sword Venerable Fudao, and naturally I must repay the kindness, and besides, the Supreme Sect has treated me well over the years!"


    Han Ming forcefully replied as he took out the sword box from behind, adopting a stance ready for battle.


    At that moment, three figures suddenly appeared around the Ghost Mother of Ephemera. These three were Cultivators from the Void Crossing Realm, specifically assigned to guard the Heavenly Repair tform.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera, being of the Unification Realm, was not afraid of them. She shook her head slightly, muttering to herself, "Truly annoying, but it''s about time."


    Suddenly, she transformed into a wisp of ghostly Qi and vanished into thin air.


    The three Void Crossing Realm cultivators disappeared on the spot as well, and Gu An felt them teleporting out of the Outer Sect, pursuing something into the distance.


    Han Ming, however, did not pursue. Merely exposing the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was an achievement; the chase was a matter for the Supreme Sect.


    He turned to look at Gu An, who was still shaking with fear, and reassured him, "Don''t worry, that ghost won''te back after fleeing."


    Gu An nodded, but couldn''t help looking around, as if afraid that there were still ghosts nearby.


    Acting needed to be thoroughly executed!


    Han Ming walked up to him, pped him on the shoulder, pulled him close to Zuo Lin, and then began to recount his past experiences of ying demons.


    Gu An inwardly cursed, thinking the act had been overdone, making it difficult to leave, and he had no choice but to listen to Han Ming''s boasting.


    Zuo Lin, rarely seeing Gu An, was in a good mood. The two whispered among each other, provoking Han Ming to angrily roar.


    The incident with the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was just an interlude.


    Gu An had been waiting for signs of hostility in his life span prediction system; if it indicated malice, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera would not survive the day.


    Luckily, no such notification had appeared, indicating that the Ghost Mother of Ephemera hadn''t suspected him.


    Of course, it was also possible that the Ghost Mother of Ephemera harbored no ill intentions toward the Supreme Sect. She had been with the Supreme Sect for many years without causing trouble, and she had not participated when the Underworld Demon Emperor caused chaos.


    Now that the Mystic Heart Realm cultivators of the Ephemera Sect were closing in, if the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had malevolent intentions, she could easily have wreaked havoc by coordinating with that Mystic Heart Realm cultivator.


    Could it be that the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had no connection with the Ephemera Sect?


    As Gu An pretended to listen to Han Ming''s boasting, he pondered in silence.


    ...


    Under the clear blue sky, the autumnndscape of withered yellow stretched over the mountains and rivers.


    Standing on the peaks were figures; among them were Lv Baitian and Ji Hantian. In total, there were thirty-two, all of them great cultivators from the Supreme Sect, each exuding an extraordinary aura.


    Ji Hantian stood beside Lv Baitian and asked in a low voice, "Has the opponent surpassed the Unification Realm?"


    "Most likely, his cultivation aura is far beyond what I canpare with, immense and boundless, and it doesn''t seem like he has just made a breakthrough," Lv Baitian said, his face solemn.


    Mystic Heart Realm!


    Ji Hantian''s expression darkened.


    In the distance, the other great cultivators of the Supreme Sect could hear Lv Baitian''s words, and their expressions were also grave, yet none showed fear.


    "What of the Mystic Heart Realm? With so many of us Unification Realm cultivators united, there might still be a chance to fight!" a small-bodied elder retorted coldly.


    "Exactly, what is there to fear!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "My Ji Family has more great cultivators on the way. Let theme from the Ephemera Sect; they will all perish."


    "It''s a pity that the elder from my Gu Family is hard to find; otherwise, inviting him would dismiss any risk."


    "Hahaha, ancestors are like that, not someone you can summon at will."


    "True, among the Supreme Elders of the sect, there are likely others in the Mystic Heart, but those who have reached that realm wouldn''t stay here but rather seek immortal opportunities and cherish their remaining years."


    The other Unification Realm great cultivators discussed among themselves loudly; most of them spent years in seclusion or training outside and rarely made public appearances at the Supreme Sect. For them, today was also a rare reunion.


    Lv Baitian took out an elixir from his storage ring and poured it into his mouth. Immediately, hisplexion began to recover, and a faint burning aura emanated from his body.


    The other great cultivators also took out elixirs and magic artifacts, and some began to set up formations. The environment returned to calm, nervously anticipating the outbreak of a great battle.


    "So many Unification Realm cultivators, worthy of an ancient great sect standing for thousands of years."


    A lightughter echoed through the heavens and earth, causing everyone''s expression to change.


    That voice belonged to the purple-robed man from the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage!


    Before the man arrived, hisughter was already oppressing the Unification Realm great cultivators.


    ...


    Inside the Outer City, Gu An descended from the Heavenly Repair tform, exhaling deeply.


    Han Ming could really boast!


    If it weren''t for Gu An iming urgency, Han Ming would have continued narrating his legendary exploits.


    Even Gu An, who usually enjoyed conversation, was struggling mainly because interacting with Han Ming meant listening to his endless, uninteresting monologues.


    After leaving the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu An decided to head to the inn within the city to enjoy some drinks and watch the battle unfold.


    Barely taking a few steps, a deafening rumble came from the sky. Five breathster, a wild wind swept through, revealing the sect''s protective formations.


    Gu An quickened his pace, not wanting to miss the fight.


    He sprinted to his usual inn, requesting the waiter to serve wine and meat.


    As the Supreme Sect was preparing for battle, there were only a couple of patrons in the inn, all seated separately.


    Gu An sat by the window, looking toward the horizon, his Divine Sense spanning vast distances, locking onto the battlefield.


    Thirty-two Unification Realm cultivators besieging one Mystic Heart Realm cultivator¡ªthe scene was stunning, earth-shattering, with thousands of miles of forest devastated, swiftly reduced to rubble.


    Gu An began to enjoy this visual feast, a grand battle rarely seen in centuries.


    Even if he decided to intervene, he rarely saw such a scene, as he would not act unless he could easily overpower his opponent.


    The Mystic Heart Realm was indeed formidable, far surpassing those in the Unification Realm. The purple-robed man suppressed the thirty-two Unification Realm cultivators of the Supreme Sect with his absolute dominance.


    Gu An noticed a familiar face on a mountaintop thousands of miles from the battlefield.


    .


    Su Han.


    It was indeed Su Han who led the man in the purple robe.


    Gu An had noticed before, but now he only felt dissatisfied with Su Han''s attitude of not fleeing.


    This kid isn''t afraid of being shaken to death!


    Gu An had already saved Su Han once, and he wouldn''t save him again in the future.


    As a master, he had done his best. Even if today Su Han were to be executed, he would not intervene.


    Afterward, Gu An paid no more attention to Su Han and concentrated on the battle.


    Soon, the waiter began to serve the wine and dishes.


    Gu An had just taken a few sips when a voice came, "You are actually here drinking wine."


    Shen Zhen!


    Gu An ignored her, considering her recent absurd writings in the Supreme Secret Records which made him often unable to resist pulling it out to read.


    A stain on the name of Gu An.


    There must be other people in the Supreme Sect named Gu An, who all probably detest Shen Zhen thoroughly.


    Shen Zhen directly took a seat opposite him. She wore a veil which, ironically, made her even more conspicuous, causing the inn''s patrons to involuntarily nce at her.


    "The great battle is about to begin, and this one might even be fiercer than the previous righteous-evil grand battle. I n to render the process of the battle, why don''t you join me? I was recently meditating on my past paintings and gained many insights, perhaps I could attain enlightenment through my art." Shen Zhen spoke, her tone proud when she mentioned enlightenment.


    She had specificallye in search of Gu An, having followed him all the way from the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An replied, "Forget it, I won''t join. It''s too dangerous. With my cultivation level, getting close to the battlefield could easily end with me annihted."


    "It''s fine, I''ll protect you."


    "With your cultivation level, you can protect me?"


    "At least I''m in the Core Formation Realm!"


    "Core Formation Realm on such a battlefield is still cannon fodder. If caught in the aftershocks of the fight, you would probably just twitch a bit more than me."


    "You... well, you have a point."


    Shen Zhen red, then poured herself a bowl of wine, her gaze drifting off into the distance.


    She felt the oppressive presence of the distant battle growing increasingly intense, making her heart pound with trepidation.


    What kind of battle could cause such an uproar?


    Gu An watched with great interest using his divine sense. Lv Baitian was indeed very powerful, clearly on a different level from other Unification Realm Great Cultivators. Ji Hantian was not bad either; his Qilin Step had reached the Transformation Realm, making him one of the few cultivators who could get close to the man in the purple robe.


    But the fight had only begun for a moment, and almost everyone on the Supreme Sect side had been injured to varying degrees, some even had their physical bodies destroyed, leaving only their Primordial Spirits arrayed in the distance.


    The man in the purple robe was surrounded by several magic artifacts, and he also held a long spear infused with powerful force, fighting with ease.


    Gu An felt that this man had not yet used his full strength.


    If the fight continued like this, the entire Supreme Sect side would be annihted.


    s!


    No use, I''ll have to make a move myself!


    In order to better farm thend, Gu An definitely could not allow the Supreme Sect to lose so many Great Cultivators, unless an enemy appeared that even he could not handle; in that case, he would have no choice but to flee.


    Gu An stood up and said, "Ms. Shen, I''m going out for a bit, I wille back to find youter. You wait here for me, don''t go."


    Without waiting for Shen Zhen''s response, Gu An quickly left the inn.


    Shen Zhen was unperturbed; she was more curious about the distant battle than about Gu An.


    Gu An rapidly departed, traversing several streets, making sure no divine sense had locked onto him. Then, he stepped out of the Outer Sect using the Limitless Freedom Step.


    After five steps, he entered the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion!


    He walked into a wooden hut, picked up the Heaven-Cutting Axe, and immediately, a dark purple Demonic Qi flowed from his body.


    Nine Extremes Yin Yang Transformation!


    He lifted his right foot and vanished within the cave mansion.


    A secondter, he appeared on a mountaintop thousands of miles away from the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion.


    Gu An swung the Heaven-Cutting Axe in his hand, recalling the techniques of the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe.


    Forget it!


    Did he need techniques to kill?


    Gu An immediately rushed towards the battlefield, carrying the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    He nned to use the guise of Ancestor Xuan Tian to kill the enemy. This way, news of the old ancestor''s return to the Supreme Sect would surely spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World. By then, any power wishing to oppose the Supreme Sect would have to weigh their odds carefully.


    Elsewhere.


    Within the Taicang Dynasty.


    Boom!


    The mountains shattered, and dust billowed.


    Another Unification Realm Great Cultivator fell, his fate unknown.


    In the sky, Ji Hantian and two other Ji Family Great Cultivators employed the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form to restrain the man in the purple robe. All three were gasping for breath, their Spiritual Power nearly depleted.


    Golden dragon shadows attacked from all directions, but the man in the purple robe stood proudly in the air, with a golden ring floating behind his head emitting dazzling light. These dragon shadows were shattered by an invisible force as soon as they approached within ten yards of him.


    "Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form, truly an effective Divine Skill. Considering you are from the Ji Family, I could spare your lives. However, if you continue in your obstinacy, do not me me for disregarding the reputation of the Ji Family!" the man in the purple robe said coldly, his words carrying a chilling intent to kill, losing the earlier scornful and mocking demeanor.

 Chapter 113: Chapter 113: If Youre Not Ancestor Xuan Tian, Who Are You?

    ```


    Faced with the threat of the NovelBinan in the purple robe, the three Ji Family Great Cultivators remained indifferent and continued their assault, as did the other Unification Realm Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect, all vowed to y him right there.


    "Hmph!"


    With a cold snort, the man in the purple robe lifted the long spear in his hand and swept it forward. In an instant, a vast surge of Demonic Qi erupted, as if someone had streaked a ck ink brush across the canvas of the heavens and earth, spanning the sky.


    The three Ji Family Great Cultivators spat blood and were sent flying, their Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Forms directly annihted, dissipating like smoke and clouds.


    They crashed into the mountains like meteors from Outer Heaven, shaking the earth and sending clouds of dust billowing up.


    From the eight directions of heaven and earth, eight Unification Realm Great Cultivators cried out in unison. Behind them hovered eight ancient bronze bells, from which shadows emerged, enveloping a hundred miles around. As they cultivated energy, the shadows of the bells behind them drastically expanded, reaching a thousand feet high, magnificent and domineering.


    The eight enormous bell shadows produced a terrifying impact, shaking the space and even causing the firmament to undte like surging waves.


    The man in the purple robe raised his spear to defend, as boundless Spiritual Power exploded around him, forming a powerful storm that resisted the impact of the bell shadows.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A sound of tearing through the air cut through the mountains at an incredible speed, heading straight for the man in the purple robe, causing his pupils to shrink as he abruptly turned his head to dodge the attack.


    It was a Flying Sword, swift as a lightning bolt. The one controlling it was a female Cultivator in a red robe, her hair fluttering wildly, and despite her holy and beautiful face being covered in frost, her eyes were filled with murderous intent towards the man in the purple robe.


    Behind the man in the purple robe, a golden circle rose, erupting with ten thousand feet of golden light, powerfully annihting the bell shadows and causing the mountains within a hundred miles to suffer bombardment, with the earth violently trembling.


    Great waves of fire rolled up from the billowing dust, transforming into fire dragons and pouncing toward the man in the purple robe, who merely smiled in disdain.


    Suddenly, he turned around and thrust his spear.


    ng¡ª


    An earth-shattering collision resounded as the spear struck a three-yard-tall bronze cauldron, intricately carved with mythical beasts, exuding a vast aura. Lv Baitian stood upon the cauldron,shing out with a palm strike that burst forth like a mountain torrent of Spiritual Power.


    The figure of a mystical tortoise emerged upon him, roaring furiously as its terrifying palm winds submerged the man in the purple robe.


    Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm!


    The palm strike descended from the heavens, breaking through the earth and sweeping across thend, forcing the dust and sand in the atmosphere to part as if it would obliterate the whole world.


    With a bang, Lv Baitian and the cauldron were sent flying, with countless needle-fine strands of Spiritual Power piercing into his body, causing his expression to drastically change.


    Amidst the rampaging waves of energy, the man in the purple robe stood like a god descending to earth, looking down on everything.


    He looked at Lv Baitian and said with an unyielding smile, "At the ninthyer of the Unification Realm, it would be a pity to die, to serve me..."


    Before he could finish, he abruptly turned his head.


    Not just him, but all the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect seemed to sense something and turned to look in the same direction.


    Thousands of miles away, on a mountain peak, Su Han stood on a cliff with a sword on his back, gazing into the distance. Sensing the sudden cessation of battle noises, he couldn''t help but frown, his Divine Sense unable to prate to the center of the great battle.


    "Could it be that the Supreme Sect has already been defeated?"


    Su Han furrowed his brows tightly, his moodplex.


    He didn''t want to lead the way, but Elder Chi Han had singled him out, and without him, there would be others to guide. He had no choice but toe.


    In fact, he also bore resentment towards the Supreme Sect.


    As an Outer Disciple of the Supreme Sect, when the Sword Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty sought to hunt him down, the Supreme Sect did not protect him but instead forced him to cripple his cultivation, which left him disappointed.


    Yet, despite the disappointment, the Supreme Sect was the first Sect of his Immortal Cultivation Path, and he did not wish to see the Supreme Sect destroyed. However, he had to ept it because he had joined the Ephemera Sect, and only the Ephemera Sect in the entire Immortal Cultivation World could amodate him.


    While Su Han was in anguish, a figure streaked over his head.


    So fast!


    Su Han could not see clearly who had just passed by; he only felt a purple-ck shadow sh by, as if it were an illusion.


    That figure was none other than Gu An!


    How could Su Han detect Gu An with his level of cultivation?


    Gu An had deliberately let Su Han see him, intending to scare him away.


    This was thest bit of care from a master.


    After passing Su Han, Gu An suddenly elerated, appearing in the sky above the battlefield in a single step.


    He stopped at a distance of a hundred feet above the man in the purple robe and immediately sent out a Life Span Detection.


    [Golden Spirit Venerable (Mystic Heart Realm Second Layer): 1840/4500/4600]


    Getting two or three hundred years of life span, not too bad!


    Gu An did not immediately act, but allowed the man in the purple robe and the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect to take a good look at him.


    "Heaven-Cutting Axe, who are you?" Golden Spirit Venerable furrowed his brows tightly, staring at Gu An, and demanded in a deep voice.


    All the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect turned their attention to Gu An. Hearing the words "Heaven-Cutting Axe," Ji Hantian who was covered in blood and had just risen, couldn''t help but cry out in surprise, "Ancestor Xuan Tian?"


    Ancestor Xuan Tian!


    All the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect were moved, even Lv Baitian standing on the cauldron looked incredulously at Ancestor Xuan Tian.


    Ancestor Xuan Tian was still alive?


    "Impossible, you are not Ancestor Xuan Tian, who are you?" Golden Spirit Venerable stared fixedly at Gu An, unable to see through his true identity, which made him slightly uneasy.


    "A thousand years ago, Ancestor Xuan Tian, who had deviated, was in by our Sect''s Cultivators, and his head still hangs on the Nine Nether Road. Who are you really, could it be you have obtained the inheritance of the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe?"


    Golden Spirit Venerable pressed, gripping the long spear in his hand tightly, with golden strands of Strength Energy coiling around the spear.


    Upon hearing the fate of Ancestor Xuan Tian, the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect were enraged, all starting to curse the Ephemera Sect, while Golden Spirit Venerable was unmoved, his gaze fixed intently on Gu An.


    Gu An remained silent.


    Hmm?


    ```


    Can''t pretend to be Ancestor Xuan Tian anymore?


    Suddenly!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Golden Spirit Venerable thrust his spear out, and golden light burst forth, making the whole world lose its color. A terrifying pressure followed, unleashing a wild wind that forced the Supreme Sect''s Great Cultivators to retreat, and the ruins below copsed once again, as if the apocalypse had arrived.


    The scorching golden light caused Lv Baitian''s skin to start to dpose, startling him into quickly cultivating energy. Not just him, but others did the same.


    Fortunately, the golden light came quickly and disappeared just as fast. When the golden light abruptly vanished, everyone fixed their gaze and couldn''t help but widen their eyes.


    Golden Spirit Venerable still maintained his spear-thrusting posture, while the mysterious demon shadow appeared beside him, with the Heaven-Cutting Axe already suspended at his neck.


    Golden Spirit Venerable''s body was stiff, his face full of disbelief.


    How is this possible...


    That was fast!


    He was at the Mystic Heart Realm, yet he couldn''t catch the opponent''s speed at all. Most crucially, a suppression force beyond imagination enveloped him, preventing his Spiritual Power from emanating from his body.


    This was Gu An''s Divine Skill, Mystic Yellow Dragon Might!


    Mystic Yellow Dragon Might was a Divine Skill realized during the evolution of the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill,bined with the suppression of the Mahayana Realm''s Nine Layers. Even Golden Spirit Venerable, who was at the Second Layer of the Mystic Heart Realm, couldn''t resist at all.


    Everyone from the Supreme Sect was suppressed by Gu An, fear enveloping all present.


    Those who regained their senses realized that the opponent had deployed the Demon Shadow Divine Skill.


    Could Thousand-Autumn Pavilion possess such a Great Power?


    Gu An''s right hand held the axe, suspended over Golden Spirit Venerable''s neck, while his left hand slowly lifted and pped away the crown on his head, then grabbed his long hair.


    Now, Golden Spirit Venerable looked extremely disheveled,cking his previous air of untouchability.


    "You... The Ephemera Sect Main Lineage will arrive soon, do you really want to stain..." said Golden Spirit Venerable with a trembling voice, his eyes full of fear.


    But before he could finish his words, with a "whoosh," Gu An directly chopped off his head.


    Blood sttered, and Golden Spirit Venerable''s eyes bulged!


    With a swing of the Heaven-Cutting Axe in Gu An''s hand, a horrific gust of wind was raised, sweeping across dozens of miles, causing the dust along the way to explode into the air.


    Golden Spirit Venerable''s neck began to burn with blue mes, igniting from the base of the head, creeping up and down his body and neck.


    Golden Spirit Venerable let out a deep, hoarse voice as his Primordial Spirit desperately tried to jump out, but couldn''t leave the body.


    With a swoosh!


    Gu An let go, taking the Storage Bracelet from the other party, then watched as Taiching True Fire burned Golden Spirit Venerable.


    In less than the time of five breaths, Golden Spirit Venerable, with his Spiritual Power scattered, was burned to ashes, leaving only his heart suspended in the air, still beating.


    Mystic Heart!


    Gu An grabbed the Mystic Heart and tossed it into his Storage Bag.


    He turned around, ready to leave.


    "Wait, who exactly are you? Are you helping us, or do you have a grudge against the Ephemera Sect? If it''s thetter, why not join forces? The Nine Nether Road has already opened, and the real cmity is just beginning; we need to unite!" Ji Hantian hastily shouted, the others too looked towards Gu An, uneasy, their eyes filled with hope.


    Gu An did not make a sound but instead released his vast Sword Intent. content hosted on m _vlempyr


    With Sword Intent unleashed, the world changed colors!


    The trembling flowers and trees in the distance all went still.


    "Fu... dao..." an elder said with a trembling voice, his face showing surprise and joy.


    Before he could finish, Gu An disappeared into the world with a single step.


    Ji Hantian stood still in a daze, lost in a stupor.


    That Sword Venerable Fudao could kill Golden Spirit Venerable so easily, he thought back to how he had once pursued Sword Venerable Fudao relentlessly...


    He was filled with shame and fear.


    Lucky that he was one of their own, otherwise he would have been dead by now.


    At the same time, an unprecedented curiosity welled up in his heart.


    Who exactly was Sword Venerable Fudao?


    What was his status in the Supreme Sect?


    ...


    Outer City.


    Inside the inn, Shen Zhen was drinking, with Gu An having just left not long ago.


    Suddenly, a series of powerful auras burst forth in the city, shaking the entire city. A great battle soon erupted, startling the other disciples in the inn into getting up and leaving.


    Shen Zhen looked up, his gaze flicked to the window, and he saw two Cultivators fighting fiercely over the Heavenly Repair tform, their momentum staggering. More and more Supreme Sect Disciplesnded on various rooftops, forming formations to protect the buildings within the city.


    "The chaos has begun, interesting."


    Shen Zhen, seeing the Outer Sect in disarray, was not at all panicked, but rather interested in watching the battle.


    After a while, Gu An ran in hurriedly, saying, "The fight has broken out, why aren''t you hiding?"


    Ephemera Sect spies hidden in the Supreme Sect started to cause trouble, thinking Golden Spirit Venerable had already ended the battle, not knowing that Golden Spirit Venerable was dead.


    The following matters could entirely be left to the Supreme Sect, so Gu An was merely pretending to be panicked.


    Shen Zhen took out a pen, ink, and paper, and said with augh, "Let''s draw together, see who can do better. If you can satisfy me, I will fulfill any of your desires for herbs."

 Chapter 114: Chapter 114 Ephemera Gather, Path Enlightenment

    Shen Zhen''s words failed to move Gu An. Sketching someone else''s battle was far too offensive, and besides, he wasn''t short of high-rank medical herbs right now, unless Shen Zhen could produce a seventh-rank herb to tempt him.


    Shen Zhen came from the Daotian Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty, which was far away. It was hard to tell how long it would take just to convey a message there.


    Gu An spoke up, "The whole city is in chaos. How can I be in the mood to draw? Ms. Shen, let''s find somewhere to hide to avoid..."


    His words were cut off by a sudden loud boom. The whole inn shook violently, and a rolling cloud of dust attacked from outside the window, burying the two of them.


    Shen Zhen, holding onto Gu An''s waist, quickly rushed out of the inn into its backyard.


    Gu An tried to free himself from her hold, but she gripped him tightly. Her eyes were solemn as she looked behind the inn and whispered, "Don''t move."


    Gu An had no choice.


    Do you still think you can protect me, a Great Cultivator of the ninthyer of the Mahayana Realm?


    Shen Zhen frowned, and took a long flute out of her storage bag with her left hand. Following her gaze, a figure flew out from the dust on the other side of the inn.


    Gu An remembered him, Zhang Hong, an Inner Sect Disciple who contemted the sword at the Heavenly Repair tform. Gu An saw him every time he went there, never expecting him to be a spy for the Ephemera Sect.


    Zhang Hong wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, turned his head, and saw the two of them. He immediately brandished his sword and shed at them.


    A sword qi pierced through the eaves, aiming straight for Shen Zhen and him.


    The sword qi was so fast that all Shen Zhen could do was raise her flute defensively on instinct.


    Boom!


    The sword qi exploded, bringing the entire inn down with it, and dust roared into the sky.


    Zhang Hong leaped into the air, fleeing swiftly, followed by a number of figures from behind, in hot pursuit.


    Looking around, the entire Outer City fell into a battle frenzy, with even Elder Chi Han fighting. The City Protection Array above was twisting violently, possibly breaking at any moment.


    As the sword qi dissipated, Shen Zhen pulled Gu An out; both were in a sorry state.


    "Ms. Shen, are you alright?" Gu An asked with concern, though he could tell that Shen Zhen''s injuries were not life-threatening.


    Zhang Hong was a Cultivator of the firstyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, and even though Shen Zhen had blocked the earlier sword qi, she had been internally injured.


    For Shen Zhen to block a Nascent Soul Cultivator''s sword with only a Core Formation cultivation level meant she had some skill.


    Her jaw beneath the veil was dripping blood, and she feigned calmness saying, "As the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect, how could I be injured by a nobody? Let''s find somewhere to hide first."


    She rxed her right hand, then quickly walked forward, with Gu An following closely.


    The whole city was fighting, so they couldn''t fly and had to walk through the streets on foot.


    Fortunately, they encountered a Disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall who led them to an underground pce for refuge. This underground pce was extensive, and many Disciples were taking shelter there, mostly Servant Disciples.


    Shen Zhen found a spot and sat down cross-legged. She took out a bottle of elixir from her storage bag, swallowed it, and began cultivating energy for healing.


    Gu An didn''t disturb her; instead, he scanned the underground pce to make sure everything was normal before sitting down himself and closing his eyes to observe the battles through his Divine Sense.


    Not only this Outer City, but the entire Supreme Sect was in chaos, and battles raged in every city.


    Lv Baitian and others felt the disturbances of the Supreme Sect and were rushing back.


    Without the support of Golden Spirit Venerable, the Supreme Sect would certainly get through this internal strife, but some casualties would be inevitable during the process.


    Gu An was mainly concerned with the safety of Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley.


    Mystic Valley was outside the Outer Sect and had not encountered any threats because, for now, it was the spies of the Ephemera Sect causing chaos within the sect.


    Third Medicine Valley had protectors; Gu Yu was leading a group of Cultivators to guard it, and a battle had already erupted there.


    As long as the medical herbs weren''t damaged, Gu An couldn''t be bothered to get involved. The Supreme Sect needed tempering as well.


    Time ticked away, second by second.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As Great Cultivators of the Unification Realm returned, the conflicts in the cities ended rapidly.


    In less than 30 minutes, the Outer City where Gu An was located became silent of battle.


    A figure ran out from the underground corridor, eximing with joy, "The battle is over, everyone can go out now!"


    Upon hearing this, the Disciples all showed smiles, stood up, and helped each other walk out.


    Shen Zhen also stood up. She looked at Gu An and said, "Why don''t you spontaneously offer to help me? Look at the others."


    Gu Anughed, "I feel that your injuries aren''t to such an extent. When we return to Medicine Valley, you can pick a batch of medical herbs as thanks for your protection earlier."


    Shen Zhen smiled but did not continue the conversation and walked towards the crowd with Gu An.


    After leaving the underground pce, Gu An went to the streets. Looking up, he saw dark clouds rolling in the sky, several dragons made of Spiritual Power tumbling non-stop, a magnificent sight, as if celestial beings were protecting the city.


    Gu An spotted a figure of a Great Cultivator of the Unification Realm suspended thousands of feet high in the sky. This person had been in a sorry state during the earlier battle with Golden Spirit Venerable, but now he appeared invincible and unparalleled.


    Shen Zhen followed his gaze, ensuring the chaotic battle was thoroughly over, and then said to Gu An, "I need to go back. You should head back soon as well."


    With that, she turned and left.


    She pretended to be at ease, speeding up as soon as she left Gu An''s field of vision.


    Shen Zhen''s injuries would likely take several months to fully recover.


    Gu An began to wander around the city. As he passed through, many buildings had suffered damage and the Disciples passing by bore various injuries, while they were inspecting the whole city.


    Gu An could sense the presence of Zhen Qin and Ye Lan. Both women were unharmed, so he did not feel the need to go find them.


    The mysterious presence he had sensed a few days ago was still there, and due to the distance from the Taicang Dynasty, Gu An was unclear about the origin of this aura.


    He spected that it had something to do with Nine Nether Road.


    Before Golden Spirit Venerable''s death, he had said that the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage was about to arrive, which meant that this disaster had only just begun, and more Great Cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm might appear in the future.


    What a time of troubles!


    Gu An was reflecting on this when his gaze was suddenly drawn to a figure in the distance.


    Among the crowd walked a disciple who appeared very ordinary. His stature, appearance, and cultivation level were nondescript. Roaming the streets, very few took notice of him.


    The reason Gu An was drawn to him was this indescribable aura he had about him, which felt strangely familiar.


    Let''s send out a Life Span Detection!


    [Wu Jue (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 63/280/310]


    Such a life span limit was not outstanding in the Outer Sect.


    Gu An thought this as he observed Wu Jue. It didn''t take him long to understand why thetter''s aura seemed vaguely familiar to him.


    Path Enlightenment!


    The man was actually in the midst of Path Enlightenment; no wonder he seemed somewhat absent-minded as he walked the streets.


    Gu An''s interest was piqued, and he continued to watch Wu Jue, hoping to observe the state of Path Enlightenment from the perspective of a bystander.


    He too had experienced Path Enlightenment before, and he didn''t understand what changes had taken ce within him after. Since he would sometimes use life span to enhance himself, any changes could easily be concealed, making it difficult to distinguish whether the transformation was his own fortune or an evolution brought about by his augmented life span.


    Gu An began to follow Wu Jue, maintaining a distance of several yards.


    As they traversed street after street, Gu An suddenly felt a surge in Wu Jue''s aura. It wasn''t a rise in cultivation, but rather another type of profound change.


    Subconsciously, he sent another Life Span Detection toward him.


    [Wu Jue (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 63/280/340]


    Hmm?


    The life span limit had increased by thirty years!


    This was the first time Gu An had seen someone''s life span limit increase.


    Was this the change brought about by Path Enlightenment?


    No wonder Han Ming said that the Sword Dao had undergone a tremendous progression after Path Enlightenment. It was likely that even his aptitude andprehension had improved.


    Gu An was secretly amazed and became even more interested in Wu Jue.


    ...


    Above the barren ins, thousands of Ephemera Sect cultivators gathered in front of the Array tform, whispering among themselves, their eyes asionally ncing at the ck rift on the tform.


    The ck Qi had already dissipated, but a ck space rift remained in the air, reflecting the dark red sky on the other side as if it were an entrance to an exotic world.


    Elder Chi Han sat meditating in the front, his brows slightly furrowed.


    For some reason, he suddenly felt uneasy.


    He tried hard to calm his emotions and then closed his eyes to cultivate.


    The sun set and the moon rose, and the night passed.


    It was early morning when the sound of footsteps appeared on the Array tform, startling Elder Chi Han into opening his eyes. It wasn''t just him; many cultivators instinctively looked that way.


    "Golden Spirit Venerable is dead; summon all Ephemera Sect members to convene here."


    A crisp and cold voice reached everyone''s ears. The speaker was a woman in ck clothes, wearing a mask engraved with patterns of ephemera.


    As these words came out, the Ephemera Sect members were in an uproar.


    They knew that the title Golden Spirit Venerable referred to the purple-robed man who had appeared earlier, a formidable figure. Just a few days ago, and he was dead?


    Was the Supreme Sect really that powerful?


    Jiang Qiong in the crowd furrowed her brows, shocked by the depth of the Supreme Sect''s resources.


    Elder Chi Han''s face changed dramatically, but he did not stand still. Instead, he got up to give orders, preparing to assemble the Ephemera Sect.


    Meanwhile, far away at the Supreme Sect, Lu Lingjun was also shocked.


    News of Sword Venerable Fudao ying the Ephemera Sect demon had spread within the sect. Disciples everywhere were discussing it. Some Inner Sect Disciples had even gone to the Third Medicine Valley and loudly announced this deed, causing the disciples in the valley to be exhrated and spark new discussions about the power of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    And Gu An took the chance to leave, flying towards the Outer City.


    After entering the city, he moved swiftly through the streets and came upon a road.


    The disciple Wu Jue, who was previously in the midst of Path Enlightenment, had stopped under an aged tree, facing the trunk as if lost in thought.


    Gu An could sense that he had woken from his Path Enlightenment and was probably sorting through his thoughts now.


    [Wu Jue (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 63/280/540] enjoy on m|v|l|e-m|p|y|r


    His life span limit had jumped from three hundred and ten to five hundred and forty years, almost doubling!


    Gu An was very curious about what exactly he hadprehended.


    Thinking this, Gu An pretended to pass by, came behind him, and asked with concern, "Brother, are you alright?"


    Upon hearing this, Wu Jue turned around, his expression somewhat frantic as he waved his hand, "Nothing''s wrong, I was just contemting a cultivation technique; I got distracted."


    After saying that and giving an awkward smile, he sped his fist in a salute to Gu An and walked away.


    Gu An watched his retreating figure. He didn''t follow but decided in secret to observe this man more in the future.


    A life span limit of five hundred and forty years was not enough to stand out from the Outer Sect, let alone see if he would continue on the path of Enlightenment.

 Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Calamity of the Nine Dynasties, Harvesting Life Span

    It had been half a month since the attack by Golden Spirit Venerable.


    Ever since that day, the Supreme Sect remained on alert, recalling many disciples, who daily swept over Mystic Valley and the Third Medicine Valley.


    Inside a pavilion in Mystic Valley,


    Gu An was listening to Ye Lan talk about matters of the Immortal Cultivation World; she mentioned the Nine Nether Road.


    "It''s said that there''s a path leading directly to the Underworld''s Nine Nether, known as the Nine Nether Road. The Ephemera Sect has opened the entrance to it, located in the Dustless Wastnd of the Great Zhao Dynasty. Now, cultivators from the Ephemera Sect are rushing to the Dustless Wastnd. It''s unclear whether the Ephemera Sect intends to retreat or has other ns.


    The Supreme Sect has already dispatched a group of disciples to investigate," she said.


    As Ye Lan spoke of the Nine Nether Road, a glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes.


    Curiously, Gu An asked, "You seem quite fond of the Nine Nether Road?"


    Ye Lan responded, "Legend has it that the Nine Nether Road can cross boundless seas to reach another vast Mortal World, sheltering fortunes of immortality. To say I don''t harbor any thoughts would certainly be a lie. The Ephemera Sect has attracted many cultivators to join by using the Nine Nether Road, but with my qualifications, going there would likely bring more misfortune than fortune."


    Changing the topic, she began to talk about Sword Venerable Fudao.


    From the information she had obtained in the Law Enforcement Hall, Sword Venerable Fudao had shown capabilities surpassing entire sects. It was said that without Sword Venerable Fudao''s intervention, the Supreme Sect might have faced total destruction.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As she spoke, she observed the changes in Gu An''s expressions.


    Gu An listened with great interest, as if Sword Venerable Fudao had nothing to do with him.


    An hourter, Ye Lan stood up to leave; she had to return to the Law Enforcement Hall to wee her own mission.


    After seeing her off, Gu An walked into the forest and arrived at Yang Ni''s garden.


    Yang Ni had gone to the Outer Sect again today; she was still investigating Sword Venerable Fudao''s identity. Gu An decided not to tell her that Su Shan was dead, letting her continue her investigation.


    After a year, if Su Shan hadn''te to seek her, she would probably understand her liberation.


    Gu An looked at the Ephemera on the ground, carefully observing.


    He could feel the Ephemera generating a unique kind of Spiritual Energy, but he couldn''t quite tell whether this energy was good or bad.


    Every cultivator who joined the Ephemera Sect received a batch of Ephemera Seeds; nting Ephemera was also one way to establish aplishments and reputation.


    What exactly Ephemera was for, even Sect Hierarch Zhong Liang of the Ephemera Sect was unclear.


    The Ephemera Sect left in the Nine Dynasties was merely a puppet of the main lineage, about which they knew nothing, yet each held their own expectations.


    m-vl _e mpY _r exclusive content


    Gu An picked an Ephemera flower and then stepped into the Eight Scenic Caves, arriving in front of a Green Vine Tree.


    He ced the Ephemera under the tree, allowing the Green Vine Tree to sense it.


    "Get it away... get it away..."


    The female voice of the Green Vine Tree sounded, gentle yet anxious.


    Surprised, Gu An asked, "You''re a seventh-rank Spirit Tree, still afraid of a sixth-rank flower?"


    "Its scent... is very annoying... I don''t like it..." the Green Vine Tree faintly answered.


    Hearing this, Gu An raised his hand and put the Ephemera into his Storage Bag.


    He then sat down and pulled a Storage Bracelet from nearby, starting to check the legacy of the Golden Spirit Venerable.


    In the Eight Scenic Caves, there were many Storage Bags and Storage Rings¡ªall spoils Gu An had collected from in enemies; only here, his own territory, was suitable for storing secret objects.


    However, after searching thoroughly, Gu An found no intelligence regarding the Ephemera. He had no choice but to give up.


    But he did find an Elixir Record; he took it out and started flipping through carefully.


    He had already mastered the Taiching Elixir Path, and his Alchemy skills had reached the master level. Given an Elixir Recipe, he could easily concoct Elixirs.


    Halfway through, his hand stopped.


    "Ephemera Demon Elixir?"


    ...


    Eventually, the harsh winter arrived, and snow drifted toward the Mortal World, continuously erasing its colors.


    In Tianya Valley,


    Having just harvested a batch of herbs and gained nearly ten thousand years of lifespan, Gu An felt pleased.


    Tianya Valley had a special Formation, preventing snow from entering, which spared a lot of trouble.


    Gu An let Sun Da move all the herbs into the barn, while he walked to the courtyard where Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun were sitting, drinking and discussing the Nine Nether Road.


    "The Nine Nether Road has now drawn the attention of the cultivators from the Nine Dynasties. It''s said that various dynasties and sects have sent people to investigate, but the entrance to the Nine Nether Road is encircled by Ephemera Sect cultivators, and all have returned defeated," Luo Hun said with a furrowed brow.


    Yi Liuyun nced at Gu An walking toward them, then said to Luo Hun, "That''s also a good thing, at least the Taicang Dynasty doesn''t have to bear the pressure of the Ephemera Sect alone."


    Luo Hun nodded, adding, "The forces behind the Ephemera Sect will definitely cross the Nine Nether Road, and this will be a cmity for the Nine Dynasties. Moreover, I''ve received messages that Ephemera has appeared across the dynasties. Once the Ephemera ripens, it attracts demons and ghosts. It''s unclear what the Ephemera Sect''s purpose truly is."


    Gu An sat down beside them, listening to their discussion about the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Curious, he asked, "Does the Ephemera have any sinister legends associated with it?"


    Previously, he had thought that the Ephemera Sect was merelypeting with the Supreme Sect for power and profit, but now he realized that their ambitions ran deeper.


    Without understanding the strength of the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, Gu An dared not venture into the Nine Nether Road.


    Yi Liuyun frowned and said, "I have indeed heard of a legend; the Ephemera is a flower from the Underworld, symbolizing death and reincarnation. When the Ephemera appears in the Mortal World, it signifies that a great disaster ising, and many lives will be lost."


    Luo Hun added, "Now, the Nine Dynasties have issued an order to eradicate the Ephemera, regardless of the Ephemera Sect''s intentions. The widespread emergence of the Ephemera must be curbed."


    Hearing this, Gu An immediately felt relieved.


    The troubles of the world should be borne by all under heaven; he did not wish to worry alone.


    With the entire world working to eradicate the Ephemera, he would join in the effort.


    From now on, he would go out at night to eradicate the Ephemera, earning lifespan and also saving lives, an endeavor beneficial in every way.


    As Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun continued discussing the Ephemera Sect, Gu An listened from the side, hearing many names mentioned.


    Nine Nether Road had reappeared in the Mortal World, leading to tremendous upheaval in the immortal cultivation world of the dynasties as many Great Cultivators who had been in seclusion began to emerge.


    The Ephemera Sect had be a scourge of the nine dynasties.


    Even ancient beings who had lived for thousands of years dered their intention to eradicate the Ephemera Sect.


    This was actually a good thing¡ªthe Ephemera Sect became an entity everyone wanted to eliminate. Those who had been recruited might waver and take the opportunity to break away from the sect.


    By evening, Gu An returned to Mystic Valley.


    His Divine Sense swept the area, his expression peculiar.


    Yang Ni had burned all the Ephemera she had nted, leaving only ashes in the garden plot.


    Could it be that Yang Ni hade to a realization?


    Gu An did not go to ask Yang Ni but instead returned to his house.


    Late at night, Gu An began to scan the Taicang Dynasty with his Divine Sense, searching for Ephemera.


    This scan even scared him.


    How had so many Ephemera sprouted so suddenly?


    There weren''t anyst month!


    Gu An immediately vanished from inside the house, departing to eliminate the Ephemera.


    Two stepster, he arrived in a forest thousands of miles away, near a vige where the Ephemera were mostly concentrated.


    He picked an Ephemera, gaining only a year of Life Span.


    These Ephemera were growing very fast, clearly unnatural as if some force had drained their potential, leaving them with little remaining life span.


    One year is one year¡ªit adds up!


    Gu An began to eradicate Ephemera.


    ...


    At dawn.


    Gu An came downstairs, his spirit incredibly vibrant.


    Last night, he had harvested more than 40,000 years of Life Span, indicating just how abundant the Ephemera were everywhere.


    He joined the disciples in practice, and Yang Ni was there too, but she was listless, clearly preupied with something on her mind.


    After practice, Yang Ni approached Gu An and announced her intention to leave.


    "Where are you going?" Gu An frowned and asked.


    Yang Ni replied, "To take care of some matters."


    Gu An advised, "Recently, the Ephemera Sect has been causing chaos, and the nine dynasties are preparing to jointly punish them. You should stay away from this."


    Yang Ni nodded and said, "Don''t worry, I have no ties with the Ephemera Sect."


    Having said this, she gazed intently at Gu An.


    Some things went unspoken, but both understood the underlying message.


    Thirty minutester, Yang Ni had packed her belongings and departed.


    Gu An stood by the window, watching the direction of her departure, feeling that this farewell meant they would not meet again for many years.


    Meanwhile.


    On the distant dustless wastnd, ghostly mists pervaded, forming dark clouds that covered the sky, and crows flew across.


    Li Ya, carrying the North Sea Heavy Sword, stood on a cliff, gazing down at the dense throng of people below, forming a vast sea of humanity, his brow furrowed.


    He hadn''t expected the Ephemera Sect to have secretly recruited so many followers.


    "That Nine Nether Road is quite sinister, containing an immense amount of ghostly and demon energy," the voice of the Primordial Ancestor sounded in Li Ya''s ear.


    Li Ya involuntarily looked towards the Traveler of Graceful Crane sitting on a rock in the distance, who was holding a scroll and deeply contemting.


    "No matter, when the Primordial Ancestor descends, we''ll capture them all in one!" Li Ya thought to himself.


    He now had full confidence in that mysterious Demon Shadow, feeling that the figure was an invincible presence in this world.


    "It''s not that simple, no matter how powerful he is, his Spiritual Power will deplete. It''s nearly impossible for him alone to avert the cmity of the nine dynasties. If he were really that powerful, he wouldn''t need to practice the Demon Shadow Divine Skill from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion to conceal his identity," the Primordial Ancestor sighed.


    Li Ya was displeased to hear this; ever since encountering the Ephemera Sect, the Primordial Ancestor had be timid, no longer bearing the aloof and profound demeanor of the past, which made him feel like his fantasies had been shattered.


    But remembering the caution of the Li Family''s Primordial Ancestor, Li Ya did not contradict the Primordial Ancestor''s words.


    Just then.


    The ground began to tremble, startling Li Ya into swiftly flying up, while the Traveler of Graceful Crane remained seated on the rock, unmoved.


    Li Ya looked towards the entrance of the Nine Nether Road where he saw the Array tform below the ck crevice begin to break apart, and a tree branch emerged from the soil, followed by the trunk.


    As all the followers of the Ephemera Sect retreated amidst their rmed stares, a colossal tree shot up from the ground¡ªit was indeed an Ephemera Tree.


    This Ephemera Tree was even more enormous than the one Gu An had eradicated, towering over 500 meters tall, its top reaching into the dark clouds.


    The massive Ephemera Tree standing behind the ck crevice appeared even more horrifying.


    "Hmph, they really nted an Ephemera Tree!"


    A cold snort echoed throughout the heavens and earth, chilling everyone''s hearts.


    Jiang Qiong turned his head to look and saw a dazzling sword light approaching from the horizon, cutting through the sea of clouds, unstoppable as it headed straight for the Ephemera Tree.


    A figure appeared out of nowhere in front of the Ephemera Tree, a ck-clothed woman wearing a mask, holding a golden mallet in her hand. With a forward push, immense Spiritual Power burst forth, forcibly blocking the sword light miles away, causing the space around the sword light to twist.

 Chapter 116: Chapter 116 Fellow Travelers

    Beneath a snowy night, deep within the mountains.


    Gu An crouched down and plucked thest Ephemera flower from the snow, then tossed it into his storage bag.


    He still harvested only one year of life span, but he was not dissatisfied, as he had harvested nearly five hundred thousand years of life span this month, pushing his total life span past a million years once again.


    How exhrating!


    After tonight, there would be no Ephemera flowers left in in sight within the Taicang Dynasty.


    In a single month, he had picked over a million Ephemera flowers, half of which did not even have a year''s life span, having sprouted not long ago.


    If Gu An didn''t pick them, the cultivators of the Taicang Dynasty would have cleared them away, so he had no choice but to pick them whenever he saw them, chancing his luck.


    He couldn''t very well ignore the safety of the world''s popce and not allow others to clear Ephemera flowers, and he likewise feared the Ephemera Sect.


    Life could be umted slowly, but if the Ephemera Sect''s n seeded and he couldn''t resist, things would have gone terribly wrong!


    In the dimly lit woods, Gu An stretchedzily, then headed for a nearby city.


    It was nearly dawn, and he nned to stroll around within the city walls.


    Always staying in Medicine Valley wasn''t good, and stepping out asionally to take in thendscape and foreign scenery could help him gain insights.


    Ever since he encountered Wu Jue''s state of enlightenment, Gu An had been contemting the concept of enlightenment.


    He felt that enlightenment depended not only on chance but also on life experience. -mpyr.


    The sun was slowly rising.


    From a city a hundred li away, the noise started to pick up, signaling the start of a new day.


    At noon, Gu An sat on the second floor of an inn drinking alcohol, positioned by the window overlooking the streets where martial heroes shouted and disyed their martial skills.


    Where there were people, there was the Martial Arts World. Even though everyone within the Taicang Dynasty knew of immortal cultivation, ny percent of the people couldn''t cultivate, giving rise to the world of martial arts. They existed independently from the world of cultivators, having their own glory and disputes.


    In the entire city, Gu An could only sense three other cultivators, who, like him, were disguised as mortals.


    The Immortal Cultivation World was facing threats from the Ephemera Sect, with endless demons looming outside the nine dynasties, yet the mortal popce remained unaffected.


    Most of their lives spanned merely a few decades; by the time their lives ended, the great cmity of demons might still not have arrived.


    This was the difference between immortals and mortals.


    Cultivators and mortals lived under different temporal rules.


    Gu An pondered the differences between immortals and mortals, stirring many feelings within him.


    He wanted to see if such thinking could lead him into a state of enlightenment.


    However, he sat for an entire day without entering a state of enlightenment, though he didn''t feel his time was wasted.


    asionally sitting down, not speaking, and experiencing the myriad states of human existence held its own kind of pleasure.


    Dusk fell again, and the snow that had paused for a day began to fall once more.


    Gu An stood up, left some silver, and then departed.


    He did not leave the city directly, but started wandering the streets among the crowd, letting the falling snownd on him as he immersed himself in the mortal world.


    Only by the next morning did Gu An finally return to the valley.


    Arriving at the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An saw that the disciples had gathered together, creating quite a lively scene.


    From afar, he heard the disciples discussing the Supreme Elder.


    A Supreme Elder had returned!


    This news shook the entire Supreme Sect, and the identity of that Supreme Elder had also been disclosed: a Supreme Elder who had lived fifteen hundred years, whose cultivation level was remarkably profound.


    Currently, with the Supreme Sect facing threats from the Ephemera Sect, the return of the Supreme Elder greatly boosted the sect''s morale.


    The leading orthodox powers had regained their disdainful dominance!


    This Supreme Elder had the name Xuan Quan, known as Ancestor Xuan Quan.


    Gu An guessed he had returned because the Supreme Sect had informed him that Ancestor Xuan Tian had been killed by the Ephemera Sect.


    After listening for a while, Gu An continued to pick herbs.


    During the herb-picking process, he reflected on the insights from the past two days.


    Although he hadn''t entered the state of enlightenment, a new rune had formed on his Mystic Heart.


    The Mystic Heart could gather divine skills; Gu An had reached the ninthyer of the Mahayana Realm, but this divine skill was still brewing. Its formation depended not on cultivation level but on insight.


    He already had an idea, which he would continue to refine until the divine skill solidified.


    Three dayster.


    Gu An visited the Outer Sect''s Book Collection Hall, where Elder Liu, as always, received him personally.


    Having not seen him for several months, Gu An noticed that he had aged a lot, and his vitality was deteriorating.


    [Elder Liu (Foundation Establishment Realm Layer Nine): 258/270/340]


    Seeing the other''s life span, Gu An sighed inwardly.


    Elder Liu''s cultivation level had clearly been elevated through elixirs, hence his lower life span rtive to others in his realm.


    Having been close for many years, the two had be friends despite the difference in their ages. Seeing an old friend approaching death, he inevitably felt some mncholy.


    But he had long been prepared.


    Sooner orter, he would bid farewell to everyone around him. The path of prolonged life was destined to be lonely.


    Even if heter found a way to extend the utmost limits of life span, it would only be an enhancement. To make someone immortal was immensely difficult, and Gu An could not transfer his own life span to others.


    This anticipated loneliness didn''t upset Gu An but rather strengthened his resolve.


    The more so, the more he wanted to live on!


    He wanted to visit the Mortal World on behalf of his old friends to see the wonders of the next ten thousand years and to witness the transformation of the ocean and fields in ten million years.


    "Elder Liu, this is thest volume of Supreme Immortal Venerable." Gu An took out a book from his storage bag and said with a smile.


    Elder Liu took the book, curious, "I thought you were going to wait a few more years. Howe it came out so soon?"


    "The story should alsoe to an end. Isn''t it perfect that the conclusion has the protagonist joining hands with the people of the world to eliminate demons and bring peace to the world? Doesn''t it echo the current state of affairs in the world?" Gu Anughed.


    He paused and said, "Although I am of mediocre talent,cking the power to turn the tide, if I can inspire the fighting spirit of the people, that would also count as a contribution, however modest."


    Elder Liu didn''t flip through the book but admired, "Your book has influenced many. Before you, cultivators rarely read books beyond cultivation. The name Pan An now carries an air of a sage."


    "Elder Liu, you jest. It''s not that exaggerated."


    "Haha, what are you nning to write next?"


    "I don''t feel like writing for the time being. I''ll seeter."


    "That''s also true. A masterpiecees by chance, and it cannot be rushed."


    The two chatted casually, and Elder Liu began to talk about the scene when the two first met. Gu An listened intently and responded earnestly.


    After chatting for two ancient hours, Elder Liu suddenly said, "After I get thest volume of Supreme Immortal Venerable arranged, I will resign from the position of Elder and prepare to leave the Supreme Sect to visit my hometown."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Having joined the sect two hundred and forty years ago, I don''t know if my hometown has changed."


    He already sensed that his end was near.


    People wish to return to their roots before they die.


    Gu An couldn''t help but think of Cheng Xuandan, who had also left alone when his end was near.


    "Then I wish Elder Liu a smooth journey." Gu An said softly,ughing as if unaware of Elder Liu''s impending end.


    After bidding farewell to Elder Liu, Gu An went to the Elixir Hall.


    He didn''t enter the Elixir Hall; he just stood on the street, looking at the signboard of the Elixir Hall.


    Because of Elder Liu, he thought of Zhu Qinglu.


    Zhu Qinglu was the elder of the Elixir Hall, also the person responsible for handing things over to Gu An, and he too didn''t have many years left.


    It foreshadowed that, in the years toe, Gu An would continue to say goodbye to old friends.


    At this moment, Gu An entered a forgetful state.


    Time passed unknowingly.


    Gu An suddenly awoke, his vision clearing, and a disciple was standing in front of him.


    It was Wu Jue who had previously achieved Path Enlightenment.


    "Brother, are you alright?" Wu Jue asked carefully.


    He was passing by and was attracted by Gu An''s state. He suspected that Gu An had entered a state of Path Enlightenment like him; only when he approached did he realize that this was the disciple he had met on the day he finished his Path Enlightenment.


    Fate truly is marvelous.


    That day, this disciple encountered him during his Path Enlightenment; today, he encountered this disciple during Path Enlightenment.


    Wu Jue felt a fondness for Gu An and decided to stay nearby to keep people from disturbing him. He had been guarding for a while and thought he had disturbed Gu An when he suddenly opened his eyes, which made him somewhat nervous.


    Gu An had indeed entered a state of Path Enlightenment; his Mystic Heart had gained another rune. He looked at Wu Jue and smiled, "I''m fine. Have we met before?"


    Wu Jue smiled and said, "Yes, I was under a tree back then, and you asked me if I was alright, just like I''m asking you now."


    Gu An cast a Life Span Detection on him.


    [Wu Jue (Foundation Establishment Realm Second Layer): 63/280/1040]


    How did he gain another five hundred years?


    Did this guy achieve Path Enlightenment again recently?


    What is his background?


    This is too exaggerated!


    Han Ming achieved Path Enlightenment only once in his life; Wu Jue has achieved it twice in two months?


    "Did you just enter a state of Path Enlightenment? Shall we find a ce to talk?" Wu Jue suggested.


    Gu An agreed, which suited his intentions.


    Later, he went to the private residence of Wu Jue, and after they both entered and closed the room door, they sat down to talk.


    Wu Jue became very enthusiastic, voluntarily sharing his experiences.


    He had been an orphan since childhood and was raised by his master at the Supreme Sect. His master, an Outer Disciple, found him hanging on a tree while out on a mission; he was still a baby, abandoned by his parents who apparently feared he would be eaten by wild beasts.


    In the Supreme Sect, Wu Jue''s Spirit Root Qualification was mediocre, but he lived well under his master''s protection, until recently when his master was killed by a disciple of the Ephemera Sect while on a mission. He learned of this from his master''s travelingpanion, and it felt as if the sky had copsed on him.


    Coincidentally, the next day, the Ephemera Sect attacked, and watching the cultivators fight, Wu Jue felt puzzled, unable to understand why people must fight to the death. In this state of confusion, he entered a state of Path Enlightenment.


    After Wu Jue finished, he looked at Gu An and asked, "Brother Gu, what caused you to achieve Path Enlightenment?"


    Gu An replied, "My Path Enlightenment was also rted to life and death. An old friend of many decades is nearing his end."


    He spoke very calmly, but Wu Jue felt he must be very sad, though Gu An''s reason for Path Enlightenment also made Wu Jue feel closer to him.


    "Brother Gu, we must never speak of the matter of Path Enlightenment with others. After I achieved Path Enlightenment, I found that my Energy Absorption speed increased and even my understanding improved. My master always cautioned me from childhood that one must not be too ostentatious in actions and always hold a reserve," Wu Jue said seriously.


    Gu An nodded, amused inwardly.


    It seemed Wu Jue''s master was a man of the same path.


    Yet, he felt Wu Jue''s Path Enlightenment was not due to sudden understanding, because his master''s death led to two instances of Path Enlightenment?


    Unreasonable!

 Chapter 117: Chapter 117: Kill him, do I need a sword?

    Gu An and Wu Jue exchanged experiences about their path enlightenment, talking until the next morning, both benefiting greatly.


    Before parting, Wu Jue once again urged him not to reveal anything about path enlightenment to others.


    Seeing how cautious the other was, Gu An smiled and assured him.


    Wu Jue watched Gu An leave, a smile spreading across his face.


    Having lived in the Supreme Sect for so many years, Gu An was the first true friend he had made. Before, he felt very inferior and dared not interact much with others; the only person he was close to was his master, so his master''s death was a huge shock to him.


    Wu Jue turned and went back inside to continue his cultivation, while looking forward to his next exchange with Gu An.


    Gu An stayed in the city for an hour before returning to the Third Medicine Valley. After checking the valley, he hurriedly left again.


    He first spent a short half-hour in Mystic Valley before heading to Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion.


    There were already many herbs nted in Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, but it was still far from full.


    Gu An nned to nt herbs of the fifth level or higher here, as this was his private territory, a ce truly unknown to anyone else.


    Jiang Qiong and Sky Dragon knew about the Eight Scenic Caves, but only he knew about Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion.


    During the nting process, he felt the aura of battleing from the north.


    The aura of the Nine Nether Road persisted, havingsted for several months; the dynasties continually dispatched cultivators to fight, temporarily containing the chaos caused by the Ephemera Sect.


    This was normal; if the Ephemera Sect were far stronger than the power of the nine dynasties, they would have already swept over them.


    Gu An paid no attention to the distant battle, his focus solely on nting.


    He could stay the night in Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion tonight since it was the end of the month, and in case Li Ya wanted to contact him, he could not afford to miss it.


    Since agreeing with Li Ya, Li Ya had not revealed his aura at the end of the month on any mountaintop. Perhaps it was beyond his control, but Gu An was not worried; he woulde to Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion every end of the month to use his divine sense to search the north for Li Ya''s aura.


    In this way, Gu An nted all the seeds he had brought with him and took the opportunity to set up another formation. When night fell, he executed the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, turning into a demon shadow and hastening towards the north.


    ...


    Under the cover of night, Li Ya with the North Sea Heavy Sword on his back arrived at the mountain top. He looked up to see mountains stretching endlessly ahead, their ends out of sight. The night sky was shrouded in clouds, hiding the stars and moon.


    "How far away the North Sea Mountains are from here, I wonder if the Primordial Ancestor can find me," Li Ya thought anxiously.


    The Primordial Ancestor''s voice sounded in his mind: "Great Cultivators of the nine dynasties appear one after another, yet they cannot shake that female cultivator. Once the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage descends, it will be even more dangerous. Even if the Primordial Ancestor arrives, he will not be able to turn the tide."


    He had resolved that Gu An was the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family, but he did not have confidence in the Primordial Ancestor.


    The Primordial Ancestor had a higher realm than he did in life, but within the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, there were also people like that, and not just one.


    After hearing this, Li Ya fell silent.


    He turned his head to look around, dispersing his divine sense, fearing that Ephemera Sect cultivators were trailing him.


    After confirming that no one was following him, Li Ya took down the heavy sword and sat down to meditate on the spot.


    He ced the heavy sword on his legs and carefully felt the sword de.


    He had mastered a sliver of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword intent. The longer he studied the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, the more he realized its immeasurable depths. Once he achieved great proficiency in this Sword Dao, he would be unrivaled within his realm and could even fight across realms.


    The cold wind blew through. Though there was no snow, it was still bone-chillingly cold.


    Who knows how long passed.


    A figure appeared behind Li Ya, quietly watching him.


    It was Gu An, who was observing Li Ya''s swordsmanship achievement using the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body.


    Not bad, he hasn''t wasted the swordsmanship achievement I left him.


    "He''s here..."


    The Primordial Ancestor''s voice resounded next to Li Ya''s ear, his toneplex.


    At that, Li Ya opened his eyes, turned his head, and upon seeing Gu An, he immediately scrambled up, holding the North Sea Heavy Sword and bowed to Gu An.


    He could now hold the North Sea Heavy Sword in one hand.


    "I pay my respects to the Primordial Ancestor!"


    Gu An was toozy to exin Li Ya''s form of address; as long as he didn''t guess his true identity, it was all right.


    "Tell me about the situation with the Ephemera Sect," Gu An spoke up, his voice altered as usual.


    Li Ya began reporting the situation.


    The devotees of the Ephemera Sect were all gathered at the entrance to the Nine Nether Road, numbering over a million. Each Ephemera Sect cultivator had been branded with the Ephemera Seal, preventing those who were hesitant from escaping.


    He mentioned the Ephemera Tree, which nearly every day saw cultivators confronting the Ephemera Sect, ultimately dying and bing nourishment for the tree.


    Upon mentioning the tree, Li Ya, who was usually fearless, also showed a look of fear on his face.


    Gu An was not concerned about these matters; he was curious about how powerful the strongest person in the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage was.


    Unfortunately, Li Ya was not clear about that either; after talking for a while, their conversation was centered around the battles around the Ephemera Tree, with no mention of the situation inside the Nine Nether Road.


    "Why have youe out secretly? It seems you want to pass on information, which looks like your supporter is also helpless and unable to respond to you," a scornfulugh sounded, startling Li Ya and causing his face to change dramatically as he looked past Gu An.


    Traveler of Graceful Crane, dressed like a schr, emerged from the woods behind Gu An, who did not turn around.


    "Demon Shadow Divine Skill, may I ask which esteemed member of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion you are?" Traveler of Graceful Crane asked with a smiling face. He proceeded to take a bookcase from his back, ced it in front of him, and began to rummage through it.


    Before Gu An could answer, Li Ya urgently said, "Primordial Ancestor, his name is Traveler of Graceful Crane, he is the one who captured my ancestor''s soul before, he is very strong, you must not take him lightly!"


    Gu An turned his head slightly, ncing at Traveler of Graceful Crane with his peripheral vision.


    Unification Realm Nine Layers, no wonder he speaks with such presumption.


    Such a cultivation level would already allow one to dominate over the Taicang Dynasty!


    Gu An slowly turned around, looking at Traveler of Graceful Crane, who was searching for something. He wasn''t in a hurry and just watched Traveler of Graceful Crane act.


    A great cultivator of the Unification Realm Nine Layers still needs to search for things by hand?


    This man clearly thought he had Gu An in his grasp and was deliberately messing with Gu An''s and Li Ya''s mental states.


    "Primordial Ancestor? Turns out we are family. Then I''ll have to torture you to death right in front of him, so he gives up any of those twisted thoughts he shouldn''t be having," Traveler of Graceful Crane said with a sneer.


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya immediately came by Gu An''s side and presented the North Sea Heavy Sword to Gu An.


    "To kill him, do you need a sword?"


    Gu An''s hoarse voice rang out, causing Li Ya to startle, and Traveler of Graceful Crane''s movements searching for objects also stalled.


    Traveler of Graceful Crane looked up at Gu An; the two stood on a slope with Gu An positioned higher up.


    He couldn''t make out Gu An''s true face, but for some reason, as he looked at this figure, unease brewed within him.


    Suddenly, he pulled a scroll from his book box, which when unfurled, exploded with terrifying magma that blotted out the sky and was shockingly formidable.


    Li Ya stood in ce,pletely unable to react in time.


    Gu An raised his right hand at an extremely fast speed, flicking his finger to shoot a powerful beam that pierced through the terrifying magma, forcibly prating the throat of Traveler of Graceful Crane, with blood blossoming from the back of his neck.


    Traveler of Graceful Crane''s eyes widened, filled with disbelief.


    Just as his body started to tilt backward, a foot stepped on his back.


    Boom!


    The mountains trembled violently, and under the watch of Li Ya, that overwhelmingly powerful Traveler of Graceful Crane who had once driven him to despair was now stepped upon by the Primordial Ancestor, with rubble flying.


    "Ugh..."


    Traveler of Graceful Crane spat out a mouthful of blood in reverse. He despaired as he found his Spiritual Power suppressed within his body,pletely incapable of being released; he couldn''t even use spells to escape.


    He had never felt such a suppressive force before.


    Even a Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm couldn''t have imposed such suppression on him.


    Could it be that he had already reached above the fifthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm?


    Traveler of Graceful Crane felt this was absurd.


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    Gu An began to stomp his foot, relentlessly crushing Traveler of Graceful Crane''s back with each step, the blood stain beneath Traveler of Graceful Crane growing everrger, the mountain itself cracking.


    Enveloped in dark purple Demonic Qi, Gu An appeared like a Demon God from theherworld; even Li Ya couldn''t help but feel a touch of fear at this moment.


    The old ancestor''s soul within him also fell silent.


    After stomping nine times, Traveler of Graceful Crane had lost his ability to fight.


    Gu An''s right foot ignited with Taiching True Fire, attaching it to Traveler of Graceful Crane, who then fell back while Gu An''s left hand captured his Primordial Spirit and his right hand picked up the nearby book box.


    Traveler of Graceful Crane''s body was quickly reduced to ashes. As Gu An''s figure disappeared, he left behind a sentence:


    "From now on, do your best to stay alive. There''s no need toe looking for me again."


    Li Ya stood on the slope, staring at the remains of Traveler of Graceful Crane, reduced to ashes, silent for a long time.


    After a good while.


    He couldn''t help but ask himself, "Do you still think that the Primordial Ancestor has no chance of defeating the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage?"


    The old ancestor did not respond.


    ...


    Inside the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, Gu An sat in front of a stone table, performing the Soul Capturing skill on Traveler of Graceful Crane''s Primordial Spirit.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It turned out that Traveler of Graceful Crane was not a man of the nine dynasties; he originated from the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage and had arrived very early.


    Three hundred years ago, the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage came to thend of the nine dynasties. He and several fellow sect members dispersed, with the others acting in ordance with the main lineage''s grand scheme, seeking suitable puppet sects for maniption, while he traveled alone in search of immortal fates.


    He had the audacity to act so uniquely because he was a core disciple of the main lineage with a prominent background.


    Two hundred years ago, having witnessed the strong Lv Baitian, aware that he was no match, he avoided direct confrontation andy in hiding for two hundred years.


    The Ephemera Sect Main Lineage arrived in thend of the nine dynasties because they knew it was to be devoured by demons. In their eyes, the human race here was bound to die sooner orter, so it might as well contribute to the Ephemera Tree.


    The Ephemera Tree''s favorite food was the Spiritual Power and flesh of cultivators of the human race. If it could devour the people of the nine dynasties, it could transcend Heavenly Destiny and reach the legendary Nine Layers Realm.


    At that point, the Ephemera Tree could open the Nine Nether Road at will, providing convenience for the actions of the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, allowing them to go wherever they wished.


    Through the memories of Traveler of Graceful Crane, Gu An learned about the hierarchical status within the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage. The Golden Spirit Venerable he had previously killed was one of the hundred venerables of the main lineage, all of whom possessed Mystic Heart Realm cultivation.


    Furthermore, the leader of the main lineage had, five hundred years ago, crossed the boundary of the Mystic Heart Realm to reach the legendary Mahayana Realm.


    This meant that the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage had only one cultivator in the Mahayana Realm!


    Could five hundred years have allowed that lineage leader to reach the Nine Layers of the Mahayana Realm?


    Gu An quietly pondered.


    Several ancient hourster, he finally withdrew his Divine Sense, then finished off Traveler of Graceful Crane, seizing two hundred and nine years of Life Span.


    Gu An''s right hand rested on the book box, his index finger gently tapping it, his eyes flickering.


    No more waiting!


    Tomorrow he would deal with the Ephemera Tree beneath the Nine Nether Road, better to prevent any furtherplications. After all, if he didn''t act, the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage would not rest either! |em|pyr.

 Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Sword Venerable Fudao Makes His Move!

    ```


    Dustless Wastnds.


    Dawn.


    Because of the cloud cover above, the deste ins were never graced by the sight of the sun or the moon.


    Atop a ruined wall, dozens of cultivators were gathered, among them the Vice Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, Ji Hantian. Looking towards the horizon, worry furrowed their brows.


    "That demoness is truly too powerful. Without a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator, no matter how many of us join forces, it will be futile."


    "Our dynasty does not possess any Mystic Heart Realm cultivators."


    "Our sect does have one, but they''ve been gone for eight hundred years, and their whereabouts are hard to trace."


    "How many Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators stand behind the Ephemera Sect?"


    "We are out of options, there is no turning back!"


    They were all rulers of various dynasties and sects, with each one''s cultivation level reaching the Unification Realm. Before the upheaval caused by the Ephemera Sect, each was a legendary figure within the nine dynasties of the Immortal Cultivation World, capable of great deeds that could alter heaven and earth. Yet gathered here for many days, they were helpless and dared not act rashly.


    Already, many Unification Realm cultivators had perished beneath the Ephemera Tree. Some acted alone, while others hadunched an all-out assault, all returning defeated, their spirits shaken by the terror of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Ji Hantian suddenly raised his right hand, revealing a finger ring that burst forth with strands of flowing light that entered the space between his eyebrows.


    His face revealed a look of surprise, and then he lowered his hand, and said, "Gentlemen, the Supreme Elder Xuan Quan of my Supreme Sect has returned and is on his way here. We will be able tounch an attack alongside him! Our Elder Xuan Quan has attained the Mystic Heart Realm!"


    Upon these words, the cultivators of the various sects all turned their eyes towards him, simrly surprised.


    For a moment, praises for the Supreme Sect echoed, prompting Ji Hantian to stand straighter.


    Although the Supreme Sect was the strongest of the Taicang Dynasty, it was not necessarily in the top three of the nine dynasties. If the Supreme Sect could establish unparalleled merits in the face of the cmity brought by the Ephemera Sect, its fame would surely resonate throughout the world and attract many more families and cultivators to join in the future.


    The mood atop the cliff took a turn for the better, as everyone saw hope in defeating the demoness of the Ephemera Sect.


    Meanwhile.


    Thousands of miles away.


    The Ephemera Tree, hundreds of feet tall beneath roiling clouds, stood like a fearsome giant with its branches extended like ws touching the sky.


    Vines hung from the branches, most with corpses tied to their ends; some of the bodies writhed slightly, eyes bloodshot, necks bulging with veins, a sight of utter misery.


    Amidst the sea of people, Jiang Qiong looked at the hanging cultivators, her delicate eyebrows furrowed.


    She reached for the blood-red Ephemera Seal on her wrist, and her heart filled with anxiety.


    If things continued like this, she feared she would be either killed by the cultivators of the nine dynasties or devoured by the Ephemera Tree¡ªwaiting passively for death was not an option.


    But what could she do?


    The Ephemera Seal limited her freedom.


    Jiang Qiong nced at the middle-aged man beside her and sent him a telepathic message, "Father, do you still trust the Ephemera Sect?"


    Seated next to her, the man was her father, one of the Pavilion Masters of the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, named Jiang Lang. Not only had he brought Jiang Qiong, but other disciples as well, to join the Ephemera Sect.


    Jiang Lang''s expression was dark, and he did not respond.


    He was well aware that he had been deceived, but what could he do now?


    The Ephemera Tree was decorated with numerous bodies of Unification and Void Crossing cultivators. With his capabilities, how could he possibly escape?


    He turned to look in another direction. On the outskirts of the million strong followers of the Ephemera Sect, four cultivators were meditating. Their presence alone deterred any of the devout from acting recklessly.


    .


    At the moment, the only people who could leave were those with close ties to the higher-ups of the Ephemera Sect or those deemed trustworthy.


    Yet Jiang Lang belonged to neither category.


    He was a man of Sect Hierarch Zhong Liang and should have enjoyed privileges, but with Zhong Liang''s fall, his subordinates were scattered, treated like prisoners, barely trusted even though they were epted.


    Jiang Qiong, seeing her father''s demeanor, knew she could not rely on him.


    After all.


    From the very beginning, the only person she could truly rely on was herself.


    Jiang Qiong looked towards the Ephemera Tree once more, her gaze turning resolute.


    She must not fall here!


    No sooner had her thoughts settled than a ray of light shone upon her face, causing her eyes to widen.


    Not just her¡ªall present were illuminated.


    Looking up, they saw the dark clouds above the Ephemera Tree parting, revealing a gaping hole nearly a thousand miles in diameter, with sunlight streaming through, interspersed with flecks of snow.


    The woman in ck seated on the Array tform raised her head to see, her eyes behind the mask shing fiercely.


    It wasn''t just her; the four Great Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect who were standing guard at the perimeter also looked upwards.


    Under the sunlight, the Ephemera Tree began to tremble as if it disliked the sunlight.


    "Who is this eminent personage, and why not show yourself?"


    The woman in ck stood up, her voice cold as she called out loudly, her voice echoing across the entirend.


    A figure appeared out of nowhere in the sky above the Ephemera Tree¡ªit was Gu An who had used the "Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body".


    Gu An looked down upon everyone below, his eyes capturing the figure of Jiang Qiong.


    From his high vantage point, the million followers of the Ephemera Sect looked like captives, relegated to sitting on the ground, while a few cultivators stood at the periphery, clearly tasked with guarding those who were seated.


    To trust the Ephemera Sect and end up like this, truly a tragedy!


    Gu An quickly cast several Life Span Detection spells.


    One secondyer Mystic Heart Realm, four ninthyer Unification Realms!


    The Ephemera Tree beneath him possessed the same maximal life span as the previous tree he saw, and it was just over five hundred years old.


    Growing so quickly, on how many bodies had it fed?


    Gu An raised his right hand, within the palm a green sword shadow began to condense.


    "Impudence!"


    The woman in ck let out an angry shout. In one stride, she reached Gu An''s side, a blood-red sword appearing in her hand which she swung at him.


    ```


    This sword strike unfurled as if ten thousand evil ghosts pounced towards Gu An, and the entire firmament plunged into a momentary blood red light.


    But it was merely a moment!


    Boom!


    The woman d in ck was sent flying backward, sweeping over the heads of a million sect followers, crashing through the ground''s surface, her fate unknown.


    Everyone witnessing the scene was deeply moved.


    How could this be possible!


    Everyone inwardly eximed in shock.


    During this time, the woman in ck had fully disyed her formidable strength, almost invincible under the heavens. No matter how strong or renowned a cultivator came attacking, they would be effortlessly suppressed by her.


    How could such a mighty being appear so powerless before this person?


    Gu An lifted his left hand, his index finger shooting out a beam of intense light, sweeping across the firmament and piercing through the rolling dust, striking the spot where the woman in ck had fallen.


    A prompt emerged before Gu An''s eyes:


    [You have sessfully seized forty-seven years of life span from the Night Cultivator Fairy (Second Layer of Mystic Heart Realm)]


    Not bad!


    With another reach of Gu An''s left hand, he remotely captured the Mystic Heart of the Night Cultivator Fairy.


    The Mystic Heart dispersed the rolling dust and fell into his hand, only to be tossed into his storage bag.


    Seeing the bad turn of events, the four Unification Realm Nine Layers Great Cultivators guarding the Ephemera Sect''s million followers in all four directions immediately fled in different directions.


    Gu An raised his hand and quickly tapped four times.


    Breaking Path Divine Light!


    Four beams of intense light, like shooting stars, fell, and while the eyes and Divine Senses of a million sect followers couldn''t catch their trajectory, everyone felt the four people''s prospects were grim.


    All of a sudden, silence fell upon the world.


    "There is actually such a person in the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion..." Jiang Lang murmured to himself, still in shock.


    Jiang Qiong was equally frightened, secretly relieved that she hadn''t caused trouble in the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion before.


    One after another, four prompts sprang forth before Gu An. He released the green sword shadow in his right hand, the tip pointing directly at the Ephemera Tree.


    Feeling the crisis, the Ephemera Tree trembled violently, its vines releasing corpses as they drifted upwards in unison.


    In the watchful eyes of a million Ephemera Sect followers, a ferocious, twisted face emerged from the main trunk of the Ephemera Tree.


    "What is that?"


    "A demon tree... It really is a demon tree!"


    "That face..."


    "We''ve been deceived!"


    "No... it can''t be..."


    A thunderous uproar rose among the million sect followers, not everyone was like Jiang Qiong. Many of them, having reached this point, still harbored illusions, or could only cling to illusions.


    Rumbling¡ª


    The ground trembled, giant vines burst through the surface,shing towards Gu An, scaring a million sect followers into frantic flight, some seizing the chance to flee the area.


    Yet, there were those who desperately rushed into the Nine Nether Road, including Jiang Qiong.


    The terrifying Sword Intent burst from the green sword shadow in Gu An''s palm as if a Divine Weapon had descended from the heavens, arriving with a brilliant sword light.


    "This Sword Intent... Sword Venerable Fudao..."


    Jiang Qiong, while flying, looked up at Gu An''s figure and thought to herself in fear.


    So Sword Venerable Fudao was this powerful!


    The green sword shadow, carrying the Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, fell from above. As cultivators just got to their feet, nowhere near escaping the battlefield, the green sword shadownded on the Ephemera Tree''s crown.


    This time, with an overwhelming Sword Intent, it forcefully suppressed the Ephemera Tree, turning it from top to bottom into ashes.


    As the sword shadow hit the earth, the ground shattered, fissures spreading rapidly in all directions, looking from the sky like an expanding giant spider web.


    Gu An watched Jiang Qiong flee into the Nine Nether Road; he did not stop her.


    After today, even if Jiang Qiong stayed, it was doubtful she could find a foothold.


    He sensed dozens of Unification Realm presences swiftly approaching from afar, and immediately vanished from the spot.


    As for the million sect followers, Gu An had harbored the intent to kill, but he also feared that many, like Yang Ni and Li Ya, had been deceived or forced into the sect. The causal entanglements were too great; he dreaded killing the wrong person.


    To kill wantonly, how would that differ from the Ephemera Sect?


    He didn''t wish to bebeled a great demon andter be besieged by the whole world.


    Yet, even so, with that sword strike of his, many cultivators were still shaken to death.


    That was not Gu An''s concern.


    Everyone must pay the price for their choices; he was already restraining the goodness in his heart by not killing them all.


    A series of prompts crazily popped up before Gu An''s eyes as his figure disappeared into thin air.


    The earth continued to split open, the rolling dust rising, grand and vast.


    Ji Hantian and others rushed from afar, the wind carrying the dust hitting their faces, and their Divine Senses had already previewed the scene where the Ephemera Tree was destroyed.


    "Hahaha, our Supreme Sect''s Sword Venerable Fudao has made his move!"


    An impatient Ji Hantianughed loudly, boasting about the might of Sword Venerable Fudao.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Another cultivator from the Supreme Sect?


    The leaders of the sects were deeply stirred; that surge of Sword Intent had left them terrified, feeling that no matter how they cultivated in this life, they would never reach such heights.


    After the destruction of the Ephemera Sect, they would need to reevaluate the depth of the Supreme Sect''s foundations!

 Chapter 119: Chapter 119: The Prestige of Sword Venerable, Lu Lingjuns Speculation

    Gu An entered Mystic Valley and observed the practicing disciples along the way. He saw Chu Jingfeng meditating under a tree, with a wooden sword erect in front of him.


    He suddenly became interested and turned to walk over.


    "Brother Chu, what are you doing?" Gu An asked curiously.


    Chu Jingfeng opened his eyes and replied, "I am contemting my own Sword Dao, hoping to create a new Swordsmanship."


    "Create Swordsmanship? That''s quite impressive. Why use a wooden sword? If you need a sword, you can just tell me!"


    Gu An eximed and then took a magic sword out of his storage bag.


    Chu Jingfeng''s storage bag had long been confiscated, and the spirit stones he earned from his daily chores were kept in his room.


    Facing Gu An''s offer of a sword, Chu Jingfeng shook his head, "No need, I want toprehend a pure Swordsmanship, to understand the sword through heart, not through the sword itself."


    That sounded quite profound.


    Gu An retracted the sword and smiled, "Then if you need anything, just let me know."


    After speaking, he headed towards his own loft.


    Chu Jingfeng looked at Gu An''s departing figure, sensing his cheerful mood.


    "Though he is weak, he always seems happy."


    Chu Jingfeng watched Gu An''s retreating figure and thought to himself, feeling a trace of envy.


    He was born into a wealthy family but ended up as a prisoner due to family infighting. If given a choice, he too would want to start as a servant disciple, unburdened by much.


    Chu Jingfeng stopped pondering and continued his Sword Enlightenment.


    After practicing the Daoist Expansion Skill, he couldn''t increase his cultivation level and waszy to practice other spells, nning to solely focus on the Sword Dao.


    Just like the Mad Swordsman, Han Ming of Great Yu, once he understood the Sword Dao, his momentum was unstoppable.


    Meanwhile.


    Gu An returned to the loft, sitting at his desk and bringing up his attribute panel.


    He had gained over three hundred thousand years to his lifespan.


    This also indicated that when he destroyed the Ephemera Tree, he had killed thousands of Ephemera Sect cultivators.


    Gu An suddenly realized why there were so many demon cultivators; he tried to calm his emotions, keeping his original heart, not falling into the Demon Path.


    nting flowers and grass was preferable, and the lifespan a Great Cultivator at Mystic Heart Realm brought was equivalent to a fifth-tier herb.


    For him, the benefit of ying enemies was not much different from harvesting herbs but could bring potential troubles.


    Gu An took out ''Green Hero Travelogue'' to shift his attention.


    Soon, he was immersed, experiencing the love and hatred between the Green Hero and his beloved.


    At the same moment.


    In the Dustless Barrens, numerous cultivators navigated through the sky; some were arriving while others escorted away the captured Ephemera Sect cultivators.


    On a cliff, Ji Hantian stood behind a white-robed elder, respectfully narrating the previous battle.


    "That''s the situation, Ancestor, thanks to Sword Venerable Fudao. Who exactly is he among the Supreme Elders? The Great Cultivators at Mystic Heart Realm are powerless against him," Ji Hantian, trying to contain his excitement, asked.


    The intervention of Sword Venerable Fudao had pleasantly surprised him and allowed him to feel triumphant.


    Thinking back to the stunned expressions of other faction leaders, his heart was exceptionally gratified.


    The white-robed elder before him was none other than Xuan Quan, the recently returned Supreme Elder.


    Xuan Quan remained silent, his eyes also closing.


    Ji Hantian did not disturb him, thinking the Supreme Elder was pondering who Sword Venerable Fudao was.


    Little did he know, Xuan Quan was filled with shock.


    There was no such powerful Supreme Elder in the Supreme Sect!


    However, he had heard about Sword Venerable Fudao soon after returning, which at least indicated that the person was loyal to the Supreme Sect, most likely one of its members, just not a Supreme Elder.


    He had encountered such situations overseas as well; those exceptional sects would often produce remarkable talents who would step forward during crises, known as the great luck of the sect.


    Could the Supreme Sect also have such luck?


    Xuan Quan slowly opened his eyes and said, "Sword Venerable Fudao prefers to stay hidden, surely wishing not to be disturbed. The more so, the less we should try to uncover his identity, even considering ways to protect his information, but we must extensively promote his deeds to strengthen his sense of belonging to the Supreme Sect.


    Otherwise, as time goes by, he might leave, feeling that the Supreme Sect brings him no benefits, only holding him back."


    "Ancestor, I think the same. I have already sent a message to the Sect Leader to promote this matter," Ji Hantian said with a smile.


    The Supreme Sect had survived another cmity. After difficultiese great advancements, a pattern established since ancient times!


    "You can go now. I will check the entrance to the Nine Nether Road; maybe this path will be an opportunity for the Supreme Sect."


    Xuan Quan left these words and vanished into thin air.


    Ji Hantian turned and left, preparing to discuss with other factions on how to handle the Nine Nether Road.


    ...


    As the year''s end approached, Gu An went to the Outer City to find Wu Jue, bringing along fine wine and roast chicken.


    When Wu Jue saw him, he was very pleased and pulled him into the house.


    After closing the door, Wu Jue eximed excitedly, "Brother Gu, what brings you here?"


    This was the first time someone had visited him voluntarily; how could he not be delighted?


    "Just checking on you, didn''t want you to get bored," Gu An said with a chuckle. He actually wanted to see if Wu Jue had achieved any further Path Enlightenment.


    Unfortunately, he had not.


    Gu An still hoped to witness Wu Jue continuously gain Path Enlightenment and surpass the talents of the Supreme Sect.


    For himself, Path Enlightenment was more of a luxury; he could always increase his life span.


    He reflected on Path Enlightenment for two reasons, one being out of boredom, and the other to see if he could devise a way to extend one''s ultimate life span to help those around him.


    As it seemed, achieving Path Enlightenment was extremely difficult, not something that could be aplished merely through profound experiences or rich emotions.


    Wu Jue brought the bowls and chopsticks to the table while Gu An ced down the fine wine and roast chicken. He looked around the room and saw that nothing had changed.


    Wu Jue''s cultivation level had risen from the secondyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm to the fourthyer since he hadst attempted Path Enlightenment. How long had that taken?


    Why did his talent seem even higher than the limits of life span?


    But judging from his living environment, Wu Jue hadn''t sought a new master.


    "Speaking of which, have you heard about the deeds of Sword Venerable Fudao? He single-handedly defeated the Ephemera Sect, which is incredible. The Demon Lord, whom no Great Cultivator of the Nine Dynasties could defeat, was killed by him in just two moves. That''s more impressive than Gu Yu in the ''Supreme Immortal Venerable''!"


    While pouring wine for Gu An, Wu Jueughed.


    The deeds of Sword Venerable Fudao had spread throughout the Supreme Sect. Not just Wu Jue, but even the Servant Disciples of the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley were discussing it.


    He had been to Tianya Valley a few days ago, and even that scoundrel Luo Hun had gotten wind of it and had inquired about it.


    "Of course, I''ve heard of it, he''s indeed formidable. I really wonder what he''s like in person," Gu An said with a grin.


    The two of them started talking about Sword Venerable Fudao, sharing drink after drink, quickly finishing a jar of wine.


    Wu Jue took out a manuscript from his bosom and said, "Brother Gu, I traded all my savings for this fist technique manual. Take a look and memorize it. You should practice it when you get back."


    Gu An hastily declined, "How could I do that? No, I can''t take advantage of you!"


    "What do you mean ''take advantage''? You''re my only friend, and besides, learning morebat skills can never be a bad thing. I''vee to realize that peace in the Immortal Cultivation World rarelysts for decades; conflicts between the righteous and the demonic are bound to erupt," Wu Jue said earnestly.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An could only ept and began perusing the fist technique.


    Sunset Fist!


    After browsing it once, Gu An had memorized it all. He returned the manual to Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue was taken aback and asked, "That fast? You didn''t like it?"


    Gu An replied, "I''m not fond of fighting, and this technique is too lethal for me."


    Wu Jue sighed in resignation, "For cultivators, fighting is a matter of life and death, unless you n to stay in the Supreme Sect forever."


    "Hey, I actually do want to stay for a lifetime."


    "Alright then."


    Gu An didn''t want to take unfair advantage, so he took out a sword technique manual and said, "I have a swordsmanship manual here, would you like to take a look?"


    "No need, even though I respect Sword Venerable Fudao, I don''t like swords, or rather I don''t like using magic artifacts in battle. I only believe in my fists and feet," Wu Jue said, waving his hand while he flexed his robust arm.


    Gu Anughed and then took out a manual for the Gale Shadowless Leg, asking, "How about this one then?"


    Wu Jue nced at it and couldn''t look away.


    "It sounds really powerful. Must be quite valuable, huh?"


    "Don''t worry, take it. If you be someone important in the Supreme Sect one day, just don''t forget about your brother here," Gu An said.


    Hearing Gu An put it that way, Wu Jue no longer hesitated, picked up the manual, and started browsing it carefully.


    Gu An held his bowl of wine, watching Wu Jue who was absorbed in the book.


    He wondered what he would be like a thousand years from now?


    ¡­


    As the New Year arrived, this year''s snow season extended, continuing until the Spring Festival without stopping.


    The Third Medicine Valley became very lively, the attic area was decorated with lights and colors, and the disciples were all busy, their faces full of smiles.


    Gu An sat at a long table in the courtyard, happily watching the disciples busy themselves.


    Having many people around was beneficial; he didn''t need to worry about anything.


    Gu An looked at Lu Lingjun, who was cutting paper. Surrounded by female disciples, she appeared extremely virtuous and gentle, which made it hard to imagine she had a cultivation level of the ninthyer of the Unification Realm.


    Xiaochuan came over and sat next to him, excitedly saying, "Brother, they are building a statue of Sword Venerable Fudao next to the Heavenly Repair tform. It looks magnificent; you should definitely see it next time."


    He had also started practicing the Daoist Expansion Skill, but he clearly wasn''t as diligent as Chu Jingfeng or Lu Jiujia. He had epted his mediocre talents and chose to simply enjoy life, a choice that Gu An respected, as he couldn''t force someone to cultivate.


    After all, even with serious practice, one would still eventually grow old and die, merely dying the process.


    "Really? I definitely need to check it out," Gu An said, raising his eyebrows with a smile.


    He was satisfied with the attitude of the Supreme Sect, at least they gave him enough respect.


    Xiaochuan continued talking about changes in the Outer City when suddenly, Gu An sensed that Lv Baitian was flying toward them.


    It wasn''t long before Lv Baitiannded.


    As soon as he arrived, Xiaochuan stood up and left, not daring to disturb them.


    "Let''s talk inside." Lv Baitian dropped this remark and went toward the attic on his own.


    Lu Lingjun sent a curious look their way.


    What exactly was Gu An''s identity?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Why did this Great Cultivator of the ninthyer of the Unification Realm alwayse to find him?


    Could it be that Gu An was hiding his true cultivation level?


    And was not as weak as he appeared?


    With this thought, Lu Lingjun decided she would find a time to talk with Xiaochuan.


    Meanwhile.


    Once inside, Gu An closed the door, and Lv Baitian promptly activated a restriction and sat down, saying, "I have a great opportunity; are you interested?"

 Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Sword Intent Shocks the Sect

    ```


    "No," Gu An tly refused. How could there be any opportunities when the Supreme Sect was just recovering from a catastrophe?


    Lv Baitian was taken aback, not expecting such an outright refusal, and immediately retorted in annoyance, "Brat, I haven''t even said what the opportunity is!"


    Gu An sat down and said, "I won''t be the sect leader, I won''t write books, and I won''t ept any further disturbances from the Holy Sons and Daughters."


    After hearing this, Lv Baitian burst into an irritatedugh.


    "In your eyes, is that the kind of person I am?"


    "I just don''t want to invite trouble. If I''ve wronged you, then I apologize," Gu An spoke earnestly. Lv Baitian''s face stiffened, and with a forced cough, he said, "Of course you''ve wronged me. I came to find you for other matters."


    "What matters?"


    "You must have heard of the Nine Nether Road. The dynasties have joined forces to seal off the Nine Nether Road, and every sect has dispatched cultivators to guard it. Even the main lineage of the Ephemera Sect would have a hard time causing a stir. Now, each dynasty is leading disciples into the Nine Nether Road for training.


    The ce is rampant with demons and monsters where one can hunt for treasures, and the spiritual energy is very rich, suitable for cultivation," Lv Baitian slowly exined, which took Gu An by surprise.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He hadn''t expected the Nine Nether Road to be a ce like a secret training realm.


    "Isn''t the Nine Nether Road supposed to be very dangerous?" Gu An asked.


    "Indeed, it''s dangerous. That''s why Great Cultivators lead disciples into training. I intended to give you a spot. Once inside, you''ll be protected, able to cultivate, y demons, and seek treasures. Whatever you do, there will be others to cover for you. Isn''t that a grand opportunity?


    Later on, the Supreme Sect is nning to establish a city within the Nine Nether Road for disciples to rest and cultivate..." Lv Baitian continued enthusiastically.


    He believed that developing the Nine Nether Road would lead to the rise of the Supreme Sect, perhaps ushering in the most prosperous era in its history, raising his own status within the sect''s annals.


    Gu An listened attentively, thinking it was indeed feasible.


    Lv Baitian seemed intent on reversing a trend: historically, cultivators who reached the Unification Realm would leave thends of the dynasties in search of opportunities. Lv Baitian wanted to enhance the foundation of the Supreme Sect, make it stronger, and eliminate the need for future disciples to venture out in search of their fortunes.


    The Nine Nether Road was his first step!


    He also nned to open up a sea route, led by the recently returned Elder Xuan Quan.


    As he spoke more and more excitedly, he was almost ready to dere dominance over the entire continent.


    Gu An, however, found it fascinating and appreciated Lv Baitian''s ideals.


    The stronger the Supreme Sect, the better shade he could enjoy.


    After a long while, Lv Baitian, seemingly never running out of things to say, looked at Gu An and asked, "What do you think? Will you go or not?"


    Gu An shook his head and replied, "I won''t go. I need to stay and look after Medicine Valley."


    "Someone else can look after it just as well."


    "No, I can''t be at ease. Fine, to be honest, I''m afraid. I always feel that the Nine Nether Road is very dangerous, and mybat capabilities are weak, so I won''t go. How about this: can I give my spot to someone else?"


    "You won''t go and still want to share the spot?"


    "At the very least, I have contributed to the Supreme Sect. I haven''t taken any bribes with such arge Medicine Valley in my charge. Shouldn''t you reward me?"


    Watching Gu An''s earnestness, Lv Baitian shook his head in amusement.


    He thought about it and agreed to Gu An''s request.


    Giving the spot to someone close to Gu An worked just as well, as it could foster a greater sense of identification with the Supreme Sect in Gu An.


    Lv Baitian didn''t believe that the position of sect leader could not be relinquished; he was determined to bestow it upon Gu An.


    Sooner orter, a day woulde when Gu An would ept!


    With that thought, a smile appeared on Lv Baitian''s face, full of expectation.


    "How do you think the Supreme Sect can be the number one sect of the dynasties?" Lv Baitian suddenly asked. He wanted to test Gu An''s perception and guide him into thinking from the perspective of a sect leader.


    Gu An answered directly, "Ruling with an iron fist won''t work; it tends to rue hatred. Instead, cultural infiltration could be the way, much like the previous Outer City gathering. The Supreme Sect could host various conventions in the future, such as Formation, Alchemy, Sword Competitions, Talisman-making, etc.


    We should aim for the ''Supreme Sect to host a major event every few years that captivates the attention of the dynasties. The initial investment might be substantial, but once people grow ustomed, they will gradually see the ''Supreme Sect as the righteous pinnacle of the world."


    "Just imagine, when you''ve just stepped onto the path of a sword cultivator, and you hear that the Supreme Sect''s Sword Competition is an event that every sword cultivator must attend and an opportunity to gain fame, you would subconsciously acknowledge the Supreme Sect''s high standing in the Sword Dao."


    "When the Supreme Sect bes the most frequently mentioned sect in the world, or rather, when they be the most talked-about sect among all people, the ''Supreme Sect isn''t far from being the number one great sect in the world."


    "Of course, the sect''s own strength is most important."


    Gu An borated confidently, inspired by Lv Baitian''s enthusiasm. He even began to discuss the details.


    The events shouldn''t be solely about strength; there should also bepetitions in other crafts and skills, held in different cities of the Outer and Inner Sects, to boost the economy of each city.


    He even suggested creating various societies among the disciples, such as the Elixir Society and the Swordsman Society, to facilitate exchanges among them and allow those with leadership potential to hone their skills.


    Lv Baitian was astounded.


    It was no fluke that this young man could write ''Investiture of the Gods''; he truly had great talent!


    After Gu An finished, Lv Baitian picked up a bowl of tea, drained it in one gulp, and felt a profound satisfaction.


    Lv Baitian looked at him with shining eyes and said, "And you say you''re not fit to be a sect leader!"


    Gu An waved his hand, "Ick the qualifications to be a sect leader. I have no illustrious background, no courage, and no daring to implement such grand development strategies. At most, I can only provide suggestions."


    Execution is the hardest part.


    Gu An will never be the sect leader!


    Lv Baitian smiled and then began to question Gu An about the strategies he had just outlined, to which Gu An patiently replied.


    ```


    An hour had passed before the two finally exited the attic.


    Following behind Gu An, Lv Baitian was still pondering Gu An''s ideas.


    As soon as they descended the stairs, he took his leave, iming to have lost the mood for celebration.


    Gu An didn''t try to keep him. Without Lv Baitian, the festive atmosphere of the Third Medicine Valley became even more rxed.


    After the New Year, the opportunity to train on the Nine Nether Road spread quickly within the Supreme Sect.


    Treasures, precious materials, demon cores, and spiritual energy, among other benefits of the Nine Nether Road, began to circte wildly. Clearly, Lv Baitian took Gu An''s advice to heart, emphasizing the specific advantages of the opportunity to motivate the disciples and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Sect.


    Inside the Law Enforcement Hall.


    Ye Lan was summoned to meet with the Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall.


    The Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall said cheerfully, "Ye Lan, you''ve been specially designated a spot for the Nine Nether Road journey by the higher-ups. You''re really something. Don''t worry, the Law Enforcement Hall won''t mistreat you and will help you enter the Nine Nether Road more smoothly."


    Ye Lan was stunned.


    The Nine Nether Road?


    Her first thought was of Gu An.


    Despite her many years entrenched in the Law Enforcement Hall, how could an opportunity like the Nine Nether Road fall to her?


    She had heard that the first batch of spots for the Nine Nether Road was limited to two hundred people, with virtually no chance for those from the Outer Sect.


    Ye Lan''s lips curled into a smile. She felt absolutely no burden about being looked after by Gu An, only surprise and sweetness.


    Oh Elder Brother, it seems you do care about me after all, you''re just too stubborn to admit it!


    Ye Lan could understand Gu An''s reasoning; affairs of the heart could indeed dy one''s cultivation.


    And that''s exactly why she intended to seize every opportunity to grow stronger and prove her resolve to her Elder Brother.


    ...


    As winter passed and spring arrived, all things were reawakened.


    The time hade to the beginning of March.


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An squatted next to the Heavenly Spirit Pond formed by the Heavenly Spirit Water. He had just released a group of carp into it and was watching them swim freely in the pond, observing if they could absorb the spiritual energy within.


    Lu Lingjun stood by his side and said, "With this method of raising them, perhaps they could develop spiritual intelligence."


    "Will the Heavenly Spirit Water continue to expand?" Gu An asked curiously.


    Lu Lingjun replied, "Given the volume of water I have provided you with, it should reach a diameter of about thirty feet."


    Gu An felt this was rather small.


    He was about to say something when suddenly, a surge of sword intent came from afar, stirring the heavens.


    Lu Lingjun''s expression shifted slightly as she turned her head to look, her delicate eyebrows knitting together.


    Gu An looked up to see clouds of thunder churning in the sky, moving at high speed towards the direction of the Inner Sect.


    The Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword!


    Gu An could sense An Hao''s presence.


    The talented youth, already mastering the Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword!


    Gu An felt both proud and a bit astonished in his heart.


    An Hao''s talent was truly astounding.


    Lu Lingjun expressed her surprise, "This sword intent is simr to the one left by Sword Venerable Fudao at the Heavenly Repair tform, but it''s far less vast. Could it be that one of Sword Venerable Fudao''s disciples has made initial progress in the Sword Dao?"


    Gu An asked curiously, "A disciple? How can you determine that so clearly? Even I can''t sense it."


    Lu Lingjun remained unflustered and calmly said, "Perhaps it''s because I''ve witnessed someone else achieve sword intent."


    Having served as a Servant Disciple for so long, she hade to understand the Supreme Sect and was ready to aim higher.


    If she wanted to climb the ranks, her cultivation level was naturally the most crucial element!


    She did not n on starting as an Outer Disciple; instead, she hoped Gu An would rmend her.


    Elsewhere.


    Surrounded by clouds and mist, a mountain peak emerged from the sea of clouds, resembling an Immortal Realm. Atop the mountain, someone was meditating¡ªAn Hao.


    An Hao''s white clothing pped violently, and a sword shadow condensed in front of him, exuding a vast aura.


    Several figures appeared out of thin air around him, with Lv Baitian and Xuan Quan among them arriving.


    Gu Zong looked at An Hao, astonished, "This Sword Intent is..."


    Another Elder spoke solemnly, "The Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao. Has heprehended it from the Heavenly Repair tform?"


    "Not right, relying on the Heavenly Repair tform alone wouldn''t suffice. He must have obtained the legacy of Sword Venerable Fudao!" a female Elder said with gravity.


    "He''s a disciple of Sword Venerable Fudao? No wonder such a genius willingly joined the Supreme Sect without any known background. It turns out Sword Venerable Fudao was grooming him for us," Gu Zong remarked with emotion.


    Lv Baitian watched An Hao closely, his eyes flickering.


    Xuan Quan stroked his beard and said, "Such a domineering Sword Intent could be considered the foremost in the Taicang Dynasty."


    His assessment made the other Elders even more excited as they began to discuss An Hao''s origins and talents.


    Xuan Quan then waved his sleeve, and severalrge banners flew out, surrounding An Hao. The pping banners began to gather nature''s spiritual energy, channeling it into An Hao''s body.

 Chapter 121: Chapter 121 Battle for the Title of the Worlds Best

    An Hao''s Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword Intent stirred the entire Supreme Sect, drawing endless discussions among countless disciples, and the sword intent only dispersed after several ancient hours.


    In the days that followed, all kinds of rumors emerged, the only certainty being that the oppressive force came from a type of sword intent, which led to an increasing number of sword cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Gu An''s days were fairly tranquil, traveling to and from the three Medicine Valleys, asionally visiting the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion at night, and enjoying life at other times.


    In the blink of an eye, nearly half a year had passed.


    Gu An had reached the age of sixty-two.


    It wasn''t until now that the news of Sword Venerable Fudao''s annihtion of the demon cultivators of the Ephemera Sect fully spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World. When Gu An visited the Outer Sect, he often heard people chatting; Sword Venerable Fudao had evidently gained the reputation of the foremost sword cultivator in the Taicang Dynasty.


    Some even believed he was the best in the world!


    One midday, Gu An stood at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, looking at the hundred-zhang statue before him with a pleased mood.


    This hundred-zhang statue was the Divine Statue of Sword Venerable Fudao, depicting Gu An as he disyed the form of the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, with surrounding demonic qi crafted into a fierce aura. The statue had one hand pointing obliquely and the other holding a sword, exuding formidable dominance.


    At this moment, it wasn''t just Gu An sizing up the statue of the Sword Venerable; there were a dozen people gazing up at it, discussing amongst themselves.


    Listening to those words of admiration for Sword Venerable Fudao, Gu An''s mood was even more uplifted.


    Who wouldn''t want to be famous across the world?


    Gu An did too, but he kept a low profile for fear of others discovering his life-stealing abilities. However, being able to shake the world under another identity also satisfied his vanity.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao can indeed be considered the number one sword cultivator of the Taicang Dynasty, but he may not be the number one sword cultivator in the world!"


    A voice caught Gu An''s attention and also drew the gazes of many surrounding disciples.


    The speaker was a man d in blue, holding a folding fan and exuding elegance, with a calm look on his handsome face, as if the previous audacious im hadn''te from him.


    One tall and burly Inner Sect Disciple looked toward the man in blue, saying in a deep voice, "Oh? Let''s hear it, who do you think is the first sword cultivator in the world?"


    Sword Venerable Fudao had be the pride of all Supreme Sect disciples, not to be questioned by others.


    The man in blue answered, "In the Westernmost Land, within the Tianwei Dynasty, there is a sword cultivator known as Daoist Tianjian. Seven hundred years ago, he was the top sword cultivator of Tianwei. Later, he secluded himself in the deep mountains to focus on his Sword Dao. Not long ago, a sword intent burst forth in Tianwei, proving he is still alive.


    If Sword Venerable Fudao hadn''t acted quickly, he might have been the one to end the Ephemera Sect."


    Tianwei, one of the nine dynasties, lies on the far west, constantly gued by demons. Yet, its territory is even more expansive than Taicang, which is enough to prove the strength of Tianwei''s national power.


    Gu An sensed that this person was concealing his true cultivation level. On the surface, it appeared he was only at the Core Formation Realm, but in reality, he had already reached the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    He sent out a Life Span Detection.


    [Si Zhe (Divinity Transformation Realm Second Layer): 289/800/1300]


    Concealing his cultivation level and boasting about a Tianwei cultivator, this fellow likely wasn''t a Supreme Sect Disciple.


    Gu An remained silent, watching the surrounding disciples verbally assault Si Zhe.


    Si Zhe remained nonchnt, facing the nder and insults from the crowd withposure.


    "Daoist Tianjian is indeed powerful and once shook the world, but that''s old history. As a prince of the Tianwei Imperial Family with the Fire God Blood Lineage, speaking so wildly in the Supreme Sect, are you inviting war?"


    A voice came through, and everyone turned their heads to see Mad Swordsman of Great Yu Han Ming stepping forward.


    Si Zhe turned around to look and saluted with his hand, saying, "So it''s the renowned Mad Swordsman. I''ve heard that you''ve stayed in the Supreme Sect for many years; are you nning to join?"


    He smiled and spoke gently, but his words were quite ufortable to hear.


    "Humph, kid, if it weren''t for the favor your father received from me, you''d be dead by now. Do you really think your Divinity Transformation Realm cultivation can block my sword?" Han Ming snorted coldly.


    Divinity Transformation Realm!


    As these words were spoken, the disciples who had been insulting Si Zhe changed their expressions and quickly retreated.


    "If that''s the case, then I''ll drop the pretense."


    Si Zhe smiled, then looked around and shouted with qi supporting his voice, "I am a disciple of Daoist Tianjian from the Tianwei Imperial Family, Prince Si Zhe. Today, on behalf of my master, Ie to extend a challenge. In three months, my master will personally visit the Heavenly Repair tform to seek guidance on the Swordsmanship of Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    His voice echoed under the heavens, and everyone in the city could hear it.


    Someone was extending a challenge to Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Han Mingughed. He was the first sword cultivator to seek guidance from Sword Venerable Fudao. He reminded Si Zhe, "The Ephemera Sect had Great Cultivators that surpassed the Unification Realm. Does your master have such a realm?"


    Si Zhe closed his fan and said with augh, "Naturally, he does. My father was about to ask him to take action against the Ephemera Sect, it''s just that he was one step too slow."


    His tone was arrogant, as if Daoist Tianjian was bound to defeat Sword Venerable Fudao, making the disciples of the Supreme Sect even more displeased.


    An Elder appeared beside Si Zhe out of thin air and whispered a few words using the Sound Transmission Skill. Si Zhe''s expression changed slightly, and he huffed, "Then let''s go. The words have been delivered, whether to ept the challenge or not is up to Sword Venerable Fudao."


    With that, he left with the Elder.


    Gu An watched his retreating back and was on his guard internally.


    Just as Sword Venerable Fudao had crushed the scheme of the Ephemera Sect and his reputation was at its peak, someone daring to jump out at this time might possess great strength.


    Gu An didn''t think too much about it and turned to leave the Heavenly Repair tform, nning to check on Wu Jue.


    A month ago, Wu Jue''s maximum lifespan had increased again, which made Gu An even more interested in him, curious to know how far his lifespan could extend.


    ...


    In the attic of the Third Medicine Valley, Lv Baitian said disdainfully, "Tianwei really has big ambitions, wanting to suppress the Supreme Sect in order to seize control of the Nine Nether Road. Although Daoist Tianjian is strong, daring toe to the Supreme Sect is truly seeking death!"


    It had been a month since Si Zhe shouted his challenge, and the duel had already spread throughout the Taicang Immortal Cultivation World, with cultivators from various sects and regionsing to watch.


    Lv Baitian, sly as ever, took the opportunity to promote the Golden List throughout the cities.


    The so-called Golden List is an index of the world''s talentsunched by the Supreme Sect, recording only geniuses under the age of five hundred, epassing thends of the nine dynasties. It has a huge attraction and is widely talked about.


    Gu An, worried, asked, "The sects of the nine dynasties won''t start infighting, will they?"


    "You can rest assured on that. With the demonic cmity imminent, no one dares to act rashly. Moreover, with the possibility of the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage causing trouble on the Nine Nether Road, the sects of the nine dynasties must cooperate. Otherwise, one on one, no one can be absolutely certain of crushing the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage.


    That''s exactly why Tianwei requested Daoist Tianjian to intervene, in the guise of a friendly match, to apply pressure," Lv Baitian said with a wave of his hand.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An asked again, "If Sword Venerable Fudao kills Daoist Tianjian, wouldn''t that trigger a war?"


    Han Ming is one thing, but now this!


    Gu An really couldn''t stand it anymore. This time, he was determined to make a move, to avoid these endless troubles.


    "Naturally, it wouldn''t. If even Daoist Tianjian died, Tianwei would only fear the Supreme Sect more! It would be for the best if Sword Venerable Fudao killed Daoist Tianjian!" Lv Baitian snorted, his face showing a fierce expression.


    Gu An suddenly remembered this guy had once been impeached by the Hall of Elders for his overbearing actions.


    Lv Baitian''s tone changed as he said, "An Hao is a disciple of Sword Venerable Fudao, do you think his appearance before me is a reminder from Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "A reminder of what?"


    "A reminder that my position as sect leader is not secure."


    When Lv Baitian spoke these words, his eyes became profound and his tone elusive, leaving others uncertain what he was thinking.


    Gu An was torn betweenughter and tears, saying helplessly, "If that''s the case, isn''t Chu Tianqi already dead?"


    Lv Baitian asked, "Do you think not?"


    "But An Hao is extremely talented and surely favored by Sword Venerable Fudao. If you were in his shoes, would you send your most beloved disciple to the side of your enemy to serve as a sword?" Gu An felt Lv Baitian was somewhat obsessed.


    "What you say makes sense," Lv Baitian said with a chuckle.


    Looking at his smile, Gu An felt a sudden surge of apprehension.


    Wait a minute!


    Why ask him about such things?


    Lv Baitian continued, "An Hao is too gifted. Once he fully matures, it will be easy for him to earn respect throughout the Supreme Sect, much like that True Inheritor. Boy, if you don''t take the position of sect leader, it might well be his."


    "Wouldn''t that be even better? I don''t want to be sect leader anyway."


    Gu An shook his head, and Lv Baitian smiled, saying no more.


    Afterward, Gu An inquired about Ye Lan''s situation, since the first group to head towards the Nine Nether Road had already departed.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve personally instructed the leading elder to take care of her," Lv Baitian said.


    With the Qinghong Sword in hand, Gu An could always sense Ye Lan''s condition. He could intervene only when she was in danger. He didn''t want her to be neglected or bullied during normal times.


    The two chatted for a while longer, and before leaving, Lv Baitian left a book behind.


    Gu An waited for him to leave before picking it up to read.


    Defying Fate Divine Skill!


    ...


    At dusk.


    Carrying the North Sea Heavy Sword, Li Ya arrived at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform and gazed at the Divine Statue of Sword Venerable Fudao, his eyes unable to conceal his excitement.


    "Ancestor, the Primordial Ancestor really was Sword Venerable Fudao!" Li Ya roared inwardly.


    The ancestor was also shocked, musing, "I thought he was..."


    "The demon from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?"


    "Yes."


    "Hahaha, I knew it, our Primordial Ancestor couldn''t possibly be a demon cultivator!"


    Li Ya felt ted, having heard about Daoist Tianjian''s challenge on the way. So, he had specificallye to the Heavenly Repair tform to pay homage to Sword Venerable Fudao. To his revtion, Sword Venerable Fudao truly was the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family.


    He began to look forward to the forting great battle!


    "Why don''t you go see your Junior Brother Gu?" teased the ancestor''s voice.


    In his mind, Li Ya replied, "I''d rather not disturb him. I''m not ready to face him, but once I master the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, I will. Especially with the Supreme Sect about tounch the Golden List, I must make my mark at the Golden List conference!"


    His tone was full of confidence.


    After ingesting the Dragon Image Divine Primordial and learning the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, his confidence was through the roof.


    Seven steps away, another figure approached, also looking up at the Divine Statue of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Wu Jue!


    He gazed at the Divine Statue of Sword Venerable Fudao, his eyes filled with sadness.


    "Master, you respected Sword Venerable Fudao the most during your lifetime. It''s a pity you won''t witness the uing great battle," Wu Jue thought, standing silently with his thoughts drifting away.


    Gradually, he began his path of enlightenment.


    Li Ya watched for a good while and then turned to leave.


    "Wait a moment!" the ancestor''s voice suddenly rang out.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 122: The True Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword

    "What''s the matter?"


    Li Ya wondered inwardly as he couldn''t wait to return to the Inner Sect cave and cultivate vigorously, then be famous all over the world!


    The voice of the ancestor rang out, "Look at the person next to you, he is actually in the midst of Path Enlightenment."


    His tone was grave and even carried a hint of shock.


    Path Enlightenment?


    Li Ya was puzzled and couldn''t help but turn to look, quickly fixating his gaze on Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue seemed entirely absent-minded, strikingly different from the vibrant disciples of the Supreme Sect around him.


    He was in Path Enlightenment?


    "Enlightening what Path? Thinking about cultivation techniques?" Li Ya asked in his heart.


    The ancestor replied, "Path Enlightenment is a special state, which is fortuitous and cannot be sought. During the process of Path Enlightenment, one will perceive the Heaven and Earth True Meaning, thus encountering a transformation in both enlightenment and physical aptitude. Those who achieve Path Enlightenment, even if only once, can defy the heavens and change their fate.


    Even I have never experienced Path Enlightenment, but I''ve seen a good friend of mine achieve it once. If he were still alive, he would certainly be among the top cultivators in the nine dynasties of the Immortal Cultivation world."


    That powerful?


    Li Ya carefully observed Wu Jue, noticing nothing unusual about him; he looked quite ordinary, not evenparable to his Junior Brother Gu.


    At least Junior Brother Gu was handsome, which made him quite likable.


    "The Supreme Sect truly has hidden dragons and crouching tigers, not to mention Lv Xian, Ji Xiaoyu, and the pace of An Hao''s cultivation is astonishing. I''ve never heard of such monstrous talent before, and now you''ve encountered someone in Path Enlightenment. The younger the age during Path Enlightenment, the greater the potential.


    Thisd looks about your age, he might rise to prominence someday, the fortune of the Supreme Sect is unstoppable."


    The ancestor''s tone was filled with emotion.


    He, too, felt the pressure.


    Remembering his promise to Li Ya, he was consumed by shame.


    He had promised to help Li Ya reach the pinnacle of Immortal Cultivation and be the best in the world!


    But seeing Lv Xian, Ji Xiaoyu, and hearing the legends about An Hao, he felt the pressure.


    The talents of these three were too exaggerated, and their backgrounds far surpassed Li Ya''s. At least the ancestor felt he couldn''t offer Li Ya any advantage in resources for cultivation.


    "It''s good that the Supreme Sect is so powerful; having rivals gives me something to look forward to." Li Ya thought confidently, leaving the ancestor at a loss for words.


    After a long while.


    Finally, the ancestor said, "Just wait nearby, and when he wakes up, ask him if he has a master. If not, take him on for me."


    "Ah? I take him as my disciple?"


    "How could that be, of course, he would be my disciple!"


    "What do you mean? If he bes your disciple, wouldn''t that make me your elder?"


    "Be content. Without my help, you wouldn''t even qualify topete with such a genius."


    The ancestor said bluntly, and although Li Ya was upset, he didn''t retort.


    He began waiting, while also contemting the Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    He waited all night.


    The next morning, Wu Jue finally awoke.


    He had experienced Path Enlightenment more than once, so he appeared calm.


    He turned around to leave, but Li Ya stopped him.


    "Brother, do you have a master?" Li Ya asked directly.


    Upon hearing this, Wu Jue''s eyes flickered with a cold light; he simply bypassed Li Ya and started walking down the tform.


    Li Ya stopped him again, which greatly angered Wu Jue, who then pushed his hand towards Li Ya.


    Li Ya''s physical body was strong; he was unafraid of this Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator.


    Wu Jue''s right hand pressed on Li Ya''s shoulder, sensing the other''s strength, he immediately clenched his fist and pushed hard.


    Taken by surprise, Li Ya was pushed back two steps.


    Before he could react, Wu Jue left on his sword, making it difficult for Li Ya to chase after him since it was inappropriate to cause disturbances in the city.


    "How is that possible... such great strength..."


    Li Ya was shocked, his expression bewildered.


    The ancestor sighed in his heart, "What a pity. Don''t chase him, lest it leads to enmity."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Li Ya''s smile faded; as a Core Formation Realm cultivator, to be pushed away by a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator was humiliating, especially since he had consumed the treasured Dragon Image Divine Primordial sought after by the Demon n.


    Too embarrassing!


    Not possible!


    I''m still not strong enough!


    Li Ya clenched his fists, his self-pride dissolving.


    ...


    In the autumn, the Outer City became very lively.


    Gu An and Wu Jue met in an inn, where they drank and chatted while waiting for their decisive battle toe.


    Wu Jue wasining to Gu An about Li Ya he had encounteredst month. Every time he mentioned Li Ya, he became angry, feeling that Li Ya was insulting him.


    After hearing this, Gu An nodded and said, "Indeed, that''s problematic. He just came up and asked that; never mind, don''t think about him. He''s just a passerby in your life. You will one day be a genius, so why bother with such minor characters?"


    Although the man Wu Jue mentioned was somewhat despicable, Gu An felt he didn''t deserve death, and Wu Jue need not be petty about it.


    If Wu Jue was petty about such minor frictions, what would be of him if he grew in powerter? Would he just strike down those he disliked on sight?


    Gu An did not want Wu Jue to be such a character.


    Wu Jue nodded and said, "I naturally will not hold grudges. I am just speaking my mind to you. You know, you are my only friend."


    Gu An asked, "When will you reveal your talents?"


    The inn was crowded, with most people discussing Sword Venerable Fudao and Daoist Tianjian. No one paid attention to them.


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Wu Jue shook his head and said, "It''s quite good this way."


    He did not trust others, especially since the Supreme Sect had experienced internal strife before. The former sect leader had even sacrificed disciples in blood rituals, making him wary of the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An took a storage bag from his waist and handed it to him.


    Wu Jue looked skeptical, epted the storage bag, and probed it with his divine sense. His face changed dramatically, and he quickly pushed it back, saying, "Brother Gu, this really shouldn''t be done... How do you have so many... "


    He had always thought Gu An was a mediocre disciple like himself at the bottomyer. He did not expect Gu An could produce so many elixirs.


    Gu An smiled and said, "I am the valley master in charge of Medicine Valley. These are elixirs I usually refine. Take them. I don''t have a strong desire to be stronger. I fear fighting the most. nting flowers and gardening are my pleasures.


    So, the elixirs are better off with you. Once you be stronger, you must protect me in the future."


    "But... this is too much..." Wu Jue hesitated.


    "You said I am your only friend. So keep it. If you really feel embarrassed, call me your brother from now on. The elder brother acts as a father, as a teacher. I''ll take good care of you for your master. The thing Ick the least is elixirs."


    Gu An said with a yful wink, making Wu Jueugh and give him a re.


    "I am two years older than you, I should be the elder brother!"


    "Forget it, you are not as mature as I am."


    The two began to bicker, and the smile on Wu Jue''s face grew thicker.


    In the end, Wu Jue still took the storage bag, secretly vowing in his heart that he would never let anyone bully Gu An in the future.


    The two continued exchanging cups.


    30 minutester, a loud voice echoed through the Outer City:


    "I, Daoist Tianjian, havee to seek guidance from the sword of Sword Venerable Fudao of the Supreme Sect!"


    Apanied by the fall of his words, a vast and boundless sword intent enveloped the entire Outer City.


    Wu Jue''splexion changed instantly, and he turned to look, while Gu An had sensed the presence of Daoist Tianjian early on, so he remained indifferent.


    Daoist Tianjian was indeed very strong, probably even stronger than the Night Cultivator Fairy of the Ephemera Sect, estimating around the fourth or fifthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Reaching the Mystic Heart Realm, even a small difference in levels was difficult to surpass. No wonder Daoist Tianjian dared toe.


    Gu An stood up and said, "I just remembered I have something to take care of at the Elixir Hall. I need to finish that first, so I can watch the decisive battle between Sword Venerable Fudao and Daoist Tianjian. I''lle find youter."


    Having said that, he hurriedly left.


    Wu Jue did not have a chance to persuade him, and after he went downstairs, Wu Jue poked his head out of the window and shouted, "Make it quick!"


    Gu An did not look back but waved his hand and quickly disappeared around the corner of the street.


    Daoist Tianjian has arrived!


    The Outer City immediately boiled over, with more and more cultivators soaring into the sky, looking around for Daoist Tianjian''s figure.


    Just then, a sword shadow shed with white light descending from the sky, suspended above the South City Gate, 30 meters in height, with an old man with a celestial aura standing on the hilt, dressed in white, without a sword or magic artifact in hand, his hands sped behind his back.


    He closed his eyes and began to wait.


    The news spread rapidly, and disciples from all directions of the Outer City gathered swiftly.


    Lv Baitian brought An Hao to the Heavenly Repair tform, followed by appearances of Xuan Quan, Gu Zong, and other high-level members of the Supreme Sect.


    An Hao looked at Daoist Tianjian with much curiosity in his eyes.


    He now knew that his master was the Sword Venerable Fudao of the Supreme Sect, so he specifically came to watch the fight. In his heart, his master was invincible, so he was not worried about his master losing at all.


    He just wanted to see how Daoist Tianjian would lose!


    Xuan Quan stroked his beard and eximed, "Such a strong sword intent, profound cultivation. Worthy of his reputation, as dominant as he was a thousand years ago."


    He and Daoist Tianjian were contemporaries, and having witnessed Daoist Tianjian''s strength, he did not underestimate him.


    The figures on the Heavenly Repair tform quickly multiplied, and the vast tform rapidly became crowded.


    Li Ya also arrived, standing on a roof, watching Daoist Tianjian from afar.


    The aura of Daoist Tianjian was too strong, giving one the impression of facing an Immortal descending to earth, far beyond the Traveler of Graceful Crane, which made Li Ya nervous.


    "This old fellow is not simple," Li Ya inwardly eximed.


    "Indeed, probably a being above Unification. Daring to make a move at this critical juncture, he surely is confident, stronger than I was in my lifetime," the elder said gravely.


    How could he be stronger than you again?


    Li Ya wanted to retort, but he held back.


    But the elder could hear his thoughts. For a moment, they were caught in an awkward silence, only able to wait for Sword Venerable Fudao to appear.


    Prince Si Zhe from Tianwei stepped onto the Heavenly Repair tform andughed, "Everyone, watch carefully. Witness the finest sword of Tianwei and see what being a Sword Immortal of the Mortal World is like!"


    Hearing his words, the disciples of the Supreme Sect were immediately unconvinced, but with Daoist Tianjian''s overwhelming presence, they dared not speak recklessly under his watch.


    Time continued to flow.


    Shen Zhen also arrived, standing on a roof, taking out her paper and pen, her gaze fixed on Daoist Tianjian, filled with anticipation.


    Meanwhile,


    Gu An had already moved to a forest. He sat under a tree, contemting how to defeat Daoist Tianjian.


    Rarely making a move and being under the watchful eyes of all, he must put on a grand show!


    Gu An looked at a leaf in his hand, suddenly threw the fallen leaf on the ground, and muttered, "Forget it, let you all witness the real Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword."

 Chapter 123: Chapter 123 The Number One in the World!

    The Outer City''s city walls, Daoist Tianjian standing on the giant white sword, motionless, the autumn wind causing his robe, white hair, and beard to flutter, giving him the appearance of a transcendent being, capable of ascending to immortality at any moment.


    Every eave of the city was crowded with the silhouettes of disciples, not only from the Supreme Sect but also cultivators from other sects and noble families, all eager to witness who would be the number one swordsman in the world!


    Rolling dark clouds surged from the horizon, swiftly enveloping the entire city, making the atmosphere even tenser; no one dared to speak loudly, only whispering among themselves.


    Wu Jue stood atop a roof ridge, facing the wind as it grew stronger.


    The wind became so fierce that he had to cultivate energy in order to prevent his hair from covering his eyes.


    "What a powerful presence, truly worthy of an Immortal."


    "Why hasn''t Sword Venerable Fudao appeared yet?"


    "We can''t avoid this battle, the Prince of Tianwei has gone too far!"


    "Don''t worry, the Sword Venerable will surelye. Even the Mad Swordsman of Great Yu had to wait a while when he came to challenge him."


    "What''s the rush? A good show needs time to brew!"


    Listening to the discussions around him, Wu Jue''s eyes were full of yearning, wondering when he might possess such amanding presence.


    One day, he too would have such a momentous duel under the watchful eyes of the top fighters of the era!


    He hoped his opponent would be Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Boom¡ª


    The thunderclouds changed abruptly, with the sound of thunder erupting, and a vast heavenly might descended, shrouding the Outer City.


    "He''s here." Xuan Quan the Elder said softly, prompting those around him to look up, with An Hao in particr bing excited, his fists clenched tightly.


    The Daoist Tianjian on the giant white sword also opened his eyes and looked up at the boundless thunderclouds.


    The thunderclouds covered the entire sky, and the lightning within them surged like dragons, causing many cultivators to feel oppressed as if a terrible natural disaster was about to strike.


    The roaring thunder continued, and big winds ravaged thend.


    Daoist Tianjian stood on the hilt of the sword, his white robes billowing violently, like roaring white mes.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, why do you not show yourself? Is this the hospitality of the Supreme Sect?" Daoist Tianjian''s voice rang out, cold and detached.


    Han Ming on the Heavenly Repair tform scoffed. I didn''t get to see Sword Venerable Fudao myself, so what makes you think you can?


    Just wait for your defeat!


    Shen Zhen had captured the figure of Daoist Tianjian in her sketch and now took out a new sheet of paper to continue her drawing. She first depicted the oppressive scene of the thunderclouds in the sky.


    "Wee your downfall with your strongest Sword Dao."


    A vast and hoarse voice sounded, stirring up immense excitement in both Li Ya and An Hao.


    It was the voice of the Primordial Ancestor!


    It was their master''s voice!


    All the cultivators in the city held their breath and listened, hearing the voice of Sword Venerable Fudao for the first time, shockingly overwhelmed by hismanding presence.


    Absolute confidence, absolute dominance, this was the Supreme Sect''s Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Daoist Tianjian''s eyes sharpened, and a tremendous Sword Intent burst forth from within him, sweeping across the sky above the Outer City, forming a vast sea of swords. The sword light was brilliant, with countless star-like sword specks floating within, illuminating the faces of all present.


    At first nce, it was as if a gxy stretched across the sky above the Outer City, leaving everyone in awe.


    What kind of Sword Intent was this?


    Was this a state that cultivation could achieve?


    Within the gxy formed by Sword Intent, numerous sword shadows began to coalesce, all with their tips pointing upwards, disying their sharpness.


    Meanwhile.


    The thunderclouds in the sky began to surge more violently, rapidly forming a huge face amidst the clouds, showing only the features without a clear visage, as if an Immortal was manifesting, looking down upon the entire Outer City.


    In front of this immense face, everyone seemed insignificant, including Daoist Tianjian''s gxy of Sword Intent.


    Everyone''s heartbeat quickened, as they gazed upon this face upying much of the sky, an inexplicable sense of awe arising in their hearts.


    Daoist Tianjian frowned, lifting his right hand to his mouth and started to cultivate energy; Sword Intent condensed around him into a white ze, winds encircling his body. His aura peaked, disturbing the Outer City''s City Protection Array, which formed a massive light barrier around the city. He floated above the city gates, right at the edge of the barrier.


    The ground trembled, and mountains swayed.


    Mystic Valley in the distance was disturbed, and all the Servant Disciples turned their heads to look.


    Chu Jingfeng quickly reached the peak of the mountain. He looked towards the horizon where thunderclouds roiled, as if a cataclysm was upon them.


    It wasn''t just Mystic Valley; even Tianya Valley far away was stirred.


    Yi Liuyun sat cross-legged on the mountaintop, squinting toward the distance. His hands, hidden within his sleeves, were clenched tight. In this moment, he, a seeker of the Sword Dao, felt his own insignificance.


    On the Heavenly Repair tform, Prince Si Zhe of Tianwei began to feel anxious. Though Sword Venerable Fudao had not appeared, the face in the sky was so terrifying that even he could not imagine what force was needed to ovee that oppressive presence.


    "Heavenly Sword, appear!"


    In the silent and oppressive world, Daoist Tianjian''s voice suddenly rang out, like the first ray of light cutting through chaos, jolting everyone''s spirits.


    Daoist Tianjian''s right hand thrust skyward and the myriad sword shadows floating in the gxy of Sword Intent rose together, converging in the air into a tremendous and spectacr flood.


    Just then, the immense face in the sky abruptly opened its third eye on the forehead, from which a ray of sword light shot forth, like the light of the Heavenly Dao, bringing with it supreme heavenly might!


    Boom!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The two terrifying forces of Sword Intent collided in mid-air, shaking heaven and earth, trembling the senses of countless cultivators. Their vision blurred, an array of noises flooded their ears, and their Divine Sense felt searing heat, instinctively retreating into their bodies.


    "Mystic Heart..."


    Lv Baitian looked up at this world-changing duel and muttered to himself.


    His face was illuminated by two kinds of strong light. The lower half glowed with silver-white light, while the upper half bore a dimmer radiance, which was steadily consuming the silver-white light below.


    ```


    Daoist Tianjian''splexion changed drastically, the sword intent of his opponent far surpassed his imagination.


    "Impossible... Could it be he is not at the Mystic Heart Realm?"


    Daoist Tianjian found it unbelievable.


    At that moment, the third eye of the colossal face''s emitted sword light suddenly intensified, shattering his sword intent with a force far greater than lightning and plunged down, striking him with ferocious speed.


    His white hair and robe billowed out, his eyes bulging, his body bing rigid.


    In his pupils, one could vaguely make out a figure, looking down upon him from high above, like an Immortal gazing down at an ant on the ground.


    And in the eyes of all the spectators, Daoist Tianjian''s sword intentsted but two breaths before it was instantly crushed.


    The vast sword light gxy was shattered, turning into countless silver fragments that floated both inside and outside the city, a sight so stunning it moved all onlookers, no matter how high their realm.


    Xuan Quan was wide-eyed, his heart too was swept by a storm of shock.


    His realm was the highest, so he saw the clearest.


    The gap between Sword Venerable Fudao and Daoist Tianjian was immensely vast, with Daoist Tianjian not standing any chance at all.


    He could even be certain that Sword Venerable Fudao had deliberately held back at the beginning; otherwise, he could have killed Daoist Tianjian in an instant!


    It was Daoist Tianjian who first demonstrated his powerful sword intent, only to highlight just how terrifying the sword of Sword Venerable Fudao was.


    At least Xuan Quan was scared; even he couldn''t fathom just how strong Sword Venerable Fudao could be.


    Si Zhe looked at Daoist Tianjian''s body, his pupils dted, his face filled with incredulity.


    Before Sword Venerable Fudao made a move, Daoist Tianjian was the undisputed number one in his eyes.


    Yet this ''number one'' was defeated without the slightest ability to resist...


    The Mad Swordsman of Great Yu, Han Ming, was in a daze.


    The strength disyed by Sword Venerable Fudao made him feel ashamed, realizing how overconfident he had been in the past.


    An Hao''s face was all smiles, struggling to contain his urge to cheer.


    Li Ya stood on the eaves, utterly dumbfounded.


    Shen Zhen recovered quickly, with rushing strokes, he captured the dismal figure of Daoist Tianjian in his defeat.


    A gale blew past, and Daoist Tianjian fell backward, his Mystic Heart had shattered, his Primordial Spirit was breaking apart, with no power left to turn the tide, not even able to utter a word.


    Yet his face bore a contented smile.


    "The world''s number one... sword... I have witnessed..."


    Daoist Tianjian''s eyelids grew heavier, his gaze fixed on the giant face in the sky until the very end, and even as his eyes closed, the corners of his mouth still turned upward involuntarily.


    With a thud!


    Daoist Tianjian''s corpse fell before the South City Gate, stirring up a cloud of dust.


    The oppressive force that had enveloped heaven and earth dissipated, and the colossal face formed from thunderclouds in the sky faded away.


    Boom!


    The whole city shook, and a cacophony of noises erupted, like thunder on a clear day!


    Everyone became excited, their cheers, shouts, and exmations merged into a deafening roar.


    "My God! It ended with just one move?"


    "Hahaha, I always said that Sword Venerable Fudao could never lose!"


    "Isn''t this disparity a bit too much..."


    "To be honest, Daoist Tianjian truly was strong. Before Sword Venerable Fudao made his move, I really thought he was the best in the world..."


    "Yes, that vast sword intent made even my own sword want to unsheathe..."


    Wu Jue listened to the voices from all directions, equally excited, but s, without Gu An there, he did not want to express his emotions alone.


    Just then, he saw Gu An leaping up from the street, rushing towards him. Seeing this, an excited smile immediately bloomed on his face.


    "My heavens, did you see that just now? It was unbelievable!"


    Gu An came up to Wu Jue, eximing excitedly.


    Wu Jue responded enthusiastically, "I saw it! I saw it!"


    He grabbed Gu An, and they began to marvel, as excited as everyone else in the city.


    Upon the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Lv Baitian looked towards Gu Zong, instructing, "Intensify the promotion for the Golden List tournament, the champion will receive a Divine Skills scroll from the Supreme Sect!"


    Gu Zong nodded, his smile hardly containable.


    Lv Baitian turned to another Elder, "The n for the World''s First Sword Society begins. Release the news first, the top ten of the world may glimpse Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent and even inherit his Sword Dao legacy."


    The Elder nodded but suddenly seemed to remember something and hesitated to speak.


    There were too many people around to ask certain questions openly!


    The entire Outer City was bustling, more than during the New Year''s, or rather, it had never been so lively.


    Xuan Quan looked around, stroking his beard and sighing, "The Supreme Sect is destined to prosper."


    An Hao closed his eyes, carefully savoring the sword strike from Sword Venerable Fudao just moments before.


    As if grasping something profound, he became immersed in that sensation.


    Xuan Quan seemed to sense something, turning abruptly to look at An Hao, and so did others. When they saw An Hao''s state, they were all deeply moved.


    This youngster¡­


    ```

 Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Two Million Years Life Span!

    In the inn.


    Gu An and Wu Jue had squeezed into seats, and after sitting down, continued their discussion about the earlier earth-shattering battle.


    Although brief, it was enough to make all spectators'' blood boil.


    Gu An agreed with a smile, feeling a slight regret in his heart.


    To kill Daoist Tianjian and gain ten years of life span because Daoist Tianjian had less than two hundred years left. Hence, he used ''withering'' to describe Daoist Tianjian.


    Daoist Tianjian must have reached the Mystic Heart Realm long ago, and probably realized he had no hope of improving his cultivation level about seven hundred years prior, which led him to seclude himself in the deep mountains. Sadly, even after sitting in meditation for seven hundred years, he still failed to find his path.


    This time, Daoist Tianjian came seeking death!


    Gu An didn''t think too much about it; his attention was quickly captured by An Hao on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    An Hao was actually enlightening on the Path!


    Elders from the sect gathered around him, protecting him.


    Goodd.


    Gu An felt a sense of relief in his heart; the stronger An Hao became, the happier he would naturally be.


    An Hao was his true disciple, unlike those from Medicine Valley. The more formidable An Hao became, the prouder Gu An felt.


    With so many Great Cultivators protecting him, Gu An felt reassured.


    He withdrew his thoughts, focusing on drinking and chatting with Wu Jue.


    Before long, a figure approached and sat next to Gu An, casually showing him a piece of paper she was holding.


    "How is it, how well did I draw?" Shen Zhen asked with a smile.


    Gu An looked carefully; the drawing of Daoist Tianjian showed him with his arms spread wide, enduring the sword light descending from the sky. The style was dark and sharp, possessing a kind of tragic beauty.


    "Not bad at all, worthy of you," Gu An casually praised.


    Shen Zhen pouted, sensing his perfunctorypliment.


    Wu Jue hesitated and asked, "Brother Gu, who is this¡­"


    Although Shen Zhen wore a veil, her dress and the look of her eyes suggested she was a beauty with a not insignificant status.


    Gu An smiled and said, "This youngdy''s name is Shen Zhen. You can address her as Ms. Shen, just like I do."


    Then, he introduced Wu Jue to Shen Zhen.


    Seeing Shen Zhen''s indifferent attitude, Gu An reminded her, "This brother of mine is no ordinary person, he is bound to be famous throughout the Supreme Sect¡­"


    "Don''t talk nonsense!" Wu Jue quickly interjected, his face flushing red instantly.


    "Is that so?"


    Shen Zhen couldn''t help but take another look at Wu Jue, making him even more ufortable.


    Gu Anughed, "Come, let''s drink, and chat while we drink."


    In his view, Wu Jue would certainly showcase his talent, and Shen Zhen, as the Holy Daughter of a great sect, would inevitably meet him sooner orter. Getting acquainted earlier would aid them in looking out for each other in the future.


    Shen Zhen brought up the earlier battle and was also talkative; she led the conversation mostly, with Gu An continuing to y along while Wu Jue became increasingly ufortable, only managing to offer awkward smiles.


    After 30 minutes.


    Shen Zhen stood up to leave, nning to draw a few more scenes of the earlier battle.


    After she left, Wu Jue finally rxed.


    Gu An teased, "Why so nervous, you''re not thinking of her, are you?"


    "Don''t speak nonsense; thatdy obviously has her heart set on you. As a brother, how could I harbor inappropriate thoughts? I''m just not good at talking to women, you know that, I have only you as a friend," Wu Jue retorted seriously, his eyes wide.


    Here we go again!


    I have only you as a friend!


    Gu An shook his head and chuckled, "Having one more friend opens another path; it''s tiring to walk the path of immortal cultivation alone."


    "I know, I''m just not good at making friends¡­"


    "Then what''s going on with me?"


    "You and I hit it off at first sight, that''s not making friends, that''s fate!"


    "Hey, you little rascal, you sure know how to talk when ites to me."


    Gu An was amused; facing him, Wu Jue was assertive and not tense at all.


    The two of them chatted until dusk before parting ways.


    Gu An then returned to Mystic Valley to see his disciples; he noticed Chu Jingfeng sitting motionless on the mountain peak and decided not to disturb him.


    If Chu Jingfeng could enlighten on the Path, that would be a good thing.


    However, enlightenment was not so easy to achieve. An Hao and Wu Jue were rare talents seen once in a thousand years; not everyone could bepared to them.


    After staying in Mystic Valley for an hour, Gu An then went to Third Medicine Valley.


    Third Medicine Valley was much livelier than Mystic Valley, as it had ten times the number of disciples.


    Gu An chatted with the disciples for a while before returning to the loft to read a book to calm his mind.


    Late at night, footsteps sounded from outside the door, and soon, a voice came through:


    "Valley Master, I have something to say to you."


    Lu Lingjun!


    Using the Sound Transmission Skill!


    Gu An put down the Supreme Secret Records in his hands and covered them with "Investiture of the Gods," then he said, "Come in."


    Lu Lingjun pushed the door open, entered, and after closing the door, she cast a spell on the door,ying down a restriction.


    Gu An was startled and looked at Lu Lingjun in astonishment.


    Lu Lingjun turned around, walked up to the table, and greeted Gu An with a salute, saying, "Valley Master, I''m truly sorry, I had been hiding something from you."


    "Your cultivation level¡­" Gu An asked anxiously.


    Lu Lingjun said, "To be honest, I am of the Void Crossing Realm."


    Void Crossing Realm!


    Gu An immediately stood up.


    Lu Lingjun hurriedly said, "Valley Master, I mean no harm; please hear me out!"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s expression changed, but he eventually sat down slowly.


    Seeing Gu An sit down, Lu Lingjun smiled and said, "I concealed my cultivation level because I don''t have a good understanding of the Taicang Dynasty. Ie from a far ce. During an adventure in a Great Power''s cave, I encountered a mysterious formation that transported me here. Unable to find my way back, I n to settle in the Supreme Sect and hope the Valley Master could help introduce me."


    Gu An, surprised, said, "With your cultivation level, if you want to join the Supreme Sect, you can do so openly. Why do you need my rmendation?"


    "The rules of the Supreme Sect are strict. With my cultivation level, I can only be a Guest Elder and would have to wait many years. I have observed that you have connections; would it not save decades of waiting if you could help?" Lu Lingjun earnestly replied.


    While speaking, she took out three bottles from her sleeve and said, "These are bottles of Heavenly Spirit Water, and I hope the Valley Master likes them."


    Seeing this, Gu An frowned and said, "This is ridiculous. By doing this, you make it seem like I am epting your gifts to help you. What would people think of me if word got out?"


    He gathered the three bottles in front of him.


    Lu Lingjunughed and said, "How could that be? These matters are separate; this Heavenly Spirit Water is to thank the Valley Master for your care during this time."


    "Hmm, you are thoughtful."


    Gu An smiled in satisfaction and then motioned for Lu Lingjun to sit.


    He began to advise her about several things, mainly describing the structure of the Supreme Sect and highlighting the role of noble families to prevent Lu Lingjun from making enemies.


    Initially, Lu Lingjun was indifferent, but as she listened, she realized that Gu An was indeed considering her well-being, and she became serious.


    ...


    As autumn turned to winter, a great snow covered the Third Medicine Valley.


    One day, Lv Baitian came to visit Gu An. Seeing his figure, Lu Lingjun knew her opportunity had arrived.


    Gu An did not disappoint her. An hourter, Gu An and Lv Baitian came downstairs, and Gu An waved to Lu Lingjun from afar.


    She quickly walked up to the two men, and Lv Baitian looked her over and said, "Gu An has told me about you. Follow me, I''ll get your Disciple Token changed."


    Lu Lingjun immediately thanked Lv Baitian and also bowed to Gu An.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An smiled and nodded, then watched as the two flew away.


    Xiaochuan came over, astonished, and asked, "Why did Lu Lingjun leave?"


    "Didn''t you notice how fast she flew?"


    Gu An asked back, then turned and left.


    Xiaochuan paused, then caught up to his pace and asked, "What do you mean? Wasn''t it the senior flying with her?"


    "Xiaochuan."


    "What is it, Brother?"


    "Being bold is sometimes a good thing; keep it up."


    "Huh?"


    Gu An no longer paid attention to Xiaochuan and walked towards the Heavenly Spirit Pond.


    Watching the koi in the pond had be one of his pleasures.


    Lv Baitian hade earlier to discuss the Golden List Conference and the World''s First Sword Society. Gu An didn''t want to be an advisor, so he didn''t offer many opinions, which is why Lv Baitian did not stay long.


    The following days should be much more peaceful.


    That''s what Gu An thought.


    In the cold winter season, the news that Sword Venerable Fudao had executed Daoist Tianjian with a single strike began to spread across the nine dynasties, and the Supreme Sect also used this opportunity to start negotiations with other dynasties, preparing to establish themselves in other territories.


    The process was difficult, but the top officials of the Supreme Sect did not feel the slightest bit tired. From top to bottom, everyone felt a surge of momentum¡ªthat the Supreme Sect was about to soar.


    With the support of the world''s number one cultivator, how could the Supreme Sect not cover thend of the nine dynasties?


    ...


    Time flew like a shuttle.


    Five years swiftly passed, and the 67-year-old Gu An walked out of the Elixir Hall.


    He stopped in front of the gate, looked back, and sighed softly.


    Zhu Qinglu had already retired to return to his hometown, and although the new elder was very respectful toward him, it still made him somewhat uneasy.


    Old friends are gone, and today there are new ones.


    Gu An turned back and blended into the crowd on the street.


    In the past five years, as the Supreme Sect soared, the number of disciples from the Outer City could be seen.


    The Golden List Conference had spread across the world, and it was to be held at the Supreme Sect in five years. The sect had invited a hundred noble families, scattered across the nine dynasties, to drive participation. With their involvement, the number of geniuses joining the Golden List in the future would increase.


    Gu An guessed that the Ji Family and the Gu Family had put forth much effort, of course, and other noble families also wanted to invest in the Supreme Sect¡ªhaving an additional path was always a good thing.


    As Gu An walked along the street, he heard passing disciples discussing, with many names of talents entering his ears, among which An Hao was mentioned the most.


    Last year, An Hao went down the mountain for training and had conflicts with the Demon Path. As an Elixir Formation Realm cultivator, he had in a Nascent Soul Realm Great Cultivator, making his name resound throughout the Immortal Cultivation World.


    The title of the Supreme Sect''s number one genius was firmly ced on An Hao''s head, unshakeable by anyone.


    As for Lv Xian, although he was the foremost in the Hundred ns Conference, the Hundred ns, aloof and high, did not connect with the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Over these five years, Gu An''s life was uneventful, but his lifespan had increased by over seven hundred thousand years. His lifespan had already broken through the two million-year mark; the ten million-year threshold no longer seemed so far away. Therefore, he felt motivated every day, never feeling tired or bored.


    "Brother Gu, long time no see!"


    A voice came from around the corner of the street. Gu An turned his head and saw Zhou Tongyou from the Jueshan Sect approaching.


    Zhou Tongyou was followed by an elder with a plump figure and a feather fan in hand, appearing quite amiable.


    Before he could reach Gu An, Lu Lingjun appeared out of nowhere in front of Gu An.


    Back then, after Lu Lingjun followed Lv Baitian and left, she returned the next day. Her current position was that of an Inner Sect Elder, but her duty was to protect Gu An, which had frustrated her for a long time. If not for her wariness of Sword Venerable Fudao, she might have drawn her sword against Lv Baitian.

 Chapter 125: Chapter 125: The Golden List Poster, Ghost Shadows in the Night

    "The guy behind him is no simple matter!"


    Lu Lingjun reminded Gu An using the Sound Transmission Skill, her gaze bypassing Zhou Tongyou to look at the obese elder behind him.


    Gu An had already discerned the other''s Cultivation Level, yet he still performed a Life Span Detection.


    [Zhou Li (Unification Realm, Seventh Layer): 1478/3000/3100]


    Same surname Zhou!


    Gu An was secretly curious¡ªZhou Tongyou hadn''t had a Great Cultivator apany him during hisst visit.


    Zhou Tongyou sized up Lu Lingjun,ughing, "Brother Gu, it''s been many years since west met¡ªyou also have a master to protect you, it seems you''ve done quite well over these years."


    Gu An smiled and asked, "I wonder, Brother Zhou, did youe this time to participate in the Golden List Conference?"


    "Indeed, this time, I aim to im the top spot, be famous throughout the world. What do you think about sparring in your Medicine Valley?" Zhou Tongyou asked, his eyes sparkling.


    Although it had been many years since theyst met, Gu An''s Cultivation Level was still mediocre, but he felt that Gu An had his strengths.


    Gu An shook his head, "Let''s not. I won''t go looking for trouble now. The Supreme Sect has a wealth of talent these days; you should find someone else."


    "Haha, I actually came especially after hearing the name of An Hao and decided to visit ahead of time. Since you''re not interested, I''ll go look for An Hao now," Zhou Tongyou said with augh, turning around to leave.


    The seventhyer Unification Realm Zhou Li nodded with a smile to Lu Lingjun, then followed the steps of Zhou Tongyou.


    Once they were far off, Lu Lingjun turned around and asked, "A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator challenging you to spar?"


    Zhou Tongyou had already achieved the Nascent Soul Realm and didn''t hide his aura.


    "Back then, he suppressed his cultivation level to spar with me, and I was slightly better," Gu An said pretentiously proud.


    Lu Lingjun chuckled, "Who would have thought you had such skills? Truly, appearances can be deceiving."


    After living together for five years, the two were quite familiar with each other and dispensed with formalities.


    Of course, she still harbored some resentment towards Lv Baitian''s arrangements, so her attitude towards Gu An was not as reverent as before.


    "What does that mean, I don''t look handsome?"


    "You do look a bit handsome, suitable for being a cauldron for a female demon,"


    "Cough cough, and you''re still a female cultivator. Please watch your words!"


    Gu An nced at Lu Lingjun, then marched forward.


    Ever since Lu Lingjun returned, her temper had changed, and Gu An felt somewhat embarrassed. Knowing he was in the wrong, he could only amodate.


    It''s all Lv Baitian''s fault!


    What kind of situation is this?


    Gu An didn''t need Lu Lingjun''s protection; thankfully, Lu Lingjun was also quitezy. The reason she came to the Outer Sect today was that she had her own matters to attend to and just came along casually.


    Lu Lingjun watched Gu An''s retreating back, snorted, and then turned to walk in a different direction.


    Gu An was preparing to visit Wu Jue.


    He noticed that there were many Great Cultivators in the city, most of them concealing their cultivation levels.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It looked like the Golden List Conference was going to start problems. Naturally, if the Supreme Sect seeded, it would be easier to hold such conferences in the future, and other sects certainly couldn''t sit by and watch.


    Gu An wasn''t worried at all; besides the Mystic Heart Realm old ancestor Xuan Quan, the Supreme Sect had recently weed back a Supreme Elder. His Cultivation Level was slightly weaker than Xuan Quan''s, but he was also of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    With two Mystic Heart Realm figures stationed, those sects were going to have a hard time shaking the Supreme Sect.


    Thirty minutester, Gu An arrived at Wu Jue''s separate residence.


    Wu Jue was practising boxing in the courtyard, not employing Spiritual Power, just practising the moves. Bare-chested, he looked very strong, with each punch capable of shaking the air.


    [Wu Jue (Foundation Establishment Realm, Nine Layers): 69/350/3500]


    The limit for his life span had risen again.


    Gu An realized that if he didn''t visit Wu Jue for more than two months, the guy always achieved a Path Enlightenment. There was a year where he visited every month and Wu Jue couldn''t achieve enlightenment.


    After achieving Path Enlightenment, Wu Jue would emit a lonely, solitary aura.


    This made Gu An think crooked thoughts.


    Could it be that this guy only achieved enlightenment when neglected?


    Well, let''s not visit him for the next year and see just how far he can achieve enlightenment.


    Gu An was looking forward to Wu Jue catching up to An Hao, adding anotherpetitor so An Hao wouldn''t develop an arrogant nature.


    Being too smooth is not good either!


    Seeing Gu An approaching, Wu Jue nced at him but didn''t speak.


    "Look at what good thing I brought you?" Gu An''s voice came.


    Upon hearing that, Wu Jue immediately stopped, walked toward Gu An unwillingly, and asked, "What good thing?"


    Gu An took out a poster from his Storage Bag, gold-rimmed and red-backed, with four big characters engraved on it.


    Golden List Conference!


    "You... how do you have it?" Wu Jue asked in astonishment.


    The Golden List Conference was not something just anyone could participate in; one must have a certain reputation and pay ten Top-Grade Spirit Stones for an entry pass.


    The rewards of the Golden List Conference were also very rich, with awards for the top hundred participants, the higher the ranking, the better the reward.


    Wu Jue knew about it and had once envied those geniuses.


    Gu An said with a proud grin, "It took me quite the effort."


    "But with my current Cultivation Level, participating would be futile," Wu Jue shook his head.


    Gu An reassured, "Don''t worry, the Golden List Conference tests talent, not Cultivation Level. As long as your strength within the same realm is strong enough, you will be able to break through."


    "Really?"


    "Truly."


    The rules are set by me, how could it not be true?


    Gu An thought to himself, Wu Jue''s biggestck was resources. Muddling along like this was not a solution. In fact, Wu Jue also wanted to stand out, he was just too shy to ask others for help.


    Wu Jue took the poster, hugged Gu An tightly, patted his back heavily, then grasped his shoulders and said, "Brother, I won''t say much, I definitely won''t let you down!"


    Having achieved enlightenment several times, he could feel his own transformation. He had developed confidence, and this confidence was gradually altering his personality.


    Confidence of the strong!


    Gu An smiled and said, "There are still five years left, you must work hard in your cultivation. For the next five years, I won''te looking for you."


    Upon hearing this, Wu Jue immediately became anxious, "Why? What is so important that it will upy you for five years?"


    "It''s naturally a major affair of the sect. It''s not convenient to tell you." Gu An shook his head.


    Could it be because of this invitation?


    Suddenly, Wu Jue felt that the invitation for the Golden List meeting he held in his hands was very heavy, and he hesitated to speak.


    Gu An reminded him, "In addition to the Sunset Fist, don''t forget to practice the Gale Shadowless Leg. It will make you faster."


    Wu Jue nodded heavily.


    This time at the Golden List meeting, he vowed to make a name for himself!


    ...


    At the end of summer, within the Mystic Valley.


    Gu Any under a tree, one hand propping his head and the other holding a book, thoroughly engrossed.


    A shadow approached him and looked down. It was none other than Li Ya.


    Li Ya still carried his heavy sword on his back, wore tight ck clothing, and his long hair was tied back with a blue scarf, revealing a resolute and handsome face.


    "Cough cough, Junior Brother Gu." Li Ya coughed deliberately.


    Supreme Secret Records...


    Unexpectedly, Junior Brother Gu was also reading it.


    Well, sharing the same name, he must feel a strong connection to it.


    Li Ya thought silently.


    Gu An quickly stood up and tucked the Supreme Secret Records into his robes; he had noticed Li Ya''s arrival earlier, but since Li Ya had practiced a type of Energy Concealing Sorcery, he had to pretend ignorance.


    "Senior Brother Li, what brings you here?" Gu An asked with feigned surprise.


    Li Ya replied, "I''ve been back for several years and am preparing to return to Cangzhou for a visit beforeing back for the Golden List meeting."


    Gu An remarked, "You''re really busy, Senior Brother Li. You must be very powerful by now, right?"


    Li Ya lifted his chin with a spirited expression, "Not very powerful, but making it into the top ten of the Golden List meeting wouldn''t be difficult."


    "Just as expected of Senior Brother Li, the pride of Mystic Valley."


    "Indeed."


    "You haven''t suffered any injuries over the years, have you?"


    "How could that be? Since thest time we parted, I haven''t shed any blood. I''m not the same person I was back then." Li Ya said earnestly.


    What an act!


    Gu An really wanted to hear Li Ya address him as a great-grandfather.


    Li Ya pulled out two items from his storage bag, an invitation and a long wooden box.


    "This is an invitation to the Golden List meeting. You should also participate. This box contains the Ten Thousand-Year Wood Spirit Ginseng. Digest it over five years, and it will definitely transform your spiritual power significantly, helping you achieve a decent ranking." Li Ya exined.


    Gu An was stunned.


    Li Ya pushed the items into his arms, saying, "Don''t refuse, or I''ll be upset."


    After saying this, he let go, and Gu An swiftly caught them.


    Li Ya turned and walked away.


    "Leaving just like that?" Gu An quickly asked.


    Li Ya raised his hand and said, "Pursuing the path of immortal cultivation leaves no time for reminiscing. If you want to see me again, perform well at the Golden List meeting."


    He then leaped into the air, turning into a beam of sword light that flew over the mountains and disappeared without a trace.


    Gu An looked at the invitation in his hands, silent for a long time.


    At the mountain peak, Chu Jingfeng turned his head towards the direction Li Ya had left, his brows tightly furrowed.


    He remembered Li Ya; back when Li Ya was a prince, he had spoken with him a few times, encouraging him to cultivate diligently.


    After many years without seeing each other, their statuses were now worlds apart¡ªbut he was not the heavens.


    Gu An shook his head with a wry smile, then put the items into his storage bag.


    This guy, every time he saw Gu An, he had to give something, seemingly knowing his nature, always giving things that increased cultivation level and talents.


    ...


    Another year, and the Spring Festival arrived.


    After nightfall, the Mystic Valley was very lively.


    Gu An had juste from the Third Medicine Valley, and he sat around a long table with his disciples. Zhen Qin sat to his right, continuously pouring him wine and talking about matters of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    "The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword has appeared in the neighboring Great Jiang Dynasty, causing an uproar in the Immortal Cultivation World. It''s said that the sword has reached the Transformation Realm and is apanied by demons, very terrifying. I wonder if it''s Senior Brother Su Han..." Zhen Qin said, sighing towards the end.


    Mentioning Su Han made her sad; after all, they had been so close, but now they followed paths of virtue and vice.


    Gu An spoke, "He''s no longer your senior brother. Don''t refer to him like that in the future. It could bring trouble to you and to us."


    Zhen Qin wanted to argue, but seeing so many disciples of the Medicine Valley, she remained silent.


    Gu An began serving her food while watching other disciples y drinking games.


    After drinking a bowl of wine, Zhen Qin''s spirits lifted, and she began to talk about An Hao, looking up to him with admiration and speaking without stopping.


    Gu An listened intently. Suddenly, he sensed something, and his expression subtly changed.


    Once Zhen Qin finished speaking, he then said, "I''ll return to my room briefly. Continueter; I want to know about the specific grievance between An Hao and the demon heads of the Wanyin Sect."


    After speaking, he stood up and went back to his room.


    Zhen Qin didn''t seem puzzled and began clinking cups with Lu Jiujia.


    Back in his room, Gu An activated the room''s restrictions, then in one step, he arrived a hundred miles away.


    In the dark forest, thirteen figures resembling fierce ghosts were moving forward, four of whom were carrying arge coffin.


    They did not notice Gu An''s presence nearby, spying on them in the shadows.


    A group of Unification Realm cultivators!

 Chapter 126: Chapter 126: The Immortal King Crown, The Evil Emperor

    Gu An cast several Life Span Detection spells towards the thirteen figures in the forest and found that their Cultivation Levels were uniform, all at the thirdyer of the Unification Realm, and their ages were the same as well.


    All with the surname Li.


    Gu An couldn''t help thinking of the Nine Nether Thirteen Li that had previously disturbed the Immortal Cultivation World.


    What were these people doing at the Supreme Sect?


    There were still several years until the Golden List Conference.


    Seeing they were not moving quickly, Gu An was not in a hurry to stop them, wanting to see what these fellows intended to do.


    Therge coffin caught Gu An''s attention, his Divine Sense prated the coffin and found a skeleton inside exuding a strange aura, and it even wore a dark golden crown on its head. The jewels had vanished, leaving behind each empty socket, yet it still appeared extraordinary.


    About half an incense stick''s time had passed.


    The thirteen figures stopped simultaneously, with Li Shouyou at the forefront turning around and gesturing. The four carrying therge coffin followed by cing it down, then started to unveil the coffin.


    The moment the coffin lid was lifted, a hand suddenly pressed on it.


    The thirteen looked towards the end of the coffin to see Gu An standing there, wrapped in dark purple Demonic Qi, with his right hand pressing on the coffin lid.


    The forest fell into silence.


    These thirteen did not flee nor attack; the other twelve all looked towards Li Shouyou.


    Their bodies were pitch-ck like ghostly shadows, their true faces obscured, making it impossible to read their emotions.


    Li Shouyou nodded slightly, then knelt down, and the rest of the twelve followed suit and knelt as well.


    "Nine Nether Thirteen Li pay respects to Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    Li Shouyou said in a deep voice, not particrly loud, but his enunciation was clear.


    Gu An was taken aback; were these people specifically here to find him?


    No wonder their behavior was odd; it didn''t resemble an invasion posture.


    Gu An spoke, "Give me a reason not to annihte you all."


    These thirteen must be Ghost Cultivators, surrounded by ghostly Qi, but they still possessed human Qi-Blood and vitality.


    Li Shouyou responded, "We are the Nine Nether Thirteen Li,manded by the Ghost Mother of Ephemera to present the Immortal King Crown to Sword Venerable Fudao, to assist in reiming your position among the Land Immortals!"


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera?


    Astonishment grew in Gu An''s heart; the Ghost Mother of Ephemera''s Cultivation Level was a minor realm lower than that of the Nine Nether Thirteen Li, how could shemand them?


    "Why?" Gu An asked.


    He did not sense any hostility from them, which suggested they might not be lying.


    Li Shouyou answered, "It is the Ghost Mother''smand. She has studied your Sword Intent at the Supreme Sect for many years and realized that you must have mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    This swordsmanship was promoted by the Imperial Family of the Taicang Dynasty from the Li Family; however, in truth, it was not created by the Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family but came from the Ephemera Sect''s Immortal King, who is also the ancestor of the Ghost Mother."


    "For this reason, the Ghost Mother came to the Taicang Dynasty, wishing to find the ancestral heritage of the Ephemera Sect before it destroyed the Taicang Dynasty. Two hundred years ago, the Ghost Mother had visited, but unfortunately, the descendants of the Li Family were mediocre and no one understood the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, forcing the Ghost Mother to lie in wait."


    Indeed, Gu An''s Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword came from the Li Family, but he had not expected the Li Family''s Primordial Ancestor to be rted to the Ephemera Sect.


    "Does your Ghost Mother want to obtain the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword?" Gu An asked.


    Li Shouyou replied, "The Ghost Mother wishes to invite you back to the Ephemera Sect and use the Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword to reim the position of Sect Hierarch!"


    After hearing this, Gu An fell silent.


    What kind of ploy was this?


    To set a tiger to fight a wolf?


    Gu An pushed the coffin lid with a palm, noting the durability of this coffin and the abundant Restrictions within it; it was likely a Magic Artifact.


    His gazended on the skeleton within the coffin; despite being lifeless, the skeleton felt exceptionally sinister. To be safe, he still sent a Life Span Detection towards it.


    [Evil Emperor (Mahayana Realm fifthyer): 7600/9999/9999]


    What a surprise!


    He could still detect it and the maximum Life Span was exactly like An Hao''s.


    Gu An remainedposed as he leaped andnded on the edge of the coffin, looking down at the Evil Emperor''s bones.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Li immediately knelt, not making a sound.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An''s eyes suddenly widened, and two streaks of cold light burst forth.


    Boom!


    The Evil Emperor''s bones were instantly shattered into dust, leaving only the Immortal King Crown lying inside the coffin, while the bottom of the coffin was pierced by the Breaking Path Divine Light.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Li looked up, gave a nce, and then lowered their heads again.


    A prompt appeared before Gu An:


    [You have sessfully seized 320 years of Life Span from the Evil Emperor (Mahayana Realm fifthyer)]


    Gu An sighed with relief.


    Damn it!


    He had almost been scared to death!


    Who would have thought that this skeleton was still alive, and with a Cultivation Level of the Mahayana Realm fifthyer!


    In that moment, Gu An imagined many possibilities and even felt that he had resolved a major disaster for themon folk.


    The name Evil Emperor did not sound like anything good.


    Moreover, this one feigned death, hiding inside a coffin, clearly harboring a shocking conspiracy.


    Gu An raised his hand and drew the Immortal King Crown towards him; he did not grab it directly, but used his Spiritual Power to envelope the crown, preventing his body from making contact.


    He nced at Li Shouyou and asked, "Do you know about the Evil Emperor?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Shouyu was momentarily stunned and hastily said, "To bepletely frank, these bones are indeed those of the Evil Emperor. Five thousand years ago, the Ephemera Sect was in chaos. The Evil Emperor was ambushed by a traitor, struck by a deadly poison, unable to gather Spiritual Power.


    In desperation, he put on the Immortal King Crown and in an instant, his vitality was drained, turning him into white bones. Henceforth, the Ephemera Sect deemed the Immortal King Crown an Evil Artifact, which no one dares to touch."


    "Knowing this, you still dared to bring this thing before me?" Gu An''s tone wasced with bone-chilling murderous intent.


    Li Shouyu responded calmly, "If the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword is perfected, the Immortal King Crown will sense the Sword Intent and acknowledge its master. The creator of this crown is the same individual who forged the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword."


    Gu An continued to inquire, "What connection does the Ghost Mother of Ephemera have with the Evil Emperor?"


    "The Ghost Mother is a descendant of the Evil Emperor."


    "Why would she bring her ancestor''s remains to me? Is she not afraid of causing offense?"


    "The Ghost Mother detests her own bloodline. As a child, she was turned into an Evil Ghost by her own father''s machinations. Thus, she sought out the descendants of the Li Family, who are unrted to her by blood. The Primordial Ancestor of the Li Family was merely a disciple of the Ephemera Sect.


    She wants someone who can inherit the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword to seize the position of Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect andplete her revenge."


    "How could you be so sure that you''d be able to find me?"


    "The Ghost Mother once said that as long as we approached the Outer City where the Heavenly Repair tform is located, even if we were to conceal our Cultivation Level, you would notice us due to the vast disparity in our powers."


    The energy-concealing techniques practiced by Li Shouyu and the others were indeed formidable, visible only to Gu An.


    Up to now, they had not revealed a trace of their aura.


    Gu An continued his questioning, and Li Shouyu answered each one.


    After about 30 minutes, Gu An pondered and said, "I will keep the Immortal King Crown. You all may leave now."


    Li Shouyu took a Short Flute from his sleeve and said, "This is the Nine Nether Flute. As long as you y it, we wille as soon as possible, awaiting your orders. From now on, you are the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect, at least in our hearts!"


    Gu An reached out and, using his Divine Sense, made sure there were no surveince, tracking restrictions, or other traps within. Only then did he ce it into his Storage Bag.


    He jumped down from the coffin and signaled the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil to leave.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil bowed to him and then lifted the coffin and departed.


    Gu An did not immediately return to the valley. Instead, he sat down under a tree and ced the Immortal King Crown in front of him.


    ording to Li Shouyu, millennia ago, the Mortal World had an Immortal Dynasty. Everyone could practice Immortal Cultivation, and there was no Emperor back then. The ruler of the Immortal Dynasty proimed himself the Immortal King,manding thend and the immortals.


    Eventually, disaster struck the Immortal Dynasty: cmities were unending, Cultivators faced constant inner demons, gues spread, and in a mere decade, the dynasty went from its zenith to destruction.


    The Immortal King survived, but the Immortal Dynasty was no more. He dared not im to be an Immortal or challenge Heaven''s might anymore.


    In the years that followed, his descendants founded the Ephemera Sect. One of the Sect Hierarchs created the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, its Sword Intent startling the firmament and invoking celestial tribtion¡ªhence the name Divine-Shocking. This Hierarch believed he had reached the level of his Immortal King ancestor, but still, he could not achieve eternal life.


    Facing the end of his days, he forged the Immortal King Crown using his own Cultivation Level. The crown contained the power of the Immortal King, and sessive Hierarchs of the Sect studied it but failed to subdue it, instead finding misfortune befall them because of it.


    Gu An probed the Immortal King Crown with his Divine Sense, but even a Cultivation Level of the ninthyer of the Mahayana Realm could not prate it.


    He certainly didn''t dare to test it with his own Sword Intent. Setting aside whether Li Shouyu was lying, even if it was the truth, this method had never been proven, given that no one had ever seeded before.


    Upon reflection, Gu An felt that the artifact was too sinister and better off not kept close by.


    He stood up and, using the Limitless Freedom Step, quickly made his way to the North Sea Mountain.


    He dived straight into the bottom of the North Sea and buried both the Immortal King Crown and the Short Flute in the seabed''s mud, cing Restrictions on them.


    He could examine themter after breaking through a few major realms.


    After all, Gu An didn''t need to borrow the power of the Immortal King Crown.


    Once everything was done, Gu An quickly returned to Mystic Valley and continued to celebrate the festival with his disciples.


    ...


    Life returned to normal for Gu An after the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil had departed, free from further disturbances.


    Three years swiftly passed by.


    Gu An turned seventy years old.


    On this day, in Tianya Valley.


    Gu An had just finished picking herbs, in good spirits, he personally delivered the herbs to the storeroom.


    As he stepped outside, he saw Lv Xian approaching.


    Upon seeing him, Lv Xian''s expression turned awkward.


    Ever since being defeated by Gu An, he dedicated himself to relentless training, his Cultivation Level dramatically increasing, now having reached the sixth level of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    A Nascent Soul Realm Level Six at ny-nine years old!


    Quite astounding!


    Yet, Lv Xian felt defeated. Despite consuming numerous Elixirs, he still had not managed to break through to the Divinity Transformation Realm before reaching one hundred.


    "Are youpeting in the Golden List grand tournament?" Lv Xian approached and asked.


    Gu Anughed, "Why would I? With my talents, I would only embarrass myself."


    Lv Xian''s mouth twitched. He took a deep breath and said, "I''m nning to participate. Three years ago, one night, I suddenly felt a great deal of pressure lifted off me. These past three years, I haven''t been affected by inner demons or dreams. It''s a good opportunity to join the Golden List tournament, to rx."


    Rx?


    Others would probably suffer for it.


    Gu An mentally critiqued as he felt the residual spirit within Lv Xian''s body.


    Huh?


    One spirit less; it was seven spirits before, now only six remain.


    That night three years ago...


    Gu An suddenly thought of something¡ªcould it be that the Evil Emperor also left a remnant spirit in Lv Xian''s body?


    That didn''t make sense.


    What possible connection could the Evil Emperor have with Lv Xian?


    The Evil Emperor was a long-dead Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect, while Lv Xian was the biological son of Lv Baitian...


    Wait a second!


    Could it be that Lv Baitian had a connection with the Ephemera Sect?

 Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Path of Returning Primordial Spirit, Thoroughly Becoming a Dragon

    Gu An was merely puzzled in his mind and did not investigate the thoughts of Lv Baitian and Lv Xian.


    No matter what these people''s identities were or what schemes they harbored, as long as they did not affect him, he was toozy to bother.


    The human heart is unfathomable, and to investigate each one would be utterly exhausting.


    Gu An began to make idle conversation with Lv Xian, who now treated him with great respect, daring not to show the slightest frivolity.


    After chatting for quite a while, Gu An finally departed.


    Everyone in the valley had grown ustomed to him not spending the night in Tianya Valley.


    After Gu An left, Lv Xian found Yi Liuyun and began to spar to prepare for the Golden List Tournament.


    Only two years remained until the Golden List Tournament.


    ¡­


    As the years gently passed by, thends of the nine dynasties entered a period of peace, and the Supreme Sect''s Golden List Tournament attracted the attention of people from all over, bing a grand event seen once in a century.


    Two yearster, as the Golden List Tournament approached, cultivators crossed over Mystic Valley each day.


    Unlike before, the Supreme Sect deployed many disciples to patrol, protecting all the servant disciples of the outer sect and maintaining its image as the orthodox authority under heaven.


    Seventy-two-year-old Gu An was in the attic receiving Ye Lan.


    The first batch of disciples who had gone to train on the Nine Nether Road had all returned, ready to participate in the Golden List Tournament and bring glory to the Supreme Sect.


    Having not seen her for many years, Ye Lan''s disposition had matured, now possessing the elegance of a talented female cultivator. She remembered Gu An''s words and continued to practice the Daoist Expansion Skill, hence her cultivation level had not increased.


    The two sat opposite each other chatting, with Ye Lan vividly describing the wonders of the Nine Nether Road, and Gu An listened with great interest.


    The Nine Nether Road, though called a road, might better be described as a secret realm teeming with demons and ghosts, having its own ecosystem and harboring many exceptional heaven-and-earth treasures.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ye Lan mentioned encountering cultivators and demons fromnds outside the nine dynasties during her journey on the Nine Nether Road. Listening to her descriptions, Gu An imagined many scenes and found them very intriguing.


    After chatting for an ancient hour, Gu An eventually asked, "Are you going to participate in the Golden List Tournament?"


    Ye Lan nodded and replied, "Yes, the elder gave me an invitation, all hundred disciples from the Nine Nether Road must participate. The first Golden List Tournament must be conducted splendidly, and we cannot tarnish the Supreme Sect''s reputation."


    Gu An blinked, feeling a bit helpless.


    Could he not even give out the invitations he held?


    Shen Zhen, Gu Yu, and Zuo Lin all had invitations, but the disciples in the valley, being of mediocre aptitude, would onlybor in vain and likely suffer if they participated.


    "Brother, why don''t you participate too? Although your cultivation level might not be up to par, your strength is no small matter," Ye Lan said with a gentleugh, always remembering that Gu An''s leg technique was very strong.


    Gu An''s cultivation level had not increased, and he likely spent most of his time practising his leg techniques, so his strength must indeed be formidable.


    Gu An said exasperatedly, "I can''t even defeat you, so participating in the Golden List Tournament would just be asking for trouble, wouldn''t it?"


    After hearing this, Ye Lan did not persuade him further and began to discuss the major events of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    It wasn''t until evening that Ye Lan finally left Mystic Valley.


    Gu An stood on the terrace with a smile on his face.


    Ye Lan''s maximum lifespan had increased by one year. Though trivial, it proved that the Daoist Expansion Skill was indeed somewhat effective.


    The maximum lifespans of Chu Jingfeng, Lu Jiujia, and Xiaochuan did not increase, likely rted to their level of dedication. Moreover, the spiritual energy of the Nine Nether Road was much denser than that of Medicine Valley.


    Gu An turned and went back inside to continue studying the Ziwei Array Chronicles.


    This book deepened Gu An''s mastery of formations, and he was moving closer to bing a true Mahayana cultivator.


    A Mahayana cultivator is not just about the cultivation level but also epasses rich life experiences and research into various auxiliary paths. Gu An did not need to cultivate and could use his time to umte knowledge in other areas.


    That night,


    Gu An secretly went to the North Sea Mountain Ridge, where he hid under a tree, activated the Life Span Barrier, and then invested 50,000 years of life span into the Daoist Expansion Skill.


    Since the Daoist Expansion Skill was effective, he decided to enhance it and see what would happen.


    Alerts crazily appeared before Gu An''s eyes, and eventually, the Daoist Expansion Skill advanced to the Daoist Mystic Skill!


    With just 20,000 years of life span, the Daoist Expansion Skill advanced to the Daoist Mystic Skill, and the remaining 30,000 years were just to enhance mastery.


    Gu An then invested another 50,000 years of life span.


    This time, during the cultivation evolution thatsted 20,000 years, the Daoist Mystic Skill advanced to the Primordial Reincarnation Skill!


    The quick addition of the word "Primordial" indicated that the Daoist Expansion Skill was not of a low grade to begin with, which is why currently only Ye Lan and Wuxin had mastered it.


    Afterwards, the Primordial Reincarnation Skill enabled him to master a divine skill called the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit.


    Gu An began to inherit the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, as Earth Spirit Energy surged into his body, and vast memories upied his mind.


    The Primordial Reincarnation Skill, possessing the mysteries of the Daoist Expansion Skill, also extended the secrets of umting cultivation level through countless lifetimes.


    After cultivating the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, one''s cultivation level would no longer increase, but by umting spiritual power, it could transform one''s aptitude. Unlike the Daoist Expansion Skill, which could remove restrictions only once per lifetime, this could be done repeatedly. The more cultivation level umted each time, the greater the transformation of aptitude.


    Furthermore, the Primordial Reincarnation Skill would also create a soul imprint. After a cultivator''s death and subsequent reincarnation, the memory of this skill would awaken once the person reached adulthood in the next life, umting life after life, until bing an immortal or until their soul perishes and the path of reincarnation ends.


    The Path of Returning Primordial Spirit, a type of sealing divine skill, is extremely dominant. It could suppress a living being''s cultivation level to a certain realm, or evenpletely seal it, turning someone into a mortal spirit without cultivation!


    Those subjected to this seal could only be freed using the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit. Even if a being of great power far surpassing Gu An''s cultivation level tried to help, it would cause spiritual power to run wild, leading the sealed person''s cultivation to be chaotic and die instantly.


    After understanding this divine skill, Gu An quite liked it.


    He justcked such methods!


    As for the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, he considered it mastered and was toozy to spend more time on it. He was not concerned about myriad lifetimes, just this lifetime!


    However, this skill could indeed be used by those he cared about.


    Through the memories of the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, Gu An came to a harsh realization.


    Nine Layers of Immortal Path, eachyer harder than thest.


    The firstyer is Nirvana, but what is Nirvana? It''s the state where Mortal Spirits shed their mortality. Before reaching Nirvana, a lifespan cannot exceed ten thousand years, but only after Nirvana can one undergo a fundamental transformation in life, dramatically increasing lifespan.


    Gu An suddenly realized that the maximum lifespan might not only represent talent but could also represent the longest time each being could exist in the world, essentially a measure of one''s life.


    For example, An Hao could use nearly ten thousand years to pursue the realm of Nirvana, whereas Ye Lan had less than two hundred years. Regardless of how many opportunities thetter had, it was all in vain.


    The Daoist Expansion Skill could help Ye Lan extend her time in the world, but only to a limited extent. Even if Ye Lan mastered the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, her lifespan could at most increase several times.


    Gu An slowly opened his eyes, his gaze profound.


    "Heavenly Destiny..."


    ...


    With the arrival of summer, the Golden List conference of the Supreme Sect proceeded as scheduled.


    Participants of the Golden List conference were all cultivators under five hundred years of age, whose foundational qualities would be specifically tested by the Supreme Sect.


    Li Ya gave Gu An the entry post for the Golden List conference, which he did not know whom to give and felt it wasteful to discard, so he chose to register. Leveraging his youth of seventy-two years, he sessfully registered.


    The Golden List conference unfolded in one-on-one battles, with no fixed duration, continuing untilpletion. The Supreme Sect would heal the injured to maintain participants'' condition as much as possible.


    The Supreme Sect would set up a special formation that allowed the more advanced cultivator to suppress their tendency to dominate by matching their opponent''s level, ensuring a level of fairness.


    When the Golden List conference began, Gu An was watching from the eaves of an Outer Sect building with Ye Lan. They were sitting opposite each other, a small table between them, apanied by Spirit Melons, Spirit Fruits, and fine wine.


    Following their gaze upwards, a massive light screen hovered above the Outer Sect, reflecting scenes ofbat.


    Gu An did not recognize the two cultivators currently engaged inbat, but that didn''t stop him from enjoying the spectacle.


    Ye Lan, peeling fruits for Gu An, said, "Brother, the cultivation technique you passed on to me is too difficult, even more so than the previous one. I don''t know when I''ll be able to master it."


    Gu An replied, "Cultivation, huh, it''s never easy."


    The Daoist Expansion Skill could at most double the lifespan, while the Primordial Reincarnation Skill could increase it several times. If Ye Lan managed to master it, living up to eight hundred years in this life could not be considered impossible.


    For someone with Ye Lan''s talent, this was already a tremendous blessing.


    Ye Lan smiled and said, "I will definitely master it, don''t worry."


    At that moment, a thunderous roar of excitement surged through the city.


    It turned out that the first battle had concluded.


    "The winner is Duan Xu from the me Sect of the Great Zhao Dynasty!"


    Gu Zong''s voice emanated from within therge light screen, stirring discussions throughout the city.


    Ye Lan looked at the light screen andughed, "That''s truly impressive."


    Gu An nodded, then raised his cup to drink.


    "Brother Gu!"


    A voice came from the side, and Gu An and Ye Lan turned to see Wu Jue appearing on a nearby rooftop, looking at them with a very unpleasant expression.


    Having not seen him in five years, Wu Jue''s cultivation was still at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, but his Qi-Blood was entirely different from before.


    After neglecting him for five years, his life span must have skyrocketed, right?


    Gu An had the feeling of opening a blind box as he cautiouslyunched a Life Span Detection towards him.


    [Wu Jue (ninth level of Foundation Establishment): 74/350/7600]


    Seventy-six hundred years!


    Goodness!


    The guy hadpletely be a dragon now!


    Wu Jue suddenly appeared on the rooftop where Gu An and Ye Lan were, standing seven steps away. He frowned and asked, "And who is thisdy? Are you being fair to Ms. Shen?"


    With that said, Ye Lan narrowed her eyes and looked at Gu An, asking, "Who is Ms. Shen?"


    Gu An, feeling pressured, immediately said, "This is my junior, Ye Lan. What does Ms. Shen count forpared to her? My rtionship with Ms. Shen is merely social."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Lan''s expression softened.


    Wu Jue said angrily, "Never mind Ms. Shen, why didn''t you look for me after you were done with your tasks?"


    Ye Lan was stunned.


    She had thought that Wu Jue had some connection with Ms. Shen and hade to defend her honor, but his tone changed so suddenly.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "Why are you speaking so loudly? I didn''t want to disturb your cultivation. What, do you want to fight me now?"


    Wu Jue, with his face flushed with anger, muttered, "How could I possibly fight you..."


    Ye Lan could sense that Wu Jue was not simple, observing his embarrassed appearance made her even more curious about his rtionship with Gu An.


    Then, Gu An gestured for Wu Jue to sit down. Although reluctant, Wu Jue still sat beside Gu An.


    "Junior sister, this is a friend I made, Wu Jue. He is also participating in the Golden List conference." Gu An introduced.


    Ye Lan nodded at Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue scratched his head and said, "I''m able to participate in the Golden List conference thanks to a pass from Brother Gu."


    Ye Lan looked at Gu An, her gaze skeptical.


    Brother''s methods are quite impressive.


    He registered himself and still managed to get a pass for someone else.

 Chapter 128: Chapter 128 Three Pure Ones Mountain Divine Skills, The So-Called Fairness

    Gu An, Ye Lan, and Wu Jue enjoyed drinking wine and eating fruit while watching the battles of the Golden List Conference. They hadn''t been scheduled topete in the past few days, so they were just watching the excitement.


    Ye Lan and Wu Jue had be familiar with each other, and Wu Jue was no longer so constrained.


    It wasn''t until the fifth day that it was Wu Jue''s turn topete.


    Taking advantage of his absence, Ye Lan asked with curiosity, "Senior Brother, who is his mentor? He seems quite remarkable."


    She had seen much of the world and could discern that Wu Jue was no ordinary individual.


    Wu Jue''s temperament had transformed after multiple moments of Path Enlightenment, and even with his ordinary appearance and dress, he exuded an unforgettable aura.


    "His mentor has passed away, and he has been an orphan since childhood. I saw eye to eye with him and am considered his only friend. For the past five years, I deliberately didn''t go to see him; that''s why he got so angry," Gu An replied.


    After hearing this, Ye Lan felt both sympathy for Wu Jue and found it amusing.


    She eximed, "Senior Brother, you really are..."


    "What?"


    "Nothing."


    Ye Lan''s gaze shifted to the huge screen in the sky, and Gu An followed her gaze.


    The twopetitors on the screen were extraordinary¡ªone was a young Taoist in a green robe, and the other was a warrior in battle armor wielding a long weapon.


    Gu An immediately discerned that bothpetitors were of a higher realm than those before.


    The green-robed Taoist was likely in the Divinity Transformation Realm, while the armored warrior was a Void Crossing Realm cultivator.


    Both were under five hundred years old, absolute top-tier geniuses.


    Above the Core Formation Realm, it''s not possible to excel simply by throwing resources at one''s cultivation.


    The battle was expected to be thrilling, but the green-robed Taoist quickly raised his hand to form a seal and cast a Daoist character shining with green light. The character was a hundred zhang high and wide, resembling a mountain, and collided with the warrior at breakneck speed. The warrior spat blood and was sent flying out of the fight, unable to continue.


    Although the armored warrior was constrained to fight in the Divinity Transformation Realm, his rapid defeat took Gu An by surprise.


    With his keen eye, Gu An could tell that the green-robed Taoist''s Daoist Seal held the mystery of divine skills.


    The single move that defeated the enemy caused a stir throughout the city!


    "The victor is Sage Xuan Miao from Three Pure Ones Mountain of the Chentang Dynasty."


    The voice of an elder rang out from the screen, ensuring everyone would remember the name of the green-robed Taoist.


    Ye Lan marveled, "Three Pure Ones Mountain is indeed formidable. I''ve witnessed it on the Nine Nether Road before. Three Pure Ones Mountain is the Chentang Dynasty''s number-one Sect, with few disciples, but each one is formidable. It''s said that there was once an Immortal from Three Pure Ones Mountain, though I''m not sure if it''s true."


    Gu An silently noted the name of this Sect; Sage Xuan Miao''s Daoist Seal was indeed powerful, enough to showcase the deep foundation of Three Pure Ones Mountain''s Daoist tradition.


    An ancient hourter.


    It was finally Wu Jue''s turn to make a move.


    The battles in the Foundation Establishment Realm weren''t as exaggerated as Sage Xuan Miao''s, so many people weren''t looking forward to them much.


    However, as soon as Wu Jue threw a punch, the earth-shattering momentum immediately caught the attention of everyone in the city.


    With each punch thrown, like the zing sun erupting forth, the fiery wind of his fist made it difficult for his opponent to defend.


    Each of Wu Jue''s punches was filled with a sense of power and was incredibly domineering.


    After eight punches, his opponent was forced to kneel on the ground, continuously spitting blood.


    "The victor is Wu Jue from the Supreme Sect of the Taicang Dynasty."


    Discussion buzzed throughout the city as people began to talk about Wu Jue.


    Ye Lan was stunned; she knew Wu Jue was no ordinary fighter, but she hadn''t expected him to be this formidable.


    Gu An''s mouth curved upward; he knew that Wu Jue''s legendary life was about to begin.


    The Sunset Fist, seemingly so ordinary, had been perfected by Wu Jue to the point of reaching the Transformation Realm, even showing signs of further advancement.


    It seems that Path Enlightenment could indeed enhance one''s understanding of Fist Techniques!


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An met with Lv Baitian in the pavilion; it had been months since theyst saw each other, and Lv Baitian was full of vigor, his face brimming with smiles.


    He opened his right hand, and a bead appeared in his palm. Heughed and said, "This is a Supreme-Grade Magic Artifact, the Thousand-Shadow Pearl. Spend the next couple of days refining it, and use it at the end of the month at the conference."


    Gu An took the Thousand-Shadow Pearl with a bittersweet smile and asked, "You still want me to keep winning?"


    In the recent days of the Golden List Conference, there had been cultivators winning by relying on Magic Artifacts. ording to the rules, each cultivator could only bring one Magic Artifact or one set of Formations, ensuring rtive fairness. Sword Cultivators, Array Repairers, and others all needed to use Magic Artifacts; prohibiting them outright would unfairly disadvantage them.


    Even with the limitation to a single Magic Artifact, victories thanks to Magic Artifacts had already urred, leading to public disapproval across the cities.


    Lv Baitianughed and said, "I have already nned your opponents and Combat times. You still have time. I don''t expect you to be world-renowned, but if you can get close to the top five hundred, it would be a solid foundation."


    With the gathering of geniuses from nine Dynasties, naturally, the top five hundred would all be exceptional.


    Gu An had intended to just go through the motions, but he hadn''t expected Lv Baitian to y such a hand.


    "Sect Leader, fairness, let''s not forget those two words," Gu An reminded helplessly.


    Lv Baitian''s methods were too far from the Righteous Path!


    But on second thought, he realized that his own past actions were also unorthodox, including his Cultivation Techniques.


    Unconcerned, Lv Baitian replied, "How is it unfair? Those heirs of great ns, who amongst them isn''t using their family''s resources? I''m giving you a Magic Artifact, and they have elders from their ns to assist them as well. As for arranging opponents, it''s just giving you a bit of luck. I''m not harming your opponents, and the final victory still depends on individual strength."


    Gu An fiddled with the Thousand-Shadow Pearl, somewhat hesitant.


    "If you enter the top five hundred, I will reward you with a Rank Six Spirit Tree!" Lv Baitian said earnestly.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately gripped the Thousand-Shadow Pearl and said, "s, since that''s the case, I can only do my utmost."


    Ly Baitian rose to his feet and chuckled, "Alright, start refining the restrictions early. The most difficult restriction has been refined by me, the remaining won''t stump you."


    Then, he left the attic.


    Gu An did not see him off but looked at the Thousand-Shadow Pearl in his hand, lost in thought.


    ...


    The Golden List Tournament was going tost for several months, and Gu An had to take care of Medicine Valley, so he didn''t go there to watch the event every day. Ye Lan and Wu Jue also had to prepare for battle.


    It was not until the end of the month that Gu An''s opponent arrived, the Golden List Token he had exchanged for was a magic artifact specially used for sending messages. At dawn that day, the Golden List Token emitted a sound, instructing him to go and wait.


    Each Outer City had a Teleportation Array for the Golden List Tournament, which was easy to find.


    After Gu An was teleported to the venue of the Golden List Tournament, he began to wait patiently.


    This ce was a vast valley, divided in half, with one side as the waiting area and the other as thebat area. Thebat area was several miles long, surrounded by mountains with formations set up to iste it from the world.


    "Gu An, you''re participating too? Not afraid of getting beaten up?" A light, mocking voice came through.


    Without turning his head, Gu An knew Shen Zhen was approaching him.


    "Hmm, I''ll give it a try," Gu An said calmly.


    The recent plot of Supreme Secret Records displeased him. In the book, the character Gu An bullied a fragile girl. Even though it was a misunderstanding, his behavior was somewhat overbearing, which made him view Shen Zhen less favorably as well.


    Seeming to understand this, Shen Zhen didn''t mind his attitude at all, instead smiling and saying, "If you encounter me, I won''t show any mercy, but if you speak nicely to me, I might just let you win."


    "A man of dignity shouldn''t be humiliated by you," Gu An nced at her and snorted coldly.


    Shen Zhen burst intoughter, bumping Gu An with her shoulder, "Don''t be angry, that book is ending soon, and I''m tired of it. Once the Golden List Tournament is over, I will go into seclusion for cultivation, and you might not see me for decades."


    On hearing this, Gu An''s expression softened and he asked, "Could it be you have gained some enlightenment from the paintings?"


    "Exactly, perhaps I''m on the verge of achieving the Dao," Shen Zhen chuckled proudly.


    Big talk!


    Gu An began to chat with Shen Zhen, waiting for his turn.


    Suddenly.


    A woman teleported in, her presence catching Gu An''s attention.


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera!


    How has shee again?


    Thinks Supreme Sect is unmanned?


    Toe and go as she pleases?


    Gu An thought to himself, though his gaze did not shift to the Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    Even though the Ghost Mother of Ephemera intended to make him the Sect Hierarch, he remained resistant to her.


    It couldn''t be helped; this person had actually sent a fifthyer Mahayana Realm evil being right in front of him. If he didn''t possess Life Span Detection, he really wouldn''t have noticed the Evil Emperor was not dead.


    Too dangerous!


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera now took the form of another woman, seemingly using a soul transposition technique.


    She also did not pay attention to Gu An, as she probably didn''t remember him at all.


    Half an hourter, Shen Zhen won her match and was teleported out of the valley.


    After another hour, it was finally Gu An''s turn.


    His opponent was weak, merely an Elixir Formation Realm cultivator. Suppressing his own level to the Foundation Establishment Realm, Gu An fought for dozens of moves before finally defeating his opponent with the Thousand-Shadow Pearl.


    For the spectators, this battle was rather dull, with only a few remembering Gu An.


    Just like that.


    Summer passed and autumn came, and Gu An had been through threebats, all evenly matched and narrowly victorious.


    Even now, there were still a thousand participants in the tournament.


    Supreme Sect didn''t mind the lengthy event. During this time, the ie from spirit stones in each city doubled¡ªit was an insane profit.


    After three months ofbat, a batch of talents had emerged, with An Hao being the most prominent, unbeatable by anyone. He hadn''t even used the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword; he was using spells learned from the Supreme Sect to crush all opponents effortlessly.


    Following him were Lv Xian, Sage Xuan Miao, and other geniuses from the Dynasties. Each of the nine Dynasties had someone who made a name for themselves at the Golden List Tournament. Although Ji Xiaoyu didn''t participate, other descendants from the Ji Family showed considerable strength.


    The Golden List Tournament had spread throughout the domains of the nine Dynasties, capturing the attention of cultivators everywhere, making the name of Supreme Sect known across the other eight Dynasties, ever-rising in reputation.


    In the Taicang Dynasty, the names of organizations from the other eight Dynasties were also making their presence known¡ªperhaps that was one reason the other sects were responding.


    The Golden List Tournament was just a pastime for Gu An, he didn''t care about the ranking at all.


    At first, he found it exciting, but as his interest waned, he shifted his focus to cultivation.


    That day.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Word about an uing battle at the Golden List Tournament spread in advance.


    An Hao versus Li Ya!


    Li Ya had also shown his strength, proving himself to be within the top hundred contenders. Meeting An Hao, who was firmly locked in as the top contender, naturally garnered much attention.


    Gu An was in the Third Medicine Valley when he heard disciples flying overhead on their swords, shouting as they passed, arousing his interest to go watch the battle at the Outer City.


    He noticed disciples from various directions heading towards the Outer City, which made him marvel.


    Ly Baitian has finally mastered the art of marketing!


    Gu An was looking forward to it as well.


    Li Ya versus An Hao, who was stronger?


    The lives of both seemed like those of lead characters destined by heaven, just that their life trajectories were different.

 Chapter 129: Chapter 129 How Do You Also Know the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword?

    On the Combat Arena,


    Li Ya, dressed in ck, slowly took out the North Sea Heavy Sword from his back. His expression was cold and stern, his gaze set on the figure more than a hundred zhang away, his eyes brimming with the desire to fight.


    His opponent was none other than An Hao.


    An Hao stood tall and straight, dressed in luxurious blue clothes with a gold-threaded, purple-based belt, his long hair coiled under a silver crown iid with a Golden Phoenix. He fiddled with his wrist guard, equally exquisite. A gentle breeze tousled the ck hair on the sides of his cheeks, his smile radiantly confident.


    He slightly raised his chin, looking down at Li Ya with augh, "In the past, you''ve relied solely on the weight of your sword to defeat your enemies. This time, your opponent is me; don''t even think about holding back any strength."


    Li Ya asked, "An Hao, how old are you this year?"


    An Hao answered, "Forty, what of it?"


    A forty-year-old at the Elixir Formation Realm''s ninthyer...


    Li Ya fell silent, feeling envious just from hearing it.


    He took a deep breath, lifted the North Sea Heavy Sword, and dered, "Then let me see the might of the Supreme Sect''s number one genius!"


    As his words fell, he took a step forward, closing in on An Hao in three steps, and swung his sword, the hefty North Sea Heavy Sword stirring up a strong gust.


    An Hao used two fingers of his right hand as a sword, sending out Sword Qi from his fingertips to deflect and parry Li Ya''s sword moves.


    The sh of swords and the overflow of Sword Qi intertwined as their figures crossed ¡ª a fierce and swift battle unfolding, eliciting waves of cheers from the Outer City below.


    Gu An stood on the roof, looking up at the battle.


    Wu Jue suddenly joined him, gazing together at the light screen in the sky,menting with a sense of admiration, "These two are quite impressive."


    "Of course, they are celebrated talents of the Supreme Sect, after all," Gu An responded.


    Both An Hao and Li Ya were at the Elixir Formation Realm, but the battle they showed far surpassed that of other talents at the same realm.


    Li Ya wielded tremendous power, his moves carrying a wild momentum as if he could split mountains and sever rivers.


    An Hao was light and graceful, facing Li Ya''s sword techniques with ease.


    They moved rapidly, so fast that the majority of the disciples within the Outer Sect couldn''t keep up with their speed, only catching glimpses of their whereabouts through the shes of their swords.


    ng!


    An Hao flipped over, wielding his arm, his Sword Qi forcing Li Ya''s legs to bend and the North Sea Heavy Sword atop his head to tremble ¡ª a testament to An Hao''s significant strength.


    Li Ya hadn''t anticipated that An Hao would match the force of someone who had taken the Dragon Image Divine Primordial, leaving him feeling immense pressure.


    Boom!


    A terrifying Sword Intent erupted, sending An Hao flying. An Hao somersaulted in the air andnded steadily a hundred zhang away.


    An Hao looked at Li Ya in surprise but then his face broke into a wild smile.


    The watching light screen was capable of transmitting part of thebat''s oppressive force, enabling the audience to realize the battle was genuine. Therefore, as Li Ya''s Sword Intent was unleashed, the whole Supreme Sect was electrified.


    "That''s Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent!"


    "Li Ya actually received the inheritance of Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "I''ve spent several days at the Heavenly Repair tform; that''s definitely Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent!"


    "Li Ya is so impressive, I never thought he''d be the strongest among the royal offspring!"


    "He''s even more formidable than his sister Li Xuanyu!"


    Gu An''s city was also caught in a chorus of shock, as Li Ya''s use of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword amazed countless people.


    Wu Jue, feeling the force of the Sword Intent expressed his admiration, "That''s incredibly powerful. I feel like it won''t be easy to defeat him."


    Gu An nced at him.


    Just not that easy?


    Li Ya, surrounded by Sword Intent, stood up straight. He raised his sword pointing it from afar at An Hao, his ck hair whipping wildly, his ck robe fluttering noisily, his aura drastically changing, his face so stern.


    "The battle is just beginning now."


    Li Ya stated coldly, not having expected to be forced to use the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword so early on. He could only me his bad luck for facing An Hao ahead of time.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Now that the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword had been employed, he felt the battle could end.


    Even if An Hao had not yet used his powerful spells, no spell couldpare to the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    An Hao hadprehended Sword Intent before, but the news had been sealed. Li Ya, who had been away for many years, was oblivious to An Hao''sbat methods.


    However, seeing An Haoughing left Li Ya quite puzzled.


    Has this guy gone mad?


    An Hao patted his clothes, his mouth curving upward.


    Boom!


    An overwhelming Sword Intent, far surpassing Li Ya''s, exploded, causing the entire valley to shake. The fierce Sword Qi above An Hao''s head condensed into a colossal face, looking down at Li Ya.


    Before this giant face of Sword Qi, Li Ya seemed so insignificant, his own Sword Qi practically inconsequential.


    "How is this possible! How do you also know the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword?"


    Li Ya eximed, his face showing disbelief.


    The Inner Sect was also filled with countless exmations; An Hao had also received the inheritance of Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera stood on the Heavenly Repair tform, her eyes fixed on the screen above, her brows tightly knitted, revealing a look of shock.


    The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, hidden from the Mortal World for thousands of years, had re-emerged, and suddenly three inheritors appeared?


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera, well aware of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword''s origins, was startled and her reverence for Sword Venerable Fudao deepened.


    She could tell that these two were able to wield the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword surely because of their connection with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Within the light screen,


    An Hao soared, gazing down at Li Ya from on high, with augh saying, "Since we''re both students of the same mentor, let''s see whose Sword Intent is stronger!"


    He raised his right hand, with the palm facing Li Ya, and the smile on his face disappeared.


    When Li Ya executed the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, he felt a kinship with Li Ya and identified him as a fellow disciple of their master.


    But even between brothers, he would not show mercy.


    He, An Hao, was born to be the strongest!


    All his opponents must submit at his feet!


    An Hao''s gaze intensified, the giant sword qi visage widened its eyes, and countless shadows of swords swept out like a gxy, with an overwhelming momentum that was unstoppable.


    Li Ya''s hands clutched his sword as he lifted it to strike, showcasing the strongest sword move he knew.


    He clenched his teeth, his face contorted, roaring in his heart, "I cannot lose!"


    The two waves of sword intent collided, with sword light enveloping the entire city.


    Wu Jue''s face was illuminated by the sword light, and he was momentarily spellbound.


    "An Hao is so strong, I''m no match for him..." Wu Jue muttered to himself.


    If his opponent were Li Ya, he would still have some confidence, but An Hao''s strength left him utterly disheartened.


    Gu An watched the battle expressionlessly.


    He was pleased with the progress of An Hao and Li Ya, but the imminent serious injury to Li Ya made it hard for him to feel happy.


    He even suspected that Lv Baitian had arranged this on purpose. Lv Baitian had always been displeased with Li Xuandao, so did he arrange for An Hao to target Li Xuandao''s most beloved son?


    No matter what, Li Ya''s journey ended here, unable to even break into the top five hundred.


    A few momentster, the sword''s might dissipated.


    The ground shattered, and Li Ya, covered in blood,y on the ground, his ck clothes torn and no longer having the strength to stand up.


    "The winner is An Hao from the Supreme Sect of the Taicang Dynasty!"


    When the Elder announced the result, the entire city was exhrated, marveling at An Hao''s strength.


    Previously, An Hao had never used such a powerful sword move but always easily defeated his enemies. This time, everyone saw just how astonishing An Hao''s sword qi and Spiritual Power were; he seemed not just an Elixir Formation Realm cultivator but could easily pass for someone in the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Gu An looked towards Wu Jue and said, "If you encounter An Hao, don''t try to take him head-on."


    Within their realm, whoever faced An Hao was bound to be eliminated.


    Even Wu Jue, who had experienced Path Enlightenment multiple times, was no exception.


    Looking at all the cultivators present, probably only Gu An could defeat An Hao, but he had no intention to do so, and Lv Baitian would not allow him to face An Hao either.


    "You too," Wu Jue said, his voice low.


    Gu An smiled; this kid was quite interesting.


    ...


    The news of An Hao''s inheritance from Sword Venerable Fudao spread like a whirlwind across the Immortal Cultivation World. As for the defeated Li Ya, many believed he had gained Sword Intent on the Heavenly Repair tform rather than being the true inheritor of Sword Venerable Fudao. His Sword Intent was far inferior to An Hao''s even though both used the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword.


    An Hao''s fame skyrocketed while Li Ya was quickly forgotten.


    After his defeat, Li Ya did not seek out Gu An, probably recovering from his injuries in seclusion within his cave.


    Ten dayster.


    Inside Tianya Valley, Gu An met Li Xuandao.


    Li Xuandao waved at him from a distance, and he immediately went over.


    Lv Xian, Yi Liuyun, and Luo Hun were also seated around a table. Seeing Gu Aning over, Luo Hun considerately got up to offer his seat.


    "How is Li Ya doing?" Li Xuandao asked with a chuckle, seemingly not distressed by Li Ya''s defeat.


    Gu An noticed that his Cultivation Level had risen again, already at the thirdyer of the Void Crossing Realm.


    To be honest, Gu An was quite curious to see Li Xuandaopeting in the Golden List; he felt that Li Xuandao could make it into the top ten.


    Li Xuandao was not yet three hundred years old and eligible topete in the Golden List. Being at the thirdyer of the Void Crossing Realm before three hundred, he was definitely one of the top geniuses in the world.


    "I''m not sure, he hasn''te to me," Gu An replied.


    Li Xuandao mused, "Losing to An Hao is not a disgrace; An Hao''s reputation has spread to the other eight dynasties, and everyone acknowledges his talent."


    Not to mention his strength, An Hao''s rapid breakthroughs alone left him unparalleled.


    Jiang Qiong reached Core Formation at forty and considered herself extraordinarily gifted. At forty, An Hao was already at the threshold of Nascent Soul Formation. He dyed only because of the Golden List.


    An Hao at Nascent Soul Realm level one, facing a Nascent Soul Realm level nine genius, would likely have a huge expenditure even if he could win. But if the opponent were brought down to his level, Core Formation Realm level nine, there would be no doubt about the oue.


    Gu An nodded and said, "An Hao is indeed powerful, Senior Brother Li just had bad luck."


    Lv Xian snorted, "No matter, I will avenge Li Ya."


    He had participated in three Combat events, and no one hadsted more than ten moves against him.


    Li Xuandao looked at Gu An and said, "I have sent your disciple Ye Yan to the Three Pure Ones Mountain of the Chentang Dynasty for training. When hees back, he will surely be transformed."


    Ye Yan?


    Gu An remembered that disciple who always held a spear and was surprised he had such a fortune.


    Of course, he also understood that Li Xuandao was hinting at something; without his arrangements, Ye Yan would certainly not have had this opportunity.


    "Thank you, Uncle," Gu An immediately said.


    Li Xuandao then said, "Tell me, if I can win over Sword Venerable Fudao, could I firmly secure my throne?"


    Gu An replied, "Even without him, you could hold it firmly."


    Hearing this, Li Xuandaoughed out loud.


    Yi Liuyun and Lv Xian didn''tugh; they shared the same opinion.


    Li Xuandao''s expression turned serious and said, "I already know who Sword Venerable Fudao is."

 Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Breakthrough and Battle in the Dead of Night

    "Who is it?"


    The one who asked these two words was not Gu An, but Lv Xian, and Yi Liuyun also looked curiously towards Li Xuandao.


    The reputation of Sword Venerable Fudao was truly immense, to the extent that some people already regarded him as the foremost cultivator in the Taicang Dynasty!


    Li Xuandao''s mouth curved into a smile as he said, "He has a close rtionship with Li Ya."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s heart trembled.


    How did he guess this step?


    Lv Xian furrowed his brows and asked, "Li Ya? What kind of rtionship?"


    Li Xuandao shook his head and said, "The specific details I cannot tell you, lest I offend the elder."


    Elder?


    Gu An''s heart rxed somewhat.


    Afterward, Li Xuandao talked about other prodigies named in the Golden List gathering, expressing high admiration for the Supreme Sect''s organization of the event and noting that Lv Baitian seemed to have be enlightened, no longer as foolish and domineering as before.


    After discussing for an ancient hour, only then did Li Xuandao let Gu An go to work.


    This time, he had brought a batch of high-rank saplings, which had piqued Gu An''s intrigue.


    The grade and rank of the herbs in Tianya Valley were also continuously improving, indirectly proving that Li Xuandao''s power was increasing.


    Although all the herbs in Tianya Valley belonged to Li Xuandao, Gu An was able to harvest a continuous supply of life span from them, so he hoped that Li Xuandao would continue to thrive.


    Ah, and he hoped that Lv Baitian would thrive as well, so that everyone could get along harmoniously!


    After all, in immortal cultivation, the temporary wins and losses are not important¡ªwhoever lives the longest is the true winner.


    ...


    At the end of autumn, relying on the Thousand-Shadow Pearl, Gu An narrowly made it into the top five hundred of the Golden List gathering.


    In the uing matches, he nned to lose.


    Although he had won repeatedly, Gu An had not established a reputation because his victories were too difficult, the battles were unimpressive, and his opponentscked renown.


    At noon, within Mystic Valley.


    Gu An was instructing Ye Lan on the Primordial Reincarnation Skill. Ye Lan had already been eliminated, but rather than being discouraged, she felt more determined.


    After chatting for several ancient hours, Ye Lan''s many confusions about the Primordial Reincarnation Skill had been resolved.


    "Senior brother, your achievement in this technique is truly high; it seems you have diligently practiced it in secret, no wonder your cultivation level doesn''t increase," Ye Lan remarked.


    She felt even more reverence towards Sword Venerable Fudao. It wasn''t only his mastery of the Sword Dao, but he also possessed such a miraculous technique.


    She was now convinced that Sword Venerable Fudao was Gu An''s master. Initially, it was with the Qinghong Sword that Gu An had sought out Sword Venerable Fudao, allowing him to save her.


    Once, she had suspected that Gu An was Sword Venerable Fudao, but the cultivation realm disyed by Sword Venerable Fudao was so high, it simply didn''t match Gu An''s age.


    Gu An did not refute, and this exnation suited him just fine.


    He raised his right hand, pulled a storage bag through the air, and handed it to Ye Lan, saying, "Take this back with you and cultivate well."


    Ye Lan did not check it. She clipped the storage bag to her belt and then stood up, saying, "By the way, senior brother, it''s best to keep your distance from Brother Li Ya for the time being. The higher-ups are investigating all members of the Li family within the sect. The intentions aren''t clear, but they''re definitely not good."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s face showed a puzzled expression, but he nodded his head and stood up to send his junior sister off.


    The investigation of the Li family members by the Supreme Sect did not cause Gu An to worry, as this was not the first time such an event had urred.


    The Supreme Sect, though the foremost sect of the righteous path in Taicang, had never ceased its internal strife.


    As for whether it would harm Li Ya, that was not Gu An''s concern; he couldn''t always be watching over Li Ya.


    Everyone has their life journey. No matter whether it is good or bad, as long as one perseveres, that experience belongs to them.


    Several dayster, Gu An went to participate in the Golden List gathering; facing his opponent, he conceded directly, leaving his opponent astounded.


    A monthter, the top hundred were announced!


    Only Wu Jue was at the Foundation Establishment Realm, while the other cultivators were at least at the Elixir Formation Realm. This news quickly spread, causing Wu Jue''s fame to soar.


    When Lv Baitian brought a sixth-grade Spirit Tree, Gu An couldn''t help but mention Wu Jue, hoping that Lv Baitian could find a good master for him.


    This made Lv Baitian regard Gu An with greater respect.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Such a fine talent was spotted by you in advance, and yet you say you''re not suited to be the sect leader?" Lv Baitian said with a chuckle.


    Gu Anughed and said, "It''s all destiny. There are so many prodigies within the Supreme Sect; it doesn''t reflect my discernment, only that the Supreme Sect has a profound foundation and great fortune."


    Lv Baitian was very satisfied with Gu An''s rhetoric. Regardless of whether it was sincere, it was very suitable for a sect leader.


    "About Wu Jue, I can''t promise you anything. He has already taken Zhou Yu as his master. You must understand, taking An Hao as a disciple, I''ve already confronted much opposition. I can''t take any other talented disciples as my own¡ªSupreme Sect isn''t governed by just one person''s word," Lv Baitian said meaningfully.


    Zhou Yu, one of the Venerable Pavilion in the Supreme Sect, held power even greater than the Hall of Elders.


    Having such a person as his master, Wu Jue''s future was boundless.


    Gu An thought of that true inheritor disciple who had no teacher-student rtionship with Lv Baitian, which precisely constrained him.


    It seems that within the Supreme Sect, taking disciples also involved weighing benefits and consequences.


    Of course, the main reason was still that Lv Baitian was not strong enough, at least unable to suppress the three major families with his own power alone.


    "I''m preparing to take action against the Li family, but rest assured, I won''t harm Li Ya," Lv Baitian continued to say.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately raised his hand and saluted him.


    Lv Baitian waved his hand and said, "After the Golden List conference is over, the Supreme Sect will soar, but there are still potential crises. Not to mention the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage at the other end of the Nine Nether Road, there are also those within the nine dynasties who wish to scheme against the Supreme Sect.


    To avoid unnecessary trouble, I will visit your Medicine Valley less frequently in the future. You must not indulge yourself any further. Focus on your cultivation, understand?"


    In the end, he sounded somewhat helpless.


    He had already imparted the Defying Fate Divine Skill to Gu An, but Gu An had yet to make any significant achievements with it.


    Gu An nodded and said, "I will manage the Medicine Valley well and not let the Supreme Sect down."


    Upon hearing this, Lv Baitian gave him a re, then stood up and left.


    Gu An hurriedly stood up to see him off.


    The great snow had already covered the Third Medicine Valley. The sky filled with snowkes seemed intent on burying everything between heaven and earth, and Lv Baitian''s figure soon disappeared into the vast snowy expanse.


    Time flew by.


    Another Spring Festival arrived, with the Golden List conference concluding the day before the festival.


    At dusk, Gu An arrived at Mystic Valley to celebrate the festival with the disciples.


    Zhen Qin had just returned from the Outer Sect, discussing the rankings of the Golden List conference with the disciples. After the conference, the Supreme Sect would publish a book detailing the biographies of the top hundred participants, representing a form of authority.


    An Hao took the top spot without any suspense.


    The second ce was not Lv Xian but Sage Xuan Miao from the Three Pure Ones Mountain. The final battle between Sage Xuan Miao and An Hao had be a marvelous tale,pletely making the name of the Three Pure Ones Mountain renowned throughout the Taicang Dynasty.


    Lv Xian ranked third, presumably depressed by now. Following him, the rankings were mostly dominated by geniuses from influential families. The Zhou, Gu, and Ji families upied thirty percent of the top hundred ces.


    The dominance of the three major families was clear for all to see!


    Wu Jue, with his Cultivation Level at the Foundation Establishment Realm, broke into the top twenty, but faced an overwhelming defeat against An Hao early on. Despite this, he had proven himself and had be a true genius.


    After sitting down, Gu An listened to the disciples excitedly discussing the Golden List conference and showed interest as well.


    The disciples also praised him; they all took pride in his being among the top five hundred.


    "Master, tomorrow I must leave for a mission, and I might not return for two or three years..."


    Zhen Qin sat beside Gu An speaking, while Gu An''s thoughts drifted afar.


    The high-rank medical herbs in the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion should be ready!


    ...


    Seven days after the Spring Festival had passed, that night, Gu An arrived at the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion. After harvesting the matured herbs, obtaining almost twenty thousand years of lifespan, he began nting.


    After years of cultivation, the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion was now filled with herbs of grade four and above, constantly providing him with lifespan.


    Relying on his current Medicine Valley alone, Gu An saw the doors to millions of years of lifespan drawing near.


    He had already begun contemting his next breakthrough.


    Reaching the Mahayana Realm was about to pull apart the Spiritual Energy of the North Sea Mountains. He would need to find a ce with more abundant Spiritual Energy for his next advancement.


    For his next breakthrough, Gu An nned to use at least five million years of lifespan to advance, and he was looking forward to what realm he could reach.


    After nting, Gu An sat down at the stone table, pouring himself some tea to enjoy a moment of leisure, while spreading his Divine Sense to check the movements in the North Sea Mountains.


    For cultivators, the North Sea Mountains were a great ce for training, and with the start of the Golden List conference, the struggles in the North Sea Mountains had intensified.


    Huh?


    Gu An suddenly saw a battle, one person in it catching his attention.


    Sage Xuan Miao of the Three Pure Ones Mountain!


    This genius, who had surpassed Lv Xian, left a deep impression on Gu An.


    Under the dark night, the fierce wind was rampant, various spells continuously falling, ravaging the mountains and forests.


    Sage Xuan Miao, holding a sword in his right hand and a horsetail whisk in his left, a Dharma Aspect with three heads and six arms condensed behind him. Facing the siege of several Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators, he was not at a disadvantage.


    This three-headed and six-armed Dharma Aspect contained far greater Spiritual Power than Sage Xuan Miao himself, and each of its six arms could execute different spells.


    This Divine Skill is impressive!


    Gu An sipped his tea while enjoying watching the battle.


    These dozens of cultivators probably weren''t a match for Sage Xuan Miao, but stealthily, a Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm was itching to move, and the odds seemed against Sage Xuan Miao.


    Gu An had no intention of intervening. Other people''s grudges and grievances were not his concern.


    Even if Sage Xuan Miao died here, it would just show he wascking in fate.


    Gu An only saved those rted to him.


    Thirty minutester, the covert Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm made a move, still with a sneak attack, dispersing Sage Xuan Miao''s Dharma Aspect with one strike, causing Sage Xuan Miao to vomit blood and crash into the forest.


    Seeing this, the injured Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators all heaved a sigh of relief, then praised the Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm.


    Just when Gu An thought Sage Xuan Miao was doomed, he suddenly sensed something and raised his eyebrows slightly.


    A whirlwind rose from the forest where Sage Xuan Miao had fallen, lifting trees into the night sky, while he meditated among the ruins, surrounded by aqua runes, which emitted rays of aqua light stars above his head, condensing into a massive gate.


    The gate slowly opened, streams of vast aura pouring out from within, causing the Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm''s expression to drastically change, prompting him to immediately turn and flee.


    "Where are you escaping to?"


    A hoarse voice echoed through the heavens and the earth.

 Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Can Sword Venerable Fudao Withstand the Power of Mahayana?

    Apanied by a mysterious voice echoing between heaven and earth, the cyan light portal burst open, and from it, a giant hand emerged. With a grasp across the void, it captured the fleeing Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator into its hold.


    The Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator was nearly scared to death. He struggled with all his might but could not break free. He even thought of letting his Primordial Spirit emerge, but was despaired to find his Primordial Spirit could not leave the body.


    "You... who exactly are you?"


    The Void Crossing Realm Great Cultivator cried out in rm, his voice filled with terror.


    The mysterious giant hand suddenly clenched, turning him into a mist of blood. His Primordial Spirit and Golden Core were both obliterated, ceasing to exist.


    The other Divinity Transformation Realm Cultivators, terrified, scurried away in a panic, while the mysterious hand did not strike again, simply retracting slowly back into the cyan light portal.


    Under the night sky, the wild wind still raged.


    The cyan runes surrounding Sage Xuan Miao began to dissipate, and the cyan light portal above his head vanished with them.


    "Puh¡ª" Sage Xuan Miao spat out a mouthful of blood, and his condition rapidly deteriorated. He continued to cultivate energy, regting his breath.


    Far away within the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, Gu An toyed with his teacup, his face showing a look of curiosity.


    The mysterious giant hand just now was definitely in the Mystic Heart Realm and above the fifth level, no less.


    No wonder Sage Xuan Miao dared toe alone to participate in the Golden List convention. He had a method of dealing with trouble at hand.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu An was very interested in this divine skill.


    Such a divine skill was both imposing and capable of protecting the younger generation. Even he, Sword Venerable Fudao, was tempted.


    At the same time, he was also full of curiosity about Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    That Three Pure Ones Mountain hid a Great Power above the fifth level of the Mystic Heart Realm, although not in the Mahayana Realm, was enough to surprise Gu An.


    Thends of the nine dynasties were indeed full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons!


    No wonder the Ephemera Sect previously dared to cause chaos only in the Taicang Dynasty, instead of directly sweeping across all nine dynasties.


    Gu An listened to Ye Lan before, that the number of disciples in Three Pure Ones Mountain wasn''trge, barely surpassing a thousand. With such a number, yet capable of bing the Chentang Dynasty''s foremost sect, it sufficiently demonstrated the multitude of Great Cultivators in Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    The Chentang Dynasty was not simple, either. The reason this dynasty was named Chentang was that the previous Tiantang Dynasty once nearly united thends of the nine dynasties. Later, the Emperor did something heaven-defying, provoking fury from the heavens, which brought down torrential rains, flooding the entire dynasty and causing the internal power structure to change.


    The Chentang Dynasty has the mostkes, with the vast majority of cities and sects located on inds. The torrential rains may have flooded a dynasty''snd, but they also caused an eruption in the dynasty''s spiritual energy, shrouding it in Spirit Mist all year round.


    Within the nine dynasties, the Chentang Dynasty was the most mysterious, with the most legends. Many believed that on those solitary inds hid Immortals.


    Gu An withdrew his gaze. Although he was very interested in Sage Xuan Miao''s divine skill, he was toozy to make acquaintances or provoke unnecessary attention.


    Being just one major realm higher than himself, it left no room for Gu An to becent.


    Grow cautiously, don''t be rash!


    A thousand yearster, how many major realms would he exceed over thends of the nine dynasties?


    He was very excited about that prospect!


    ...


    Clouds shrouded the skies, and mountains undted across the earth. The forests seemed to gather demons, ghosts, and goblins, and a vast pce sat between two mountains, with blood-red columns and eaves, radiating a terrifying presence.


    Inside the grand hall, a group of ck-robed figures knelt on the ground,prising humans, demons, and Soul Bodies.


    The man kneeling at the forefront wore a mask, concealing his true appearance. He spoke, "Sect Hierarch, the nine dynasties have collectively entered the Nine Nether Road and have impacted our grand scheme. Should we retreat or continue to lie in wait?"


    His voice was hoarse, and as he spoke, a chilling ghostly air seeped from beneath his mask.


    Standing above him on the stairs was a towering figure in arge ck robe. A blood dragon coiled on the robe, its fangs and ws as if ready to leap out at any moment.


    His white hair gently fluttered, and he wore a bone crown embellished with two slender horns, sharp to the extreme and glittering coldly.


    He was the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, known as Butcher Immortal Jing!


    Butcher Immortal Jing slowly turned around, revealing a pale and indifferent face. His eyes were blood-red, and on his forehead were marks of two evil ghosts. These ghosts were fused together, their bodies pitch-ck and having sharp ws¡ªutterly terrifying.


    "The nine dynasties, ridiculous. They even dare to step into the Nine Nether Road. Truly seeking death."


    Butcher Immortal Jing spoke coldly, and a gust of chilling wind blew into the grand hall, billowing the cloaks of all the followers.


    A ck-robed follower with a white tiger head spoke, "The nine dynasties all have Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators. Sword Venerable Fudao of the Supreme Sect is particrly inscrutable. To swallow up the nine dynasties before the demon cmity seems unlikely."


    Another ck-robed Soul Body added, "Our Golden Spirit Venerable and Night Cultivator Fairy were both killed by Sword Venerable Fudao. This person is the biggest obstacle to our swallowing the nine dynasties. His Cultivation Level is at least above the fifth level of the Mystic Heart Realm, and he might have already reached the eighth level."


    Boom¡ª


    Low thunder rumbled outside the hall, as if some fierce beast was roaring.


    "Hmph, Mystic Heart Realm eighth level? Then tell me, can Sword Venerable Fudao withstand the Mahayana Power?"


    Butcher Immortal Jing said with disdain, his white hair dancing. His eyes sparkled with malice.


    Mahayana Power!


    The masked man at the front replied, "It has been nearly ten thousand years since a Mahayana Realm tribtion appeared in thends of the nine dynasties. Naturally, he is no match for you. But if you act, might it affect your healing?"


    "Fools, all of you. Prepare to gather the followers. Once they are assembled, follow this Hierarch to sweep through thends of the nine dynasties. Remember to bring the Origin Tree of Ephemera!" Butcher Immortal Jing said expressionlessly.


    His words caused an uproar in the grand hall.


    "Sect Hierarch, you''re not thinking of directly..." The hoarse voice of the masked man betrayed his nervousness.


    "My mind is made up, all of you may leave."


    Butcher Immortal Jing flicked his sleeve, turning to walk into the darkness.


    The followers of the Ephemera Sect in the hall exchanged looks.


    ...


    Another night fell, and Gu An once again came to the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion. It had been half a month since hisst visit.


    He began by picking herbs and then sowing seeds. Afterpleting all these tasks, he did not rush to leave, as usual. He nned to spend the night alone here, enjoying the tranquility.


    He walked over to the old tree beside the wooden lodge and jumped onto the rope hammock he had woven half a month earlier. Twisting his body, he found afortable position to lie in.


    "Comfy¡­"


    Gu An revealed a content smile as he took out a travelogue and began to flip through it.


    Recently, he had made a trip to the Inner Sect and purchased many travelogues¡ªone to pass the time, and two to see if there was a better ce for breakthroughs than the North Sea Mountains.


    The cave mansion was tranquil, with asional fish leaping from the undergroundke, their movements echoing inside the cave mansion, creating a unique atmosphere.


    It wasn''t untilte at night that Gu An finally set aside the travelogue. He spread out his Divine Sense, wanting to see if there was any activity in the North Sea Mountains tonight.


    Every time he came here, he made a habit of observing the North Sea Mountains.


    Soon, Gu An''s attention was drawn to Sage Xuan Miao.


    This fellow is still here!


    He saw that Sage Xuan Miao had built a simple Taoist temple in the midst of the mountains. Aside from Sage Xuan Miao, there was also a young boy inside the temple.


    What are they up to?


    Gu An took a closer look and saw Sage Xuan Miao meditating in front of arge cauldron, with wisps of blue smoke rising from his head.


    And that boy, in the wooden hut nearby, was practicing martial arts¡ªa demon boy with a fox''s tail.


    Fascinating.


    Gu An watched for a while before retracting his gaze.


    Not until dawn was approaching did Gu An return to Mystic Valley.


    In the blink of an eye, half a year flew by.


    At the end of summer, after a heavy rain, Mystic Valley was extremely muggy.


    One morning, Li Ya came to visit Gu An, as usual, entering by climbing through the window. Gu An had to y along, pretending to be startled by his entrance.


    "Look at you, getting scared like that, even though you''re among the top five hundred on the Golden List." Li Yanded softly and hummed.


    Gu An got up to greet him, saying, "My ce in the top five hundred is due to good luck. You could have been in the top ten, if only you hadn''t run into An Hao too soon."


    At these words, Li Ya''s mouth twitched.


    He suspected that Gu An was deliberately provoking him, but seeing Gu An''s look of genuine sympathy, he couldn''t find it in him to retort.


    Little did he know, Gu An was indeed doing it on purpose.


    Stepping on my windowsill again!


    Li Ya walked over to the desk, pulled out a chair, and sat down before saying, "I''m leaving."


    "Where to? For how long?"


    Gu An asked casually before walking to the teapot stand to brew some tea.


    Li Ya answered, "My father, the Emperor, has ordered me to go to Three Pure Ones Mountain in the Chentang Dynasty to cultivate. Without decades, it''s unlikely that I can return."


    Three Pure Ones Mountain again!


    What''s the rtionship between Li Xuandao and Three Pure Ones Mountain? So close that he''s even sending two people there.


    Gu An couldn''t help but say, "That''s definitely a trip worth taking, after all, a disciple from Three Pure Ones Mountain has secured the second rank on the Golden List."


    "Sage Xuan Miao is indeed formidable. Even if I were to fight him, I probably wouldn''t be his match," Li Ya agreed.


    During the Golden List conference, Sage Xuan Miao was the only one who could fight An Hao for an entire 30 minutes.


    Gu An, with the freshly brewed tea, approached the desk and said, "Once you''re at Three Pure Ones Mountain, you should focus on solid cultivation and not get involved in unnecessary troubles, avoiding injuries."


    "Cough cough, aside from getting hurt by An Hao, I haven''t really been injured in these years."


    "Is that so?"


    "Would I lie to you?"


    The two started chatting idly, talking about Mystic Valley at times and the Golden List at others.


    It was not until noon that Li Ya finally stood up and said, "I should go now, Junior Brother Gu. I hope that when I return, your Cultivation Level will have increased. Entering the top five hundred of the Golden List is not something that can be achieved by mere luck. I believe you''ve found your own fortune, so do not waste the years. Strive to catch up with your elder brother soon."


    With that, Li Ya walked swiftly to the window and leapt out, leaving another footprint on the windowsill.


    Definitely on purpose!


    Gu An was helpless. Li Ya usually seemed quite serious, so why did he always have to y childish tricks on him?


    He stared out the window, his eyes turning profound.


    Why is Li Xuandao sending Li Ya away at this time? Could there be other reasons?


    And the Soul inside Li Ya, why has it be so weak?


    It feels like it could dissipate at any moment.


    Gu An shook his head; if he couldn''t figure something out, he simply decided not to think about it.


    Until night fell.


    Once again, Gu An arrived at Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion. He was just about to pick some herbs when he frowned.


    Why is Sage Xuan Miao nearby?


    The distance from Sage Xuan Miao''s Taoist temple to here was a good eight thousand miles. He couldn''t havee all this way by coincidence.


    At the same time.


    In the forest a dozen miles away, Sage Xuan Miao held apass in hand, muttering to himself as he moved forward, "It should be around this area. Who knows what kind of blessing..."

 Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Mountain God, Karmic Entanglement

    Gu An heard Sage Xuan Miao''s mutterings, which silenced him.


    "To seek blessing, theye to my home?"


    His gaze fell on thepass in Sage Xuan Miao''s hands, curious about what kind of treasure it was that could search for blessings, far more powerful than his White Spirit Rat.


    Ever since the Mystic Pure Tree had appeared, the White Spirit Rat spent all day napping and no longer went out to hunt for treasures; it was practically useless now.


    The forest at night was quiet and serene, with wisps of mist swirling among the trees. Sage Xuan Miao could see the figures of ghosts drifting past, but he remained indifferent.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A gust of wind blew from ahead, billowing Sage Xuan Miao''s Daoist robe and making him squint his eyes.


    "This is the Land of the Mountain God, forbidden to mortals."


    A voice, ethereal as mist, made Sage Xuan Miao halt, and he looked up, unable to see the speaker. Even when using divine sense to search, he could not detect the slightest sign of life.


    Sage Xuan Miao was sure he wasn''t hearing things, so he sped his hands in a salute and said, "I am Li Xuanmiao, a dedicated disciple of the Taiqing Lineage from Three Pure Ones Mountain of the Chentang Dynasty."


    Ast name Li?


    Li Xuanmiao, Li Xuandao¡ªif there''s no connection, Gu An wouldn''t believe it even if he were beaten to death.


    The mention of the Three Pure Ones also made Gu An think of the Three Pure Ones in the Daoist mythology of his previous life in the Huaxia world. Was there a connection?


    There probably wasn''t; otherwise, his writing of the Investiture of the Gods would have already caused trouble.


    Perhaps the way of the Three Pure Ones reflects across all heavens, with traces of the Three Pure Ones present in this world as well as in the Huaxia world?


    Gu An''s thoughts raced, but he did not immediately reply.


    Sage Xuan Miao continued, "Ie in search of blessing. May I have the honor of meeting the Mountain God?"


    He seemed not to question Gu An''s words, which made Gu An wonder.


    Could there actually be a Mountain God in the world, making the idea seem normal to Sage Xuan Miao?


    This made Gu An suddenly consider getting to know Sage Xuan Miao better to increase his understanding of this world.


    "Why do you seek the Mountain God?"


    Gu An''s voice rose once more, remaining elusive.


    Sage Xuan Miao said, "Meeting an immortal of the mortal world is an elusive fortune in life. Of course, I do have a selfish wish."


    Meeting the Mountain God thrilled him, even more meaningful than finding treasures.


    With his cultivation level of the Divinity Transformation Realm, he scanned in all directions, unable to find the other party, indicating an enormous disparity in cultivation levels. Even if the other wasn''t the Mountain God, they were a Great Cultivator whose realm far surpassed his own.


    The fact that the other did not attack him right away showed that they were not evil. Whether they were the Mountain God or not, it was worth making their acquaintance.


    Whoosh¡ª


    A strong gust of wind faced him, scattering leaves and forcing Sage Xuan Miao to raise his hand to shield himself.


    When the wind had passed, Sage Xuan Miao looked ahead, his pupils suddenly contracting, his face showing astonishment.


    Following his gaze, there was a tiny figure in white standing on arge tree ahead.


    That''s right!


    A tiny person!


    Just three inches tall, small enough to be held in one hand!


    This person wore white clothes and a theatrical mask on their face, appearing very mysterious.


    This white-clothed tiny person was Gu An, who had used the Great and Minor Ruyi Divine Power to shrink himself.


    Great and Minor Ruyi was a divine power awakened by the Primordial Ruyi Skill, which was itself his Energy Concealing Skill, transformed and evolved from the Energy Nurturing Skill.


    Sage Xuan Miao immediately knelt on one knee, raised his hand in salute, and said, "Li Xuanmiao pays respect to the Mountain God!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He could feel it wasn''t an illusion; it was the first time he had seen such a tiny person, which instantly made him believe the other was the Mountain God.


    He had never seen spells or divine powers that made one shrink, only spells that captured people in small spaces.


    Gu An leaped onto the tree branch, arriving at the tip, and looked down at Sage Xuan Miao, asking, "What treasure do you hold in your hand?"


    He cast a Life Span Detection.


    [Sage Xuan Miao (Fifth Layer of Divinity Transformation Realm): 198/900/4500]


    A maximum life span of four thousand five hundred years?


    It didn''t quite match his performance.


    It appears the legacy of Three Pure Ones Mountain is strong!


    Sage Xuan Miao promptly replied, "This is a treasure passed down through generations in my Three Pure Ones Mountain. If one keeps it close, and once the qi fate connects with the treasure, it will guide me to my destined fortune and hasten my growth process."


    As he spoke this, a smile adorned his face.


    Destined he was to meet the Mountain god!


    Gu An, however, thought to himself, could it be that Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion was supposed to belong to Sage Xuan Miao?


    Indeed possible. If it weren''t for him possessing a Golden Finger simr to a system, he wouldn''t havee to the North Sea mountains to undergo tribtion, wouldn''t have caused the rupture of Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, and the Cave Mansion wouldn''t naturally belong to him.


    In this light, it was Gu An who seized Sage Xuan Miao''s opportunity.


    Sage Xuan Miao then said, "Senior Mountain God, I have just taken a disciple, but he is afflicted with severe poison, and I am unable to cure him. Could you possibly take a look at him?"


    He had only been seeking fortune, but he didn''t expect to encounter the Mountain God. Since it was a deity, perhaps he could help him with his concerns.


    Gu An remained silent, but raised a hand, touched his chin with his left hand, and supported his left elbow with his right hand, shaking his head thoughtfully as he observed Sage Xuan Miao.


    Realizing this, Sage Xuan Miao flipped open his right hand, and a Lingzhi mushroom appeared out of thin air in his palm. He presented it with both hands, saying, "This is a sixth-grade Earth Mystic Lingzhi, I hope the Mountain God likes it."


    Gu An reached out and drew the Lingzhi into his hand. The Earth Mystic Lingzhi wasrger than his whole body and looked ratherical as he held it.


    Sage Xuan Miao did not find it amusing, on the contrary, he felt it was full of spirituality.


    The actions and thoughts of an immortal should not be spected upon or defined by mortals.


    "Come here with your disciple at this hour tomorrow night," Gu An said.


    Sage Xuan Miao immediately gave thanks; when he looked up again, Gu An had vanished.


    He smiled, stood up, and left without proceeding further, a move that made Gu An quite satisfied with him.


    At least for now, Sage Xuan Miao did not seem to be the deeply calcting, scheming type.


    When Gu An had previously probed into Sage Xuan Miao, he also noticed his demon disciple and saw through the poison within the demon, which he happened to be able to cure.


    After Sage Xuan Miao left, Gu An returned to the Eight Scenic Caves and began alchemy.


    He took out an Ephemera that he had been storing and ced it in the pill furnace. Then, he condensed Taiching True Fire and ignited the dry firewood beneath the furnace.


    A thought suddenly urred to him.


    Perhaps the alchemy of Mystic Valley had also been passed down from Three Pure Ones Mountain, which is why he could produce Taiching True Fire.


    Indeed, it was possible!


    ...


    The second night, Sage Xuan Miao arrived with his disciple, still in the same woods shrouded in mist.


    The Fox Demon youth was very nervous, clinging to Sage Xuan Miao and constantly scanning the surroundings, fearing the emergence of evil spirits.


    Sage Xuan Miao lifted his garment and knelt on the spot, instructing the Fox Demon youth to kneel as well.


    After a while, a strong wind blew by.


    A thumb-sized pill rolled up to Sage Xuan Miao''s knees, and he couldn''t help but pick it up.


    "Let your disciple take it," Gu An''s voice floated over, and without hesitation, Sage Xuan Miao instructed the Fox Demon youth to swallow it.


    The elixir dissolved upon entering the mouth. Sage Xuan Miao grabbed the Fox Demon youth''s wrist, carefully feeling for any changes, and soon, his face lit up with joy.


    He looked up and asked, "May I ask, Mountain God, what poison was in my disciple?"


    "The poison of the Ephemera. He must have gone to a ce where Ephemeras grow and ingested some by mistake," Gu An replied from atop a branch.


    The petite Mountain God elicited a wide-eyed stare from the Fox Demon youth.


    Sage Xuan Miao''splexion darkened as he clenched his teeth, "The Ephemera Sect has indeed been a blight for a thousand years, their crimes are unpardonable!"


    Gu An crouched on the branch, looking at them, "Your disciple has been saved. It''s time for you to go. Remember, don''t reveal my existence to anyone, or I will trouble you."


    Sage Xuan Miao looked up, "Mountain God, would you impart to me the ultimate skill to be number one in the world? I am willing to exchange all that I have."


    Being defeated by An Hao had be his obsession.


    This was also why he had been reluctant to return, as he felt too ashamed to face his peers.


    "The first in the world? If you could be the first, you wouldn''t be seeking me out. Since you can''t be the first, all that you have is not worth the value of the first," Gu An said casually.


    A look of hope sparked in Sage Xuan Miao''s face despite his displeased expression.


    The Mountain God had not rejected him!


    He had only been testing the waters but now saw a real possibility.


    After all, no disciple from Three Pure Ones Mountain had ever encountered a terrestrial immortal; such beings were incredibly elusive.


    Sage Xuan Miao said, "Please, Mountain God, enlighten me. As long as it doesn''t contravene the principles of Three Pure Ones Mountain, I will surelyply!"


    Gu An feigned deep contemtion, arms crossed, and after a while, he suddenly spoke, "I have it. The divine skill you used to summon the Mystic Heart Realm cultivator, give it to me in exchange."


    Sage Xuan Miao''s face changed drastically.


    His reverence for the Mountain God deepened!


    The Mountain God could discern his reliance on rituals, showing the high level of the Mountain God''s practice.


    Moreover, the location of that battle was so far from here.


    Sage Xuan Miao hastily said, "The skill is called Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate. It can only summon others and poses no harm to themon people. I am willing to exchange it with you, Mountain God."


    While speaking, he took out a scroll from his sleeve and held it up.


    Gu An gestured, and the scroll flew to his side. After a brief scan with his divine sense and ensuring its authenticity, he waved his right hand.


    A book quicklynded in front of Sage Xuan Miao.


    Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body!


    Seeing these five characters, Sage Xuan Miao''s eyes lit up.


    Sooner orter, Gu An nned to advance the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, so he didn''t mind imparting it, especially since the skill originated from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion.


    He was curious to see how many years it would take for Sage Xuan Miao, with his talent, to master the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body.


    Sage Xuan Miao picked up the secret tome and began flipping through it. Gu An was in no rush and stored the Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate scroll in his storage bag.


    After a while, Sage Xuan Miao''s hands trembled.


    Suddenly, he closed the secret tome, tucked it into his chest, and then extracted seven wooden boxes from the storage ring on his thumb.


    He said, "This ultimate skill is stronger than the Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate; I cannot take advantage of you. These seeds are all of seventh-order heavenly materials and earthly treasures, presented to me by various dynasties. I had nned to use them to enhance my cave, but now I offer them to you!"


    Hmm?


    Considerate!


    Gu An''s goodwill towards Sage Xuan Miao increased.


    He gestured and ced the seven wooden boxes on the nearby tree trunk, "You may leave now."


    Sage Xuan Miao immediately kowtowed, then had the Fox Demon youth do the same, before pulling him away without lingering.


    Gu An watched their departing backs, inwardly reflecting, "This truly is a karmic bond."


    It wasn''t the bond between him and Sage Xuan Miao he was referring to, but rather that between Sage Xuan Miao and the Fox Demon youth.


    He couldn''t help but conduct another life span detection.


    [Underworld Fox Demon (Energy Cultivation Realm Fourth Layer): 14/999/14000]


    This maximum life span was exactly the same as that of the Underworld Demon Emperor, and both bore the name "Underworld," definitely rted!


    Gu An even suspected that this individual might be the Underworld Demon Emperor himself!

 Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Becoming the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect!

    The sky was high and the air was brisk, early autumn''s breeze making one''s mood cheerful.


    Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An was picking medicinal herbs, while Lu Lingjun followed closely, carrying a bamboo basket to collect the bundled herbs he handed over.


    "I see you not doing anything significant on normal days; why do I need to guard you?" Lu Lingjun said with a trace of resentment.


    An Inner Sect Elder guarding an Outer Disciple?


    If word got out, it would be a disgrace to the Inner Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect!


    "I haven''t troubled you much on normal days either. You enjoy the treatment of an Inner Sect Elder, and you even get to meditate under the Mystic Pure Tree. Many elders envy you," Gu An said nonchntly, unable to keep a smile from curving his lips.


    Now, the harvest was all sixth-grade medical herbs, each one bringing sixty to a hundred years of life span!


    Gardening surely was more delightful!


    Killing a Unification Realm Cultivator would give about the same life span, with much more grudge involved!


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Lu Lingjun found them logical, but still felt that her task was beneath her status, showing at least that Lv Baitian didn''t respect her.


    Lu Lingjun had already set a new goal in her heart.


    That was to be the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect!


    Since Lv Baitian had tied her and Gu An together, she had to establish a better rtionship with him.


    Gu An had significant advantages, especially with the high-rank medical herbs in this Medicine Valley, which were enough to grant him substantial influence.


    In the future, she would protect Gu An and use his medicinal herbs to draw people in, establishing a power group centered around them, and gradually plot their course.


    Thinking this, a smile suddenly bloomed on Lu Lingjun''s face, like a lively flower, which Gu An happened to witness causing him to shiver.


    "What''s with that expression, you aren''t scheming against me, are you?" Gu An asked warily.


    Lu Lingjun smiled and said, "How could I scheme against you? You are my Valley Master. Without your connections, how could I have the treatment I have today?"


    "Cough cough, nowadays I don''t even restrict your cultivation time under the tree anymore. The oue is better now, isn''t it? After all, the Supreme Sect''s seventh-grade precious trees are few and far between," Gu An feigned a cough and said, then continued to bend down picking herbs.


    "Yes, yes, you''re right, I owe you a favor, and I''ll repay it in the future."


    "That''s more like it."


    Lu Lingjun no longer disturbed Gu An as he worked.


    30 minutester, the two returned.


    Along the way, Lu Lingjun asked, "Valley Master, don''t you want to improve your cultivation level? Making it onto the Golden List shows your qualifications aren''t bad, it''s just that you don''t love to practice."


    The higher Gu An''s cultivation level, the more it would benefit her grand ns!


    "Even if not bad, I''m definitely not a genius. My ce on the List is thanks to magic artifacts. Stop persuading me. Even if I live for seven or eight hundred years with arduous practice, most of that time would be spent on cultivation. Why shouldn''t I just enjoy life?


    Not practicing is avoiding detours since my talents are not as incredible as yours," Gu An argued with conviction, not knowing why, but Lu Lingjun felt a bit of mncholy.


    As an Ascender, throughout her journey, she indeed had seen too many who spent their lives without escaping their fate.


    Countless people practiced arduously their entire lives and still died during Tribtion Crossing, were killed out of revenge, or sumbed to inner demons.


    Even for her, upon reflection, has she had as many happy moments in her life as this person has?


    At this moment, Gu An''s image in Lu Lingjun''s heart began to change.


    Although Gu An''s cultivation level was low, he possessed a kind of enlightenment and perspective on life that was hard for others to match.


    Lu Lingjun hastened her step to keep up with Gu An and asked, "Valley Master, then do you think I should learn from you?"


    "Learn from me? Ridiculous. Your realm has already demonstrated your talents; life is about striving. Ick the talents, so I strive for the richness of life; you have the talents, you should pursue the length of life," Gu An said offhandedly, certainly not letting anyone else emte him, for he could harvest life spans, while others couldn''t.


    His argument was merely to conceal his real strength, not actually to guide others.


    After hearing this, Lu Lingjun respected Gu An even more.


    The two talked and made their way back to the loft area.


    It was not until evening that Gu An arrived at the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion.


    A fortnight had passed since he swapped Divine Skills with Sage Xuan Miao.


    Gu An nted the seven seventh-grade celestial treasures Sage Xuan Miao gave him inside the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion; he wasn''t worried about revealing the mansion since, if it were to be exposed, he could relocate it by shrinking the entire mountain with Great and Minor Ruyi and moving it elsewhere.


    Because these seeds were of high grade, he made a trip here every other day, fearing they might grow incorrectly or sh with each other.


    After checking everything and making sure there were no problems, Gu An smiled.


    He spent all year reaping life spans, so running back and forth did not tire him but rather filled him with enthusiasm.


    At his next breakthrough, he nned to establish another cave elsewhere, recruit people to manage the new cave, and he would take care of harvesting.


    Those managing the cave should ideally be able to endure solitude.


    But all that was for another time.


    He approached the wooden house, brought out the Ziwei Array Chronicles and a pile of formation materials, and began trying to construct a formation.


    The new cave would definitely need many sets of formations; he needed to prepare in advance.


    Meanwhile.


    Thousands of miles away, hidden in a Taoist temple within the forest.


    Sage Xuan Miao sat in front of the Pill Furnace, cultivating the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, his hands continuously changing spells, faint dark green Demonic Qi emerging from his body, encircling him.


    Knock, knock¡ª


    The door was gently tapped, and without opening his eyes, Sage Xuan Miao said, "Come in."


    As the words fell, the door was pushed open, and a Fox Demon youth walked in.


    He knelt in front of Sage Xuan Miao and said softly, "Master, I just had a nightmare."


    "What nightmare?"


    "I dreamt that the sky tore apart, countless demons and cultivators burst forth, wantonly ughtering all the living beings on the ground. I also saw a massive and terrifying tree with a face growing on it..."


    The fox demon youth replied, his voice trembling as he spoke, unsure whether due to fear or the chill wind blowing in from outside.


    Sage Xuan Miao opened his eyes, the demonic qi around him dissipating. He took out apass and began to cast spells for divination.


    The fox demon youth watched him, deeply curious about thepass in his hand.


    Thepass burst into light, with tiny stars ascending. Sage Xuan Miao raised his other hand toward the forehead of the fox demon youth.


    Instantly, the fox demon youth could not move. He widened his eyes, his gaze shifting upward.


    Sage Xuan Miao''s finger drew out strands of light from his forehead from a distance, then led them into the light star above thepass.


    Boom¡ª


    A wave of energy burst forth from above thepass, followed by the light stars exploding, forming an illusion¡ªthe very nightmare the fox demon youth had.


    In the illusion, the sky continuously ripped apart, with dark cracks spreading across the mountains and forests. Countless demons and ck-robed cultivators emerged, sweeping through everything in the woods. Wherever they went, ck mist spread, all things withered, and living beings turned to bones.


    The terrifying scenes made Sage Xuan Miao frown.


    After watching for a while, his expression drastically changed because he saw the North Sea!


    The fox demon youth looked as well, equally afraid, not wanting to recall his own dream.


    After a long time.


    Sage Xuan Miao put away thepass, walked out of the Daoist temple, and into the courtyard. He took out a piece of yellow paper, quickly wrote several lines, folded it, and then burned it with his own spiritual fire.


    The yellow paper turned to flying ashes, which shimmered with a faint light, quickly disappearing.


    The fox demon youth asked from behind, "Master, what are you doing?"


    "I''m sending a message to our sect."


    "Is it the Three Pure Ones Mountain you often talk about?"


    "Correct."


    "Master, when can you take me to Three Pure Ones Mountain?"


    "Practice diligently. Outer Disciples who wish to enter the Three Pure Ones Mountain must pass through numerous trials. Your cultivation level and character are not yet sufficient."


    Sage Xuan Miao casually replied, gave the fox demon youth a word of caution, and then left the Daoist temple.


    The moonlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, shining on the fox demon youth. He watched the direction in which Sage Xuan Miao departed, his innocent face slowly turning stern, his eyes shing with a cold light.


    "Mountain God, huh..."


    ...


    Inside the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, Gu An set down the brush and talisman paper in his hand, his expression stern.


    [The Underworld Fox Demon has developed hostility toward you, wary of your strength. Do you wish to perform Life Span Detection on it?]


    Wary?


    What degree of hostility does this entail?


    Should I kill it?


    Just thinking about the Underworld Fox Demon''s maximum lifespan of 14,000 years made him ufortable.


    Although demons generally have much longer lifespans than humans of the same realm, any who live up to ten thousand years are considered Great Demons.


    Gu An looked up, his divine sense seeing Sage Xuan Miao approaching him.


    Meet with Sage Xuan Miao first, then decide.


    Thirty minutester.


    Sage Xuan Miao arrived in the woods and knelt on the ground, calling out loudly, "I have a matter that requires the presence of the Mountain God."


    As his voice fell, the Mountain God appeared on a nearby tree branch without any warning, which secretly impressed Sage Xuan Miao with the vastness of the Mountain God''s divine skills.


    Before Gu An could speak, Sage Xuan Miao took out thepass and, while performing a spell, ryed the dream of his disciple.


    Once thepass had recreated the dream, Sage Xuan Miao added, "There was the North Sea in the dream. This could be a cmity originating from the North Sea."


    Gu An inwardly cursed.


    Ephemera Sect again!


    The tree in the dream was the Ephemera Tree. It seems the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage is preparing tounch a major assault on the Nine Dynasties.


    Just how many Ephemera Trees are there?


    Gu An felt an urge topletely obliterate the Ephemera Sect to prevent these folks from interfering with his farming.


    But before that, Gu An nned to teach the Underworld Fox Demon a lesson.


    "Your disciple is no ordinary person. Whether he is a curse or a blessing, it''s hard to tell." Gu An said leisurely.


    Upon hearing this, Sage Xuan Miao''s face turned pale.


    He seemed to recall something, and cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.


    Gu An found this reaction quite strange.


    Did my words have such a great impact?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sage Xuan Miao remembered what his master had once told him, "Xuan Miao, in your life, you face nine tribtions, each a matter of life and death, arising from your interactions with the mortal world. They are inescapable, irremovable, only by breaking through can you achieve Nirvana."


    He looked at Gu An again, his eyes filled with respect.


    Truly a Mountain God, able to see through fate and causality.


    Taking a deep breath, he slowly stood up and then bowed deeply to Gu An, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Mountain God. I will be careful!"


    Having said this, he turned and left.


    Gu An tilted his head, his face under the theatrical mask full of confusion.

 Chapter 134: Chapter 134: Nine Nether Domain, Great Chaos Under Heaven

    After returning to the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, Gu An lost interest in practicing formations, and instead began to watch the drama unfold, his divine sense following Sage Xuan Miao.


    As expected, when Sage Xuan Miao returned to the Daoist temple, a conflict erupted with the Underworld Fox Demon.


    Darkness conveniently ushered in a heavy rain, causing noise throughout heaven and earth.


    In the rainy night, Sage Xuan Miao, holding a treasure sword, questioned the Underworld Fox Demon about his origins.


    The Underworld Fox Demon, in panic, said he had been injured before and had forgotten his origins; had it not been for his master saving him, he would have died under the ws of another demon.


    The master and disciple duo erupted into intense conflict under the rainy night. After arguing for a while, Sage Xuan Miao, chanting about breaking through cmity and seemingly possessed, raised his sword to strike the Underworld Fox Demon.


    The Underworld Fox Demon, terrified, hastily fled, pleading bitterly, but failed to awaken even a trace of pity in Sage Xuan Miao.


    Gu An sensed a trace of demonic qi in Sage Xuan Miao, unsure whether this individual inherently harbored demonic tendencies or if it was caused by practicing the Yin Yang extremities.


    Ultimately, the Underworld Fox Demon could not continue the act and erupted with strong demon energy, simultaneously beginning to madly absorb nature''s spiritual energy, rapidly condensing into a fearsome demonic shadow that at first nce, resembled some kind of summoning spell.


    The terrifying presence of the demonic shadow wasparable to the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm, leading Gu An to guess that it was the Underworld Demon Emperor.


    As a Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator, Sage Xuan Miao simply couldn''t defeat this demonic shadow. In the critical moment, he once again used Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate, calling upon a Mahayana Cultivator from the Mystic Heart Realm to intervene.


    As soon as the Mahayana Cultivator made a move, he directly dissipated the demonic shadow, and the Underworld Fox Demon took the chance to escape.


    In the critical moment, Sage Xuan Miao softened his heart, allowing the Mahayana Cultivator to spare the Underworld Fox Demon.


    When the Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate dispersed, Sage Xuan Miao copsed once more, beginning to cough up blood frantically.


    It seems the cost of using the Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate was very high!


    Truly, a thrilling sequence of conflicts!


    Gu An felt moved, feeling as if he were reading a novel.


    [The Underworld Fox Demon has generated hostility towards you, detesting you to the bone. Do you want to perform Life Span Detection on it?]


    Here ites!


    Time to work!


    Gu An got up, beginning to move his limbs.


    ...


    Within the forest, the Underworld Fox Demon quickly fled. Under the downpour, he appeared very bedraggled.


    Unsure how long he had been running, he stopped under arge tree, pressing on the wound at his waist, the rain drenching his long hair, and his face turning fierce.


    "Mountain God¡­ damn it, I was almost sessful¡­"


    The Underworld Fox Demon muttered to himself, his eyes filled with a murderous intent.


    He did not believe in any Mountain God; that person was probably transformed by some malevolent spirit. In any case, daring to ruin his n to enter the Three Pure Ones Mountain, he was determined to take revenge.


    "Are you talking about me?" A voice suddenly rang next to the Underworld Fox Demon''s ear, startling him enough to instinctively turn his head, only to see a figure in white robes wearing a theatrical mask standing on his shoulder.


    Before he could react, a terrifying divine sense assaulted his soul.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Huh?


    So here you are!


    When Gu An''s divine sense intruded into the Underworld Fox Demon''s body, he discovered another primordial spirit hidden in the depths of the Underworld Fox Demon''s soul.


    The Underworld Demon Emperor!


    This guy was really formidable, to have escaped the notice of Mahayana Cultivators.


    Unfortunately for him, he should not have harbored ill intentions!


    Gu An began to use the Soul Capturing Skill, seizing the memories of the Underworld Demon Emperor.


    The memories of the Underworld Demon Emperor were exceedingly vast: Gu An, deeming it troublesome, took only the most recent hundred years of memories. After a quick Soul Search, he finally understood the origins of the Underworld Demon Emperor.


    The Underworld Demon Emperor came from the Nine Nether Road, a demon from within the Nine Nether Domain who had long suffered persecution from the Ephemera Sect. Two hundred years ago, taking advantage of the Ephemera Sect''s opening of the Nine Nether Road, he escaped to the Nine Dynasties.


    Over two hundred years, he had wandered the world, visiting many sects. He considered the mightiest sect to be the Three Pure Ones Mountain. The rich foundation of Daoist sorcery at the Three Pure Ones Mountain, established for over ten thousand years, made it the most ancient sect in thends of the Nine Dynasties.


    He attempted to infiltrate it but was discovered just as he stepped halfway through the sect gate, nearly dying at the Three Pure Ones Mountain. Therefore, throughout the following years, he constantly kept the Three Pure Ones Mountain in his thoughts.


    The Underworld Fox Demon was a small fox seized by the Underworld Demon Emperor; its original soul had been erased. He was using a special seizing technique, difficult to be detected.


    The reason he manifested the scene of the Ephemera Sect attacking was to force Sage Xuan Miao back to the Three Pure Ones Mountain, to not linger in the North Sea Mountain. Unexpectedly, after learning of this, Sage Xuan Miao went to find the Mountain God.


    This caused the Underworld Demon Emperor to harbor hostility towards the Mountain God. After a major battle once Sage Xuan Miao returned to settle ounts, his hostility towards the Mountain God turned into a killing intent.


    The whole affair felt somewhat coincidental, but now that the Underworld Demon Emperor harbored a killing intent towards Gu An, he could not let him live.


    An hourter.


    Gu An withdrew his divine sense, using Taiching True Fire to burn the Underworld Fox Demon, reducing him to ashes,pletely obliterating his soul, sessfully seizing ny-three years of life span.


    He then returned to the Supreme Sect.


    Back in the attics of Mystic Valley, Gu An sat at his desk, taking out paper and a pen. First, he wrote down three big characters.


    Nine Nether Domain!


    Through the memories of the Underworld Demon Emperor, Gu An learned that the Nine Nether Road was an independent world, known as the Nine Nether Domain, inhabited by the Demon n, Demon n, and malevolent spirits, constantly oppressed by the Ephemera Sect.


    He nned to write the Nine Nether Domain into an encyclopedia,ter in another form to pass on to the Supreme Sect, facilitating their exploration.


    ...


    The leaves of autumn carpeted Mystic Valley. Over twenty Servant Disciples were busy sweeping the fallen leaves.


    Gu An walked downstairs, just in time to see several disciples of the Supreme Sect flying overhead, traveling extremely fast.


    He just nced once before withdrawing his gaze, preparing to head towards the Third Medicine Valley.


    Before reaching the Transmission Array tform, Gu An sensed a presence. He stopped and turned to look at the working Servant Disciples.


    Half an hourter, Ye Lan flew into the Medicine Valley, pulling Gu An upstairs to talk.


    After closing the door, Ye Lan said in a deep voice, "The Nine Nether Road is in urgent trouble; the Ephemera Sect has arrived. A great battle is about to erupt, not just at the Nine Nether Road, but Ephemera Sect''s demon cultivators have also appeared in various ces. This situation ispletely different from the past. The Law Enforcement Hall must go out to protect themon people.


    I need to leave today!"


    Is it that urgent?


    Gu An immediately took out a batch of healing pills and handed them to Ye Lan.


    Ye Lan did not refuse and cautioned, "During this time, you must be careful. ording to our previous investigations, there are still spies from the Ephemera Sect within the Supreme Sect. This time, we are facing the Ephemera Sect Main Lineage, and they mighte out in full force. This is a cmity that urs once in a thousand years!"


    "I understand. Take care of yourself; don''t let go of the White Spirit Sword," Gu An nodded.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Lan lifted the White Spirit Sword in her hand and smiled, "Alright!"


    After she passed on some important intelligence, she hurriedly left.


    Gu An stood in front of the pavilion, watching her leave. He had already felt the outbreak of battles in the distance, and not just in one ce.


    This time, the Ephemera Sect''s offensive was far greater than before; previously it was defense, but now it was an invasion.


    Gu An had no immediate ns to act; he decided to let the Nine Dynasties withstand it first to avoid startling the enemy.


    His target was dealing with that Mahayana Cultivator.


    Before that, Gu An decided to find a ce to make a breakthrough.


    A Mahayana versus Mahayana, no confidence!


    Gu An''sbat experience was too limited, while his opponent was surely an old monster who had lived for thousands of years.


    He was not good at fighting life-and-death battles, only at crushing enemies.


    He needed to find a suitable ce.


    It couldn''t be the North Sea Mountains anymore; the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion was there, and he couldn''t disrupt the spiritual energy ecosystem.


    Having thought so, Gu An headed to the Third Medicine Valley then to the Inner Sect.


    With the Valley Master Token of the Third Medicine Valley, he could freely enter the Inner Sect.


    Half an hourter.


    Gu An stepped into the Inner Sect City. Having not visited for several months, the atmosphere in the Inner Sect City was very tense. The cultivators passing by were all hurrying, very anxious.


    He heard the surrounding disciples discussing the attack of the Ephemera Sect. Apparently, the news had already been made public in the four major Inner Sect cities.


    Listening to these disciples'' discussions, it turned out that it wasn''t only the Taicang Dynasty facing the invasion of the Ephemera Sect but all of the other eight dynasties as well.


    It was said that the second batch of disciples sent to the Nine Nether Road had suffered over half casualties, and even an elder had fallen there.


    It sounded urgent, and even Gu An was affected.


    He made his way to the Book Collection Hall and went up to the third floor. This floor contained various maps and records of different areas.


    Due to the Ephemera Sect''s assault, there were very few disciples in the Book Collection Hall; the third floor was even emptier with only Gu An and a managing elder present.


    After a while.


    Just as Gu An was browsing through books, an elderly voice came over, "Young friend, what are you looking for?"


    Gu An turned to look and saw the managing elder Xu Lu casually walking over.


    He turned and bowed to Xu Lu, saying, "Disciple wishes to see how vast this world is."


    This Xu Lu appeared weak and old, but he actually possessed the Nascent Soul Realm cultivation level, which is the minimum requirement for an Inner Sect Elder.


    "Do you want thergest map? It''s not here;e with me," Xu Lu cocked his head, signaling Gu An to follow his steps.


    Gu An was secretly puzzled, wondering why the other party was doing this.


    He could only follow and see how things unfolded.


    "Previously you bought the Green Hero Travelogue here, right?" Xu Lu said nonchntly.


    Gu An replied, "Yes, does the elder have any advice?"


    So it was about the Green Hero Travelogue.


    Xu Lu leisurely said, "Ever since a book called Supreme Secret Records circted in the market, not many people are buying the Green Hero Travelogue, which has saddened my friend. Since you still enjoy the Green Hero Travelogue, I will bestow upon you my collection of a continent map, drawn by a Supreme Elder who traveled the world."


    Gu An, hearing this, immediately showed interest and asked, "Elder, is Green Hero a man or a woman?"


    "Naturally a man; no woman writes such books."


    "Is Green Hero still in the sect?"


    "Actually, no, but asionally someone sends books back."


    The two chatted while walking to a door. Xu Lu asked Gu An to wait while he pushed open the door and entered.


    It wasn''t long before Xu Lu came out with arge scroll in hand and also holding a book. He handed these two items to Gu An, saying, "Take this back and copy it; remember to bring it back when youe next time."


    Gu An ced the scroll and the book in his storage bag and then thanked Xu Lu.


    Xu Lu cautioned, "With your cultivation level, you should travel through just the Nine Dynasties, do not form a Nascent Soul, do not go to the Demon Land, and especially do not go south into the sea."


    "Junior understands," Gu An replied.


    Xu Lu waved his hand, signaling him to leave.


    Gu An immediately left, but just as he reached the staircase, he felt a strong divine sense sweep over him.


    There was a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator in the building!


    Could it be one of the Supreme Elders reading here?


    Including Sage Xuan Quan, the Supreme Sect now had two Mystic Heart Realm cultivators!


    This further fueled Gu An''s desire to breakthrough.


    All because of the Ephemera Sect, bringing back so many old monsters!

 Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Breaking Through the Ninth Layer of the Nirvana Realm!

    Gu An didn''t use his Divine Sense to probe the Mystic Heart Realm Cultivator in the Book Collection Hall because Divine Sense vision could not carry out Life Span Detection. Using Divine Sense would be meaningless, and if by chance the other party had cultivated some unique technique that allowed them to sense higher realm scrutiny, it could unnecessarily cause trouble.


    After the return to Mystic Valley, Gu An went upstairs and then took out the map scroll and the book Xu Lu had given him.


    The book was named Chronicles of the World, which recorded the general situation of various ces. It contained information on all the regions marked on the map.


    Gu An carefully inspected it, looking for a suitable ce to make his breakthrough.


    From the map, the nine dynasties together only upied one-tenth of the continent''s area; the rest was allnd rampant with demons, with various mountain ranges and rivers that sounded scary by name alone, such as Demon Shadow Peak, Demon Bone Mountain Range, Human Head Ghost Forest, Falling Immortal River, and so on.


    After much thought, Gu An decided to make his breakthrough in the Demon Land.


    Where demons ran rampant, the Spiritual Energy was immense.


    Moreover, since ancient times, there have never been the same dangers in the demonnds as are found at sea.


    This map was the best proof, after all, a Supreme Elder had traveled across the entire continent.


    Until nightfall, Gu An quietly set out, heading east and a bit northward.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With the map in hand, stepping with the Limitless Freedom Step, he swiftly navigated through the darkness of the night, quickly leaving the Taicang Dynasty behind.


    In less than twenty steps, Gu An had crossed out of thends of the nine dynasties and entered the Demon Land.


    He felt the Demon Energy, Demonic Qi, and ghost Qi in the air double, with evil spirits lurking everywhere within his Divine Sense''s range.


    As far as the eye could see, thend and mountains were shrouded in thick fog, with each peak looming like a tremendous demon, vaguely visible and terribly foreboding.


    Gu An sensed the presence of living beings, most of which were demons.


    asionally, he could spot the figures of cultivators who, during the deep night, were all hiding and had set up formations to conceal themselves.


    After half an Ancient Hour.


    Gu An arrived at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, a colossal mountain towering tens of thousands of feet high, with a range stretching tens of thousands of miles. Chronicles of the World noted that, in ancient times, a phoenix descended upon this mountain and gave birth to its offspring, thus it was named Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain was upied by demon creatures. The author of Chronicles of the World had encountered an attack by a Great Demon on par with the Unification Realm while passing this area.


    Perhaps the Spiritual Energy in Heavenly Phoenix Mountain was not the richest, but at least it wasn''t a ce not to be ventured into.


    Gu An''s Divine Sense covered the entire Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, feeling the presence of three Great Demons of the Unification Realm, with the number of demon creatures exceeding one million, and countless more lesser demon creatures not yet transformed into spirits.


    With so many demon creatures on just this one mountain, it''s no wonder that the Demon Tribtion was formed.


    Gu An settled in a forest midway up the mountain; he sat down under a tree and directly activated the Life Span Barrier.


    Following his gaze, the forest was sparse, with Spirit Mist churning, and the grass on the ground was blown by the night wind, looking like waves, eerily stirring.


    Gu An watched for a while, retracted his gaze, and then called up his Attribute Panel.


    Seeing his own lifespan of 2,380,000 years, Gu An felt somewhat pained.


    This breakthrough would require who knows how many failures, probably costing years of effort.


    But he had to spend it, for staying alive was most important!


    Let''s start with a hundred thousand years of lifespan to steady the nerves!


    With a thought, Gu An immediately invested his lifespan into his cultivation.


    [You''ve invested one hundred thousand years of your lifespan into evolving your cultivation level through training]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for four thousand years; with the Great Aplishment of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill, you forcefully attempted to breakthrough into the Nirvana Realm, started Tribtion Crossing, but didn''t survive the Innate Five Elements Divine Thunder Tribtion, failing the crossing]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for eight thousand years; with the Great Aplishment of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill, you forcefully attempted to breakthrough into the Nirvana Realm, started Tribtion Crossing, but didn''t survive the Innate Five Elements Divine Thunder Tribtion, failing the crossing]


    ...


    Good grief!


    Four thousand years per Tribtion Crossing attempt?


    No wonder the Nirvana Realm is the first major obstacle in the Immortal Path Nine Tribtions!


    Prompt after prompt quickly appeared, but Gu An''s expression remained unchanged.


    One hundred thousand years of lifespan gone like running water!


    Let''s go for another hundred thousand years!


    The evolution training began once more!


    Gu An''s eyebrows twitched slightly.


    All failures again!


    Continue with another hundred thousand years!


    Gu An didn''t believe in curses; as he began the third hundred thousand years, his expression gradually turned grim.


    All failures again!


    Gu An''splexion suddenly darkened, as he invested the fourth hundred thousand years.


    Failure alerts kept pricking at his mind, but fortunately, this time, he seeded. Seeing the sess prompt, the gloom in his heart was swept away, and a smile bloomed on his face.


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for seventy-four thousand years; with the Great Aplishment of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill, you forcefully attempted to breakthrough into the Nirvana Realm, started Tribtion Crossing, survived the Innate Five Elements Divine Thunder Tribtion, seeding in the crossing, and your cultivation level broke through to the firstyer of the Nirvana Realm]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for seventy-seven thousand years; your cultivation level has risen to the secondyer of the Nirvana Realm]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for eighty thousand years; your cultivation level has risen to the thirdyer of the Nirvana Realm]


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for eighty-three thousand years; your cultivation level has risen to the fourthyer of the Nirvana Realm]


    ...


    [You practiced Energy Absorption for ny-eight thousand years; your cultivation level has risen to the eighthyer of the Nirvana Realm]


    The eighthyer of the Nirvana Realm!


    It took five thousand years to go from the seventh to the eighthyer, so Gu An immediately invested another four thousand years of lifespan, sessfully reaching the ninthyer of the Nirvana Realm!


    ```


    There was no helping it, Gu An was now unustomed to seeing numbers other than nine within minor realms.


    After reaching the ninthyer of the Nirvana Realm, he could umte life span peacefully again.


    Boom!


    The Earth Spirit Energy surged violently upwards, boring into Gu An''s body, causing his robe to disintegrate instantly. He raised his eyebrows slightly, continuing to endure the violent refinement of his body by the Spiritual Energy.


    Unlike his previous breakthroughs, this time, Gu An felt pain.


    Nirvana involved a transformation of both body and soul, so a bit of pain was understandable.


    At the same time, a flood of memories regarding the Nirvana Realm poured into his mind.


    As Gu An began to devour nature''s spiritual energy, the Spirit Energy of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain began to subside, and this spectacle was intense and sudden, startling all the demon creatures.


    Howling winds ravaged Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, and roars and cries echoed between heaven and earth, deafening and extremely terrifying.


    ...


    In the North Sea Mountain during the deep of night.


    In the forest, a dozen Supreme Sect disciples were seated around a campfire. Zhen Qin turned to look at Sage Xuan Miao, who was meditating under a tree nearby, thought for a moment, then stood up and walked over.


    "Senior, are you sure we don''t need to set up a Formation?" Zhen Qin cautiously asked.


    They were Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall, and when they were executing missions at the borders of the Taicang Dynasty, they were attacked by Demon Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect, all captured within a magic artifact, then taken all the way to the North Sea Mountain. It was Sage Xuan Miao''s rescue that saved them from unspeakable consequences.


    Sage Xuan Miao, eyes closed, calmly said, "It''s fine. If any Demon Cultivators from the Ephemera Secte, I''ll just kill them."


    After the ordeal with the Underworld Fox Demon, his hatred for the Ephemera Sect was immense.


    He believed the Underworld Fox Demon hailed from the Ephemera Sect, or why else would it have consumed Ephemera Poison, and even informed him of an impending attack from the sect¡ªclearly, they had been plotting against him.


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin started to speak but stopped herself.


    Wasn''t this using them as bait?


    Although she was perplexed, she still held back her words.


    With their Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivation Level, it was difficult for them to stand on their own in the North Sea Mountain. They relied on Sage Xuan Miao''s protection, and Sage Xuan Miao was not a member of the Supreme Sect and had no obligations to protect them. At this time, she couldn''t afford to offend him.


    Zhen Qin turned around and returned to her previous spot, continuing her meditation.


    The other Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall began whispering amongst themselves, discussing the Ephemera Sect.


    With the world in turmoil, the cmity sparked by the Ephemera Sect this time far exceeded the past. These Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall felt the pressure, fearing they might die in this tribtion.


    "Don''t worry. This region is under the protection of a Mountain God. Once my injuries have healed, I will send you back to the Taicang Dynasty."


    The voice of Sage Xuan Miao reached them, prompting all disciples to look in his direction.


    A male disciple asked curiously, "Mountain God? What Mountain God?"


    Sage Xuan Miao answered, "Naturally, it''s a mountain''s Immortal God. As for its location, I will not tell you."


    The group exchanged nces, feeling that Sage Xuan Miao was spouting nonsense. Could his head have been hurt in the previous encounter?


    Even Zhen Qin felt that there was something wrong with Sage Xuan Miao''s mind.


    For a moment, the forest fell into silence.


    ...


    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, the forest shook like wild waves, the ground trembled slightly, Spirit Mist descended, and Demon Mist rose, giving the impression of dragon shadows surging everywhere, a spectacr scene.


    Bare-bodied Gu An was seated under a tree, and after an hour of settling, he finally made his breakthrough to the Nirvana Realm!


    Upon reaching the Nirvana Realm, Spiritual Power transformed into Mana, and his Primordial Spirit underwent a metamorphosis!


    Gu An''s Mystic Heart was already covered with runes, ready to hatch his very own Divine Skills.


    He already had an idea, to create Divine Skills based on his own cultivation technique.


    The speed at which he absorbed nature''s spiritual energy had not decreased, and he continued doing so. There was still some time before he would reach the ninthyer of the Nirvana Realm.


    He opened his eyes, frowning.


    A Demon Creature was flying towards the forest he was in, a hundred miles away currently. If the demon did not change its course, it would likely breach his Life Span Barrier.


    "May the heavens bless you, for if you encroach, even if we have no grudges, you''ll have to die,"


    Gu An silently thought, then closed his eyes again.


    He did not take pleasure in the senseless ughter, which included the demon creatures. As long as they possessed intelligence, he always felt that random killing would umte karma for himself.


    However, if any being threatened him, he would not be merciful.


    Time kept passing.


    Another hour went by.


    Gu An''s Cultivation Level had reached the sixthyer of the Nirvana Realm, and the fierce winds around the world began to wane, not because the pace of his spiritual energy devouring had slowed but because the Spirit Energy of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain was nearly depleted. Now, his Life Span Barrier was drawing Spiritual Energy from much farther areas.


    A few miles away.


    On a hillside, a red figure was making its way forward.


    As the Demon Mist in the sky dissipated, the bright moon emerged, and beneath the moonlight, a woman in red was moving forward. With her hair disheveled and feet bare, her gait was staggering as if she could fall at any moment.


    Her long hair was messy, some strands stuck to her face by blood, only her bright,rge eyes were clear to see.


    Her gaze was downcast, and she looked extremely weak.


    "I can''t fall... I''ll rest further ahead in the forest..."


    The red-clothed woman murmured to herself, her vision already blurry.


    In this wobbly state, she covered the distance of a few miles, which took her half an hour. When she entered the forest, she copsed into a clump of bushes, unable to get up again.


    She was less than a hundred yards from Gu An''s Life Span Barrier.


    ```

 Chapter 140: Chapter 140: Attack of the Ninth Layer of the Mystic Heart Realm

    ```


    After bidding farewell to Wu Jue, in the following days, Gu An saw arge number of Supreme Sect disciples flying over the airspace of the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley every day.


    The Supreme Sect had begun its expedition!


    Standing on a terrace, Gu An looked into the distance and could see battles erupting in the Wanji Forest; the sects that arrived first had alreadyunched their offensive against the Ephemera Sect.


    Unfortunately, the joint effort of forty Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators was nearly invincible, and ultimately, the cultivators of the various dynasties returned in defeat, waiting to umte more strength.


    Gu An then turned his gaze towards the Dust-free Wastnd, which had been reimed by the Ephemera Sect, where a continuous stream of Ephemera Sect cultivators flew out of the entrance to the Nine Nether Road, all heading towards the direction of the Taichen Dynasty.


    The nine dynasties were Taicang, Great Yu, Chentang, Tianwei, Taichen, Hanlu, Great Zhao, Great Jiang, and Wuzhen.


    The strength of the Taichen Dynastygged behind, located in the center of the nine dynasties with a not-so-small territory, which had been upied by the Ephemera Sect.


    From a macro perspective, Gu An could see that, with the Taichen Dynasty as the center, cultivators from all directions were continuously going to lend support, presenting a magnificent sight.


    Watching this, Gu An couldn''t help but boil with zeal, wanting to join in on the action.


    However, he had to guard his own Medicine Valley; that was the most important thing.


    Moreover, if he made a move too soon, that Mahayana Cultivator might not show up again.


    Theck of action from the other party till now made Gu An feel that they were definitely preparing something.


    To Gu An, the massive altar in the Wanji Forest looked like a target; he suspected that the Ephemera Sect mightunch a sneak attack on the Supreme Sect.


    It wasn''t just him who was suspicious. The Supreme Sect was clearly defensive as well; there was still one Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator left in the sect to guard it, and it wasn''t Ancestor Xuan Quan.


    A monthter.


    The number of patrols in the cities of the Supreme Sect had increased, a tense atmosphere permeating within the sect, even affecting the servant disciples of the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley.


    As the chief disciple of Mystic Valley, Lu Jiujia began arranging disciples to take turns guarding the mountaintops surrounding the Medicine Valley, to prevent any Ephemera Sect demon cultivators from approaching.


    The same was true for the Third Medicine Valley; the deacons took turns leading disciples on patrols.


    On this particr morning, in the Third Medicine Valley.


    The morning exercises had just ended, and Gu An was on his way to his own attic when he seemed to sense something, his eyes flickered, but he did not stop moving.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a thundering roar resonated between heaven and earth, startling everyone in the valley, who involuntarily shuddered and turned their heads to look.


    Across the sky in the direction of the Inner Sect, rolling thunderclouds emerged, sweeping towards the Third Medicine Valley as if to cover the entire sky.


    "What was that sound just now?"


    "Could it be an attack by the Ephemera Sect?"


    "Wasn''t the Ephemera Sect in the Taichen Dynasty?"


    "After all, if we, the Supreme Sect, are destroyed, the morale of the nine dynasties will surely fall significantly."


    "I hope it doesn''t affect our Medicine Valley¡­"


    The disciples gathered and began to discuss among themselves.


    Gu An also stopped in his tracks, standing in front of a wooden railing on the edge of a garden area, watching the distant sky, and peering at the battle in the Main City of the Sect.


    The Main City of the Sect was the Supreme Sect''srgest city, where Inner Sect Disciples could enter but not reside; only the various levels of power within the Supreme Sect lived there.


    At that moment, two Unification Realm Great Cultivators in the Main City of the Sect were fighting. As the twomencedbat, more and more cultivators joined the fray, eventually leading to arge-scale chaotic battle.


    It was not an attack by the Ephemera Sect, but spies of the Ephemera Sect had begun to act.


    Gu An watched for a while and noticed that the disciples causing trouble seemed toe from the same n.


    Lu Lingjun came beside Gu An and said, "Valley Master, from now on, you''d better not leave the Medicine Valley."


    She, too, was looking towards the Main City of the Sect, her expression grave.


    She had already sensed the aura of at least five Unification Realm cultivators!


    It wasn''t just the Unification Realm that was enough to make her anxious; she had a premonition that something extremely terrible was about to happen.


    Gu An nodded slightly and then continued to watch the battle.


    The Third Medicine Valley quickly darkened, as if night had fallen.


    Rumbling¡ª¡ª


    A deep rumbling of thunder echoed across the sky, as if ancient beasts were roaring in the sea of clouds, deafening to the ears.


    "Your Excellency should reveal yourself now. The battle between you and me will determine the fate of the Supreme Sect!"


    A cold voice echoed through the entire Supreme Sect, making everyone who heard it feel a heaviness in their chests, very ufortable.


    Lu Lingjun''s expression shifted slightly; she was certain the owner of the voice had a cultivation level surpassing the Unification Realm!


    Gu An had already seen a figure walking above the sea of clouds, a person in a ck robe and purple crown, with eighteen golden daggers floating behind. As the figure moved forward, his sleeves caught the wind, stirring up airwaves like dragons apanying him, exuding overwhelming authority.


    Mystic Heart Realm fifthyer!


    This person was probably among the upper echelon of the hundred venerables within the Ephemera Sect; the Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators within the Supreme Sect were three minor cultivation stages below him.


    Meanwhile.


    In the Book Collection Hall in the Inner Sect City.


    Elder Xu Lu stood in front of the counter, looking at the figure descending the stairs in the distance, and couldn''t help but ask: "How confident are you?"


    Following his gaze, an old man with an aura of immortality in a ck robe came down, holding a horsetail whisk, his face calm.


    Without pausing, the man walked down the stairs and left only one sentence:


    "One does one''s best."


    Xu Lu turned to look out the window, where the rolling thunderclouds seemed like a ck ocean, stirring up frightening waves, oppressive and thrilling, worry evident in his eyes.


    "Today is the first time this poor Taoist will face a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator inbat since stepping into the Mystic Heart. May I inquire the name of your Excellency? My Taoist name is Ancestor Kusong."


    The voice of the ck-robed elder resounded through the entire Supreme Sect, calming the restless atmosphere of the cities.


    Mystic Heart Realm?


    Lu Lingjun was hearing the name of this realm for the first time.


    ```


    Unification Realm above is Mystic Heart?


    Lu Lingjun had already captured the figure above the sea of clouds, her eyes brimming with envy and admiration.


    She was determined to reach this realm!


    No!


    She wanted to surpass the Mystic Heart Realm!


    "I am Venerable Chi Qian from the Ephemera Sect, and to die by my hand is an honor, for you have bore witness to the Path of Mystic Heart!"


    The previous voice rang out again, its tone of pride causing the cultivators of the Supreme Sect to sweat on behalf of Ancestor Kusong.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A tremendous oppressive force descended, enveloping the entire Supreme Sect; thunderclouds churned violently in the sky, as protective barriers of light were simultaneously lit up in each city, with formations fortifying against the impending battle pressures from above.


    Venerable Chi Qian and Ancestor Kusong had begun their battle!


    Both werebatting high in the sky, not affecting the ground below, yet their might was so strong that it caused mountains to tremble between heaven and earth.


    Lu Lingjun kept her gaze firmly fixed on the heavens, unwilling to miss any detail of the battle between two Great Cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Gu An could not help but nce at her.


    Hmm?


    Could she achieve enlightenment from this?


    After a while,


    Lu Lingjun was still in a state of self-forgetfulness, while Gu An turned and headed towards the entrance of the valley.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It wasn''t just Venerable Chi Qian who was sent by the Ephemera Sect; another even more powerful being had already arrived at the entrance of the Third Medicine Valley.


    From a distance, Gu An saw a woman d in white, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, her presence mystical. Her fair hands were poised in front of her lower abdomen, pale as snow, her demeanor dignified as if she were a fairy descended from the heavens, making it hard to associate her with a demon cultivator of the Ephemera Sect.


    [Fairy Bai Xia (Mystic Heart Realm Nine Layers): 2180/4900/6500]


    Nine Layers of the Mystic Heart Realm!


    They really n to utterly demolish the Supreme Sect!


    Gu An felt moved, his pace quickening.


    He soon approached Fairy Bai Xia and greeted her respectfully, "The Ephemera Sect is causing chaos, may I inquire as to why the Predecessor hase?"


    The veil hanging from Fairy Bai Xia''s hat allowed a faint glimpse of her red lips, seemingly heavily rouged.


    This witch was extremely cautious, having used some kind of secret technique to make her Cultivation Level appear to be at the firstyer of the Elixir Formation Realm.


    "Little brother, the spiritual energy in this Medicine Valley is so rich, surely your identity is no simple matter, tell me, what is your identity," Fairy Bai Xia spoke, her voice melodious, stirring one''s imagination.


    Gu An raised his hand and caught her wrist, saying, "I am just an ordinary Outer Disciple of the Supreme Sect."


    Fairy Bai Xia smiled, herughter carrying a chill. She did not struggle from Gu An''s grip, but instead used the Sound Transmission Skill, "Rumors say that Sword Venerable Fudao is active within a thousand miles of this area. Young brother, if you have any information on Sword Venerable Fudao, I can spare your life."


    Gu An had anticipated that she would use the Sound Transmission Skill, so he chose to listen to her entirely.


    Gu An''s expression turned solemn, "It seems you truly are a demon cultivator!"


    In an instant, Fairy Bai Xia felt a force of overwhelming power invade her body; under the veil, her face lost its color. She tried to pull her hand away from Gu An but found she could not do it at all.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief.


    What frightened her even more was that she could neither speak nor let her Primordial Spirit emerge.


    She had never felt such terror before.


    Her Cultivation Realm began to fall rapidly, and her Primordial Spirit was pressed deep into her soul; her Cultivation Level dropped to the firstyer of the Core Formation Realm, just as she had disyed outwardly.


    "Impossible..."


    Fairy Bai Xia was near copse, her rationale slipping away with the immense strength of her adversary and the reduction of her Cultivation Level.


    Under her gaze of despair, Gu An produced a pearl.


    The Thousand-Shadow Pearl given to him by Lv Baitian!


    With his left hand gripping Fairy Bai Xia''s wrist, his right hand pressed the Thousand-Shadow Pearl against her abdomen.


    "Demon cultivator, take this!"


    Gu An shouted loudly. With a boom, the Thousand-Shadow Pearl burst forth with brilliant, strong light, and bursts of Strength Energy erupted, turning Fairy Bai Xia into a bloodied corpse, her blood sttering all over Gu An.


    The Thousand-Shadow Pearl could not kill someone of the Mystic Heart Realm, so before activating it, Gu An had used mana to forcibly scatter her soul, causing her to die instantly.


    His loud cry attracted the attention of many Servant Disciples.


    Lu Lingjun appeared out of nowhere in front of Gu An, frowning as she asked, seeing his bloodstained face, "Are you alright? Why didn''t you call for me just now?"


    Putting on an act of shock, Gu An said, "I thought an Inner Sect Disciple hade in, but she turned out to be a demon cultivator from the Ephemera Sect! We must destroy the corpse and erase the traces quickly, lest the Ephemera Secte after uster!"


    His hand holding the Thousand-Shadow Pearl was trembling.


    Killing Fairy Bai Xia gained him four hundred and ny-five years of Life Span, not a bad result!


    With a disapproving tone, Lu Lingjun said, "It looks like you weren''t scared out of your wits; look at you pretending to be afraid. You''re at least a Golden List Genius, and yet a demon cultivator who has just entered the Core Formation Realm has scared you into this state!"


    She then began to reminisce about her feelings from observing the battle.


    Deep down, she felt like she might have grasped something.


    Indeed, the Mystic Heart Realm is enviable!


    The gap between the Ninth Layer of Unification Realm and Mystic Heart Realm is unimaginable.


    Suddenly, she felt that only by achieving the Mystic Heart Realm could one truly be considered a Great Power cultivator!

 Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Are There Immortals in This World?

    Third Medicine Valley, the autumn breeze fluttering.


    Gu An stepped out from the Transmission Array tform and walked toward a garden area in the distance.


    Although he had just broken through, he hadn''t forgotten the harvest times for the flowers and herbs in each garden.


    Before he had taken many steps, Lu Lingjun quickly caught up to him, saying, "Valley Master, let me apany you to harvest."


    Gu An nodded, with no objections.


    After proceeding several miles, Gu An began to bend down to pick herbs, while Lu Lingjun took out a bamboo basket to collect them.


    "Valley Master, the world is in great chaos now. With my cultivation level, shouldn''t I go out and make a name for myself?" Lu Lingjun suddenly asked.


    So that was what it was about, no wonder she was so eager to help!


    Gu An casually replied, "Then go find the Sect Leader and see how he arranges for you."


    "If he wanted to summon me, he would have surely sent me a message by now."


    "In that case, stay in Medicine Valley. Who knows, maybe one day Demon Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect will sneak into Medicine Valley, and we will rely on you to protect it."


    "But..."


    "Lingjun, to think you are a Great Cultivator, yet why is your Daoist Heart so impatient? Isn''t it also meritorious to protect the herbs? Doesn''t this meritpare to the merit you would gain from killing enemies?"


    Gu An said sternly, but he did not stop his hands from moving.


    Having just spent over forty million years of his life span, he had to replenish it.


    Lu Lingjun gave in helplessly, seeking to go out and eradicate demons primarily for the grand scheme of the Sect Leader.


    However, she wasn''t yet ready to tell Gu An of her desire to be the Sect Leader, especially since Gu An had a closer rtionship with Lv Baitian.


    Seeing her n had failed, Lu Lingjun changed the subject, asking, "Valley Master, do you think there are Immortals in this world? The heavens and earth are vast; if there are Immortals, why can''t Mortal Spiritsy eyes on them?"


    "Of course there are, otherwise why would we Cultivators exist? It''s just that we''re still on the pursuit," Gu An answered.


    Of course there are!


    I am one!


    But I can''t tell you!


    Gu An gloated inwardly while at the same time, another thought struck him.


    Could it be that Immortals are hidden among the Mortal World, and his previous Divine Sense was simply incapable of detecting an Immortal''s presence?


    Or perhaps, Immortals are hidden on the other side of the ocean, beyond the Mortal ne, where even as Immortals, they must continue topete for higher realms.


    Nirvana is only the first step on the Immortal Path, and they must traverse through the Eight Tribtions before they can reach the pinnacle of the Immortal Path.


    Above the Immortal Path, what lies beyond?


    For a time, Gu An lost himself in endless reverie. Although his thoughts were adrift, it didn''t affect his herb gathering.


    "In the ce where I was born, there were no Immortals. Cultivators who reached high levels could only seek to shatter the void, for we believe that the divine resides in parts of the universe inessible to Mortal Spirits," Lu Lingjun continued, a wistful expression on her face.


    After ascending, she suddenly felt there was no difference from before her ascension. She still had to struggle in the mortal world, which was now infinitely vast, but the Immortal Path remained as distant as ever.


    Gu An listened, asionally chiming in with agreement.


    An hourter, the two returned to the loft area and then parted ways.


    Gu An walked towards the Mystic Pure Tree and saw Xiaochuan crouching on the ground from afar, observing the White Spirit Rat that was soundly asleep under the tree.


    Although Xiaochuan had raised many Demon Beasts, his favorite was still the White Spirit Rat, even if it paid him little attention.


    Suddenly, Gu An noticed that Xiaochuan''s figure seemed to have aged.


    Xiaochuan was only three years younger than Gu An and was now seventy years old. Moreover, he had yet to achieve Foundation Establishment, so how could he not show signs of aging?


    Gu An had once given Xiaochuan a Youth-Preserving Pill, but that could only keep his appearance young ¡ª Xiaochuan''s demeanor and mindset had begun to age.


    This realization left Gu An feeling somewhat bewildered.


    In a hundred years, Xiaochuan would leave him.


    Xiaochuan didn''t enjoy cultivation, and Gu An couldn''t force him. Fortunately, even without achievements in Immortal Cultivation, Xiaochuan still lived happily. Because of Gu An, he had no regrets in this life.


    Gu An approached Xiaochuan from behind and asked with a chuckle, "Xiaochuan, what are you looking at? If you want to hold it, just pick it up."


    Xiaochuan looked up and said helplessly, "It''s got a big temper. I tried to hold it earlier, and it scratched me."


    "Oh? Why didn''t you tell me? This rascal!"


    Gu An immediately walked over, grabbed the tail of the White Spirit Rat, and lifted it.


    The White Spirit Rat woke up startled, but upon seeing it was Gu An, stopped struggling at once.


    Gu An ced it in Xiaochuan''s arms and warned it with a look not to resist, leaving it no choice but to curl up sulkily.


    Seeing he finally held the White Spirit Rat, Xiaochuan''s face broke into an excited smile, and he began gently stroking its back.


    At that moment, Gu An felt the presence of a battle from afar.


    Mystic Heart Realm''s big fight!


    One of the auras was that of Xuan Quan the Elder!


    He looked only once and did not think to intervene.


    As long as Ephemera Sect''s Mahayana didn''t take action, he couldn''t be bothered. Nine dynasties'' cmity wasn''t his alone to bear, and he could not let Supreme Sect fall into a habit of depending on Sword Venerable Fudao.


    After chatting with Xiaochuan for half an hour, Gu An then left.


    Xiaochuan put the White Spirit Rat down, which scampered away with a whoosh, returning to sleep under the Mystic Pure Tree.


    Xiaochuan turned to watch Gu An''s retreating figure, and for some reason, he felt he was growing further and further apart from Gu An.


    Even though they always keptpany, and Gu An had no intention of leaving Supreme Sect, he just inexplicably felt a sense of loss.


    Fortunately, that feeling of loss came swiftly and left just as quickly.


    "Little Yang,e over here. Let''s go see the Spirit Chickens; they should beying eggs today."


    Xiaochuan waved to a Servant Disciple not far away, and thinking of the Spirit Chickenying eggs, a smile once again bloomed on his face.


    ...


    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    Inside an underground space, Gu An sat on the ground with a stele ced in front of him, stroking his chin in deep thought.


    Tian Yao''er crouched beside him, curiously watching, and after holding back for a long time, she couldn''t help but ask, "What are you thinking about?"


    Gu An answered, "I''m thinking of a name for this cave."


    Suddenly thinking of something, he opened his eyes and looked towards Tian Yao''er, "If I let you choose, what name would you pick?"


    Upon hearing this, Tian Yao''er tilted her head, pondered for a moment, and said, "How about ''Demon Nest''?"


    Gu An closed his eyes again, toozy to continue the conversation.


    Tian Yao''er pouted. She lifted both hands, curved them into ws, and gently swiped at Gu An, then stuck out her tongue and made a face as if trying to scratch him.


    After the time it takes an incense stick to burn.


    Gu An stood up, startling Tian Yao''er into rising as well. She widened her eyes, watching Gu An.


    Gu An lifted his right hand, two fingers extended forward and aimed at the surface of the stele, making sweeping motions through the air.


    Tian Yao''er looked down and saw a faint energy brushing against the stele, inscribing four characters.


    Nianchu Cave.


    Nianchu, meaning to not forget one''s original intentions, Gu An feared that he would be arrogant in the future.


    Today''s conversation with Xiaochuan led to many reflections on life, and Nianchu was also a hope to remember the first group of people he met on the path to immortal cultivation.


    After carving the name, Gu An picked up the stele and walked off into the distance.


    Tian Yao''er followed step by step. Since Gu An''s return, she had not left his side beyond the distance of seven steps.


    After inserting the stele into its ce, Gu An turned around and started casting spells with his hands, then squatted down and pped his palms to the ground.


    Actually, he didn''t need to go through all this trouble; he was simply putting on a show for Tian Yao''er.


    As his mana burrowed into the soil, the barren ground began sprouting weeds. In less than three breaths, the entire area around Nianchu Cave was covered, leaving Tian Yao''er with eyes wide open in amazement.


    This was one of Gu An''s Mystic Heart Divine Powers, which he called All Things Divine Presence!


    All Things Divine Presence wasn''t merely capable of this; it could create flora using mana within the reach of his Divine Sense. These nts, infused with his mana, could provide him with a field of vision. They had countless marvelous uses and could form rapidly enough to be used as a lethal move.


    With a wave of his hand, Gu An could easily conjure a forest wall tens of thousands of feet high. As for the ultimate limit of this power, even he wasn''t sure for now.


    Just the thought of it filled him with anticipation.


    Beyond that, this divine power could also elerate the growth of nts.


    Today, Gu An nned to conduct an experiment.


    He wanted to see whether speeding up the growth of herbs would affect the lifespan they absorbed.


    He took out a seed and buried it in the soil.


    Tian Yao''er was dumbfounded, looking at the greenery that carpeted the ground. She seriously doubted Gu An''s word, as she had never seen the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother employ such methods.


    Half an hourter.


    Gu An sighed, holding a fresh Rank Two Spirit Grass in his hand.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Forcing growth did reduce lifespan indeed.


    He forcibly matured a Rank Two Spirit Grass within half an hour, but the attempt to absorb its lifespan failed. Based on the Life Span Detection, this Rank Two Spirit Grass was already at its end, yet it didn''t show the remaining lifespan in months, making it difficult for him to judge directly.


    It seemed that he had to farm honestly after all.


    Gu An cursed himself for being greedy. His ability to absorb lifespan was already quite remarkable, yet he still wanted more speed.


    He stood up, and Tian Yao''er beside him did the same, as if imitating him.


    "Don''t you have something to do?" Gu An couldn''t help but ask.


    Tian Yao''er blinked, "Do what?"


    "Don''t you want revenge? Why aren''t you cultivating?"


    "How do I cultivate? You haven''t taught me the Technique of Immortal Cultivation..." Tian Yao''er replied aggrievedly.


    One couldn''t help but feel pity for her when she looked so distressed.


    Gu An silently cursed ''demoness'' under his breath, then asked, "How did you improve your cultivation level?"


    He had seen Tian Yao''er''s past, but only ten years of it. From the very beginning, she was raised by the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother, who asionally fed her various elixirs and medicinal broths. He thought she had learned the Technique of Immortal Cultivation when she was younger.


    "I don''t really know; it just increased like that..." Tian Yao''er replied.


    Upon thinking it over, Gu An considered this a good thing, as it meant she wouldn''t have to start her cultivation all over again.


    Then, Gu An began imparting the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill to Tian Yao''er.


    Tian Yao''er waspletely clueless about cultivation, which made Gu An exin some basic cultivation knowledge to her.


    A night passed, and Tian Yao''er was finally able to absorb energy on her own, which relieved Gu An.


    During this process, he discovered that Tian Yao''er couldn''t read.


    He nced towards the scattered assortment of books in the distance and pondered whether to leave a copy of the Supreme Secret Records; it had pictures after all.


    But immediately afterward, he dismissed the idea.


    That''s too underhanded!


    He couldn''t let an ignorant demoness read such books!


    If Tian Yao''er harbored improper thoughtster on, it could even affect his own cultivation here.


    It was all Shen Zhen''s fault, causing Gu An''s thoughts to be increasingly impure. Some books being forbidden made sense!

 Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Mountain God Descends, Punishment

    The autumn wind was bleak in the mountain forest as Zhen Qin and others followed Sage Xuan Miao.


    Sage Xuan Miao walked at the front, leaving a trail of blood that made everyone following extremely worried, but they knew that any attempt tofort him would be futile.


    They just tried as best as they could not to disturb him.


    Boom¡ª


    A deafening explosion sounded from the distance, and a wild wind roared in, overpowering the trees; everyone hastened to mobilize their Spiritual Power to resist the fierce storm.


    Sage Xuan Miao used his sword to block, and his Divinity Transformation Realm Cultivation Level fended off most of the pressure.


    He couldn''t help spitting out a mouthful of blood, causing the Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall from the Supreme Sect behind him to worry for him.


    A few momentster, the windstorm ceased, and Sage Xuan Miao half-knelt, using his sword to steady his body.


    The surrounding forest was nearly all toppled, with grass and debris flying everywhere, creating utter chaos.


    Zhen Qin and others hurriedly gathered around, concerned for Sage Xuan Miao''s safety.


    Since Sage Xuan Miao had saved them, they had experienced numerous ferocious battles almost daily, which not only prevented his injuries from healing but had exacerbated them.


    Sage Xuan Miao raised his head, his pale face filled with resentment, and he gritted his teeth and said, "The enemy ising, everyone, meditate!"


    Upon hearing his words, everyone quickly sat down, having developed an unconditional trust in Sage Xuan Miao over the days; without him, they would have already perished.


    Sage Xuan Miao took a deep breath and said softly, "Together, call out in your hearts to the Mountain God and pray for intervention to save us!"


    He had no other choice as his Spiritual Power was insufficient to perform the Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate, and the only hope he could think of was the Mountain God.


    Although they were far from the ce where the Mountain God resided, he believed that the Mountain God could surely feel their call.


    The disciples listened to his words, all of them astonished, and some were even more anxious.


    "Why not flee instead of praying to some Mountain God?"


    "Exactly, the world is in chaos and full of battlefields; we might be able to escape amidst the chaos."


    "We can take turns carrying you and make our escape; we will surely find a way out!"


    "We cannot just sit here and wait for death!"


    "What Mountain God? If such a being existed, how could the Ephemera Sect wreak havoc like this?"


    The disciples grew more and more agitated as they too felt a powerful presence approaching.


    Sage Xuan Miao spoke up, "We can''t escape. They have already locked onto us. Quickly sit down and do as I said. There is still a sliver of hope, and if we dy, they will capture us, and then we can neither live nor die."


    Upon hearing this, the disciples could only grit their teeth and sit down.


    Zhen Qin sat among the crowd, closed her eyes, and began calling out to the Mountain God in her heart.


    She certainly did not want to die here!


    All at once, everyone sat meditating on the ground, calling out in their hearts to the name of the Mountain God.


    ...


    Inside the Inner Sect City, Gu An was selecting seeds of high-ranked medical herbs in the Elixir Hall when he suddenly felt something strange, his expression turning curious.


    Somehow, it seemed someone was calling out to him.


    This feeling was quite magical, something he had never experienced before.


    He extended his Divine Sense to epass thends of the nine dynasties and soon locked onto Sage Xuan Miao.


    The person calling him was none other than Sage Xuan Miao!


    Although there were other people meditating beside Sage Xuan Miao, Gu An could distinctly feel that only Sage Xuan Miao was calling out to him. He couldn''t hear Sage Xuan Miao''s thoughts but could feel a strong emotion that Sage Xuan Miao wanted to see him.


    Could it be because of his identity as a Mountain God?


    Gu An was curious, suspecting it had something to do with the Nirvana Realm; he had known Sage Xuan Miao for a while and hadn''t felt this way before his breakthrough.


    Gu An noticed Zhen Qin''s presence, and a group of cultivators from the Ephemera Sect was quickly advancing towards them.


    After hesitating for a moment, Gu An put down the seeds in his hand and turned to walk towards the door.


    ...


    In the North Sea Mountain, amid a clearing where trees had fallen, Sage Xuan Miao, Zhen Qin, and others were meditating, all with their eyes tightly shut, as if resigned to their fates.


    A group of cultivators in ck robes flew from the horizon, led by an old man holding a wooden staff. He waspletely white-haired, and his face was marked with liver spots, with arge python coiled around his shoulders, giving him an evil, menacing appearance.


    He looked down at Sage Xuan Miao and said, "Sage Xuan Miao, have you surrendered yourself?"


    He did not attack immediately; ording to the information he had received, Sage Xuan Miao possessed a Divine Skill capable of summoning Great Cultivators, and the Ephemera Sect had already lost many Great Cultivators to this skill.


    Sage Xuan Miao ignored him and continued his silent chanting.


    The old man nced at the others, his eyes flickering, indecisive.


    The Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall were extremely nervous, most of them sweating profusely. They dared not open their eyes but could only call out frantically to the Mountain God in their hearts, or pray for a miracle to happen.


    After a while, the old man with the staff snorted coldly. He raised his wooden staff in the air and thumped it down once, instantly causing rolling Demonic Qi to burst forth from the base of the staff, quickly covering the sky for ten miles around.


    The Disciples of Supreme Sect''s Law Enforcement Hall felt something and opened their eyes. To them, it seemed as if they had suddenly entered into the night, and the Ephemera Sect''s cultivators hovering in the air looked like evil spirits descending upon them.


    Everyone was extremely tense, their faces showing utter despair and fear, and so did Zhen Qin''s.


    Sage Xuan Miao also opened his eyes, sighed, and looked up at the sky, his gaze bing calm.


    "Are you very disappointed?"


    A voice entered Sage Xuan Miao''s ears, causing him to instinctively turn his head to look, and then, he widened his eyes in surprise.


    "Mountain God!"


    Upon hearing these two words, the others turned their heads to look, and when their gaze fell on Sage Xuan Miao''s shoulder, they all widened their eyes.


    On Sage Xuan Miao''s left shoulder stood a small figure in white robes, wearing an opera mask, not even as tall as Sage Xuan Miao''s ears, which made the disciples think they were seeing things, and some couldn''t help rubbing their eyes.


    The elderly man with the wooden staff above furrowed his brow, also spotting the small figure in white.


    Other Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect began to whisper among themselves, as this was the first time they had seen such a small person. When they used their Divine Sense to probe, they could not discern the true face of the figure in white, nor could they sense any demonic aura from him.


    Gu An jumped off Sage Xuan Miao''s shoulder andnded on a nearby crookedrge tree.


    Sage Xuan Miao hurriedly kneeled to worship Gu An, saying, "Please, Mountain God, help us. The Ephemera Sect hasmitted many evils, even attempting to sacrifice people of the nine dynasties, which is truly against heaven and harmful to reason. Please save themon people!"


    The Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall came to their senses, and one by one, they turned and knelt to worship Gu An.


    Zhen Qin was also kneeling, looking at the figure in white, feeling an inexplicable closeness.


    "Mountain God? Stop ying tricks! I advise you to not meddle!"


    The elderly man with the wooden staff stared at Gu An, threatening him coldly.


    Gu An ignored the threat of the Great Cultivator in the Unification Realm. He turned to look at Sage Xuan Miao and spoke leisurely, "The Mountain God does not save themon folk, only protects a certainnd. You are not from this ce, yet you ask me for help, which vites celestial rules."


    Sage Xuan Miao quickly replied, "After you take action, we will worship you!"


    "Hmm, sincerity invokes the spirit!"


    Gu An turned to look at the elderly man with the wooden staff, toozy for excess words. He raised his right hand, palm facing upwards.


    As he raised his hand, the earth trembled violently, rming everyone.


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    Massive roots burst forth from the ground, rushing towards the heavens like a swarm of pythons, causing the elderly man with the wooden staff to hastily evade, while other Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect failed to avoid them and were sessively pierced through, shattered to pieces, their blood spilling into the sky.


    The demonic Qi in the sky instantly dissipated, and sunlight poured down as Zhen Qin and others clearly saw the incredible spectacle before them, leaving everyone shocked, including Sage Xuan Miao.


    Trees soared into the sky, standing side by side, extending endlessly in both directions, indiscernible to the bounds, as if a green mountain had suddenly risen, piercing the clouds and astounding all onlookers.


    The elderly man quickly dodged, waving his wooden staff and casting a magnificent spell, with demonic Qi surging dramatically. However, in less than the span of three breaths, he was entangled by vines, horrified to discover his Spiritual Power suppressed inside his body, unable to escape.


    "How is this possible... could it truly be a Mountain God?"


    The elderly man''s eyes widened in despair, and then his face was covered by the vines, eventually disappearing among the interweaving branches, merging with the trees.


    From high above, a hundred miles in every direction were dense, massive trees intertwined together, forming a mountain of trees, shocking all creatures who witnessed this scene.


    Sage Xuan Miao gazed up at the mountain of trees, unable, despite his sharp vision, to determine their height.


    Messages started popping up before Gu An.


    A mini-harvest!


    Making do, so many people together, yet their lifespans haven''t even exceeded five thousand years!


    Gu An withdrew his hand, and the terrifying and majestic mountain of trees melted away, dispersing into countless green light stars, disappearing in an extremely short time.


    A huge abyss-like rift in front proved that the scene just prior was real!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall looked at Gu An again, their eyes filled with reverence and disbelief.


    Such a small stature, yet capable of disying powers akin to those of ghosts and gods, truly a Mountain God!


    And even stronger than the Mountain Gods of legends!


    Gu An looked at Sage Xuan Miao, stroking his chin, and pondered, "I told you not to reveal my existence, I must punish you a bit."


    Sage Xuan Miao, upon hearing this, took a square wooden box from his storage bag and said, "I am willing to ept the punishment. This treasure is to repay the Mountain God for his rescue."


    Gu An gestured with his hand, bringing the wooden box before him, then threw it into his storage bag. Having many storage bags, fearing Zhen Qin might notice, he specifically switched to a different storage bag.


    He leaped up, flying to the front of Sage Xuan Miao, gently patted his forehead, and said, "I will punish you by regressing your realm by a year!"


    In an instant, Sage Xuan Miao''s expression changed as his realm rapidly regressed, his Cultivation Level falling all the way to the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    It was Gu An''s Divine Skill, Path of Returning Primordial Spirit!


    This was a Divine Skill awakened from the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, capable of sealing another''s cultivation level!


    Zhen Qin and others also sensed the rapid decline of Sage Xuan Miao''s cultivation aura, all their faces turning pale.


    When Gu An looked towards them, they hurriedly presented their treasures to Gu An, promising to never reveal the existence of the Mountain God to anyone else.


    Gu An waved his sleeve, collecting all the offered items, then with another wave, a sudden breeze arose, sweeping them all towards the horizon, including Sage Xuan Miao.


    "There is a difference between immortals and mortals. If you break your promise, even if you hide at the ends of the earth and sea, I will be able to find you."


    Gu An''s voice entered each of the Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall''s ears.

 Chapter 139: Chapter 139 Immortal Path Tactics, Eve of the Decisive Battle

    Gu An manipted the mana-transformed breeze and safely delivered Sage Xuan Miao, Zhen Qin, and others to the border of the Taicang Dynasty before withdrawing his focus and vanishing from the spot.


    This action was primarily for Zhen Qin.


    Yet, the feeling of making a move was quite pleasant, allowing him to truly experience the mighty power of the Immortal Path.


    No wonder the Nirvana Realm is so special. Without undergoing Nirvana, a Cultivator of Human Race cannot live beyond ten thousand years. The gap between the Nirvana Realm and the Mahayana Realm is not just in terms of Spiritual Power but in all aspects.


    Upon returning to the Supreme Sect, Gu An continued to purchase herbs, preparing for nting in the Nianchu Cave.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Before sowing, he had to properly instruct Tian Yao''er.


    Now that he possessed the means of an Immortal, he did not need to provide hands-on instruction to Tian Yao''er. A mere touch on her forehead could transfer a vast amount of information into her mind. However, to conceal his strength, he decided to teach her slowly, as he had ample time.


    Meanwhile.


    By the side of a great river, the Disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall looked at Sage Xuan Miao, hesitating to speak.


    They could no longer care about the joy of their narrow escape; they were more worried about the impact on Sage Xuan Miao.


    If it weren''t for saving them, how could Sage Xuan Miao have ended up like this?


    Sage Xuan Miao washed his face and stood up, smiling at everyone, "Don''t worry about me. My cultivation level was only sealed by the Mountain God for a year because I did not keep my promise. It''s only right that I face this tribtion."


    The disciples hurriedly spoke up, taking responsibility onto themselves, but Sage Xuan Miao merely responded with a carefreeugh.


    Having his cultivation level suppressed to the Foundation Establishment Realm did not cause him any pain; instead, he felt more excited.


    Now, he fully believed that the Mountain God was a true Immortal. The methods of the Mountain God astounded him and were also very inspiring.


    The path to Immortal Cultivation can indeed be achieved!


    "Alright, everyone, now that we''re back in the Taicang Dynasty, it''s time to part ways. Remember, do not reveal the existence of the Mountain God to anyone," Sage Xuan Miao said with a salute.


    The disciples quickly returned the salute, promising never to reveal it.


    If Sage Xuan Miao, being as strong as he was, could have his cultivation sealed, how would they dare to anger the Mountain God?


    They shared the same excitement as Sage Xuan Miao, seeing an unprecedented hope.


    The Immortal Path is vast and immeasurable, and whether Immortals exist has always been a long-standing debate in the Immortal Cultivation World. Those who have seen an Immortal will be more resolute than others.


    ...


    As autumn passed and winter arrived, heavy snow gradually covered Mystic Valley.


    Zhen Qin came back to visit him, telling him how chaotic the outside world was.


    "The people from the Ephemera Sect are just too many; even with thebined forces of the nine dynasties, they cannot bepletely eradicated..." Zhen Qin sighed.


    As a Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator, her perspective was limited.


    Gu An often saw battles involving Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators.


    Currently, each region was overseen by Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators. The total number of Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators across the nine dynasties had already exceeded twenty and was still increasing. The situation with the Ephemera Sect was the same, leading to a stalemate in the battles below.


    This would be a conflict thatsted many years!


    Gu An was not in a hurry; he was just waiting for that Mahayana Cultivator to show up and would eliminate him at the first opportunity!


    His Divine Sense could cover the nine dynasties, but the Main Lineage of the Ephemera Sect was in the Nine Nether Road, so he had not yet discovered the whereabouts of that Mahayana Cultivator.


    He did not intend to enter the Nine Nether Road to capture him, preferring to wait for the opponent to appear, as only then would the news of his death spread. At that time, the leaderless Ephemera Sect could only disperse.


    After Zhen Qin finished speaking, Gu An poured her a cup of tea, smiling as he asked, "You seem quite excited, quite different in spiritpared to when you left."


    Zhen Qin chuckled, "Although there''s killing everywhere outside, this experience has given me greater motivation to cultivate."


    "Master, I n to go into seclusion next. Our batch of disciples haspleted their mission, and the Law Enforcement Hall has allowed us to rest next," she said.


    Gu An took out bottles of Elixir from his Storage Bag and handed them to her, saying, "Cultivate well, in the future Master will rely on you."


    Zhen Qin did not refuse, and while epting the Elixirs, sheughed, "Wait till I be an Immortal, then I''ll concoct the Elixir of Immortality for Master!"


    She looked spirited, causing Gu An to feel amused.


    Since Su Han and Ye Yan left, Zhen Qin had been frequently visiting Mystic Valley, still treating it as her home.


    Gu An never found it bothersome; every time he saw hering to visit, he was very pleased.


    After Zhen Qin left Mystic Valley, Gu An began wandering around in Mystic Valley, admiring the fruits of his cultivation.


    Time continued to pass.


    Although the Immortal Cultivation World was already in great chaos, the Supreme Sect had not been attacked, and Gu An''s days within the sect remained peaceful.


    After the end of the year came the New Year. This year''s Spring Festival was not as lively as in past years, and Gu An could only celebrate the festival with the Servant Disciples.


    Late into the night, he quietly went to the Nianchu Cave.


    He appeared on the grass, feeling the Spiritual Energy within the cave, and his face showed satisfaction. The Spirit Gathering Array he had personally set up was beginning to show results.


    At that moment, Tian Yao''er came over excitedly and asked, "Master, did you bring any meat?"


    Since Gu An made barbecued meat for herst month, she hadpletely fallen in love with barbecue, and every time Gu An came, she would first ask if he brought meat.


    Nianchu Cave had no entrance, so Tian Yao''er could not leave it; she could only cultivate and wait.


    "I brought some, but we need to sow first. Based on your performance, I will decide how many pieces of meat you get to eat," Gu An replied, hearing Tian Yao''er''s eyes widen.


    Subsequently, Gu An began teaching Tian Yao''er how to sow the seeds, passing on his knowledge through both words and actions.


    After teaching her once, Gu An watched Tian Yao''er sow, which took up half the evening.


    Gu An noticed that Tian Yao''er had quite a talent for nting. Although she seemed dull, she was meticulous and skilled with her hands.


    After they finished sowing, Gu An took out a leg ofmb and some specially made seasonings. Tian Yao''er''s eyes lit up, and she took the initiative to fetch some firewood.


    30 minutester.


    Tian Yao''er sat on the ground, gnawing on a sizzling, oilymb leg while eyeing another one still on the rack.


    "They''re all yours, eat slowly," Gu An said with augh, unable to hold back.


    Why did he feel like he was raising a cat?


    In fact, Tian Yao''er was not a cat demon but a bird demon. Observing her potential life span, Gu An suspected she had Phoenix blood lineage.


    With her mouth full of meat, Tian Yao''er asked unclearly, "Master, what brings you to Heavenly Phoenix Mountain?"


    Although they had been together for several months, she still knew nothing about Gu An. Seeing him in a good mood today, she mustered the courage to ask.


    "Heavenly Phoenix Mountain is rich in resources. I came specifically for the herbs. What we nted is what I''ve gathered from the mountain."


    "Master, can you perform alchemy?"


    "Of course."


    "The Demon Mother has a demon under her who can perform alchemy and is highly favored by her. Can you teach me alchemy in the future?"


    "It depends on your performance."


    "Master, where are you from?"


    The quiet cave echoed with the conversation of the man and the demon, the firelight casting their shifting shadows against the cave walls.


    Tian Yao''er looked at Gu An, feeling an unprecedented sense of rxation.


    Although she was still trapped in the cave, she felt at peace with Gu An and no longer lived in constant fear.


    In the days that followed, Tian Yao''er memorized all the details of cultivation, which meant that Gu An no longer needed toe to Nianchu Cave every night.


    On the days when Gu An was away, Tian Yao''er diligently cultivated. She was afraid that Gu An would be disappointed with her and abandon her, so since she began her cultivation, she never cked off.


    In the blink of an eye,


    half a year passed.


    Gu An, at the age of seventy-four, had his lifespan break through to two million years, and everything was developing in a favorable direction.


    One day, Gu An went to the Outer City to deliver thest year''s harvest to Mystic Valley.


    After leaving the Elixir Hall, he heard passing disciples discussing the major events in the Immortal Cultivation World."


    It was said that the Ephemera Sect was building a massive sacrificial altar in the Wanji Forest of the Taichen Dynasty, nning to sacrifice living beings. Now, people were disappearing from all the dynasties, and sects from the other eight dynasties were rushing to the Taichen Dynasty. Everyone felt that a major battle was imminent.


    Using his Divine Sense, Gu An saw the altar, and indeed, it was huge, covering an area of a hundred miles. At the center of the altar was arge cauldron with a g in it, harboring countless aggrieved souls.


    Surrounding the altar were at least forty Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators, suggesting that the Ephemera Sect was going all-in.


    This also indicated that the Mahayana Cultivator was about to make an appearance.


    Gu An withdrew his Divine Sense and headed to Wu Jue''s residence.


    Wu Jue had already be an Inner Sect Disciple, but he hadn''t sold his separate courtyard in the Outer City; he just didn''t stay there regrly.


    Feeling Wu Jue''s presence meant Wu Jue was specifically waiting for him.


    On his way to the yard, the practicing Wu Jue saw Gu An entering and smiled, "You''ve finallye. I thought I wouldn''t see you before I left."


    Although Wu Jue''s potential lifespan had not increased, his cultivation had reached the first level of the Core Formation Realm.


    After closing the gate, Gu An turned to look at Wu Jue and asked with a smile, "What are you waiting for me for?"


    "Master is nning to take me to the Taichen Dynasty to eradicate the Ephemera Demon Path. Taichen is far from Taicang. It''s uncertain how long it will take to return, so I wanted to say goodbye to you," Wu Jue replied, halting his practice.


    He tried to appear calm, but Gu An could see the nervousness and fear in his heart.


    Indeed, Wu Jue had never experienced a life-or-death fight, and he had a particr fear of the Ephemera Sect since his master had died at their hands.


    "A genius like you should find it easy to stay, shouldn''t you?" Gu An asked.


    Wu Jue shook his head, "The Ephemera Sect is powerful. The Supreme Sect must devote all its strength to eliminate demons. Moreover, I have reasons that make it impossible for me not to go."


    His expression was resolute.


    He had to avenge his master!


    Although he did not know which Ephemera Sect Demon Cultivator had killed his master, to him, it did not matter¡ªas long as he could destroy the Ephemera Sect, he would consider it revenge.


    "Then you must be cautious. The Demon Path employs a myriad of strange and extreme tactics. You can''t judge someone''s strength based on their cultivation level alone..." Gu An began to admonish.


    Listening to his lengthy advice, Wu Jue did not find it tedious; instead, he smiled.


    Having such a brother made him even more determined to go!


    If the Ephemera Sect''s sacrifice was sessful, the Demon Cultivators would eventually attack the Supreme Sect, and then Gu An would be in danger.


    Subsequently, Wu Jue began to talk about the scale of the Supreme Sect''s expedition this time. The Sect Leader had dispatched one-third of the Inner Sect Disciples to Wanji Forest, indicating the emphasis ced on this mission.

 Chapter 140: Chapter 140: Attack of the Ninth Layer of the Mystic Heart Realm

    ```


    After bidding farewell to Wu Jue, in the following days, Gu An saw arge number of Supreme Sect disciples flying over the airspace of the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley every day.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Supreme Sect had begun its expedition!


    Standing on a terrace, Gu An looked into the distance and could see battles erupting in the Wanji Forest; the sects that arrived first had alreadyunched their offensive against the Ephemera Sect.


    Unfortunately, the joint effort of forty Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators was nearly invincible, and ultimately, the cultivators of the various dynasties returned in defeat, waiting to umte more strength.


    Gu An then turned his gaze towards the Dust-free Wastnd, which had been reimed by the Ephemera Sect, where a continuous stream of Ephemera Sect cultivators flew out of the entrance to the Nine Nether Road, all heading towards the direction of the Taichen Dynasty.


    The nine dynasties were Taicang, Great Yu, Chentang, Tianwei, Taichen, Hanlu, Great Zhao, Great Jiang, and Wuzhen.


    The strength of the Taichen Dynastygged behind, located in the center of the nine dynasties with a not-so-small territory, which had been upied by the Ephemera Sect.


    From a macro perspective, Gu An could see that, with the Taichen Dynasty as the center, cultivators from all directions were continuously going to lend support, presenting a magnificent sight.


    Watching this, Gu An couldn''t help but boil with zeal, wanting to join in on the action.


    However, he had to guard his own Medicine Valley; that was the most important thing.


    Moreover, if he made a move too soon, that Mahayana Cultivator might not show up again.


    Theck of action from the other party till now made Gu An feel that they were definitely preparing something.


    To Gu An, the massive altar in the Wanji Forest looked like a target; he suspected that the Ephemera Sect mightunch a sneak attack on the Supreme Sect.


    It wasn''t just him who was suspicious. The Supreme Sect was clearly defensive as well; there was still one Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator left in the sect to guard it, and it wasn''t Ancestor Xuan Quan.


    A monthter.


    The number of patrols in the cities of the Supreme Sect had increased, a tense atmosphere permeating within the sect, even affecting the servant disciples of the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley.


    As the chief disciple of Mystic Valley, Lu Jiujia began arranging disciples to take turns guarding the mountaintops surrounding the Medicine Valley, to prevent any Ephemera Sect demon cultivators from approaching.


    The same was true for the Third Medicine Valley; the deacons took turns leading disciples on patrols.


    On this particr morning, in the Third Medicine Valley.


    The morning exercises had just ended, and Gu An was on his way to his own attic when he seemed to sense something, his eyes flickered, but he did not stop moving.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a thundering roar resonated between heaven and earth, startling everyone in the valley, who involuntarily shuddered and turned their heads to look.


    Across the sky in the direction of the Inner Sect, rolling thunderclouds emerged, sweeping towards the Third Medicine Valley as if to cover the entire sky.


    "What was that sound just now?"


    "Could it be an attack by the Ephemera Sect?"


    "Wasn''t the Ephemera Sect in the Taichen Dynasty?"


    "After all, if we, the Supreme Sect, are destroyed, the morale of the nine dynasties will surely fall significantly."


    "I hope it doesn''t affect our Medicine Valley¡­"


    The disciples gathered and began to discuss among themselves.


    Gu An also stopped in his tracks, standing in front of a wooden railing on the edge of a garden area, watching the distant sky, and peering at the battle in the Main City of the Sect.


    The Main City of the Sect was the Supreme Sect''srgest city, where Inner Sect Disciples could enter but not reside; only the various levels of power within the Supreme Sect lived there.


    At that moment, two Unification Realm Great Cultivators in the Main City of the Sect were fighting. As the twomencedbat, more and more cultivators joined the fray, eventually leading to arge-scale chaotic battle.


    It was not an attack by the Ephemera Sect, but spies of the Ephemera Sect had begun to act.


    Gu An watched for a while and noticed that the disciples causing trouble seemed toe from the same n.


    Lu Lingjun came beside Gu An and said, "Valley Master, from now on, you''d better not leave the Medicine Valley."


    She, too, was looking towards the Main City of the Sect, her expression grave.


    She had already sensed the aura of at least five Unification Realm cultivators!


    It wasn''t just the Unification Realm that was enough to make her anxious; she had a premonition that something extremely terrible was about to happen.


    Gu An nodded slightly and then continued to watch the battle.


    The Third Medicine Valley quickly darkened, as if night had fallen.


    Rumbling¡ª¡ª


    A deep rumbling of thunder echoed across the sky, as if ancient beasts were roaring in the sea of clouds, deafening to the ears.


    "Your Excellency should reveal yourself now. The battle between you and me will determine the fate of the Supreme Sect!"


    A cold voice echoed through the entire Supreme Sect, making everyone who heard it feel a heaviness in their chests, very ufortable.


    Lu Lingjun''s expression shifted slightly; she was certain the owner of the voice had a cultivation level surpassing the Unification Realm!


    Gu An had already seen a figure walking above the sea of clouds, a person in a ck robe and purple crown, with eighteen golden daggers floating behind. As the figure moved forward, his sleeves caught the wind, stirring up airwaves like dragons apanying him, exuding overwhelming authority.


    Mystic Heart Realm fifthyer!


    This person was probably among the upper echelon of the hundred venerables within the Ephemera Sect; the Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators within the Supreme Sect were three minor cultivation stages below him.


    Meanwhile.


    In the Book Collection Hall in the Inner Sect City.


    Elder Xu Lu stood in front of the counter, looking at the figure descending the stairs in the distance, and couldn''t help but ask: "How confident are you?"


    Following his gaze, an old man with an aura of immortality in a ck robe came down, holding a horsetail whisk, his face calm.


    Without pausing, the man walked down the stairs and left only one sentence:


    "One does one''s best."


    Xu Lu turned to look out the window, where the rolling thunderclouds seemed like a ck ocean, stirring up frightening waves, oppressive and thrilling, worry evident in his eyes.


    "Today is the first time this poor Taoist will face a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator inbat since stepping into the Mystic Heart. May I inquire the name of your Excellency? My Taoist name is Ancestor Kusong."


    The voice of the ck-robed elder resounded through the entire Supreme Sect, calming the restless atmosphere of the cities.


    Mystic Heart Realm?


    Lu Lingjun was hearing the name of this realm for the first time.


    ```


    Unification Realm above is Mystic Heart?


    Lu Lingjun had already captured the figure above the sea of clouds, her eyes brimming with envy and admiration.


    She was determined to reach this realm!


    No!


    She wanted to surpass the Mystic Heart Realm!


    "I am Venerable Chi Qian from the Ephemera Sect, and to die by my hand is an honor, for you have bore witness to the Path of Mystic Heart!"


    The previous voice rang out again, its tone of pride causing the cultivators of the Supreme Sect to sweat on behalf of Ancestor Kusong.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A tremendous oppressive force descended, enveloping the entire Supreme Sect; thunderclouds churned violently in the sky, as protective barriers of light were simultaneously lit up in each city, with formations fortifying against the impending battle pressures from above.


    Venerable Chi Qian and Ancestor Kusong had begun their battle!


    Both werebatting high in the sky, not affecting the ground below, yet their might was so strong that it caused mountains to tremble between heaven and earth.


    Lu Lingjun kept her gaze firmly fixed on the heavens, unwilling to miss any detail of the battle between two Great Cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Gu An could not help but nce at her.


    Hmm?


    Could she achieve enlightenment from this?


    After a while,


    Lu Lingjun was still in a state of self-forgetfulness, while Gu An turned and headed towards the entrance of the valley.


    It wasn''t just Venerable Chi Qian who was sent by the Ephemera Sect; another even more powerful being had already arrived at the entrance of the Third Medicine Valley.


    From a distance, Gu An saw a woman d in white, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, her presence mystical. Her fair hands were poised in front of her lower abdomen, pale as snow, her demeanor dignified as if she were a fairy descended from the heavens, making it hard to associate her with a demon cultivator of the Ephemera Sect.


    [Fairy Bai Xia (Mystic Heart Realm Nine Layers): 2180/4900/6500]


    Nine Layers of the Mystic Heart Realm!


    They really n to utterly demolish the Supreme Sect!


    Gu An felt moved, his pace quickening.


    He soon approached Fairy Bai Xia and greeted her respectfully, "The Ephemera Sect is causing chaos, may I inquire as to why the Predecessor hase?"


    The veil hanging from Fairy Bai Xia''s hat allowed a faint glimpse of her red lips, seemingly heavily rouged.


    This witch was extremely cautious, having used some kind of secret technique to make her Cultivation Level appear to be at the firstyer of the Elixir Formation Realm.


    "Little brother, the spiritual energy in this Medicine Valley is so rich, surely your identity is no simple matter, tell me, what is your identity," Fairy Bai Xia spoke, her voice melodious, stirring one''s imagination.


    Gu An raised his hand and caught her wrist, saying, "I am just an ordinary Outer Disciple of the Supreme Sect."


    Fairy Bai Xia smiled, herughter carrying a chill. She did not struggle from Gu An''s grip, but instead used the Sound Transmission Skill, "Rumors say that Sword Venerable Fudao is active within a thousand miles of this area. Young brother, if you have any information on Sword Venerable Fudao, I can spare your life."


    Gu An had anticipated that she would use the Sound Transmission Skill, so he chose to listen to her entirely.


    Gu An''s expression turned solemn, "It seems you truly are a demon cultivator!"


    In an instant, Fairy Bai Xia felt a force of overwhelming power invade her body; under the veil, her face lost its color. She tried to pull her hand away from Gu An but found she could not do it at all.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief.


    What frightened her even more was that she could neither speak nor let her Primordial Spirit emerge.


    She had never felt such terror before.


    Her Cultivation Realm began to fall rapidly, and her Primordial Spirit was pressed deep into her soul; her Cultivation Level dropped to the firstyer of the Core Formation Realm, just as she had disyed outwardly.


    "Impossible..."


    Fairy Bai Xia was near copse, her rationale slipping away with the immense strength of her adversary and the reduction of her Cultivation Level.


    Under her gaze of despair, Gu An produced a pearl.


    The Thousand-Shadow Pearl given to him by Lv Baitian!


    With his left hand gripping Fairy Bai Xia''s wrist, his right hand pressed the Thousand-Shadow Pearl against her abdomen.


    "Demon cultivator, take this!"


    Gu An shouted loudly. With a boom, the Thousand-Shadow Pearl burst forth with brilliant, strong light, and bursts of Strength Energy erupted, turning Fairy Bai Xia into a bloodied corpse, her blood sttering all over Gu An.


    The Thousand-Shadow Pearl could not kill someone of the Mystic Heart Realm, so before activating it, Gu An had used mana to forcibly scatter her soul, causing her to die instantly.


    His loud cry attracted the attention of many Servant Disciples.


    Lu Lingjun appeared out of nowhere in front of Gu An, frowning as she asked, seeing his bloodstained face, "Are you alright? Why didn''t you call for me just now?"


    Putting on an act of shock, Gu An said, "I thought an Inner Sect Disciple hade in, but she turned out to be a demon cultivator from the Ephemera Sect! We must destroy the corpse and erase the traces quickly, lest the Ephemera Secte after uster!"


    His hand holding the Thousand-Shadow Pearl was trembling.


    Killing Fairy Bai Xia gained him four hundred and ny-five years of Life Span, not a bad result!


    With a disapproving tone, Lu Lingjun said, "It looks like you weren''t scared out of your wits; look at you pretending to be afraid. You''re at least a Golden List Genius, and yet a demon cultivator who has just entered the Core Formation Realm has scared you into this state!"


    She then began to reminisce about her feelings from observing the battle.


    Deep down, she felt like she might have grasped something.


    Indeed, the Mystic Heart Realm is enviable!


    The gap between the Ninth Layer of Unification Realm and Mystic Heart Realm is unimaginable.


    Suddenly, she felt that only by achieving the Mystic Heart Realm could one truly be considered a Great Power cultivator!

 Chapter 141: Chapter 141: A Sword Cultivator Must Always Remain Calm

    ```


    Watching Lu Lingjun fall silent again, Gu An could feel that she had grasped the opportunity for a breakthrough.


    It had clearly been a long time since Lu Lingjun reached the ninthyer of the Unification Realm, her Spiritual Power had entered a state where it could no longer grow.


    Gu An pulled her along as they walked into the valley and spoke at the same time, "Tell me, what exactly is the Mystic Heart Realm like? It sounds very powerful. Mystic Heart, Mystic Heart, could it be that the heart at this realm has something special?"


    Upon hearing this, Lu Lingjun''s eyes showed a change.


    Her heart was undergoing some changes, with a hint of special power surging within it.


    This trace of special power was naturally Gu An''s mana, but he employed it so skillfully and with such a vast difference in their cultivation realms that Lu Lingjun didn''t realize it was his power. Instead, she thought she was on the verge of a metamorphosis.


    This trace of mana made a circuit within Lu Lingjun''s heart and then returned to Gu An''s body, leaving Lu Lingjun with a fleeting sense of loss.


    At this moment, the other disciples in the valley came up one after another, asking about the origins of the female demon cultivator from just before.


    Covered in blood, Gu An briefly answered their questions and then returned to the loft to wash himself.


    Lu Lingjun returned to the wooden railing and looked up at the thunderclouds, continuing to watch the battle.


    To Medicine Valley, Fairy Bai Xia was just a minor incident. Even the servant disciples didn''t pay it much attention, not realizing that the now-deceased female demon cultivator had a cultivation realm surpassing thends of the nine dynasties. Aside from Gu An, she was the strongest cultivator.


    ...


    Taichen Dynasty, Wanji Forest.


    Banner after banner stood along the edge of the forest, marking off an open space hundreds of miles in circumference. On this open space, numerous trenches were drawn, formingplex symbolic trajectories when viewed from above.


    This was the Ephemera Sect''s town sect grand formation, the Six Paths Mahayana Array!


    In the center of the formation, seven figures in ck robes sat in meditation, forming a circle. They were all Mystic Heart Realm cultivators, and moreover, they were above the fifthyer, making them the top seven Venerables of the hundred within the Ephemera Sect!


    One of the old women opened her eyes and said, "There is the aura of a Mystic Heart Realm great battleing from the direction of the Supreme Sect. It seems the Vice Sect Hierarch and Venerable Chi Qian have acted. It''s uncertain whether Sword Venerable Fudao will make a move."


    At her words, the other six also opened their eyes.


    "The Supreme Sect is in imminent danger, Sword Venerable Fudao will surely take action."


    "It is said that Sword Venerable Fudao''s cultivation at least reaches the eighthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm, though it is unclear if this is true."


    "Regardless, with the Vice Sect Hierarch taking action, the Supreme Sect can only rely on Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "It must be said, we truly underestimated the sects of thisnd. It seems a barren, backward ce, yet it has called back so many Mystic Heart Realm cultivators."


    "After all, they have stood for thousands of years, there would always be those reaching the Mystic Heart Realm."


    The top seven Venerables of the Ephemera Sect discussed among themselves with a casual tone, as if the downfall of the Supreme Sect was already a foregone conclusion.


    At the same time.


    Thousands of miles away, in the mountainous regions, Supreme Sect cultivators were stationed, with disciples monitoring the surroundings from every mountain peak within thousands of miles.


    At the main camp, in a temporarily built grand hall, Lv Baitian, Ancestor Xuan Quan, and several dozens of high-ranking members of the Supreme Sect were gathered.


    An Hao and Wu Jue were also there, with An Hao standing beside Lv Baitian and Wu Jue standing behind Zhou Yu of the Venerable Pavilion.


    Lv Baitian sat boldly with his legs spread wide, not resembling the Sect Leader of a Righteous Path Sect, but more like a Demon Lord.


    His face was gloomy as he asked, "What does this mean, the Cangtian Sect wants to be the Alliance Hierarch?"


    Ji Chen from the Ji Family said helplessly, "Yes, the number of sects in the nine dynasties has exceeded forty. Acting haphazardly will lead to mutual hindrance, hence the Cangtian Sect proposed electing an Alliance Hierarch. They dispatched a million disciples and four Mystic Heart Realm Supreme Elders, so they naturally feel entitled to the leadership."


    Four Mystic Heart Realm cultivators were indeed formidable!


    It should be known that before the cmity stirred by the Ephemera Sect, the Unification Realm was the highest realm within the nine dynasties. Who would have thought that when the cmity of the nine dynasties fell, the Cangtian Sect could summon four Mystic Heart Realm Supreme Elders!


    Among the sectsing to support, not every sect has Mystic Heart Realm cultivators.


    And this was the lineup sent for battle. Certainly, within the Cangtian Sect, there would be Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators standing guard, just like with the Supreme Sect.


    But the Supreme Sect could only dispatch one Mystic Heart Realm Supreme Elder. With such a disparity in strength, the Supreme Sect truly couldn''tpare with the Cangtian Sect.


    Ji Chen''s words led the grand hall to fall into silence; many Elders wanted to refute, butcked the strength to do so.


    The Ji Family, Zhou Family, and Gu Family were the three great families of the Taicang Dynasty, but in thends of the nine dynasties, it was not certain they could be counted among the top three.


    Lv Baitian took a deep breath and stared intently at Ji Chen, asking, "When will the Ji Family''s ancestor arrive?"


    Ji Chen replied, "He should arrive within a few days, but he''s the only one we''ve been able to find."


    Just like with the sects, the Mystic Heart Realm cultivators of the great families rarely stayed within the family. They traveled far and wide, seeking higher fortunes.


    Lv Baitian then looked at Zhou Yu, who immediately said, "The senior members of our n cannot leave, but the n leader is making every effort to persuade, and we should be able to summon a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator within a month."


    Lv Baitian frowned, feeling quite irritable, because among the four Mystic Heart Realm cultivators from the Cangtian Sect, one bore the surname Zhou.


    He turned his gaze to Gu Gua of the Venerable Pavilion.


    Gu Gua spoke calmly, "It''s hard to say. The elders of my n are unpredictable, and I cannot be sure how many wille, but as a duty to the nine dynasties, my Gu Family will definitely take action."


    Lv Baitianughed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An Hao, watching from the side, was inwardly astonished. This was the first time he had witnessed the influence wielded by the three great families.


    Even the powerful Sect Leader had to speak courteously.


    Lv Baitian was domineering, but he chose his targets. Against the Chu Family, he could suppress the entire n, but when dealing with the three great families, he had to be polite.


    Below the Mystic Heart Realm, Lv Baitian was invincible, but because of the Ephemera Sect, it was now time for those of the Mystic Heart Realm to be in charge.


    "When I be the Sect Leader, all these families will have to listen to me!" An Hao vowed secretly.


    In his view, Lv Baitian''s difficulties stemmed from him not being strong enough!


    ```


    As long as he was strong enough, he would not fear the looks of any power!


    Wu Jue, however, hadn''t thought that much. After all, he was now in the same camp as the Zhou Family, and he just found the conference noisy.


    If Ephemera Sect wasn''t eradicated soon, Supreme Sect would be in greater danger.


    Just then, an Elder walked briskly into the hall, holding a jade slip. He spoke quickly, "The Sect has been attacked by a Mystic Heart Realmbatant from Ephemera Sect!"


    The room erupted intomotion at his words, and An Hao frowned, thinking of his sister An Xin.


    Wu Jue clenched his fist; he thought of Gu An.


    Lv Baitian asked, "How many from the Mystic Heart Realm?"


    "One?"


    "That''s the intelligence we have so far."


    "Well, then there''s no problem. Even if Ancestor Kusong is not a match, there''s always Sword Venerable Fudao." Lv Baitian said cheerfully, and his words helped ease the tension.


    A female Elder couldn''t help but murmur, "Will Sword Venerable Fudao really take action?"


    Although Sword Venerable Fudao had already helped Supreme Sect several times, due to his mysterious identity, there were still many who couldn''t be sure that he was truly a member of Supreme Sect.


    Especially when the safety of the Sect was at stake.


    ...


    Supreme Sect.


    Under the rolling thunderclouds, Venerable Chi Qian and Ancestor Kusong were still in fierce battle, each wielding a Magic Artifact and constantly casting spells. Their mighty presence caused the thunderclouds to churn violently.


    At this moment, Venerable Chi Qian was filled with confusion.


    "Why hasn''t the Vice Sect Hierarch taken action yet?"


    Although his Cultivation Level was higher than Ancestor Kusong''s, it was difficult for him to kill a Mystic Heart Realmbatant like Ancestor Kusong and he also had to be on guard against Sword Venerable Fudao intervening. As time passed, his confidence gradually turned into unease.


    "What are you waiting for?"


    Ancestor Kusong waved his horsetail whisk, and immense Spiritual Power gathered into thousands of green light beams. They flew in various trajectories towards Venerable Chi Qian, stretching for a hundred miles, forcing him to dodge.


    This first battle of Mystic Heart Realm was tough for Ancestor Kusong, but he could see that his opponent was wary of others, which made it difficult for him to concentrate solely on the fight.


    Ancestor Kusong thought of the mysterious Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Venerable Chi Qian did not answer; he suddenly shifted direction, moving closer to a certain Outer City.


    Ancestor Kusong followed closely behind.


    Elsewhere.


    Inside Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An had changed into a new robe and then went downstairs,ing to Lu Lingjun''s side.


    Lu Lingjun had entered the state of Path Enlightenment once again. Her right hand was resting on the railing, and seeing this, Gu An too rested his hand on the railing.


    Even at Nirvana Realm, Gu An could not change the fate of others, but for someone like Lu Lingjun, who was halfway into the Mystic Heart Realm, he could lend a helping hand and enable her to break through sooner.


    Under the guidance of his Mana, Lu Lingjun''s Spiritual Power gathered in her heart, which also caused nature''s spiritual energy to quietly pour into her body.


    At that moment, Gu An sensed something and looked up, furrowing his brows with a sh of displeasure in his eyes.


    Venerable Chi Qian was approaching the Third Medicine Valley, or more precisely, drawing near to the Outer City.


    "Where is Sword Venerable Fudao? If you do not take action now, your fellow disciples will die within your own Sect!" Venerable Chi Qian''s voice rose, filled with murderous intent, reaching the ears of millions of Supreme Sect disciples.


    At the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, Ye Lan and a group of Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall stood in one corner. She looked up, the thunderclouds in the sky tumbling oppressively.


    She could feel Venerable Chi Qian approaching, his terrifying aura growing stronger.


    She couldn''t help but tighten her grip on the White Spirit Sword in her hand.


    There were thousands of Cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform, but now only a few remainedposed and meditated calmly.


    The Mad Swordsman Han Ming had long since gone back to the Dynasty. Zuo Lin stood next to his father, Zuo Yijian, and nervously asked, "Father, are we not leaving yet?"


    Zuo Yijian, holding Investiture of the Gods, calmly said, "Where can we go?"


    "But..."


    "Trust Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Hearing his father''s words, Zuo Lin was tempted to curse. What you believe in is the Investiture of the Gods! He really wanted to tear up the Investiture of the Gods in Zuo Yijian''s hand.


    Gu An, far away in the Third Medicine Valley, had already covered the Outer City with his Divine Sense, his Divine Sense locking onto a person.


    I''ve decided it''s you!


    Zuo Yijian seemed to sense Zuo Lin''s anger; he turned to the next page and said, "Lin''er, don''t rush in times of trouble. A Sword Cultivator must always remainposed..."


    Just then, the treasured sword lying next to him began to tremble violently, instantly capturing his gaze.


    A vast Sword Intent leaked out from the sword, causing Zuo Yijian to be moved.


    "This is..."


    Zuo Yijian trembled with excitement,pletely forgetting the words of education he had intended for his son.

 Chapter 142: Chapter 142: Valley Master Touches Your Hand, And Thats Not Enough?

    When Zuo Yijian trembled, Zuo Lin also noticed the unusual movement of his treasured sword; the vast Sword Intent made the sword sheath shudder violently. Under Zuo Lin''s shocked gaze, the sword sheath, along with the treasured sword, began to levitate.


    Zuo Yijian then stood up, looking at his own sword, trusting that his Perception had not been mistaken.


    This was the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Above the Heavenly Repair tform, more and more people felt the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao, including Ye Lan.


    She turned her head, her gaze stretching far toward Zuo Yijian, her expression one of astonishment.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    Suddenly the thunderclouds were ripped open, and the Outer City was instantly illuminated. A violent wind descended from the sky, making the buildings in the city shake. Outer Disciples and Servant Disciples with lower Cultivation Levels were pushed to the ground, and everyone struggled to look up.


    They could only see a gigantic hole in the thunderclouds above the Outer City, with a diameter of several dozen miles.


    The thunderclouds could not reconverge, and as the sunlight shone down, Venerable Chi Qian and Ancestor Kusong were locked in an indecisive battle. The two were a hundred yards apart, constantly casting Spells. The impact of their magic collided, generating strong winds and bright lights.


    The terrifying pressure caused the protective light screen around the Outer City to twist violently, threatening to shatter at any moment.


    "Father... what is this..." Zuo Lin couldn''t believe what he was seeing and turned to Zuo Yijian, his voice trembling.


    Could his father be the mysterious Sword Venerable Fudao?


    The others also harbored the same thought, for the Sword Intent was just too powerful.


    In the midst of their heated battle high above, Venerable Chi Qian also felt this burst of Sword Intent. He nced over, focusing on Zuo Yijian and frowning deeply.


    Could this man be Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Just then.


    Zuo Yijian suddenly knelt on one knee and looked at his continuously trembling treasured sword, and cried out loud, "Please, Sword Venerable, save our Sect!"


    As his words fell.


    ng!


    The sound of the sword de being drawn from its sheath tore through all other noise between heaven and earth!


    Venerable Chi Qian abruptly leaped to the side, moving above the thunderclouds, distancing himself from Ancestor Kusong. Looking down at the Heavenly Repair tform, he gathered eighteen golden daggers in front of him into one long de. With a manic grin, he shouted loudly, "Come out, Sword Venerable Fudao, let this Sect witness your prowess!"


    His voice echoed throughout the entire Supreme Sect!


    He was not only provoking Sword Venerable Fudao but also signaling the Vice Sect Hierarch toe quickly.


    With his Cultivation Level at the fifth stage of the Mystic Heart Realm, even if he could not defeat Sword Venerable Fudao, stalling for some time should be no difficult feat.


    However, the only response he got was the sound of a breaking wind!


    Right as Venerable Chi Qian finished speaking, the treasured sword in front of Zuo Yijian suddenly struck at Venerable Chi Qian. The terrible Sword Intent burst forth in an instant, tossing everyone around it through the air.


    The entire city saw a streak of cold light shoot out from within and soar into the sky, unstoppable!


    In the process of being thrown backward, Zuo Lin saw the cold light tearing through the sea of thunderclouds on the horizon as if it was a sword splitting the sky, cleaving the firmament in two, stunning his eyes.


    Venerable Chi Qian was also caught off guard by the sudden attack.


    So fast!


    Unable to evade in time, he instinctively lifted his great de, but his lifting speed was far from matching the approaching speed of the treasured sword.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    With a boom!


    The great de in his hands shattered, and as the sword tip reached his face, the fearsome Sword Qi of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword suddenly erupted, crushing his physical body.


    As the sword flew past, there was no longer any sign of Venerable Chi Qian!


    In the path of the sword de, the sea of clouds split open, leaving behind a magnificently stunning mark of Sword Qi across the sky.


    The Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm didn''t even have the chance to flee with his Primordial Spirit, let alone unleash his Mystic Heart Divine Power!


    The disparity was simply too vast!


    Venerable Chi Qian didn''t have the slightest chance to fight back!


    Ancestor Kusong, hovering in the high sky, his robes fluttering and white hair flying wildly, stared in the direction of the Sword Qi. This Supreme Elder was dumbstruck, struggling to maintain hisposure.


    He, who had engaged inbat with Venerable Chi Qian, knew full well the terror of this Demon Cultivator, feeling as if it was bottomless.


    Was such a powerful being truly killed in an instant by a single strike from Sword Venerable Fudao?


    And all this time, Sword Venerable Fudao had never shown himself!


    Whoosh!


    The sound of the air being split came again, as the treasured sword flew back from the edge of the sky, tracing a perfect arc as it fell from the heavens, finally plunging into the Heavenly Repair tform.


    ng!


    The sword de stabbed into the tform, sparks flying, the sword body quivering intensely, creating afterimages.


    Lying on the ground, Zuo Yijian was also gazing at his treasured sword, his mouth agape equally wide.


    The city fell silent!


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An''s mouth curled up, the prompt for iming a lifespan appeared before his eyes, confirming that Venerable Chi Qian had indeed diedpletely.


    Gu An turned to look toward the Main City of the Sect, where the battle was still ongoing, but he had no intention of intervening.


    He had already taken action twice today, and three''s the charm!


    The Supreme Sect also needed to face its Tribtion!


    Soon, a thunderous cheer erupted from the Outer City, audible even to the Servant Disciples in the Third Medicine Valley. They couldn''t make out what was being shouted on the other side, so they were all nervous.


    Gu An, meanwhile, stayed beside Lu Lingjun, afraid that other disciples might disturb her Path Enlightenment.


    ...


    In the Outer City, more and more people rushed onto the Heavenly Repair tform. Ancestor Kusong descended from the sky andnded in the midst of the crowd, right in front of Zuo Yijian.


    At that moment, Zuo Yijian was clutching his sword tightly, unwilling to sheath it, let alone hand it over to someone else.


    "Junior, may I take a look at your sword?" Ancestor Kusong asked with a smile, his voice gentle.


    Zuo Yijian looked at him as if guarding against a thief, without agreeing.


    "Wait, the sword intent beneath our feet is intensifying!"


    An elder suddenly eximed, causing everyone to look down; they saw a stream of sword intent flowing within the sword marks of the two characters for ''righteous path''.


    Just a moment ago, as the sword fell, Gu An''s sword intent also entered these two characters, enhancing the intent within them, which served to increase the deterrence of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Ancestor Kusong turned around, his gaze fell on the characters for ''righteous path'', feeling the sword intent flowing within them, he slowly closed his eyes.


    Zuo Yijian turned and stepped back, he transmitted a message to Zuo Lin, saying, "Lin''er, pick up the ''Investiture of the Gods'' for your father."


    In the distance.


    Ye Lan stood on the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, surrounded by excited Disciples of Law Enforcement Hall discussing the might of Sword Venerable Fudao, while she thought of Gu An.


    With such a formidable backer, elder brother should be quite safe, right?


    ...


    The sun set and the moon rose; after the moonfall, a new day began.


    A whole day and night passed, and the battle at the Main City of the Sect finally drew to a close.


    In the early morning, after the morning drills ended, Gu An and Xiaochuan stood on either side of Lu Lingjun.


    Xiaochuan leaned against a wooden railing, five steps away from Lu Lingjun, and curiously asked, "Elder brother, what exactly is she doing?"


    All disciples had discovered Lu Lingjun''s abnormality, and Gu An did not allow anyone to disturb her, which is why she was able to remain undisturbed for the whole night.


    Gu An spected, "Perhaps she is performing some sort of extraordinary technique; she is a Great Cultivator, we cannot fathom her realm."


    "What kind of cultivation technique could have her motionless all night like that?" Xiaochuan was quite curious.


    "It''s not a cultivation technique, I just had an enlightenment," Lu Lingjun suddenly said, Xiaochuan blinked, quickly retreating several steps.


    Lu Lingjun didn''t look at him, instead, she nced at Gu An, who also stepped back, at the same time signaling Xiaochuan with his eyes, prompting Xiaochuan to immediately slip away.


    Gu An asked with concern, "Are you okay?"


    "I am fine, thank you for staying by my side all night," Lu Lingjun replied calmly.


    Gu An feigned an expression of relief, then said, "You should go rest now, standing for a day must be tiring."


    "I just remembered, when you came back yesterday, did you hold my hand?" Lu Lingjun stepped forward and asked.


    At that time, she was immersed in recalling her enlightenment and actually didn''t shake off Gu An''s hand, which she found absurd upon reflection.


    Gu An coughed awkwardly, saying, "I was scared at the time, no offense meant."


    "No man has ever held my hand before," Lu Lingjun stared at Gu An, her voice carrying a deeper meaning.


    Heh!


    You think I believe that?


    You''ve lived for two thousand years and you''re ying the na?ve one with me?


    Gu An''s expression hardened, and he said seriously, "What? Is the Valley Master not allowed to touch your hand?"


    He had helped Lu Lingjun avoid a hundred years'' detour, so what was a touch of the hand inparison?


    Lu Lingjun''s lips curled upwards with apelling smile fraught with significance, "Alright then, from now on you are my man."


    After speaking, without waiting for Gu An''s response, she turned and left.


    Gu An was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed after her, saying, "Ms. Lu, I was just joking, please don''t take it to heart. In a while, I''ll speak with the Sect Leader and have him transfer you out."


    "It''s toote now."


    Lu Lingjun pushed Gu An away, continuing forward.


    Gu An inwardly cursed his bad luck.


    "By the way, I am preparing to undergo tribtion crossing above Medicine Valley, what do you think?" Lu Lingjun''s voice came, as she stopped in her tracks, her back to Gu An.


    Gu An frowned, asking, "Tribtion crossing requires much preparation. Why not wait for the Sect Leader to return? I can have him take you to the tribtion area."


    "I can''t wait. With your strong rtions in the Supreme Sect, if anyonees, you speak for me. Don''t worry, I won''t affect the medicine herbs of Medicine Valley," she said before leaping into the sky, a thousand feet high. A blue lotus flew out from her sleeve, growing rapidly. She stepped into the lotus and sat down to meditate.


    This spectacle caused the Servant Disciples to exim in surprise, while Xiaochuan once again approached Gu An, inquiring what Lu Lingjun was intending to do.


    Gu An looked up at Lu Lingjun and answered, "She is about to cross her tribtion."


    Under his watch, Lu Lingjun continuously waved her hand, as magic artifacts flew out, rapidly forming one circle of formations after another around her.


    He suddenly became interested, wanting to see for himself how fearsome the tribtion of the Mystic Heart Realm could be.


    "Tribtion crossing?" Xiaochuan stood frozen, his gaze involuntarily shifting to the Lu Lingjun above.


    ...


    Wanji Forest, within the Mahayana Array of the six paths.


    Where the seven venerables were seated, a sphere of ck mes suddenly appeared from nowhere among them, startling them into opening their eyes and rising to pay their respects.


    "Greetings to the Sect Hierarch!"


    The seven venerables spoke in unison, drawing sidelong nces from the cult members who were cing offerings around.


    The offerings were all living people, stuck with talisman papers and unable to move. They were precisely enclosed by the array, and each of their faces bore expressions of terror, some even fainting from fear.


    "Where is the Vice Sect Hierarch?"


    The voice of Butcher Immortal Jing, the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect, emerged from the ck mes, tiredness seeping through his tone.


    An old man wearing a mask replied, "He has yet to return, but the attack n against the Supreme Sect has failed. We lost seventy percent of our spies within the Supreme Sect. ording to the messages sent back, Venerable Chi Qian was killed by a single sword strike from Sword Venerable Fudao, but the Vice Sect Hierarch did not make an appearance and his whereabouts remain unknown."


    As he mentioned this, his tone grew heavy.

 Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Are You Really Pan An?

    The masked elder''s voice fell and the floating ck mes paused momentarily.


    The other six all bowed their heads, their expressions changing like clouds in the sky, and after the battle at the Supreme Sect, their fear of the Sword Venerable Fudao had grown even more.


    The masked elder continued, "During this period, the main branch has lost two-tenths of its followers, including seventeen Unification Realm cultivators. We cannot determine the life or death of the Vice Sect Hierarch, does the Sect Hierarch have a way to confirm?"


    Upon hearing this, Butcher Immortal Jing''s voice emanated from within the ck mes, "The Vice Sect Hierarch is unfettered; even I am not privy to her whereabouts. However, she cannot possibly be dead unless a Mahayana Cultivator has emerged in thends of the nine dynasties. Even if there were Mahayana Cultivators, themotion of trying to kill her would not be small.


    Have you felt any battle pressure surpassing the Mystic Heart Realm?"


    The masked elder replied, "No, but with the Vice Sect Hierarch suddenly going missing, I cannot help but be more cautious."


    "Rest assured, she may be held up by something and would not die without a trace. Moreover, I have already cursed myself and there''s no turning back now. Continue to search for more sacrifices, the more the better, for I intend to probe the Heavenly Destiny at once!"


    The voice of Butcher Immortal Jing sounded, and all seven responded in unison.


    ...


    In the Chentang Dynasty, at Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    This sect, regarded by the dynasty as and of Immortals, was hidden amongkes, with majestic mountains that appeared intermittently, like a mirage.


    Beneath an ancient tree, Li Ya was sitting cross-legged, his back against a cliff, the North Sea Heavy Sword standing beside him. Both his hands propped on his knees, his gaze fixed on the chessboard on the ground, his face showing a puzzled expression.


    He howled in frustration and couldn''t help but rub his scalp.


    At that moment, a Soul Body fell from the ancient tree. It was the soul of the Ancestor of the Li Family, now more substantial than before.


    "Hahaha, youngster, I told you the trials of Three Pure Ones Mountain are arduous and demand wisdom. Yourprehension is not enough; you are still far from me. Back then, I solved the chess puzzle in just three years, but looking at you, I fear even ten years might not suffice,"ughed the Ancestor of the Li Family in schadenfreude.


    Li Ya red and cursed, "What kind of ancestor are you, hoping your descendant is inferior to you? I refuse to believe I''m really worse than you!"


    The Ancestor of the Li Family chuckled, "My master once foretold that someone destined from the Li Family would emerge to help me ovee tribtion. I originally thought it was you, but now it seems there might be someone else. Child, why not give up cultivation, go down the mountain to marry and have children, and give birth to the person of destiny sooner."


    Li Ya was so furious that he immediately stood up, drew the North Sea Heavy Sword, and swung at the Ancestor of the Li Family.


    "What are you two making a fuss about now?" An elderly voice came.


    Li Ya turned around to see a figure emerging from the mist: an old Taoist with a youthful face wearing a blue robe, holding a horsetail whisk as if it caught the clouds, exuding an aura of immortality.


    He hurriedly saluted, "Disciple pays respect to Martial Master."


    The Ancestor of the Li Family also saluted the blue-robed Taoist, "Greetings to Master."


    This blue-robed Taoist, known as Daoist Tianshu, had the demeanor of a true immortal in the Mortal World.


    Daoist Tianshunded on the cliff and smiled, "Who says the person of destiny has not yet been born? I have calcted again, and the Li Family''s fortune is rising, which indicates that the person of destiny has already been born."


    The Ancestor of the Li Family said with augh, "I was just teasing the youngster. He''s arrogant and self-important; he needs to be humbled, otherwise, he will make trouble for me when he descends the mountain."


    Daoist Tianshu waved his whisk, turning the chessboard on the ground to flying ash, which dissipated like smoke.


    Li Ya frowned and asked, "Martial Master, what are you doing?"


    He was anxious, wondering if even his Martial Master thought hecked wisdom.


    Daoist Tianshu smiled, "A great cmity is descending upon the nine dynasties, and the tribtions are increasingly perilous. Even Three Pure Ones Mountain may be in danger of destruction, so it''s not appropriate for me to test you anymore. All three branches of Three Pure Ones Mountain must descend to save the world. Before I leave, I will impart a divine skill of mountain protection to you.


    If Three Pure Ones Mountain is destroyed, I hope you will carry on the Daoist Tradition of the Three Pure Ones."


    To descend the mountain!


    Both Li Ya and the Ancestor of the Li Family''splexions changed.


    "Please teach me, Master. I wish to join the battle!" Li Ya immediately said.


    Daoist Tianshu shook his head, "Your cultivation level is too low, it won''t make a difference in this tribtion. If we fail, there will be others in the mountain who will take you away from the nine dynasties to another world far away to live on.


    This continent originally belongs to the Demon n; our sect has been established for so many years, it''s alreadye to the end of its Heavenly Destiny."


    He stroked his beard and smiled, his face showing no worries, as if he had seen through the mortal world.


    "But..."


    "There is no ''but,'' just obey."


    Li Ya bit back his words, his face a tangle of emotions.


    Daoist Tianshu asked with a smile, "Could it be that you still have someone you are concerned about?"


    The Ancestor of the Li Family teased, "He''s worried about his Junior Brother Gu."


    Hearing this, Daoist Tianshu said softly, "If one can control their own destiny in life, they have transcended. Everything depends on human effort; do not force things."


    Li Ya was silent.


    ...


    At the Supreme Sect, the Third Medicine Valley.


    The world was dark, and disciples gathered together, looking up at the grand scene in the sky, with Gu An among them watching.


    One could see bursts of heavenly thunder striking down, all converging at the same spot: the formation set up by Lu Lingjun. The golden lightning, like azure dragons, plummeted down and made the formation burst with rainbow light that scoured the sky, creating a magnificent sight.


    In the distance, on the mountaintops surrounding the Third Medicine Valley, stood numerous cultivators of the Supreme Sect, including cultivators and elders with the lowest being in the Elixir Formation Realm. They watched Lu Lingjun''s tribtion and discussed among themselves.


    The maximum extent of the tribtion reached a hundred miles, with the thundercloud area emitting red light as if it were the eye of heaven.


    In front of this heavenly eye, the Third Medicine Valley seemed insignificant. Thankfully, the heavenly thunder was concentrated solely on Lu Lingjun. Otherwise, the valley would have suffered a catastrophic strike.


    Gu Zong stood beside Gu An, expressing his sentiments, "The Mystic Heart Realm is truly indescribable. Just witnessing this tribtion makes me feel a myriad of emotions."


    Lu Lingjun''s tribtion had alreadysted three days. The heavenly might was most terrifying yesterday, and today it had weakened somewhat. Yet even now, each thunderstrike was powerful enough to kill a Unification Realm cultivator.


    Looking up, there were Unification Realm Great Cultivators guarding in every direction. Upon knowing that Lu Lingjun was an Inner Sect Elder, the Supreme Sect rejoiced and even assisted in setting up her formation.


    Whenever the formation was about to break, the Unification Realm elders would take action, using their Spiritual Power to maintain the formation, which also showed Gu An the unity of the Supreme Sect.


    Some people doubted Lu Lingjun''s identity until Gu Zong said that even if she truly was a Demon Cultivator, and seeded in breaking through, she still wouldn''t be a match for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    This statement alleviated everyone''s concerns.


    Gu An also sighed emotionally, "I never expected that the Servant Disciple randomly assigned to me by the Sect Leader could harbor such formidable cultivation. I am indeed fortunate across three lifetimes."


    Gu Zongughed, "Perhaps you are a Great Fortune of Energy Movement after all. Considering you could write ''Investiture of the Gods,'' maybe in the mysterious ways of the universe, you are the reincarnation of some Great Power, recalling experiences from your past life."


    Gu An rolled his eyes at him, what a wild imagination.


    I do indeed have a past life, I was the great descendant of Yan and Huang in my previous incarnation!


    Gu Zong was only jesting, but he was also very curious about how Medicine Valley under Gu An could give birth to a Mystic Heart Realm Cultivator.


    Those who cultivate immortality believe most in destiny, the more mysterious, the more they believe.


    Gu Zong thought about the Shenzhou Scripture that Gu An previously gave to the ten talented disciples and wondered if he should also cultivate his mind.


    Gu An refocused his attention on Lu Lingjun. Her Mystic Heart had been refined, signifying a sessful breakthrough, and her cultivation level was about to soar.


    He felt emotional in his heart.


    Crossing Tribtion is really difficult!


    If it weren''t for the formations and elixirs, Gu An felt that with the capabilities of the Nine Layers of the Unification Realm, he couldn''t have crossed the tribtion at all.


    The Spiritual Power of the Nine Layers of the Unification Realm is indeed vast, but to withstand the heavenly lightning, the consumption is also enormous. Gu An didn''t bother to calcte how many elixirs Lu Lingjun had taken, but it was definitely an astronomical number.


    At one point, Gu An even thought of intervening to help her because she nearly couldn''t hold on and didn''t even have time to take elixirs. Luckily, the Unification Realm Cultivators of the Supreme Sect acted in time.


    Over twenty Unification Realm Elders along with Ancestor Kusong of the Mystic Heart Realm joined forces to finally protect Lu Lingjun.


    After the most difficult part of the celestial tribtion passed, Ancestor Kusong left at dawn.


    Gu An wasn''t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that the back of Ancestor Kusong seemed very forlorn.


    "It seems the Tribtion Crossing was sessful, and it''s time for me to leave. Once her cultivation stabilizes, you should foster a good rtionship with her and try to keep her in Medicine Valley until the Sect Leader returns to make arrangements," Gu Zong left these words behind and departed.


    He flew into the sky, transmitted a few words to the other Unification Realm Elders through voice transmission, and then left.


    Although Gu Zong was only at the Void Crossing Realm, his status was extremely high. His backingy with the Gu Family, and he managed the great powers of the Sect, which also caused him to neglect his cultivation.


    Reaching the Unification Realm, they are mostly hands-off managers, spending most of their time in closed-door cultivation and not involving themselves with the Sect''s affairs.


    Gu An looked not far away, where Shen Zhen was drawing a portrait of Lu Lingjun''s tribtion.


    That''s really courting death!


    Daring to offend even a Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator!


    ...


    Two dayster, the heavenly tribtion in the skypletely dissipated, Lu Lingjun''s Tribtion Crossing was sessful, and she officially stepped into the Mystic Heart Realm. After retracting her formation, a crowd of Unification Realm Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect gathered around, making pleasantries with her.


    Lu Lingjun was also grateful for their assistance, so she was courteous in her demeanor, which also satisfied the gathered Great Cultivators, stirring excitement in their hearts.


    The Supreme Sect had weed a new Mystic Heart Realm member!


    Especially at this critical moment!


    It truly is heaven''s blessing for the Supreme Sect!


    After a while.


    Only then did Lu Lingjun manage to extricate herself from theirpliments, as she flew towards Medicine Valley, she happened to see Gu An being entangled by Shen Zhen.


    Upon seeing Lu Lingjun fly down, Shen Zhen immediately stored the painting in her Storage Bag.


    Lu Lingjunnded in front of the two, looked at Shen Zhen, and said, "Were you drawing my Tribtion Crossing earlier?"


    Gu An quickly interjected, "This is the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect, Shen Zhen. She meant no offense; she admires your strength."


    The key point was the Daotian Sect!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lu Lingjun, noticing the closeness between Shen Zhen and Gu An, instantly spoke with displeasure, "Ms. Shen, please maintain a proper distance from Gu An in the future."


    Shen Zhen asked with surprise, "Why? Could it be that someone of your stature as a Great Cultivator is interested in him..."


    Lu Lingjun didn''t answer, only calmly looking at her.


    "Haven''t you heard of the name ''Gu An''?" asked Shen Zhen curiously.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An quickly said, "It''s all your fault, using my name to write that worthless book, ruining my good name!"


    Lu Lingjun had seen the Supreme Secret Records before and even doubted him, so he preemptively revealed Shen Zhen''s trickery.


    Shen Zhen didn''t get angry butughed, "What do you mean ruining your good name? Didn''t you receive benefits?"


    Lu Lingjun''s gaze towards Gu An turned strange, as if using him of greed.


    Then, Shen Zhen continued, "Senior, Gu An is no simple man. He is the author of ''Investiture of the Gods'', Pan An. You better keep an eye on him daily; there are no shortage of women who admire him."


    With that said, she saluted Lu Lingjun with a gesture of her hand, then turned and left.


    Gu An inwardly felt troubled.


    Lu Lingjun ignored Shen Zhen and looked intently at Gu An, "Are you really Pan An?"

 Chapter 144: Chapter 144 Prepare to Welcome the Descent of the Immortal!

    Gu An dealt with the situation for quite a while before sending off Lu Lingjun, of course, there was another reason, which was that Lu Lingjun also needed time to adapt to the Mystic Heart Realm.


    He had a bad feeling, knowing that Lu Lingjun, who knew his identity as Pan An, might be even more entangled with him?


    He remembered that Lu Lingjun, when not busy, liked to read "Investiture of the Gods."


    In the days that followed, the name of Lu Lingjun spread throughout the Supreme Sect, uplifting all the disciples.


    The three words "Mystic Heart Realm" were enough to boost the morale of the entire sect!


    The news also quickly reached the Taichen Dynasty.


    All the cultivators within the Supreme Sect''s headquarters were thrilled upon hearing the news.


    During this time, they hade to understand the terror of the Mystic Heart Realm; without exaggeration, it was the only factor now determining the oue of the battlefield!


    No matter how numerous the Unification Realm might be, they are no match for the Mystic Heart Realm!


    Lu Baitian was very delighted, stating that it was he who had personally recruited Lu Lingjun into the Supreme Sect, which also eased the minds of the higher-ups who felt unfamiliar with Lu Lingjun.


    The sudden emergence of an unknown Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator, especially at this critical juncture, inevitably caused those in power to be suspicious.


    They began to request Lu Baitian to recruit Lu Lingjun to join the battle.


    Relying on Xuan Quan alone, the Supreme Sect''s role in this war was minimal, and among the nine-dynasty alliance, they could hardly enter the top five in terms of influence, which was a disgrace for the Supreme Sect that had just hosted the Golden List Conference.


    Lu Baitian temporarily suppressed these requests, wanting to give Lu Lingjun time to solidify her cultivation level.


    Afterwards, under the lead of the Cangtian Sect, the nine-dynasty religious sectsunched sporadic attacks on Wanji Forest, with Great Cultivators charging into battle, middle-level cultivators attempting to rescue captives, and the lower-level cultivators handling supply and support tasks.


    No matter how fiercely the nine-dynasty religious sects attacked, they could not break into the Ephemera Sect''s six Mahayana Arrays.


    The news continued to spread outward, letting more and more people in the world know that the great cmity of the nine dynasties had arrived, a crisis concerning the fate of all under heaven.


    ...


    Autumn arrived, and Lu Lingjun had been in closed-door cultivation for a month. During this period, Gu An did not disturb her.


    Gu An still traveled between the various Medicine Valleys, and the Nianchu Cave had already gotten on the right track. Tian Yao''er was bing increasingly pleasing in his eyes, and he had not visited Nianchu Cave for six days.


    This particr day.


    Gu Zong came to visit Gu An and asked him to ry a message to Lu Lingjun that as soon as she emerged from seclusion, she should rush to support Wanji Forest; Gu An agreed.


    The battlefield in Wanji Forest became increasingly severe. Gu An used his Divine Sense to look over, and at that moment, Wanji Forest was still embroiled in fiercebat.


    From all directions, hundreds of thousands of cultivators formed their arrays, shaking heaven and earth, causing the spiritual energy of the entire Taichen Dynasty to flow towards Wanji Forest.


    The situation was incredibly dire!


    Gu An watched for a while and then retracted his Divine Sense.


    The number of offerings kept growing, and nine out of ten were prepared for that Mahayana Cultivator; it seemed that Fairy Bai Xia''s death had not affected the ns of the Mahayana Cultivator.


    Gu An continued his inspection of the Third Medicine Valley.


    Until evening came, Lu Lingjun walked out of her courtyard and visited Gu An in the pavilion.


    Gu An ryed Gu Zong''s request, and as to whether Lu Lingjun would go or not, that was up to her. As a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator, no one else could really control her.


    "Hmm, I heard about it earlier. I''ll set off in a bit," Lu Lingjun nodded and said, her expression cool, which perhaps was the real her.


    She was the strongest cultivator from the Lower Realm, no longer concealing her cultivation level or disguising her true nature.


    Gu An watched her, wondering why she hadn''t left yet.


    Lu Lingjun looked at him and said, "I can sense many Mystic Heart Realm auras in Wanji Forest, even one that makes my heart palpitate. This journey seems fraught with more peril than luck."


    Her eyes were beautiful and also deep, honed by the years. She fixed her gaze on Gu An, making him feel inexplicably guilty.


    Gu An replied, "Do what you can. If you cannot turn the tide, then preserve yourself."


    Lu Lingjun''s lips curled into a smile as she said, "Of course, I would not shatter myself into pieces for the Supreme Sect. However, I am about to depart for such a dangerous war, don''t you have anything you''d like to say to me?"


    Gu An cleared his throat with a fake cough and said earnestly, "Ms. Lu, the earlier incident of holding your hand was unintentional. Don''t get the wrong idea. As for matters of love, they can''t be decided on a whim. Two people must have feelings for each other tomit for life, not just because they touched hands."


    "Moreover, I''ll tell you the truth, the ''Investiture of the Gods'' was not written by me. I just listened to a Daoist named Xu Zhonglin tell it."


    Lu Lingjunughed and said, "If it were really written by someone else, how could you, Pan An, have been riding on its coattails for decades?"


    Gu An choked.


    He couldn''t exactly say that the actual author was not from this world!


    "Actually, whether ''Investiture of the Gods'' is written by you or not, it doesn''t matter. Having been with you for so many years, I know your nature is quite good. Greedy as you may be, it''s always with mutual consent, and you are invariably polite, respectful to those above and courteous to those below..." Lu Lingjun began to praise Gu An, causing him to be somewhat ted.


    Am I really that good?


    Lu Lingjun shifted her tone and said, "You are good in every way, except that your cultivation level is too weak. If you wish to be my Daoist friend, first cultivate to the Void Crossing Realm. Until then, I will keep an eye on you. When you reach the Void Crossing Realm, I have a set of cultivation techniques that I have never tried before that we can practice together."


    Practice together?


    Suddenly Gu An thought of certain scenes in the Supreme Secret Records, and a surge of heat rose within him.


    This isn''t right!


    Trying to ruin my Daoist Heart?


    Gu An looked at Lu Lingjun once more, finding her smile ominously dangerous.


    A two-thousand-year-old matron wants to ensnare me, a seventy-year-old youngster?


    "Then you should stop dreaming, as I will never reach the Void Crossing Realm in the remainder of my life," Gu An stated solemnly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Lu Lingjun smiled and then stood up. She ced her right hand on the table, leaving behind a ring set with a red jade, and said, "This is the Double Heart Ring. Refine it, and if you''re ever in danger, I can detect it immediately and might just save your little life."


    Before Gu An could reply, she vanished into thin air inside the room.


    Gu An looked at the Double Heart Ring on the table and remained silent.


    He couldn''t help but nce at the Qinghong Sword lying on the table next to him, feeling as if this scene was strangely familiar.


    Damn the heavens, why do they keep making women fall for him?


    Are they afraid I''ll somehow survive?


    ...


    A night passed.


    The next day at noon, Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley, where he discovered that only Luo Hun remained.


    He found Luo Hun and inquired about the whereabouts of Lv Xian and Yi Liuyun.


    "They have followed His Majesty on an expedition to the Taichen Dynasty. His Majesty said that in times of trouble, as the Emperor, he must contribute," Luo Hun replied, admiration evident on his face. If it weren''t for Li Xuandao ordering him to stay and guard the ce, he would have liked to join the battle too.


    Gu An hadn''t expected Li Xuandao to possess such sentiment. Without furtherment, he just nodded and then turned to walk towards the garden area.


    And so, Gu An waited another half a month.


    Standing at the window ledge of the Mystic Valley pavilion, his Divine Sense looked out toward Wanji Forest. Lu Lingjun was fighting a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator, and nearby several other Mystic Heart Realm cultivators were engaged in battle. The mountains within a thousand miles had turned to ruins, with dust filling the air.


    All over the ground, corpsesy in heaps, a horrific sight to behold.


    That Mahayana Cultivator had still not shown himself!


    Gu An didn''t believe it; surely, he couldn''t wait his whole life!


    If the mysterious sacrificial formation were to activate and the opponent still hadn''t appeared, then he would have to take action to prevent the cultivators of the nine dynasties from being in to thest.


    After all, the demon cmity was yet toe.


    Gu An looked toward Nine Nether Road, which had now be the territory of the Ephemera Sect. Ephemera could be seen everywhere within a thousand miles.


    After dealing with the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect, those Ephemera could be harvested.


    This time, the Ephemera Sect must be exterminated to prevent its resurgence in the future.


    ...


    Wanji Forest, within the six Mahayana Arrays.


    All seven hierarchs of the Ephemera Sect opened their eyes at the same time, their gaze filled with fierceness. The leader, wearing a mask, spoke first, "My fellows, the auspicious time hase. Prepare to activate the formation and wee our Hierarch."


    He stood up, with the other six following suit.


    "We''ve finally waited until now."


    "It''s rumored that the Taichen Dynasty has a Divine Beast, the Chen Snake. I wonder if this sacrifice will disturb it."


    "Just a vague legend. So many have died, and yet we haven''t seen the Chen Snake appear."


    "Speaking of which, Sword Venerable Fudao hasn''t shown himself. I am actually relieved. It seems he is quite wary of us and only guards the Supreme Sect because it threatens his own existence."


    "Even without us, the nine dynasties will face annihtion. A Great Cultivator like him seeks immortality. To be immortal, one must survive, so of course he won''t ce himself in danger."


    Their tone was light, feeling that the goal they were scheming toward was about to be aplished.


    Then, they each took a step back and began to cast their spells.


    Boom¡ª


    The ground beneath their feet cracked open, and huge tree roots emerged from the soil. They stepped onto the roots, rising into the air and away from the ground.


    At the same time, all the Great Cultivators involved in the distant battles felt a heart-pounding presence.


    Lv Baitian turned his head to look, his brow deeply furrowed as he uttered three words: "Ephemera Tree!"


    This Ephemera Tree was far more terrifying than the one in front of Nine Nether Road!


    The aura seemed toe from the Nine Nether World, chilling everyone to the bone!


    Above the earth, countless human captives widened their eyes in terror, looking at the giant Ephemera that kept rising. They were even smaller than the leaves of the Ephemera Tree.


    Thousands of miles away.


    Lu Lingjun held her twin swords, with a golden sash swirling around her body like a dragon. She turned to look toward the horizon, spotting the silhouette of the Origin Tree of Ephemera.


    A small snake popped out from her hair bun, hissing, "Such a terrifying presence. This is no joking matter. We''ve fought enough; we''ve repaid our debt to them¡ªit''s time to slip away!"


    This small snake was the White Spirit Demon Emperor who had ascended with her, a cultivator of the eight levels of the Unification Realm!


    Hundreds of yards away, a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator of the Ephemera Sect, trapped by Lu Lingjun''s formation, was resisting the array whileughing wildly, "Thinking of fleeing? It''s toote for that. Prepare to wee the arrival of an Immortal!"


    An Immortal?


    Lu Lingjun''s brow furrowed, and the White Spirit Demon Emperor was also startled, looking at the Mystic Heart Realm cultivator and asking, "If your sect had an Immortal, why haven''t you conquered thends of the nine dynasties yet?"


    The Mystic Heart Realm cultivator just smiled, offering no exnation, as he began to make a desperate effort to break the array.


    The other Mystic Heart Realm cultivators who were fighting in different directions also stopped their attacks. The cultivators of the nine dynasties watched the Origin Tree of Ephemera with dread, while the Ephemera Sect side grew excited, as though victory was in their grasp.

 Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Take It to Save the World

    The Origin Tree of Ephemera broke through the soil, unleashing massive and dense branches, countless leaves rapidly growing, enveloping the entire Wanji Forest with a coverage reaching tens of thousands of miles, its trunk as colossal as a great mountain.


    A ghastly and terrifying human face grew out of the Origin Tree of Ephemera''s trunk, exhibiting only facial features, revealing a greedy and cruel smile that made the numerous captives below feel their hearts and galldders split in terror.


    At that moment, countless people fainted from fright.


    All were sealed with Talisman Paper on their bodies, unable to speak, and for this reason, their fear escted to the extreme.


    Upon seeing a human face grow on the Origin Tree of Ephemera, all the Mahayana Cultivators from the nine dynasties went insane.


    "Everyone, we have no ce to retreat, think of your descendants, your disciples, if we fail today, there will be nond in this world for the Human Race to stand on!"


    A domineering voice thundered across heaven and earth, as deafening as thunder.


    As the words fell, a dazzling golden light burst from the horizon, speeding forth unstoppable.


    The four Mystic Heart Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect appeared out of nowhere in the sky, simultaneously casting spells, attempting to intercept this golden light.


    However, just as the two were about to collide, the golden light burst forth with thousands of beams, continuing to charge forward.


    A majestic blue river came from behind, on top stood a man in a ck robe, holding a Zen Stick, his Spiritual Power vast, stirring up waves.


    From other directions, Great Cultivators arrived, each disying Divine Skills, a spectacr sight.


    All Mystic Heart Cultivators on the nine dynasties'' side began to charge with all their might, vowing to reach the Origin Tree of Ephemera.


    Lv Baitian raised the big g in his hand high, and beneath him, a hundred thousand Inner Sect Disciples simultaneously revealed their Magic Artifacts, they quickly shifted, altering formations, myriad Spiritual Power dragons rose into the sky ¡ª fire dragons, ice dragons, with the intertwining dragons roaring, shaking heaven and earth.


    Lu Lingjun stood on a white python, soaring across the sky, she released the swords from her hands and then drew arge bow, pulling the bowstring taut, Spiritual Power converging into arrows.


    Nature''s spiritual energy surged towards this arrow, gathering together, causing its aura to explode, and her right hand pulling the bowstring gleamed with a dazzling light.


    From another direction, Daoist Tianshu from the Three Pure Ones Mountain led dozens of Daoists swiftly towards the Wanji Forest.


    A battle far surpassing the previous ones erupted!


    ...


    Boom!


    In Mystic Valley, Gu An stood on top of a mountain, hearing the distant booming sounds, beside him, Chu Jingfeng was thrilled, unable to remain calm.


    "Thismotion..." Chu Jingfeng frowned and spoke, he could feel the sounding from a very distant ce, which made him think of the Wanji Forest of the Taichen Dynasty.


    The battle of Wanji Forest had already spread across the Immortal Cultivation World; those Servant Disciples who had roamed the Outer Sect hade back and talked about it.


    This battle had started a while ago, yet now suddenly erupted with such terrifying noise, it was hard to imagine what exactly had happened.


    Dark clouds began to gather in the sky, fierce and threatening, as if intending to cover the heavens.


    Gu An looked towards the distance, softly saying, "The moment of life and death for the nine dynasties has arrived, it''s a pity we can''t do much, only pray that the heavens stand on the side of the Righteous Path."


    Chu Jingfeng took a deep breath and asked, "What kind of realm must one reach to save all lives with one''s own power?"


    Gu An nced at him, asking with a smile, "So, you still harbor such ideals?"


    "Sword Venerable Fudao has repeatedly saved Supreme Sect by himself; as a Sword Cultivator, naturally, he is the person I hope to be. Yet, the longer I practice, the more I feel my talent andprehension are very mediocre," Chu Jingfeng said as he gazed into the distance, his eyes bing nk.


    Gu Anughed and said, "If you''ve realized this, then you better practice diligently the Daoist Expansion Skill I taught you. Although this Cultivation Techniquees from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, I haven''t mastered it myself, but I believe you can. I hope you can go and see the Mortal World for me a thousand years from now."


    Chu Jingfeng looked at him, frowning and asked, "You always urge me not to give up hope, why are you giving up on yourself?"


    Gu An turned around, patted his shoulder, said nothing, and walked down the mountain.


    Chu Jingfeng chased after him, asking, "Where are you going?"


    "If tomorrow is the end of days, I want to be with my beloved herbs," Gu An dropped these words and disappeared into the woods.


    Chu Jingfeng was stunned for a moment, a bitter smile appearing on his face.


    "Compared to him, I really am worrying over nothing¡­" Chu Jingfeng thought silently to himself, then looked back up at the horizon.


    Just then, a gust of wind swept from the horizon, stirring his robes, squinting his eyes.


    The wind had risen.


    ...


    After walking around in Mystic Valley, Gu An finally returned to his attic, he closed the room door, activated the restrictions within the room, and then directed his Divine Sense towards Wanji Forest.


    He felt spatial fluctuations within the Origin Tree of Ephemera, these fluctuations were very covert, and he was able to perceive them because he sensed an unfamiliar aura inside the Origin Tree of Ephemera.


    Mahayana Realm!


    Gu An had spent many years in the Mahayana Realm, he was very familiar with the aura of the Mahayana Realm.


    The time had finallye!


    Just then, Gu An felt someone calling him again, he paid close attention.


    It was Sage Xuan Miao again!


    Hasn''t this fellow learned his lesson?


    Far in the North Sea Mountains, Sage Xuan Miao arrived in the forest where he had met the Mountain God before, kneeling on the ground, continuously kowtowing.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For a long time.


    Sage Xuan Miao couldn''t remember how many kowtows he had performed when the voice of the Mountain God reached his ears, causing his body to stiffen.


    "Hey, kid, what are you bothering me for again, do you have that many treasures to offer me?"


    Sage Xuan Miao looked up, seeing the Mountain God squatting on a branch, tilting its head towards him.


    He hastily said, "Thends of the nine dynasties will soon face an overwhelming disaster, and when the people of the nine dynasties perish and demons invade, there will be no one left to worship you!"


    "Who said that only humans can worship me, and who told you that I only protect the human race?"


    Facing the Mountain God''s enquiry, Sage Xuan Miao was stunned and suddenly did not know how to respond.


    Gu An followed up, saying, "I might lend a hand, but..."


    "But what? What do you want?" Sage Xuan Miao pressed, his expression very agitated.


    Gu An''s tone suddenly turned chillingly cold, "I want you to serve as my eternal servant, to cultivate and guard my Taoist temple, and to never have freedom for the rest of your life!"


    Upon hearing this, Sage Xuan Miao''s face drastically changed, and he fell into silence.


    Gu An hade with the intention of using his identity as a Mountain God to eliminate a Mahayana Cultivator from the Ephemera Sect.


    He initially wanted to use the identity of Sword Venerable Fudao, but feared that it might attract more consequences for the Supreme Sect in the future, so he decided to act as a Mountain God.


    After all, this situation was different; the cultivation level of that Mahayana Cultivator was nearing the ninthyer of the Mahayana Realm, and his vast aura was far beyond any opponent Gu An had previously faced.


    Eliminating such a powerful being would have significant implications!


    Since the identity of a Mountain God was elusive and intangible, even if the Ephemera Sect had support, they would have to think twice.


    Gu An did not want to get entangled in endless troubles.


    Sword Venerable Fudao protected the Supreme Sect, and the Mountain God protected the people of the nine dynasties!


    By subordinating Sage Xuan Miao, he not only punished him but also wanted Sage Xuan Miao to help him establish a medicinal garden.


    Being the second-ranked talent on the Golden List, Sage Xuan Miao had enough strength to guard the medicinal garden.


    After struggling for a few moments, Sage Xuan Miao gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I am willing to serve as the servant of the Mountain God, as long as the Mountain God saves the people of the world!"


    Gu An waved his sleeve, and a wooden figurine fell into Sage Xuan Miao''s hand.


    This wooden figurine was carved in the likeness of Gu An''s Mountain God.


    Sage Xuan Miao picked up the wooden figurine, looked up toward Gu An, but his figure was nowhere to be seen.


    "Carry it to save the people."


    The voice of Gu An echoed through the forest, and Sage Xuan Miao''s cultivation began to recover, bringing joy to his face.


    Path of Returning Primordial Spirit, release!


    Sage Xuan Miao immediately rose to his feet and headed toward Wanji Forest at full speed, bursting with the velocity of the Divinity Transformation Realm, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    The great rumbling reverberated surrounding the Mahayana Array from all directions, deafening, as seven dignitaries of the Ephemera Sect floated in front of the Origin Tree of Ephemera, standing side by side, half-kneeling in mid-air.


    Following their gaze, a ck crack adorned with a human face on the forehead of the Ephemera Tree oozed ck mes, as if a terrifying being was about to step forth.


    Looking further down, at the feet of the prisoners on the ground, those runes emitting blood light densely packed, formed arrays of beautiful but mournful light arcs rising up.


    The activation of the Mahayana Array hadmenced!


    The terrifying pressure of the formation stimted the hearts of the cultivators at the edge of Wanji Forest belonging to the nine dynasties; the cultivators had gone mad, charging forth heedlessly, falling dead every moment.


    Lu Lingjun, too, was fiercely battling, unable to break through the defensive line formed by dozens of Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators.


    The sky grew dark, thunder clouds tumbled about, lightning shed, and thunder roared as if even the heavens werementing.


    Suddenly, a giant w emerged from the clouds, directly grabbing the branches of the Origin Tree of Ephemera to uproot it entirely, causing the tree to tremble violently.


    "How dare you!"


    The seven dignitaries of the Ephemera Sect shouted in unison, each taking action. Their Divine Skills exploded in force, jointly repelling the giant w.


    Right then, a massive red snake descended from the sky, this snake bearing ws and a head resembling a human face. From afar, it looked like a woman''s face smeared with rouge, with wild and disheveled hair, quite frightening in this dark and gloomy world.


    The body of the snake was a hundred zhang thick and stretched for an unknown number of miles.


    "It''s the Divine Beast of our Taichen Dynasty, Chen Snake!"


    A cultivator eximed excitedly, greatly boosting the morale of the nine dynasties'' cultivators.


    The aura of Chen Snake was ancient and vast, far surpassing the ordinary Mystic Heart Realm; its appearance brought a strong sense of hope to the nine dynasties.


    Chen Snake opened its massive mouth, spewing out magma like a torrential flood, sweeping towards the Ephemera Tree.


    Just then!


    A beam of blood light burst from the ck crack on the forehead of the Ephemera Tree''s human face, fiercely annihting the rolling magma, sweeping across a hundred miles, piercing through Chen Snake''s throat, and hot blood sprayed like that from a trumpeting elephant, echoing through the heavens and earth.


    Chen Snake fell, stirring up thousands of zhang of dust, causing the ground to shake violently.


    A terrifying pressure, far surpassing the Mystic Heart Realm, enveloped the entire Taichen Dynasty.


    "An Ancient Species dares to call itself a Divine Beast?"


    The voice of Butcher Immortal Jing resounded, his tone cold and filled with murderous intent, as if originating from a Demon God of the Nine Nether, sending chills down the spine of anyone who heard it.


    While battling, Lu Lingjun turned her head, her pretty face drastically changed, her eyes filled with disbelief.


    Facing this pressure, her Spiritual Power seemed to be suppressed.


    The opponent''s realm was definitely higher than the Mystic Heart Realm!


    "The Immortal of the Ephemera Sect has descended, why aren''t you kneeling down yet to receive the favor of the Ephemera Immortal?" a Mahayana Cultivator of the Ephemera Sectughed maniacally.


    The Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators from the nine dynasties no longer cared about his provocation, all looking terrified towards the Origin Tree of Ephemera.

 Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Heaven Opens Its Eyes! The Power of Heaven and Earth!

    "What realm is this..."


    Under the thunderclouds, Lv Baitian, standing on a magic artifact, was full of fear as he gazed at the Origin Tree of Ephemera and muttered to himself.


    If he, a Unification Realm Nine Layers, felt this way, what more those with a cultivation level lower than his?


    The disciples of the Supreme Sect below felt as if they were being crushed by a weight of ten thousand catties, starting to descend, which forced them to dissolve their formation.


    "What exactly are we facing..."


    "Impossible... impossible... Could it be that Ephemera Sect truly possesses an Immortal?"


    "What to do... Is there truly no chance of victory?"


    "We still have Sword Venerable Fudao, once he arrives, perhaps there will be a glimmer of hope..."


    While the disciples of the Supreme Sect still harbored a sliver of hope, other sects had plunged intoplete despair.


    Daoist Tianshu from Three Pure Ones Mountain looked towards the Origin Tree of Ephemera, his face pale as he calcted with his fingers, only to find no hope no matter how he calcted.


    "Inescapable doom..."


    Daoist Tianshu murmured to himself as his aura of righteousness began to dissipate.


    With the terrifying presence of Butcher Immortal Jing enveloping the Taichen Dynasty, the morale of the cultivators from the Nine Dynasties instantly copsed.


    There were still some who refused to give up. A Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm from the Cangtian Sect continued to fight fiercely, disying the leadership spirit of the leader of the Nine Dynasties Alliance.


    An Hao and Wu Jue were rapidly speeding along. With their low cultivation levels, no one hindered them for the time being, and they swiftly flew into Wanji Forest to rescue those who had be sacrifices. However, as soon as theynded, threads of blood quickly entangled their feet.


    Before they could react, the runes beneath their feet burst out with shocking blood light, spreading rapidly, sweeping across the Taichen Dynasty at an incredible speed, freezing in ce all living beings within the territory of the Taichen Dynasty, including the Great Cultivators in the air.


    Those Great Cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm were also suppressed, their movements incredibly slow, floating like falling leaves, driving those who wished to escape to despair with such drifting speed.


    They suddenly felt the Taichen Dynasty was boundless!


    On a cliff, Li Xuandao, Lv Xian, Yi Liuyun, and a group of impressive cultivators were all frozen in ce.


    "What is this thing?" a cultivator watching the mysterious blood lines entwining his legs eximed in horror.


    He tried to struggle, but was utterly unable to free himself. The most despairing part for him was feeling his control over his body slipping away.


    Lv Xian looked down, his eyes filled with astonishment.


    Li Xuandao gazed into the distance, his demeanor calm, as if he was not afraid of this cmity at all.


    "This is the Six Paths Mahayana Array, it requires the mighty power of the Mahayana Realm to activate. Do you know what the Mahayana Realm is?"


    The voice of Butcher Immortal Jing resounded, chilling the heavens and the earth.


    Upon hearing this, Li Xuandao''s eyes began to flicker.


    Elsewhere.


    Lu Lingjun was in the air, she too suffered from the mysterious blood lines entangling her, these blood lines materializing out of thin air, unpredictable and unavoidable.


    Below her, the White Spirit Demon Emperor wailed, "We''re done for!"


    Lu Lingjun looked towards the Origin Tree of Ephemera. She could see a figure stepping out from the ck fissure.


    It was Butcher Immortal Jing!


    His ck clothes violently billowed, the cuffs and hem tattered, making his robes resemble ck mes. His pale face revealed a ferocious smile, despising all living beings, with the imprint of two evil ghosts on his forehead vivid as though they could burst forth at any moment.


    Boom¡ª


    The ground shook violently, a blood-colored barrier rose from Wanji Forest, making the sparse trees appear as insignificant as weeds.


    More and more disciples of the Ephemera Sect fell down, kneeling on the ground, fervently looking up at him.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao of the Supreme Sect, why not show yourself?"


    "Taoist of Immortality from Three Pure Ones Mountain, where are you chanting now?"


    "Wasn''t there someone from Cangtian Sect who imed that ttening the Ephemera Sect would be easy?"


    "Why don''t you show yourself, if you do note now, these myriad beings will enter the Six Paths, aiding me in bing an Immortal!"


    The voice of Butcher Immortal Jing continuously rang out, each phrase quenching the hope in the hearts of the cultivators from the Nine Dynasties, causing more and more people to fall into despair.


    His blood-colored eyes reflected the illusion of Ephemera, and behind him, the face of the Origin Tree of Ephemera opened its mouth, spewing out a gigantic Ephemera, which then flew under his feet, carrying him as he soared away.


    As he ascended, everyone within the Taichen Dynasty felt their life force being drained, intensifying their despair.


    Far away in Mystic Valley, Gu An was secretly rmed.


    This guy''s aura is so strong!


    Feels like he''s almostparable to the Nine Layers of the Mahayana Realm!


    Thank goodness I had advanced earlier, and even advanced to the Nine Layers of the Nirvana Realm.


    Gu An''s divine sense locked onto Sage Xuan Miao.


    With his mana boosting, Sage Xuan Miao''s speed was greatly enhanced, and he was already fast approaching the Taichen Dynasty.


    Sage Xuan Miao also heard the voice of Butcher Immortal Jing, his heart racing, never feeling his speed as slow as now.


    "Mountain God! It''s toote!"


    Sage Xuan Miao roared in his heart, gripping the Wooden Mountain God tightly, his arms trembling.


    "If it''s toote, then throw it."


    Gu An''s voice entered his ears.


    Hearing this, he immediately threw the wooden entity in his hand towards the front.


    The moment it left his hand, it suddenly erupted into terrifying speed, transforming into a streak of green rainbow light, racing unstoppably towards Wanji Forest.


    Almost instantly, Butcher Immortal Jing sensed something and turned his head to look towards the horizon.


    Lu Lingjun was right in the line of sight of Butcher Immortal Jing. Facing his gaze, the heart of this Ascender trembled, and the White Spirit Demon Emperor under her feet shivered even more.


    In a trance, Lu Lingjun seemed to sense something and subconsciously turned her head.


    Time seemed to stand still as she caught a glimpse of a cyan light rainbow through the corner of her eye; she faintly saw a small figure within the cyan light.


    Struggling fiercely, An Hao turned his head to see a cyan light rainbow speeding towards him, sweeping over his head at an inconceivable speed.


    At the edge of the cliff, Li Xuandao saw a cyan light rainbow flying past the horizon, and he felt a dizzy sensation.


    In the deste gaze of millions of sacrifices, a cyan light rainbow tore through the dark sky, bringing light to their eyes.


    Butcher Immortal Jing reacted far beyond anyone within the Taichen Dynasty; he raised his hand to block, and terrifying Spiritual Power formed into dark light, forcefully intercepting the cyan light rainbow.


    Hisplexion slightly changed, and in a cold voice, he said, "Mahayana Realm, who are you?"


    Within the cyan light rainbow, a small wooden figure twisted its body, facing Butcher Immortal Jing.


    The small wooden figure raised its hand, pointing at Butcher Immortal Jing.


    Butcher Immortal Jing''s gaze sharpened, and his right hand suddenly clenched into a fist, terrible dark light directly forming a demonic w, intending to crush the small wooden figure.


    Boom!


    A massive cyan beam of light suddenly struck from behind the small wooden figure, engulfing Butcher Immortal Jing with unimaginable speed.


    Too fast!


    Standing at the peak of the Mahayana Realm, Butcher Immortal Jing had no time to react!


    The majestic Origin Tree of Ephemera was instantly pierced by the cyan beam of light, its trunk rapidly turning to flying ash. The thunderclouds above were dispersed right away, and the bright sky suddenly broke through above all beings, causing countless people to subconsciously close their eyes.


    The cyan glow around the small wooden figure then dissipated.


    Silence fell upon thend.


    Great Cultivators from the Nine Dynasties and those from the Ephemera Sect were all dumbstruck, staring in the direction of the Origin Tree of Ephemera, watching its trunk gradually vanish, their minds nk.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The small wooden figure fell backwards, its body trembling slightly.


    In an instant, a roaring sound thundered up!


    The ground shattered, countless trees burst forth, charging at the Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect with frenzied speed. The Great Cultivators in Mystic Heart Realm intuitively tried to escape, but in a blink, they were entwined by the trees.


    Outside the Six Mahayana Arrays, endless trees rose up, forming tree walls ascending from all directions.


    The Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect, their faces drastically altered, leaped up, trying to jump over the tree walls, but as soon as they ascended, they were entangled by the vines and pulled into the trees.


    "No¡ª"


    "What is this! Who!"


    "Sect Hierarch, save me!"


    "Spare me! Spare me!"


    Countless shouts and screams arose, plunging thend into despair.


    Cultivators from the Nine Dynasties also scrambled to avoid, but they quickly realized that the vines and trees were bypassing them, targeting only the Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect.


    Daoist Tianshu from Three Pure Ones Mountain hovered in the air, overlooking thend. Vast clouds of dust rose like an ocean, endless, seemingly covering the entire Mortal World. The trees resembled rising dragons, mystic and vast, shaking the very visual and cognitive perception of this Great Cultivator of Mystic Heart Realm.


    He could not imagine such a mighty force.


    It was as if the heavens and earth were punishing the Ephemera Sect!


    Not just him, all Great Cultivators of Mystic Heart Realm from the Nine Dynasties looked on in shock at this stunning sight; no matter how high they flew, they could not see the end of the sea of trees, the entirend submerged by dust storms, with countless trees growing, rampaging.


    Lu Lingjun stared nkly at this scene, unable to believe her own eyes.


    "The power of heaven and earth... Heaven has opened its eyes indeed!" eximed the White Spirit Demon Emperor excitedly, its bloodlines starting to dissipate, regaining control over its Demon Body.


    At the summit of a mountain in the North Sea Mountains, Gu An stood on the cliff, facing the wind, disying the stature of an Immortal.


    The wooden figure given to Sage Xuan Miao was just a misdirection, leading Butcher Immortal Jing to mistakenly think the approaching person was merely a Mahayana Cultivator. Gu An used the mana on the wooden figure to remotely lock onto Butcher Immortal Jing, then executed a swift takedown.


    The stakes were high, but the process was brief!


    Prompt after prompt crazily popped up before Gu An''s eyes, his right foot subtly shifted.


    Tens of thousands of miles away within the Taichen Dynasty, the vast sea of trees came to a halt, those towering like mountain ridges shocking the eyes of all beings.


    Gu An turned around, the wind picking up and ruffling his ck hair; he walked into the forest, disappearing into the darkness as if he had never appeared.


    Elsewhere.


    Sage Xuan Miao was still rushing towards the Taichen Dynasty at full speed.


    When he flew into the border of the Taichen Dynasty, his speed began to decrease; his eyes widened, shocked by the sight of the towering, twisted trees ahead.


    "Could this be the power of a Mountain God?"


    Sage Xuan Miao slowly descended,nding on a cliff, much like Gu An earlier, facing the wind that blew towards him.


    Unlike Gu An''s calmness, his face was filled with astonishment.


    In his eyes were both joy and reverence.


    He suddenly felt a deep fear.


    That he had so offended a Mountain God, and yet the Mountain God could tolerate him.


    The tiny Mountain God and the magnificent spectacle before him created a strong contrast, stimting his spirit.


    He slowly knelt down, his knees less than five centimeters from the edge of the cliff.


    "To be a servant for life... it turns out to be my honor..."

 Chapter 147: Chapter 147 The Legend of the Mountain God, A Sight to Behold

    Under the sunlight, the vast dust storm between heaven and earth refused to dissipate for a long time. The sect leaders of the nine-dynasty alliance gathered together, perched on the immense roots of trees, looking at the surrounding scenes with unspeaking nces.


    Lv Baitian felt the same, even though the high ranks of the Ephemera Sect had been dead for some time, the shock in his heart had yet to fade.


    They had battled for so long, unable to break through the Ephemera Sect''s defenses, yet in a matter of mere moments, the sect hierarch of the Ephemera Sect and the Great Cultivators in the Mystic Heart Realm had all perished?


    What on earth had happened?


    These towering figures who stood at the pinnacle of the nine-dynasty Immortal Cultivation World were all feeling aplex, unsettled emotion at this moment.


    Their survival from the cmity had brought them joy, but once they calmed down, they also felt fear.


    Could the mysterious force that had so easily obliterated the Ephemera Sect also easily obliterate them?


    The Cangtian Sect''s sect leader, Liang Canghai, looked towards Daoist Tianshu of Three Pure Ones Mountain and asked, "Daoist Friend Tianshu, do you know what force this might be?"


    Everyone''s gaze turned towards Daoist Tianshu, their eyes filled with hope.


    Being the oldest sect among the nine dynasties, Three Pure Ones Mountain''s understanding of heaven and earth was surely beyond theirs.


    Daoist Tianshu''s face was a picture ofplexity, and taking a deep breath, he said, "I also do not know which being has intervened, perhaps it is heaven and earth punishing the Ephemera Sect."


    Heaven and Earth?


    The sect leaders'' expressions fluctuated with uncertainty.


    Zhong Wujin, the sect leader of Jueshan Sect from the Taicang Dynasty, looked into the distance with a sigh, "If heaven and earth have a spirit, why would they wait for so many people to die before intervening?"


    Following his gaze, disciples from various sects were escorting the captives who had be sacrifices. Their figures were numerous like stars, yet appeared so insignificant within the sea of trees.


    No one answered Zhong Wujin''s question, the battle had shattered their pride.


    Having witnessed such a fearsome power, they finally realized that the Unification Realm meant nothing, and even Cultivators in the Mystic Heart Realm were merely somewhat stronger ants.


    The Great Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect had died without the slightest resistance, and they could not forget the despairing looks on the Great Cultivators'' faces before death.


    "It was the Mountain God! The Mountain God intervened!"


    A voice came through, startling everyone to turn their heads, only to see Sage Xuan Miao flying swiftly towards them.


    Lv Baitian remembered this man, the prodigy ranked second on the Golden List, the only one who could force An Hao to give his all.


    Sage Xuan Miao flew over quickly,nding in front of Daoist Tianshu and gesturing a salute with his hand.


    An elder Taoist of Three Pure Ones Mountain asked him hurriedly, "Xuan Miao, what Mountain God? What do you know?"


    Sage Xuan Miao took a deep breath, looked towards the sect leaders, and said, "The being that annihted the Ephemera Sect was the Mountain God. It''s hidden deep in the mountains, elusive to track. I was fortunate to have seen it. Previously, the Mountain God gave me a wooden effigy, instructing me to save themon folk with it. All this was caused by that wooden effigy."


    Speaking of these matters, his face was full of nothing but reverence.


    The sect leaders bombarded him with questions, chattering away noisily, making the area rowdy.


    Liang Canghai of the Cangtian Sect seemed to recall something and immediately waved in the direction of a figure in the distance. Soon, a cultivator flew rapidly towards him, clutching a wooden effigy.


    Liang Canghai beckoned from afar, grabbing hold of the wooden effigy, then asked Xuan Miao, "Young friend, could it be this wooden effigy?"


    Sage Xuan Miao nodded immediately, saying, "This is the wooden image of the Mountain God - you must not offend it."


    All eyes fell on the wooden effigy in Liang Canghai''s hands, making him feel as if it were burning hot.


    While some were still skeptical of Xuan Miao''s words, Daoist Tianshu suddenly cast a spell, immobilizing Xuan Miao and swiped his horsetail whisk across his forehead, conjuring a spectral image.


    Everyone saw Xuan Miao kneeling in the woods, and in front of him on a tree branch sat a white-robed figure.


    Seeing this white-robed figure, Liang Canghai was so startled that he dropped the wooden effigy from his hands.


    They were identical!


    The diminutive stature of this Mountain God somehow convinced the onlookers of his divinity.


    "Thends of the nine dynasties will soon face a catastrophic disaster, and when all the people of the nine dynasties are dead, and demons invade, there will be no one left to worship You!"


    "Who told you only humans can worship me, and who informed you that I only protect the Human Race?"


    "I am willing to intervene, but..."


    "But what? What do You desire?"


    "I want you to be my servant for all eternity, to build a Daoist Temple for me, to guard my Daoist Temple, and never have your freedom again!"


    Hearing the Mountain God''s words, everyone felt a chill run down their spine.


    The previous dialogue left them puzzled about the Mountain God''s intent, but thetter remarks revealed the Mountain God''s frightful capriciousness.


    Dealing with an Immortal God, the price was steep.


    As everyone waited tensely, the spectral image showed Xuan Miao looking up, his reply causing a profound shock to all who heard.


    "Good, I am willing to be the Mountain God''s servant, if only the Mountain God would save themonfolk!"


    "Take it and save themonfolk."


    The Mountain God tossed a wooden effigy to Xuan Miao, who stood up, bowed, and took the wooden effigy before departing.


    The vision broke off at this point.


    Daoist Tianshu''s expression shifted subtly. He suddenly spat out a mouthful of reverse blood, his face paling.


    Xuan Miao recovered his freedom and looked at Daoist Tianshu with a frown.


    The other sect leaders looked at Xuan Miao withplex eyes.


    Xuan Miao''s dedication of his spirit for themon folk earned their deep respect from the depths of their souls - truly worthy of being the sole disciple of the Taiqing Lineage of Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    Knowing of the Mountain God''s existence, they all breathed a sigh of relief.


    Compared to the so-called power of Great Heaven and Earth, the Mountain God was more reassuring to them.


    Furthermore, from the words of the Mountain God, it seemed that the Mountain God didn''t care much about the mundane world.


    "The Mountain God...cannot be deduced or spected..."


    Daoist Tianshu, supported by his fellow disciples, spoke these words.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Liang Canghai took a deep breath and said, "Fellow Daoists, we must not offend the Mountain God, to avoid bringing disaster upon the Nine Dynasties, but we also must not forget the Mountain God''s merits. Everyone, remember the Mountain God''s image; when you return, set up statues and shrines in your respective sects to extol the Mountain God''s virtues to all under heaven!"


    Upon hearing this, all the sect hierarchs nodded in agreement, endorsing his opinion.


    Sage Xuan Miao approached Liang Canghai and took hold of the wooden figure floating in the air.


    He turned to face the people of Three Pure Ones Mountain, raised his hand in salute, and said, "My esteemed teachers and uncles, please inform my master when you return that from now on, I am no longer the sessor of the Taiqing Lineage of Three Pure Ones Mountain. I will not return, and I hope the sect can forgive my wilfulness."


    Daoist Tianshu and the other Daoists of Three Pure Ones Mountain all sighed, but no one tried to stop him.


    "A man without credibility is worthless. Serving the Mountain God is not necessarily a punishment. Xuan Miao, henceforth, no matter what happens to Three Pure Ones Mountain, you must not go against the will of the Mountain God. Do you understand?" Daoist Tianshu said earnestly.


    Sage Xuan Miao nodded, then turned and left.


    Some sect leaders hesitated, their eyes flickering with the thought of sending someone to follow Sage Xuan Miao, but considering the terrifying scenes around them, they eventually gave up the idea.


    At least for now, it was best not to provoke the Mountain God!


    In the distance.


    Lu Lingjun stood on a towering tree, with the White Spirit Demon Emperor curled up on her shoulder, having shrunken in size.


    "The Mountain God... truly a spirit of the Great Heaven and Earth, indeed an Immortal!" the White Spirit Demon Emperor eximed excitedly.


    They watched the sect leaders'' discussion from afar and even saw the illusion that Daoist Tianshu had drawn out.


    It wasn''t just them; the Mystic Heart Realm Cultivators from various sects were also watching, having witnessed the recent events unfold.


    The existence of the Mountain God shook the understanding of the Mystic Heart Realm Cultivators.


    Lu Lingjun recalled the little white figure from the illusion.


    ...


    In Mystic Valley, within the pavilion.


    Gu An was in a pleasant mood; his recent actions had garnered him a lifespan of one million one hundred twenty-seven thousand years.


    Among them, Butcher Immortal Jing from the Mahayana Realm''s Nine Layers contributed six hundred forty-nine years to his lifespan, while the eighth-tier Origin Tree of Ephemera granted him seven thousand five hundred years.


    The other Cultivators of the Ephemera Sect could only provide him with dozens of years of lifespan each, while those from the Mystic Heart Realm often contributed less than forty years each.


    This time, he had in nearly thirty thousand Cultivators from the Ephemera Sect. Though they weren''t all the sect''s members, they were definitely its elite forces. After this battle, the Ephemera Sect was bound to dissolve.


    He himself had in seventy-two Mystic Heart Realm Cultivators!


    Seeing that his total lifespan had now exceeded three million three hundred thousand years, Gu An felt even happier. He immediately took out his Green Hero Travelogue, ready to cultivate his mind.


    After the fall of the Ephemera Sect, there should be peace for several decades.


    He wondered if, before the great Demon cmity arrived, he could push his lifespan past ten million years.


    The news of the battle in Wanji Forest had not yet reached Supreme Sect, which was still in a tense atmosphere.


    Only when night fell did Gu An start to act, going to pick Ephemera flowers.


    Just like before, these Ephemera could each provide only one year of lifespan, but he didn''t mind at all.


    Three dayster.


    The Supreme Sect was astir!


    The news of the demise of the Ephemera Sect spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World.


    At noon, Ye Lan came to visit Gu An and told him about the great battle at Wanji Forest. As a Disciple of Law Enforcement Hall, she had ess to moreprehensive information. She also mentioned the Mountain God.


    "The power of the Mountain God can destroy heaven and annihte earth, indeed beyond the reach of mortals. The Ephemera Sect was strong, but with a single intervention from the Mountain God, the sect was eradicated in a moment. Tsk, the Mountain God is really that powerful. In mythical stories, aren''t Mountain Gods only capable of protecting a piece ofnd?


    Our Mountain God seems too exaggerated; even if you said it was an Immortal from heaven, I would believe it," Ye Lan said with great excitement, quite unlike her usualposed self.


    For Cultivators, the existence of the Mountain God was certainly exhrating news.


    There really are Immortals in the world!


    Gu An pretended to be excited, eagerly inquiring further, satisfying Ye Lan''s desire to share.


    As for the spread of tales about the Mountain God by Sage Xuan Miao, Gu An had been prepared for it. Sage Xuan Miao simply wouldn''t reveal his whereabouts but would sing the praises of the Mountain God to anyone he met.


    Gu An had even noticed when Daoist Tianshu drew upon Sage Xuan Miao''s memories.


    Such is the capability of the Immortal Path!


    He had used his Divine Sense to punish Daoist Tianshu from a distance, a small reprimand and also a warning to the other sect leaders.


    Daoist Tianshu, unaware that it was an assault by Divine Sense, thought he had suffered bacsh and grew even more reverent toward the Mountain God.


    After a chat of two Ancient Hours, Ye Lan finally left.


    Her entire being was ignited with fighting spirit. The world now had a Mountain God, so what was impossible?


    Gu An had still underestimated the Mountain God''s influence.


    In the following period, every time Gu An went to the Outer City, he could hear people discussing the Mountain God. The Outer City had already built a Mountain God Daoist Temple for people to offer incense and kneel in worship¡ªit was bustling with activity.


    At the same time, the Nine Dynasty Sects were clearing out the Ephemera flowers throughout the world.


    Within a month, ny percent of the Ephemera widespread across the world had vanished, leaving only scattered remnants, which Gu An couldn''t be bothered to pursue.


    Even so, his gains were still substantial!

 Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Soaring Life Span

    Within nearly a month and relying on Ephemera, Gu An harvested 10.7 million years of life span, most of which were harvested in the first half of the month. As time went on, it became increasingly difficult to seize life span, and more Ephemera withered directly after he picked them, which he found rather curious.


    As if some force was pulling the vitality out of these Ephemera ahead of time, in the unseen realms.


    Although he did not know the reason, Gu An was quite content.


    Thanks to the Ephemera Sect, he saved twenty years of effort, and his life span reached 43.9 million years.


    After the Ephemera Sect''s downfall, thends of the Nine Dynasties all weed joyous times. Various versions of the story spread among the people, turning the Ephemera Sect into the most terrifying sect in the world, while the Mountain God became the faith of themon folk.


    On this day.


    Within a forest in the North Sea Mountains,


    Sage Xuan Miao was kneeling on the ground, his expression devout.


    Suddenly, he heard a voice and his face lit up with joy. He then walked in another direction.


    Two ancient hourster, Sage Xuan Miao stopped. He stood on a mountainside and could see the shimmering North Sea.


    "Build a Daoist temple for me here, and open up a field for nting medicinal herbs for me," Gu An''s voice rang in Sage Xuan Miao''s ears.


    Sage Xuan Miao immediately agreed, looking forward to the life of service thaty ahead.


    And so, a day and night passed.


    At the break of dawn.


    Gu An, transformed into a white-robed petitesse, appeared on Sage Xuan Miao''s shoulder.


    Sage Xuan Miao was meditating on the steps in front of the Daoist temple courtyard, with his eyes closed and practicing his skills.


    Gu An assessed the Daoist temple that Xuan Miao built, which was decent. It was not grand, but neither was it stingy.


    The courtyard walls were made of stone, as was the Daoist temple. The beams and pirs were of mahogany, while red tiles made up the eaves. Hidden amongst the mid-mountain forest, the temple was barely visible with arge cauldron burning incense within the courtyard, and the green smoke curling upwards, exuding the atmosphere of an immortals'' abode.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    All in all, Sage Xuan Miao had put a lot of thought into it and managed to please him.


    Gu An said, "The name on this que won''t do. Mountain God Temple is too generic, as there might be more than one mountain god in this world."


    Sage Xuan Miao''s eyes snapped open and he looked over reflexively, only to see the Mountain God standing on his shoulder. His body instantly stiffened, not daring to move.


    He cautiously asked, "May I venture to ask for your immortal name...?"


    "Haven''t thought of one yet."


    Gu An hopped down from Sage Xuan Miao''s shoulder and walked into the courtyard.


    Sage Xuan Miao quickly got up and followed, curiously asking, "What do you mean you haven''t thought of one? Don''t you belong to a group of immortals, like the Heavenly Court in ''Investiture of the Gods''?"


    "Investiture of the Gods? What''s that?"


    Sage Xuan Miao briefly recounted the tales of ''Investiture of the Gods'', speaking of the book with reverence.


    After listening, Gu An scoffed, "Mortals daring to conjecture about immortals? I don''t know if there''s a Heavenly Court in the world, but I''ve never seen other immortals since I was born."


    "Then how are you..."


    "You want to ask how I dare to call myself a Mountain God?"


    "Not at all, I didn''t mean that..."


    "Being an immortal is not just about status, but also a certain realm. Keep cultivating, and perhaps one day, you will reach it too."


    Gu An''s words inmed Sage Xuan Miao''s heart with passion.


    He too, wanted to be as powerful as the Mountain God!


    Seeing that the Mountain God was in a good mood, he began to inquire about the medicinal field.


    "You can nt whatever you want, and when the timees, I will harvest it and send these flowers and nts to rebirth," Gu An replied casually, earning Sage Xuan Miao''s solemn respect.


    He had never heard that flowers and nts needed rebirth.


    The breadth of the Mountain God''s spirit was indeed beyond his imagination.


    After Gu An gave some instructions to Sage Xuan Miao, he vanished into thin air, saying he was going to sleep underground and not to disturb him unless necessary.


    Sleeping underground?


    Sage Xuan Miao''s knowledge expanded further.


    ...


    Two months after the fall of the Ephemera Sect, the Great Cultivators of the Supreme Sect began returning with their disciples. Their return brought back many insider stories, which once again spread the fame of the Mountain God throughout the Supreme Sect.


    Lu Lingjun also returned.


    She was ced into the Hall of Elders by Lv Baitian, her status catapulting. Lv Baitian originally wanted to move her out of the Third Medicine Valley, but this time it was she who refused.


    "In the future, I will cultivate in the Third Medicine Valley and continue to protect you. But don''t think of ordering me around. If you can offer some herbs on regr days, I might be willing to help you with some tasks."


    In the loft, Lu Lingjun sat across from Gu An, speaking indifferently.


    That demeanor...


    Really putting on an act!


    Gu Anughed and said, "Giving you herbs is not a problem. In fact, you could go and buy seeds, and I''ll help you grow them. The entire yield will be yours. It''s a small effort for me, and with you in charge of the Third Medicine Valley, I can rest easy."


    Hearing this, Lu Lingjun felt it made sense and said, "Indeed, I''ll head to the Main City of the Sect in a couple of days; the seeds there are of higher grade and rank."


    Afterwards, she began to recount the great battle at Wanji Forest, describing the battle she witnessed, which was even more brutal.


    She held immense respect for the Mountain God, and as an Ascender, the significance of an immortal in her heart was even greater.


    Listening to her speak of her awe for the Mountain God, Gu An secretly reveled.


    Gu An didn''t give himself away, asionally joining in with expressions of amazement.


    When she finished, Gu An remarked, "The realm of the Mountain God is truly unimaginable. One wonders whether a mortal can ever hope to reach such heights in a lifetime."


    Lu Lingjun said earnestly, "It may be difficult, but since we''re on the path of immortal cultivation, we must strive towards that goal, without regret even in death."


    Gu An saw that her life span had reached the ultimate life span, which is 3,700 years. She still had nearly 1,700 years left, and he wondered if she could change her fate against the heavens and reach the Nirvana Realm in the remaining years.


    He didn''t have the intention of imparting the Primordial Reincarnation Skill to her just yet. His rtionship with Lu Lingjun hadn''t reached that level.


    He would see how she performed in the future first.


    If he could be made happy, he would indeed lend a hand.


    But if this fellow had a bad attitude towards him, then forget about it.


    An hourter, Lu Lingjun got up to leave. Before going, she reminded him, "Don''t look at those broken books. Write another ''Investiture of the Gods'' when you have time, I want to see what kind of stories those people have after bing Gods."


    Broken books?


    You don''t understand at all!


    Gu An red at Lu Lingjun''s departing figure, and only after she closed the door did he take out the Supreme Secret Records.


    This was thest volume of the Supreme Secret Records; he nned to burn it after reading.


    He turned the first page and began to appreciate it.


    Huh?


    The writing style of Shen Zhen changed; thisst volume actually had a mncholic tone, not as unrestrained as before.


    Good, I like it.


    As a mncholic person, Gu An decided not to burn the Supreme Secret Records.


    Watching the male lead and his belovedpanion express their deeply buried sorrows at the moment of parting, the emotional conflicts that had been built up over many years were finally released.


    Next was the illustration, which Gu An usually disdained.


    He had to take a good look to see if Shen Zhen''s drawing skills had any ws.


    ...


    With the arrival of the new year, Gu An participated in the celebrations of the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley. Then,te at night, he came to the Nianchu Cave on Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    He brought Tian Yao''er delicious wine and food, nning to celebrate the festival with her.


    Apart from tending to the herbs, Tian Yao''er spent all her time cultivating, which made her days quite dull; hence, Gu An always brought her all kinds of delicious food whenever he visited.


    This was Tian Yao''er''s first time drinking alcohol.


    She held the jug and choked on the first sip.


    This was Spiritual Wine, and even a Core Formation Realm Cultivator would get drunk if they drank too much.


    Drunk as one might get, this wine could enhance one''s Cultivation Level and was considered a good medicine for cultivation.


    Tian Yao''er''s pretty face turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye. Gu An reminded her, "If you can''t drink, don''t rush; save it forter. You''ll get used to it after drinking more."


    A Demon getting red-faced from drinking?


    This was beyond Gu An''s expectations.


    Tian Yao''er shook her head and said, "I can drink, why can''t I?"


    Seeing Gu An finish a bowl of Spiritual Wine, she naturally refused to admit defeat.


    Moreover, the wine made her feel warm all over, and despite the heat, she found itfortable and wanted to drink more.


    Gu An was about to speak when he suddenly sensed something and stood up, saying, "Have some meat first, I''ll be back soon."


    As his voice faded, he disappeared into thin air.


    Tian Yao''er picked up the jug again, licked her lips, and took another sip. This time, she continued to drink despite the burning sensation in her nose.


    ...


    Under the cover of night, the mountains stretched endlessly, and one of the ridges undted ceaselessly. Upon closer inspection, it was a huge snake with human-like feet and a human face.


    It was the Chen Snake that had previously appeared in Wanji Forest.


    Chen Snake was covered in blood, weak, and breathing heavily like thunder. The demon fog around it churned, and ghostly shadows crept closer.


    The snake''s lively eyes were extremely weary and seemed ready to close at any moment.


    "Such strong vitality, an Ancient Species."


    A cold sneer sounded, startling Chen Snake to open its eyes. In the distant demon fog, a figure appeared; it was an old woman in a ck robe with two horns on her head and a pair of wings on her back. Her cheeks were covered with ck fine hairs, making her look even more terrifying.


    The Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother looked down at Chen Snake with eyes full of greed.


    Chen Snake tried to move but was powerless to rise.


    The Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother began to close in on Chen Snake, emitting dense demon energy from her body that coiled around the massive snake like two ck dragons.


    "If you don''t want to die, then turn around and leave."


    A voice came from Chen Snake''s direction, causing the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother to stop and squint, looking forward to see a white-clothed little person standing on Chen Snake''s forehead, wearing a mask.


    The Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother scoffed, "How is it? Who are you, revered guest? Are you unaware of who I am?"


    As soon as Gu An heard this, he wanted to respond but then thought it bothersome.


    He waved his sleeve immediately, and terrifying mana surged towards the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother like a wind, instantly turning her to dust.


    [You have sessfully taken 203 years of Life Span from Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother (Unification Realm Nine Layers)]


    The Demon King that Tian Yao''er most feared died at the hands of Gu An, utterly powerless to resist.


    Chen Snake struggled to open its eyes, spitting out humannguage, "Are you... the Mountain God..."


    Its voice was indistinguishable between male and female, weak and breathless.


    That day during the battle at the Ephemera Sect, it had been injured and fallen, catching sight of a wooden figure.


    The image of the wooden figure greatly resembled the current Gu An.


    Gu An spoke, "In consideration of your efforts to save the people, I will save your life."


    He took out a bottle of Elixirs that he had already refined and poured them into Chen Snake''s mouth.


    Having suffered severe injuries and being poisoned by the Origin Tree of Ephemera''s Ephemera Poison, only the Ephemera Elixir, refined from Ephemera, could cure it.


    "Mountain God... someone... has inherited the power of the Ephemera Sect..." Chen Snake strained to speak, and its serpentine eyes shone, revealing a figure''s silhouette.


    Gu An focused his gaze, and his eyes beneath the mask took on a strange expression.


    How could it be him?

 Chapter 149: Chapter 149: Unifying the Universe, Fighting Demons Together!

    Li Xuandao!


    How did this guy inherit the power of the Ephemera Sect?


    Gu An opened his mouth and asked, "Inheriting power, what power does the Ephemera Sect have to inherit?"


    Chen Snake struggled to reply, "The Ephemera scattered all over the world are there to absorb spiritual energy for the Spirit of Ephemera, an ancient species. It can use the Ephemera to absorb the spiritual energy of the world. Once it merges with a living being, all Ephemera will lose their vitality, leaving only their shells..."


    The figure that burst forth from its eyes was indeed Li Xuandao, even revealing his true face. Li Xuandao seemed to bemunicating with someone, but no sound was heard.


    Gu An asked, "Is your injury because you stopped him?"


    "Exactly, he has the support of the Mystic Heart Realm, but he didn''t kill me..." Chen Snake replied.


    Gu An asked, "Do you want me to kill him?"


    "If possible... it would be best to cripple his cultivation level... the Spirit of Ephemera is ultimately an ominous entity..."


    "Then you better heal well and take care of him yourselfter, your poison will dissipate soon."


    Gu An casually answered, without concerning himself with the truth or falsehood. How could he possibly listen to Chen Snake''s words and cripple whoever he''s told to?


    Chen Snake remained silent for a moment before saying, "I was presumptuous..."


    Gu An then disappeared from its forehead.


    Chen Snake also possessed the cultivation level of the Mystic Heart Realm. Once the poison is resolved, the demons of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain will not be able to harm it.


    Feeling Gu An disappear, Chen Snake closed its eyes, and its breaths began to weaken.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An returned to the Nianchu Cave, astonished to find Tian Yao''er already drunk, sprawled over the table.


    He picked up the jar, only to find it empty of wine.


    This girl...


    Gu An smiled helplessly as he picked up Tian Yao''er and walked inside the house.


    "Master... master... help me... kill the Demon Mother... avenge my parents..."


    Tian Yao''er, clinging to Gu An''s neck, muttered to herself, her hot breath spilling onto his neck.


    Gu An didn''t tell her that the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother was already dead.


    Having a target for her hatred would drive her to cultivate harder.


    ...


    The next day at noon, Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley.


    Last night, he had captured with his divine sense that Li Xuandao had already returned to Tianya Valley.


    From afar, Gu An could see the figure of Li Xuandao, who was sitting at a stone table under a tree, holding a book in one hand.


    [Li Xuandao (Void Crossing Realm Seven Layers): 271/1599/6050]


    Void Crossing Realm Seven Layers!


    His cultivation level had increased again!


    Most crucially, his maximum life span had doubled. Gu An remembered that it was just over three thousand years.


    Such a significant effect from the Spirit of Ephemera?


    Gu An suddenly felt that Li Xuandao was truly extraordinary. Those with higher maximum lifespans than him didn''t cultivate as fast as he did.


    Even An Hao''s cultivation speed might not match his!


    Most importantly, no one knew Li Xuandao''s real cultivation level. He cultivated some special secret skill, and his apparent cultivation level was now at the firstyer of the Core Formation Realm.


    Disguising the Void Crossing Realm Seven Layers as the Core Formation Realm firstyer, how cunning!


    While thinking this, Gu An walked towards Li Xuandao.


    "I pay respect to Uncle," Gu An approached Li Xuandao and raised his hand in greeting.


    Li Xuandao put down the Investiture of the Gods he was reading and smiled, "Gu An, you''ve finally arrived. Your uncle has prepared a superior quality Golden Core for you, the original owner of the Golden Core was a top-tier genius.


    Once your cultivation level reaches the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, your uncle will have a Great Cultivator help you achieve the Core Formation Realm."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An hurriedly thanked him.


    Li Xuandao signaled for him to sit down and began talking to himself, "Recently, I''ve reanalyzed the Investiture of the Gods and gained profound insights. What do you think would have happened if King Zhou had allied with the Chan Sect from the beginning?"


    Gu An responded, "There are not so many what-ifs. Different natures lead to different choices, and many events are destined to happen. King Zhou was domineering, the Chan Sect might not have approved of his ways."


    Li Xuandao shook his head, "Too one-sided. I think the Investiture of the Gods also conveys deeper meanings."


    Has he lost his mind?


    Suddenly unsure how to continue the conversation, Gu An paid careful attention to Li Xuandao''s energy, but he didn''t sense any aura of the Ephemera.


    He grew intensely curious about Li Xuandao''s cultivation technique, intuitively feeling it was extremely powerful, possibly even stronger than Lv Baitian''s Defying Fate Divine Skill.


    Li Xuandao attracting talents was one thing, but behind him was even the Mystic Heart Realm!


    Gu An wondered how he had managed that. Was it through using benefits to woo noble families, or had he taken a high-ranking master as his teacher?


    Most likely thetter; otherwise, how could a Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm take interest in an Emperor?


    Li Xuandao began sharing his interpretations of the Investiture of the Gods, getting more profound and even analyzing the motives of the characters.


    Gu An noticed Yi Liuyun and Lv Xian hadn''t returned.


    Given that Lv Xian once possessed remnants of the Ephemera Sect''s Evil Emperor, he suspected Li Xuandao''s acquisition of the Spirit of Ephemera was connected to Lv Xian.


    After a long discussion, Li Xuandao eventually concluded his seemingly endless insights, then sent Gu An off to gather herbs.


    Once Gu An was done, he came before Li Xuandao to take his leave. Before leaving, he curiously asked, "Uncle, what brings you here this time?"


    Li Xuandao, looking at the book and casually answering, "Waiting for the Venerable Pavilion from the Supreme Sect to find me."


    The Venerable Pavilion?


    Gu An grew even more curious. Had Li Xuandao managed to win over one of the three major noble families?


    He did not continue to ask questions, letting these people fight, as long as it did not affect him.


    With his current cultivation level, he could not im to be invincible across the continent, but at least within the Nine Dynasties, no one could threaten him.


    His curiosity was more about enjoying the spectacle.


    Standing on high, watching these people fight, was indeed quite interesting.


    ...


    After the world became peaceful, Gu An''s days returned to normal, moving between various Medicine Valleys and asionally visiting the Outer Sect City to chat with his friends there; he found every day interesting and not at all dull.


    Time flew by.


    Five years passed.


    That summer, Gu An turned seventy-nine, and his life span broke through five million years, getting ever closer to ten million years.


    The Mystic Heart Realm was no longer a secret, as he even heard people in the Inner Sect City discussing the stories of the Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators.


    One day, Gu An went to the Inner Sect City and invited Wu Jue for a drink at the inn.


    Wu Jue was happy about his visit.


    After they each drank a jug of wine, Wu Jue said, "Brother Gu, I will be leaving next month and it would be difficult to return within the next ten years."


    Over the years, Wu Jue''s maximum life span had not increased, possibly due to the overlyfortable life.


    Gu An curiously asked, "Where are you going?"


    Wu Jue replied, "Isn''t the current Emperor calling for the unification of the Nine Dynasties, and then gathering the world''s strength to resist the great demon cmity decadester? My master has sent me to support him."


    Zhou Family!


    Five years ago, because Gu An was curious about whom Li Xuandao was meeting with, he used his Divine Sense to spy and discovered that the person was none other than Wu Jue''s master, Zhou Yu.


    After their meeting, Li Xuandao returned to the Empire and made that shocking deration.


    Unite the world to fight against the demons!


    This arrogant deration caused dissent within the Supreme Sect, yet things didn''t turn out as the disciples expected.


    The Supreme Sect actually sent disciples to support the Dynasty and assist Li Xuandao.


    This obviously wasn''t Lv Baitian''s intention, and Gu An could feel the atmosphere in the Inner Sect bing tense. It''s worth mentioning that Lv Baitian hadn''t looked for Gu An in those five years either.


    If it weren''t for his previous probe using Divine Sense, confirming that Lv Baitian was alive and well, concentrating on his practice, Gu An would have thought Lv Baitian had suffered from deviation again.


    "I have a disciple named Ye Yan. He joined the army many years ago. If you meet him, please take good care of him," Gu An said with a smile.


    Wu Jue pped his chest andughed, "Of course, no problem. Your disciple is my disciple as well."


    Gu An raised his wine bowl and clinked it against Wu Jue''s again.


    The two continued to chat, and Wu Jue was very enthusiastic, starting to talk about his practice; he had gained a deeper understanding of the Sunset Fist and Gale Shadowless Leg and had realized even stronger moves.


    Suddenly,


    Gu An''s gaze shifted to the staircase on the second floor, where he saw a person walking up.


    [Lord Wei of the Heaven (Mystic Heart Realm third level): 3889/4500/4600]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Mystic Heart Realm third level!


    Gu An nced and then withdrew his gaze, feeling inwardly curious.


    Who is this person?


    Living for over three thousand eight hundred years, even Ancestor Xuan Tian, were he alive, would probably be considered a junior in his presence.


    Lord Wei of the Heaven wore a blue robe, held a horsetail whisk, and his beard hung past his jaw with his hair tied atop his head. His aura resembled that of the Elixir Formation Realm, so he did not attract the attention of other disciples.


    This kind of attire was not rare in the world of immortal cultivation; even on the second floor of the inn alone, there were two other simrly dressed people.


    Lord Wei of the Heaven scanned the room, his gazending on Wu Jue. He stepped forward, came to the table, and asked with a smile, "May I join you two young friends?"


    Wu Jue frowned and looked towards Gu An.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Since we are fellow sect members, how could we refuse. Daoist Friend, please take a seat."


    Lord Wei brushed his beard and smiled before sitting down, introducing himself, "I am Wei, not a disciple of the Supreme Sect. I am just a guest here. Seeing you two today felt like seeing kindred spirits, so I came up to join."


    This statement made Wu Jue''s frown deepen.


    In the first half of Wu Jue''s life, the Supreme Sect had already suffered several disturbances from spies, so he was quite wary of cultivators from other sects.


    Gu An asked, "May I know which sect Brother Weies from?"


    Lord Wei turned to Gu An, smiled, and said, "I am from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Have you two heard of it?"


    Gu An shook his head.


    Wu Jue said irritably, "What exactly do you want to find out? Be direct and don''t disturb our drinking."


    Lord Wei shook his head with a chuckle, took out a green jade piece from his sleeve, ced it on the table, and pushed it toward Wu Jue, saying, "Seeing your extraordinary foundation and your top of the skull exuding a spiritual aura, you seem destined for the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. I would like to invite you to cultivate there."


    He turned to look back at Gu An, who couldn''t help but look forward to his response.


    Yet the man just smiled, nodding politely yet awkwardly.


    Gu An maintained his smile, remaining silent.

 Chapter 150: Chapter 150: Demons Galloping, Legend of the Demon Ancestor

    "Seven Stars Spirit Realm is so powerful, why do you need to invite me? Wait until Ie begging you in the future," Wu Jue replied stiffly.


    After hearing this, Lord Wei of the Heaven shook his head and chuckled, not feeling angry at all.


    In the time that followed, Gu An watched Lord Wei of the Heaven boast about how powerful the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was. Unfortunately, no matter how eloquently he spoke, he couldn''t persuade Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue''s attitude amused Gu An.


    If Wu Jue knew that Lord Wei of the Heaven was of Mystic Heart Realm cultivation level, how would he react?


    Suddenly, a figure appeared behind Lord Wie of the Heaven. Gu An looked up and saw it was Wu Jue''s current master, Zhou Yu.


    [Zhou Yu (Unification Realm Nine Layers): 864/2000/3100]


    To be a member of the Venerable Pavilion, apart from high cultivation level, one''s talent was also of the very top tier, second to nonepared to Lv Baitian.


    Zhou Yu looked at Lord Wei of the Heaven and said, "Senior Lord Wei, Wu Jue is my disciple. Can we talk somewhere else about this?"


    Lord Wei of the Heaven turned to him and pondered, "You''re Zhou Yu, right?"


    "Indeed, five hundred years ago, I cultivated under your guidance for several years," Zhou Yu replied with a slightly respectful tone.


    Wu Jue stood up and bowed to his master.


    Lord Wei of the Heaven suddenly realized andughed, "Ah, that''s right. In that case, let''s move to a different ce to talk."


    The disciples around them, who were drinking and enjoying themselves, were all watching them; continuing the conversation here was indeed inappropriate.


    Without waiting for Wu Jue and Gu An to greet him, Zhou Yu grabbed his shoulder and disappeared on the spot.


    Meanwhile, Lord Wei of the Heaven smiled and nodded at Gu An; Gu An followed with a gesture of respect.


    After Lord Wei of the Heaven disappeared, Gu An''s lips curled up.


    He picked up the wine pot, filled both his and Wu Jue''s cups, then lifted his cup and whispered, "Here''s to a brilliant future for you, and to making a name for yourself soon."


    After speaking, he drank it all by himself.


    After drinking, Gu An got up, went downstairs, settled the bill, and left the inn.


    He didn''t head straight back to the Third Medicine Valley but instead walked towards the Book Collection Hall of the Inner Sect.


    Since Gu An had borrowed the "Chronicles of the World" and a continental map from the Inner Sect''s Book Collection Hall, he had also established a rtionship with Elder Xu Lu. Over the years, the two often exchanged copies of "Green Hero Travelogue" and had formed a friendship that transcended age.


    It''s worth noting that in the Book Collection Hall, Gu An also met Ancestor Kusong.


    Ancestor Kusong had concealed his identity as a Supreme Elder, interacting with Gu An as an Inner Sect Disciple, and Gu An didn''t expose him.


    Arriving on the third floor of the Book Collection Hall, Gu An found Xu Lu, handed back the books he had borrowed, and then smiled, "Elder Xu, do you have any more books by Daoist Xunchun?"


    Daoist Xunchun was the author of the book lent to Gu An by Xu Lu. This book was not sold in the Book Collection Hall but had been brought back by a friend of Xu Lu who had been overseas, and it was said to be very popr there.


    After reading it, Gu An realized that Daoist Xunchun''s writing was indeed remarkable; he even saw traces of "Green Hero Travelogue" within it.


    Latter, he heard Xu Lu saying that Green Hero was inspired to write "Green Hero Travelogue" after reading Daoist Xunchun''s book.


    Xu Lu took from the table the books Gu An ced there, looked up at him, and said not very kindly, "Kid, you should read in your leisure time from cultivation. Don''t get too engrossed."


    Gu Anughed and said, "My talents are average, hard work in cultivation is futile for me, and I''ll probably only reach the Elixir Formation Realm in this lifetime. You know, I am the Valley Master of Medicine Valley; I can improve my cultivation level through elixirs. Why should I waste time cultivating when I can instead enjoy life and cherish the time I''m alive?"


    Elder Xu, who already knew his Heavenly Destiny, thought this made a lot of sense after hearing it.


    Elder Xuughed and said, "Indeed, there is another book by Daoist Xunchun, in the hands of that person upstairs. Go find him."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately bowed to him and then turned towards the staircase.


    There were only two people on the fourth floor, Ancestor Kusong and a Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm, who did not disturb each other.


    Gu An walked up to Ancestor Kusong, who was sitting in a chair by the window, holding a book in his hands.


    Supreme Immortal Venerable!


    This was a thrilling narrative written by Pan An. Over the years, under the management of the Supreme Sect, both "Supreme Immortal Venerable" and "Investiture of the Gods" had spread to the other dynasties and were highly popr; the most popr was still "Supreme Immortal Venerable," while "Investiture of the Gods" was highly esteemed by the higher-ups of various factions.


    In the world of immortal cultivation, there''s a ssic saying: high realms read ''Investiture of the Gods'', lower realms read ''Immortal Venerable''.


    It surprised Gu An that Ancestor Kusong liked "Supreme Immortal Venerable."


    "Senior, Elder Xu rmended I visit; may I borrow the book by Daoist Xunchun?" Gu An asked softly.


    Upon hearing this, Ancestor Kusong reached into his robe, pulled out a book, and threw it to him.


    Gu An caught the book, quickly flipped through it, and immediately smiled.


    Ancestor Kusong suddenly asked, "Gu An, have you ever read ''Supreme Immortal Venerable''?"


    The identity of Pan An was still a secret within the Supreme Sect, known only to a few people, and Ancestor Kusong did not inquire further about the original author''s intentions.


    "I have read it, it''s alright," Gu Anmented.


    Although ''Supreme Immortal Venerable'' was his original work, he didn''t like to read it because itcked novelty for him.


    Ancestor Kusong chuckled and said, "Then you don''t understand the profoundness of ''Supreme Immortal Venerable''. In my view, this book is superior to ''Investiture of the Gods'' because it resonates with the vast majority, showing that the author has seen through worldly matters."


    Gu An responded, "But I still prefer ''Investiture of the Gods'', which is more detailed and imaginative."


    The two started debating which book was more appealing.


    Gu An had no intention of indulging him. After all, openly Gu An did not know his true identity, and they were friends of different generations that shared interests. If Gu An always yed along, ttering him, it would have made things uninteresting instead.


    After a long debate, Gu An gained the upper hand and left, fully satisfied.


    Ancestor Kusong, his nose blown and eyes ring, watched as Gu An descended the stairs; his anger only dissipated after Gu An''s departure, reced by a mocking smile.


    At that moment, a Great Cultivator of the Void Crossing Realm approached. He was a man d in a gray Taoist robe who came to Ancestor Kusong and asked with a smile, "Ancestor, why do you contend with a Foundation Establishment Cultivator?"


    "Although he is at the Foundation Establishment Realm, but being able to enter the Inner Sect, do you think he is that simple?" Ancestor Kusong countered.


    The man in the gray robe shook his head, "Perhaps he has some background, but his cultivation level cannot lie."


    Ancestor Kusong smiled and did not respond, continuing to watch the Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    The man in the gray robe continued, "The nine dynastic sects are preparing to join hands to investigate thend of demons to find the cause of the cmity of demon disaster. Will you go?"


    Ancestor Kusong replied, "Hmm, this old bone of mine has no hope of advancing further. After enjoying some leisurely days, I will head to the demonnd."


    Upon hearing this, the man in the gray robe followed up, "Ancestor, take me with you."


    "Nonsense, it''s a journey of nine deaths and one life. Even though I am in the Mystic Heart Realm, I cannot guarantee your safety."


    "Is it that terrifying?"


    "What do you think is the reason the Ephemera Sect only dares to cause chaos within thend of the nine dynasties?"


    "Could it be that the demonnd also harbors a Mahayana?"


    Ancestor Kusong did not answer; he shifted his gaze to the window. Under the blue sky, disciples were flying in and out, presenting a pleasing scenery.


    ...


    Late at night.


    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, Nianchu Cave.


    Gu An was teaching Tian Yao''er the Limitless Freedom Step.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Tian Yao''er was the only one who had inherited the Limitless Freedom Step, and coupled with the Innate Earth Immortal Skill, in a thousand years, her strength would certainly be formidable, unbeatable within her realm, with no one and no demon able to capture her.


    Excited about Gu An''s teaching, this was the first time he taught her a spell.


    The technique of the Limitless Freedom Step was veryplex. Tian Yao''er found it extremely challenging to practice, but Gu An was not in a hurry; this technique required years of practice to show effects. If Tian Yao''er mastered it after just one attempt, he would have been overwhelmed.


    Five years had passed.


    Gu An was contemting when he should help Tian Yao''er form her core.


    Tian Yao''er had been like a pot of medicine before. When they first met, she had already achieved the ninthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, just one step shy from the Elixir Formation Realm, but she had previouslycked a cultivation technique. Now that she was practicing the Innate Earth Immortal Skill, breakthrough was no longer a difficult task.


    As Gu An watched Tian Yao''er''s graceful figure, he suddenly sensed something and dispersed his Divine Sense.


    His Divine Sense soared into the sky, overseeing the entire Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, witnessing a spectacr scene.


    Countless demons were heading towards the north, in a mighty flood resembling waves that covered the mountains and rivers. The night fog churned continuously under the dark night, unable to hide the figures of the demons.


    With a nce, Gu An saw monsters, demons, and ghosts; their advance made the mountains and rivers tremble, with the disturbance still intensifying.


    After a while.


    Nianchu Cave also began to tremble slightly, rming Tian Yao''er enough to stop her.


    She came nervously to Gu An''s side, leaning on his arm and clutching at his sleeve, her eyes filled with fear as she whispered, "It''s happening again."


    Gu An looked down at her and asked, "Why do you say that?"


    Tian Yao''er replied, "When I was very young, this happened as well. Many, many demons went north, even the Demon Mother went to see the Demon Ancestor."


    "Demon Ancestor? Tell me more about it," Gu An''s interest piqued, and he led Tian Yao''er to sit down at a stone table.


    Taking a deep breath, Tian Yao''er began recounting the legends of the Demon Ancestor she had heard.


    "Legend has it that a long time ago, when the first demon was born between heaven and earth, he was the Demon Ancestor. Born superior to all beings, he felt lonely through the long years, so he sprinkled his own blood onto the earth, allowing the beings of the earth to be baptized and then transformed into demons¡­ "


    "Later, a group of beings called humans arrived on earth. They were immensely powerful and ughtered the demons¡­"


    At this point, Tian Yao''er could not help but look at Gu An, her expression tense, for she already knew that Gu An was not a demon, but a human.


    For demons who had never had contact with humans, humans were terrifying beings.


    If it weren''t for Gu An saving Tian Yao''er, she would have tried to escape long ago.


    Gu An, wearing a mask, noticed no reaction from him, so Tian Yao''er mustered the courage to continue.


    The group of alien human cultivators was extremely powerful, ughtering demons and seizing Demon Cores and Demon Treasures, ultimately angering the Demon Ancestor.


    The Demon Ancestor personally intervened, repelling those terrifying human cultivators.


    However, the real cmity then descended.


    Yearster, the human cultivators attacked again, this time in even greater numbers. The Demon Ancestor, in his efforts to protect the demon race, ultimately fell and perished.


    Afterward, humans took root on the earth, ushering in a period of oppression for the demon race.


    Throughout the long years of oppression, the demon race has consistently sought to resurrect the Demon Ancestor to exterminate the humans.


    Until now, the resurrection of the Demon Ancestor is imminent. Every few decades, all the demons in the world go to worship the Demon Ancestor, offering their own demon blood.

 Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Ridge of Ten Thousand Demons, The Chosen One of Heavenly Destiny

    Hearing the legend of the Demon Ancestor, Gu An felt something strange inside.


    So the Nine Dynasties on the continent were the invaders?


    No wonder the Holy Land didn''t help the Nine Dynasties.


    Gu An didn''t think too much about it, he wasn''t going to sympathize with the Demon n, nor me the Nine Dynasties.


    The battle for survival was never defined by good or evil, and besides, it''s possible there were other species on the continent before the Demon n was born.


    The evolution of the world is a natural selection, a cycle of the old being reced by the new.


    As a human, Gu An naturally had to consider things from the perspective of the Human Race.


    If one possesses justice, then one should not annihte the Demon n.


    In fact, the Human Race and the Demon n could coexist; demon shadows could be seen everywhere in the Immortal Cultivation World, and demon pets had be an indispensable element for the vast majority of cultivators. In some sects, powerful demon creatures could even be protective deities, worshiped by cultivators.


    After Tian Yao''er finished speaking, she looked at Gu An nervously and suddenly reached out to grab his left hand, saying, "Master, can the Human Race and the Demon n really not coexist? Why must it be a fight to the death?"


    Although she feared the Human Race, she did not despise them, because she had never been in contact with the Human Race since she was young. On the contrary, it was the Demon n who persecuted her.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An withdrew his hand and said, "It''s not just species that struggle in this world. To be stronger, one must walk the path of strife. Rather than worry and feel sorrow, it''s better to cultivate diligently because your enemies will not sympathize with you. If you want to sympathize with others, you need to be strong enough."


    With memories of his past life, Gu An always regarded the world from the perspective of a bystander, except for his sincerely befriended old friends.


    When chaos gued the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect, he might have inscribed the words of the Righteous Path, but he did not loathe the actions of those people.


    Ephemera Sect''s ravaging of the world didn''t fill him with extreme hatred either.


    He could blend into the secr world, but deep in his heart, there was always a loneliness that allowed him to see everything clearly while not being swayed emotionally by his surroundings.


    After hearing his words, Tian Yao''er nodded seriously and followed with, "If the Demon Ancestor is revived and the Human Race is driven out, Master, wherever you go, you must take me with you!"


    Gu An smiled and asked, "Is the Demon Ancestor really that powerful? Will the Human Race definitely be driven away?"


    "I''ve heard the Demon Mother say before that once the Demon Ancestor revives, this continent willpletely be the Demon Land, and the current Cultivators of the Human Race will not be a match for the Demon Ancestor," Tian Yao''er said with a tilted head.


    That strong?


    Gu An became even more interested in the Demon Ancestor.


    If nothing went wrong, when the great cmity of demons erupted, the Demon Ancestor would have to be dealt with by him.


    Furthermore, Gu An was somewhat skeptical about what Tian Yao''er said; he felt that this continent was hiding more secrets, and the legend couldn''t exin it all.


    If the continent truly belonged fully to the Demon n, then where did demons and ghostse from?


    Demons are not just another name for demon creatures; demons are a separate force.


    When the Human Race cultivates demon powers, they be Demon Cultivators; when the Demon n cultivates demon powers, they be fiendish demons. Why do demon powers exist?


    Moreover, Gu An felt that the resentment in the Demon Land was far greater than in the Nine Dynasties''nds, and in the Demon Land, the traces of Cultivators of the Human Race were scarce. It couldn''t be said that all this resentment was caused by the Human Race Cultivators, could it?


    Then, Gu An asked Tian Yao''er to continue practicing the Limitless Freedom Step while he used his Divine Sense to chase after the rampaging demons.


    In the night, various demons ran through the mountains and fields, with many demon birds sweeping over the mountain tops. Upon closer inspection, there were several shadows of demons and ghosts amongst the demons.


    The difference between the demon and ghost shadows was that these demon shadows emitted Demonic Qi, like clouds of ck mist flying past.


    Gu An''s Divine Sense followed them across a distance of a million miles, and he saw more and more demons along the way.


    Seeing the number of demons along the way, even he, at the Nirvana Realm, felt his scalp tingle. If the demon cmity were to break out, thends of the Nine Dynasties would likely be quickly ttened without his intervention.


    Not far from the depths of the Demon Land, Gu An also sensed the presence of demon creatures at the Unification Realm; these creatures were not stirred by the great tide of demons but remained in their own caves.


    Finally, Gu An''s Divine Sense stopped at a cluster of volcanoes. The ce was filled withva, and the night sky was covered in thick, hot smoke. Some volcanoes were even constantly erupting, spectacr yet terrifying.


    ording to the map given by Xu Lu, this should be the Ridge of Ten Thousand Demons deep in the continent.


    The Ridge of Ten Thousand Demons has tens of thousands of volcanoes and is home to tens of thousands of Demon Kings; the number of demons is unimaginable.


    The author of the Chronicles of the World passed by here and did not dare to go deep because the demon energy here was so intimidating that it made him turn back. He only came to know about the Ridge of Ten Thousand Demons by capturing and interrogating a demon.


    Gu An could sense the presence of over a thousand figures in the Unification Realm, more than twenty in the Mystic Heart Realm, and even one at the Mahayana Realm!


    At this moment, countless demons within the Ridge of Ten Thousand Demons were also rushing northward.


    Gu An did not continue to explore northward, not because his Divine Sense could not stretch further, but because there were Mahayana Realm demons here. It was very likely that the Demon Ancestor surpassed the Mahayana Realm.


    Thinking carefully about what Tian Yao''er had said about the legend, it was very usible.


    The blood of the Mahayana Realm wasn''t so almighty, but the Nirvana Realm was different; the essence of life had already undergone transformation, just like Gu An''s blood was no longer ordinary.


    Gu An did not want to startle the snake.


    After all, the demon cmity wasn''t going to erupt tomorrow.


    He still had time to extend his life span. When he reached a life span of ten million years, his strength would also see a big leap.


    Stay calm!


    The advantage is mine!


    Gu An withdrew his Divine Sense and continued to guide Tian Yao''er in her cultivation.


    ...


    Spring passed and autumn came, and another three years went by.


    One afternoon, the 82-year-old Gu An, transformed into a small figure d in white, arrived at the North Sea Mountains to visit Sage Xuan Miao.


    Sage Xuan Miao was being cared for by him, with Gu An visiting once every few months, and Sage Xuan Miao had grown ustomed to it, spending his days cultivating in the Mountain God Temple and living a contented life.


    As soon as Gu An arrived, he saw another person outside the temple, and it was someone he knew.


    An Hao!


    An Hao stood shoulder to shoulder with Sage Xuan Miao at the edge of the hillside, gazing together at the majestic North Sea.


    It seemed their rtionship was good, the Golden List Conference having led to their fateful encounter.


    An Hao had already broken through to the firstyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, and he was not even fifty years old yet...


    It looked like An Hao had a very good chance of surpassing Li Xuandao''s breakthrough speed!


    "Your cultivation speed is fast enough, what you really need now is to calm your mind," Sage Xuan Miao said, sounding somewhat helpless.


    Before attending the Golden List Conference, he truly thought his talents were unmatched in the world.


    Being defeated by An Hao didn''t get him down; instead, he was grateful. He was fortunate to have encountered An Hao, allowing him to recognize his own shorings early, which would help him to cultivate better going forward.


    An Hao stood tall and straight, his arms crossed before his chest, his face handsome and his hair casually tied back, exuding both grace and the pride of a heaven''s chosen. A de of grass dangled from his lips as he said with a slightugh, "I don''t feel that my cultivation speed is very fast. I don''t know why, but ever since I began cultivating, I''ve always felt that time is pressing.


    If I do not cultivate diligently, disaster will eventually fall upon me."


    He gazed at the surface of the North Sea, his eyes deep.


    Seeing the little brat who once didn''t even reach his shoulder be such a figure, Gu An felt a great sense of achievement.


    If it weren''t for him, An Hao would''ve died in the jaws of demons long ago, and he had also instructed An Hao in cultivation; he deserved that sense of achievement.


    Hearing An Hao''s words, Gu An thought of the limit of life span.


    Could geniuses like An Hao sense the existence of Heavenly Destiny?


    If he could not achieve Nirvana within ten thousand years, he would eventually die.


    Sage Xuan Miao spoke with emotion, "If that''s the case, then I will guide you. On my way past Tianwei, my treasure led me to the ruins of a Great Cultivator''s cave, but the restrictions inside wereplex, and I couldn''tprehend them at the moment. I had to put it aside to attend the Golden List Conference. You can try it out, there''s a great chance inside."


    Upon hearing this, An Hao immediately inquired about the specific location of the cave ruins.


    Sage Xuan Miao took out a map from his Storage Bag and handed it to An Hao.


    After chatting for a while longer, An Hao prepared to take his leave. Just before leaving, he reminded, "The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword has been causing quite a stir in the Immortal Cultivation Worldtely. The Sword Master has fallen into the Demon Path, and he has also cultivated a heretical technique. More and more people are dying at his hands.


    You must be careful in these deep mountains, lest he catch you. If the Mountain God continues to doze off, no one will be able to save you."


    Sage Xuan Miaoughed, "I''m a fifthyer Divinity Transformation Realm Cultivator, the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword has not yet killed anyone of the Divinity Transformation Realm."


    An Hao shook his head with an amused smile, waved his hand, and then turned to leave.


    He leaped up, a Flying Sword emerging from his waist, and he rode the sword away, quickly disappearing into the horizon of the North Sea.


    Sage Xuan Miao watched for a while, then turned and went back to the temple.


    Just as he entered the courtyard, he heard the Mountain God''s voice: "This child has an excellent foundation, and his destiny is remarkable."


    He looked up to see the Mountain God sitting on the temple eaves, watching the departing figure of An Hao.


    Sage Xuan Miao revealed a smile, "His talents are indeed unmatched in the world. My master once said that the Supreme Sect would give birth to a prodigy who could change heaven and earth. Perhaps it''s him."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An chortled, "Is Three Pure Ones Mountain that powerful?"


    Sage Xuan Miao replied, "Of course, Three Pure Ones Mountain can''tpare with you. It''s just that the Daoist Tradition has been in existence for over ten thousand years, and the elders have mastered some prediction techniques. In truth, our Three Pure Ones Mountain came from overseas as well. Our ancestors couldn''t return, so they rooted themselves on this continent."


    He started to borate on Three Pure Ones Mountain, and Gu An listened intently.


    The Divine-Reaching Mystic Gate alone was enough to make him not underestimate Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    "By the way, the Li Family has also given birth to a person of Heavenly Destiny, with tremendous destiny. This child must also be a disciple of the Supreme Sect. He has not yet revealed his talents, but once he encounters a great opportunity, he might soar to the skies andpete with An Hao. I''m quite looking forward to that day," Sage Xuan Miao looked up at Gu An, his face full of anticipation.


    Gu An asked curiously, "The person of Heavenly Destiny, have you calcted it clearly?"


    "How can calctions be so clear? But it should be him, the other descendants of the Li Family don''t have such extraordinary talents," Sage Xuan Miao shook his head.


    Gu An knew whom he was referring to; within the Supreme Sect, the most talented Li Family disciple could only be Li Ya.


    But in fact, Li Xuandao''s talents were even more terrifying!


    Perhaps Li Xuandao was the Li Family''s person of Heavenly Destiny, and looking at the current state, Li Xuandao indeed had the potential to rival An Hao.

 Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Master, Save Me!

    After chatting with Sage Xuan Miao for a while, Gu An asked him to take him to the herb garden for a visit.


    At the foot of the mountain, Sage Xuan Miao had nted arge herb garden, guarded by several Minor Demons. Gu An began to pick the ripe herbs and shared numerous Great Dao truths with Sage Xuan Miao.


    Sage Xuan Miao listened intently to every word about the mountain god''s truths, feeling that each contained great Daoist meanings.


    After the picking was done, Gu An only took half, leaving the other half of the herbs for Sage Xuan Miao to use for alchemy cultivation.


    Although it wasn''t the first time this had happened, it always moved Sage Xuan Miao deeply.


    He was said to be a servant, to serve for a lifetime, but in reality, he was cultivating under the guidance of the mountain god, which was a tremendous blessing!


    Sage Xuan Miao felt that the mountain god had an important mission for him because the god had said, "Heaven, when about to ce a great responsibility on a man, always first tests his resolution, wears out his sinews and bones with toil, exposes his body to starvation, and confounds his endeavors."


    Perhaps nting herbs was not for the sake of the mountain god, but a way to temper his character.


    Regarding the mission the mountain god wanted to pass on to him, he had a bold guess that even he couldn''t help being agitated by every time it crossed his mind, and he tried not to think about it.


    ...


    The herb garden of the Mountain God Temple had not yet be a stable source of longevity for Gu An. He mainly relied on Mystic Valley, the Eight Scenic Grotto-Heavens, the Third Medicine Valley, Tianya Valley, and Nianchu Cave, gaining nearly two hundred thousand years of life span each year, with asional fluctuations.


    His life span had already exceeded five million six hundred thousand years, and if nothing unexpected happened, he would reach ten million years of life span in twenty years.


    The Demon Cmity was unlikely to erupt within the next twenty years. ording to the internal estimates of the Supreme Sect, there would be at least fifty years before the outbreak of the Demon Cmity.


    After returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An continued to be an ordinary disciple.


    It''s worth mentioning that Gu Zong had already promoted Gu An to be an Inner Sect Disciple, but Gu An still preferred to wander around the Outer City.


    He had many friends in the Outer Sect, and he was a person who cherished old acquaintances.


    And so, another year passed.


    Summer arrived.


    Gu An was practicing calligraphy on the attic of Mystic Valley, contemting the profound formations of the Ziwei Array Chronicles while writing.


    Lu Jiujia suddenly came to visit Gu An. Upon hearing the knock, Gu An let him in.


    He closed the room''s door, approached the desk, and said, "Senior Brother, I''ve found news about Wuxin."


    Wuxin, Gu An''s junior disciple, was a spy from Thousand-Autumn Pavilion who had left but left behind the Daoist Expansion Skill.


    Gu An did not look up, continuing to concentrate on his paper, and said, "Let''s hear it."


    Lu Jiujia immediately recounted, "Due to the chaos of the Ephemera Sect, Thousand-Autumn Pavilion has been dissolved. I originally thought he had met with disaster, but recently I heard that a young monk has appeared under the Emperor''smand, who ims to be Wuxin.


    This monk acts ruthlessly and once single-handedly ughtered nine thousand imperial guards of the Hanlu Dynasty, turning their skulls into magic artifacts. This matter has caused a huge uproar in the Immortal Cultivation World. The Emperor, in his desire to unify the realm, employs people without considering morality, and now he has many Demon Cultivators and Ghost Cultivators under hismand."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An silently noted that Wuxin had grown stronger.


    As for Wuxin''s actions, he didn''t feel it was his ce to judge.


    It''s worth mentioning that the Immortal Cultivation worlds of all nine dynasties tacitly approved of Li Xuandao''s actions, allowing the dynasties to wage war, but on one condition: factions must not get involved, at least not in the dynasties'' struggles.


    Of course, that was the rule, but the Supreme Sect would quietly support Li Xuandao, and the Immortal Cultivation Sects of the Hanlu Dynasty would also send reinforcements.


    Every Cultivator from the nine dynasties hoped the dynasty that unified the realm would be their own.


    Lu Jiujiamented, "Wuxin''s strength now is probablyparable to that of the Elixir Formation Realm. With his talent, there is no way he should be this formidable; he must have cultivated some type of Demon Skill. Senior Brother, if you encounter him in the future, you must be careful."


    He too had once strayed onto the wrong path and understood the feeling of falling into the Demon Path - the urge to be stronger by any means necessary, where his state of mind was focused solely on his own importance.


    Gu An nodded and said, "Don''t worry, I usually won''t leave the range of the Supreme Sect. He certainly would not dare toe here."


    The Supreme Sect was rising, and due to the impact of the Golden Listpetition and Pan An''s writings, more and more disciples were joining the sect, including many powerful Loose Cultivators. Each year, the paper strength of the Supreme Sect increased one level.


    One notable change was that Gu An seldom saw Demon Cultivators sneaking into the Supreme Sect anymore.


    After sharing this news, Lu Jiujia no longer disturbed Gu An.


    Gu An continued with his calligraphy. He thought that in his next book, he could show off his handwriting.


    Such beautiful writing should not be hidden and enjoyed alone!


    I may not be a cultivation genius, but I am definitely a calligraphy genius!


    Gu An praised himself inwardly, feeling increasingly pleased.


    Just then,


    He suddenly felt someone calling out to him. He initially thought it was Sage Xuan Miao, but when his Divine Sense swept out, he found Sage Xuan Miao was in the midst of cultivation.


    He listened more intently and realized that the call was not for the mountain god.


    It was a plea for help, "Master, save me."


    Hmm?


    ...


    Under the blue sky and white clouds, hundreds of Cultivators were suspended between the mountains, all facing the same cliff, continuously employing their spells.


    No matter how powerful their Spiritual Power was in assault, they could not shake the cliff. Each attack would bring forth ayer of blue light from the cliff, repelling all assaults.


    An old man flew next to the only purple-robed man who was not attacking and said gravely, "Your Highness, the Restriction here is too powerful; even I, a Void Crossing Realm Cultivator, cannot break through it!"


    The purple-robed man was a Prince of the Tianwei Dynasty named Si Zong, with the Cultivation Level of the firstyer of Divinity Transformation.


    Si Zong replied indifferently, "Continue the attack. Even if we can''t break through, we must intimidate that young man. My master will soon arrive. Additionally, send a group to scatter and look for him, to prevent him from escaping. He is the top schr of the Golden List in the Supreme Sect. If he escapes this time, capturing him again will be difficult.


    If he grows in strength, he will be a major problem for Tianwei."


    "Yes!"


    The elder immediately took orders and departed.


    Meanwhile,


    Within the mountain wall, after traversing a winding tunnel, a spacious cave chamber was reached, where An Hao was sitting cross-legged, meditating to heal his injuries. Next to him stood a woman in yellow robes, dressed extravagantly, her face pretty and exquisite.


    "Hey, my second brother''s master is at the Mystic Heart Realm and is the Supreme Elder of the Tianwei''s number one sect, Candle Sky Peak. Whatever he wants, he''s sure to obtain. You''d better open your sect door and let him in, then offer an apology. I can plead with my second brother on your behalf," said the woman in yellow, her name Si Yan''er, a princess of Tianwei.


    At that moment, she stood on the ground, only able to speak, her body rigid. If one looked closely, they could see a talisman paper stuck to her shoulder.


    An Hao kept his eyes closed, paying her no mind; hisplexion was pale.


    He too realized that the situation was dire, with virtually no hope of escape.


    While healing, his thoughts turned to his master.


    His greatest wish was to see his master, even though he knew his master was Sword Venerable Fudao, An Hao still did not know his true identity.


    No one in the Supreme Sect knew who exactly Sword Venerable Fudao was, not even his second master, Lv Baitian.


    It was for this reason that An Hao trained even more diligently.


    His real master was stronger than the entire Supreme Sect, and how could An Hao satisfy him if he did not train hard?


    An Hao felt discontent within him, but also a bit weak.


    That was because he hoped, at this critical juncture, his master woulde to save him.


    Even though Si Zong was at the Divinity Transformation Realm, he was no trouble for An Hao. The problem was that Si Zong could call for help, and he had summoned a bunch of high realm cultivators.


    This made An Hao feel extremely frustrated.


    He had a powerful backing too!


    If only his master woulde, then no matter how many people Si Zong summoned, An Hao felt it would be pointless.


    The constant haranguing from Si Yan''er was annoying and made his mind chaotic.


    Unable to bear it, An Hao abruptly opened his eyes and red at Si Yan''er, cursing, "If you speak one more word, be careful, or I''ll peel you, and before you die, I''ll take my pleasure with you!"


    At these words, Si Yan''er''s face turned ashen, and she promptly shut her mouth, only able to stare at him with wide eyes, looking both aggrieved and angry.


    "Cough cough..."


    Angrily reacting caused An Hao''s blood to surge, leading to a coughing fit; he disliked spitting out blood, so he endured the difort and swallowed the blood back down.


    Soon, he regained hisposure and continued to meditate and heal.


    An ancient hourter.


    Si Yan''er couldn''t help but speak up, "Hey, An Hao, do you think that statue could be the owner of the cave?"


    Following her gaze, at the center of the cave chamber stood a stone statue. It depicted an old man standing on a turtle, holding a wooden staff in his hand, hunchbacked, with a kind face¡ªa statue that seemed almost ready toe to life.


    An Hao, with his eyes closed, replied, "Perhaps."


    Suddenly thinking of something, he promptly got up and approached the statue.


    He began to circle around the statue, observing it closely.


    "Have you discovered something?" asked Si Yan''er, curious.


    An Hao did not answer her.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just then,


    An overwhelming terrifying pressure descended, causing An Hao to stop moving, his face turning pale, and Si Yan''er was equally frightened.


    "Master, you''ve finally arrived!"


    An exuberant cry of joy from Si Zong came from outside; the fellow deliberately raised his voice, clearly intending for An Hao and Si Yan''er to hear.


    "I didn''t expect that this ce would conceal the remnants of an Ancient Great Cultivator''s grotto heaven. Stand aside," a cold voicemanded, making An Hao''s expression even more troubled.


    Si Yan''er said schadenfreudely, "Hey, scared now? Better release me quickly, or when they break in, you''ll really be done for!"


    Boom¡ª


    The cave chamber shook violently, as rocks and dust fell, as if it were about to copse at any moment.


    A powerful divine sense had already probed inside, causing An Hao''s heart to race and his forehead to break out in cold sweat.


    No matter how talented he was, he couldn''t possibly be a match for someone at the Mystic Heart Realm!


    Let alone the Mystic Heart Realm, even a person from the Void Crossing Realm could crush him!


    At this moment, An Hao could not remain calm; he clenched his fists tightly, and inexplicably thought of his master''s figure.


    "Damn it..."


    "Master, save me..."


    An Hao gritted his teeth, muttering under his breath.


    Upon hearing this, Si Yan''erughed and said, "Isn''t your Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect your master? I''ve heard he''s only at the Unification Realm; he''s no match for my second brother''s master. And he''s far away at the Supreme Sect; it''s impossible for him toe save you!"


    An Hao red at her, retorting angrily, "The master I''m talking about is not Lv Baitian!"


    Si Yan''er pouted and asked, "You mean to say you have another master at the Mystic Heart Realm?"


    "I..." An Hao was unable to respond because he had promised his master not to disclose his master''s existence.


    Just then, a handnded on An Hao''s shoulder, making him jump. Following that, he heard a voice that made his eyes well up with tears, "Silly disciple, it''s only been a few years, and you''re already crying out for your master to save you?"

 Chapter 153: Chapter 153 Scram!

    The person holding An Hao''s shoulder was none other than Gu An. An Hao turned around cautiously, and when he saw Gu An, the joy in his heartpletely erupted.


    "Master!"


    An Hao couldn''t help but turn around and hug Gu An tightly.


    Although Gu An still wore a mask and his attire was different from before, An Hao recognized him as his master at a nce.


    When Gu An suddenly disappeared, An Hao staggered forward a step involuntarily.


    He turned to look, and Gu An appeared seven steps away, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.


    In the instant his master vanished, he thought he had been caught in an illusion.


    "Tell me, what''s going on," Gu An said.


    Even as the mountain trembled, An Hao was not panicked. With Gu An''s appearance, he was excited instead, and began to recount the grudge.


    Gu An listened attentively.


    Not far away, Si Yan''er''s eyes widened in amazement as she looked at Gu An.


    This man was An Hao''s master?


    How did he get in here?


    While An Hao was speaking, he couldn''t help but probe for Gu An''s true face with his Divine Sense, only to have it repelled by the power contained in the mask, which startled him.


    Gu An remained silent, which made An Hao feel ashamed; he did not dare to offend his master again and focused on telling the story of his enmity with the Prince of the Tianwei Dynasty, Si Zong.


    Two months ago, following the map given by Sage Xuan Miao, he found this cave dwelling site, but he couldn''t enter. After a month of attempts, he went out to gain experience and then met Si Zong and Si Yan''er.


    Si Zong had also participated in the Golden List Conference back then and made it to the top ten. They had been opponents once, and upon meeting again, they got along quite well. This made An Hao think he had made a friend like Sage Xuan Miao. So, the three of them traveled together and had a pleasant time.


    Later, An Hao shared the opportunity he was seeking with Si Zong and his sister, not expecting Si Zong to harbor resentment over his previous defeat to An Hao. Once he knew An Hao was after an opportunity, he plotted to capture him.


    After a fierce battle, both were wounded. An Hao then kidnapped Si Yan''er.


    An Hao brought Si Yan''er back here, and as they argued, they identally opened the mechanism, revealing an entrance in the mountainside.


    Just as they were about to enter, to their surprise, Si Zong quickly pursued them with the apaniment of a Void Crossing Realm Cultivator.


    While trying to enter the cave with Si Yan''er, An Hao was ambushed and severely injured. Fortunately, the entrance closed in time, allowing him to escape a disaster.


    When An Hao finished speaking, he was furious and cursed, "That son of a bitch, Si Zong, I trusted him so much. I must have been blind!"


    Si Yan''er pursed her lips, remaining silent and not speaking up for Si Zong since she also disapproved of his actions.


    Boom!


    An explosion echoed from the tunnel, followed by a gust of wind that billowed their robes.


    Gu An looked toward the statue in the center of the cave, seemingly lost in thought.


    Footsteps approached, and An Hao, not in a panic, moved next to Si Yan''er, ready to take her hostage.


    "Let her go. What''s the point of using a woman as a hostage? It''s meaningless," Gu An''s voice sounded.


    Si Yan''er''s face lit up with a smile at his words, and she quickly said, "Thank you, senior. You truly understand righteousness!"


    An Hao red at her but still dutifully tore off the Talisman Paper attached to her.


    Once the Talisman Paper was removed, Si Yan''er instantly regained control of her body. She breathed a sigh of relief, not running toward the tunnel but standing beside An Hao instead.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A group of Cultivators came from the entrance, led by Si Zong. Following him was a man wearing a gold-trimmed ck robe with an imposing presence, half of his hair white, his appearance handsome, his eyes cold and detached, exuding an indescribable sense of oppression.


    Si Zong''s gaze fell on Gu An, and his eyebrows furrowed. He raised his hand in greeting and asked, "May I inquire who Daoist Friend is and what brings you here?"


    Si Yan''er said, "Brother, he is An Hao''s master. Let''s just put an end to this matter."


    Master?


    Si Zong''s frown deepened even more, and he asked, "Could it be Sect Master Lu has arrived?"


    Gu An nced at the robed man behind him and cast Life Span Detection.


    [Ancestor Xingyan (Second Layer of the Mystic Heart Realm): 1904/4400/4600]


    The nine dynasties truly harbor hidden dragons and crouching tigers!


    It was unclear whether this person had been cultivating in Tianwei all the time or had returned from the Ephemera Sect overseas.


    Gu An said, "I''m not Lv Baitian. This cave dwelling was first found by my disciple. I would advise everyone to stop right here."


    The Cultivators behind Si Zong were taken aback, not expecting such a forthright stance from this person.


    An Hao, on the other hand, became exhrated and provocatively looked at Si Zong.


    Ancestor Xingyan stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Si Zong. He sized up Gu An and said, "May I inquire about your name, Daoist Friend? Why not show us your true face?"


    His Divine Sense too failed to prate Gu An''s mask, which made him a bit wary of Gu An.


    But it was only a slight wariness; after all, he was a Mystic Heart Realm Cultivator!


    In previous battles with the Ephemera Sect, he had fought other cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm, with both victories and losses. As someone of the same realm, it wasn''t possible for him to be killed so easily.


    Unless this person before him was like the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect, having reached the even higher Mahayana Realm.


    The Mahayana Realm?


    Ancestor Xingyan didn''t believe it. If such a powerful individual existed, why wasn''t he known before?


    Gu An turned to face Ancestor Xingyan and uttered a single word: "Leave."


    Leave!


    Everyone present changed color, especially those on Si Zong''s side who knew of Ancestor Xingyan''s background.


    "How dare you! You dare to speak so arrogantly to a Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm!"


    An elder chided angrily, but Ancestor Xingyanughed, hisughter cold and chilling.


    An Hao was extremely excited, worthy of being his master, so domineering!


    Si Yan''er looked at Gu An, feeling that this person''s arrogance was backed by real power.


    Just as Ancestor Xingyan was about to speak, Gu An sighed and muttered to himself, "Troublesome."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Gu An suddenly waved his sleeve, and mana erupted, transforming into a gale that rushed towards Ancestor Xingyan, Si Zong, and the others.


    His action was too fast, so fast that everyone was toote to react.


    As the gale swept by, Ancestor Xingyan and others all turned to ash, with storage bags and storage rings falling to the ground one after another.


    The cave chamber quickly fell silent.


    An Hao''s eyes widened, and Si Yan''er was so shocked that she couldn''t help but rub her eyes.


    Row after row of prompts appeared before Gu An''s eyes, ying fifty-seven cultivators and seizing over twelve hundred years of life span.


    Ignoring the shock of An Hao and Si Yan''er, Gu An then walked up to the stone statue.


    "Mystic Heart Realm... dead?" Si Yan''er muttered, cold sweat starting to bead her forehead, instinctively feeling fear.


    An Hao was stunned for a moment, then began to cheer. He came to Gu An''s side, excitedly saying, "Master, how are you so powerful? What is your realm? Could it be the Mahayana Realm as mentioned by the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect?"


    Mahayana Realm!


    These three words made Si Yan''er''s heart race.


    She no longer cared about Si Zong''s death, her mind filled only with panic and fear.


    She immediately ran towards the cave entrance, An Hao only nced at her and did not stop her.


    After Gu An''s move just now, his confidence was inted, even if the entire Tianwei Dynasty came to encircle them, master and disciple, it would be suicidal.


    Gu An paid no attention to An Hao, who saw his master observing the stone statue and didn''t dare to interrupt, standing obediently aside.


    He looked at Gu An, his heart burning with fervor.


    He couldn''t help but stimte his Spiritual Power, exciting his senses to assure himself that this wasn''t a dream.


    "If Master is so powerful, could he destroy the Ephemera Sect without the Mountain God''s intervention?"


    The idea shed through An Hao''s mind, and his gaze towards Gu An grew even more worshipful.


    Before long.


    Si Yan''er came back. It turned out she wasn''t escaping but was telling the cultivators outside to leave quickly to avoid dying because of Si Zong.


    She came to An Hao''s side and waited quietly.


    An Hao frowned and nced at her; she turned up her nose at him.


    Just then.


    Gu An raised his hand and struck the stone statue. Under his control of mana, the statue began to spin, and as the turtle-shaped statue moved, water began to flow from its base.


    After the statue spun halfway around, the turtle''s mouth opened, and a beam of white light shot out, striking the mountain wall.


    Under the gaze of An Hao and Si Yan''er, ancient andplex characters appeared on the mountain wall, each character twisting as if it were trying to break away from the wall, making them both widen their eyes.


    Bright light shone on their faces, and their pupils seemed to hold a sun that was growingrger.


    Upon closer inspection, a bright light emerged from the mountain wall etched with strange characters, expanding as if a door to an exotic world were opening.


    The stone statue suddenly lifted its stone staff and tapped it lightly. The bright light in front of it suddenly expanded, enveloping the entire cave and a rich Spiritual Energy rushed towards the three people.


    Gu An immediately headed towards the mountain wall, followed closely by An Hao.


    Si Yan''er gritted her teeth and followed as well.


    Once they entered the bright light, An Hao was unable to cast spells, and even his Divine Sense could not spread out; he could only press on resolutely.


    About ten steps in, he suddenly bumped into someone. He stopped immediately, just about to speak when the bright light in front of him dissipated, and his vision cleared.


    What entered his sight was a breathtakingly beautiful world; they stood atop a cliff with endless green mountains in front of them, the sky azure blue, the white clouds scattered.


    Such rich Spiritual Energy!


    An Hao was so attracted to the Spiritual Energy of this world that he couldn''t help but take a deep breath.


    "What''s that?" Si Yan''er next to him eximed, pointing towards a forest in the distance. An Hao turned to look, following the direction she pointed, a piece of woond ten miles away was shaking as if some giant creature was moving through it.


    "Wee, three fated ones, to my abode. If you can pass my test, you may inherit my mantle, and it''s not impossible that you might gaze into the Mahayana Realm one day!"


    An echoing, vast voice resounded through the heavens and earth.


    Mahayana Realm!


    An Hao and Si Yan''er''s hearts raced.


    Gu An was very calm. He could sense that this Minor Heaven and Earth hid four Spirit Beastsparable to the Unification Realm and a remnant soul of the Mahayana Realm.


    The remnant soul was in a stone statue hundreds of miles away, extremely weak.


    Gu An spoke, "Try your luck and see if you are blessed enough."


    Hearing this, An Hao leapt into the woods, with Si Yan''er bowing to Gu An before following him.


    "Wait for me!"


    Si Yan''er called out, her figure quickly disappearing into the forest.


    Gu An''s figure vanished from thin air, covering a distance of hundreds of miles, arriving halfway up a mountain where another identical stone statue sat just like the one they had encountered in the cave.

 Chapter 154: Chapter 154 Gathering of Ascenders

    On the hillside, the gentle breeze swept by, stirring the robes of Gu An as he stared intently at the stone statue in front of him, his Divine Sense having already prated the statue to capture the remnant soul within.


    The image of this remnant soul was identical to that of the stone statue; it was an old man, with his soul body curled up as though in deep slumber.


    The voice that had spoken earlier had been triggered by some kind of restriction, which would activate whenever a living being entered this cave dwelling.


    Moreover, during his previous exploration, Gu An had discovered that there were other Teleportation Arrays within this minor heaven and earth of the cave dwelling. Including the one they arrived from, there were a total of eight Teleportation Arrays, each corresponding to a different direction, which led him to specte even more about this cave dwelling.


    A Mahayana Cultivator''s cave!


    Gu An lifted his hand and moved the remnant soul out from within the stone statue; a glowing orb appeared in his hand.


    [Daoist Star-Master (Mahayana Realm Layer Three): 0/0/0]


    All zeros?


    Does this mean Daoist Star-Master ispletely dead?


    He immediately extended his Divine Sense into the remnant soul of Daoist Star-Master and performed the Soul Capturing Skill to search his memories.


    Boom¡ª


    From the distance came a thunderous noise, the sound of An Hao and Si Yan''er in battle, entangled with a group of wooden puppets.


    Gu An did not turn around, focusing earnestly on the Soul Search.


    An Ancient Hourter.


    The remnant soul in Gu An''s hand dissipated into smoke and clouds.


    Daoist Star-Master had indeed perished long ago. He had left behind his remnant soul in the hopes of waiting for an opportunity for resurrection or to seize another body. However, the secret technique he used to preserve his remnant soul could not withstand the erosion of time.


    As the years passed, his Soul Power waspletely depleted, and what remained was only a Soul Shell, which retained some of his memories.


    Daoist Star-Master hailed from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, which was the Holy Land of this continent.


    Within the memories of Daoist Star-Master, Gu An learned a horrifying truth.


    The Demon Ancestor actually originated from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm!


    Daoist Star-Master, along with several fellow disciples, was ordered to bring the Demon Ancestor out, to foster the Demon Ancestor, and to let the Demon Ancestor create the Demon n. Later, for reasons unknown, Daoist Star-Master broke away from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, traveled south across the sea, and attempted to flee the continent.


    He was attacked by other Cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, badly injured, and eventually hid in the Tianwei territory to create a Grotto Heaven, from where he never emerged again until his life''s end.


    Gu An did not see the true form of the Demon Ancestor in Daoist Star-Master''s memory. The Demon Ancestor was sealed within a wooden box, and Daoist Star-Master and his fellow Cultivators were very wary of the Demon Ancestor. They ced the wooden box down and left, unsealing it from a distance and then making a swift escape.


    However, the towering Demon Energy released upon unlocking the wooden box made a deep impression on Daoist Star-Master.


    Beyond this memory, the rest were all scenes of Daoist Star-Master nurturing Spirit Beasts within the Grotto Heaven.


    That the Demon Ancestor was rted to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was vastly different from the legends that Tian Yao''er had heard.


    Gu An conjured many possibilities in his mind, but he had no urge to investigate this matter.


    Daoist Star-Master was a Mahayana Realm Cultivator; this indicated that within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, there could very well be Immortals.


    He must not appear within the sight of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm now.


    His greatest advantage was the absence of grudges and enemies, allowing him to quietly grow stronger.


    Having thought this through, Gu An turned around and prepared to pick the herbs here. He could also transport a batch of heavenly materials and treasures away.


    ¡­


    In the evening, Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    The afternoon''s harvesting alone allowed him to im more than three hundred thousand years of life span. He could continue to harvest in the future because the Grotto Heaven was vast and had already developed its own ecosystem, so he did not eradicate everything.


    Why would he destroy a ce that could provide life span in the long term due to momentary greed?


    Only nts that contained Spiritual Power or Spiritual Energy could be harvested by him for life span. Such nts were considered heavenly materials and treasures. Despite the vastness of the Grotto Heaven, the majority of the nts were ordinary. The rich Spiritual Energy within the Grotto Heaven was due to the Restrictions preventing the leakage of Spiritual Energy.


    An Hao and Si Yan''er were still in that Grotto Heaven and had even made friends with the Spirit Beasts inside, posing no immediate danger.


    Daoist Star-Master had left behind Cultivation Techniques and Divine Skills for legacy, enough for An Hao and the others to explore for many years.


    Just as he returned to his loft, Lu Lingjun came looking for him.


    After closing the door, Lu Lingjun sat down at the table and said, "Don''t go wandering around every day. Today, I sensed a powerful Divine Senseing from the Outer City. As soon as the other party detected my Divine Sense, they withdrew it, and I couldn''t track their whereabouts."


    "You mean there could be danger within the Supreme Sect?" Gu An frowned and asked.


    Lu Lingjun nodded and said, "The other party should be from the Demon n. Their Divine Sense is different from that of Cultivators. I used to deal with demons quite often, so I can tell."


    Being able to evade the pursuit of Lu Lingjun meant that the other party was also of the Mystic Heart Realm!


    A demon of the Mystic Heart Realm?


    Gu An prepared to investigate the Supreme Sect that night to at least ensure that the other party posed no threat to his Medicine Valley.


    "With you here, no matter if it''s a demon or a human, they definitely won''t dare to touch my Medicine Valley. I will have to rely on you to protect the Third Medicine Valley in the future. Don''t worry, I will personally take care of those herbs for you!" Gu An said with a smile, his words brimming with admiration, which Lu Lingjun found very pleasing.


    Lu Lingjun snorted, "Don''t worry, unless the Mountain God descends, no one can damage the Third Medicine Valley."


    Having reached the Mystic Heart Realm, she regained the pride she once had in the Lower Realm, overlooking the world. She felt that her path of Immortal Cultivation had just begun!


    The two chatted for a while until Lu Lingjun revealed the true reason for her visit.


    Warning Gu An about the Great Demon in the sect was just a pretext; her real intent was for Gu An to write a book with her as the main character, like the books about the Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    "You''re a Mystic Heart Realm Cultivator; if you wish, you can make a name for yourself easily. Why do you need me to write it?" Gu An said, hesitating.


    He didn''t expect Lu Lingjun to have such a hobby.


    Lu Lingjun raised an eyebrow, "Just tell me what you want in return."


    "You''re here again! What kind of talk is that!"


    "When I returned from the Taichen Dynasty before, I sensed the presence of an eighth-grade Spirit Tree, hidden within a certain sect. If you help me write the book, once the deed is done, I''ll go steal that tree for you."


    "You dare to steal it, but I don''t dare to take it."


    "I can use a secret technique to seal the tree. Once themotion subsides, you can find a ce to nt it."


    "I don''t have anywhere to nt it..."


    "Stop pretending, you definitely have a secret, otherwise, why do you often go out on normal days?"


    "Cough cough, don''t talk nonsense. Writing the book is negotiable, but don''t nder me, understood?"


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Lu Lingjun couldn''t help butugh, saying, "Yes, yes, I''m not ndering you, you don''t have any secrets, you are wholly devoted to Supreme Sect, absolutely selfless."


    "Hmm, that''s more like it. Now, tell me your story, I''ll find inspiration from it," Gu An said with a satisfied nod, then spoke.


    Having some free timetely, writing a book was also fine, to show off his calligraphy skills for the world to see Pan An''s foundation!


    Lu Lingjun''s thoughts drifted into memories as she started to tell her own story.


    And she spoke through the entire night.


    As the sky was about to brighten, Lu Lingjun finally left Gu An''s loft.


    Tang Yu, who was practicing his cultivation early in the morning, caught sight of this scene and was taken aback. He quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to have seen.


    The news of Lu Lingjun being an Elder of the sect had already spread throughout the valley, and the disciples all treated her with respect from a distance.


    "Master is truly formidable, even managing to handle an Elder of the sect. Indeed, a good appearance can bridge the gap in cultivation levels," Tang Yu thought to himself.


    When Lu Lingjun returned to her own loft, Gu An heard her talking to the White Spirit Demon Emperor.


    Lu Lingjun''s loft was protected by profound restrictions, unfortunately, they were ineffective against Gu An, and since their lofts were adjacent, it was easy for Gu An to hear her movements.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Can his book really help contact other Ascenders?"


    "It''s hard to say, but it''s worth a try. Pan An''s reputation has spread across the territories of the nine dynasties; I can''t exactly go around announcing that I''m an Ascender, can I?"


    "Right, but your idea is quite good. If you can unite other Ascenders to form your power, it will be of great help to you when you seek to seize the position of Sect Leader."


    Hearing this, Gu An put down the pen in his hand and fell into deep thought.


    ...


    At noon, within the Outer City walls.


    On the Heavenly Repair tform.


    A man dressed in white reached the bottom of the character ''Repair.'' He admired the Sword Intent contained within the character, his eyes filled with amazement.


    "Just this Sword Intent alone, Sword Venerable Fudao would be invincible in the Mystic Heart Realm. It''s just unknown if he has reached an even higher realm."


    The man in white was secretly stunned; he squatted down and reached out to touch it.


    "Hey, don''t touch it carelessly, beware the Sword Intent hurts your hand!"


    A voice came from the side, it was none other than Zuo Lin.


    Ever since Sword Venerable Fudao had used his father, Zuo Yijian''s, sword to y an enemy, Zuo Yijian had not returned to the Heavenly Repair tform, spending all his days sequestered in his room, contemting that sword, undisturbed even by his son.


    Zuo Lin had no other way toprehend Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent and could only continue to sit on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    The man in white looked at Zuo Lin and asked with a smile, "Brother, how long have you been on the Heavenly Repair tform?"


    Zuo Lin replied, "Since these two characters appeared, I''ve been meditating here. Your face is unfamiliar; is this your first visit?"


    He scrutinized the man in white with a suspicious look.


    There were too many tales about the Heavenly Repair tform, and he couldn''t help but specte.


    The man in whiteughed and said, "Ie from the Chentang Dynasty, and I was just epted into Supreme Sect this year, bing a Guest Elder of the Outer Sect. My reason for joining Supreme Sect was precisely because of Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Upon hearing this, Zuo Lin immediately waved him over, beckoning him to sit beside him.


    The man in white hesitated not, swiftly sitting down next to him.


    Just as Zuo Lin was about to speak, he suddenly caught sight of someone, his eyes immediately lit up, and he shouted, "Gu An,e over here quick!"


    In the distance, Gu An was wandering through the crowd, lookingpletely idle.


    After hearing Zuo Lin''s call, he hesitated for a moment but still walked toward Zuo Lin.


    The man in white turned his head to look, and upon seeing that the person Zuo Lin called was only a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, he retracted his gaze.


    Gu An cast a Life Span Detection spell toward him.


    [Di Xie (Mystic Heart Realm, thirdyer): 2450/8000/19000]


    He''s a monster who has lived for over two thousand years!


    The reason Gu An came to the Outer City was precisely for Di Xie.


    The monster that disturbed Lu Lingjun was none other than Di Xie!


    Di Xie had cultivated a special technique that left not a trace of Demon Energy on him, but unfortunately for him, his technique could not evade the Divine Sense of a Mahayana Realm Great Cultivator.


    Watching Gu An slowly approach, Zuo Lin said to Di Xie, "Don''t judge me by my low cultivation level, but I have an Exquisite Spirit Heart. The moment I saw you, I knew you weren''t simple."


    At those words, Di Xie''s heart tightened.

 Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Shattering Void, Engagement Arrangements

    Zuo Lin''s words suddenly made Di Xie''s expression unnatural, but his next sentence left him both amused and exasperated:


    "You must be a genius, I have never been mistaken in judging someone''s talent and destiny."


    Zuo Lin wore a proud expression, he raised his chin, signaling Di Xie to look at Gu An, and said, "Don''t underestimate this young fellow just because his cultivation level is at the Foundation Establishment Realm. He is not simple. In fact, my judgment has proven to be correct, as he is now a Golden List Genius."


    Gu An came over and said helplessly, "What kind of genius am I? My entry into the Golden List was mostly due to good luck."


    Zuo Lin pulled Gu An over to sit down, and then had Di Xie and Gu An introduce themselves to each other.


    Di Xie behaved very calmly, showing a pleasant demeanor towards Gu An without any traces of arrogance that a Guest Elder might have.


    Zuo Lin was very interested in Di Xie. Upon hearing that Di Xie wanted to learn about Sword Venerable Fudao, he did not hold back and began to narrate the deeds of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Di Xie listened attentively.


    Beforeing here, he had heard that the foremost cultivator of the Nine Dynasties was either the Taoist of Immortality of the Three Pure Ones Mountain or Sword Venerable Fudao of the Supreme Sect.


    Among these, Sword Venerable Fudao was the most mysterious; though he had intervened on behalf of the Supreme Sect numerous times, no one knew his true identity.


    Gu An listened to Zuo Lin boasting about his other identity, finding it quite amusing.


    Simultaneously, he was also observing Di Xie.


    In the subsequent hour, Gu An did not sense any ill intention from Di Xie, prompting him to momentarily suppress his suspicions.


    The Great Demon cmity was imminent, and a mighty demon of the Mystic Heart Realm had infiltrated the Supreme Sect, but his purpose remained unknown.


    Fearing Di Xie would suspect him, Gu An found an opportunity to slip away.


    There would be other days to observe Di Xie, as he nned toprehend the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao at the Heavenly Repair tform.


    In the days that followed, Gu An would daily observe Di Xie using his Divine Sense.


    The more he observed, the more he believed Di Xie harbored no ill intentions; he seemed purely interested in learning the sword.


    Previously, Di Xie had scanned his surroundings with his Divine Sense, probably searching for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    ...


    Seasons changed, and two years passed by.


    In these two years, Gu An''s life span increased rapidly; the Star-Master Cave had provided him with a vast amount of life span, and his life span had now surpassed six million five hundred thousand, drawing closer and closer to the ten million mark.


    One day, Gu An went to the Outer City''s Book Collection Hall under the name of Pan An to release his new book "Shattering Void."


    The Elder Liu Chang, who was in charge of receiving Pan An years ago, had passed away; Gu An was now received by the Book Collection Hall''s Great Elder, Feng Shang.


    It was the first time Feng Shang received Pan An, and he was very excited; he showered Gu An with many ttering words and guaranteed that he would handle the follow-up of the book carefully.


    Having stayed in the Book Collection Hall for an hour, Gu An was finally able to leave.


    Feng Shang was really too enthusiastic!


    In Feng Shang''s eyes, Gu An was a tremendous opportunity; as long as he managed Pan An''s new book well, he could ascend to great heights in the future!


    After leaving the Book Collection Hall, Gu An wandered around the city. As the Supreme Sect grew stronger year by year, this Outer City became extremely bustling. Every street was crowded, and stalls even appeared on the streets selling all sorts of curious and rare items. Over the past year, Gu An had grown fond of strolling through the city to watch the hustle and bustle.


    As he walked, Gu An spotted a familiar face.


    "Du Ye."


    Gu An approached to greet him. As both were house servants of the Ji Family and had joined the Supreme Sect together, although their rtionship wasn''t close, they would chat if they bumped into each other in the Outer City.


    At a stall, Du Ye was fiddling with a small gourd. Hearing Gu An''s voice, he put down the gourd and stood up to look at Gu An.


    As Gu An approached, Du Ye smiled and asked, "Are you here to hunt for treasures too?"


    Gu An replied with augh, "There aren''t that many treasures to pick up; I just came to stroll around, watch the lively scene. How have you been recently?"


    At ny-two years old, Du Ye looked just over forty; he hadn''t taken Youth-Preserving Pills in his youth, unlike Gu An who still looked young.


    In the world of Immortal Cultivation, not all cultivators pursue a youthful appearance; some feel that a mature appearance can be more imposing.


    "Ah, don''t mention it, I recently tried to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm and failed, and I also wasted a Foundation Establishment Pill," Du Ye said dejectedly.


    He was truly one of the lower tiers of the Immortal Cultivation World, with mediocre talent, and had to run errands for the scions of noble families to obtain cultivation resources.


    Gu Anforted him, then pulled out a small medicine bottle containing two Foundation Establishment Pills.


    "This..." Holding the medicine bottle, Du Ye hesitated, not wanting to ept Gu An''s charity but also reluctant to refuse.


    For cultivators like him at the bottom, the Foundation Establishment Realm was a lifelong goal.


    Gu An said with a smile, "Please, don''t be shy. After all, we grew up together. I want you to live a few more decades. When we''re old, we can catch up and reminisce about our youth."


    On hearing this, Du Ye felt warmth in his heart, recalling the past when he had told Gu An that if he ever ran into trouble, he coulde to him for help, and he would never refuse.


    Half a lifetime had passed, and Gu An had never sought his help; instead, it was he who was indebted to Gu An.


    Du Ye gently thumped Gu An''s shoulder and no longer refused. He ced the medicine bottle into his storage bag.


    "By the way, I recently heard something, our Third Miss has already be betrothed." Du Ye suddenly mentioned this softly.


    On hearing this, Gu An was startled and curiously asked, "Engaged? To whom?"


    Upon hearing of Ji Xiaoyu''s engagement, ripples of emotion stirred in his heart.


    Perhaps, it was because Ji Xiaoyu had saved him when he was a child.


    As he grew older, Ji Xiaoyu treated him kindly, more like a friend than a house servant, and had given him many things to aid his cultivation.


    Could a girl of Heavenly Pride like her not escape a marriage alliance?


    At this thought, Gu An felt quite emotional.


    Du Ye shook his head and said, "How would I know, but it seems they have only arranged a marriage engagement, and the date of the actual wedding is yet undecided. I saw the Young Master and his group quite happy, so I guess the other party must be someone significant."


    "That''s inevitable. To form a marital alliance with the Ji Family is beyond our imagination," Gu An chuckled.


    After a few more exchanges, Gu An bid farewell to Du Ye.


    He didn''t return to Medicine Valley but continued to wander around the city.


    ...


    The actions of the Book Collection Hall were swift; in less than a month, "Shattering Void" appeared in the Book Collection Halls across various cities.


    Riding on the reputation umted from "Investiture of the Gods" and "Supreme Immortal Venerable," Pan An''s new book triggered a storm, sweeping across the Taicang Immortal Cultivation World.


    A monthter, the name "Shattering Void" had spread throughout Taicang Immortal Cultivation World and was reaching the other eight dynasties.


    Lu Lingjun also bought the book, and right after reading it, she sought out Gu An immediately.


    "It''s written quite well. The male protagonist harbors a Great Demon within him and starts on the path of Immortal Cultivation with his ordinary talents, but..." Lu Lingjun furrowed her brows as she spoke.


    Gu An asked, "But what?"


    "Why is it called ''Shattering Void''?"


    She stared intently at Gu An, as if trying to see through him.


    Gu An puzzledly asked, "Didn''t you say that Ascending is your pursuit in your homnd? Isn''t Shattering Void appealing then?"


    Lu Lingjun nodded upon hearing this and said, "Indeed, it is very appealing. Then, keep writing it well."


    She mocked herself inwardly, thinking how could this young man possibly guess that she was an Ascender?


    Following that, the two discussed "Shattering Void," with Lu Lingjun making many requests. Gu An was initially resistant, but as soon as she produced a pile of heavenly treasures, he changed his tune and agreed to consider them.


    Lu Lingjun was amused by his greed.


    After Lu Lingjun left, he took out the "Daoist Xunchun" and began to read.


    "Shattering Void" was only written upon request; the true ssic still had to be "Daoist Xunchun!"


    As Pan An published the book, the Servant Disciples from Mystic Valley and the Third Medicine Valley also began discussing the book, and Pan An''s name had a greater impact than Gu An had imagined.


    Half a monthter.


    When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, he sensed Lv Baitian''s presence.


    After counting the days, it had been over ten years since they hadst met.


    Gu An entered the loft where Lv Baitian had been waiting for a long time, closed the door, and then approached Lv Baitian to perform a salute.


    Lv Baitian looked the same as he had years ago and gestured for Gu An to sit.


    Once Gu An had sat down, Lv Baitian finally asked, "Why did you suddenly think of writing a book?"


    "It was a spur of the moment. Have you read it?" Gu An replied.


    "I have, but it''s not as good as ''Investiture of the Gods.''


    "That is true," Gu An said sincerely, agreeing with his own thoughts.


    Lv Baitian changed the subject and asked, "Is Su Han your disciple?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An feigned tension and asked, "He was, what about him?"


    Lv Baitian stared at Gu An and said, "He too has cultivated the Defying Fate Divine Skill."


    "What?" Gu An was startled.


    He hurriedly exined, "It wasn''t me who taught it to him, I haven''t even met him in these years."


    Since Lv Baitian had passed the Defying Fate Divine Skill to Gu An, he hadn''t practiced it much because he couldn''t simply abandon his previous Cultivation Level and start over.


    Lv Baitian snorted and said, "I, of course, know it wasn''t you who taught him. In fact, the Defying Fate Divine Skill wasn''t my creation either; I too received it from someone else."


    "I can directly tell you that the Defying Fate Divine Skilles from the Ephemera Sect. Now that Su Han has also learned the Defying Fate Divine Skill, it shows the remnants of the Ephemera Sect have not beenpletely eradicated."


    Gu An widened his eyes, his face showing disbelief.


    In his mind, he thought of the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera; could it be that they had contacted Su Han?


    "Sect Leader, you..." Gu An looked at Lv Baitian, unsure of what to say, various emotions disyed on his face.


    He wanted to reveal, "I also have an identity rted to the Ephemera Sect."


    "I am the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect!"


    Lv Baitian chuckled and said, "Don''t worry; I have a karmic rtionship with the Ephemera Sect but am not truly from the Ephemera Sect. In my younger days, I formed a Daoist friendship with a woman from the Ephemera Sect, who, on her deathbed, passed the Defying Fate Divine Skill to me. It is because of this skill that I have achieved my current level."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Do not speak of this past to anyone; should it be known, I certainly cannot keep my position as Sect Leader. Ever since the Supreme Elders returned, my position has be increasingly unstable."


    Toward the end, heughed self-mockingly.


    Immediately, Gu An said, "I naturally won''t speak of it, as long as you do no harm to the interests of the Supreme Sect."


    Lv Baitian red at him, feigning annoyance, but his heart was filled with satisfaction.


    Truly a Sect Leader I recognize!


    Lv Baitian then said, "Su Han has inherited the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, and now the Defying Fate Divine Skill. His growth will be rapid. How close are you to him? If you are close, you should be cautious. It''s clear that Su Han has a mastermind behind him, and I fear they maye to harm you, pushing Su Han to further resent this world."

 Chapter 156: Chapter 156: Innate Divine Skills

    Persecute me?


    Gu An almostughed.


    Whoever wished to persecute him was simply courting death.


    With the function of foreseeing life-threatening enemies in ce, he could sense hostility directed towards his true self immediately.


    At least for now, no one harbored hostility towards him.


    Gu An was usually kind to others, making it difficult for anyone to develop hostility towards him, except for those in the Supreme Sect, not many knew him.


    Facing Lv Baitian''s gaze, Gu An frowned and pondered, "I can''t say for sure, I treated him quite well, but when the Sword Sect chased him, I urged him to abandon the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, perhaps he also harbors resentment towards me."


    Lv Baitian nodded, "Having grievances is a good thing, at least you won''t be his weakness, but you still have to pray he doesn''t hate you, otherwise if he grows powerful, you''ll be in trouble."


    His tone turned teasing towards the end.


    Gu An shrugged and said, "I trust the Supreme Sect will protect me well; if I encounter trouble while staying here, then that would mean big trouble for the Supreme Sect."


    "You cheeky kid, mocking me, are you?"


    "Not at all, I trust you, Sect Leader, so please stop teasing me. As a Minor Cultivator like me, I''d rather not get involved in serious troubles¡ªEphemera Sect, Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, the fewer ties the better," said Gu An helplessly.


    Seeing his expression, Lv Baitian suddenly felt ashamed and thought that he should not tease him.


    He does not possess the cultivation level of the Nine Layers of the Unification Realm, facing the threat of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword would definitely make him panic, he was just feigning calmness.


    Thinking so, Lv Baitian''s face turned serious and said, "If you just avoid leaving the Supreme Sect, you should be safe, at least within the Supreme Sect, I promise your safety!"


    Clearly, he was alluding to Gu An''s trip to Tianya Valley.


    Although Lv Baitian did not know where Tianya Valley was, he was aware that Gu An frequently left Mystic Valley, yet he never pressed him about it.


    Lv Baitian began talking about Li Xuandao.


    The Taicang Dynasty''s offensive was fierce, having opened up no fewer than five battlefronts in alliance with the Great Yu Dynasty, and the neighboring dynasties were nearly unable to hold on.


    Lv Baitian genuinely disliked Li Xuandao, but he had to admit Li Xuandao was very adept at utilizing talent, always able to unearth geniuses or capable generals.


    From Gu An''s perspective, he hoped that Li Xuandao would unify the nine dynasties because only then could they better resist the cmity from demons.


    Once unified, they could establish order, and only then could the world be peaceful and on the Righteous Path!


    World peace would help him toy low.


    For lower-tier cultivators as well, peace was beneficial; they might encounter fewer opportunities, but how many lower-tier cultivators could truly turn their lives around using those opportunities?


    At least, the ones transformed by these opportunities were far fewer than those who died in the struggles.


    The two talked for a long time, not stopping until the evening, when Lv Baitian finally departed.


    Gu An was not sure if it was his illusion, but he felt that Lv Baitian had lost much of his edgepared to years before.


    ...


    Star-Master Cave.


    Gu An, wearing a mask, appeared on the cliff; his Divine Sense swept out and spotted An Hao in a cave with a pool filled with blood-red water inside. An Hao was cultivating in the pool, his Qi-Blood strength continuously increasing.


    Si Yan''er was in the woods, practicing her footwork.


    Having spent two years in this Grotto Heaven, An Hao and Si Yan''er had both obtained different inheritances; their strengths had soared. It would take many more years for them to fully inherit Daoist Star-Master''s legacies, as Daoist Star-Master possessed Mahayana cultivation level, and left behind extensive inheritances.


    Despite An Hao''s exceptional talent, it would still take a considerable amount of time to absorb them.


    Gu An just nced once, then went to gather the spiritual and celestial treasures of the forest.


    His presence was concealed, undetected by the Spirit Beasts within the cave.


    These Unification Realm Spirit Beasts were quite docile and had already formed a bond with An Hao, but to avoid unnecessary trouble, Gu An still chose to move stealthily.


    An hourter, Gu An left, satisfied.


    This trip, he had gained 50,000 years of life span.


    Since nobody had sown seeds in the Star-Master Cave, and Gu An was reluctant to do so for fear of attracting people from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he could only patiently wait for the celestial treasures of the cave to grow naturally. Thus, he did not harvest much; wherever he went, he left half of the celestial treasures to seed on their own.


    He quickly made his way to Nianchu Cave.


    Last month, one night, under Gu An''s setup, Tian Yao''er sessfully crossed her Tribtion and stepped into the Core Formation Realm; since then, she had been consolidating her cultivation level.


    Afternding, Gu An felt her demonic power had stabilized, indicating that she had solidified her cultivation level.


    He deliberately made footsteps, walking towards a garden.


    Tian Yao''er pushed open the door and, like a breeze, arrived beside Gu An, instantly hugging his left arm, excitedly saying, "Master, my Demon Core haspletely solidified, and I''ve even gained a Divine Skill!"


    Feeling the softness from his left arm, Gu An internally remarked, Demons indeed remain demons, appearing slender yet having an exaggerated figure.


    He naturally withdrew his arm, walked a few steps forward, and then bent down to pick herbs, simultaneously asking, "What Divine Skills?"


    Tian Yao''er came to his side, bent over with her hands on her knees, and chuckled, "A shape-shifting Divine Skill, I''m really formidable now."


    As her words fell, a burst of demonic energy spread from her body, obscuring her figure.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An turned his head, and as the demonic energy dissipated, Tian Yao''er had unexpectedly transformed into his likeness, even her aura was simr, with no trace of demonic power visible.


    That had certainly surprised him.


    This divine skill is impressive!


    Gu An tossed the herbs he had picked into his storage bag and stood up. Out of curiosity, he asked, "Can this divine skill be taught to me?"


    Tian Yao''er shook her head and said, "I wish I could, but there are no mental methods or incantations for this skill. It seems like a natural ability I was born with, akin to speaking. I can use it easily, but I''m unclear on how to cultivate it specifically."


    She shifted back to her original form, demonic energy swirling around her, and pounced towards Gu An''s mask.


    Gu An stepped back as Tian Yao''er, d in red, ced her hands on her hips andughed proudly, "Master, what do you think? Isn''t my divine skill impressive?"


    Her bright eyes curved into crescent moons,pelling Gu An to stretch out his hand and ruffle her hair, messing it up.


    After praising Tian Yao''er a few times, Gu An urged her to continue her cultivation.


    It was rare for Gu An to visit, and Tian Yao''er did not want to cultivate, so she stood by, chattering incessantly about trivial matters such as a flower growing askew or bumping into a tree while practicing the Limitless Freedom Step.


    She could only stay inside Nianchu Cave, rarely encountering demon creatures. If it were Gu An, he wouldn''t have so much to talk about.


    Gu An was not annoyed; instead, he listened attentively, asionally jumping into the conversation, making Tian Yao''er even happier.


    After a long time.


    Tian Yao''er followed Gu An to a stone table, where Gu An took out bottles of elixirs, all meant for cultivation, and instructed her on how to consume them.


    "Once you master the Limitless Freedom Step, I can take you out for a tour," Gu An said earnestly to Tian Yao''er.


    Having been in Nianchu Cave for many years, Tian Yao''er had never expressed a desire to go out. She had been very serious about handling herbs, at least Gu An couldn''t find fault with her.


    Gu An had epted Tian Yao''er and no longer treated her as a demon ve.


    Tian Yao''er didn''t show excitement; instead, she pouted, "The Limitless Freedom Step is too hard to learn; I don''t know how many years it will take me to master it."


    "The Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother didn''t be powerful just through decades of cultivation; all the powerhouses in this world endure long, lonely periods before they can do as they please," Gu An said earnestly.


    Tian Yao''er nodded and dered, "I know, I will definitely work hard on my cultivation!"


    Gu An noticed that she no longer mored for revenge; he wasn''t sure if she had hidden these thoughts orpletely abandoned them.


    He didn''t leave immediately but sat down and started to teach Tian Yao''er about the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill.


    Core Formation was just the beginning; there was still a long path ahead for Tian Yao''er.


    If he could cultivate a supreme Great Demon, Gu An would certainly feel a sense of aplishment.


    Tian Yao''er''s maximum lifespan was eighteen thousand years, meaning she would be the one who could apany him the longest.


    Perhaps not wanting to be lonelyter, Gu An''s teaching of Tian Yao''er was in no way less diligent than his teaching of An Hao.


    ...


    Dark clouds covered the sky, and the mountainous terrain was uneven. Looking around, the flora was sparse, and most of the trees were dry and leafless.


    Bleak, deathly silent.


    Two figures walked through the mountains, one of whom was Gu An''s disciple, Su Han.


    Decades had passed, and Su Han had undergone aplete transformation. He wore ck clothes and carried a bone sword on his back. A red cord tied around his forehead secured his casually tied ck hair, and his eyes emitted a fierce aura, cold and indifferent.


    Walking in front of Su Han was a frail old man who kept turning back with a submissive, apologetic smile.


    "Young master, up ahead is the habitat of the Sky Dragon, a Holy Beast. Although this Sky Dragon is less than a hundred years old, it is capricious; you must be careful," the frail old man warned.


    Su Han looked ahead; amid the darkness, arge mountain loomed, intermittently emitting roaring sounds that made the surroundings eerily terrifying.


    He ordered, "You go ahead and lure it out; I''ll follow shortly."


    Upon hearing this, the frail old man''s face fell, and he quickly waved his hands, "I fear my cultivation level is¡­"


    Su Han''s gaze turned icy, causing the man to shudder and hurriedly agree. He then flew towards the direction he had pointed and quickly disappeared into the darkness.


    Soon, a dragon''s roar erupted from ahead, shaking the heavens and earth.


    Su Han then took off the bone sword from his back, emitting a fearful ck aura from his orifices, making him appear as if possessed by a demon.


    "Arrogance! Who dares to trespass the forbiddennd of the Ancient Sky Sect!"


    An angry, elderly shout rang out as a man in a gray robe shed across the mountaintop, charging at Su Han.


    Su Han, with his back to the man, didn''t turn around and continued moving forward.


    At that moment, a ghostly figure appeared behind him, raising its palm and striking, with terrifying demonic energy forming into a giant ck wing.


    The gray-robed man''s face changed and he used his Spiritual Power to defend himself, but he was still sent flying.


    "I advise you to pretend you didn''t see anything; otherwise, to die and dissolve would be a regrettable fate," a cold female voice emanated from the mysterious ghostly figure.


    If Gu An were there, he would have recognized her voice.


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera!

 Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Different Paths, Downfall

    At midnight, beneath the earth of Mystic Valley, within the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Gu An was sitting under a Green Vine Tree reading a book, his back against the main trunk, while two vine tendrils rested on his shoulders, gently kneading.


    Suddenly, he put down the book in his hands and sat upright.


    "What''s wrong, Master? Is the pressure too much?" The Green Vine Tree spoke in a weak female voice, sounding pitiful.


    Gu An replied, "No, I have something to attend to and must go now."


    The Green Vine Tree trembled, quickly saying, "Master, don''t forget to bring some mutton next time!"


    Gu An waved his hand and then disappeared on the spot.


    With one step, he moved beyond the boundaries of the Supreme Sect and arrived atop a mountain, near the end of autumn. The chilly night wind blew, fluttering his robes as he gazed into the distance.


    He sensed that Sky Dragon was in trouble.


    Although he had not formed a pact with Sky Dragon, they had established a subtle connection since Sky Dragon''s birth, simr to the feeling he got when Sage Xuan Miao called out to him.


    Following this subtle sensation, he extended his Divine Sense.


    Soon, he locked onto a certain sect. His Divine Sense pratedyer uponyer of Restriction and entered a Minor Heaven and Earth simr to the Star-Master Cave.


    Oh?


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil!


    These beings were battling with the Great Cultivators of the Ancient Sky Sect!


    Gu An''s Divine Sense pinpointed Sky Dragon, and his facial expression turned strange.


    The person battling Sky Dragon turned out to be Su Han!


    Su Han''s aura had approached the Nascent Soul Realm, but it was wildly erratic, giving off the impression that he could deviate at any moment.


    Though Sky Dragon waszy, rarely cultivated, and loved to eat, it relied on its powerful innate abilities, so Su Han could not subdue it easily for the time being.


    The twenty-zhang-long Sky Dragon writhed, asionally spouting intense mes from its mouth. Su Han''s movements were ghost-like, deftly dodging while asionally swinging his sword. The Sword Qi shed across Sky Dragon''s body, causing its dragon blood to spurt continuously.


    With his other hand, Su Han held a cloth bag, surprisingly collecting the blood of Sky Dragon.


    After hesitating for a moment, Gu An decided to take action.


    ...


    In the dim and turbid environment, Sky Dragon fled through the mountain wilderness while Su Han, wielding a bone sword, relentlessly pursued.


    "Damn it... Who exactly are you? I''ll never let you off in the future!"


    Sky Dragon bellowed, the vibrations shaking the forest. Its voice still youthful, reminiscent of a young boy.


    A cold voice came from behind, "Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, Su Han."


    Sky Dragon''s dragon eyes constricted, obviously recognizing the name of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. Fear shed in its eyes as it sped up, its body twisting like an eel.


    Su Han soared into the air, flying up high before shing down with his sword. The Sword Qi was vast, forming seven sword shadows that charged at Sky Dragon, each tail end adorned with several ghostly spirits, pushing the sword like terrifying ghosts under the night sky.


    A dark purple demonic shadow suddenly appeared above Sky Dragon''s head, raised a hand and pinched, dispersing Su Han''s Sword Qi in mid-air.


    Su Han''s eyes widened in shock.


    It was him!


    Su Han couldn''t forget the mysterious demonic shadow that had killed his master, Zhong Liang, recognizing it at a nce.


    Boom!


    A terrifying Divine Sense instantly struck his mind, causing him to faint and fall into the forest below.


    Sky Dragon was also hit by the Divine Sense, falling unconscious instantly. Its massive dragon body followed, crashing to the ground and stirring up billowing dust.


    Gu An approached Su Han, whoy on the grass, his life hanging by a thread.


    At that moment, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera materialized in front of Su Han, knelt halfway, and said with a fist salute, "Please forgive us, Sect Hierarch. We didn''t know Sky Dragon was rted to you!"


    Her ghostly aura dissipated, revealing the pale face of a woman. Her gaze towards Gu An was filled with surprise.


    Gu An coolly asked, "Are you the Ghost Mother of Ephemera?"


    Although he had seen the Ghost Mother of Ephemera before, Sword Venerable Fudao had not, so he had to ask.


    "I am indeed the Ghost Mother of Ephemera!" the Ghost Mother of Ephemera replied respectfully.


    Gu An then said, "The Ancient Sky Sect is also under my protection. Sky Dragon is a Holy Beast of the Ancient Sky Sect, and I will not allow you to plunder it."


    By saying this, he made it clear he intervened because of the Ancient Sky Sect, not just for Sky Dragon.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera cautiously asked, "Why do you protect both sects?"


    Gu An retorted, "The Ephemera Sect has perished, why haven''t you returned to the Nine Nether Road?"


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera responded helplessly, "We indeed wish to return, but the path back through the Nine Nether Road has been blocked by cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. We had no choice but to flee back here."


    Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Hearing this, Gu An became more certain that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was pushing behind the Demon catastrophe.


    "Is this young man your disciple?" Gu An asked.


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera looked at Gu An, surrounded by Demonic Qi, and hesitated for a moment before saying, "He is not my disciple, just a chess piece of mine. The great cmity of demons is imminent, and a huge disaster is about to befall themon people. I want to use this opportunity to cultivate him to be the strength that breaks through the Nine Nether Road."


    To use Su Han tobat the cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm within the Nine Nether Road?


    Gu An couldn''t help but feel pity for Su Han, but he had no intention of rescuing him.


    Su Han''s craving for power had be an obsession. Even without the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, he would still have taken the wrong path. In Su Han''s eyes, he hadn''tmitted evil; he was merely striving to grow stronger.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The reason Gu An did not personally eliminate Su Han was that he had not heard of Su Han ughtering ordinary people. True, many had died at Su Han''s hands, but they mostly had grievances with him, and most were people who sought to eliminate the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, only to be counter-killed by him.


    The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword was indeed a family sword technique passed down to Su Han, so he wasn''t truly a disciple of Gu An. Gu An had only provided him with some elixirs.


    The past bond of master and disciple had been severed, and Su Han''s life and death were no longer of concern to Gu An.


    Now, Gu An mainly wanted to see how Su Han''s fate would unfold.


    Su Han, who possessed the Defying Fate Divine Skill, could absorb other cultivators'' Spiritual Power, which, in some ways, was simr to Gu An''s ability to take life spans.


    However, the path Su Han took was starkly different from Gu An''s. Wherever this young man went, he fought, and his name for killing spread far and wide.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera spoke of the effects of the Defying Fate Divine Skill, matching exactly what Gu An possessed. There was not a shred of falsehood in her words.


    From the Ghost Mother of Ephemera''s perspective, naturally unaware that Sword Venerable Fudao would defy fate, she was able to speak the truth. Perhaps she genuinely wished to establish Gu An as the Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect.


    "In thend wee from, the Ephemera Sect has stood for tens of thousands of years. The Spiritual Energy there far exceeds that of the Nine Dynasties. Although the Ephemera Sect has been destroyed by the Mountain God, those destroyed were the traitors who sided with Butcher Immortal Jing. The orthodox disciples of my Sect still exist.


    As long as you follow me back, within a thousand years at most, the Ephemera Sect could regain its former glory," said the Ghost Mother of Ephemera earnestly.


    Gu An asked, "Just because I know the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword? Aren''t you afraid that I will sacrifice you all like what the Ephemera Sect did?"


    "Knowing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword is only one reason. I have been in the Supreme Sect for many years and have learned about your deeds. You were able to carve the words ''Righteous Path'' on the Heavenly Repair tform, which speaks to your character. If you are willing to take charge of the Ephemera Sect, you will definitely lead it back to the righteous path.


    The Ephemera Tree might be a malevolent entity, but the founding of the Ephemera Sect was based on subduing the Ephemera Tree to save the people, thus establishing our Daoist tradition," she said.


    As the Ghost Mother of Ephemera spoke, she raised her right hand, and a token appeared in her hand.


    "This is the Sect Hierarch token of Ephemera Sect. The deceased Hierarch had been searching for this token, unaware that it was in my possession. This token can locate all members of the Ephemera Sect and also find the hidden heritage sites of the orthodox disciples."


    Gu An stretched out his hand to summon the token, his Divine Sense rushing into it.


    He sensed a powerful Restriction that could not be broken except by those in the Mahayana Realm. Of course, this Restriction was strong only to others; in front of him, it was as if it did not exist.


    As his Divine Sense entered the token, he felt as if his consciousness could overview thend. He saw a chaotic, dim world, just terrains without flora or fauna.


    Through the scenes within the token, he could see the locations of other Ephemera Sect cultivators.


    Beyond that, this token had other functions, many of which Gu An found novel.


    He withdrew his Divine Sense and said, "This token, I will temporarily keep. From now on, seeing the token is as good as seeing me."


    Hearing this, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was overjoyed and quickly thanked Gu An.


    Following that, Gu An disappeared on the spot.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera immediately got up and left with Su Han, not daring to meddle with Sky Dragon any further.


    ...


    At the end of autumn, Mystic Valley.


    Gu An watched his disciples sweeping the fallen leaves in various gardens, while his Divine Sensended far away, watching the decisive battle between the Taicang Dynasty and the Hanlu Dynasty.


    Lv Xian and Wu Jue also participated in the battle, each showing their capabilities, and they were about to reach the capital of Hanlu Dynasty.


    Gu An''s gaze primarily rested on Ye Yan, who also came from Mystic Valley and had been guided by Luo Hun and Zhou Tongyou in Spear Technique and Body Tempering Technique before joining the army after the Foundation Establishment.


    Decades had passed, and Ye Yan had be a general of the Taicang Dynasty, with illustrious military achievements. Although he hadn''t yet reached the Core Formation, his strength on the battlefield was considerable.


    After all, those who joined the army were mostly below the Core Formation Realm. Those who had achieved Core Formation generally transcended the constraints of the dynasties and pursued their own Immortal Path.


    Gu An looked at the battlefield and felt it quite resembled the scenes from Investiture of the Gods.


    Both sides had sect cultivators charging into the fray and dueling each other. The side that lost faced the military charge and was forced to retreat.


    Just as he was engrossed, Zhen Qin flew to him riding a Divine Sword,nding beside him and quietly said, "Master, brother Su Han has been wanted by Ancient Sky Sect."


    Gu An carelessly said, "I''ve already said, he''s not your brother."


    Zhen Qin pouted and said, "Officially, he might not be my brother, but after all, we grew up together. How could Ipletely cut him off?"


    "Talking to me about it won''t help, what can I do?"


    "Master! I''m just feeling restless and wanted to chat with you!" Zhen Qin replied sharply.


    Gu An nced at her and smiled, "Don''t worry about him. He''s been hunted for so many years and is still fine. Instead of worrying about him, you should worry about yourself. I sense you''re in greater danger than he is."


    He was referring to the previous time the Disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall were rescued by Sage Xuan Miao. Although Zhen Qin hadn''t mentioned the existence of the Mountain God, Ye Lan knew about her peril and had informed Gu An.


    Just as Zhen Qin was about to retort, she suddenly sensed something and took out her Disciple Token from her Storage Bag.


    Gu An did the same, taking out his Valley Master Token, and plunged his Divine Sense into it. Then he heard the voice from the Gu Sect:


    "Supreme Elder Kusong ventured into the Demon Land and has unfortunately perished. In three days, all disciples shall enter the affiliated cities to mourn the ancestor!"

 Chapter 158: Chapter 158: Jiang Qiong Returns, Hands in the Night

    Ancestor Kusong is dead?


    Gu An felt somewhat dazed upon hearing the words from Gu Zong.


    Although he was not a close friend to Ancestor Kusong, their conversations during visits to the Book Collection Hall in the Inner Sect were always enjoyable.


    Learning of the fall of Ancestor Kusong, he felt an indescribable sensation.


    "The Supreme Elder has fallen; I remember that Ancestor Kusong was at the Mystic Heart Realm, wasn''t he?" Zhen Qin frowned as she spoke.


    Originally, when the Ephemera Sect attacked, Ancestor Kusong''s great battle with Venerable Chi Qian had spread his Daoist title throughout the Supreme Sect, elevating his prestige to only second to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Even Zhen Qin, who had never interacted with Ancestor Kusong, felt saddened by the news of his demise.


    Gu An looked up at the sky, where he saw dark clouds indicating that a storm was about toe.


    The fall of Ancestor Kusong shocked the entire Supreme Sect, and the news quickly spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Three dayster, as expected, Gu An arrived at the Inner Sect City to participate in the mourning of Ancestor Kusong; hundreds of thousands of disciples silently grieved, listening to the Elders narrate Ancestor Kusong''s life achievements, even the newly entered disciples of the Supreme Sect felt deep sorrow.


    After recounting the life of Ancestor Kusong, for the first time, the Supreme Sect publicly announced a grand cmity with demons set to erupt decadester, causing an uproar across various cities.


    In the days that followed, each sect of the Taicang Dynasty also dered the news, once again disrupting the peace in the Immortal Cultivation World as all cultivators felt a sense of crisis.


    A Mystic Heart Realm Cultivator had already fallen; this cmity would be even more terrifying than the previous turmoil caused by the Ephemera Sect.


    Autumn passed and winter arrived.


    Winter snow gradually covered Mystic Valley.


    That day, Gu An arrived early at the attic in Mystic Valley, waiting, as he sensed a familiar aura approaching.


    At midnight, a silhouette appeared in front of Gu An''s window.


    Gu An went to open the window and let the neer inside.


    The visitor was a white-robed woman wearing a bamboo hat. After entering, she removed her bamboo hat and turned to look at Gu An, who was setting up restrictions, and smiled, "Dear disciple, have you missed me?"


    After setting the restrictions, Gu An turned and approached her, curiously asking, "Where have you been all these years? Are you well?"


    He threw a Life Span Detection at Jiang Qiong.


    [Jiang Qiong (Nascent Soul Realm Level 6): 243/700/5490]


    Hmm?


    A maximum life span of five thousand four hundred and ny years!


    Gu An remembered Jiang Qiong''s previous maximum lifespan was only around two thousand four hundred years.


    It appeared she had a great opportunity on the Nine Nether Road!


    Jiang Qiongughed, "I went to a mysterious ce and gained a great opportunity. What kind of person do you think your Martial Master is? Could I possibly not fare well?"


    Noticing Gu An''s concerned expression, Jiang Qiong felt warmth in her heart.


    There were still people in this world who cared for her.


    Gu An let Jiang Qiong sit while he started to make tea.


    "Disciple, how have you been these years?" Jiang Qiong asked, her gaze wandering over the furnishings in the room.


    With his back to her, Gu An responded, "As usual, nting flowers, reading books. Oh, and during the previous Golden List conference, I made it into the top five hundred thanks to a Magic Artifact bestowed upon me by a senior..."


    Talking about the Golden List conference, he felt quite proud, purposely boasting to Jiang Qiong.


    If it had been earlier, Jiang Qiong might have been surprised, but after experiencing the turmoil of the Ephemera Sect and venturing the Nine Nether Road, her views had drastically changed.


    Faced with Gu An''s boasting, she only felt amused and very reassured.


    Seeing that the young man was doing well made her happy too.


    After Gu An finished speaking, he brought the hot tea to the table. Sitting down, he began pouring tea while asking, "What about you, can you share a bit about your experiences?"


    Jiang Qiong, smiling, said, "I offended some powerful figures and had to hide in the Eight Scenic Caves for a while. Are you sure you want to know?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately shook his head, saying, "Then let''s not talk about it. As for hiding, go ahead. I certainly won''t betray you."


    Jiang Qiong had taught him a lot in the past, and since the Eight Scenic Caves belonged to her, harboring her was unquestionably the right choice.


    What was most important was that Gu An already knew who was pursuing Jiang Qiong.


    Before visiting the Ancient Sky Sect, Gu An had discovered Jiang Qiong''s whereabouts through a Divine Sense investigation. He had epted the Sect Hierarch token from the Ephemera Sect with the intent to give it to Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong indeed had great ambitions!


    The ones chasing Jiang Qiong were two Void Crossing Realm Cultivators who had lost track of her and were currently wandering in the nearby Great Yu Dynasty.


    Reacting to Gu An''s words, Jiang Qiong smiled and raised her hand, drawing out a white jade bottle, "The spirit juice inside this is beneficial; take a sip each month, no more, to avoid disrupting your Qi-Blood. This spirit juice will enhance your intrinsic qualities."


    "How could I ept this? You should save it for yourself."


    "I''ve already consumed a lot; this is what''s left. It no longer benefits me, so keep it, and don''t refuse!"


    With a stern face, Jiang Qiong spoke, and Gu An, hearing her, had no choice but to ept.


    After talking for an hour, they moved to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Gu An shared that the Green Vine Tree had developed spiritual intelligence. Jiang Qiong was unimpressed, stating that the Green Vine Trees of Thousand-Autumn Pavilion also possessed spiritual intelligence.


    Earlier in the attic, Gu An hadmunicated to the Green Vine Tree, cautioning which matters it could discuss and which it could not.


    Returning to the Eight Scenic Caves once more, Jiang Qiong could sense that the spiritual energy here was even richer than before, which pleased her greatly about Gu An.


    "Disciple, the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion is disbanded, and my rtives have perished. From now on, I will have to rely on you; you won''t mind, will you?" Jiang Qiong rested her hand on Gu An''s shoulder and asked with a smile.


    Gu An took half a step to the side and said, "How could I despise that, I still want to learn formations from you."


    Afterward, he arrived beneath the Green Vine Tree, dug up the Divine Power Collection of the Ji Family, and handed it to Jiang Qiong.


    This was something Jiang Qiong had snatched from the Ji Family''s banquet years ago, which recorded the Heaven and Earth Path Gang Divine Skills.


    Gu An had already mastered the Heaven and Earth Path Gang and had even advanced it to Daoist Gang Primal Energy. Now, even if he was careless, it was very hard for an enemy of the same realm to kill him in an instant, as the Daoist Gang Primal Energy could autonomously protect him.


    Looking at the Divine Power Collection in her hand, Jiang Qiong''s eyes reflectedplex emotions, and for some reason, her mood was somewhat mixed.


    Seeing her expression, Gu An silently cursed his luck.


    She couldn''t be touched, could she?


    He immediately found an excuse to leave.


    Jiang Qiong watched his retreating figure and thought, "This young man is really foolish, not even bothering to study it at all."


    She could feel that the restrictions within the Divine Power Collection were still intact and hadn''t been broken, so she assumed Gu An hadn''t tampered with it.


    So foolish, he was bound to encounter trouble sooner orter.


    I have to teach him a lesson!


    ...


    Jiang Qiong''s return didn''t change Gu An''s life. Every seven days, he descended into the Eight Scenic Caves, and he had prepared various herbs in advance for her, asking her not to pick any herbs, leaving the task to him.


    Jiang Qiong already knew his quirks, so upon returning to the Eight Scenic Caves, she didn''t interfere since Gu An had prepared the herbs, why should she make a move?


    Due to the death of Ancestor Kusong, the atmosphere at the Supreme Sect this winter was colder than in previous years.


    At the end of the year, a major event urred¡ªthe Hanlu Dynasty had surrendered, and thus the Taicang Dynasty had annexed the Hanlu Dynasty, breaking the established dynamics of the nine dynasties for a millennium.


    Li Xuandao''s prestige soared, and even the Outer Sect of the Supreme Sect discussed him.


    If he could truly unify thend under heaven, his name would surely be immortalized in history!


    In the Outer Sect, Gu An heard that Li Xuandao had already started sending troops to the Wuzhen Dynasty. This time, there were noints from themon people; instead, they praised Li Xuandao.


    It was said that the distant Tianwei Dynasty was also waging war, with the current emperor possessing an ambition no less than that of Li Xuandao.


    It''s worth mentioning that the downfall of Ancestor Xingyan had not spread, and Tianwei didn''t question the Supreme Sect over Si Zong''s death, clearly indicating they intended to swallow the loss without objection.


    These matters were irrelevant to Gu An; he treated them as mere entertainment.


    With the new year, Ye Lan and Zhen Qin came to celebrate with Gu An.


    Gu An divided the Spirit Juice given by Jiang Qiong into three parts, giving them separately to Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and Xiaochuan, instructing them to not reveal it to anyone.


    Just after the Spring Festival, the Supreme Sect began recruiting disciples to scout the Demon Lands.


    Facing an inevitable crisis, the Supreme Sect didn''t want to sit idly by, thus attracting disciples with generous rewards to explore the area.


    Disciples who were nearing the end of their potential or those encountering difficulties in their cultivation eagerly registered. Gu An advised Ye Lan and Zhen Qin not to participate, and fortunately, both women heeded his advice.


    In the following years, news about demons continuously flowed into the Supreme Sect.


    Demons were increasing across all Nine Dynasties, clearly a prelude to theing cmity of demons.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Time flew, fleeting as a white steed shes past a crack.


    Two yearster, duringte autumn.


    Under the cover of night, within a mountain forest, Di Xie was walking.


    He stopped, and from the darkness ahead, a flock of ck crows flew out. The crows swept past Di Xie andnded on arge tree behind him, coalescing into a shadowy figure, dark and eerie, its true features hidden.


    "The Emperor is looking for you. Aren''t you going back yet?" the mysterious figure spoke.


    Di Xie retorted, "Go back for what? Isn''t it just a matter of time before we move south again?"


    His tone was filled with sarcasm.


    "Why are you so resistant to the Emperor''s n?" the mysterious figure asked sternly.


    Di Xie mocked, "Isn''t this worldrge enough? Even in the Demon Lands, there are countless peaks that he doesn''t control, so why must he exterminate the human race?"


    The mysterious figure snorted, "The Demon n and the Human Race are irreconcble. Only by wiping out the human race can we ensure our safety."


    "But there are still humans overseas. How long will the exterminationst? I think he is bewitched by the Demon Master!"


    "Don''t speak ill of the great Demon Master!"


    "Regardless, I don''t care. I''m not going back. I want to cultivate at the Supreme Sect. Don''te looking for me anymore. If Sword Venerable Fudao catches you, even if you die, I won''t intervene!"


    Having said this, Di Xie flung his sleeves and left.


    The mysterious figure spoke coldly, "Sword Venerable Fudao? Ancestor Kusong of the Supreme Sect also died by my hand. If I encounter Sword Venerable Fudao, I will ensure he meets the same fate as Ancestor Kusong, boiled into broth!"


    Di Xie did not look back, disappearing into the darkness.


    The mysterious figure scoffed coldly and transformed into a flock of ck crows, flying out of the forest and heading north.


    The flock of ck crows flew swiftly and soon left the Taicang Dynasty.


    An hourter, the crows flew over the North Sea Mountain and arrived in the forests of the Taichen Dynasty.


    The crows flew down to a small river,nding nearby, and once again coalesced into a figure. This time, it revealed its true form: a crow-headed humanoid draped in ck feathers, with folded wings on its back. It crouched down, dipping its hands into the river water.


    The night air was cool, and the river''s surface shimmered.


    Snap!


    A hand suddenly pressed on its shoulder, causing its face to stiffen.

 Chapter 159: Chapter 159: The Momentum of the Demon Clan, Daoist Lord

    Ever since Ancestor Kusong fell, the great cmity of demons and monsters drew near, and Gu An would use his Divine Sense every night to survey thend of the nine dynasties to prevent enemies from sneaking in.


    That night, he happened to see Di Xie leaving the Supreme Sect, so he followed him with his Divine Sense and then saw Di Xie meeting with a demon.


    When Gu An heard the demon say that it was he who had killed Ancestor Kusong, Gu An felt an urge to kill.


    He must avenge Ancestor Kusong!


    After all, Ancestor Kusong and Gu An were friends despite the age difference.


    He didn''t take action immediately, waiting instead for the other party to move far away from the Taicang Dynasty before he made his move.


    The ck Crow Demon Envoynded by the river, intending to rest for a while and infuse his demonic power into the waters to mark this territory with the river''s flow.


    Before his demonic power could probe into the water, a handnded on his shoulder.


    He had never experienced such a thing, not even in the Demon Land could a demon approach him so stealthily and unnoticed.


    He instinctively tried to evade, but a crushing force of unimaginable strength pressed down on him, rendering him immobile.


    A look of panic appeared on his crow face; ncing sidelong, he could only make out a mysterious and demonic silhouette.


    Gu An had meant to taunt him with a remark, but seeing that he was already terrified out of his wits, suddenly found it tasteless and proceeded to assault his soul with his Divine Sense.


    Soul Capturing Skill!


    The night was silent, with only the faint sound of the river''s flow echoing in the air.


    The moon set and the sun rose, its proud light emerging from behind the eastern mountains, slicing through the sky and shining upon Gu An and the ck Crow demon.


    In the light of the sun, Gu An, who had performed the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Skill, appeared ghostly, while the ck Crow demon squatting before him rolled his eyes back and convulsed slightly.


    After a full Ancient Hour had passed, Gu An finally retracted his Divine Sense, then took the Storage Bag and Storage Ring from the ck Crow demon''s body, and used the Taiching True Fire to burn his corpse.


    In a few breaths, the ck Crow Demon Envoy was dead and his path extinguished, leaving behind only his Demon Core and Mystic Heart, which Gu An collected into the Storage Bag.


    [You have sessfully seized the life span of 380 years from the ck Crow Demon Envoy (Eighth Layer of the Mystic Heart Realm)]


    Gu An then vanished from the spot.


    ...


    At noon, Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An stepped down from the Transmission Array tform and walked towards the distant garden area, being warmly greeted and saluted by the Servant Disciples he encountered along the way.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The number of Servant Disciples in the Third Medicine Valley had now reached four hundred.


    Gu An, who did not hoard treasures or natural resources and took care in nting herbs, ensured that the Third Medicine Valley''s yield of medicinal herbs was considerable. Evenpared with those of the Inner Sect, the yearly contribution of the Third Medicine Valley to the Sect ranked among the top three.


    With this aplishment, the Sect became increasingly satisfied with him and continued to increase the number of Servant Disciples sent to him.


    While on his way, Gu An saw An Xin sweeping the floor; he immediately waved to her, signaling her toe over.


    An Xin saw this and quickly approached, greeting him with a bow.


    After so many years in the Third Medicine Valley, An Xin had sessfully reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, thanks inrge part to the elixirs secretly given by Gu An, hence she was very grateful to him.


    Back in the day, An Hao and An Xin had both started cultivating under Gu An''s tutge. An Hao had already reached the thirdyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, whereas An Xin was only at the firstyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, making Gu An sigh at the unfairness of fate.


    "Walk with me," Gu An said.


    An Xin naturally had no objections and then followed him step by step.


    During the subsequent harvesting process, Gu An intermittently introduced her to the cultivation of high-rank medicinal herbs, and she listened intently.


    She had also be very interested in herb cultivation.


    After half an hour, Gu An took out a secret manual and handed it to An Xin.


    "This technique might help enhance your aptitude. Don''t let anyone discover it," Gu An instructed in a low voice, looking cautiously towards the distance.


    An Xin took the manual and immediately beamed a smile, saying, "Thank you, Master!"


    Over the many years of living together, she hade to trust Gu Anpletely. Like the other Servant Disciples, she called Gu An "Master," but unlike the others, in her heart, Gu An had be her true master, second only to the mysterious master who had saved her years before.


    Gu An ruffled her hair, indicating that she should get back to her tasks.


    An Xin promptly bowed and then turned to leave.


    Watching her retreating figure, a smile appeared on Gu An''s face.


    He hoped the Primordial Reincarnation Skill would be of help to An Xin. Even if she didn''t undergo aplete transformation, if it could extend her life for a few more years, that would be a blessing.


    The life at Third Medicine Valley was not dull¡ªGu An had already built a library and a tavern, and he had also purchased some equipment for the lofts, for the disciples to enjoy.


    He had even invented chess, which became popr throughout Third Medicine Valley.


    Afterward, Gu An flew towards the Inner Sect City. He had just avenged Ancestor Kusong and wanted to chat with Elder Xu Lu from the Book Collection Hall of the Inner Sect. Of course, he wouldn''t tell Xu Lu about the events of that morning; he just simply wanted to talk.


    He felt suffocated in his heart after seeing the tragic end of Ancestor Kusong in the ck Crow Demon Envoy''s memories.


    ...


    Inside the Nianchu Cave at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    Tian Yao''er watched curiously as Gu An nted a tree. This tree was already two zhang high, with leaves as red as fire and vines hanging all around. At first nce, it seemed like a tree aze with mes.


    This was the seventh rank Spirit Tree, the Sun Nurturing Tree. Gu An had moved it from the Star-Master Cave, still a sapling because the Sun Nurturing Trees there were a thousand zhang tall, bearing Sun Nurturing Fruits that could enhance Qi-Blood and even perception of the fire attribute spiritual energy.


    After nting, Gu An looked at the Sun Nurturing Tree with satisfaction.


    He turned around and patted Tian Yao''er''s forehead to snap her out of her daze.


    "Come, I''ll teach you a Demon n spell."


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Tian Yao''er instantly became excited and hurriedly followed.


    Gu An had acquired many spells and cultivation techniques from the memories of the ck Crow Demon Envoy, and he nned to teach Tian Yao''er the spell that could turn the ck Crow Demon Envoy into a flock of ck crows.


    It must be said that Tian Yao''er''s aptitude andprehension were both very high.


    An hourter, she was already able to transform into several fire crows.


    That''s right, fire crows, not ck crows.


    The crows aze with mes made Gu An even more suspicious of her having a Phoenix Blood Lineage.


    The most important aspect of this spell was not the transformation but the speed of flight. For Tian Yao''er to master it fully, it would still take a considerable amount of time.


    Watching her practice the spell, Gu An''s thoughts drifted away.


    The Demon Emperor, Demon Masters, and the seventy-two Great Demon Kings, as well as the Demon Ancestor who was about to be resurrected...


    Even Gu An, who was at the ninthyer of the Nirvana Realm, could feel the pressure.


    The lowest cultivation level of the seventy-two Great Demon Kings was the Mystic Heart Realm, with the top three even stepping into the Mahayana Realm, which was why the Ephemera Sect dared not set foot in the Demon Land.


    The reason the Demon n had not moved southward was not out of fear of the Nine Dynasties''nds but because they were waiting for the resurrection of the Demon Ancestor. After the Demon Ancestor''s resurrection, he would need arge amount of flesh and blood to restore his body, and the humans of the Nine Dynasties''nds were the food designated by the Demon Emperor.


    Of course, thends of the Nine Dynasties also had the protection of mysterious Great Cultivators. Two thousand years ago, when the Demon Emperor moved south, he was severely wounded by a mysterious Mahayana Cultivator and almost perished.


    However, that Great Cultivator had already traveled southwards across the sea. The subordinates of the ck Crow Demon Envoy had discovered this matter and reported it to the Demon Emperor.


    That Great Cultivator came from the Cangtian Sect of the Great Jiang Dynasty and was known as the Daoist Lord. Two thousand years had passed, and whether the Daoist Lord was still alive was still an unknown.


    The Great Jiang Dynasty was the strongest of the nine dynasties, and while chaos reigned in the world, the Great Jiang Dynasty still held a stable position, and the Cangtian Sect had established itself as the leading sect in the whole world by opposing the Ephemera Sect.


    Thend of the Demon was vast and boundless; apart from the prominent Great Demon Kings, who knows what else was hidden.


    This made Gu An even more eager to achieve the life span of ten million years.


    If possible, he didn''t want to flee but to continue surviving on thisnd with the Supreme Sect.


    ...


    The death of the ck Crow Demon Envoy caused no impact whatsoever, and Di Xie still spent all day engrossed inprehending sword intent at the Heavenly Repair tform.


    But as time passed, the number of demons in various ces kept increasing, causing themon people to suffer greatly, and the Supreme Sect assigned more tasks for eliminating demons, with even Ye Lan and Zhen Qin having no choice but to participate.


    Since the tasks they took were within the Supreme Sect, Gu An was not too worried.


    Two years shed by in an instant.


    Gu An''s lifespan had reached over seven hundred and forty million years, getting ever closer to the grand milestone of ten million years.


    Every day, he would use his Divine Sense to inspect the Demon Land, ready to advance his breakthrough sooner if the great cmity of the demons arrived ahead of schedule.


    He had already considered a location for the breakthrough.


    He would break through above the southern seas!


    One day, An Hao and Si Yan''er left the Star-Master Cave.


    The two walked out of the mountain wall and looked back to see the cave entrance gradually disappearing.


    "Where is your master? Why haven''t I seen him for all these years?" Si Yan''er asked curiously.


    An Hao replied, "His Excellency is as elusive as a dragon that shows its head but not its tail. I''m not sure where he is, but one thing is certain, if I encounter danger, he definitely won''t just stand by and watch!"


    As he said this, a look of pride appeared on his face.


    Si Yan''er pursed her lips, wanting to mock, but she restrained herself.


    She couldn''t forget the scene of Gu An sweeping away a Mystic Heart cultivator with a flick of his sleeve. Such a Great Cultivator was not someone Tianwei could afford to offend!


    Just then, a figure leaped out from the woods andnded swiftly in front of them. An Hao frowned, thinking there was an ambush, and prepared forbat.


    The new arrival was a man dressed in Tianwei official clothes. He saluted with his hand and said, "Your Highness, I havee to wee you by the emperor''s sacred decree. His Majesty has decided to betroth Your Highness to the head of the Golden List, An Hao."


    As these words were spoken, Si Yan''er''splexion changed drastically, and she asked angrily, "Has Father gone mad? How could he betroth me to such a person?"


    An Hao was going to refuse, but upon hearing this, he immediately felt displeased and said, "What do you mean, ''such a person''? You think I''m not good enough for you? Well, I insist on marrying you!"


    The two started arguing.


    Meanwhile, the official dressed man kept smiling, watching them argue.


    Far away in the Mystic Valley of the Supreme Sect, Gu An was watching them, and he was not opposed to An Hao and Si Yan''er getting married because he had long seen that the two of them had already developed feelings for each other.


    However, he remained wary of Tianwei.


    If Tianwei dared to plot against An Hao, he would not show any mercy; it was a good opportunity for the Taicang Dynasty to swallow up the Tianweinds.


    After the three set off, Gu An contacted Daoist Xunchun.


    Someone wasing towards the Mystic Valley.


    He stood up, left the house, and descended the stairs.


    Half an hourter, Du Ye flew into the Mystic Valley on his sword. From afar, he saw Gu An and waved to greet him.


    Seeing that he knew Gu An, the disciples in the valley did not stop him.


    Afternding, Du Ye stored his flying sword in his storage bag and then dragged Gu An to a secluded ce.


    "The family sent news that they are preparing to move out of the Supreme Sect. The third young miss specifically mentioned taking you and me with her," Du Ye spoke softly, his expression one of excitement. He felt honored that the Ji Family had not forgotten about him.

 Chapter 160: Chapter 160 You Are Not Strong Enough

    Leave the Supreme Sect?


    Gu An was stunned, not expecting Du Ye toe to him with this matter.


    How could he possibly leave the Supreme Sect!


    His foundation was still here!


    And where could the Ji Family go after leaving the Supreme Sect?


    Gu An frowned and asked, "Why leave?"


    Du Ye replied, "It seems to be rted to the great disaster of the demons, the family has already found a ce to avoid the catastrophe. No matter what, as long as the family can take you and me with them, we should be grateful. Get ready, the exact time of departure is not yet determined. When it''s really time to go, do not dy."


    Gu An shook his head, "I cannot leave, tell the family thank you for the kind offer, but I n to stand with the Supreme Sect through thick and thin."


    Upon hearing this, Du Ye was stunned, his eyebrows instantly furrowed.


    He said gravely, "Gu An, don''t forget where wee from."


    "Sorry, I have repaid the Ji Family for their upbringing with medicinal herbs over the years, but I have yet to repay the kindness of the Supreme Sect. I can''t leave, you go ahead, I''ll stay," Gu An said earnestly.


    Du Ye, irritated, wanted to lecture Gu An, but he was afraid to be overheard by other servant disciples.


    "There''s still time, think it over for yourself. When the demons invade the Taicang Dynasty, by then you won''t be able to hide even if you want to!" Du Ye left these words behind and stormed off, his sleeves pping in the wind.


    He came quickly, and left just as fast, but this time without a smile on his face.


    Gu An felt warmth in his heart at Du Ye''s anger; at least it showed that Du Ye cared for him, otherwise he wouldn''t bother with his life or death.


    But he truly could not leave the Supreme Sect.


    If the Supreme Sect could not survive the demon cmity, it would still not be toote for him to flee.


    With Gu An''s cultivation level, if he truly wanted to escape, who could stop him?


    It wasn''t until dusk that Gu An arrived at the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Jiang Qiong was sitting beneath the Green Vine Tree cultivating, with arge cauldron in front of her and the elixir fire still burning underneath it.


    Sensing Gu An''s presence, Jiang Qiong asked casually, "Why have youe, didn''t you just visit a few days ago?"


    Approaching therge cauldron, Gu An nced into the brewing potion and said, "Today, people from the Ji Family came to find me, they said they are preparing to withdraw from the Supreme Sect and asked me to get ready."


    After hearing this, Jiang Qiong opened her eyes, her lovely brows furrowed, as she asked, "Are you leaving?"


    If Gu An left, a new disciple of the Supreme Sect would surely take over the Mystic Valley, which was not good news for her.


    A trace of irritation she couldn''t quite articte welled up in her heart.


    "Not leaving. I''ve refused. My dilemma is, by avoiding the great demon cmity, where can the Ji Family possibly hide?" Gu An sighed.


    He came here precisely to probe for information from Jiang Qiong, perhaps she was in the know.


    Jiang Qiong replied sarcastically, "Probably to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, which is a holynd, a ce even demons dare not invade. I heard before that the Ji Family was nning to betroth Ji Xiaoyu to a prodigy of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. It seems true, and it looks like the Ji Family has managed to cling onto a high branch."


    Indeed it was the Seven Stars Spirit Realm!


    Gu An looked at Jiang Qiong and asked with a furrowed brow, "Is the Seven Stars Spirit Realm that powerful?"


    "Of course it''s powerful. On this earth, dynasties change, and racial wars are incessant. Only the Seven Stars Spirit Realm has always been there. Tell me if they''re not formidable. In a sense, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm is the true ruler of thisnd.


    The ones who were after me are cultivators from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm because I got to the opportunity they wanted first," Jiang Qiong said with sarcasm.


    After listening to this, Gu An was tempted to say that if she, a practitioner of the Nascent Soul Realm, could snatch an opportunity from the hands of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators, then the Seven Stars Spirit Realm couldn''t be all that powerful.


    Jiang Qiong seemed to see through his thoughts, saying, "The foundation of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm is strong. They should have a Great Heaven and Earth not inferior to thends of the nine dynasties, with numerous noble families, and a vast number of disciples. The young ones I ran into on the Nine Nether Road were just a group out on a training journey.


    All of those fellows were under a hundred years old but possessed Nascent Soul Realm cultivation levels. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm is indeed fearsome."


    An awed expression appeared on her face; even as she was pursued by cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, she held no desire for revenge, as the gap in power between them was too vast.


    A Great Heaven and Earth not inferior to thends of the nine dynasties?


    Gu An''s curiosity about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm grew.


    No wonder the Seven Stars Spirit Realm doesn''t interfere in the continent''s racial conflicts¡ªit seems that even if the humans on earth are exterminated, the race will still have legacies left to persist.


    Afterward, Gu An asked a few more questions, and Jiang Qiong told him everything she knew. The more he understood, the deeper his wariness of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm became.


    Intuition told him that after surviving the great demon cmity, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm might trigger the next disaster.


    Gu An wasn''t worried though; his strategy was to act only when he had absolute certainty.


    If he could fight, he would fight; if not, where there''s life, there''s hope!


    "Your third miss is set to marry into the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Are you happy for her, or not?" Jiang Qiong suddenly asked teasingly.


    Gu An casually responded, "The third miss is the Girl of Heavenly Pride, and her suitor will surely be the Son of Heaven''s Pride. I am definitely happy for her."


    "Really? There''s not a hint of regret in your heart?" Jiang Qiong asked with a smile.


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and spread his hands, "Indeed, it''s regrettable. Actually, I admire the third miss, but s, with my mediocre talents, I''m not worthy of pursuing her. Since I can''t have her, I can onlyfort myself and wish her happiness."


    The smile on Jiang Qiong''s face vanished as she scoffed, "You sure take it easy. You''re right, if status and talent don''t match, love will only bring you harm. Keep yourposure, and don''t fall in love lightly in the future," she cautioned.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An nodded, "I don''t need to fall in love. There are plenty of female disciples in the valley."


    "Oh? Is that why you don''t love cultivating?"


    "What I mean is, if I want a daoist friend, it''s not a difficult task, but I don''t want to."


    "That''s more like it," she said. "The Martial Master has lived longer than you and knows daoist friends can''t be relied upon. How many daoist friends have abandoned their partners at critical moments of life and death? How many calcte against their partners for personal gain?


    The Martial Master hopes you won''t get attached easily, that you''ll be more cautious, because the Martial Master has your best interests at heart."


    "Then have you ever had a Daoist Partner?"


    "If I had, your Martial Master would have long been dead."


    Jiang Qiong began to earnestly instruct Gu An, and Gu An also sought advice with pointed questions.


    More than an ancient hourter, Gu An finally departed.


    Jiang Qiong watched Gu An''s retreating figure, thinking to himself, "This kid actually doesn''t call me Martial Master, he''s got quite a wild streak."


    ...


    The tail end of summer eventually slipped away, and autumn arrived once again.


    Gu An came to Tianya Valley and noticed that there was an additional person inside the valley.


    Since Lv Xian and Yi Liuyun left, Tianya Valley had only Luo Hun and three monkey demons forpany. As a result, Gu An brought Luo Hun many books, even a chess set.


    Actually, even if he hadn''t brought these things, Luo Hun wouldn''t have found it dull, after all, he was a cultivator.


    But because Gu An did bring them, it made him more prone to distraction. He would often curse Gu An internally for being devious, yet he couldn''t refuse the well-written works of Daoist Xunchun and Green Hero Travelogue.


    Gu An walked down from the mountain slope, looking far off at the figure standing in front of the wooden railing.


    [Ji Rui (Nascent Soul Realm, Level 8): 96/700/3900]


    Ji Rui?


    Gu An raised his eyebrows. He had heard this name before; it was Ji Xiaoyu''s biological older brother, who was taken away to the main family for cultivation at a young age. He had never met the man, only heard about him from other house servants.


    He hadn''t expected Li Xuandao to have even lured Ji Xiaoyu''s brother to his side.


    Luo Hun descended from the sky,nding beside Gu An, introduced Ji Rui to him, and asked, "You should have heard of him, given that you''re also from the Ji Family."


    Gu An nodded.


    The two approached Ji Rui from behind, who was gazing at the flowers and nts in the garden, looking distracted. Only when Luo Hun called out to him did he snap out of his reverie.


    He turned around to face Gu An and the other, saying, "Is this Valley Master Gu An?"


    Gu An raised his hand in greeting and said, "I''ve seen the Second Young Master before."


    Ji Rui waved his hand, "Here, I must address you as Valley Master. His Majesty said that from now on, I''ll be assisting you."


    Though the talents who came to Tianya Valley had to assist Gu An, they had free ess to the medicinal herbs within the valley. Therefore, Ji Rui was very cordial with Gu An.


    However, Gu An didn''t really need their assistance; it would be better to grant them a small favor.


    "The Second Young Master can focus on cultivating in peace. Sun Da and others are in charge of the valley''s mundane affairs," Gu An said with a soft chuckle.


    Ji Rui nodded, then began to exchange pleasantries with him.


    Gu An noticed a strange cold energy within Ji Rui''s body, circling around his Golden Core.


    After chatting for a while, Gu An made an excuse to leave, as he needed to gather herbs.


    Ji Rui watched Gu An''s retreating figure, deep in thought.


    Luo Hun, however, caught up with Gu An and asked in a low voice, "The Supreme Secret Records you were looking for before, did you find them?"


    Gu An suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and replied in a low voice, "I haven''t found them. The book has vanished without a trace, let''s forget about it. Aren''t Daoist Xunchun''s works and Green Hero Travelogue enough for you to read?"


    Luo Hun could only sigh regretfully, then left.


    Gu An shook his head, smiling wryly.


    Who knows where Luo Hun heard about it, but he somehow knew about the Supreme Secret Records and even asked Gu An to purchase them.


    Gu An didn''t want to distract him from his cultivation, so he never really bought them for Luo Hun.


    All the me lies with Shen Zhen for leading astray the customs of the Immortal Cultivation World!


    ...


    Late at night, inside a dpidated temple.


    Thump!


    A man in in clothes fell to the ground. After his right foot twitched a few times, he waspletely lifeless.


    A man in ck stood by, none other than Su Han.


    Having just absorbed the in-clothed man''s Spiritual Power, Su Han cultivated energy with both hands, trying his best to harmonize it. Judging from his furrowed brows, he was struggling.


    There were also four other corpses nearby, both male and female, all dead.


    A wave of ghostly energy seeped through a hole in the roof, forming the figure of Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    Bathed in the moonlight, the pale face of Ghost Mother of Ephemera was terrifying. She stood aside, watching Su Han.


    After a long while.


    Su Han opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of foul air.


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera said, "I have already disclosed your whereabouts; within seven days, arge number of cultivators wille to assassinate you. I will have the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil hold off the Great Cultivators. You must seize the opportunity and not let a single one escape."


    Su Han nodded, then asked, "Ghost Mother, why are there so many people seeking death? I have no grievances with them."


    Ghost Mother of Ephemera replied calmly, "Some want to kill you to establish a reputation, others aim to kill you in exchange for rewards from the Sword Sect. The root reason they seek your life is because you''re not strong enough, and they think they can kill you."

 Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Mahayana Demon Attacks, The Only Way to Live!

    Hearing the words of the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, Su Han remained silent. He didn''t refute because he also felt weak.


    Along the way, he had escaped death several times, and it wasn''t due to his own strength.


    Su Han was very aware that he was merely a pawn, just like the Ghost Mother of Ephemera before him, who wholeheartedly helped him, surely had her own schemes; he had no other choices.


    "The time left for you is running out, the great disaster of demons is approaching, and the Defying Fate Divine Skill can only absorb the spiritual power of Cultivators, not the demonic power, once the great disaster of demons arrives, and you are unwilling to abandon your principles.


    At that time, all Cultivators will be busy fighting demons, and it will be difficult for you to grow stronger," the Ghost Mother of Ephemera said.


    Hearing this, Su Han asked, "Are you in a hurry? What exactly do you want me to do for you?"


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera answered, "That depends on how strong you can be. The one who should be anxious isn''t me, but you. Since you began cultivating the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, your lifespan has already been decreed; no matter how high of a realm you attain, your lifespan will not increase, unless you can reach the legendary Immortal Realm."


    Su Han frowned.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera had mentioned the shorings of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword more than once. It seemed like a reminder for his own good, but what he felt was a threat, oppression.


    "I will try my best," Su Han said and then started to practice meditation on the spot.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera watched him for a while, then dissolved into a burst of ghostly air and vanished.


    Su Han looked up at the round moon outside, and for some reason, he suddenly felt deste and lost.


    There was probably no one in the world who worried about him anymore.


    ...


    With the arrival of winter snow, the Third Medicine Valley was covered in vast white snow, everything appeared bleak.


    Gu An stood on the terrace, admiring the snowyndscape while also contemting the next volume of Shattering Void.


    Shattering Void had be popr, and its poprity had far surpassed Gu An''s expectations, exceeding the total sales of all volumes of Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    The theme of Shattering Void was essentially the same kind of exhrating literature as Supreme Immortal Venerable, but its theme resonated deeply with the current mood of Cultivators around the world.


    With the imminent disaster of demons approaching, various sects continually sent disciples to gather information. As more and more information umted, the entire world of Immortal Cultivation became increasingly oppressive.


    More and more people felt the end of their paths in Immortal Cultivation, wondering how wonderful it would be if they could shatter the void?


    In the distance, a White Spirit Rat scurried through the snow with Xiaochuan chasing behind. Failing to catch it and instead getting a face full of snow thrown at him by the rat, Gu An couldn''t help butugh.


    He didn''t know what charm this plump rat had that made Xiaochuan so fond of it.


    Lu Lingjun walked up to Gu An''s terrace, looked up at him, and said, "Valley Master, do you feel something?"


    Gu An eyeing her, asked, "Cold?"


    "That''s one way to put it. There''s a strong demonic energying from the north. I don''t know if it signifies that the great disaster of demons is close," replied Lu Lingjun, her gaze turning northwards.


    Gu An had actually felt it long ago. A Mahayana Great Demon was moving southward, approaching the Eight Dynasties'' territory.


    He did not stop it. He wanted to see if there were any hidden experts in the Eight Dynasties'' territory.


    Once the great disaster of demons erupted, he could not rely solely on his own power to reverse the situation, dangerous as it was, and such actions would easily attract the attention of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Although Gu An''s Divine Sense could cover the territory of the Nine Dynasties, the world was vast, and there were always some people who were hidden, just like the Star-Master Cave, which he had not been able to detect using Divine Sense before.


    Gu An asked, "If the great disaster of demons arrives, what will you do?"


    Lu Lingjun answered, "Naturally, I will fight alongside the Supreme Sect, but if the enemy is too powerful, and there''s no hope, I will head south to seek fortunes in the Immortal realm."


    Having ascended many years ago, she had a deep understanding of thisnd.


    Since ancient times, when Great Cultivators encountered dead ends, they ventured southward, even though the seas were more dangerous than thend of demons, nheless, there were always those who followed one after another, without looking back.


    As an Ascender, Lu Lingjun would naturally not face death alongside the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An nodded slightly, making noment.


    Lu Lingjun looked at Gu An and asked, "And you, Valley Master?"


    Gu An feigned hesitation, saying, "I will actively cultivate medicinal herbs to contribute my strength."


    "What if the Supreme Sect falls?"


    "Then I will kill myself, to avoid being eaten by demons."


    Hearing this, Lu Lingjun gave Gu An a stern look, thinking him beyond help.


    Gu An chuckled, not continuing the discussion further to avoid causing panic amongst the other Servant Disciples who might overhear.


    But how should the world of Immortal Cultivation respond to the impending Mahayana realm great demon?


    The white snow, seemingly endless, as if it intended to bury the world beneath it.


    Night fell.


    Gu An arrived at the Nianchu Cave at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As soon as he entered, he saw Tian Yao''er squatting in front of the Medicine Cauldron, warming herself by the fire, hugging her knees, shivering, her head buried.


    Approaching Tian Yao''er, Gu An deliberately made noise with his steps, startling her so that she looked up and upon seeing Gu An, she appeared thrilled, rushing over to embrace him like a gust of wind.


    "What''s the matter with you?" Gu An, seeing her genuine fear, did not push her away but asked with concern.


    Tian Yao''er buried her head in Gu An''s chest, murmuring softly, "I''m scared¡­ I feel something terrifying approaching¡­"


    She clung tightly to Gu An''s waist, fearful he would leave.


    Gu An patted her shoulder,forting, "Don''t be afraid, that fellow isn''t heading for Heavenly Phoenix Mountain; we are very far from it."


    Hearing this, Tian Yao''er looked up, cautiously asking, "Really?"


    "Really, and aren''t I here with you?"


    "But you can''t even defeat the Demon Mother, and I feel that that terrifying being is even stronger than the Demon Mother."


    "Indeed, I can''t defeat her, but I will take you and flee."


    "Then don''t lie to me, if you''re going to leave here, you must take me with you."


    "I won''t lie to you."


    Gu An replied. If it weren''t for his rescue, Tian Yao''er would probably have already perished within the belly of a demon. She could only rely on him, how could he abandon her?


    However, Tian Yao''er''s reaction caught him off guard.


    Both being demonic creatures, how could she be so afraid?


    He sat down with Tian Yao''er, urging her to tell him why she was so scared.


    Unfortunately, Tian Yao''er hemmed and hawed for a long time but couldn''t exin clearly.


    Based on the memory of the ck Crow Demon Envoy, Gu An knew the origin of that Great Demon.


    The Six-Headed Sea Dragon, one of the seventy-two Great Demon Kings, dominated a territory of over a hundred thousand miles,manded countless demon soldiers and generals, was notoriously violent and ferocious, and even the ck Crow Demon Envoy was careful when meeting him, fearing he might be swallowed whole.


    At that moment, the Six-Headed Sea Dragon was leading hundreds of millions of demons southward, constantly being joined by other demons along the way, even some Demon Kings willing to follow.


    His overwhelming demonic power had rmed the human Immortal Cultivation World, and Gu An could feel that many cultivators from the eight dynasties were rushing there, with more than twenty from just the Mystic Heart Realm alone.


    Gu Anforted her for a long while until Tian Yao''er finally calmed down, what made him helpless was that the girl had fallen asleep on hisp.


    It seemed he would have to stay here longer this night.


    ...


    Hum¡ª


    At the break of dawn, a dragon''s hum sounded from afar, startling the servant disciples in Mystic Valley.


    Chu Jingfeng, who was meditating on the cliff, opened his eyes and looked toward the horizon, his brows furrowed, the snow on him gradually melting.


    The servant disciples in the valley gathered together, discussing where the sound hade from and which demon had made it.


    Gu An arrived on his flying sword through the heavy snowfall,nding in the valley. After storing his flying sword, the servant disciples immediately crowded around him, asking about the dragon''s hum.


    "I also don''t know which demon made that sound, but you can all rest assured, nothing will happen as long as you stay within the Supreme Sect," Gu An reassured them.


    Now the disciples of Mystic Valley had been reced by a new batch, except for Lu Jiujia and Chu Jingfeng, none knew of the various cmities Mystic Valley had experienced, so the disciples easily believed Gu An''s words.


    In the days that followed, news kept flowing into the Supreme Sect.


    The title of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon strongly entered the eyes of the disciples of the Supreme Sect as there had been a Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivator eaten alive by him; this news unsettled the entire Supreme Sect.


    Massive numbers of disciples were dispatched to support the northern territories, and even Gu Zong himself hade to the Third Medicine Valley to request Lu Lingjun to take action.


    After some hesitation, Lu Lingjun decided to intervene.


    Xuan Quan also apanied him!


    The news of their departure spread throughout the cities of the Supreme Sect; however, when Gu An was wandering in the Outer City, he found that many people held little hope for the two from Lu Lingjun, with more people praying that these two Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators would not meet any misfortune.


    The fall of Ancestor Kusong had cast a long shadow over the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An was also following the distant battle. Once again, the Cangtian Sect took on the role of leader, and the Cangtian Sect led by example, gathering the spiritual power of a million cultivators to form a grand formation, creating a huge barrier to block the invasion of the Demon n.


    Fourteen Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators besieged the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, none daring to approach, the battle waspletely one-sided.


    However, the Six-Headed Sea Dragon showed no intention of invading the human territories, merely making threats and insults, which annoyed and frightened the Immortal Cultivation side.


    It seems that the Six-Headed Sea Dragon was testing thends of the eight dynasties.


    Perhaps he was wary of the Daoist Lord of the Cangtian Sect, or perhaps he feared the Mountain God.


    The next morning, Lu Lingjun and Xuan Quan joined the war, and Gu An watched the entire event to ensure they didn''t die.


    Facing the powerful Six-Headed Sea Dragon, the duo from Lu Lingjun quickly lost and then fled back to human territories to recuperate.


    Gu An felt that Lu Lingjun was shirking in battle, deliberately getting injured, then retreating.


    Perhaps Lu Lingjun also thought that if they fought to the death, they might truly die.


    The longer the Six-Headed Sea Dragon refrained from invading humannds, the more Gu An suspected there was an even stronger demon watching from behind.


    The father of Di Xie, the Demon Emperor!


    That Demon Emperor ruled over the demons of the Demon Land, perhaps this was a trial he had orchestrated.


    Several dayster.


    Gu An arrived at the Outer City, but the scene he witnessed wasplicated.


    He saw the vast Heavenly Repair Stone seated with hundreds of thousands of disciples, with even Gu Zong sitting under the characters for "Righteous Path," causing those who were practicing sword enlightenment to be forcibly removed from the stage.


    Di Xie had stepped down.


    He happened to see Gu An and came over, saying with emotion, "The Northern Territory is in urgent need, and the sect is pleading with Sword Venerable Fudao to make a move."


    Gu An worriedly asked, "With Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators already perished, is relying on Sword Venerable Fudao enough?"


    Di Xie sighed and said, "Perhaps it''s useless, but what else can be done?"


    Being a demon himself, he knew well the strength of the Demon Land.


    He spoke in a mournful tone, "This cmity is inevitable, perhaps only the sea is the path to survival."

 Chapter 162: Chapter 162: Please Ask Sword Venerable Fudao to Take Action!

    ```


    Hearing Di Xie''s words, Gu An could only follow with a sigh.


    Escape to the ocean?


    What a joke!


    Gu An didn''t know what Di Xie''s mindset was, but he felt that after the extinction of the eight dynasties of the Human Race, the demons would be the next to suffer.


    The legends of old had proven this, for when demons overrun the earth, powerful Cultivators woulde forth.


    Raising demons on humans, and humans on demons?


    Shift the perspective, and it was no longer the same race killing each other while the Holy Lands continue to be revered by both races.


    Gu An casually talked with Di Xie, his gaze never leaving the Heavenly Repair tform, and he weighed whether or not to take action.


    After all, he still had some time before he reached that crucial milestone of ten million years of life span.


    If he broke through now, he would certainly advance to a higher realm, but he was more interested in unlocking the next life span feature.


    He feared that his intervention might elerate the progression of the Great Demon Cmity.


    ¡­


    Great Jiang Dynasty, this is the northernmostnd of the eight dynasties, where towering mountains spread across the earth, known for various wonders.


    With the Demon Land to its back, Cultivators from the Great Jiang Dynasty faced even harsher living environments, which in turn forged the strongest dynasty.


    In the Northern Territory, mountain ranges ovep, vast snow hides the sky, and the magnificent snow mist makes the mountains appear both hidden and visible, akin to the spine of a True Dragon, grand and spectacr, like a wall created by heaven, dividing the world into two halves.


    On a mountain range, Lu Lingjun sat cross-legged on a huge boulder, her Spiritual Power pulsing around her, preventing the snow mist from approaching and forming wisps of white smoke rising around her.


    She slowly opened her eyes and gazed towards the horizon.


    In front of her were rolling mountains, with faint traces of fire at the edge of the world, which the flying snow could not fully conceal, and asionally strong winds blew towards Lu Lingjun.


    The terrifying Demon Energy of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon enveloped the whole world, making even Lu Lingjun and the White Spirit Demon Emperor on her shoulder feel uneasy.


    "What exactly is he waiting for?" the White Spirit Demon Emperor asked in a low voice.


    Lu Lingjun''s expression was serene as she replied, "It might have something to do with the Mountain God, after all, there were Mahayana Cultivators who perished at the hands of the Mountain God."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Will the Mountain God take action? There are so many demons in the north, and this cmity is by no meansparable to the Ephemera Sect, no matter how you look at it, the Human Race is doomed," the White Spirit Demon Emperor murmured.


    Being a demon itself, it naturally wouldn''t side with the Human Race, and it hoped that Lu Lingjun would leave thisnd of conflict.


    Lu Lingjun remained silent, her eyes fixated on the distance, her thoughts unknown.


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor couldn''t help but urge her, "Lingjun, why don''t we move south? Maybe the ocean isn''t as dangerous as it seems."


    Lu Lingjun said pensively, "Do you still remember, when I had my breakthrough, the Cultivators from the Supreme Sect wereying the Formation for me?"


    Upon hearing this, the White Spirit Demon Emperor opened its mouth but ultimately could not utter another word.


    It knew Lu Lingjun too well.


    If Lu Lingjun were not so significantly driven by loyalty, why else would it follow her?


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor''s snake head drooped, speaking somberly, "Then let''s see if the Mountain God is indeed powerful. Oh yes, the Supreme Sect also has Sword Venerable Fudao; he should take action, shouldn''t he?"


    A high-pitched dragon chant sounded, shaking heaven and earth, the scent of blood mixed with the flying snow, shaking even the mountain Lu Lingjun sat upon.


    Thousands of miles away.


    The battle raged, thend scorched ck,va flowed in the earth''s wounds, firelight floated between heaven and earth, mountains were leveled leaving behind gaping holes, countless Cultivators floated in the sky, grand and imposing Formations stretching across the sky.


    The earth was split in two by an unfathomable fissure, Cultivators of the Human Race cast spells on one side, while the other teemed with demons and ghosts, crowding the edge of the cliff in dense masses, each with a ferocious face, their roars and howls rising and falling, turning thend into hell.


    A terrifying Giant Demon stood behind the endless array of demons, towering into the clouds, adorned in ck armor with sharp fangs on its shoulders, resembling mountain peaks, and wearing a belt hung with the heads of Great Demons.


    Its human-like body stood a thousand feet tall, his neck disappeared into the clouds, and the six Sea Dragon''s heads, somewhat visible through the mist, eyes crimson like demon eyes that peer from the abyss into the Mortal World, were enough to send chills down one''s spine.


    He was the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, a Great Demon who terrified the Demon Land!


    On his shoulder was a figure shrouded in ck Demon Energy, very small inparison, revealing only a goat''s head with blood-red goat eyes.


    "Great King, it seems the Human Race has no Mahayana Cultivators left, and that so-called Mountain God dares not trouble us," the goat-headed demon spoke, its voice reaching the Six-Headed Sea Dragon''s ears.


    Upon hearing this, a terrifyingly oppressive aura erupted, making the demons in the front panic and scatter, clearing the way for the Six-Headed Sea Dragon.


    Before the immense figure of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, the majority of demons appeared as insignificant as ants.


    As the Six-Headed Sea Dragon stepped forward, ghostly energy rose, forming many enchanting and morous female ghosts that circled him, theirbinedughter almost bewitching the distant Cultivators.


    "The Six-Headed Sea Dragon ising!"


    A burly man in a grey robe bellowed like thunder, his voice echoing through the world.


    The head of the Cangtian Sect, Liang Canghai, flew to the forefront of the Formation, raising his sword high and roaring, "Desciples of Cangtian Sect, heed mymand, consume the Elixir, and fight to the death!"


    As his words fell, millions of Cangtian Sect disciples unhesitatingly produced a dark brown Elixir; upon consumption, their Spiritual Power surged, blood qi radiating from them, veins on their faces bulging, eyes wide and bloody.


    Leaders from other sects issued their orders, all ready to fight to the death, and the Supreme Sect was no different.


    Xuan Quan rushed over the battlefield, flying to the cliff''s edge. Holding a horsetail whisk in one hand and drawing talismans with the other, a series of Spiritual Power-formed characters appeared in front of him, lined up in a row.


    More and more Mystic Heart Realm Great Cultivators joined in the air above the cliff separating the battlefield, united against the Six-Headed Sea Dragon about to cross it.


    ```


    The Mad Swordsman, Han Ming, was also in the Great Yu Dynasty''s position, ready to fight to the death.


    Lu Lingjun stepped on a hundred-zhang-long white python, holding a sword in each hand. Her aura was unmatched, and her eyes showed no fear.


    "It seems the Human Race has no Mahayana, and if so, they should be the food of the Demon n!"


    The cold voice of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon echoed between heaven and earth followed by the terrifying roar of six dragon heads resounding, shaking the world.


    The dragon''s roar converged into one, traveling far and heading towards thends of the eight dynasties.


    The battle erupted once more!


    This time, the approach of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon signified the official start of the Demon cmity!


    ...


    In the Supreme Sect, outside the Outer City walls.


    When the dragon''s roar came from afar, the snow in the sky seemed to freeze, as the hundreds of thousands of disciples on the Heavenly Repair tform opened their eyes in unison.


    Sitting in the very center, the Gu Zong''s face changed dramatically, his eyes filled with worry.


    The disciples within the various streets and residences of the city were also rmed; even without seeing the situation in the Northern Territory, just hearing that sound was enough to chill their hearts.


    What kind of epochal demon could produce such a terrifying roar?


    Even the medicine valleys in all directions outside of the Outer Sect were disturbed.


    Mystic Valley, atop a mountain.


    Gu An and Chu Jingfeng stood side by side looking towards the north, their robes fluttering in the wind and snow.


    Chu Jingfeng frowned when he heard the roar of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, and he asked, "Valley Master, do you think the Supreme Sect can survive this cmity?"


    Gu An, while observing the battle with his Divine Sense, replied: "Of course it can. Believe in the Supreme Sect, believe in our world of Immortal Cultivation."


    When the Six-Headed Sea Dragon crossed that gorge, the aura of the Mystic Heart Realm rose from thends of the eight dynasties, heading towards the Northern Territory.


    Not just from thends of the eight dynasties!


    Even from the southern seas, strong auras emerged!


    At this moment, Gu An felt the foundation of the eight dynasties, the umtion of nearly ten thousand years.


    There were always those who ventured to the sea in search of the path to immortality, yet there were also those who, even in foreignnds, still yearned for their homnd.


    Gu An''s left hand reached for the Double Heart Ring on his right, and in truth, without this ring, he could still sense Lu Lingjun''s crisis.


    Even at a long distance, Lu Lingjun had sustained serious injuries, as the Six-Headed Sea Dragon was too powerful, with an onught that could destroy heaven and earth, forcing the entire Human Race to retreat continuously.


    "What a pity, I am now a cripple; otherwise, I would go to war as well, even if I were to die on the battlefield." Chu Jingfeng sighed.


    Gu An patted Chu Jingfeng on the shoulder and said, "How could you be a cripple? As long as you are alive, there is hope. You can turn your current resentment into motivation. Perhaps one day, the Supreme Sect will need you to save it, and then you will be the hero of the Supreme Sect. I hope to see that day within my lifetime."


    Chu Jingfeng turned to look at him and asked, "Do you really think I can do it?"


    Gu An smiled and said, "Of course, Brother Chu, you are a child of heaven in my eyes. What I cannot achieve, you certainly can."


    A child of heaven?


    Chu Jingfeng was taken aback. Looking at Gu An''s smile, a strength surged within him.


    All these years, Gu An had been encouraging him.


    If there was even a hint of false sentiment, it couldn''t havested till today.


    This meant that Gu An truly had expectations for him!


    "Please Sword Venerable Fudao make your move!"


    A hoarse shout from Gu Zong came from afar, followed by a gust of wind and snow hurtling towards the two.


    Before Chu Jingfeng could speak, shouts arose again from afar, the cries of hundreds of thousands of Cultivators, united as one, the noise of the wind and snow unable to drown them out.


    "Please Sword Venerable Fudao make your move!"


    "Please Sword Venerable Fudao make your move!"


    The voice grew louder and louder as more and more people joined in.


    Chu Jingfeng reflected, "I''m not sure if I can be a hero in the future, but right now, Sword Venerable Fudao is the hero of the Supreme Sect."


    In the distance.


    Within the walls of the Outer City.


    Atop the Heavenly Repair tform, hundreds of thousands of disciples were sitting and shouting with all their might; even the disciples on the streets started to join the cries, requesting Sword Venerable Fudao to make his move.


    The intensely shouting Gu Zong seemed to sense something, looking down to see his treasured sword trembling as if eager to be drawn from its sheath.


    He took down his treasured sword, and he was not the only one; the other disciples did the same, some even taking out their swords from their Storage Bags.


    On the streets, the disciples who were passing by stopped in their tracks, astonished to look at the swords at their waists or in their hands.


    All of their des were trembling, and deep down, they felt engulfed by a tremendous Sword Intent.


    Could it possibly be...


    A daring guess surfaced in the hearts of the Supreme Sect Cultivators.

 Chapter 163: Chapter 163: Slaying the Great Demon King, the Terrifying Sword Venerable!

    All the treasured swords and flying swords throughout the city were trembling, which greatly excited the cultivators within. They even lifted their own swords into the air, holding them aloft.


    "It''s Sword Venerable Fudao''s sword intent!"


    "Sword Venerable Fudao has heard our call!"


    "This sword intent is indeed Sword Venerable Fudao''s!"


    "Could such vast sword intent be enough to contend against that Six-Headed Sea Dragon?"


    "Where is Sword Venerable Fudao? Could he be within the city?"


    A thunderous roar of excitement surged through the city as everyone grew agitated.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ng¡ª¡ª


    The sound of des unsheathing suddenly drowned out the uproarious voices as sword after sword ascended to the sky, their tips pointing upwards, hovering at the same height. There were more than a million of them, their radiance cutting through the sky, impossible to be obscured even by the blizzard.


    Atop the Heavenly Repair tform, Gu Zong stood up, as did the other disciples, all of them looking up at the swords above.


    Di Xie stood on the rooftop, gazing at the scene, his face full of incredulity. Having been at the Supreme Sect for so many years, he had a deep understanding of Sword Venerable Fudao''s sword intent, and thought he had overestimated him, yet only now did he realize the profound unpredictability of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Even with a thirdyer Mystic Heart Realm cultivation level, Di Xie felt that this sword intent was out of his reach.


    Under the gaze of the entire city, over a million swords flew together toward the north. Their sword qi erupted, dispersing the snow in the heavens and earth, unstoppable, vanishing into the sky in a blink of an eye. The vast expanse of the white sky was split in two, revealing the blue beyond, creating a magnificent spectacle.


    Gu Zong''s hair was disheveled by the strong wind as he watched the direction in which the million-strong sword formation had disappeared, a smile appearing on his face, no longer the worried frown seen before.


    "Six-Headed Sea Dragon, can you withstand the mightiest sword of the Supreme Sect?"


    ...


    Great Jiang Dynasty, Northern Territory.


    An unending stream of cultivators flew toward the north like a torrent of arrows, mighty and spectacr, scattering the snowy skies.


    Following their flight path, tens of thousands of miles away, on the Demon Battlefield, the Six-Headed Sea Dragon had already leaped over the seemingly bottomless gorge, with an endless horde of demons leaping after it, following the lead as it crushed its way towards thends of the human race.


    The Six-Headed Sea Dragon held a Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm in its grasp, who struggled in vain to free himself from its palm.


    A thousand zhang away, various Great Cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm continually cast spells, but to no avail¡ªnone of their spells or divine skills inflicted the slightest harm on the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, nor could they breach its armor.


    Like a meteor shower, rocks rained down continually, striking the demon army, but the Six-Headed Sea Dragon showed no intention of protecting its troops.


    As it advanced, the creature tossed the Great Cultivator from the Mystic Heart Realm into its mouth, chewing mercilessly. As it did so, its six dragon heads twisted around, scanning the surroundings. Every now and again, it would reach out and snatch dying demons from the distance, swallowing them with one gulp.


    Blood rained down like a shower; fresh blood stained the corners of each dragon head''s mouth, a terrifying and gruesome sight.


    His figure was songuid, supremely arrogant.


    The cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm all felt despair, for they had never felt so powerless before, not even when facing the Butcher Immortal Jing of the Ephemera Sect, because Butcher Immortal Jing had died too quickly. But now, they truly experienced the strength of the Mahayana Realm.


    Lu Lingjun stood on the White Spirit Demon Emperor, her hair disheveled, her right shoulder bleeding profusely and bubbling with blood. She gazed into the distance at the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, her eyes filled with unwillingness.


    "We can''t make a dent at all! If we keep holding out like this, we might fall into its mouth at any moment!"


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor said dejectedly,cking the spirit of someone from the Unification Realm. It only wanted to escape from this ce now.


    Lu Lingjun took a deep breath. She knew that continuing the fight without any chance of victory would only lead to meaningless sacrifice.


    She harbored thoughts of retreat, and not just from the battlefield, but from leaving the continent altogether.


    Just at that moment.


    She seemed to sense something, suddenly turning her head to look, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    In the vast expanse behind them, the white snow covered everything, and the fog carried by the wind assaulted her.


    It wasn''t just her. More and more cultivators felt something and turned to look in unison.


    The disheveled, blood-covered sect master of Cangtian Sect, Liang Canghai, held arge cauldron in his right hand. It burst forth with thousands of green lights, sweeping across the battlefield, where blood sttered everywhere. However, his attacks on the Six-Headed Sea Dragon were equally ineffective.


    He suddenly turned, his eyes widening as he looked behind them.


    The Six-Headed Sea Dragon, which had been advancing and feeding at the same time, felt something as well and turned its six heads forward.


    Its six draconic faces twisted ferociously as it roared in unison, the dragon roar shaking heaven and earth, and who knows how many lower-level cultivators and demons were shocked into bleeding from all orifices.


    The Six-Headed Sea Dragon raised its hand, demon energy bursting from its palm. A huge bone knife appeared out of thin air, and it grasped the knife with both hands, furiously shing forward.


    With one sh, demon energy surged forth like waves, turning into ck dragons that raced towards the ends of the earth, sweeping across heaven and earth. Along the way, cultivators who couldn''t dodge in time were struck and instantly turned to ash.


    Boom¡ª


    A world-shocking boom came from the end of the earth. Sword light dazzled between heaven and earth, and a terrifying sword qi moved at a speed far surpassing that of the ck demon dragons, cutting through the ranks of innumerable cultivators.


    These cultivators only felt the world brighten suddenly, and then they were enveloped by a mysterious and vast sword intent. Their pupils dted as countless swords, wrapped in sword qi, passed close by them, forcibly entering their field of view.


    Lu Lingjun, with her higher cultivation level, reacted faster, but was still engulfed by countless swords. She dared not move and could only watch as those swords charged towards the Six-Headed Sea Dragon.


    Her beautiful eyes widened, full of shock.


    No sooner had it been said than done! A massive stream of sword qi formed by hundreds of thousands of swords boldly dispersed the ck demon dragons, boldly confronting the Six-Headed Sea Dragon.


    The Six-Headed Sea Dragon reacted swiftly. After swinging its knife, all six draconic heads opened their mouths, spewing rolling mes, like a celestial river of burning mes sweeping across the sky.


    Boom¡ª


    The mes scattered, and the colossal demon body of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon was struck, retreating again and again, flesh flying about like rain pouring onto the ground.


    After seven steps, the Six-Headed Sea Dragon came to a halt, its demon body pierced through by a million swords, which then traced an upward arc in the sky behind it before hovering in midair.


    Countless cultivators and demons fixed their eyes on the scene, the demon energy dissipated, and each dragon head crashed to the ground, kicking up billowing dust.


    The terror-inducing body of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon was riddled with bloody holes, densely packed and enough to make one''s scalp tingle, its life forcepletely severed.


    The Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword forcefully dispersed his Primordial Spirit, with a Mahayana Demon Elixir from the Six-Headed Sea Dragon suspended amidst the sword swarm in the sky.


    Silence enveloped heaven and earth!


    Both Cultivator of the Human Race and demons stared dumbfounded at this scene.


    The nearly invincible Six-Headed Sea Dragon had died just like that?


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh¡­


    The million-strong sword swarm began to fly towards the direction of the Taicang Dynasty, the sound of cutting through the air incessant, breaking the silence.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao! It''s our Supreme Sect''s Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    A Great Cultivator shouted ecstatically, not just him, but all the cultivators who had experienced the Sword Intent at the Heavenly Repair tform were roused, shouting the name of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Lu Lingjun looked up at the sky where the million-strong sword swarm passed like a meteor shower, her eyes filled withplex emotions.


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor beneath her feet was also staring, dumbstruck and speechless.


    "Kill¡ª"


    Liang Canghai shouted loudly, his tone equally excited, and with thatmand, the cultivators of the Cangtian Sect were the first to charge towards the demon army.


    Witnessing the death of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, the demon army instantly copsed, all beginning to flee in panic, with the Demon Kings leaping up and fleeing at full speed back to the Demon Land.


    The mighty sword swarm swept over mountains andkes, causing cultivators,mon folk, and demons along the way to look up in awe.


    The Great Jiang Dynasty, Taichen Dynasty, North Sea Mountains¡­


    Sage Xuan Miao stood on a hillside, looking at the sword swarm flying towards the horizon, his eyes full of confusion.


    Just moments ago, he had seen the million-strong sword swarm flying north, how did it return so quickly?


    He watched as the million-strong sword swarm disappeared into the horizon, then stood in ce, deep in thought.


    In mid-flight, Gu An appeared out of nowhere among the sword swarm, seized the Demon Core of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, and then vanished.


    He returned to the attic in Mystic Valley, unknown to anyone that he had disappeared for a mere two breaths of time.


    Using his Divine Sense, he maneuvered the million-strong sword swarm back to the Outer City, relying on the memory and insight of the Nirvana Realm, he directed each of the million swords back into their owner''s hands, igniting an uproar throughout the city.


    ying the Six-Headed Sea Dragon won Gu An eight hundred years of life span, far less than what an eighth-tier Spirit Tree offered.


    Gu An picked up Daoist Xunchun, calming his emotions.


    With this action, he wondered if he would hasten the Great Demon Cataclysm.


    If the Great Demon Cataclysm were to arrive early, then he would have no choice but to embark on a massive ughter, reaching a life span of ten million years as soon as possible.


    He did not wish to massacre the living and be a demon, but if it was for survival, he would have to lower his principles.


    In the process of seizing life span, Gu An always worried that excessive killing would lead to the formation of a heart demon or an umtion of sins, a not umon urrence in the Immortal Cultivation World, so he tried as much as possible to extend his life span through nts.


    Of course, he also feared that too much killing would attract enemies he couldn''t defeat.


    He tried not to think of these things and instead pondered, what sort of life span functions would ten million years unlock?


    ¡­


    Within the Outer City.


    Di Xie watched the cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform, euphoric, and his expression was vacant.


    With his Perception Power, he could sense that the Demon Energy of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon had already dissipated.


    How much time had passed?


    Sword Venerable Fudao had actually managed to y the Six-Headed Sea Dragon with the swords of others...


    Di Xie knew the Six-Headed Sea Dragon; he disliked him, but he had to admit that thetter was strong, ranking high among the seventy-two Great Demon Kings.


    To be able to kill the Six-Headed Sea Dragon with such ease, how strong was Sword Venerable Fudao really?


    Di Xie suddenly felt the uing war between the two races was unpredictable.


    Sword Venerable Fudao might be the biggest stumbling block for his father the Emperor.


    He was not worried, in fact, somewhat looking forward to it.


    Compared to the atmosphere in the Demon n, he preferred the atmosphere of the Supreme Sect, where at least there was no infighting.


    Di Xie looked into the distance with a yful gaze, curious in his heart, "Demon Master, you consider yourself extraordinary, believing you can foresee all things between heaven and earth, but have you predicted Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    He walked towards the Heavenly Repair tform, ready to continue observing the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    He had a premonition that the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao might be the greatest opportunity he would ever encounter in his life!

 Chapter 164: Chapter 164 Demon Invasion, Descend the Mountain to Hunt!

    ```


    At the end of the year,


    Gu An arrived at the Outer Sect city and found that the streets were full of disciples discussing the feat of Sword Venerable Fudao ying the Six-Headed Sea Dragon. Some stalls even began selling dolls of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, as well as various drawings, including those depicting its death.


    Looking at those images, he inexplicably thought of Shen Zhen.


    Shen Zhen was still in seclusion; had she not been, perhaps she would have been exhrated by this event.


    Having not seen her for many years, Gu An actually missed her for a moment.


    It was not her person he missed, but her ability to create.


    He didn''t want Shen Zhen to stop writing; he only hoped she wouldn''t use him as a subject in her next book.


    Gu An began to wander around the city, listening to the disciples praising Sword Venerable Fudao. He inwardly reveled in their words, and the lingering worries in his heart were somewhat alleviated.


    The Demons of the Northern Territory had been eradicated, with no Great Demon King on the scale of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon appearing. Everything seemed to be developing in a positive direction.


    Yet, Gu An knew that the great Demon cmity was still approaching. Now it was not only the Northern Territory of the Great Jiang Dynasty that was being breached, but Demons continuously infiltrated thends of the Human Race, from east to west, near the Demon Land. The invasions were on a small scale, preventing the various sects from stopping them entirely.


    Fortunately, the number of Demons currently infiltrating was notrge, and they were at least not enough to shake the foundation of the Eight Dynasties. Gu An could still survive.


    After roaming around for a long time, Gu An finally headed to the Book Collection Hall to submit his books.


    Then, something happened that left Gu An not knowing whether tough or cry.


    The Great Elder Feng Shang hoped Gu An could incorporate Sword Venerable Fudao into the ''Shattering Void'' narrative to enhance his image, as per the Sect''s wish.


    Gu An feigned difficulty, and then Feng Shang mentioned that the Sect had already prepared a hundred sixth-grade medicinal herb seeds for him, so he reluctantly agreed.


    ...


    With the new spring''s arrival, this year''s Spring Festival found Ye Lan and Zhen Qin absent, so Gu An spent the holiday with the disciples, which felt somewhatckingpared to previous years.


    This sudden realization made him somewhat panicked.


    Yearster, if all his old acquaintances had passed away, would the Spring Festival still be a joyous asion, or would it be filled with sorrow?


    When it waste at night, his mood began to lift as he arrived at Nianchu Cave.


    No matter what, Tian Yao''er at least could apany him for eighteen thousand years, and if she could undergo Nirvana within this period, she could join him for even longer.


    However, he also needed to learn to reconcile with himself, to be open-minded about the ways of the world in order to achieve the Dao.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Next to the stone table, Gu An and Tian Yao''er began roastingmb legs. They chatted andughed, with Tian Yao''er always having endless topics when facing him, creating a festive atmosphere.


    "By the way, master, I''ve been hearing a strange noisetely, like it''sing from the outside. Could it be that a Demon has discovered our cave?" Tian Yao''er suddenly asked. Her mouth was greasy, her face smeared with dipping sauce, and her furrowed brows made Gu An want tough.


    Gu An answered, "Don''t worry, no Demons will break in. The owner of that noise is someone I''ve met. It''s just temporarily residing in the Heavenly Phoenix Mountain."


    Hearing this, Tian Yao''er immediately felt reassured.


    "By the way, master, where did you go after you left the cave? Did you return to live with the Human Race?" Tian Yao''er asked.


    "Well, I have other caves to look after."


    "Ah? Master, you haven''t raised other Demons, have you?"


    "There are a few, but none of them are as formidable as you."


    "Are there female Demons?"


    "Of course not, those Demons are low in aptitude and still cannot Shape-Shift."


    "That''s good, master, do you have a Daoist friend?"


    Tian Yao''er, as if opening a floodgate, bombarded him with questions.


    Raising an eyebrow beneath his mask, Gu An asked, "Where did you learn about Daoist friends?"


    Tian Yao''er took a bite of themb, speaking indistinctly, "From the books you left behind, do you have a Daoist friend or not?"


    Gu An replied, "Of course not."


    Tian Yao''er''s face lit up with joy, but Gu An''s next sentence made her face fall, "However, there are several women who might be my Daoist friends, and I''m troubled over whom to choose."


    Tian Yao''er put down themb leg, wiped the stains off her face, and asked seriously, "Master, do you think I qualify?"


    ncing at her, Gu An replied irritably, "What? You want to ascend the ranks now?"


    "No... I just think based on the standards for Daoist friends in the books, I could fit as well. Moreover, I definitely will not betray you like the Daoist friends in the books, destined to live and die with you!" Tian Yao''er quickly exined.


    You may want to live and die with me, but I certainly don''t.


    I am someone who seeks immortality!


    Gu An had resolved to live longer than heaven and earth, so such words could not move him.


    He replied with annoyance, "Focus on your cultivation, Minor Demon. Don''t entertain foolish thoughts. Whether human or demon, cultivation is the priority. As for feelings, at most they are a secondary pursuit."


    "Alright, then what are your requirements for a Daoist friend?"


    "I was just teasing you earlier. I don''t need a Daoist friend. If I had one, I''d have to bury her someday, and that would be too sad."


    "That sort of makes sense."


    "I let you read books to under the different facets of life, don''t indulge in thoughts of affection in the future."


    "Hmm, I won''t think about feelings, but if my master wishes, I am always ready!"


    As Gu An looked at Tian Yao''er''s earnest expression, his gaze involuntarily drifted downward, but after just a nce, he quickly withdrew it.


    He changed the subject and began talking about matters of cultivation.


    ```


    Tian Yao''er pouted. Although she felt depressed inside, she still listened attentively; she could only see Gu An twice a month, so she cherished their time together.


    ...


    After the New Year, the name of Sword Venerable Fudao had spread far and wide. The Supreme Sect had also been busy issuing numerous demon-ying tasks, and more and more disciples began to descend the mountain to save themon people.


    Mystic Valley, within an attic.


    Gu An was weaving a robe for himself. Since he didn''t need to sit in meditation to absorb energy, he had plenty of time to pursue his interests, and tailoring used to be one of them.


    The reason he was making a robe was that he was preparing to descend the mountain to y demons and eradicate evil.


    One reason was to help the people, and the other was to seize the opportunity to umte lifespan, striving to reach a lifespan of tens of millions of years as soon as possible.


    He also wanted to experience the kind of life Ye Lan and Zhen Qin led.


    Finally, Gu An finished weaving his robe. He stored the robe in his Storage Bag, then picked up the Qinghong Sword and walked out of the attic.


    He greeted Lu Jiujia with a nod and then left Mystic Valley.


    Lu Jiujia wasn''t curious about where he was going; after all, Gu An left the valley every now and then. In the eyes of the valley''s disciples, their master was a very busy person.


    ...


    Under the clear blue sky and white clouds, Gu An stood on a cliff. He was dressed in a deep purple robe cinched at the waist, embroidered with a dark red phoenix, and had the Qinghong Sword at his side.


    He took out an opera mask and put it on his face, then ced a bamboo hat on his head.


    After making adjustments, he used his Divine Sense to observe his image.


    His figure was quite impressive, and his auramanding!


    Like a chivalrous wanderer of the martial world!


    Gu An leaped forth, jumping into the forest and quickly vanishing from sight.


    A hundred miles away, amidst the mountains and fields, a fierce battle was taking ce. Several escort vehicles stopped alongside, and more than a dozen armed escorts were fighting demons beasts attacking from every direction. Behind the escort vehicles, there was a carriage with panicked horses neighing continuously, and inside the carriage, a mother and son clung tightly to each other.


    These armed escorts were not cultivators but merely martial artists, no match for the demon beasts.


    Just as the armed escorts despaired, a swift gust of wind approached.


    Then, a figure burst out from the neighboring woods, swift as a cunning rabbit, his swordy as fast as the wind, ying a demon with each strike. In less than the time of three breaths, nine demon beastsy dead.


    The armed escorts turned to look, barely catching a glimpse of the dark red phoenix embroidered on the stranger''s back before he quickly departed.


    "Amazing!"


    "That person just now must be a cultivator, right?"


    "Nonsense, what martial artist has such skills?"


    "Truly amazing, I didn''t even see how he made his move just now."


    "Me neither, and I don''t know which sect or school of cultivators he belongs to. I once sought to learn from the Ancient Sky Sect when I was young but was refused because I didn''t have a Spirit Root."


    Elsewhere in the woods, Gu An heard their conversation, the corners of his mouth curling slightly under his mask.


    This feeling of saving people was quite good; it may not be less satisfying than the sense of achievement from ying the Six-Headed Sea Dragon.


    Thus, Gu An began his journey of demon hunting. The demons he killed were all those that attacked themon people, so every time he acted, he was saving someone.


    "Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda." I wonder if it counts in this world?


    Regardless, Gu An was at peace with himself. ying a demon, saving a person¡ªhe believed the good would offset the evil, and he shouldn''t be troubled by sins.


    ...


    In the deep of night.


    A group of cultivators were sitting in meditation around the forest, with campfires scattered around, each encircled by five or six people.


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin were also there. Ye Lan was meditating with her eyes closed, while Zhen Qin was discussing with the disciples nearby about the recent demons encounters and matters of the Immortal Cultivation World.


    "I wonder what the Six-Headed Sea Dragon actually looks like. I heard five Great Cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm were devoured by it," Zhen Qin said softly, her face a mix of curiosity and fear.


    When she brought up the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, the other disciples became excited and started talking about Sword Venerable Fudao.


    After ying the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, Sword Venerable Fudao''s reputation in the Immortal Cultivation World had peaked. How powerful he truly was had be the question of greatest curiosity among all cultivators.


    It seemed that no matter how strong the opponent was, Sword Venerable Fudao could always easily y them.


    As they chatted, the discussion turned to some of the momentous events in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    "Su Han of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword just devoured the Spiritual Power of twenty Nascent Soul cultivators not long ago. It''s said that he''s about to step into the Divinity Transformation Realm. What Demon Skill has he been practicing?" a male disciple said with worry.


    As they frequently fought against demons, they were very concerned about encountering Su Han.


    Listening to their talk about Su Han, Zhen Qin''s mood suddenly became gloomy.


    "What? You want to know the Cultivation Technique Su Han practices? Then you''re in luck tonight. You''re about to find out."


    A sinisterugh suddenly echoed through the forest, startling the Disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall to their feet, including Ye Lan, who unsheathed her White Spirit Sword, ready for battle.


    "Prepare to fight!"


    Ye Lanmanded in a stern voice. The disciples quickly gathered, each drawing their Magic Artifacts.


    Looking around, the night woods were eerily silent, with mist swirling in the depths, obscuring any figures.


    Ye Lan suddenly looked in one direction, her brows furrowing, and the others did the same. They saw figures emerging from the darkness, carrying a coffin upon their shoulders!

 Chapter 165: Chapter 165: Eight Million Years Life Span!

    Watching that group of dark figures carrying the coffin, Ye Lan furrowed her brows, and the other disciples felt the same. They couldn''t see through the aura of the figures, which made their hearts sink.


    The neers were none other than the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil. Under the cover of night, they appeared like thirteen ghastly shadows, so terribly frightening.


    "We are disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall of the Supreme Sect. What do you seek to do?"


    A male disciple called out sternly. Within the Taicang Dynasty, being a disciple of the Supreme Sect gave them quite a bit of confidence.


    Upon hearing this, the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil remained unmoved. As they continued to approach, the disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall had no choice but to retreat.


    "Alright, stop scaring them, let them hurry up and leave,"


    a weak voice came from inside the coffin.


    Zhen Qin''s eyes widened, and she couldn''t help but shout, "Senior Brother Su?"


    Su Han?


    All the disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall were shocked and quickened their retreat. Ye Lan''s expression also turned serious.


    Su Han''s name was well-known in the Immortal Cultivation World, but it was a name that spelled doom and infamy.


    "So, it''s your junior sister. No wonder you want to let them go. Then scram quickly," a dark figure said with a sinister tone.


    Zhen Qin wanted to speak again, but was stopped by Ye Lan. Without making any threats, Ye Lan immediately led the disciples in retreat.


    As they left, Zhen Qin kept looking back, her gaze resting on the coffin. Unfortunately, her eyes couldn''t prate through the coffin.


    And like that, Ye Lan and the others swiftly departed.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil then set the coffin down, and the lid opened, with Su Han sitting up from it, disheveled, one hand gripping the side of the coffin.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil dispersed, setting up formations in various directions.


    Su Han looked in the direction Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and the others had left, his gazeplex, his thoughts inscrutable.


    Miles away.


    Above the forest, Gu An stood atop a tree, watching this scene from a distance. He held the Qinghong Sword in his crossed arms, and a mask obscured his face, although his eyes shone with a ghostly light.


    After watching for a good while, Gu An finally turned around and jumped into the forest below.


    ...


    Spring arrived, and all things revived. The sky above the Supreme Sect turned azure blue, adorned with white clouds, making for a pleasant vista.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Within the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An was picking herbs, with An Xin following beside him, carrying a bamboo basket in her hands.


    In these days, Gu An went out daily to save people and exterminate demons. Though his lifespan didn''t increase very quickly, gaining a few thousand years of lifespan each day was still feasible.


    Mainly, he wasn''t just after demons. In the process, he was also experiencing the myriad states of the Mortal World.


    "Valley Master, do you have any news of my brother?" An Xin suddenly asked, a question she had been holding back for a long time.


    She knew that Gu An was acquainted with An Hao, especially with An Hao''s master, Lv Baitian.


    While picking herbs, Gu An replied, "I''ve heard before that he''s in Tianwei, supposedly to marry the Princess of Tianwei. The auspicious date isn''t set yet; he''s in closed cultivation in Tianwei."


    This matter was no secret, already being discussed in the Inner Sect. As the number one genius of the Supreme Sect, An Hao''s every move could stir up gossip.


    The Supreme Sect had already dispatched Elders to discuss this matter, and they were supportive of An Hao''s marriage to the Tianwei Imperial Family.


    Upon hearing this, An Xin heaved a sigh of relief and asked with a smile, "What about the appearance and talent of the Princess of Tianwei?"


    "As for her character, I''m not sure, but she''s said to be quite beautiful. Don''t you know your brother? If someone isn''t attractive, would he even spare a nce?" Gu An answered.


    Whenever An Hao was mentioned, An Xin''s smile grew wider as she started to recount embarrassing stories from his childhood. Gu An listened attentively, showing no sign of impatience.


    Gu An was also pleased about An Hao''s uing marriage.


    Although Gu An hadn''t married himself, the prospect of his own disciple, whom he had raised, getting married filled him with joy just thinking about it.


    After they finished picking the herbs, the two headed toward the pavilion cluster.


    Gu An instructed An Xin to take the herbs to the storage building while he went upstairs alone, nning to rx with a book.


    When evening came, Gu An left the Third Medicine Valley and continued his chivalrous endeavors.


    Months passed, and Gu An celebrated his nieth birthday. During this time, he had in over twelve thousand three hundred demon beasts, ruing nearly four hundred thousand years of lifespan, breaking through eight million years in total.


    Cultivators all over the world were ying demons and saving the suffering masses, so Gu An hadn''t made a name for himself yet, but the tens of thousands of people he''d saved remembered him. Sooner orter, his exploits would spread far and wide.


    The Eight Dynasties continued to wage war against each other, pushing toward unification, while the Immortal Cultivation World was repelling demons. But no matter how many demons were killed, the number of demons in the Eight Dynasties seemed to only increase.


    The Demon Cmity wasn''t like many had thought; it wasn''t a countless horde of demons attacking all at once, but rather a constant infiltration.


    Perhaps, once the Demon Ancestor revived, the situation would be entirely different.


    In the scorching summer days.


    Disguised, Gu An walked along a mountain path. Along the way, there were many refugees, gaunt and with sallowplexions, their faces dirty and their bodies swaying as though they were the walking dead. Even as they brushed by Gu An, they didn''t turn their heads, as though nothing in the world was worth their attention anymore.


    Gu An wasn''t seeing this for the first time.


    These refugees were usually people whose homes had been destroyed by demons, forcing them to head towards other cities. However, it wasn''t just demons that made life difficult for people; evil people too, taking advantage of others'' misfortune, were all toomon. Gu An had even killed several evildoers in the act of abusing women.


    Gu An likewise did not turn his head towards the refugees; he was pondering a question.


    What would he do to survive in this world if he did not have the ability to im life spans?


    From the Holy Lands that nurture demons to harm themon world, to themon folk who are deeply harmed by demon and evil people.


    Although Gu An wanted to focus on cultivation, if he could do so without harming himself, he also wanted to do whatever was within his power.


    He moved forward while pondering.


    Not until he sensed a breathing from the south did he pull back his thoughts and extend his divine sense to investigate.


    The divine sense of the Nirvana Realm''s ninthyer swept across thend, mountains, rivers, andkes, arriving above an endless azure sea.


    He saw a dazzle of white light appear at the horizon of the sea¡ªupon closer inspection, they were white lotuses, forming a stairway in the air, constantly extending forward, with the lotuses behind disappearing. A daoist was moving forward on the white lotus stairway, stepping down and generating lotuses beneath his feet, as if an immortal walked in this world.


    A Mahayana cultivator!


    Finally, a Mahayana cultivator had returned. Gu An felt a sense of relief in his heart.


    If only he himself could stand against the demon''s cmity, he really had to consider taking people and fleeing.


    The power of one person, to avert a genocide¡ªa Seven Stars Spirit Realm and those unseen forces would certainly take notice of him, frantically investigating him. Even if he could hide deeply, he would not dare to say he would definitely not be found out. This did not align with his principles of immortal cultivation.


    With others to help shoulder the pressure, he could make his move.


    Afterward, Gu An quickened his pace and continued with his demon eradication n.


    He did not kill any demon he saw; he only killed those that attacked viges andmon people.


    If he could earn several hundred thousand years of life span in one year, it would not take three years before he could break through.


    Gu An was very much looking forward to the second realm of the immortal path.


    ...


    The return of the Daoist Lord from Cangtian Sect!


    This news, like a blockbuster bomb, shook the entire immortal cultivation world. When the news reached the Supreme Sect, the disciples there were also invigorated, and various legends about the Daoist Lord started wildly spreading in every city.


    When Gu An arrived at the Book Collection Hall to return books, he heard many disciples discussing the Daoist Lord.


    There was little information about the Daoist Lord, but one thing was very clear: the Cangtian Sect recognized him as a Mahayana cultivator!


    After years of cmity, the Mahayana Realm within the world of immortal cultivation was no longer a secret; it represented the limit a mortal spirit could reach and symbolized the highest realm within the world of immortal cultivation!


    With the return of the Daoist Lord, various factions actively sought to contact the Supreme Elders who were away, in the hopes that a Mahayana cultivator would appear.


    It is worth mentioning that in this month, the Wuzhen Dynasty surrendered to the Taicang Dynasty, with Taicang once again annexing a kingdom. Meanwhile, Tianwei absorbed the Great Zhao Dynasty, and thus the once nine dynasties''nd became six dynasties''nd.


    In terms of vastness, the Taicang Dynasty was the greatest, and the name of Li Xuandao was often mentioned even within the immortal cultivation world.


    After leaving the Book Collection Hall, Gu An walked on the streets, eavesdropping on the disciples'' discussions about the various major events of the immortal cultivation world with interest.


    As the immortal cultivation world was striving to unite its power, he could not show weakness.


    He aimed to quietly break through to the second realm of the immortal path before the world was united under one ruler!


    Half an hourter, Gu An left the Outer City and then went to the North Sea Mountains to pick herbs in Sage Xuan Miao''s medicinal garden.


    Deep into the night, Gu An was on the move again.


    This time, he came to a valley. This valley was less than two hundred miles away from the nearest town. The demon energy was thick, and within it, dozens of people were captured, with as many as two hundred demons inside. The strongest one had reached the Nascent Soul Realm. That demon had sustained severe injuries, which is why it sent its subordinates to catch people from the town.


    Gu An stood on the cliff, overlooking the flickering firelight in the valley, when he suddenly caught a breath. His eyes narrowed beneath the mask.


    Without hesitation, he leaped down.


    When facing demons in the civilian world, Gu An never used spells or divine skills, relying solely on swordsmanship to kill demons.


    After a short period of time,


    Inside the valley, dozens of raggedmon folk knelt on the grass before Gu An, bowing their heads.


    In front of Gu An, against the cliff, hung a huge cat demon, covered in blood, its body embedded into the rock face, with rubble steadily sliding down.


    Beyond that, centered around Gu An, were bodies of demons in all directions, a ghastly scene to behold.


    Gu An spoke, "You should hurry back."


    Upon hearing this, themon folk quickly got to their feet and ran towards the mouth of the valley.


    Gu An''s gaze then moved to the cat demon''s body below, where another shape-shifting demon was lying, twitching all over.


    Suddenly, a woman turned her head back and said, "Kind sir, that demon cared for us and even tried to save us. Please don''t kill him."


    As soon as she spoke, the other fleeingmon folk also stopped, and when they saw the demon the woman was pointing at, they began to vouch for it, pleading for mercy on its behalf.


    Gu An waved his hand, and themon folk had no choice but to leave; the woman bit her lip and ultimately followed suit.


    Soon, the valley fell silent.


    The shape-shifting demon shakily stood up beneath the cat demon. He didn''t look like a monster at all but rather more like a person.


    "Kill or carve as you wish¡­" Zhang Buku said to the mysterious sword cultivator before him, clenching his teeth, his eyes showing no fear.

 Chapter 166: Chapter 166: Green Hero Appears, The Nine Custodians of the World

    ```


    Watching the defiant shape-shifting demon before him, Gu An''s memories were stirred.


    He remembered the times he spent with his eldest martial brother, Zhang Chunqiu, whose life spanned from youth to old age in his memories.


    This shape-shifting demon was none other than Zhang Chunqiu''s son, Zhang Buku.


    When they first met, Zhang Buku was still a boy, but now he had grown up.


    Seeing the miserable state of Zhang Buku, his eldest martial brother must feel heartbroken, right?


    That''s what Gu An thought, his mind beginning to wander.


    Zhang Buku''s injuries were not caused by him; before he lifted a hand, Zhang Buku was being bullied by other demons. Earlier, when he had killed demons, Zhang Buku had charged at him and been kicked to the ground by him. It wasn''t until all the demons were dead that Zhang Buku managed to stand up with difficulty.


    From what the vigers said, Zhang Buku indeed had done no evil.


    But why did this boy have an attitude of seeking death?


    Gu An raised his Qinghong Sword and pointed it at him, asking, "Do you truly wish to die?"


    But Zhang Buku, without hesitation, wore a ferocious expression and charged straight at Gu An.


    Gu An inverted his grip on the sword and used the hilt to press against Zhang Buku''s chest. His upper body leaned backward, preventing Zhang Buku''s hands from reaching him.


    Not waiting for Zhang Buku to change his moves, Gu An took off his mask and ced it over his face.


    Zhang Buku instinctively retreated, then removed the mask, staring angrily at Gu An. Just as he was about to smash the mask in his hands at Gu An, his eyes widened in astonishment.


    "Gu... Martial Uncle Gu?"


    Zhang Buku asked cautiously.


    Gu An wasn''t afraid of exposing his identity because the power he disyed when ying demons, though strong, was far from his true cultivation level.


    Plus, only in this way would Zhang Buku stop.


    Gu An asked with a smile, "You still remember me?"


    Zhang Buku wiped the blood from his face and said excitedly, "Of course I remember, you even gave me Spirit Energy Elixirs, how could I forget?"


    Gu An sheathed his sword and then took out Healing Medicine to give to him, having him heal his injuries first.


    Zhang Buku did not refuse, he swallowed the elixir and sat down to meditate on the spot. While cultivating energy, he watched Gu An collecting Demon Treasures.


    An hourter, the two of them arrived at a small river. Zhang Buku squatted down, began to wash his face, and took the opportunity to clean his wounds.


    After he was done, he turned to look at Gu An, who had put the mask back on, and asked, "Martial Uncle Gu, why do you dress like this?"


    He was no longer the naive boy he once was. Having roamed the Immortal Cultivation World for so long, he was well aware of the status of the Supreme Sect.


    In the Taicang Dynasty, disciples of the Supreme Sect were honored wherever they went.


    Gu An replied, "In these chaotic times of demons, although I wish to save and help the suffering, I also fear trouble. Thus I wear a mask, not wanting to be recognized."


    Zhang Buku suddenly understood; he remembered his father''s assessment of Martial Uncle Gu.


    Timid, cautious, yet also kind-hearted.


    "Don''t tell anyone about what I''ve done," Gu An added.


    Zhang Buku chuckled and said, "Don''t worry, I keep my mouth shut. Besides, you just saved my life, Martial Uncle Gu, how could I possibly harm you?"


    Gu An ruffled his hair and asked, "How did you end up mingling with these demons?"


    As soon as he said this, Zhang Buku''s smile froze, and he lowered his head.


    The night wind was hot and dry; Gu An looked at Zhang Buku''s back and sighed in his heart.


    Actually, without asking, Gu An could guess his predicament.


    The offspring of a human and a demon, born among humans, but as he grew older, the demon energy grew stronger. The human race would not ept him, but his beliefs had already been shaped by Zhang Chunqiu, so how could he integrate into the Demon n?


    Gu An had previously heard those demons mocking him for his impure bloodline, meaning the Demon n didn''t ept him either.


    "I obtained this cultivation technique said to be from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. Being from the Righteous Path Sect, I shouldn''t cultivate it, so I might as well pass it on to you," Gu An suddenly said. Then he pulled out a manual from his Storage Bag.


    It was titled, Demon Shadow Divine Skill!


    In fact, it was the cultivation method for the Yin Yang Extreme body!


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Buku looked up, staring at Gu An''s offered hand, somewhat dazed.


    In his sixty-six years of life, only Martial Uncle Gu before him had taken care of him without expecting anything in return.


    He stood up, caught in hesitation.


    Gu An directly stuffed the manual into his chest, saying, "Take it, and remember, don''t tell anyone that I gave you this cultivation technique."


    Zhang Buku took a deep breath, looked up at Gu An, and asked, "Martial Uncle Gu, am I truly a human, or a demon? Why does it seem that neither humans nor demons are willing to ept me?"


    Gu An asked in surprise, "Who says no one is willing to ept you? I can ept you. As for whether you''re human or demon, does it matter? Buku, the suffering you''re experiencing now might be due to these troubled times. Think about those people trapped in the valleys, are they able to control their own fates? You can cultivate and have already surpassed ny percent of the living beings."


    Zhang Buku fell into a daze; he began to think of those suffering people.


    ```


    "What''s important is not the identity you were born into, but the kind of existence you aspire to be in this life," Gu An said with earnest gravity.


    Zhang Buku took a deep breath and said, "Thank you for the enlightenment, Martial Uncle Gu."


    Fearing that Zhang Buku might harm himself, Gu An continued, "When he was young, your father often said how wonderful it would be if his Spirit Root Qualification were not poor. He too wanted to travel the world, to traverse rivers and mountains, to reach the highest peaks and ask the heavens whether immortals truly exist in this world.


    What you have now is something your father spent his entire life unable to touch. Practice your cultivation diligently, for Immortal Cultivation will guide you to the meaning of life."


    Zhang Buku''s maximum life span was two thousand three hundred years; even with half of the Demon n''s bloodline, it still proved that his qualification was not poor.


    Having said that, Gu An patted Zhang Buku on the shoulder, then tossed him a Storage Bag and left.


    Zhang Buku hastily asked, "Martial Uncle Gu, where are you going?"


    "To save those who suffer just as you do," replied Gu An.


    Gu An raised his hand in farewell, not looking back.


    Watching his retreating figure, Zhang Buku''s eyes were filled with admiration.


    He knew of Martial Uncle Gu''s background¡ªhaving no parents, born as a house servant, while he himself at least had his father''spany into adulthood.


    If Martial Uncle Gu could still be so free-spirited, why should he wallow in self-pity?


    When Zhang Buku saw the Storage Bag on the ground, he picked it up. Just as he was about to call out to Martial Uncle Gu, he was already out of sight.


    He probed into the Storage Bag with his Divine Sense and then his expression grewplex.


    Inside were all the Demon Treasures left by the demons they had encountered earlier.


    He gripped the Storage Bag tightly, his head bowed, tears streaming down his cheeks. As he cried, the corners of his mouth began to turn up into a smile.


    "I will practice my cultivation diligently, Martial Uncle Gu. One day, I will repay you and make you proud."


    ...


    A year swiftly passed by.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Throughout the year, Great Cultivators had been returning from overseas, one after another, their life stories proimed by their Sects, spreading throughout thend, rousing the fervor of Cultivators everywhere.


    The demon cmity was indeed terrifying, but just like Pan An wrote in ''Shattering Void,'' the Human Race, relentless in strengthening itself, would surely endure all cmities!


    Gu An had a fulfilling year; when not gathering herbs, he spent his time descending the mountain to alleviate suffering. If he encountered oppressed demons, he would lend a helping hand as well.


    Gradually, a legend about a Swordsman spread among themon folk¡ªthe Swordsman was known as the Green Sword Hero, and somehow, as the tale evolved, it turned into the Green Hero.


    At Mystic Valley, in front of the pavilion, Gu An was practicing his swordsmanship with Chu Jingfeng.


    Ye Lan was watching from the side.


    In the end, Gu An barely managed to defeat Chu Jingfeng. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he sighed, "Without using Spiritual Power, it''s truly difficult to win against Brother Chu just with swordsmanship."


    Chu Jingfeng was gasping for breath, but he smiled and said, "Your swordsmanship is very good. I''m not disgraced by my defeat."


    Even though he lost, he was not discouraged because Gu An''s victory had note easily either.


    Afterward, he took his leave, not wanting to disturb Gu An and Ye Lan.


    Gu An led Ye Lan upstairs.


    After entering the room, Gu An went to wash his face while Ye Lan closed the door and walked to the desk to speak, "Lately, there have been more and more demons along the borders of the Five Dynasties, even Mystic Heart Realm Great Demons have appeared. It seems the death of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon hasn''t had a deterring effect on the Demon Land."


    In the past year, the Chentang Dynasty was annexed by the Great Jiang Dynasty, the world thus having one fewer Dynasty.


    "I''ve heard that there are seventy-two Great Demon Kings in the Demon Land, and the Six-Headed Sea Dragon was one of them. When the true demon cmity arrives, I wonder how the Human Race will cope. In my opinion, thebined strength of the Nine Pinnacles is far from sufficient," said Ye Lan, sitting down with a troubled expression.


    The Nine Pinnacles was a title proimed by the Supreme Sect, including the Daoist Lord of Cangtian Sect, the Taoist of Immortality from the Three Pure Ones Mountain, and Sword Venerable Fudao from Supreme Sect.


    With the Nine Pinnacles united, the morale in the Immortal Cultivation World surged, with Supreme Sect frequently mentioned in conversations.


    Lv Baitian had thoroughly researched and understood the strategies taught by Gu An.


    Gu An turned around, smiling, "At least the strength of the Immortal Cultivation World is continuously improving, which is a good sign. As long as there''s hope, that''s all that matters."


    Ye Lan followed with, "It is said that above the seventy-two Great Demon Kings, there are even more terrifying existences. Who knows what the Demon Land is really preparing for."


    "Let''s not think about that. You and I can''t change the course of the world, all we can do is to live with the tide," Gu An consoled her.


    Ye Lan nodded and said, "If Great Jiang falls, brother, let''s head south and set sail. I have been preparing for it. The ocean is dangerous, but at least it''s a path to life. If we can find an ind to live on in the future, even if we can only survive another decade or two, it would not be a wasted life."


    Gu An asked with a smile, "What kind of life would that be? Just the two of us? Wouldn''t that be boring?"


    "How could it be boring? We would work at sunrise and rest at sunset. I have many ways to keep brother entertained," Ye Lan replied, giving Gu An a suggestive raise of her eyebrow that led his thoughts astray.


    Gu An cleared his throat and said, "If it reallyes to that, then that''s all we can do."


    Hearing this, Ye Lan became excited and began discussing the resources she had prepared.


    Seeing her smile, Gu An thought to himself, don''t worry, junior sister, I won''t let you be destitute and drifting!


    Gu An''s lifespan had already exceeded nine hundred and thirty million years, getting ever closer to the milestone of ten million!


    If he worked hard this year, he might just umte a lifespan of ten million years by year''s end.


    For his junior sister, he was willing to test the sharpness of the great demon cmity!

 Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Breaking Through Ten Million Years Life Span!

    Dark clouds churned, the sky dim and murky, and the earth was spread with rivers of magma. From above, it seemed as if the surface was cracked, and a scorching heat permeated the air, mixed with demon fog studded with sparks that surged around.


    Volcanoes stretched endlessly, some still erupting, with countless demons circling among the mountains, and even fish leaping out from the magma, causing bones to sink and float.


    Atop a majestic volcano, there stood an altar where a ck-robed man was seated in meditation. His robe was wide, and his hair even longer, giving the impression that the robe upied a third of the altar''s surface. He had a snake tail covered in ck scales that extended from beneath his robe and draped over the edge of the altar.


    In front of the ck-robed man, a giant skeleton held a bronze mirror. Demon energy was swirling within, as if thousands of evil ghosts were struggling to break free.


    A Great Demon with a tiger''s head and a human body flew in on a cloud of demon mist andnded beside the altar.


    "Demon Master, the Demon Emperor ns to visit the ancient tomb of the Demon Ancestor and wants to know if you will apany him,"


    the tiger-headed Great Demon inquired respectfully with sped fists.


    The ck-robed man on the altar was the Demon Master, a being whose power was second only to the Demon Emperor in thend of demons.


    The Demon Master replied with indifference, "Tell His Majesty, my divination is at a critical juncture, and I cannot apany him."


    The tiger-headed Great Demon then asked, "His Majesty asked, what should he do if the Demon Ancestor regains consciousness ahead of schedule?"


    "Tell His Majesty not to worry. The soul of the Demon Ancestor is merely a shell, its spirit worn away by heaven and earth. Without a suitable soul, resurrection is impossible."


    "But¡­ His Majesty requires an answer."


    The tiger-headed Great Demon hesitated. Hearing this, the Demon Master fell silent, his tail no longer swaying, which only added to the Great Demon''s anxiety.


    After a while,


    the Demon Master said deeply, "If he truly regains his wit, then tell His Majesty to eradicate him."


    "As youmand!"


    With a relieved bow, the tiger-headed Great Demon promptly departed.


    Once he disappeared into the horizon, the Demon Master slowly lifted his head, revealing a face so ghastly and terrifying that most of it was bare bone, with eyeballs that seemed as if they might fall out at any moment and two fangs sharp as daggers.


    His pupils were blood-red, staring at the bronze mirror before him. He murmured to himself, "Why has fate altered¡­"


    ...


    Late autumn at the Inner Sect''s Book Collection Hall.


    Gu An came to the third floor to find Elder Xu Lu and inquired, "Recently, another group of disciples from overseas have returned, along with Supreme Elders. Is there a map of the ocean?"


    Xu Lu looked up at him and chuckled, "You''ve asked three times now, and indeed you have waited long enough."


    He opened a drawer, took out a jade slip, and said, "The map is in here, to be read with Divine Sense, but I cannot let you take it with you. You can look at it right here in the hall."


    "Thank you, Elder."


    Gu An quickly expressed his gratitude, then took the jade slip and headed towards a chair not far away.


    He wasn''t worried about being suspected. If someone did investigate, he could only reveal his identity as Pan An.


    Gathering materials as Pan An was perfectly reasonable!


    Gu An''s lifespan had already reached nine hundred and ny-five million years, merely fifty thousand years shy of the ten-million-year milestone.


    Fifty thousand years was, for him now, no issue at all; he could wait another month at a slow pace or quickly go to the Star-Master Cave and gather rare and precious materials if he was in a hurry.


    After sitting, Gu An sent his Divine Sense into the jade slip.


    Instantly, he saw a vast ocean. From above, one could see the boundaries of the Taicang Dynasty, and below was the ocean, with margins wreathed in fog, representing the unknown.


    At a nce, there seemed to be nondmassrger than this continent atop the ocean, only inds of varying sizes, some asrge as the Taicang Dynasty itself.


    When his Divine Sense focused on a particr spot, the view zoomed in, and he could even see the exact scene of that part of the ocean, magnificent waves, with even the figures of demon beasts within.


    The Cultivator who created this jade slip must have been very powerful, possibly the work of a Supreme Elder?


    An ancient hour passed.


    Gu An finally withdrew his Divine Sense and stood up to return the jade slip to Xu Lu, remarking, "The ocean is truly vast."


    Xu Lu ced the jade slip back in the drawer and asked with a half-smile, "Are you studying the ocean map to n an escape?"


    At this, Gu An replied emphatically, "How could that be? I believe the Supreme Sect will ovee the great cmity of demons. Why would I need to flee? I''m just curious about this world."


    "Is that so? Many, just like you, havee to me for ocean maps recently, including True Disciples. I thought for a moment the Supreme Sect was dissolving," Xu Luughed.


    Gu An asked, "What about you, Elder? If the Supreme Sect needed all its disciples to fight with their backs to the wall, what would you choose?"


    Xu Lu replied with augh, "This old bones of mine have long been ready to be buried within the Supreme Sect; I''ve even prepared my tombstone in advance."


    Hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but show an expression of admiration.


    After chatting for a while, Gu An bid farewell with a bow.


    Once Gu An was downstairs, a figure descended from the stairway leading to the upper floors ¨C a masked woman in a in Taoist robe with her hair coiled up and secured with a wooden hairpin. She approached Xu Lu.


    Xu Lu raised his hand in greeting and asked with a smile, "Elder, what do you require?"


    The masked woman took out several jade slips from her sleeve and said, "If that disciplees looking for a map again, you can give these to him."


    Xu Lu took the jade slips, unable to hold back his curiosity, "Do you know him?"


    "Let''s say I''m aware of him. Someone wishes to take him as a disciple, and he also has anotheryer of identity worthy of cultivation," the masked woman left these words and vanished on the spot.


    Xu Lu, looking down at the jade slips on the table, muttered to himself, "Anotheryer of identity? He''s just a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, spending his days reading idly, what kind of identity could he have? Could he be Pan An?"


    "Impossible, how could Pan An love reading Daoist Xunchun''s work? Perhaps he''s the author of the Supreme Secret Records, writing under his real name?"


    ...


    As winter approached, this year''s snowfall waste.


    After dusk, Gu An first went to Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion to harvest a batch of medicinal herbs, and then rented them anew.


    Leaving Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion behind, after a dozen steps, he arrived at the Nianchu Cave on Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    Tian Yao''er was practicing Limitless Freedom Step, her figure constantly shifting. Despite the short distance, the mystery of her Divine Skills was already apparent.


    This demoness indeed had a highprehension, yet to reach a hundred or a thousand miles with a single step, she would need many, many years of hard work. As for achieving Gu An''s level of proficiency, he momentarily saw no hope for her.


    Gu An merely nced at her before turning to gather herbs.


    Seeing him, Tian Yao''er immediately showed a delighted smile and rushed towards him.


    A gust of fragrant wind assailed Gu An, and Tian Yao''er hugged him tightly, rubbing her face against his chest, much to his helplessness.


    How had this girl be so clingy?


    "Why do you suddenly smell so sweet?" Gu An raised an eyebrow and asked. He gently patted Tian Yao''er''s thigh, but she became even more mischievous.


    To hug was one thing, but to rub against him with her leg!


    That was going too far!


    Tian Yao''er looked up, giggling, "I don''t know either, perhaps it''s my natural scent. Master, do you like it?"


    Gu An pressed against her forehead, pushing her away.


    "It''s alright. I need to gather herbs now, you keep practicing."


    Gu An honestly meant what he said. Although Tian Yao''er smelled lovely, he wasn''t harboring any inappropriate thoughts.


    Tonight, he would reach a lifespan of ten million years!


    Tian Yao''er didn''t obey, instead following him around and trying to find out his preferences while he was gathering herbs.


    Gu An responded offhandedly, his thoughts already drifting overseas.


    He had begun to envision even higher realms!


    After a while, Gu An suddenly sensed something, pausing in his actions before continuing to gather herbs.


    His Divine Sense reached out from Nianchu Cave, looking into the distance where demon fog churned in the night sky, with an enormous entity stirring behind the mountains.


    Upon closer inspection, he saw a group of cultivators attacking an Ancient Species that stood a thousand feet tall, shaking the ground and mountains.


    The Ancient Species resembled a turtle, with a mountain on its shell ¨C a volcano, in fact ¨C with three serpent-like heads constantly spouting demon mes.


    Among those attacking it was a familiar face.


    Ji Xiaoyu!


    Why was she near Heavenly Phoenix Mountain?


    Ji Xiaoyu had reached the seventhyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, and the cultivators apanying her were all at least at the Divinity Transformation Realm, numbering twenty-seven in total, with a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator watching from a distance.


    Gu An could feel a surge of demon energy approaching from afar, with a cultivation level at the fifthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Could these cultivators be from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Gu An mused to himself, but his hands didn''t slow down.


    It wasn''t long before the Mystic Heart Realm Great Demon attacked, forcing the Mystic Heart Realm cultivator to act. A major battle at the Mystic Heart Realm erupted, and Ji Xiaoyu and the others promptly withdrew, distancing themselves from the battlefield.


    Seeing that the battle of the Mystic Heart Realm was evenly matched, Gu An withdrew his Divine Sense and focused on gathering herbs.


    After some time,


    Gu An suddenly stopped as two notices appeared before his eyes:


    [Your lifespan has broken through ten million years for the first time, unlocking the Life Fusion feature.]


    [Life Fusion: Sacrifice lifespan to break Heaven and Earth Rules and thews of heaven,bining different Divine Skills, spells, and strengths. The amount of lifespan consumed will be determined by the objects fused.]


    Fusion?


    Gu An first thought of his Five Elements Treasure Body, finally able to fuse the Cultivation Techniques into the Five Elements Skill.


    A look of anticipation shone in his eyes.


    "Master, why have you stopped?" Tian Yao''er asked from beside him.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu An replied, "I''m checking if the number of herbs has decreased, worried that you might have snuck a few."


    With that, he resumed gathering herbs.


    However, Tian Yao''er grew anxious and began to swear endlessly that she had not sneaked any.


    After teasing her for a while, Gu An finally said he was joking.


    Tian Yao''er was clearly dissatisfied, ring at him with big eyes as if she wanted to devour him.


    This was the first time Gu An saw her angry.


    After finishing the herb gathering, Gu An put an arm around her shoulder,forting her, "Don''t be mad, I''ll teach you a powerful spellter."


    Tian Yao''er pouted, "Just the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill and Limitless Freedom Step are enough for me to practice. I don''t want any spells."


    "What do you want, then?"


    "Let me think... How about you stay with me for the night?"


    "To practice with you?"


    "No, no, no, to read books. We can lie down and read."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately felt that something was amiss.


    This girl was getting bolder!

 Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Descending to the Ocean, Integrating Cultivation Techniques

    Facing Tian Yao''er''s incessant coquetry, Gu An eventually agreed to stay and spend the night with her, as he had finally broken through to a ten-million-year lifespan that night and could rx for an evening.


    After Gu An agreed, Tian Yao''er became even more joyful.


    To celebrate achieving a ten-million-year lifespan, Gu An went back to Mystic Valley to fetch somemb for barbecuing, which deeply touched Tian Yao''er, who thought Gu An wasmemorating the special asion.


    During the barbecue, Gu An''s divine sense was locked on the battlefield at the edge of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    More and more demons were arriving, and the Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm leading Ji Xiaoyu and others couldn''t im victory within an hour, dragging Ji Xiaoyu and the rest into the battle.


    If the battle continued like this, it was likely to end badly.


    It was uncertain whether these people were from the Ji Family or from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Gu An thought this to himself while casually chatting with Tian Yao''er, not letting her detect any ws.


    An hourter, the Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm was severely injured and had to lead Ji Xiaoyu and others in a retreat, but by then, it was already toote.


    Gu An was lying under a tree, guiding Tian Yao''er in her cultivation.


    Tian Yao''er continuously practiced the Limitless Freedom Step in front of him, and he would asionallyment on it. Tian Yao''er felt very aggrieved and pouted the whole time.


    Hadn''t they agreed to lie down and read together?


    Liar!


    Big liar!


    The more Tian Yao''er practiced, the redder her eyes became.


    Seeing her expression, Gu An found it amusing.


    Today, he nned to teach her a lesson.


    The more you want something, the harder it is to obtain¡ªthis is the essence of life!


    How could she survive for thousands or tens of thousands of years if she started having wild thoughts after just a few years?


    Gu An was moved by his own foresight, feeling that Tian Yao''er was incredibly fortunate to have met him; it was the blessing of eight lifetimes of cultivation. If it were another master, she would have been miserable!


    ...


    Under the cover of night, Ji Xiaoyu, dressed in ck, was fleeing rapidly. The wilderness was rife with demons and ghosts. Seeing her figure, these demons and ghosts all pounced toward her.


    Holding a sword in her right hand, she activated the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form. A golden Dharma Aspect appeared behind her, and golden dragons emerged from it, ughtering demons and ghosts from all directions.


    Soon, she deactivated the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form and continued to fight demons and ghosts with her sword.


    She could no longer discern her direction and could only flee toward one.


    Time passed unknowingly.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s spiritual power was exhausted, and as she ran, she took out Spirit Energy Elixirs to consume, but the spiritual power provided by these elixirs waspletely insufficient for fighting.


    She stopped at the foot of a slope, quickly pulled out several small gs and talisman papers, and managed to set up a formation in less than five breaths, concealing her presence.


    She sat down and began to cultivate energy.


    Several demons passed over her head, not noticing her presence.


    However, the ground began to tremble, and sand and stones jumped up, causing Ji Xiaoyu to open her eyes and furrow her brow.


    Following her gaze, a gigantic, semi-visible creature loomed behind the mountains. It was a shape-shifting Giant Demon with a human-like body and a lion-like head; its long mane twisted like tentacles, which, in the ck night, looked extremely terrifying.


    "Littledy, where do you think you''re escaping to?"


    A cold, violent voice sounded, and a raging wind swept through, covering the mountainside in a rolling dust storm.


    The formation around Ji Xiaoyu was hit by the wind. The airborne sand and movement of air flowed around the formation, revealing its outline.


    Ji Xiaoyu watched the approaching figure of the Giant Demon calmly, showing no fear in her eyes.


    She just sighed softly, a golden pattern faintly emerging on her forehead.


    Before long, the terrifying Lion Demon stepped in front of her. He slowly squatted down, the sea of clouds churned, revealing his lion head. His fangs were sharp, his eyes blood-red, and his ck mane burned ferociously like mes from hell.


    Suddenly.


    The terrifying Lion Demon halted. He raised his eyes toward the hill behind Ji Xiaoyu.


    The golden pattern on Ji Xiaoyu''s forehead had expanded, covering her entire forehead, resembling aplexwork of pathways.


    Sensing something, she turned her head to look.


    She saw a figure standing on the hilltop behind her, a man in purple clothes, wearing a mask, standing against the wind.


    She was inwardly shocked, as she hadn''t noticed his approach.


    "Where did youe from?" the terrifying Lion Demon roared angrily, then swung a paw toward the hillside.


    A palm strikended, the immense pressure shattered Ji Xiaoyu''s formation instantly. Several small gs sank into the soil as talisman papers flew away, and her crown was blown off her head, her hair flying wildly.


    Boom¡ª


    Apanied by a deafening roar, the earth shook violently, forcing Ji Xiaoyu, a seventhyer Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, to close her eyes.


    When the breath that made her heart throb dissipated, she opened her eyes and saw that the terrifying Lion Demon was left with only his upper body, blood raining down. The nighttime clouds were dispersed, revealing a sky full of stars, dazzling and mesmerizing.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes widened in shock.


    Such a powerful Lion Demon, even herpanions from the Void Crossing Realm had been devoured by it.


    Instinctively, she turned to look back. The mysterious man still stood on the hillside, his hands naturally hanging by his sides as if he hadn''t made a move.


    It was Gu An!


    To prevent being recognized, Gu An had intentionally made his figurerger, standing a head taller than his original body, disheveled and almost traceless.


    The reason he didn''t use the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body was that news about Sword Venerable Fudao using Demon Shadow Divine Skill had already spread. He didn''t want Ji Xiaoyu to associate him with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Ji Xiaoyu quickly stood up, bowed to Gu An, and said, "Thank you, senior, for your rescue."


    "Why is a member of the Ji Family in the Demon Land?" Gu An asked, his voice hoarse, easily reminiscent of a man in his forties or fifties who had experienced much of life.


    The killing of the Great Demon had just earned him six hundred years of life span, which was quite a bounty.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "I am apanying the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on a training expedition. Senior, are you acquainted with my n?"


    Gu An appeared out of thin air in front of Ji Xiaoyu, pressed a hand on her shoulder, and said, "Let''s talk elsewhere."


    Before Ji Xiaoyu could respond, her vision blurred.


    The long-distance spatial movement made her feel terrible and immobilized.


    A few momentster, she felt her feet touch the ground and, opening her eyes, found herself in a cave.


    The space here was not veryrge, the rocks were stratified, and the mountain wall in front of her was moist with groundwater trickling down. Looking up, she saw crystal stones hanging from the ceiling, their multicolored light illuminating everything inside the cave.


    "You should heal here for now."


    With those words, Gu An disappeared into thin air.


    Ji Xiaoyu stood silently on the spot. She spread her Divine Sense to find that the cave was more than a thousand feet from the surface. The cave was rich with Spiritual Energy, indeed suitable for healing.


    Although she was unclear about the origins of the person just now, the abilities he had demonstrated made her realize she could not escape even if she wanted to.


    He most likely bore no ill will; otherwise, with herpletely exhausted, it would have been the perfect opportunity to attack her.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat down cross-legged and began to cultivate to replenish her Spiritual Power.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An returned to Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, where Tian Yao''er was sulking. However, when she saw the two jars of fine wine he was carrying, her face immediately brightened with a smile.


    Ever since she got drunkst time, she had fallen in love with wine.


    An hourter, Tian Yao''er copsed onto Gu An''sp, drunk. Gu An patted her back and smiled softly.


    ...


    At dawn, Gu An did not go directly back to the Supreme Sect, nor did he go to find Ji Xiaoyu, as she needed more than just one night to restore her Spiritual Power and heal her injuries.


    He headed south, flying towards the ocean.


    Executing the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body and transforming into the Demon Shadow, he then stepped out using the Limitless Freedom Step, quickly leaving the Taicang Dynasty and entering the oceanic territory.


    The boundless sapphire sea and the vast sky opened up Gu An''s field of vision and lifted his spirits.


    He continuously shifted his form, moving swiftly above the sea of clouds.


    On the ocean, arge ship sped forward.


    A man in green robesy on the deck, holding a book. Suddenly, he sat up abruptly as if he saw something, but upon closer inspection, he found no one in the sky.


    "How odd, am I seeing things?" the man in green furrowed his brows.


    Suddenly losing his mood for reading, he put "Investiture of the Gods" into his Storage Bag and walked to the bow of the ship to gaze into the distance.


    The ocean was endless, yet he could feel the aura of his homnd.


    A smile appeared on his face as he murmured, "The demon cmity, huh? It will be yet another stepping stone for me to turn the tide."


    ...


    Gu An took more than five hundred steps, eventuallynding on a cloud-enshrouded ind. The ind was vast with few living creatures, with only six inds within ten thousand miles, making it an ideal ce for him to make a breakthrough.


    He silently sneaked into the woods and then sat under an old tree, directly activating the Life Span Barrier.


    He essed his Attribute Panel, looking at his life span of ten million and one years, a smile appearing on his face.


    First, enhance the Cultivation Technique!


    Gu An started using the life-span integration feature, merging the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill with four other foundation cultivation techniques of different attributes.


    [Due to the disparity among these five techniques, forceful integration might not surpass the strongest technique. Do you wish to continue?]


    Hmm?


    What does this mean, will the result be an average?


    Gu An cursed under his breath, refusing to let his life span be wasted.


    Fortunately, he had prepared other techniques, having in many enemies over the years and searched many souls, copying several techniques in preparation for unexpected needs.


    He immediately took out four high-rank techniques and began practicing them one by one.


    He didn''t need to abandon any prior skills or even generate other types of Spiritual Energy; he just needed to run each technique once to add them to his Attribute Panel.


    An hourter, Gu An''s Attribute Panel had four additional techniques.


    He nned to enhance each of these four techniques, but received a prompt:


    [Technique attributes conflict. Choose to abandon and retrain or forcepatibility with the risk of deviation.]


    Good heavens!


    Even with a system-like Golden Finger, deviation is possible?


    Gu An had no choice but to use the life-span integration feature to merge these five techniques.


    [The merging requires 500,000 years of life span. Do you wish to continue?]


    Half a million years of life span?


    Gu An, enduring the pain, chose to continue.


    [You have used 500,000 years of life span to merge Primordial Earth Immortal Skill, Karma Fire Dark Sky Skill, Golden Light Spirit Body Art, Horsetail Banner Qi Art, and Great Cold Heaven Sorcery]


    [Merge sessful. You haveprehended the Five Elements Taoist Skill]

 Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Breaking Through to the Ninth Layer of the Loose Immortal Realm!

    As the prompt for a sessful fusion appeared, a vast flood of memory crazily burrowed into Gu An''s mind, plunging his consciousness deep within.


    Earth Spirit Energy rose and surged, transforming the ground into a sea of Qi, with five-colored Spiritual Energy enveloping his body like a tornado.


    The Spiritual Energy from the entire ind began to gravitate towards him, causing the forests to sway and the creatures on the ind to be disturbed, fleeing in panic.


    Gu An immersed himself in the cultivation memories, oblivious to his surroundings.


    An Ancient Hourter.


    He slowly opened his eyes, and through the Life Span Barrier, he saw the forest shaking violently, storm clouds rolling in the sky, and it felt as if he had gone from morning to evening in an instant.


    He savored the profundities of the Five Elements Taoist Skill, his heart filled with joy.


    The Sorcery of Five Elements is indeed powerful!


    The Five Elements can form heaven and earth. Although heaven and earth contain more than just the Five Elements, they are the most fundamental. The Five Elements evolve into heaven and earth, and from heaven and earth, more attributes and rules are derived.


    Through Life Span Evolution, Gu An had mastered the Five Elements Taoist Skill. It was difficult to clearly exin the myriad nuances of the skill in a short time.


    He once again brought up his Attribute Panel, investing five hundred thousand years of Life Span to evolve his Five Elements Treasure Body.


    One notification after another popped up crazily before his eyes.


    Until he saw a certain notification, a smile appeared on his face.


    [You haveprehended the natural ways of heaven and earth for three hundred and fifty thousand years, and you have acquired the True Meaning of Heaven and Earth to temper your flesh. Your root bone has transformed, and your Five Elements Treasure Body has advanced to the Innate Taoist Body.]


    The following one hundred and fifty thousand years were all for enhancing the Innate Taoist Body, which did not undergo another advancement.


    With Earth Spirit Energy flowing into him once again, Gu An decided to continue investing Life Span, to at least allow his Physique to transform once more.


    He invested ten thousand years at a time.


    After three hundred and seventy thousand years, his Innate Taoist Body sessfully evolved into the Mystic Holy Body.


    The influx of Earth Spirit Energy into his body quickened, immersing him entirely in an indescribably wonderful state.


    Just then, a powerful Divine Sense swept past the ind!


    Nirvana Realm!


    Gu An inwardly felt a surge of rm; indeed, there were beings of the Immortal Path Realm hidden overseas!


    His continent was but a tiny corner of the vast world.


    Gu An was not flustered at all, with the Life Span Barrier in ce, it would be impossible for the other party to detect him.


    After the time it takes an incense stick to burn, that Divine Sense disappeared.


    However, in the time following, Divine Senses swept over this sea area one after another.


    The Life Span Barrier began to draw Spiritual Energy from even more distant parts of the sea, causing waves to rise and fall vigorously, stirred by the Sea Demons.


    It was high noon by the time Gu Anpletely transformed into the Mystic Holy Body. The whole world appearedpletely renewed to his senses; he could not only feel many more invisible forces, but his bodily Qi-Blood had also greatly strengthened.


    With his own physical strength, he felt he could easily crush a cultivator of the Mahayana Realm!


    He opened his eyes and saw that the Life Span Barrier had consumed nearly two hundred thousand years of his Life Span just in the morning.


    Sensing more and more Divine Senses sweeping across this sea area, Gu An was forced to stop.


    Just now, he even felt a Divine Sense that startled him, indicating the other party''s realm was likely the same as his or even higher.


    The ocean is indeed unfathomable!


    He worried if he continued today, he would attract even more terrifying old monsters.


    He decided to find a new location to continue his efforts.


    Gu An maintained the Life Span Barrier while staring at the Attribute Panel, contemting what to enhance next.


    His Cultivation Technique could be raised another level, and he could choose between Divine Skills and Ultimate Skills. There was no need to enhance too manybat techniques at once.


    Many of the Divine Skills, Spells, and Ultimate Skills he had mastered were already of a very high level, each of them uniquely rare in the world.


    Only in the evening did Gu An finally leave the ind, swiftly moving eastward.


    After taking five hundred steps with the Limitless Freedom Step, he finally stopped. This time, the ind he arrived at was small, devoid of demons, and popted only by creatures without sentient spirit.


    Gu An activated the Life Span Barrier and sat down before bringing up the Attribute Panel.


    He invested two hundred thousand years of Life Span into the Five Elements Taoist Skill.


    However, this attempt did not advance the Five Elements Taoist Skill, so he invested another two hundred thousand years of Life Span, still failing.


    With a determined heart, Gu An invested three hundred thousand years of Life Span, and finally, the Five Elements Taoist Skill evolved and advanced to the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill.


    Mastery Realm!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A total investment of seven hundred thousand years of Life Span!


    Additionally, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill also awakened a Divine Skill named Universe in the Palm, which can bring all things in the world into one''s palm. How much one can hold depends on the level of one''s Mana.


    Gu An looked at his remaining Life Span, which was over seven million seven hundred thousand years, still sufficient for his purposes.


    Nature''s Spiritual Energy began to flood into his body wildly, and his mind was once again upied by the inherited memories.


    An Ancient Hourter, he finally opened his eyes.


    It was already dark.


    Without the time to reflect on the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, he looked back at the Attribute Panel.


    The Primordial Ruyi Skill must be upgraded; it was the foundation of Gu An''s existence, allowing him to remain undetectable even by higher realms.


    Another five hundred thousand years of Life Span invested!


    Gu An, without realizing it, had be more generous.


    Notification after notification crazily popped up before his eyes until atst the Primordial Ruyi Skill advanced to the All Things Form and Energy Art.


    The All Things Form and Energy Art not only enhanced his ability to conceal his aura but also allowed him to change it, to blend in with all things, meaning that if Gu An encountered demons, he could manifest Demon Energy, and in the presence of evil creatures, he could manifest Demonic Qi, all without being detected.


    At the same time, the All Things Form and Energy Art awakened a Divine Skill called the Nine Transformations of Heaven and Earth!


    This was a transformative Divine Skill, endlessly miraculous!


    As the Earth Spirit Energy dispersed, it began to surge toward Gu An once more, with the sea within tens of thousands of miles once again raising ferocious waves, its scope swiftly expanding.


    This time, it wasn''t only Divine Senses sweeping across the ind, but cultivators were also seen flying through the sky.


    Gu An''s arrival broke the silence of the ocean!


    He could no longer manage that much!


    Another Ancient Hourter, Gu An opened his eyes and saw that he had less than seven million two hundred thousand years of life left, he suddenly felt that ten million years of life was not that long after all.


    He could not afford to improve other divine skills, what if there was not enough for a breakthrough?


    The higher the realm, the more life is consumed, especially in the Immortal Path Realm. Even without anything to reference, Gu An could guess that breaking through the Realm of the Immortal Path would take far more than decades or centuries.


    He pped his face and began to pray silently in his heart.


    He first invested one million years of his life span into his cultivation level!


    [Because you are re-cultivating your technique, you begin toprehend the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill from the Energy Cultivation Realm]


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for one year, your cultivation level recovers to the Foundation Establishment Realm]


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for three years, your cultivation level recovers to the Core Formation Realm]


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for five years, your cultivation level recovers to the Nascent Soul Realm]


    ¡­


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for five hundred years, your cultivation level recovers to the Mahayana Realm]


    ¡­


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for five thousand years, with the great aplishment of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcibly assault the Loose Immortal Realm, begin Tribtion Crossing, but you don''t endure through the Five Mysteries Heavenly Tribtion of the heavenly way, and the Tribtion Crossing fails]


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for ten thousand years, with the great aplishment of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcibly assault the Loose Immortal Realm, begin Tribtion Crossing, but you don''t endure through the Five Mysteries Heavenly Tribtion of the heavenly way, and the Tribtion Crossing fails]


    ¡­


    Seeing the need to recultivate, Gu An''s expression instantly stiffened, but fortunately, he started to assault the second realm of the Immortal Path with just five thousand years.


    Thebination of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill and the Mystic Holy Body was terrifying!


    Keep in mind that evolution of life span consumes more life than real cultivation!


    The reason for the greater consumption is due to the need for more life to evolve through the cultivating process and to quickly transform Spiritual Energy into his cultivation level. Thispression of time naturally results in additional life consumption.


    Gu An developed infinite confidence in his current aptitude and foundation.


    A Tribtion Crossing every five thousand years?


    A mere trifle!


    Failure, failure, failure¡­


    Gu An remained indifferent to the continuous stream of failure notifications appearing in front of him. After all, he still had plenty of life.


    While his cultivation speed increased, Tribtion Crossing was another matter. Gu An had long been prepared to fail many times.


    One million years of life was enough for him to fail two hundred times!


    He couldn''t be that unlucky, right?


    But as Gu An watched, his expression really did darken.


    What on earth was the Five Mysteries Heavenly Tribtion?


    Why was it so outrageous?


    Gu An thought of the lightning tribtions he had crossed before; he found no rted records in the Book Collection Pavilion. Everyone else went through various Minor Heavenly Tribtions, but every tribtion that came to him sounded terrifying.


    He suspected it was rted to his physique and cultivation technique.


    Enhancing the physique and cultivation technique could speed up cultivation, but it also increased the difficulty of Tribtion Crossing.


    Immortal Cultivation truly goes against the heavens!


    However, during the evolution of cultivation, he relied solely on himself to cross the tribtion without the help of any external objects. Failure didn''t matter, as long as he could break through, spending even more life was worth it!


    One million years of life wasted in vain.


    But it couldn''t exactly be said that way, as at least his mana evolved from the Wood Attribute Dharma Power of the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill to the Five Elements Dharma Power of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill.


    Just with this change alone, he became several times more powerful than before.


    As Gu An wasforting himself, Earth Spirit Energy surged into him once more, and this time, his thoughts were not disturbed, so he continued to invest life into evolutionary cultivation.


    Here goes another million years!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Gu An looked serious, imagining the perilous scenes of failing Tribtion Crossing.


    Poor evolving self.


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for four hundred fifty thousand years, with the great aplishment of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcibly assault the Loose Immortal Realm, begin Tribtion Crossing, you endure through the Five Mysteries Heavenly Tribtion, the Tribtion Crossing seeds, and your cultivation level breaks through to the firstyer of the Loose Immortal Realm]


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for four hundred fifty thousand three hundred years, your cultivation level breaks through to the secondyer of the Loose Immortal Realm]


    ¡­


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for five hundred thousand years, your cultivation level breaks through to the ninthyer of the Loose Immortal Realm]


    [You cultivate and absorb energy for five hundred sixty thousand years, with the great aplishment of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcibly assault the Wandering Immortal Realm, begin Tribtion Crossing, but you don''t endure through the Yin Yang Mystical Yellow Five Emperors Tribtion, and the Tribtion Crossing fails]


    ¡­


    And the failures began again relentlessly!


    But seeing his cultivation level reach the ninthyer of the Loose Immortal Realm brought a smile to his face.


    The difficulty of cultivation in the Loose Immortal Realm was certainly higher than in the Nirvana Realm, but the life spent by Gu An did not increase. Noteworthy, it took him five thousand years of life to advance from the seventh to the eighthyer in the Nirvana Realm.


    To move from the first to the secondyer of the Loose Immortal Realm only took three thousand years of life, attesting to the power of the Mystic Holy Body and the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill!


    However, upon reaching the higher realms, the required life still increased, which was normal, and Gu An could ept that.


    As all the notifications ended, Gu An still hadn''t endured through that damned Yin Yang Mystical Yellow Five Emperors Tribtion!


    Looking at the remaining five million years of life, Gu An found it hard to remain calm.

 Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Wandering Immortal Nine Layers, Roaming the Heavens and Earth

    It took Gu An a full four Ancient Hours to ascend from the ninthyer of the Nirvana Realm to the ninthyer of the Loose Immortal Realm.


    After reaching the Loose Immortal Realm, his mana doubled, and he felt freed from many constraints, constraints that the Great Heaven and Earth imposed upon all beings. For example, he no longer needed to use mana to fly, nor to dive into the sea, and he could even switch his physical body to his Primordial Spirit state to directly pass through all the innate obstacles of this world.


    Indescribably wonderful!


    When his cultivation level reached the eighthyer of the Loose Immortal Realm, Gu An felt the entire ocean in uproar, and far away, he even witnessed Great Cultivators of the Nirvana Realm engaging inbat, causing him to feel secretly ashamed.


    The experiences of these past two days made him realize how vast the world was, with many powerful presences passing through this area.


    Lu Lingjun was not wrong to ascend; in some sense, this realm was akin to the Spirit Realm or the Immortal Realm, a world that surpassed ordinary people''s understanding.


    Byparison, Earth from Gu An''s past life, if ced here, might not even be as grand as the Taicang Dynasty.


    Gu An recalled the term used by Lu Lingjun and the White Spirit Demon Emperor to describe this Great Heaven and Earth.


    The Mystic Great Heaven and Earth!


    Just how vast is this so-called Great Heaven and Earth?


    Gu An couldn''t help but look up at the sky.


    Speaking of which, he had never explored how high the sky was.


    In the Nirvana Realm, he once used his Divine Sense to keep probing upward, but the result terrified him.


    He couldn''t extend his Divine Sense beyond the zenith, and the sky of the Mystic Great Heaven and Earth seemed infinitely high, which deeply shocked his cosmological views from his past life.


    Upon reaching the Loose Immortal Realm, Gu An could sense a mysterious power in the firmament, a power that even Loose Immortals dared not rashly touch.


    It was not the aura of living beings but more like the majesty of heaven!


    Gu An took a deep breath and looked down again, his gaze turning towards the Attribute Panel, his eyes firm.


    Considering the major disturbances already caused, he might as well continue to elevate his cultivation level!


    One million years of Life Span, invest!


    A series of prompts popped up frantically!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Gu An''s mood remained optimistic. Five million years of Life Span, could it not break through the yin-yang, profound yellow emperor tribtion?


    I don''t believe it!


    Just as this thought surfaced, that one million years of Life Span all ended in failed tribtions.


    He kept hisposure and continued to invest another million years of Life Span!


    Still, failure came incessantly.


    He told himself that he was a Great Cultivator of the ninthyer of the Loose Immortal Realm, and his Daoist Heart was stable.


    He would not be overjoyed by external gains nor grieved by personal losses...


    A third million years of Life Span, invest!


    After several breaths, Gu An couldn''t help but blurt out a word: "Damn!"


    The quality cultivated over ny-one years in the Immortal Cultivation World finally broke, awakening the essence of his hometownnguage from the depths of his soul!


    Gu An dared not invest another million years but chose to invest five hundred thousand years instead.


    Bless me, dear heavens! No, wait, I''m defying the heavens here, so let''s pray for my master Cheng Xuandan''s blessing!


    Failure swept across his vision once more.


    When the wording of a particr prompt was noticeably longer, he was ecstatic.


    Here ites!


    [You have cultivated for three hundred and fifty thousand years and, with your great aplishment in the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcefully broke through to the Wandering Immortal Realm, beginning your tribtion. You endured through the yin-yang, profound yellow emperor tribtion, and your cultivation level broke through to the firstyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm.]


    [You have cultivated for three hundred and fifty-five thousand years, and your cultivation level broke through to the secondyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm.]


    [You have cultivated for three hundred and sixty thousand years, and your cultivation level broke through to the thirdyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm.]


    ...


    [You have cultivated for four hundred and forty thousand years, and your cultivation level broke through to the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm.]


    [You have cultivated for four hundred and sixty thousand years, and, with your great aplishment in the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcefully broke through to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, beginning your tribtion. You did not endure through the Heaven and Earth Divine Intent Heavenly Tribtion, hence the failure of your tribtion.]


    ...


    The following forty thousand years, likewise, all ended in failures, with attempts at crossing the tribtion every twenty thousand years.


    Phew¡ª


    The ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm!


    Exhrating!


    The majestic Earth Spirit Energy surged upward, the sound of the earth resonating like the chant of a dragon, echoing in his ears as if heaven and earth were celebrating for him, making his mood incredibly wonderful.


    Heaven does not disappoint those who strive with grit!


    The Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm... could one fly out of this heaven?


    Gu An pondered to himself, filled with boundless anticipation.


    He now had only one million six hundred thousand years of Life Span left and didn''t dare to continue the tribtion crossings.


    If he got carried away and drained his Life Span, causing a sudden demise, it would be too great an injustice to this life!


    The ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm should suffice, right?


    Currently, there were no Nirvana Realm beings in the open on the continent. The Demon Land and Seven Stars Spirit Realm perhaps had some, all hidden in the shadows.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm might have Loose Immortals, but could any be a match for him, the Wandering Immortal?


    Even if there were such old monsters, Gu An could simply endure for a few more decades. Regardless of the n to activate the hundred million years feature, he could make a solid push. He refused to believe the Seven Stars Spirit Realm could ovee him, a cheater!


    No, wait, I haven''t cheated at all; my cultivation has all been achieved through my own efforts!


    Gu An consoled himself in this way.


    The influx of Earth Spirit Energy into his body was far faster than before, as the range of the Life Span Barrier''s energy absorption grewrger; Gu An could sense powerful presences from all directions.


    The aura of the Loose Immortal Realm had already emerged!


    Hopes for a Wandering Immortal Realm aura weren''t emerging too, were they?


    Gu An was secretly tense; having just reached this realm, he didn''t wish to encounter someone of the same level.


    As time passed, Gu An kept assaulting the Wandering Immortal Realm, and the mysteries of the Wandering Immortal Realm continuously emerged in his mind.


    Wandering Immortal, the celestial that wanders through heaven and earth, up to the ninth heaven, down to the depths of the earth, with the Primordial Spirit and body unified, moving freely within the Great Heaven and Earth, the Primordial Spirit no longer fragile, even possessing strength greater than that of the body.


    Upon reaching this level of realm, Soul Power surpassed Mana for the first time, and, of course, his Mana also underwent a transformation.


    In the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path, the higher one ascends, the greater the disparity between each heaven!


    While Gu An was immersed in his breakthrough, a terrifying giant wave suddenly rose from the west, a thousand zhang high, startling him into looking over.


    With a booming sound!


    The ind where Gu An was located was submerged by the giant wave, and before the ind could re-emerge, the surrounding sea began to churn violently.


    Gu An could clearly feel something striking the ind, breaking the mountain base below it, and he fell along with it.


    The formidable nature of the Life Span Barrier was fully disyed; as the barrier fell, he remained as still as if he was meditating on the ground, without feeling any jolts, and the Earth Spirit Energy continued to pour into his body.


    He looked up and through the surging water, he saw a behemoth that resembled a mountain range moving through the sea, its presence terrifying.


    [Deep Sea Ancient Whale (Nirvana Realm Eighth Layer):87808/150000/180000]


    A Sea Demon that had lived for eighty thousand years!


    No wonder they say the ocean is even more dangerous than the Demon Land!


    Gu An also saw other sea creatures of various realms, which he found quite fascinating.


    Not long after, his breakthrough reached a critical moment, and he had to close his eyes to focus on grasping the true essence of the Wandering Immortal Realm.


    Time raced by.


    When Gu An opened his eyes, he had reached the firstyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, and he found himself already at the bottom of the sea.


    It was pitch ck all around, with what seemed like many mountains and countless Sea Demons roaming, almost no creature without Demon Energy in sight.


    It''s inevitable to feel fear in such an environment.


    Fortunately, Gu An did not sense the presence of the Wandering Immortal Realm.


    If he did, it would mean he had to overexert himself to the point of exhaustion.


    Moving from the first to the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm requires an even greater amount of Spiritual Energy, with the Life Span Barrier constantly draining Earth Spirit Energy, causing the seabed to tremble slightly.


    An hourter.


    Gu An felt intense movement in the distance, as if a submarine volcano was erupting; hot seawater churned, and the aura of a Loose Immortal emanated, chaotic and agitated.


    He faintly heard the person shouting.


    "Hahaha, Daoist Father has finally broken the seal!"


    "Seven Stars Spirit Realm, you just wait!"


    Hearing this, Gu An secretly rejoiced¡ªcould it be that he had saved an enemy from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    He had already considered the Seven Stars Spirit Realm his hypothetical enemy; naturally, the appearance of more enemies from that realm was wee.


    Even with the cultivation of the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, Gu An had no intention of tackling the Seven Stars Spirit Realm alone; he at least needed someone to distract attention openly, enabling him to venture into the Seven Stars Spirit Realm and tackle the strongest enemy, yet not letting others think he had taken down the Seven Stars Spirit Realm by himself.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm had existed for many years, and who knew if it had connections above the seas?


    The ocean housed no shortage of immortal creatures.


    Oveing this tribtion would certainly lead to the next, life is always fraught with difficulties; if Gu An could slow down at each stage, it would be beneficial for him.


    Gu An didn''t dwell on it any further; even if he was at the bottom of the sea, as long as no one disturbed him, he could rest easy.


    He essed his Attribute Panel.


    The Life Span Barrier was rapidly consuming his lifespan; he had over one and a half million years of lifespan left.


    After much thought, he decided to enhance his Sword Technique.


    He had been reluctant to do so previously, fearing his lifespan wouldn''t suffice, but now with spare years, he felt it was eptable to proceed.


    He had hesitated about whether to enhance the Wood Spirit Sword Technique, but now that he possessed the Five Elements Skill, there was no need to enhance it.


    He continued to enhance the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword!


    This was the signature Sword Technique of Sword Venerable Fudao!


    More and more people were recognizing the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword, which was not a good sign.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had to create a Sword Technique unheard of in the world!


    Let''s start with two hundred thousand years for a trial!


    Gu An invested lifespan into evolving the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword through cultivation, and a series of prompts emerged one after another.


    After eighty thousand years, the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword advanced into the Overarching Star Suppressing Infinite Sword!


    With the remaining one hundred and twenty thousand years, the Overarching Star Suppressing Infinite Sword reached a pinnacle of mastery!


    A vast influx of memories flooded into Gu An''s mind.


    Overarching Star Suppressing Infinite Sword, drawing on the stars to drive Sword Intent, capable of suppressing the heavens and the earth, with infinite and boundless Sword Qi imbued with the mysteries of Great Divine Power!


    Half an hourter.


    Gu An opened his eyes, his gaze filled with a sharp light.


    What a domineering Overarching Star Suppressing Infinite Sword!


    With this sword technique at y, all sword cultivators under the heavens would likely bow down, not daring to dream of surpassing his Sword Dao.


    Gu An was already fantasizing about the impact wielding this Sword Technique would bring.


    However, he couldn''t use it recklessly¡ªit had to be saved for a critical moment!


    The corners of his mouth lifted in a smile.


    At the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, wielding the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill and the Overarching Star Suppressing Infinite Sword, with the Mystic Holy Body, could that Demon Emperor withstand even a few of his moves?


    Could the about-to-be-revived Demon Ancestor pose a threat to him?


    Sorry, Junior Sister, your Senior Brother truly can''t bear to let you be stranded on a deste ind!


    Gu An slowly stood up; he deactivated the Life Span Barrier and stepped out of the ocean to tens of thousands of li high in the sky. In an instant, his Divine Sense had already captured the aura of the Third Medicine Valley Xiaochuan from the Supreme Sect.


    This sense of power brought Gu An immense joy.


    He took a stride forward and arrived directly above the Supreme Sect!


    The distance he traversed with that step was incalcble!

 Chapter 171: Chapter 171: Named Holy Land, Actually Demon Cave

    The Supreme Sect under the night sky was serene and peaceful. Gu An''s divine sense epassed the entire Supreme Sect. He saw the hidden spaces seemingly exposed before his eyes, each cave residenceid bare. There were even small realms simr to the Manifest Holy Cave, though those small realms were far less extensive than the Star-Master Cave.


    The Supreme Sect had four Mystic Heart Realm cultivators!


    Ancestor Xuan Quan, Lu Lingjun, and two Supreme Elders whom Gu An had never seen before. One was a woman whose presence he had sensed in the Inner Sect''s Book Collection Hall.


    One had to admit, the foundation of the Supreme Sect was strong!


    Gu An noticed Lv Baitian practicing energy in his cave, seemingly still striving to break through to the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Lv Baitian treated Gu An well. Gu An started to consider secretly assisting him during his next tribtion crossing.


    Then, Gu An returned to the Mystic Valley.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He stepped into the pavilion, sat on a chair, and stretchedzily.


    Home was always the mostfortable!


    Gu An closed his eyes and began to savor the experiences of the past two days.


    The mysteries of the Wandering Immortal Realm, the vastness of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, and the wonders of the Mystic Holy Body¡ªtoo many things were worthy of reflection and appreciation.


    Until morning came, Gu An went downstairs to lead his disciples in exercises, then returned to his room.


    The disciples did not notice Gu An''s changes because the gap in cultivation levels was too vast.


    The disturbances in the ocean did not reach the continent, and over the next three days, Gu An did not sense the divine senses of Nirvana or Loose Immortals sweeping across the continent, which put him at ease.


    After three days, he continued harvesting medicinal herbs.


    His lifespan was just over 1.4 million years, with the life span barrier alone consuming hundreds of thousands of years.


    For the next life span function activation, he would need to umte 100 million years of life span. The mere thought made Gu An''s scalp tingle.


    A hundred million years of life span was no easy task, certainly not the work of two or three decades.


    At his current rate of 200,000 years of life span ie per year, it would take about five centuries.


    He had to strive harder to increase his annual life span ie!


    In the morning, he went to the Third Medicine Valley. In the afternoon, he visited Tianya Valley. By evening, he headed to the Demon Land to meet Ji Xiaoyu.


    In the underground cave, the ck-d Ji Xiaoyu was still seated in meditation, cultivating energy. Her Spiritual Power had recovered by thirty percent, and she had consumed quite a number of Spirit Energy Elixirs during this period.


    Gu An appeared out of thin air ten steps away. Ji Xiaoyu did not detect his presence.


    After watching quietly for a while, Gu An finally spoke up, "There is a powerful force within you. After depleting your Spiritual Power, this force has actually enhanced your cultivation level."


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu quickly opened her eyes, then stood up and faced him with a sped fist in courtesy.


    "I have ties with the Ji Family and wish to teach you a divine skill. Would you like to learn?" Gu An asked calmly.


    He intended to impart the Daoist Gang Primal Energy to Ji Xiaoyu.


    The Daoist Gang Primal Energy, transformed from Heaven and Earth Path Gang, was stolen from Ji Xiaoyu by Jiang Qiong. By returning it to Ji Xiaoyu, Gu An repaid the debt of her past rescue.


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu asked, "May I ask, senior, what divine skill is it?"


    "The Daoist Gang Primal Energy. Have you heard of it?"


    "The Daoist Gang Primal Energy?"


    Ji Xiaoyu was moved, her eyes showing a mix of surprise and doubt.


    Gu An said softly, "It seems you have heard of it."


    Through her mask, Ji Xiaoyu could not discern his true appearance. She suppressed her inner shock and asked with furrowed brows, "May I ask, senior, who exactly are you? The Daoist Gang Primal Energy is an ultimate skill of the Ji Family that has been lost.


    There is no rted transmission within the family, and to master the Daoist Gang Primal Energy, one must first cultivate the Heaven and Earth Dominator Body. To achieve the Heaven and Earth Dominator Body is enough to be included in the main family''s lineage."


    Gu An replied, "There is no need for you to know my identity. You only need to answer whether you want to learn."


    "Then please, senior, teach me!" Ji Xiaoyu replied without hesitation.


    Gu An waved his sleeve, and a gust of wind blew towards Ji Xiaoyu. She had no time to dodge and was immobilized. In her pupils, a figure continuously changed stances.


    While Ji Xiaoyu was entranced, Gu An observed her, equally curious.


    Besides the Primordial Daoist Talisman, Gu An sensed she had other secrets.


    She possessed an indescribableposure; even facing Gu An, she did not lose her poise.


    Gu An recalled the first time he saw Ji Xiaoyu in his youth. She was different from her peers even at a few years of age. At that time, he even guessed she might have been possessed by someone, with an old soul inside her body.


    An hourter.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes became clear. She took a deep breath and turned to look at Gu An, who was standing not far away by the mountain wall. She said, "Thank you, senior, for your guidance. How can I repay you?"


    She was sure the Daoist Gang Primal Energy she just acquired was genuine!


    The Daoist Gang Primal Energy shared many simrities with her Heaven and Earth Path Gang. She could even see the signs of the Heaven and Earth Path Gang evolving into Daoist Gang Primal Energy.


    This person''s Dao level surely exceeded her imagination!


    He might even be the strongest person she had ever encountered in her life!


    "I do not need your repayment. I am only considering your surname, Ji. Tell me, what are your impressions of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?" Gu An replied casually.


    In fact, in his heart, Ji Xiaoyu was more important than the Ji Family.


    Although the Ji Family raised him, years ago, they intended to cut off his hand. It was Ji Xiaoyu who spoke up to save him. His eptance into the Supreme Sect was also Ji Xiaoyu''s idea, unrted to the Ji Family. Over the years, the medicinal herbs Gu An had contributed were enough to repay the Ji Family.


    This time, rescuing Ji Xiaoyu was also repaying her past kindness.


    At least in Gu An''s mind, he and the Ji Family, including Ji Xiaoyu, were even in grace.


    The Ji Family was about to leave the Supreme Sect. To Gu An, it meant that the Ji Family would have no rtion to him in the future, bing strangers.


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at Gu An and calmly said, "A ce named Holy Land but in reality, a Demon Cave."


    Gu An was surprised. He did not expect Ji Xiaoyu to recognize this.


    Ji Xiaoyu continued, "It seems senior also has a different view of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Otherwise, you would not have asked me. Perhaps we can stand on the same side."


    "Oh? Why should we stand on the same side?" Gu An''s tone was intriguing.


    Ji Xiaoyu frankly said, "I want to overthrow the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. My power alone is too weak. I hope senior can assist me."


    Gu An inquired, "Reason?"


    "It has nothing to do with the sake of the people. The Ji Family wants to marry me off to a disciple of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. For the sake of blood rtions, I cannot oppose the Ji Family, so I intend to eliminate the Seven Stars Spirit Realm." Ji Xiaoyu''s expression remained calm.


    "Though I was born in the Ji Family, I will not choose to sacrifice myself for the family. Between me and the family, I will always choose myself. If senior harbors animosity towards the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, then we can join forces. I will gather as much information about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm as possible."


    Listening to her, Gu An could sense the coldness emanating from her bones, causing him to reassess her.


    In Gu An''s impression, Ji Xiaoyu had been merely calm andposed. Only this time did he truly understand who Ji Xiaoyu was.


    Although her words seemed selfish, Gu An did not dislike her for it.


    A person must prioritize themselves, and Ji Xiaoyu had not harmed her nsmen. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm was indeed not a decent entity.


    Gu An said, "Alright."


    Ji Xiaoyu immediately raised her hand in salute to Gu An.


    "Do you know that the root cause of the demon cmityes from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu frowned and said, "I only know some of the evil deeds the Seven Stars Spirit Realm has done. I guessed there might be a connection, but I don''t know the specific reasons."


    Gu An then told her what he had learned.


    As she listened, Ji Xiaoyu''s brows furrowed more and more tightly.


    After he finished speaking, Ji Xiaoyu coldly said, "If what you say is true, then destroying the Seven Stars Spirit Realm could indeed save the popce."


    "The Seven Stars Spirit Realm is deeply rooted and strong. To destroy them is extremely difficult. For now, you should lie low. Once humanity prevails over the demon cmity, then make ns against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm." Gu An replied.


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded.


    Then Gu An waved his sleeve, taking her to the edge of the Great Jiang Dynasty.


    In thend of five dynasties, there must be a Transmission Array leading to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Delivering her here made Ji Xiaoyu safer.


    Before Ji Xiaoyu could speak, Gu An disappeared from the spot.


    Ji Xiaoyu spread her divine sense and soon caught sight of cultivators. Her expression grewplex.


    To cross such a vast distance in such a short time...


    "Who exactly is he¡­"


    ...


    As autumn ended, winter snow finally arrived.


    After parting with Ji Xiaoyu, Gu An returned to his usual farming life. Even though he had reached the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, he did not act recklessly.


    However, the changes brought by Wandering Immortal could not bepletely hidden, so he began to elevate his apparent cultivation level.


    He nned to pretend to reside in the Core Formation Realm using elixirs.


    In the future, he could slowly improve his cultivation, creating the image of someone dependent on elixirs. This would make others think him lucky and not strong.


    Gu An aimed to be perceived as harmless to the Supreme Sect and other factions, making everyone believe there was no point in killing him, nor any harm in keeping him alive.


    This day.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An was ying chess with Lu Lingjun. Snow drifted down but could not cover their bodies or the chessboard.


    Gu An ced a piece and smiled, "You''ve lost again."


    Lu Lingjun frowned, puzzled. She had calcted countless scenarios; how did she still lose?


    It didn''t make sense, she thought. She was in the Mystic Heart Realm!


    Unable to restrain herself, she asked, "Why can''t I beat you?"


    "You''re too hasty. Being hasty leads to ws." Gu An replied.


    Chess was something he brought to this world. How could he lose?


    He had to defend the dignity of Huaxia people!


    Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but ponder.


    At that moment, a figure flew over¡ªElder Gu Zong''s son, Gu Yu.


    He quicklynded beside Gu An, excitedly saying, "Gu An, the true inheritor disciple has returned. He''s nning to lecture in the Inner Sect after the New Year. You have to listen. They say he''s now in the Mahayana Realm!"


    Hearing this, Lu Lingjun grew interested too.


    For Mystic Heart Realm cultivators, the most intriguing subject was how to reach the Mahayana Realm.


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Really? What is the true inheritor disciple''s name?"


    Yesterday, he had sensed a Mahayana Realm cultivator enter the Supreme Sect. As elders had personally received the person, he hadn''t paid much attention.


    "Of course, it''s true. His name is Xuan Tianyi. With a Mahayana cultivator like him, we''ll have a better chance against the demon cmity. He said if he''de back earlier, dealing with the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, another Mahayana cultivator, would have taken just a single move!" Gu Yu said excitedly, his face full of admiration.

 Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Regret Having Met Too Late, Journey to the West

    Gu Yu''s arrival interrupted the chess game between Gu An and Lu Lingjun. Lu Lingjun was also interested in Xuan Tianyi, so she asked Gu Yu a few questions.


    After chatting for a while, Gu Yu finally left.


    Gu An noticed Lu Lingjun''s drifting thoughts and knew she was thinking about Xuan Tianyi.


    He stood up and turned to leave.


    Lu Lingjun suddenly said: "After the New Year, you should go listen to the teachings too. It''s a rare opportunity, as Great Cultivators are not often seen."


    Gu An turned back to look at her, seeing her face full of longing. He chuckled lightly without saying more.


    The influence of a Mahayana Realm cultivator''s teachings was immense. As winter approached, more and more disciples returned, and cultivators from other sects also came.


    Xuan Tianyi''s name spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World, and his cultivation achievements were revealed and widely circted.


    Supreme Sect''s strongest genius since ancient times: Core Formation at twenty, Nascent Soul Formation at forty-two, Divinity Transformation at seventy, Void Crossing at one hundred, and Unification at two hundred!


    Due to his extraordinary talent, Supreme Sect hid his true age before he reached the Unification Realm. When he attained the ninthyer of the Unification Realm, he went south to seek immortal fate directly. This made Supreme Sect even more cautious about mentioning his talent, fearing great cmity.


    He searched overseas for immortals for three hundred years, and upon his return, he had already reached the Mahayana Realm!


    With Supreme Sect''s grand promotion of Xuan Tianyi''s legendary life, his name shook the world in a short time, overshadowing the Nine Cultivators.


    The vast majority of cultivators found his achievements unbelievable, even thinking Supreme Sect was exaggerating.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An heard about Xuan Tianyi''s deeds in the Outer Gate City and also thought it exaggerated.


    But on second thought, it made sense. No wonder someone in the sect said as long as the true inheritor wanted the sect leader position, Lv Baitian would have to step down within a day.


    In the face of such talent, no matter how great Lv Baitian''s contributions were, he had to concede.


    Although Xuan Tianyi''s growth trajectory defied the understanding of ordinary cultivators, his return indeed boosted Supreme Sect''s morale. Even before the New Year, the Outer Gate City already had a festive atmosphere.


    Amidst the vast winter snow, Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley from Mystic Valley.


    As soon as he arrived, he sensed two auras, one of which was unmistakably at the Mahayana Realm.


    Xuan Tianyi was here!


    Gu An''s expression remained calm as he walked towards his loft.


    Upon pushing open the door and entering the room, he saw two people inside: the vice sect leader Ji Hantian and a man in green robes.


    Xuan Tianyi, dressed in green robes, looked youthful, making it hard to imagine he was a Mahayana Cultivator, more like a young disciple.


    "Gu An, you finally arrived. Close the door and sit down for a chat," Ji Hantian said with a smile, as if he were the master of the loft.


    Gu An didn''t mind. After closing the door, he came forward and cupped his hands in respect.


    Before Ji Hantian could introduce him, Xuan Tianyi spoke first: "You are Pan An?"


    [Xuan Tianyi (Mahayana Realm, Sixth Layer): 598/4800/5000]


    Seeing Xuan Tianyi''s lifespan, Gu An was secretly astonished.


    Five thousand years, the extreme lifespan cultivation reached so quickly?


    Looking at it this way, Xuan Tianyi would surely undergo Nirvana within forty-five hundred years. By then, breaking the Heavenly Destiny would achieve another extreme lifespan.


    Based on Gu An''s experience, Xuan Tianyi''s spirit root qualification should be equivalent to the five-thousand-year extreme lifespan level. At least his physical qualifications weren''t as good as Ji Xiaoyu or An Hao, but hisprehension must have been astonishing,bined with extraordinary opportunities to achieve his current state.


    Gu An pretended to hesitate and looked towards Ji Hantian.


    Ji Hantian smiled: "Speak truthfully, this is our sect''s true inheritor, Xuan Tianyi. He is not an outsider. He is Supreme Sect''s most prized disciple."


    Ignoring thepliment, Xuan Tianyi continued to curiously observe Gu An, his eyes bright.


    Gu An immediately responded: "Indeed, I have a pen name called Pan An."


    Xuan Tianyi smiled, saying: "Your Investiture of the Gods is very good. Someone gave it to me earlier, and I enjoyed it very much. I even had it mass-produced and spread overseas. Your book is widely popr on the seas, much more so than my own writings."


    "Thank you for your appreciation, senior. May I ask what book you wrote?" Gu An cupped his hands in thanks and inquired.


    Xuan Tianyi coughed lightly and said: "I just wrote something casually. It doesn''tpare to Investiture of the Gods."


    "His book is not worth mentioning," Ji Hantian shook his head with a smile.


    This made Gu An even more curious about what Xuan Tianyi had written.


    However, Xuan Tianyi didn''t want to talk about it and instead started discussing Investiture of the Gods.


    Facing his inquiries, Gu An had to answer each one, and Ji Hantian didn''t interrupt anymore. He got up and left, closing the door behind him.


    Xuan Tianyi didn''t have the pride typical of a Mahayana Cultivator. When he talked about some of the plots in Investiture of the Gods, he became indignant, especially over the story of Nezha cutting his bones to return to his father and flesh to his mother, which greatly angered him.


    Gu An couldn''t remember Investiture of the Gods word for word, so he expanded many stories in the book, like Nezha cutting his flesh to return to his parents and Yang Jian rescuing his mother at Peach Mountain, making the characters more three-dimensional. This was also why Investiture of the Gods became so popr.


    Xuan Tianyi was very curious about how Gu An wrote such an extraordinary book.


    Gu An replied that he met an immortal in his dreams who touched his forehead, suddenly enlightening him.


    It was sudden because he could never write another divine work like Investiture of the Gods afterwards.


    "Your Supreme Immortal Venerable and Shattering Void are also good, but I still think they fall short of Investiture of the Gods," Xuan Tianyi said with lingering interest.


    Gu An didn''t argue, but asked what book he had written.


    Xuan Tianyi suddenly looked embarrassed and mumbled.


    Gu An seized the opportunity, constantly asking questions, and finally, Xuan Tianyi revealed the book''s title.


    "What? Green Hero Travel is your work?" Gu An eximed, pping the table in excitement.


    Whether it was Xuan Tianyi''s illusion or not, he felt an inexplicable panic for a moment, unsure if he was scared by Gu An or had a guilty conscience.


    He nodded reluctantly.


    Gu An raised his hand and took out a copy of Green Hero Travel from his storage bag, which made Xuan Tianyi emotional upon seeing it.


    "I love Green Hero Travel! I''ve read every copy at least a hundred times..." Gu An went on and on about his love for Green Hero Travel.


    Xuan Tianyi listened, feeling unprecedentedly moved in his heart.


    Finally, someone appreciated his talent!


    He immediately felt as if they had met toote.


    On the way back, lying on the deck, each time he read Investiture of the Gods, he felt more of a connection with Pan An. This feeling of anticipation even surpassed the thrill of returning to save the sect.


    Sure enough, Pan An was the soulmate he had been seeking all his life!


    The more Xuan Tianyi thought about it, the more excited he became. He suddenly stood up, grabbed Gu An''s shoulders with both hands, and said: "Pan An, no, Gu An, let''s be sworn brothers. From now on, I''ll be your elder brother!"


    Gu An was stunned.


    What kind of logic was this?


    Wasn''t the pace too fast?


    Seeing his hesitation, Xuan Tianyi said boldly: "Brother, I tell you, with my cultivation level on this continent, I am undoubtedly invincible. Swear brotherhood with me, and no one will dare to bully you anymore. I heard that Lv Baitian wants to take you as a disciple? Don''t listen to him. His Defying Fate Divine Skill is dubious and sinister. I can teach you my divine skill.


    With our brotherhood, I won''t say I''ll help you defy heaven and change fate, but leading you to the Unification Realm won''t be difficult!"


    Initially, Gu An wanted to refuse, thinking it absurd to be a younger brother to him, a wandering immortal.


    But Xuan Tianyi''stter words tempted him.


    He was worried about how to live for a thousand years in the future. Normally, once he reached the Divinity Transformation Realm, people wouldn''t consider him ordinary anymore.


    Now, if he reached the Unification Realm with Xuan Tianyi''s help, people would at most admire him and not see him as a threat.


    However, Gu An decided to put on an act.


    So, he pretended to decline. Xuan Tianyi didn''t give up, and after several attempts, Xuan Tianyi got angry, forcing him to agree.


    "Since brother appreciates me, I''ll call you Brother Xuan from now on," Gu An said helplessly.


    Xuan Tianyi smiled broadly, taking out a jade scroll: "Here''s my cultivation technique. Take it and practice. After the New Year, I''ll send a batch of cultivation resources to you."


    "This... isn''t good, right?" Gu An said, holding the jade scroll with embarrassment.


    Xuan Tianyi red: "If you feel bad, then write a second Investiture of the Gods. Stop writing Shattering Void. It''s too absurd and tasteless!"


    Gu An, holding onto the advantage, could onlyugh: "Alright, I''ll definitely write it."


    "Oh? Do you already have a n?"


    "Mm, it''s called Journey to the West. I''ll tell you in advance."


    "Journey to the West? It doesn''t sound as good as Investiture of the Gods. You should think it over again."


    "Haha, you don''t understand. You''ll know when the timees."


    Xuan Tianyi didn''t continue to criticize Journey to the West. Instead, he started talking about another book and took out a book.


    "The inspiration for Green Hero Travel came from this." Xuan Tianyi said mysteriously, raising the book in his hand.


    Gu An looked down, his eyelids twitching. He then took out a book from his storage bag.


    Xuan Tianyi was dumbfounded upon seeing it.


    "How do you also have Daoist Xunchun?" Xuan Tianyi asked, his eyes wide with excitement.


    "Elder Xu Lu from the Book Collection Hall gave it to me."


    "So you''re the descendant who keeps asking for Daoist Xunchun. Hahaha, we truly have a fated connection. I had someone bring this book back for him!"


    Xuan Tianyi was overjoyed, pulling Gu An to start discussing Daoist Xunchun.


    Their conversationsted until dusk without ending. During this time, Ji Hantian knocked on the door but was driven away by Xuan Tianyi.


    Only at dawn did Gu An escort him down the stairs.


    Watching Xuan Tianyi''s departing figure, Gu An''s face was full of smiles.


    After chatting all night, he didn''t feel tired. Both felt as if they hadn''t had enough. Had Xuan Tianyi not had other important matters today, they could have continued talking.


    Lu Lingjun suddenly walked over and asked: "Is he the true inheritor?"


    Gu An nodded.


    Lu Lingjun examined him with a peculiar look in her eyes, asking: "You spent a day and night together, you didn''t..."


    "Didn''t what?"


    "It''s rumored that some Great Cultivators, after experiencing mortal pleasures, seek new interests to fill the void in their hearts, like homosexuality..." Lu Lingjun trailed off, but Gu An already understood.


    Gu An rolled his eyes and snorted: "Oh? You guessed it? Then don''t ever think of me as your daoist friend!"


    Lu Lingjun, seeing his expression, pursed her lips and smiled: "Looks like I overthought."

 Chapter 173: Chapter 173: Heavenly Dao Trap, Difference Between Immortal and Mortal

    The new year had arrived, and the atmosphere this Spring Festival was even more lively than in previous years. With the addition of Gu Zong and Xuan Tianyi, the Third Medicine Valley was buzzing with excitement. It was rumored that the true inheritor had sworn brotherhood with the valley master, which thrilled the four hundred servant disciples, all worshiping Gu An with adtion.


    Xuan Tianyi always wanted to chat with him about Daoist Xunchun, which made him quite distressed.


    It wasn''t until dusk that Gu An found an excuse to leave and returned to the Mystic Valley to spend the festival with his junior sister and disciples.


    The disciples sat around the table, toasting and exchanging cups, rejoicing in the celebration.


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin began recounting matters of the immortal cultivation world once again.


    The number of demons in thend of the Five Dynasties had not decreased due to the actions of various sects, but had, in fact, increased. Moreover, demon cultivators and evil people were also on the rise.


    Many believed that the human race was doomed and thought it better to indulge before dying, or to seize treasures through murder and then sail south. In short, both the immortal cultivation world and themon folk were in chaos.


    As long as the demon cmity was unresolved, the world would remain in turmoil.


    Zhen Qin had onceined why the Mountain God did not take action, but Gu An, pretending he wasn''t the Mountain God, remained silent.


    "Didn''t the Mountain God say, why should he protect the human race? If demons worship him, why can''t he support them? The strength of a race ultimately depends on itself, not the favor of immortals," Ye Lan remarked nonchntly.


    Having been in the Law Enforcement Hall for so long, she had seen too many sins, giving her deep life experiences.


    The more evil she had witnessed, the more she cherished Gu An, Zhen Qin, and Xiaochuan.


    Many cultivators ended up lonely at the end of their paths. Havingpanions in life was a blessing.


    Gu An listened quietly, asionally chiming in.


    No matter how chaotic the world became, he had no intention of taking it upon himself to save it.


    However, he would still asionally descend from the mountain to relieve suffering, aiding some fated beings without upsetting the grand scheme of things.


    After all, he was still unsure of the strength of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Even if he knew, he couldn''t protect the continent alone. Doing so would mean that all future cmities befalling the continent would fall on his shoulders, and any enemies targeting the continent would firste after him. The mere thought gave him a headache.


    Zhen Qin mentioned Su Han again, saying that Su Han had followed the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil to Tianwei. Recently, Su Han had just absorbed the spiritual power of a Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator, causing a stir in the immortal cultivation world.


    The Supreme Sect had also dispatched great cultivators to kill Su Han but ended up being severely injured by the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil.


    Gu An thought that the person being merely injured might have been due to the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil considering the face of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The world''s situation was changing, and Gu An only wanted to watch from the sidelines.


    His target was the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor.


    Once the demon cmity erupted and the world plunged into chaos, he would seize the opportunity to eliminate the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor, eradicating the greatest scourge of the cmity. The remaining demons would serve as grindstones for the world''s cultivators.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The conversationsted deep into the night, and Ye Lan and Zhen Qin decided to stay in the Mystic Valley and leave the next day.


    Ye Lan even came to his pavilion to confide in him.


    As they chatted, Ye Lan suddenly blew out the candle in the room.


    "Junior Sister, what are you doing?"


    "Senior Brother, I fear the cmity may strike at any time and do not wish to have regrets before I die."


    "You again?"


    "Senior Brother, though I may not be your Daoist friend, let us cherish the feelings we have now. What say you?"


    "Junior Sister, we should not be like this!"


    "Senior Brother, I really like you..."


    "Stop it!"


    "Senior Brother, don''t make me use force!"


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Sounds of physical confrontation echoed inside the room.


    ...


    Come morning, Gu An and Ye Lan came downstairs, Gu An walking ahead with a smug expression.


    Ye Lan, rubbing her wrist, looked at him with a resentful gaze.


    They had foughtst night. Ye Lan had tried to use force, but surprisingly could not overpower Gu An. In the end, she was unsessful and inevitably felt disappointed.


    Yet, thinking of how Gu An had restrained her, a smile tugged at her lips.


    "So, Senior Brother likes this sort of thing..." Ye Lan began to understand Gu An a little more.


    She quietly rubbed her backside, counting how many times Senior Brother had struck herst night.


    After finishing her morning exercises, Ye Lan and Zhen Qin left.


    Gu An then sneaked into the Eight Scenic Caves.


    As he approached the Green Vine Tree, Jiang Qiong, with her eyes closed, said, "Last night was the Spring Festival, wasn''t it? It was really lively."


    "Yes, I brought you some pastries made by the disciples."


    Gu An responded, squatting down and taking out the pastries and wine.


    Jiang Qiong opened her eyes and looked at him, "Do you like your Junior Sister Ye?" she asked.


    Gu An replied, "To say I don''t like her at all would be a lie, but I feel I cannot ept her now. It would dy our cultivation."


    "Oh? And why do you think it would cause a dy?" Jiang Qiong asked, intrigued.


    "Once someone is in your heart, you can''t help but think of them. If the rtionship is confirmed, feelings turn into responsibility, and you''ll consider that person in everything you do. This inevitably affects your cultivation. I''m not afraid of being affected myself, but I hope she can cultivate peacefully without my influence," Gu An said earnestly.


    He spoke from the bottom of his heart.


    Ye Lan had poor aptitude and now needed to find a way to cultivate the Primordial Reincarnation Skill to change her extreme lifespan.


    Gu An could choose to apany her for thest hundred years of her life, but he didn''t want her to have only a hundred years now.


    "If lovests forever, why not cherish every moment together?" Gu An raised his wine cup, offering it to Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong looked into his clear eyes, feeling as if she was seeing him for the first time.


    This boy still had a romantic heart.


    Jiang Qiong asked, "How do you know you''ll definitely live longer than her? What if you die first, and her years of painstaking cultivation lead to a regretful second half of her life? What then?"


    Gu An smiled proudly, "To be honest, I now possess two slices of the Medicine Valley, with an endless supply of medicinal herbs. Even if I don''t cultivate much, living a few hundred years just by relying on elixirs isn''t hard."


    "A few hundred years?"


    Jiang Qiong found it amusing. This boy''s perspective was really narrow.


    But for some reason, the thought of Gu An passing away in a few hundred years while she continued to pursue the elusive immortal path made her inexplicably uneasy.


    "Come on, drink! Not drunk, no return!"


    Jiang Qiong suddenly said with a stern face.


    Gu An immediately raised his cup.


    An hourter, when Jiang Qiong still wanted to drink more, Gu An saw things were going awry and found an excuse to leave. But Jiang Qiong pulled him back.


    Jiang Qiong began forcefully making him drink. To hide his cultivation level, he had to pretend to be weak against alcohol.


    This was Spiritual Wine. If a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator drank too much, they would definitely get drunk.


    Eventually, he had to pretend to be drunk, lying on the ground.


    Jiang Qiong sat on the ground, looking at Gu An, letting out a breath of relief.


    "This boy is clearly a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. How can he drink so much?" Jiang Qiong thought to herself with a flushed face. She almost couldn''t outdrink Gu An.


    If word got out that a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator couldn''t outdrink a Foundation Establishment Realm one, it would be a huge joke.


    She just sat there watching Gu An, her thoughts wandering.


    Feeling the time pass, Gu An began calcting in his mind.


    Three hourster, he got up to leave, having already been drunk once. If Jiang Qiong tried to stop him again, he wouldn''t hesitate to flip out.


    After a long while.


    Jiang Qiong suddenly squatted in front of Gu An, raising her hand to brush the hair from his face.


    Gu An''s heart pounded with tension.


    Wait a minute!


    This old demon cultivator wouldn''t be greedy for my flesh, would she?


    Gu An felt absurd. Why did so many women like him?


    Was it simply because he looked handsome?


    Hadn''t these female cultivators seen handsome men before?


    Jiang Qiong''s low voice came to his ears, "Why does this boy look better and better? It''s really strange..."


    After achieving Wandering Immortal status, even though Gu An hid his cultivation, his appearance and demeanor had a transcendent quality to them.


    Jiang Qiong thought it was her affection changing his image in her eyes.


    "Sigh, what am I thinking? He''s my grand-disciple. Even if I''m a demon cultivator, I can''t act immorally..."


    Jiang Qiong withdrew her hand and sat down.


    She became silent.


    After a while, she suddenly kicked Gu An, hitting his waist.


    Gu An cursed inwardly. Why was this woman hitting him?


    She kicked him again, and Gu An rolled away, putting distance between them, and shouted, "More drink... What master? I don''t recognize you... You definitely can''t outdrink me..."


    Seeing his drunken state, Jiang Qiong couldn''t help butugh.


    After that, Jiang Qiong didn''t act out again.


    When the three-hour period ended, Gu An groggily got up, seeing Jiang Qiong meditating. He immediately snuck away.


    Though Jiang Qiong didn''t open her eyes, a smile crept onto her lips.


    After leaving the Eight Scenic Caves, Gu An went to the Nianchu Cave of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain. After picking some medicinal herbs, he sternly guided Tian Yao''er in her cultivation.


    He vented his frustration from Jiang Qiong on Tian Yao''er.


    Tian Yao''er didn''t mind though. When Gu An was about to leave, she clung to his arm, trying to pester him further, causing him to quickly vanish on the spot out of fright.


    Back at the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An kept pondering a question.


    Was it that spring hade and everyone was more prone to emotions, or was he just unlucky?


    Why did Ye Lan, Jiang Qiong, and Tian Yao''er alle on to him?


    Fortunately, Lu Lingjun only indulged in banter and didn''t actually treat him as a Daoist friend.


    These were all traps set by the Heavenly Dao!


    The Heavenly Dao wanted him to be ensnared by these women''s affections, dragging him into worldly conflicts. Sooner orter, the three women would encounter various troubles. If he were bound to them, how could he stand idly by?


    Intervening more frequently would eventually attract the attention of powerful enemies.


    The concept of causality wasplicated. The higher his cultivation, the more Gu An respected causation.


    The intersections of fate in the mortal world seemed random, but in reality, followed certainws.


    Gu An pondered as he walked toward his pavilion, contemting the Way of Cause and Effect.


    In the distance.


    Xiaochuan stood by the wooden fence, watching his spirit dogs yfully fight. His gaze suddenly caught sight of Gu An ascending the stairs.


    For some reason, Xiaochuan became lost in thought.


    The feeling Gu An gave him was indescribable as if his senior brother could fly away at any moment.


    This feeling was quite strange.


    He came back to his senses and smiled self-deprecatingly.


    "Senior Brother has already sworn brotherhood with Mahayana cultivators. He''s long been a different league from me. I only rely on his care to live. When I pass away, he will still be young..."


    Feeling mncholic, Xiaochuan sighed.


    He was envious but bore no jealousy towards Gu An, believing his senior brother deserved his current status.


    When he died, if there truly were an underworld, he would pray for his senior brother, wishing his immortal path smooth and worry-free.


    "Uncle Xiaochuan, the White Spirit Rat is back!"


    An Xin suddenly ran over, interrupting his thoughts.

 Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Catastrophe Rarely Seen in Ten Thousand Years

    Ever since they had the Mystic Pure Tree, the White Spirit Rat had basically been napping under it, rarely going out, and when it did, it was gone for several days, making Xiaochuan always worry about it.


    Under An Xin''s guidance, Xiaochuan arrived at the Mystic Pure Tree.


    The White Spirit Rat was lying under the Mystic Pure Tree, its belly facing the sky.


    Xiaochuan squatted down and gently petted its belly, while it disyed a look offort.


    An Xin came up behind Xiaochuan and said with emotion, "Uncle Xiaochuan, you spoil it too much. It goes out for so long, don''t you think it needs a little scolding?"


    She couldn''t stand the White Spirit Rat''s cockiness andziness. Had it not been Gu An''s pet, she would have taken care of it long ago.


    "Don''t underestimate it; it has another name, the Treasure Hunting Rat. It rarely goes out, but when it does, it mighte back with a treasure," Xiaochuan said with a smile.


    At these words, An Xin squatted down as well, curiously examining the White Spirit Rat.


    The White Spirit Rat opened its eyes to see her, and its eyes widened. Suddenly, it spat a pearl at An Xin, who couldn''t dodge in time.


    The pearl hit An Xin''s face and immediately turned into liquid, seeping into her skin.


    Everything happened so quickly that An Xin couldn''t react. By the time she realized what had happened, she screamed, stood up hurriedly, and frantically touched her face, while Xiaochuan was also frightened, not knowing what to do.


    The White Spirit Rat gave a smug smile and ran behind the tree.


    Gu An heard An Xin''s scream and rushed over immediately, followed by other disciples.


    "Don''t move, let me see."


    Upon hearing Gu An''s voice, An Xin calmed down instantly and let go of her hands.


    Everyone looked closely and saw that apart from a slight redness due to emotional agitation, there were no injuries on her face.


    Gu An examined her and then asked Xiaochuan to go fetch Lu Lingjun.


    Although An Xin was fine, she had obtained an opportunity.


    But Gu An couldn''t say this out loud; he had to get Lu Lingjun to exin it.


    Before long, Lu Lingjun arrived. After inspecting An Xin, she smiled and said, "You should thank that fat rat."


    Upon hearing this, An Xin was stunned, and the people around were puzzled.


    The White Spirit Rat suddenly peeked out from behind the tree, baring its teeth at Lu Lingjun, but its overly chubby figure rendered itpletely non-threatening.


    "Senior, do you recognize the pearl it spat out?" An Xin asked nervously.


    Just as Lu Lingjun was about to answer, a figure flew in from the distance, and she turned to look.


    The neer was an imposing male cultivator who swiftlynded behind the group. Frowning, he asked, "Whose White Spirit Rat is that?"


    An Xin couldn''t help but tighten her grip on her sleeve.


    Gu An stepped forward and said, "It is mine. I''m sorry, Daoist Friend, that pearl has already been absorbed by my disciple. I am willing topensate with medicinal herbs."


    An Xin looked at him with gratitude, while Lu Lingjun had a look of amusement.


    The male cultivator''s cultivation level was at the Nascent Soul Realm, and his cave was not far from the Third Medicine Valley. Having only joined Supreme Sect two years ago, he was unaware of the importance of the Third Medicine Valley. Seeing that Gu An''s cultivation was low, he said sternly, "Compensate with medicinal herbs?


    You are merely the acting Valley Master, how many medicinal herbs can you offer? My Water Spirit Pearl is an extremely rare treasure. Your White Spirit Rat sneaked into my cave while I was away and stole it. This is unforgivable!"


    Lu Lingjun chimed in, "The Water Spirit Pearl is indeed rare; it can enhance a being''s perception of water attribute spiritual energy."


    The male cultivator red at An Xin with even more anger, making her even more anxious.


    Gu An said helplessly, "How about twenty sixth-grade medicinal herbs?"


    Hearing this, the male cultivator was moved, surprised at Gu An''s generosity.


    The disciples were also shocked, knowing the high value of sixth-grade medicinal herbs. They usually handled even the seeds with extreme care, for a single seed of a sixth-grade herb was worth their lives.


    Seeing the male cultivator hesitate, Gu An continued, "This disciple of mine is An Hao''s sister. Her aptitude is mediocre, so she can only temporarily reside here. If you can let this matter go, An Hao will also appreciate it."


    "An Hao? Which An Hao?" the male cultivator asked with a frown.


    Gu An smiled, "Of course, the top of the Golden List."


    The disciples were not surprised, as this had long ceased to be a secret, while An Xin opened her mouth but said nothing.


    When the male cultivator heard this, his expression shifted between dark and bright. He coughed once and said, "In that case, on An Hao''s ount, I''ll ept your twenty sixth-grade medicinal herbs. But keep a better eye on your White Spirit Rat in the future."


    "Thank you for your generosity, brother. I will take you to get the medicinal herbs."


    Gu An took the male cultivator away, leaving the other disciples to discuss the event.


    Xiaochuan began tofort An Xin. She did not feel wronged, but rather ashamed, as she had received such a stroke of luck out of nowhere and caused trouble for Gu An and An Hao. She felt guilty.


    Lu Lingjun snorted, "That kid has guts, not even letting me help."


    She was a member of the Hall of Elders and could have easily made the male cultivator leave with a word.


    This made her see Gu An in a new light.


    Besides her, Gu An had also sworn brotherhood with Xuan Tianyi and had a close rtionship with the Sect Leader. Even so, Gu An did not resort to abusing his power, always offering sincerepensation.


    This character was truly admirable.


    After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the male cultivator left.


    Gu An looked back, feeling quite emotional.


    Was this a fortunate mistake?


    If Xiaochuan hadn''t been so kind to the White Spirit Rat, would it have spat the pearl on his face?


    ...


    Xuan Tianyi''s Dao Enlightenment Conference was held as scheduled. Gu An took An Xin and Xiaochuan to the Inner Sect City to listen to the teachings. He didn''t gain much, but for An Xin and Xiaochuan, as well as all the Inner Sect disciples, it was immensely beneficial.


    With the sessful conclusion of the Dao Enlightenment Conference, Xuan Tianyi''s prestige soared, surpassing that of the Sect Leader and bing revered by everyone in the sect.


    In early summer, Xuan Tianyi went to the border and killed a Mahayana Realm Great Demon King and three Mystic Heart Realm Demon Kings, bing famous across five regions.


    Now, the title of the strongest under heaven was attributed to him, though many still believed Sword Venerable Fudao was stronger.


    As for the Daoist Lord of Cangtian Sect, he had been silent since his return.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Xuan Tianyi''s action greatly intimidated the Demon Land, giving people hope.


    Thus, two years passed.


    Gu An''s lifespan reached over 2.5 million years. In those two years, he still asionally went down the mountain. Upon learning that people called him the Green Hero, he was stunned.


    What was this?


    That night.


    Jiang Qiong left, going somewhere to retrieve her belongings. Gu An could only wish her safety, unable to stop her.


    After leaving the thousand-mile range of Supreme Sect, Jiang Qiong walked through the mountains and forests. d in a long ck robe, she looked like a ghost.


    Suddenly, she stopped, frowning.


    Following her gaze, a ck shadow appeared ahead, and she was startled.


    Demon Shadow Divine Skill!


    Could there still be a master of Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?


    Wait!


    Near Supreme Sect, a Great Cultivator who knew Demon Shadow Divine Skill...


    Jiang Qiong immediately readied her magic artifact, poised for action.


    "If I wanted to kill you, do you think you could resist?" A cold and hoarse voice came from the mysterious shadow ahead.


    Jiang Qiong took a deep breath and asked, "May I ask if you are Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Gu An raised his hand and tossed the Ephemera Sect Hierarch Token to her. She did not catch it, but took a step back and looked down at the token on the ground.


    The three words ''Ephemera Sect'' made herplexion change drastically.


    "You are from Ephemera Sect? How is that possible?" Jiang Qiong looked at Gu An in disbelief.


    Sword Venerable Fudao who had opposed Ephemera Sect was actually from Ephemera Sect?


    Gu An said calmly, "This is the Hierarch Token of Ephemera Sect. From now on, you are my envoy, managing Ephemera Sect on my behalf. You can do what you want, but don''t let Ephemera Sectmit any more evil deeds."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Qiong immediately understood.


    Sword Venerable Fudao must have taken over the position of Hierarch after Ephemera Sect''s downfall, intending to change Ephemera Sect.


    She breathed a sigh of relief.


    As long as Sword Venerable Fudao is truly a good person, there is no need to be so fearful.


    "Why choose me?" Jiang Qiong asked.


    "You have been in Supreme Sect for over a hundred years,ing and going. I saw you on Nine Nether Road before. Later, you returned to Supreme Sect and did not harm the disciples, which at least shows that your nature is not bad. You seem to be in a swamp, perhaps because there are people you care about in Supreme Sect or because you are avoiding enemies," Gu An said nonchntly.


    Jiang Qiong''s expression changed, and her eyes turned cold.


    She thought Sword Venerable Fudao was using Gu An to threaten her.


    "None of that matters. What matters is whether you are willing to take over Ephemera Sect. The Ghost Mother of Ephemera and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil will see the token as seeing me. With this token, you can make great impacts," Gu An said coldly.


    Jiang Qiong took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, I have offended Seven Stars Spirit Realm..."


    "That is also one of the reasons."


    "What?"


    Jiang Qiong''s face changed drastically, and she looked at Gu An in shock.


    Moonlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, illuminating her, while Gu An remained in the darkness.


    ...


    Jiang Qiong returned after three months.


    It was autumn, and the night was slightly cool.


    Gu An and Jiang Qiong came to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    "Disciple Grandson, I have returned to say goodbye," Jiang Qiong said softly, looking up at the Green Vine Tree.


    Gu An feigned confusion and asked, "Where are you going?"


    Jiang Qiong smiled, "During this time, I''ve thought a lot. Hiding all the time is not the solution; it might even drag you down. Seven Stars Spirit Realm is indeed powerful, but they are not necessarily the rulers of the world. I want to build my own force and keep climbing."


    Gu An appeared hesitant, various emotions flickering across his face.


    Noticing his expression, Jiang Qiong felt even happier. Sheughed, "The Great Demon Cmity is imminent. The more chaotic it gets, the greater the opportunities. Maybe in a hundred years, I cane to Supreme Sect openly. By then, I''ll have you receive me, all right?"


    Gu An asked, "Do you really have to fight?"


    "In the world of immortal cultivation, if you don''t fight, you''ll be trampled on sooner orter. Even if you are safe in Supreme Sect for now, what aboutter? What if someone wants to kick you out and take over your achievements in Medicine Valley, what will you do?"


    Faced with Jiang Qiong''s questioning, Gu An remained silent.


    Afraid that he would be timid in the future, Jiang Qiong smiled and said, "If you don''t fight, then I''ll fight. Don''t worry, as long as I''m alive, there will always be a ce for you. Unless I die."


    Gu An was moved and looked at her.


    Satisfied with his expression, Jiang Qiong said, "ording to the information I''ve received, the Great Demon Cmity is about to fully erupt. Be prepared for this once-in-a-million-years catastrophe."

 Chapter 175: Chapter 175 Su Hans Envy, Demon Ancestors Resurrection

    Jiang Qiong returned home but stayed only for one night before leaving. Gu An could sense her renewed fighting spirit, much like when she first restored her physical body, full of vigor.


    Gu An also had high hopes for her future. If she could lead the remaining followers of the Ephemera Sect onto a righteous path, it would be a meritorious deed.


    Although the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was using Su Han, they merely desired to return to their homnd. Meanwhile, Su Han needed someone to protect him. Both sides were using each other, and who would have thestugh depended on their own abilities.


    Everyone had their own life journey. Even those closest to Gu An, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and Li Ya, were living their own lives of immortal cultivation, only asionally visiting Gu An for a chat.


    After Jiang Qiong left, Gu An''s life continued as usual.


    Even though he had reached the Ninth Layer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, he did not find nting flowers and herbs tedious, as he had higher goals to pursue.


    Since the medicinal herbs had to be picked personally to gain life span, Gu An rarely used his clone technique. As for receiving guests and handling matters, he was toozy to use his clones. Throughout the year, the instances requiring another persona to handle were few and far between. Such asions added variety to his tranquil life, which he naturally enjoyed experiencing first-hand.


    Every day held fascination for Gu An.


    ...


    Tianwei, Heavenly Pce Mountain.


    Heavenly Pce Mountain was nestled among vast mountains, with a massive pce sitting at the peak. A stone staircase extended from the foot of the mountain to the summit, unobstructed by trees, thus the pce was referred to as the Heavenly Pce, and ascending the mountain wasuded as reaching the heavens.


    On the Ascending Heaven Steps of Heavenly Pce Mountain, Su Han approached with a bone sword in his hand. His ck robe fluttered, and his long hair danced in the wind. He looked up at the figure on the mountaintop, a look of unwillingness on his face.


    The person standing at the summit was An Hao.


    An Hao wore a gold-trimmed white robe, with a dragon crown on his head. His wrist guards, belt, and boots were all exquisitely ornate and gleamed with brilliance. He looked down on Su Han from the mountain top, a smirk of arrogance and pride ying on his lips.


    "Hateful Heaven Divine Sword? That''s all? I heard you can devour others'' spiritual power, but even though you take shortcuts, your cultivation growth is slower than mine?"


    An Hao''s voice resounded under the vast sky, full of heroism.


    Su Han looked up at An Hao, not angry, but with aplex expression in his eyes.


    At that moment, several figures appeared in the woods at the base of the mountain. They moved like spectres, quickly positioning themselves behind Su Han.


    Nine Nether Thirteen Evil!


    Su Han raised his sword to block them.


    The third of the Nine Nether evil spirits, Li Sanyou, said in a deep voice, "If you don''t deal with this boy, you won''t be able to devour the cultivation of those cultivators in the pce!"


    Su Han responded calmly, "He''s from the Supreme Sect. I don''t want to deal with a disciple of the Supreme Sect."


    The seventh of the Nine Nether evil spirits, Li Qiyou, mocked, "You can injure him without taking his life."


    Seeing the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil appear, An Hao squinted. He raised his right hand, and a long sword materialized in his palm.


    Bathed in sunlight, the de glimmered with a radiant arc.


    Su Han frowned, hesitating.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil did not wait for him to decide and started to ascend the steps.


    Rumble¡ª


    Clouds in the sky churned, quickly transforming into thunderclouds. A powerful sword intent enveloped the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil and Su Han.


    Su Han''s eyes widened, looking up at An Hao in horror, unable to maintain hisposure from before.


    "Such sword intent... how could it be..."


    Su Han knew that An Hao was younger than him. He couldn''tprehend how An Hao had cultivated such a powerful sword intent.


    "To have honed the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword to such a degree? What is your rtionship with Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    A voice rang out, belonging to the Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    As soon as she spoke, the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil stopped in their tracks.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The name Sword Venerable Fudao made them cringe in fear. Luckily, they had not attacked An Hao earlier.


    An Hao snorted coldly, "Why ask so many questions? If you want to fight, then fight!"


    The Taicang Sword Intent caused the thunderclouds to gather into a human face. If Gu An saw this, he would feel gratified, as An Hao had taken the mastery of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword to a new level.


    "Retreat!"


    The Ghost Mother''s voice rang out, and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil turned and descended the mountain without hesitation.


    As they walked past Su Han, they nudged his shoulder.


    Su Han followed them down, but he couldn''t help but nce back at An Hao.


    It was the first time he had seen someone scare off the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, which made his feelings more conflicted.


    "If I had a background like his, I wouldn''t be in this situation..."


    Su Han quickly disappeared into the forest with the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil.


    At the mountain top, An Hao quietly exhaled, despite his arrogance. The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil had put him under tremendous pressure.


    His master was truly formidable!


    Wherever he went, he thrived!


    An Hao felt proud, then turned and walked towards the Heavenly Pce.


    Before he reached the door, Si Yan''er poked her head out from within, looking at An Hao excitedly.


    As An Hao approached, she softly asked, "So your master is Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    An Hao pressed her head, not uttering a word, and walked straight into the Heavenly Pce.


    ...


    Late autumn, Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An sat on the staircase of a pavilion, watching the disciples clear the autumn leaves. The Third Medicine Valley was vast and its scenery magnificent, making him feel content.


    The weather was pleasant, the wind was gentle, everything seemed wonderful. The only blemish was a strong surge of demon energy gathering in the north.


    Gu An used his divine sense, at the Wandering Immortal Realm, to see endless demons surrounding a mountain. The mountain appeared as if it had been sliced by the Heavenly Sword, its top t, with an altar standing on it.


    The area around the altar was filled with great demons, the lowest of which were at the Mystic Heart Realm, and one had even reached the Nirvana Realm!


    Gu An spected that the one of the Nirvana Realm must be the Demon Emperor.


    A stronger demon energy than the Nirvana Realm was amassing within the altar.


    Demon energy pervaded thends and skies, and the clouds above churned, asionally a meteor would fall, resembling an apocalyptic scene.


    Moreover, Gu An sensed the presence of great cultivators around the demons. Some of these cultivators also had the aura of the Nirvana Realm.


    Evidently, these cultivators were from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and they were waiting for the resurrection of the Demon Ancestor.


    "Neither human nor demon, what an interesting world."


    Gu Anughed softly, his tone mocking. He retracted his divine sense and then took out the Daoist Xunchun''s writings to peruse.


    He had no intention of prematurely stopping the demonic cmity. He nned to act unexpectedly against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and now was not the right time.


    The sun set and the moon rose.


    An Xin arrived at the staircase, asking, "Master, why are you sitting here?"


    Gu An looked at her, smiling, "Enjoying the moonlight. How about you? How has your cultivation beentely?"


    After merging with the Water Spirit Pearl, An Xin''s maximum life span hadn''t changed. Treasures of extraordinary rarity in this world couldn''t easily alter one''s life span limits, but he could feel that An Xin''s energy absorption speed had greatly improved.


    An Xin smiled sweetly and said, "Pretty good, thanks to you, Master. I promise to cultivate herbs well to make up for your loss."


    "A sixth-grade herb is priceless; it might take you a lifetime to make up for it."


    "No problem. As long as you don''t mind, Master, I''m happy to stay in the Medicine Valley for a lifetime."


    Unlike An Hao, who sought justice in the world of immortal cultivation, An Xin, aware of her mediocre talents, only cared about this Medicine Valley.


    There were hundreds of disciples in the valley, so life was not dull. asionally, she would visit the Outer Gate City. She had no worries and enjoyed these days greatly.


    Seeing An Xin''s bright smile, Gu An couldn''t help but smile too.


    Then I will provide for her for a lifetime.


    Gu An treated his disciples well, not for any return. Could these disciples surpass him in power?


    He simply enjoyed creating good rtionships. Having affection for others who reciprocated his kindness gave him satisfaction.


    The master and disciple chatted idly, and An Xin mentioned the White Spirit Rat, saying it was too fat and needed some exercise.


    Thus, Gu An entrusted the White Spirit Rat to her, permitting her to handle it as she wished, which made her very happy.


    One night passed.


    Early the next morning, many Supreme Sect disciples flew northward. Some even flew over the Third Medicine Valley, making an impressive spectacle and causing the valley''s disciples to talk excitedly.


    After watching for a while, Gu An stepped onto the Transmission Array tform.


    An ancient hourter.


    Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley.


    He saw Lv Xian had returned, meditating on a cliff facing the valley''s entrance.


    Seeing him from afar, Lv Xian nodded slightly as a greeting.


    Gu An nodded back and walked into the valley.


    Two years had passed, and the world''sndscape had greatly changed. Now only three dynasties remained, the Taicang Dynasty, the Tianwei Dynasty, and the Great Jiang Dynasty.


    Among them, the Taicang Dynasty possessed the most extensive territory. The Great Jiang Dynasty was at the bottom because they hadn''t participated in the internal wars, being too busy fighting demons.


    After Gu An finished harvesting the medicinal herbs, he had three monkey demons nt the seeds.


    Luo Hun came to Gu An''s side and said, "Your majesty wants you to hasten to increase your cultivation level to the Ninth Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and reach the Core Formation soon."


    He raised his hand, took out an ornate box, and handed it to Gu An.


    "His majesty said that with your current status in the Supreme Sect, someone will surely help you form your core. This is a Golden Core he prepared in advance since he can''t find the time to return himself." Luo Hun''s eyes showed curiosity.


    He was curious about Gu An''s current status in the Supreme Sect. Unfortunately, Li Xuandao''s letter did not specify.


    Gu An put the box into his storage bag and asked Luo Hun to thank Li Xuandao on his behalf.


    Luo Hun whispered, "The book?"


    Gu An discreetly took out a book, "This is thetest Green Hero Travelogue. Green Hero himself gave it to me, and no third person has seen it yet."


    Luo Hun epted it with joy.


    At that moment, Ji Xiaoyu''s brother, Ji Rui, appeared behind Luo Hun, looking at Gu An, asking, "Have you met Xuan Tianyi?"


    Luo Hun moved aside to give him room.


    Gu An asked, "Why do you ask?"


    "Green Hero Travelogue is written by Xuan Tianyi," Ji Rui said expressionlessly. Luo Hun was embarrassed, quickly leaving.


    Gu An nodded, "Indeed, we have sworn brotherhood."


    Hearing this, Luo Hun stopped, looking at him in disbelief.


    Ji Rui squinted his eyes, carefully examining Gu An.


    Lv Xian, who was meditating on the cliff, opened his eyes. The name Xuan Tianyi was well-known to him. In the current world of immortal cultivation, who didn''t know the Supreme Sect''s true inheritor?


    Ji Rui stared at Gu An and said, "It seems Xuan Tianyi likes your Investiture of the Gods."


    "Investiture of the Gods? What do you mean?"


    Luo Hun suddenly stepped forward, looking at Ji Rui with a frown, "Are you saying Investiture of the Gods was written by Gu An?"


    Ji Rui nodded.


    Luo Hun looked at him in disbelief. This news was more shocking than Gu An and Xuan Tianyi''s sworn brotherhood.

 Chapter 176: Chapter 176 The Eyes Peeking at All Beings!

    "Gu An, Pan An..." Luo Hun looked at Gu An, thinking in a daze.


    His expression made Gu An very displeased.


    What do you mean by this?


    Disappointed?


    Gu An was not afraid of Pan An''s identity being exposed now. Not to mention his cultivation level, just his backing was enough to handle all the trouble he could encounter.


    Don''t think that Gu An has killed many strong people, but those strong people had no direct enmity with him. Currently, the enemies he could provoke would hardly exceed the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    Even Lv Xian in the distance felt shocked. Gu An was Pan An?


    He knew that Gu An had extraordinary cultivation talent but did not expect him to have such skills.


    At this moment, Lv Xian once again felt his own mediocrity.


    He realized that true geniuses never show off their talents; they disdainparing themselves with others.


    Ji Rui looked at Gu An and said, "My third sister wrote to me, asking me to take good care of you. She greatly appreciates your decision to stay at the Supreme Sect instead of following the Ji Family in relocating."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An could only say, "I am cultivating in the Supreme Sect. At a time of crisis, I cannot run away. Moreover, I don''t need to go to the battlefield, so I must do my part from the rear."


    Ji Rui nodded, with a look of admiration in his eyes.


    The three chatted for a while before Gu An took the opportunity to bid farewell and leave.


    Watching his departing figure, Ji Rui chuckled softly and said, "Being sworn brothers with Xuan Tianyi, his cultivation level no longer matters. From now on, I have to treat him as a great personage."


    Luo Hun did not respond but muttered, "Why could he write the Investiture of the Gods... I can ept that he wrote the Green Hero Travelogue..."


    Don''t think that he now loves reading the Green Hero Travelogue and Daoist Xunchun, but in his heart, Investiture of the Gods was the masterpiece!


    The former satisfies his desires, while thetter is his life pursuit.


    ...


    Early winter.


    Just at dawn, a terrifying demon energy came from a distance, startling everyone at the Supreme Sect.


    In Mystic Valley, the servant disciples practicing exercises with Gu An also noticed it, all turning to look in terror.


    They had never felt such dreadful demon energy, making them instinctively fearful.


    Gu An also felt it and said, "Continue practicing, focus on our tasks, don''t worry about what you can''t control."


    Hearing this, the disciples could only suppress their inner fear and continue practicing.


    Chu Jingfeng and Lu Jiujia were also practicing, both furrowing their brows tightly.


    They felt that this demon energy far exceeded that of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, which had once brought despair to the Human Race. Now, an even more terrifying demon appeared, leaving them wondering how to survive the demon cmity.


    This demon energy did not dissipate after its appearance; itsted for seven whole days.


    On this day, Gu An came to the Outer Gate City, where rumors about the Demon Ancestor had already spread.


    "Have you heard? The Ancestor of Ten Thousand Demons, who founded the Demon n, has resurrected. He is the root cause of the demon cmity."


    "The Six-Headed Sea Dragon was only one of the seventy-two Great Demon Kings. There''s still the Demon Emperor above him, and now an even more powerful Demon Ancestor appears. What are we going to do?"


    "With Senior Xuan Tianyi, Daoist Lord, and the nine great cultivators of the world, we still have a sliver of hope."


    "These people are formidable, but who can kill the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor?"


    "No matter what, even the Great Cultivators have returned from overseas to aid us. How can we, the people who cultivate immortality, be afraid? We will fight to the death with no regrets!"


    Even the Foundation Establishment Realm outer disciples were stirred with bloodlust, ready to fight at any moment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An arrived at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform and saw Di Xie, the son of the Demon Emperor, notprehending Sword Enlightenment, but standing by the tform, looking at the sky, seeming deep in thought.


    The sky was covered with surging dark clouds, and the snow was falling heavily, as if to obscure the vast world.


    Gu An also looked up, raising his right hand to catch a ke of snow.


    The snowke melted instantly upon touching his hand, dissipating into wisps of white vapor.


    "Loose Immortal."


    Gu An silently thought in his heart, judging the cultivation level of the Demon Ancestor.


    Indeed terrifying. If Xuan Tianyi and Daoist Lord had not returned, the Human Race of the Three Dynasties, having only Mystic Heart Realm cultivators, how could they resist the Loose Immortal Realm Demon Ancestor?


    Even if those two returned, they could not possibly be a match for the Demon Ancestor. The gap in cultivation levels was too vast, vast enough for the Demon Ancestor to easily crush them.


    Under Gu An''s gaze, the dark clouds in the sky actually formed the outline of two gigantic eyes, overlooking all beings with oppressive power.


    More and more people noticed the abnormality in the sky. As they looked up, all were terrified.


    Before these eyes, all beings felt their insignificance.


    They inexplicably thought of a name.


    Demon Ancestor!


    The Outer Gate City quickly fell into extreme silence and oppression.


    "Humph! So what if it''s the Demon Ancestor? I, Xuan Tianyi, will surely vanquish it. Watch closely, everyone, this world is ruled by humans!"


    Xuan Tianyi''s domineering voice resounded through the Supreme Sect, like thunder, echoing for a long time, making everyone who heard it enthusiastic with boiling blood.


    Gu An smiled upon hearing this.


    One had to admit, Xuan Tianyi indeed possessed the bearing of a savior. In this regard, Lv Baitian was inferior to him.


    Lv Baitian was domineering in management, but Xuan Tianyi had an unmatched sharpness, a sharpness that could bring people endless power in times of cmity.


    Gu An could feel Xuan Tianyi flying out of the Supreme Sect, heading towards the Northern Territory.


    He turned and left.


    Countless demons wereing south, and it wouldn''t be long before the great cmity of demons would fully erupt!


    Let them fight first. Only after experiencing despair can one truly cherish peace.


    ...


    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, Nianchu Cave.


    At a stone table, Gu An was drinking, while Tian Yao''er squatted on a stone stool, barefoot, looking up at the sky nervously.


    At this moment, countless demons were passing by Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, heading south, causing Nianchu Cave to tremble slightly.


    Tian Yao''er looked at Gu An, furrowing her brows, and asked, "Master, I don''t know why, but I am very angry and want to tear things apart. I have never felt this way before."


    Gu An also felt a force.


    The demons of the Demon Land were continuously going berserk, losing their minds. This was not caused by themands of the Demon Emperor or the Demon Ancestor; there was an eerie force affecting the demons in the dark.


    Specifically, it was affecting the demons of the Demon Land. Gu An could feel that this force did not extend to the demon creatures in thends of the Three Dynasties.


    He was very curious about what kind of force could influence so many demons?


    Could it be the blood of the Demon Ancestor?


    He remembered that the demons on this continent were derived from the blood of the Demon Ancestor.


    "That''s because your cultivation level is not high enough. Do you want to be controlled by other demons in the future?" Gu An asked expressionlessly.


    He was watching the grand procession of demons.


    No matter which direction his Divine Sense probed, it was filled with countless demons, making one''s scalp tingle.


    Tian Yao''er shook her head and said, "I don''t want to be controlled by other demons. I will only let Master control me."


    Gu An did not respond but stood up. He was preparing to strengthen the restrictions in his cave to prevent Tian Yao''er from going berserk and destroying his medicinal herbs.


    At the same time.


    In the Northern Territory of the Great Jiang Dynasty, on the battlefield where the battle with the Six-Headed Sea Dragon took ce, numerous factions had establishedrge bases at the edge of the canyon spanning across the ground.


    Lv Baitian hovered in the air, looking at the horizon with a serious expression.


    On the other side of the canyon, demon energy pervaded, darkening the skies, like a different world from the one the cultivators were in.


    Ji Hantian flew to Lv Baitian''s side, saying solemnly, "This battle is unlikely tost for many days."


    Lv Baitian nced at him and asked, "Isn''t the Ji Family nning to withdraw?"


    "Yes, most of the disciples have already left the Supreme Sect."


    "Then why are you here?"


    "Because I am the Vice Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect. Anyone can leave, but not us."


    Ji Hantian looked far away, his gaze calm, yet his words carried immense strength.


    Lv Baitian shook his head andughed, then looked towards the horizon alongside him.


    The demon fog surged at the horizon, like an abyssal storm gradually approaching, with the oppressive feeling of countless demon energies converging.


    ...


    Tianwei Dynasty, the formernd of the Chentang Dynasty, in a forest around Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    Su Han sat under a tree, caressing the bone sword in his hand. The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil scattered around, and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera sat on a coffin, resting with her eyes closed.


    Li Sanyou spoke, "Ghost Mother, all the Great Cultivators of Three Pure Ones Mountain have gone to the Northern Territory. When do we strike?"


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera replied with closed eyes, "No rush, wait for the battle to break out."


    Su Han looked up at her and asked, "This time, who is our target?"


    "Prince of Taicang, Li Ya," the Ghost Mother of Ephemera uttered the name.


    Su Han couldn''t help but frown. He knew Li Ya had a close rtionship with Gu An. He asked, "Why him?"


    "He also mastered the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword. The Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword of the Li Family was passed down from our Ephemera Sect. Although An Hao prevented us from taking Heavenly Pce Mountain, his appearance gave me an idea. That is to let you also acquire the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword. The Sword Intent of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword can cover the strength of all beings, perhaps better unleashing the power of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword."


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera''s tone was exceedingly calm, as if Li Ya were already a dead man.


    Su Han took a deep breath and said, "Choose someone else; there are other Li Family disciples. I don''t want to deal with Li Ya."


    "Only he knows the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword in the Li Family, not even Li Xuanmiao of Three Pure Ones Mountain can use it."


    "No, Li Ya is my martial uncle. I can''t do it!"


    Su Han said solemnly, showing a rare strong stance against the Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera opened her eyes, her hollow gaze falling on him. Even in broad daylight, it instinctively made him avoid her eyes.


    The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil remained silent, all watching Su Han with amusement.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera slowly spoke, "If you don''t want to deal with Li Ya, fine, but you must be prepared to¡­"


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    A thunderbolt shed across the sky, startling the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, Su Han, and the others to look up. They saw thunderclouds rapidly gathering at the horizon, intertwined with lightning, and a colossal figure appeared in the cloud sea.


    "Taoist of Immortality, it is time to settle our scores!"


    An ancient voice echoed,ing from the mysterious presence within the thunderclouds.


    Far away in the Mystic Valley of the Supreme Sect, Gu An was observing the Three Dynasties''nds with his Divine Sense. He discovered that numerous ancient ruins and perilous ces across the Three Dynasties''nds revealed signs of spatial formations, transmitting many demons into the interior.


    These teleportation arrays came from various ancient relics and deadly grounds.


    Gu An was certain that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was assisting the demons, and those ancient relics were likely left by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm had indeed made a brilliant move!

 Chapter 177: Chapter 177: The Demon Master Appears, Di Xies Fear

    The world was in chaos, and mes of war rose everywhere!


    Immense demonic energy rose from all over the realm, threatening to engulf the entirend.


    The winter snow was colder than in past years. Gu An donned a rough raincoat, transforming into the Green Hero, wandering the mortal world.


    In the mountains, within a small town shaped like a crescent moon, flickering mes, and curling green smoke rose. ck crows circled the sky densely above, their cries interwoven with the sounds of screams, wails, and roars, echoing relentlessly.


    Gu An rushed out of the forest, leaping like an eagle from the cliff toward the town. Following his gaze, the town was filled with numerous demons and ghosts, wantonly ughtering themon people. Some were gnawed alive from the feet by demons before they even died, a scene of cruelty and horror.


    In less than half an hour, only the sound of weeping remained in the town.


    Gu An walked out of the town, shaking off the demon blood from his sword, then sheathed the Qinghong Sword.


    Despite the anguish left behind, he did not look back.


    It had been ten days since the revival of the Demon Ancestor. Battles had erupted in the Northern Territory of the Great Jiang Dynasty, with Mahayana Realm cultivators still engaged in fierce fighting. Not only the Great Jiang Dynasty, but even the borders of Tianwei were also under the impact of the demonic tide.


    Although the Taicang Dynasty did not need to guard its borders, demons wreaked havoc internally, presenting a crisis no less severe than in the other two dynasties.


    The Demon Emperor had not yet taken action, nor had the Demon Ancestor appeared. Gu An was naturally not in a hurry. Judging from the current scale, even if the Demon Emperor and Demon Ancestor were killed, the human race of the three dynasties would still suffer for a long time under the demonic turmoil.


    Rescuing people while umting life span was a rare opportunity for Gu An.


    Gu An did not use the Limitless Freedom Step but flew by controlling his sword. Along the way, he saw many disciples of the Supreme Sect.


    Unconsciously, in the immortal cultivation world of the Taicang Dynasty, the number of Supreme Sect cultivators had reached one-third. No matter where one went, Supreme Sect disciples could be seen, showcasing the rapid development of the Supreme Sect over the years.


    It was evening when Gu An finally returned to the Mystic Valley.


    He sat at his desk, took out pen and paper, and began writing, using the act of writing to dispel the malevolence in his heart.


    Too much killing would foster a heart inclined toward ughter, and seeing too many tragic scenes left him in a poor mood, necessitating self-adjustment.


    Though he was a Wandering Immortal, he had yet to possess the Daoist Heart of an immortal.


    And he was shaping his Daoist Heart.


    No matter how high his cultivation level, he was still a person who had lived for less than a hundred years. A person''s mindset needed to change gradually. Which true immortal had not gone through thousands of years of worldly tumult?


    As the moon set and the sun rose.


    The next morning, the bell of the Supreme Sect sounded, summoning the Inner Sect disciples. Though Gu An''s status had already been elevated to the level of an Inner Sect Disciple, he did not need to participate in the various affairs of the Inner Sect but only needed to focus on cultivating medicinal herbs.


    Gu An went to the Third Medicine Valley and began harvesting the mature herbs.


    Suddenly, he sensed a cataclysmic battle erupting in the distance. The immense pressure transmitted across millions of miles to the Supreme Sect.


    One of thebatants was Xuan Tianyi!


    Xuan Tianyi was fighting against three Great Demon Kings, each at the Mahayana Realm!


    Gu An could sense that the demonic energy of two of the Great Demon Kings was unstable, seemingly freshly broken through.


    Was it the work of the Demon Ancestor or some trickery from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    The battle among four Mahayana Realm powerhouses was immensely grand, and the pressure shaken the cosmos. The disciples in the valley were uneasy. Ever since the full outbreak of the demonic catastrophe, even if they did not participate in the fighting, they would asionally feel the terrifying pressure, making them inevitably fearful.


    Gu An, however, remained calm and continued picking herbs.


    Currently, relying solely on the herbs from the Mystic Valley, Eight Scenic Caves, Third Medicine Valley, Tianya Valley, Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, Nianchu Cave, and Mountain God Temple, Gu An reaped at least twenty-five thousand years of life span annually, with asional bursts.


    If the demonic catastrophe ended and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm made no further moves, Gu An would not proactively act against them.


    To him, the longer time dragged on, the greater the benefit.


    After Gu An finished harvesting the herbs, just as he was about to leave, he sensed something, and his gaze turned toward the direction of the Outer Gate City.


    He gave some instructions to Xiaochuan, then flew towards the Outer Gate City.


    Half an hourter.


    Gu An arrived at the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, looking towards Di Xie.


    Di Xie was meditating beneath the two characters "Righteous Path", striving toprehend sword intent. Over the years, Gu An could feel that a sword intent had already umted within him.


    A demon practicing the sword, a Sword Demon?


    Gu An mused silently, his gaze shifting to the others on the Heavenly Repair tform, constantly performing life span detection.


    He waited for someone to arrive.


    Specifically, he waited for a demon.


    After a while, a figure stepped onto the Heavenly Repair tform, passing right in front of Gu An.


    [Demon Master (Nirvana Realm Second Layer): 30290/90000/170000]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Nirvana Realm Second Layer!


    Demon Master!


    Gu An recognized the existence of the Demon Master, a peerless Great Demon second only to the Demon Emperor in the Demon Land. To the ck Crow Demon Envoy, the Demon Master was unfathomable, his cultivation level unknown.


    The Demon Master certainly had another name, but the name shown in the life span detection may have used an alias, just as Li Xuanmiao appeared as Sage Xuan Miao.


    Gu An spected it rted to the name''s renown.


    Most people only knew Sage Xuan Miao''s name but not Li Xuanmiao''s, hence the life span detection showed the name "Sage Xuan Miao".


    The Demon Master had transformed into a middle-aged man in in robes, with a refined and handsome appearance, devoid of any demonic energy. His cultivation seemed only at the Core Formation Realm.


    He did not notice Gu An, distracted by the numerous cultivators on both sides.


    He walked straight towards Di Xie, eventually standing behind him, silently observing the two characters, "Righteous Path".


    After a while.


    The Demon Master spoke, admiringly, "What a domineering sword intent. The Sword Venerable Fudao lives up to his name."


    Di Xie suddenly opened his eyes, turning to look at him, an incredulous expression on his face. He quickly stood up, facing him, and asked in a low voice, "Why are you here?"


    The surrounding cultivators only nced at them briefly, showing little concern.


    The Demon Master chuckled lightly, saying, "I came to see you, and to check out the Supreme Sect."


    Di Xie took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.


    He knew the Demon Master''s strength. His father had said that even seventy-two Great Demon Kings together could not match the Demon Master.


    In other words, the Demon Master''s realm exceeded the Mahayana Realm!


    Although the Supreme Sect had the enigmatic Great Cultivator Sword Venerable Fudao, if a fight broke out, it would definitely level the Supreme Sect.


    Living in the Supreme Sect for so many years, Di Xie had grown fond of it and did not wish for its early demise.


    The Demon Master surveyed the Heavenly Repair tform, smiling, "The Supreme Sect is truly magnificent. No wonder it harbors the Heavenly Destiny."


    "Heavenly Destiny? What Heavenly Destiny?" Di Xie asked, frowning.


    He was cautious, fearing someone would discover the Demon Master''s true identity.


    The Demon Master chuckled, saying, "In my calctions, the celestial order has changed, yet I cannot discern the reason for the shift in Heavenly Destiny. But I found that the celestial order of the human race in the three dynasties has altered, with the Supreme Sect undergoing the most significant change."


    Di Xie asked in a low voice, "What is your purpose ining here?"


    The Demon Master grinned, his smile growing increasingly sinister and cold.


    They did not notice someone leaving the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Gu An arrived in an alley, then instantly appeared in the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion in the North Sea Mountain Range.


    He stood under the Heart Clearing Tree, pulled the Heaven-Cutting Axe from the ground, then shed to a mountaintop miles away.


    He raised the Heaven-Cutting Axe, aiming it at the Heavenly Repair tform of the Supreme Sect.


    This axe left in the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion was a waste, better to leave a legacy for the Supreme Sect.


    After aiming, he lightly tossed the Heaven-Cutting Axe. Though it seemed casual, the moment the axe left his hand, it erupted with terrifying power. The space visibly distorted, creating a strong visual impact. The violent wind crushed all the surrounding forests, even dispersing the clouds in the sky.


    The wind stirred Gu An''s ck hair. He smiled, his divine sense trailing the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    ...


    On the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Facing Di Xie''s inquiry, the Demon Master spread his hands, smiling, "What purpose could I have? It''s just..."


    Suddenly!


    His face changed dramatically. Instinctively, he tried to dodge, but his reaction was a moment too slow.


    Boom!


    Apanied by a thunderous sound, an axe fell from the sky, striking the Demon Master. Blood and flesh sttered, instantly drenching Di Xie in blood.


    Di Xie stood there, dumbfounded, his eyes widening in shock.


    The surrounding cultivators were also sttered with blood. The terrifying st wave sent everyone except Di Xie flying.


    The Heavenly Repair tform shook violently, startling everyone, who all turned their heads to look.


    Everyone was terrified at the sight, seeing a ck axe embedded in the Heavenly Repair tform with a pool of mangled flesh beneath the de. The axe de was surrounded by wisps of strength energy, burning like mes.


    Blood bubbles formed at the base of the axe de, with demon energy continuously emerging. Gradually, a skeleton appeared, its specific race indistinguishable, but it was definitely not human.


    Di Xie still stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, unable to move.


    One by one, figures appeared out of nowhere, including the Supreme Elder, Xuan Quan.


    Xuan Quan''s face changed dramatically. In a solemn voice, he said, "This is a demon, and one at a higher realm than the Mystic Heart Realm!"


    His words startled everyone.


    "A Great Demon infiltrating the Supreme Sect?"


    "Oh my god, I just looked at him, wondering what he meant by Heavenly Destiny. Who knew he was a demon¡­"


    "What''s the origin of this axe?"


    "Does anyone in the Supreme Sect use an axe?"


    "Carefully feel it. There''s sword intent on the axe. Isn''t that the sword intent of Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Recognizing the sword intent on the Heaven-Cutting Axe, everyone''s panic turned into excitement and joy.


    The Sword Venerable Fudao was always protecting them secretly!


    "Sword Venerable Fudao..."


    Di Xie stared nkly at the Heaven-Cutting Axe, the sight of the Demon Master''s crushed body terrified him.


    The Sword Venerable Fudao could see that the Demon Master was a demon, and naturally, he could see Di Xie''s true form.


    Why had the Sword Venerable Fudao spared him?


    Was it because he had not caused trouble?


    At that moment, Di Xie''s reverence for the Sword Venerable Fudao reached its peak.


    He was certain that the Sword Venerable Fudao was undoubtedly stronger than his father!


    Without showing himself, being able to kill the Demon Master instantly was beyond his father''s ability.


    Xuan Quan stepped forward, grabbing the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, trying to lift it. His face changed dramatically.


    He began cultivating energy, causing the entire Heavenly Repair tform to tremble.


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, the Heaven-Cutting Axe stood motionless, undisturbed.


    Everyone''s eyes fixated on Xuan Quan, the Supreme Elder''s face extremely grave.

 Chapter 178: Chapter 178 Xuan Tianyis Shock

    Ancestor Xuanquan tried to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe for a long time but couldn''t manage to lift it. He had to let go and step back, which made everyone watching understand one thing.


    That was, Ancestor Xuanquan was far less powerful than Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Although they had already thought so, witnessing this scene still left them shocked by the vast difference between the two.


    How high was Sword Venerable Fudao''s cultivation level?


    Just at that moment,


    the de of the Heaven-Cutting Axe emitted bursts of sword Qi, hitting the ground, sending stones flying, and scaring everyone back.


    Di Xie had also woken up by this time, but his expression was veryplex, and he was visibly shaken. The others thought he had been scared silly.


    Everyone stared to see two lines of words appear on the tform in front of the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    "Whoever lifts this axe!"


    "Shall inherit its legacy!"


    These eight words made many people start breathing heavily.


    Immediately, an elder stepped forward to try lifting the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    On the other side,


    Gu An had already returned to the Outer Gate City. He walked to the edge of the Heavenly Repair tform, watching the cultivators continually try to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe. A slight smile appeared on his lips.


    The Heaven-Cutting Axe was forged from North Sea Nether Iron, which had been buried for millions of years. Even Mahayana cultivators would feel its immense weight without using spiritual power, and Gu An had infused the axe with mana and sword intent.


    Only a Loose Immortal could draw this axe!


    No one in Supreme Sect could lift it, and Gu An was not deliberately making things difficult. He would find a suitable inheritor in the years toe.


    In the meantime, he could eliminate the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    The Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe was one of the Nine Great Legacies of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Passing it on to disciples of Supreme Sect prematurely would only bring trouble.


    ying the Demon Master had extended Gu An''s lifespan by over 6,300 years, a massive gain.


    The Demon Master''s bones stilly under the Heaven-Cutting Axe without disintegrating, implying the bones were rare treasures. Gu An was not in a hurry to collect them. With the axe pressing on them, no one could take those bones.


    After watching for a while, Gu An turned and left.


    Along the way, the disciples were still excitedly discussing Sword Venerable Fudao, not realizing he had just passed by them.


    Ancestor Xuanquan approached Di Xie with a serious expression and said, "Come with me."


    Di Xie, with his face covered in blood, came to his senses. He did not resist and nodded in agreement.


    ...


    Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    On a cliff, Li Ya was practicing his swordsmanship. Wielding the North Sea Heavy Sword, he swung it through the air, creating gusts of wind. Compared to years ago, his sword strikes no longer felt heavy. Instead, they appeared graceful and elegant.


    The soul of Ancestor of the Li Family floated under a nearby tree, his gaze distant and his brows deeply furrowed, lost in thought.


    When Li Ya finished practicing, he looked back at Ancestor of the Li Family with pride and asked, "Ancestor, how is it? My sword moves have returned to their original form, haven''t they? If I were to use my sword intent, its power would probably even scare me. Next time I meet An Hao, I might not lose."


    Ancestor of the Li Family continued to be lost in thought, ignoring him.


    Li Ya walked up to him, waved his hand, andined, "What are you looking at? I''m talking to you!"


    "Don''t bother me; I''m watching a battle," Ancestor of the Li Family coldly snorted.


    Li Ya couldn''t help but ask, "What level of battle?"


    "Unification Realm."


    Li Ya lost interest immediately upon hearing this. He raised his North Sea Heavy Sword and said, "Stop watching. Nowadays, the world belongs to the Mystic Heart Realm and Mahayana Realm. Unification Realm is nothing; I''ll reach it sooner orter."


    "I want to go down the mountain!"


    As he said this, his expression turned serious.


    Ancestor of the Li Family responded casually, "Then go."


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya immediately turned to leave.


    "Wait, where are you going?" Ancestor of the Li Family regained his senses and hurriedly asked.


    "Back to Supreme Sect!"


    "Still worried about your Junior Brother Gu? What kind of spell has he put on you?" Ancestor of the Li Family frowned, his tone one of exasperation.


    Standing with his back to Ancestor of the Li Family, Li Ya replied, "It''s not for Junior Brother Gu; it''s because Supreme Sect is in trouble. I need to go back and help. With the world in chaos, hiding here to cultivate¡ªhow can that be the behavior of a true man? What''s the point of all the training bestowed by Supreme Sect?"


    With that, he leaped off the cliff.


    Ancestor of the Li Family did not pursue him but stayed where he was, mulling over his words.


    Gradually, a smile appeared on Ancestor of the Li Family''s face.


    "That brat has finally grown up."


    ...


    News of Sword Venerable Fudao ying a mysterious Great Demon with one swing of his axe quickly spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World, greatly boosting morale on the front lines.


    ording to Ancestor Xuan Quan of the Supreme Sect, that mysterious demon definitely had Mahayana Realm cultivation!


    The fall of a Mahayana Realm demon was undoubtedly good news for the entire Human Race!


    In a grand hall of the Great Jiang Dynasty...


    "Ha ha ha ha! My Supreme Sect is indeed powerful. Sword Venerable Fudao can kill a Mahayana Realm cultivator with a single axe swing; his cultivation level is probably catching up to mine!"


    Xuan Tianyi, sitting in the main seat,ughed heartily.


    Liang Canghai, sitting beside him, also stroked his beard and smiled. Although Xuan Tianyi''s words were arrogant, no one could deny that Sword Venerable Fudao''s actions were beneficial to the Human Race.


    Cultivators from various sects praised him. Among those present, the lowest cultivation level was in the Mystic Heart Realm. Even the Sect Leader of Supreme Sect, Lv Baitian, was not qualified to enter the hall because they were discussing strategies against the Mystic Heart Realm and Mahayana Realm demons.


    Since the outbreak of the demon cmity, there had been demon informers within the Human Race.


    Demons disguised as humans lurked around, and some people even sought to defect to the demons to save their own lives,plicating the cmity even further.


    A Great Cultivator in the Mystic Heart Realm asked, "Why not bring Sword Venerable Fudao to the front lines?"


    This suggestion received a lot of support, as many believed that if Sword Venerable Fudao joined them, their pressure would certainly decrease.


    A woman in ck spoke, "We don''t know exactly who Sword Venerable Fudao is. He is merely protecting the Supreme Sect. We can''t force him to act, nor can we pressure him with public opinion."


    She wore a veil and was a Supreme Elder named Fairy Suxin from the Supreme Sect.


    Her words garnered nods of agreement from the crowd.


    Someone brought up, "Sword Venerable Fudao possesses the Demon Shadow Divine Skill, suggesting he may havee from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion. If so, he might have turned over a new leaf and thus cannot show his true face. In that case, we definitely shouldn''t request his help."


    Liang Canghai then said, "When the Nine Nether Road opened before, Sword Venerable Fudao made a move. I suspect he will do so again in the future. But he has his considerations¡ªdon''t forget, we still don''t know how strong the Demon Emperor, Demon Master, or that mysterious Demon Ancestor are. Sword Venerable Fudao might be concerned with these matters, thus waiting in the shadows."


    The reasoning seemed sound to everyone, so they began to discuss the Demon Emperor and the Demon Master.


    An old Taoist from Three Pure Ones Mountain suddenly said, "Could the demon that died under Sword Venerable Fudao''s hand be the Demon Emperor or Demon Master?"


    Upon hearing this, everyone frowned.


    Liang Canghai said solemnly, "We must determine this matter. Whether it''s the Demon Emperor or the Demon Master, their death would benefit our future ns. As we continue to fear the unknown forces in the Demon Land, our effortsck effectiveness."


    Xuan Tianyi spoke, "I''ll go back and return by tomorrow at thetest."


    No one had any objections to this; Supreme Sect had only one known Mahayana Realm cultivator. They couldn''t send a Daoist Lord to Supreme Sect, after all.


    Even the Alliance Hierarch, Liang Canghai, agreed, so Xuan Tianyi immediately set off.


    ...


    At dusk, Supreme Sect, Outer Gate City.


    Xuan Tianyi walked up to the Heavenly Repair tform, his appearance causing many Inner Sect disciples to stare wide-eyed.


    This Outer Gate City had gathered a number of Inner Sect disciples, either to gaze at the Heaven-Cutting Axe or to seek sword enlightenment, and most of them had heard Xuan Tianyi preach the Dao, thus recognizing him instantly.


    For a moment, silence fell over the Heavenly Repair tform; even the Outer Sect disciples noticed the change in atmosphere and followed everyone else''s gaze.


    Xuan Tianyi walked straight to the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    A disciple trying hard to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe was pushed by his friend. He instinctively looked at Xuan Tianyi, his face changing drastically. He quickly stepped back and saluted Xuan Tianyi.


    Xuan Tianyi nodded slightly, stepped two more steps forward, and faced the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    He looked at the inscription on the ground and squinted his eyes.


    How domineering the sword intent was!


    Just by feeling the sword intent, he realized that he was inferior to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    This made him specte even more about Sword Venerable Fudao. This person was definitely not cultivated by Supreme Sect; the reason he protected Supreme Sect might be that he was hiding there.


    His gaze shifted to the Demon Master''s bones, carefully examining them, even probing with his divine sense.


    More and more cultivators gathered around, whispering. Quickly, even the Outer Sect disciples knew that he was the True Inheritor, Xuan Tianyi!


    This excited everyone.


    Was the True Inheritor also going to challenge Sword Venerable Fudao''s legacy?


    Although Xuan Tianyi had gained much fame in recent years, in the hearts of many disciples, he still did not measure up to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    After all, Sword Venerable Fudao was deeply mysterious!


    Sword Venerable Fudao''s eyebrows suddenly knitted, and his eyes showed a look of shock and fear.


    These bones were definitely not from a Mahayana Realm!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Their realm was even higher!


    Xuan Tianyi had traveled overseas for years and had encountered Great Cultivators and demons in Nirvana Realm, even Immortals.


    Could Sword Venerable Fudao crush a Nirvana Realm demon with one axe?


    Was Sword Venerable Fudao an Immortal?


    Xuan Tianyi immediately raised his hand, gripping the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Heavy!


    That was Xuan Tianyi''s first impression.


    At this moment, Ancestor Xuanquan and Lu Lingjun also arrived nearby, curiously watching Xuan Tianyi.


    Lu Lingjun had also tried to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe before but couldn''t even budge it, so she was very curious if Xuan Tianyi could lift it.


    Xuan Tianyi used all his strength with one hand but could not move the Heaven-Cutting Axe at all.


    A fierce look shed in his eyes.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A terrifying aura erupted, startling everyone around into retreat. The entire Heavenly Repair tform trembled violently, as if about to crack open at any moment.


    Everyone was shocked by Xuan Tianyi.


    What kind of cultivation could produce such an aura?


    Spiritual power burst forth, creating a gust of wind around Xuan Tianyi, even making his robes flutter and rustle.


    He even bent down, using all his might to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    However, the Heaven-Cutting Axe remained unmoved.


    "How could this be..."


    Xuan Tianyi''s eyes were bloodshot,pletely lost in the moment.


    He admitted he was weaker than Sword Venerable Fudao, but to be unable to lift Sword Venerable Fudao''s magic artifact¡ªhow could he ept that?


    His eyes widened, his aura suddenly increasing, his hair lifting, and strange cyan runes appearing on his neck.

 Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Promotion to Big Brother, Immortal Legend

    The Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An, who was sowing seeds, looked up, a hint of surprise shing in his eyes.


    This Xuan Tianyi was no simple person!


    This momentum was already close to the Nirvana stage!


    It was known that Xuan Tianyi was only at the sixyer Mahayana Realm. In the Mahayana Realm, even a small gap of oneyer was difficult to ovee. For Xuan Tianyi to exude momentumparable to the Nirvana stage, how incredible was that?


    Gu An became curious about Xuan Tianyi''s cultivation technique.


    Previously, Xuan Tianyi had already given him the cultivation technique, but he was toozy to look over it.


    On the other side.


    At the Heavenly Repair tform, even after using the secret technique, Xuan Tianyi still couldn''t shake the Heaven-Cutting Axe. Veins bulged on his forehead.


    All the onlookers were shocked, including Ancestor Xuan Quan and Lu Lingjun.


    To think that Xuan Tianyi''s momentum was so formidable, yet he couldn''t budge the Heaven-Cutting Axe!


    What kind of cultivation level did Sword Venerable Fudao possess?


    The more they thought about it, the more stunned they felt.


    Lu Lingjun''s reverence for the Supreme Sect deepened. After reaching the Mystic Heart Realm, she felt she could act recklessly within the Supreme Sect. Today''s event showed her how far she still had to go; she shouldn''t act carelessly in the future to avoid offending Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Several secondster.


    Xuan Tianyi''s momentum dissipated. He slowly straightened his body and let go of his right hand.


    The world was silent; no one dared disturb him.


    Everyone could feel his pride and anger; they didn''t want to provoke him.


    Previously, Xuan Tianyi had touted himself as the number one cultivator of the Supreme Sect, even the world. Today, he couldn''t even lift Sword Venerable Fudao''s axe, bringing great shame upon himself.


    Just as everyone grew tense, Xuan Tianyi suddenlyughed, loudly at first, then thrown back in heartyughter.


    Spreading his arms, heughed, "Who would have thought, our Supreme Sect harbors such a formidable cultivator? I underestimated the world, I am impressed! Impressed!"


    His hearty eptance of failure relieved everyone.


    Even though he couldn''t match Sword Venerable Fudao, he remained a figure of admiration and reverence in the Supreme Sect.


    Ancestor Xuan Quan took a step forward to console him, "Tianyi, you represent the future of the Supreme Sect. I am pleased that you can see it this way."


    Other elders also stepped forward to offer constion.


    Xuan Tianyi turned around, his robes fluttering as heughed, "Don''t worry. If it''s against our own, how could I mind? However, one day, I will challenge Sword Venerable Fudao. Before that, I will first eliminate the Demonic Cmity!"


    Upon hearing this, cheers erupted. More people began to echo the sentiment, and everyone admired Xuan Tianyi''s ambition. He held his head high, embodying the demeanor of a prodigy.


    Time flew by quickly.


    Night fell.


    Inside the pavilion of the Third Medicine Valley.


    Bang!


    "Damn it, that was so humiliating!"


    Xuan Tianyi pped the table angrily, one hand couldn''t help but cover his face.


    Facing him, Gu An found it amusing and said, "Isn''t it good that someone is stronger than you? At least the pressure isn''t all on you."


    Xuan Tianyi covered his face, "I know. I just regret acting so hastily. I should have tried when fewer people were around. No, I should have given up after a try. Instead, I used the secret technique and caused such amotion, it''s just too embarrassing!"


    The more he spoke, the more frustrated he became.


    Gu An secretly enjoyed it; he took out spiritual wine and poured a drink for Xuan Tianyi, "Then let''s drown your sorrows with wine?"


    "Drink, I swear to reim my honor once I be an Immortal!" Xuan Tianyi said in frustration.


    He looked at Gu An, "Don''t tell anyone about this. I''m only confiding in you."


    Gu An said, "Don''t worry, we are sworn brothers. Your honor is my honor, I will naturally cover for you."


    "Sigh, I wonder who Sword Venerable Fudao is and where he is hiding. Honestly, I really want to meet him and get to know him." Xuan Tianyi sighed.


    Gu An teased, "If you knew Sword Venerable Fudao, would you be sworn brothers with him?"


    "Why not? It would give you another backer." Xuan Tianyiughed too.


    "Could you call Sword Venerable Fudao your big brother?"


    "Of course, how could I ask him to be my little brother? And he is surely much older than me."


    "Alright, from now on, Sword Venerable Fudao is the eldest brother, you are the second brother, and I am the third."


    "Hahaha, deal, I think it''s a deal!"


    Xuan Tianyiughed gleefully and began clinking bowls with Gu An.


    Gu An was equally pleased, finally promoted from little brother to big brother.


    Although Xuan Tianyi was over five hundred years older than him, serving as a little brother to someone of lower realm felt ufortable. Now, it was better, he became the big brother.


    After venting his frustration, Xuan Tianyi started to narrate how heavy the Heaven-Cutting Axe was.


    "You have no idea, your brother really gave it his all, but that axe was as heavy as if the Heavenly Dao possessed it¡­"


    The more exaggerated Xuan Tianyi described, the more Gu An enjoyed it. He wasn''t bothered in the slightest, even hoping Xuan Tianyi would continue.


    It wasn''t until dawn the next day that Xuan Tianyi finally left. He had to head to the frontline for battle and couldn''t stay in the Supreme Sect for long.


    Gu An walked downstairs, stretchingzily. Sunlight bathed him, making him feel refreshed.


    The sense of aplishment from ying the Demon Master was far less satisfying than listening to Xuan Tianyi praise himself!


    Gu An felt he could keep listening if Xuan Tianyi kept boasting for three days and three nights.


    Feeling joyful, Gu An began strolling within the Medicine Valley, asionally instructing the disciples on their tasks. They could all sense his good mood.


    An Xin approached him, "Master, I''ve been practicing swordsmanship recently. Can I spar with you for some pointers?"


    She wasn''t looking for a fight; she sincerely sought guidance, knowing Gu An was a Golden List Genius, though the lowest among them.


    Gu An agreed without hesitation, leading her to an open area to spar.


    The sun continued rising, symbolizing hope ascending.


    Days passed one after another.


    After the death of the Demon Master, no demon dared infiltrate the Supreme Sect, while Di Xie returned to the Heavenly Repair tform, indicating he had received the Supreme Sect''s approval.


    Towards the end of the year.


    A piece of news shook the world!


    Sword Venerable Fudao was an Immortal!


    This was revealed by Xuan Tianyi himself. ording to their investigation, the monster in by Sword Venerable Fudao with one axe strike was the Demon Master of the Demon Land, an existence far surpassing the Mahayana Realm.


    When this news spread, the world was stunned, then overjoyed.


    The morale of the cultivators of the three dynasties soared, and the cultivators from all over who were ying demons and monsters also grew more determined.


    With an Immortal backing them, the Human Race could surely endure this cmity.


    Staying in the Supreme Sect, Gu An wasn''t delighted by this news; instead, he felt trouble looming.


    Now surely, the Demon Emperor, Demon Ancestor, and Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s eyes would be on Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Fortunately, no one knew that Sword Venerable Fudao was him.


    As the winter snow began to melt, Gu An headed to the Third Medicine Valley. He turned to look at his pavilion.


    There stood a figure below the pavilion.


    Ji Xiaoyu!


    Ji Xiaoyu looked silently at the garden area, her appearance was extraordinary, with a heavenly charm. Even in a ck robe, she exhibited an ethereal fairy-like aura, attracting much attention from the disciples.


    Gu An stepped forward, arriving beside Ji Xiaoyu, and said, "Third Miss, long time no see, why have youe?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ji Xiaoyu withdrew her gaze and turned to scrutinize Gu An, "Foundation Establishment Realm, seventhyer, your progress isn''t bad. Core Formation is hopeful."


    Gu An smiled, "With such arge Medicine Valley, even a pig could reach Core Formation. My progress is already quite slow."


    Ji Xiaoyu neither affirmed nor denied, "The Ji Family haspletely withdrawn from the Supreme Sect. Do you not regret it?"


    "Regret what? Haven''t you heard that Sword Venerable Fudao is an Immortal? With him, the Supreme Sect will surely endure this cmity." Gu An shook his head, showing an expression of admiration.


    He wasn''t boasting but aligning with the current mindset of Supreme Sect disciples.


    Now, all Supreme Sect disciples took pride in Sword Venerable Fudao, mentioning him in every three sentences.


    Ji Xiaoyu smiled, "Sword Venerable Fudao is indeed formidable. I also highly respect him."


    "By the way, Third Miss, why have you returned this time?" Gu An asked.


    Wasn''t she supposed to gather intelligence on the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Why had she returned so quickly!


    Ji Xiaoyu said, "I have returned to see Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Gu An widened his eyes, "Have you met him before?"


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded, "He saved my life, he is my savior."


    Before Gu An could ask more, she continued, "I want to go to the Heavenly Repair tform, will you apany me?"


    Gu An had no objections and agreed. Ji Xiaoyu waved her sleeve, lifting Gu An with spiritual power, and flew into the sky.


    Lu Lingjun, under the Mystic Pure Tree, looked up, frowning.


    "Primordial Daoist Talisman..."


    Lu Lingjun seemed to recall something, her thoughts drifting into memories.


    Soon, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu arrived at the Outer Gate City, flying directly to the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Many people surrounded the Heaven-Cutting Axe. Zuo Yijian was also there, guarding the Heaven-Cutting Axe, and said in a deep voice, "Each person can try only once, do not offend the Sword Venerable, or you will be dealt with ording to the strictest sect rules!"


    He raised his sword, causing the surrounding people to disperse.


    His sword had once received the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao, making his name widespread. The Supreme Sect believed Sword Venerable Fudao favored him, as Sword Venerable Fudao had also saved him. Thus, they assigned him to guard the Heaven-Cutting Axe, which he epted as an honor.


    Even when his son, Zuo Lin, approached, he would sternly reprimand him.


    After the crowd dispersed, he took out Investiture of the Gods.


    Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu arrived before the Heaven-Cutting Axe. Zuo Yijian nced at them, "Nephew Gu, you can only try once."


    His tone was indifferent, but Gu An didn''t get angry, finding it amusing instead.


    This guy was too interesting.


    Ji Xiaoyu didn''t immediately touch the Heaven-Cutting Axe. She said, "The Heaven-Cutting Axe was forged by Ancestor Xuan Tian. The purpose of forging this axe was to better execute a set of axe techniques called the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe. When perfected, the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe could split the sky and was one of the nine inheritances of the Holy Land. Perhaps lifting the Heaven-Cutting Axe could lead to the inheritance of the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe."


    Upon hearing this, Zuo Lin couldn''t help but look at her.


    Zuo Lin naturally recognized her. He had attended the Ji Family''s grand banquet. However, since the Ji Family withdrew from the Supreme Sect, he looked down on them and did not greet her earlier.


    Gu An didn''t expect Ji Xiaoyu to guess his n.


    She had guessed it, yet, why say it aloud?


    Did she not fear the presence of spies from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Ji Xiaoyu raised her hand and grasped the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    At that moment, Gu An suddenly sensed a mysterious power within her.


    Primordial Daoist Talisman!


    This woman...


    She nned to cheat?

 Chapter 180: Chapter 180 Evil Demon Breaks the Seal, Searching for Sword Venerable

    Ji Xiaoyu grasped the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, and she immediately felt its weight¡ªa weight that struck her soul and filled her with an involuntary sense of reverence.


    The reason was Gu An''s mana at work.


    Realizing she couldn''t lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe, she immediately channeled the power of the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    This was the result of her training in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Previously, she could only draw on a tiny bit of the talisman''s power, but now she could channel it at will.


    As the power of the Primordial Daoist Talisman flooded her bones and muscles, her aura suddenly changed.


    Zuo Yijian looked at her in surprise, and the surrounding great cultivators, too, were startled, their gazes focusing on her.


    Gu An silently took a step back, avoiding being noticed by the others.


    Even if Ji Xiaoyu channeled the power of the Primordial Daoist Talisman, she still couldn''t lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Before the annihtion of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the Heaven-Cutting Axe could not be lifted by anyone!


    After a while.


    Ji Xiaoyu released her right hand. Although she failed, throughout the process, she didn''t seem as strained as Xuan Tianyi, even when channeling the power of the Primordial Daoist Talisman. Her stance was steady, as if she hadn''t exerted much effort at all.


    No one was surprised by her failure, only curious about the aura she had exuded moments ago.


    She turned and walked over to Gu An, whispering, "As expected, I failed. Do you want to give it a try?"


    Gu An shook his head and said, "If you can''t do it, there''s no need for me to embarrass myself with my cultivation level."


    "Perhaps this inheritance tests not cultivation but a certain trait," Ji Xiaoyu spected.


    Gu An inwardly felt helpless. She had guessed correctly again.


    To avoid suspicion, Gu An stepped forward to try anyway. He even gripped with both hands and lifted a few times, his face turning red.


    Zuo Yijianughed and said, "Nephew Gu, don''t be discouraged. As long as the Heaven-Cutting Axe is here, you''ll have another chance. Just keep cultivating diligently."


    Gu An quickly raised his hand in salute to him before leaving.


    Zuo Yijian then picked up the Investiture of the Gods again and continued to savor it.


    After leaving the Heavenly Repair tform, Ji Xiaoyu and Gu An parted ways. Gu An didn''t return to the valley but wandered around the city to rx.


    The world was still in chaos, yet the Outer Gate City seemed unaffected, remaining bustling due to the protection of Sword Venerable Fudao!


    An ancient hourter, Gu An finally left the Outer Gate City, once again disguising himself as the Green Hero and acting chivalrously.


    ...


    Winter passed, spring passed, and another summer arrived.


    The death of the Demon Master didn''t change the world''s grand trend; the demonic cmity continued, with great demon kings ceaselessly emerging. Yet the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor remained unseen.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An''s days became very busy. Besides picking flowers and herbs, he also had to descend the mountain to y demons, although busy, his life span increased rapidly.


    On this day, Gu An had just cleared demons from a town and came to a small river in the mountains, preparing to wash the demon blood off his de.


    At that moment, he suddenly sensed something and looked into the distance.


    At the edge of the North Sea Mountains, a group of cultivators were in fierce battle.


    Su Han, holding a bone sword, was fighting Wu Jue. The two exchanged blows in the sky above the forest, while in the distance, other Nine Nether Thirteen Evil were battling the great cultivators of the Zhou Family.


    Su Han swung his sword rapidly; his murderous aura soared to the sky, and his brows knitted tightly.


    The opponent was just at the firstyer of the Nascent Soul Realm. Why was he so difficult to deal with?


    Now that Su Han already possessed cultivation in the Divinity Transformation Realm, armed with the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword and the Defying Fate Divine Skill, he confidently faced any Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator without feeling pressured.


    But this time was different!


    He couldn''t take down this low-realm cultivator in a short time!


    Wu Jue''s punches and kicks were like the wind. With each punch, it was like the midday sun, unstoppable; his strength energy was domineering, even Su Han could not withstand it head-on.


    Unlike Su Han''s surprise, Wu Jue was very excited, even letting out loud shouts.


    In the distance, Zhou Yu, watching the battle, looked satisfied. With a Unification Realm ninthyer cultivation, he alone held off six of the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil.


    The Zhou Family specialized in physical cultivation, using their bodies as weapons. Zhou Yu wielded a knife single-handedly, his ck robe billowing, each move grand and powerful, full of the spirit of splitting mountains and cutting rivers.


    "Focus on the elixir, use qi to control the god, the body is the weapon, and the weapon is the momentum!"


    Zhou Yu''s voice suddenly echoed through the heavens and earth, like a rumbling thunder.


    Hearing this, Wu Jue immediately closed his eyes. His fists became slow but brought an even stronger sense of oppression to Su Han.


    Su Han dodged the fist wind,nding before a tree. He swung his sword quickly, sending tens of thousands of ck sword qi rushing madly, lifting countless fallen leaves, attempting to drown Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue, suspended in mid-air, raised his right leg. The gusty, rain-like leg wind suddenly arose, countless leg shadows shing with his sword qi.


    Boom¡ª


    The air waves expanded violently; Wu Jue was forced back. He flipped in the air andnded steadily on a cliff.


    Su Han raised his sword to defend, without retreating, but his eyes widened involuntarily, and he couldn''t help but ask, "Residual Wind Leg, who taught you?"


    Wu Jue opened his eyes, looked at him, and said, "Not Residual Wind Leg, this is Gale Shadowless Leg, taught by my brother."


    "Who is your brother?"


    Thinking that Su Han was from the Supreme Sect, Wu Jue said, "My brother, Gu An, do you know him?"


    Su Han''s face changed slightly upon hearing this, and he involuntarily lowered his sword.


    Seeing this, Wu Jue realized that the other might have a connection with Gu An, and he said in a deep voice, "No matter what your rtionship with Gu An is, never target him again. Otherwise, I won''t spare you!"


    Hearing Wu Jue''s words, Su Han didn''t get angry. The days in Mystic Valley and the Third Medicine Valley were the times he cherished the most, even though Gu An had once advised him to give up his cultivation. He didn''t resent him, knowing the master meant well. But he couldn''t let go of his hatred and didn''t trust the Supreme Sect.


    "Ghost Mother, let''s go, find other Golden List geniuses!"


    Su Han shouted loudly, taking a deep look at Wu Jue, thinking this person possessed talent not inferior to An Hao.


    Such a genius being friends with Gu An truly made Gu An fortunate.


    "Let''s go."


    The voice of the Ghost Mother of Ephemera sounded, and Zhou Yu suddenly descended, disrupting their ns, making further fighting pointless.


    Hearing this, the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil immediately retreated.


    Zhou Yu raised his hand, signaling the other Zhou Family cultivators not to pursue.


    Wu Jue watched Su Han''s departing figure and couldn''t help but shout, "What''s your rtionship with Gu An?"


    Su Han did not answer and did not look back.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An retrieved his divine sense; he could sense that the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was about to act against Su Han. Over the past two years, Su Han''s cultivation level rose swiftly, but his aura grew increasingly unstable, potentially deviating at any moment.


    Now, Su Han no longer only attacked those hunting him but also hunted innocent Golden List geniuses,pletely stepping into the demon path.


    Gu An didn''t dwell on it; after washing his sword, he continued his journey.


    The world was chaotic, some saving, some killing. He only wanted to extend his life span without viting his principles.


    ...


    In a dimly lit underground pce, firelight flickered, casting shadows on the stone walls.


    Huge stone pirs stood on either side of the great hall. A red-scaled little snake quickly slithered, arriving at the steps before it stopped. It raised its body, looking at the burly figure reclining atop the stone chair at the top of the steps.


    "Your Majesty, King Mingjiang has already breached the Tianwei Dynasty. It won''t be long before the Great Jiang Dynasty falls too!"


    The red-scaled little snake spoke human words, its voice soft and charming like a woman''s.


    The burly figure reclining on the stone chair was the Demon Emperor, dressed in a loose purple robe, draped in some demon beast''s fur, with a ne of skulls around his neck. His face resembled a human''s, with red fur on his cheeks, eyes like an eagle''s, thick ck hair, and two sharp horns.


    He reclined on the chair like a small mountain, his form exuding a sense of terrifying power.


    The Demon Emperor gazed down at the red-scaled little snake and slowly asked, "Has the Demon Ancestor emerged from seclusion?"


    The red-scaled little snake replied, "Not yet. His demands have been increasingtely, even devouring the demons waiting on him..."


    The Demon Emperor squinted his eyes, deep in thought.


    The red-scaled little snake continued, "Your Majesty, I think we don''t need the Demon Ancestor''s power to tten the three human dynasties. If you can kill Sword Venerable Fudao, Xuan Tianyi, Daoist Lord, and Taoist of Immortality are no threats at all. The Demon Ancestor is too strange, I have a feeling..."


    "What feeling?"


    "A feeling that the Demon Ancestor is also a cmity to us..."


    With that, it flicked its tongue, closely watching the Demon Emperor.


    The Demon Emperor remained expressionless and said, "Whether it is a cmity, we''ll know when the Demon Ancestor emerges."


    The red-scaled little snake thought of something and hurriedly asked, "Are you nning to let him fight the humans first?"


    The Demon Emperor did not answer but instead asked, "Have you found out who is helping those demon kings break through?"


    "No, those demon kings won''t talk. Your Majesty, you know these guys each have their own agendas, but I discovered something else."


    "What is it?"


    "The Evil Demon that has been sealed for fifty thousand years is about to break free."


    Upon hearing this, the Demon Emperor immediately sat up, leaning forward, squinting his eyes, and asked, "Is that true?"


    The red-scaled little snake replied, "More and more demonic qi is surging from the ground; it''s highly likely true. But we can''t trace the Evil Demon''s exact location."


    The Demon Emperor seemed to think of something and sneered, saying, "The Demon Ancestor revives, the Evil Demon breaks free, and many coincidences converge. This is no coincidence. It''s a pity the Demon Master died too early; otherwise, we could have tested him further."


    "Speaking of which, he''s also pathetic. Even after death, no one sought vengeance for him. It seems his so-called master only used him as a pawn."


    The red-scaled little snake remained silent, seemingly unwilling toment on this topic.


    "You go to the Supreme Sect and find a way to send a message to Sword Venerable Fudao." The Demon Emperormanded.


    The red-scaled little snake trembled upon hearing this, hastily saying, "Your Majesty, I..."


    "Hmm?"


    The Demon Emperor interrupted it and stood up, his terrifying demonic presence enveloping it.


    The red-scaled little snake had no choice but to lower itself, crawling on the ground in submission.


    ...


    At dusk.


    Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley through the teleportation array; his face slightly grim. Today''s encounters and revtions once again refreshed his understanding of human nature, putting him in a foul mood.


    Since the outbreak of the demonic cmity, his disdain for certain people had gradually surpassed his disdain for demons.


    The war between humans and demons was a struggle for survival of a race, where morals and ethics didn''t apply.


    But in times of crisis, inner strife among one''s own kind was even more odious.


    Gu An walked towards his loft, where someone was already waiting for him inside.

 Chapter 181: Chapter 181 The Foundation of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, Black Disgust Demon King

    Gu An pushed the door open and saw Shen Zhen sitting in his chair reading a book.


    He noticed that Shen Zhen''s cultivation level had improved significantly, so he threw a life span detection at her.


    [Shen Zhen (Core Formation Realm, Ninth Layer): 130/760/2560]


    Huh?


    How did her maximum life span increase?


    Gu An remembered her maximum life span was just over a thousand years, but now it had doubled.


    Could she really gain enlightenment from the painting?


    Gu An closed the door, then walked to the desk and asked, "Why are you here?"


    Shen Zhen put down her book, smiled, and said, "What? I can''te? It looks like you''re having such a good time with your Daoist friend that you don''t want me to show up."


    Gu An shot her a nce and said, "I don''t have a Daoist friend."


    "Isn''t the Great Cultivator in your valley trying to take you as her Daoist friend? She''s highly cultivated and extremely beautiful, no normal man could refuse her." Shen Zhen looked him up and down with a slightly teasing tone.


    Gu An raised his eyebrow and said, "I''m not a normal man. If she wants to be my Daoist friend, she needs to be an immortal first."


    Shen Zhenughed, saying, "If she bes an immortal, do you think she''ll still look at you? By that time, would you even still be here? You can''t spend your days fantasizing about an immortal descending to favor you, can you?"


    Gu An sat down andughed, "I''m a writer, like you. Writers love to fantasize, don''t they?"


    "Hmm, makes sense. I fantasize about Sword Venerable Fudao appearing before me and taking me as his Daoist friend," Shen Zhen nodded, then looked at Gu An to see his reaction.


    Gu An seriously responded, "What if it happens? I think there''s hope."


    Shen Zhen pursed her lips before continuing, "Recently, I''ve gained many insights from a painting and captured the aura of a supreme treasure, so I''m nning to go treasure hunting. Will you join me?"


    Treasure hunting?


    Gu An quickly shook his head and said, "The world is in chaos now. Going out is like seeking death. I won''t go!"


    Shen Zhen furrowed her brows and said, "That painting came from the Imperial Pce of the Great Yu Dynasty, a gift from the former Emperor to my father. It is said to be over six thousand years old. I can sense that the treasure within it is extraordinary and not just one. Such an opportunity is seldom seen. I''m only sharing it with you."


    Gu An replied, "Thanks for your kindness, Ms. Shen, but I''ll pass. With my cultivation level, I''d only be a burden to you."


    Shen Zhen''s expression darkened. Just when Gu An thought she was about to get angry, her tone shifted, and she asked, "How is your rtionship with Lu Lingjun? Do you think she is trustworthy?"


    "You want to invite her for the treasure hunt?"


    "Yes, I can sense that the ce is beyond my ability to handle alone."


    "She should be trustworthy, but I can''t guarantee itpletely. You should know, people''s hearts are inscrutable."


    "Can you introduce me to her? With you as the middleman, if she still intends to harm me, she wouldn''t be able to face you afterward."


    Seeing Shen Zhen smile, Gu An realized this was her true intention.


    Gu An thought about it and agreed.


    Later, he took Shen Zhen to find Lu Lingjun.


    Lu Lingjun asionally went out, but most of the time she stayed under the Mystic Pure Tree, seeking enlightenment.


    After learning about Gu An and Shen Zhen''s request, she was indifferent until Shen Zhen took out the painting, at which point she was moved.


    Gu An sensed a hint of Mahayana Realm aura from the painting, indicating there truly was a supreme treasure at that ce.


    Soon, the two women set off.


    Gu An rarely came to the Mystic Pure Tree and decided to lie against the trunk, closing his eyes for some rest.


    He began recalling everything he had seen recently, the scenes of ughter persistently reying in his mind.


    Until evening, Gu An left the Third Medicine Valley.


    The moonlight was cool, and a ghostly wind blew through the mountains and forests.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat meditating under the tree, resting with her eyes closed.


    She heard footsteps nearby and couldn''t help but open her eyes to see.


    It was none other than Gu An, transformed into Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Ji Xiaoyu stood up and greeted him with a raised hand, "Senior, I have obtained some information about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm."


    "Go ahead," Gu An said coldly.


    Ji Xiaoyu began to recount the information, and Gu An listened attentively.


    She had learned that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm intended to seal off the seas around the continent and were establishing a dynasty in the northern part of the continent. That dynasty consisted solely of descendants of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators and had been around for four hundred years. Within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, their im was that the Holy Land must not interfere with the evolution of the continent, but they needed to leave human lineage behind, hence the establishment of a new human dynasty in the north.


    This was how it had always been. The currentnds of the three dynasties were also formed by descendants of Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators from long ago.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm was divided into seven Grotto Heaven sects, the strongest being One Star Cave. The Ji Family could only interact with Seven Stars Cave. Ji Xiaoyu found out that the strongest cultivator was the Cave Master of Seven Stars Cave, said to be an immortal, and within the Seven Stars Cave, there were as many as twenty Mahayana Realm cultivators, and these were just the elders on the surface.


    Gu An was also surprised by the strength of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    The weakest Seven Stars Cave had twenty Mahayana Realm cultivators and one immortal; how terrifying must the whole Seven Stars Spirit Realm be?


    "The reason I came to find you now is that I''ve noticed the Seven Stars Cave is wary of me. While I was cultivating, I could clearly sense a divine sense watching me, so I took the chance to escape. From now on, it will be hard for me to return," Ji Xiaoyu said, looking at Gu An.


    She knew that the information she provided wasn''t much, which could affect her cooperation with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Ever since she learned that Sword Venerable Fudao had killed the Demon Master with a single sh, she had faith in him.


    If anyone in this world could challenge the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, it would only be Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An said, "If you can''t go back, stay in the Supreme Sect. When the demon cmity is over, we need thebined strength of the three dynasties to fight against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded, "I have been to the Minor Heaven and Earth of the Seven Stars Cave. They have nearly two million disciples, their cultivation levels generally higher than those in the Immortal Cultivation World. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm has be a world of its own, indeed needing thebined strength of the three dynasties."


    "When you contact the Ji Family, try not to alert the enemy. The fight against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cannot be rushed," Gu An reminded her.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded.


    Then, Gu An disappeared into thin air.


    Ji Xiaoyu turned and walked deeper into the forest.


    ...


    Approaching the end of summer, urgent news from the Northern Territory arrived: the Immortal Cultivation World ultimately failed to resist the onught of the demon cmity. The Human Race Alliance was forced to retreat, and the Tianwei Dynasty was simrly affected. The human race had to resort to scattered warfare.


    Though the Taicang Dynasty was not impacted by the surge of demons, there were more and more demons within the dynasty, seemingly endless.


    The number of demons Gu An killed each month kept increasing, and his life span had already surpassed four million years.


    Although it was still far from one hundred million years, Gu An was not fixated on the next life span ability. The threat from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was too great; as soon as a Wandering Immortal appeared on the continent, he would break through immediately.


    Even if his life span umted to over ny million years, he would still break through.


    Life spans are just numbers; surviving is the most important!


    One day, Gu An returned to the Mystic Valley, changed into his usual robe, and walked downstairs.


    He didn''t head to the Third Medicine Valley; instead, he looked into the distance.


    He sensed a demon energy approaching the Supreme Sect, about five thousand miles away in a forest, seemingly waiting for something. Tens of thousands of miles further, another stronger demon energy was approaching.


    It seemed there would be some excitement tonight.


    As dusk approached, Di Xie left the city and headed towards the demon energy.


    An ancient hourter.


    Under the cover of night.


    Di Xie arrived in the forest and looked at the red-scaled little snake on the branch, frowning as he asked, "Why are you here? Where is the ck Crow Demon Envoy?"


    The red-scaled little snake replied, "After he came to find you, he disappeared. He was likely killed by Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Upon hearing this, Di Xie''s expression changed slightly.


    He finally understood why he was still alive¡ªSword Venerable Fudao must have heard what he said and thus spared him.


    How terrifying was Sword Venerable Fudao?


    They had concealed their demon energy and stayed outside the Supreme Sect, yet Sword Venerable Fudao still noticed?


    "Since that''s the case, why do you dare show up?" Di Xie sneered.


    The red-scaled little snake said, "His Majesty sent me. He wants me to deliver a message to Sword Venerable Fudao about the demon cmity, but I don''t know where Sword Venerable Fudao is."


    "So you called me out? Don''t tell me you think I''ve met Sword Venerable Fudao?" Di Xie scoffed.


    The red-scaled little snake flicked its tongue and said, "Di Xie, there''s no need to hold such animosity towards your father. Most of the time, he is helpless. Do you think it was your father''s idea to resurrect the Demon Ancestor?"


    "Wasn''t it? Could the Demon Master have forced my father?"


    "Exactly, he could!"


    The red-scaled little snake''s answer made Di Xie frown.


    It continued, "The Demon Master''s cultivation level is indeed lower than His Majesty''s, but there are more powerful beings behind him that His Majesty does not dare provoke. Moreover, His Majesty has lost control over the demon cmity. If you leave the Supreme Sect and see for yourself, you will understand that the demons invading the human race have all turned into demons, with violent temperaments, including the Great Demon Kings."


    Di Xie fell into silence.


    The red-scaled little snake went on, "The Demon Master said that the Demon Ancestor is only a soul shell without self-awareness, but this is not true. His Majesty cannot control the Demon Ancestor, nor can he control the world''s demons. His Majesty worries that the demon cmity targets not just the human race but also the demon n."


    Di Xie took a deep breath and asked, "So he wants to talk with Sword Venerable Fudao to deal with the demon cmity together?"


    "Correct," the red-scaled little snake answered.


    It was about to speak when it suddenly turned its head towards the depths of the forest on the western side, asking, "Who''s there?"


    Di Xie also turned to look, seeing a figure slowly walking out of the darkness.


    When the two demons saw the true form of the neer, their faces changed drastically. The red-scaled little snake even trembled all over.


    "ck Disgust Demon King¡­ you¡­" the red-scaled little snake said tremulously, filled with fear.


    Di Xie was equally tense.


    A man in red emerged from the darkness, his hair disheveled and his feet bare. He looked like a human with no demon traits, except for his paleplexion and the sinister air between his brows.


    The ck Disgust Demon King revealed a sinister smile and mockingly said, "The demon cmity has been ongoing for so long, and the Demon Emperor has yet to make a move. I was curious about the reason, so I followed you to the Supreme Sect. I didn''t expect that His Majesty intends to yield to humans. I will not allow it; tonight, I¡­"


    His words were abruptly cut off by a hand suddenly resting on his shoulder.

 Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Too Frightening!

    The ck Disgust Demon King felt his right shoulder being pressed. Instinctively, he wanted to leap away, but his demonic power instantly solidified, making it impossible to move.


    His expression changed drastically, and a sense of panic instinctively arose in his heart.


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake and Di Xie widened their eyes. They saw a shadowy figure appear behind the ck Disgust Demon King, a mysterious figure shrouded in dark purple demonic aura.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Di Xie immediately guessed the true identity of the shadowy figure, his entire body stiffening with fear.


    He dared not move, but the ck Disgust Demon King could not move.


    Gu An stood behind the ck Disgust Demon King. He initially wanted to hear some information from the demon, but then thought better of it. There was no need to listen; a soul search would suffice.


    Confirming that the ck Disgust Demon King had animosity towards humans was enough!


    The ck Disgust Demon King tried his hardest but could not mobilize his demonic power or perform primordial spirit emergence. With his peripheral vision, he vaguely saw a figure, and his fear reached its peak.


    Having lived for over ten thousand years, he had never been so terrified.


    Even when he lost to the Demon Emperor in the past, he had not been this scared.


    This was a fear of the unknown!


    The opponent suppressed him with one hand, shattering his understanding.


    He struggled to open his mouth to speak, but suddenly a terrifying divine sense invaded his mind, causing his eyes to instantly lose their luster.


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake quickly jumped down from the branch, crawling on the ground and trembling, saying: "I mean no harm... Senior, please do not kill me..."


    Di Xie remained silent, knowing that Sword Venerable Fudao would not kill him, but the sudden appearance still scared him.


    This reminded him of the scene when the Demon Master was killed.


    What kind of cultivation level did Sword Venerable Fudao have?


    Even though the ck Disgust Demon King was not one of the seventy-two great demon kings, his cultivation was not much weaker than the Demon Master''s. His domain was an area that Di Xie''s father, the Emperor''s father, could not conquer.


    Seeing that Sword Venerable Fudao did not respond, Di Xie and the Red-Scaled Little Snake could only wait.


    They dared not run.


    With the ck Disgust Demon King subdued, where could they run?


    As for attacking Sword Venerable Fudao, that would be seeking death!


    "So this is Sword Venerable Fudao... The rumors are true..." the Red-Scaled Little Snake thought in fear.


    It had heard that the Demon Master was killed by Sword Venerable Fudao with one axe. Although it seemed absurd and exaggerated, the fact that Sword Venerable Fudao could kill the Demon Master was enough to instill fear.


    When the Demon Emperor assigned it this task, it was nearly in despair.


    Along the way, it had managed to adjust its mindset. That night, it almost copsed again.


    Too frightening!


    No, too terrifying for demons!


    This was scarier than meeting the Demon Ancestor!


    After all, the Demon Ancestor would not appear suddenly...


    The two demons waited for two ancient hours, with each second feeling like an eternity.


    At this moment.


    Gu An''s right hand ignited with cyan mes, quickly enveloping the ck Disgust Demon King.


    Under the watchful eyes of both demons, the ck Disgust Demon King was reduced to ashes in an instant, without even leaving behind his soul.


    [You have sessfully taken 7090 years of life span from the ck Disgust Demon King (Nirvana Realm thirdyer).]


    Not bad!


    It was worthing out!


    From the ck Disgust Demon King''s memories, he was a renowned genius among the demon n; he once overshadowed the Demon Emperor. Unfortunately, the Demon Emperorter had a great opportunity and surpassed him.


    If he had note to the Supreme Sect, he could have lived for another seventy thousand years.


    Was it not good to stay alive?


    Why cause trouble?


    Gu An thought silently, his gaze turning to the Red-Scaled Little Snake.


    The ck Disgust Demon King''s demon core was now in Gu An''s hand; he deposited it into his storage bag for future needs.


    Unfortunately, the ck Disgust Demon King did not carry a storage bag or storage ring. This guy was too arrogant, having not used a magic artifact for many years.


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake hurriedly said: "Senior, are you Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Although it had already guessed, it still had to ask because it concerned the task assigned by the Demon Emperor.


    "Hmm." Gu An responded with a sound.


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "His Majesty the Demon Emperor asked me toe, hoping to join forces with you to resist the entity behind the Demon Master and the Demon Ancestor. After the Great Demon Cmity ends, the Demon n wishes to coexist peacefully with the Human Race. After all, this continent is vast, and there is no need for one race to be exterminated."


    "Who is behind the Demon Master?" Gu An asked.


    From the ck Disgust Demon King''s memories, there was no mention of the Demon Master''s benefactor or interaction with cultivators from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. However, he was a confidant of the Demon Master, a chess piece cultivated by the Demon Master, deliberately kept out of the seventy-two great demon kings to counter the expanding power of the Demon Emperor.


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake replied: "His Majesty said that entity calls itself the Heavenly Destiny Ancestor, whether human or demon is unclear. Its cultivation level is tremendously powerful, capable of easily sealing His Majesty''s demonic power. The Heavenly Destiny Ancestor is likely a legendary Loose Immortal, two grand realms higher than the Mahayana Realm!"


    Loose Immortal!


    It was the first time Di Xie had heard of this realm; he stood on the side, very restrained.


    Gu An asked: "Specifics on how to cooperate?"


    He needed to see sincerity.


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake said: "His Majesty is in the Demon Land, inconvenient for initiating war, but he will send demons to support the human race. These demons are secretly cultivated by him, and at the time, they can fight as demonpanions of the Supreme Sect, led by Di Xie himself. His Majesty can externally dere Di Xie a traitor!"


    "How many demons, what realms?"


    "Three Mahayana, ten Mystic Heart, and a thousand demon troops, with the lowest cultivation level at Void Crossing."


    This statement left Di Xie astonished, looking at the Red-Scaled Little Snake. He did not realize how many great demons his father secretly cultivated.


    It seemed his father had long nned!


    Di Xie''s face showed a smile; it was the first time he acknowledged his father.


    Gu An also felt the Demon Emperor''s sincerity; this force indeed could assist the human race.


    Seeing that Sword Venerable Fudao remained silent, the Red-Scaled Little Snake added, "Since ancient times, demons exterminated humans, humans exterminated demons, over and over. Only the Holy Lands endured. His Majesty finds it odd and wishes to change this situation. To use a line from your Supreme Immortal Venerable''s book, ''How can wrongs be righted if both seek revenge endlessly?''"


    Gu An turned and left a sentence: "Let him take you to meet the elders of the Supreme Sect."


    He walked into the darkness, as if he had never appeared.


    "Thank you, Sword Venerable, for your kindness. In the future, when the continent is peaceful, the demon n will remember your grace!"


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake shouted excitedly, feeling thrilled.


    Di Xie bowed to Gu An, his courtesy proper.


    For a long time, the Red-Scaled Little Snake sighed in relief, saying: "Sword Venerable is really scary, that was the ck Disgust Demon King, and he died so easily, without even a chance to resist."


    Di Xie''s eyes showed determination, saying: "Just as you said, ''How can wrongs be righted if both seek revenge endlessly?'' In the end, the heavens are watching, perhaps Sword Venerable Fudao is the savior who will change the continent''s suffering."


    The Red-Scaled Little Snake nodded in agreement.


    ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The autumn scenery covered the mountains and rivers. Gu An wandered in the Third Medicine Valley, inspecting each garden area, with An Xin apanying him.


    A month had passed since the night when the ck Disgust Demon King was killed.


    The Supreme Sect remained calm, but Gu An noticed that on the edge of the Supreme Sect, arge number of disciples were building teleportation arrays, with Di Xie among them. It was evident that the Supreme Sect was willing to cooperate with the Demon n.


    At this critical moment, the human race was constantly retreating, and the situation grew increasingly dire. The Supreme Sect nned to take a risk, counting on Sword Venerable Fudao.


    After a while.


    Gu An stopped, giving An Xin a few instructions, and then left alone.


    Watching Gu An''s back, An Xin blinked. She felt that her master''s presence had be even more outstanding, giving her an indescribable feeling.


    It was this presence that made her increasingly cling to Gu An. Seeing him appear, she wanted to be close, even if they did not speak, she did not feel bored.


    Gu An used sword control to fly swiftly to the transmission array tform and headed to Mystic Valley.


    After arriving in Mystic Valley, he left quietly, not going to Tianya Valley but to another territory of the Taicang Dynasty.


    In a forest, trees were toppled, blood and flesh everywhere, all demon corpses, a ghastly sight.


    Zhang Buku, covered in blood, leaned against a mountain wall, panting heavily, his long hair matted with blood forming strands. His chest was covered with gruesome wounds, his eyes full of exhaustion.


    He had fought another fierce battle.


    Since the Great Demon Cmity erupted, he often encountered demons wanting to eat him, even those evil spirits would attack him.


    Practically every three or four days, he had to fight.


    Constantly wounded, constantly healing, narrowly escaping death, he was too tired.


    Many times he wanted to give up, but whenever he thought of Martial Uncle Gu''s encouragement, he found strength, gritting his teeth to persevere.


    "I wonder if Martial Uncle Gu is doing well. Now that there are more powerful demons rampant in the world, I hope he does not encounter danger..."


    Zhang Buku looked at his bloody hands, thinking silently.


    He had no family left in the world, not even friends. He could only think of Martial Uncle Gu to divert his attention and lessen his pain.


    He did not notice that above him, a figure was watching him.


    It was Gu An.


    Gu An had hidden his presence, making it impossible for Zhang Buku to detect him with his level of Dao.


    Seeing Zhang Buku''s injuries, Gu An could not help but feelpassionate.


    Since theirst parting, Gu An asionally used his divine sense to observe Zhang Buku.


    ording to Gu An''s observation, Zhang Buku was kinder than most people in the world. He never bullied anyone or any demon. When encountering the weak, he would step forward, but few people or demons would ept him. Even if saved by him, they would part ways after a few days.


    Zhang Buku had always been seekingpanions to alleviate his loneliness. No matter how many times he was injured, he never harbored resentment. The most despondent time for him was when he met Gu An previously and wanted tomit suicide.


    With such a temperament and such experiences, Gu An ultimately could not bear it and decided to help him.


    He performed the Divine Power of Heaven and Earth Nine Transformations, transforming into a sparrow, descending in front of Zhang Buku.


    He chirped a few times, catching Zhang Buku''s attention.


    Zhang Buku looked at it, a strained smile appearing on his face, saying: "Little sparrow... are you concerned about me?"


    Gu An hopped forward and then turned back, chirping again.


    Zhang Buku did not respond, so Gu An hopped forward again and turned back once more.


    This time, Zhang Buku understood. He endured his pain and asked: "Do you want me to follow you?"


    The sparrow chirped again. Zhang Buku, seeing this, forced himself to stand up and limped after the sparrow.


    He left a long trail of blood, and as the sun shone on him, the blood began to glisten.

 Chapter 183: Chapter 183 Master

    Zhang Buku followed the sparrow, passing through the forest. Although his injuries were severe, his physique was strong. He had suffered such injuries before and only needed a month to recover.


    However, he hadn''t rested for long before he began his journey again. The exhaustion rushed over him like a tide, testing his willpower. After walking several miles, he could hardly hold on and wanted toy down for a sleep.


    The sparrow''s chirping kept urging him forward, and he had no choice but to continue.


    Gradually, Zhang Buku''s eyelids grew heavier and his steps became more sluggish.


    Gu An did not help him, only kept urging him on.


    It was unclear how much time had passed.


    Finally, unable to endure any longer, Zhang Buku copsed on the hillside and lost consciousnesspletely.


    Sunset and moonrise.


    A night passed.


    Zhang Buku''s eyelids fluttered. His consciousness gradually returned, and he slowly opened his eyes. The sunlight falling on him made him feel warm.


    At this moment, a few small birds were perched on his body. Sensing his movement, they all flew away.


    Zhang Buku opened his mouth, feeling his throat dry. He struggled to get up and looked around, but the sparrow that had led the way was nowhere in sight.


    His brow furrowed, and he prepared to go downhill to find a ce to clean his wounds.


    He suddenly sensed a faint demonic energy he had never encountered before, inexplicablypelling him to approach.


    After hesitating for a moment, he took a step forward.


    He walked around the hillside to the other side and pushed aside the weeds in front of a rock wall to reveal a rather small cave entrance.


    He began to dig through the soil.


    After resting for a night, his strength had recovered considerably.


    An hourter, he crawled into a tunnel. After crawling for a long time, he finally reached a spacious cave chamber.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Uponnding, his gaze fell on a smoothed round stone in front of him, upon which a bright red demon core, the size of a human head, was ced.


    Seeing the demon core, a greedy expression involuntarily appeared on Zhang Buku''s face.


    Step by step, he walked forward with trembling hands.


    Meanwhile.


    Hundreds of miles away, Gu An observed the scene with his Divine Sense.


    That demon core was the demon core of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon!


    A demon core from the Mahayana Realm, sufficient for Zhang Buku to defy fate and change his destiny!


    However, given Zhang Buku''s current realm, whether he could withstand the power contained in the demon core was uncertain.


    If he couldn''t hold on, Gu An would intervene.


    Under his Divine Sense''s watch, Zhang Buku grasped the demon core tightly and began to cultivate, absorbing the demonic power. His body trembled incessantly, the scabs on his skin transforming into blood energy and dissipating. His face contorted, and his skin turned red at a visible speed.


    "What is this pain!"


    Zhang Buku gritted his teeth. Thinking of the hardships he had endured over the years, he was determined to seize this opportunity!


    He could feel the high realm of this demon core, possibly the strongest demon he had encountered so far.


    If he could obtain its demonic power, he would undoubtedly be reborn!


    His expression became more twisted, and his eyes filled with blood. Wisps of blood energy overflowed from his body, coalescing behind him into the terrifying form of a demon¡ªthe shape of the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, exuding immense pressure.


    ...


    By evening.


    Gu An returned to Mystic Valley. Along the way, many servant disciples greeted him.


    "Senior Brother, Senior Brother Li Ya has returned." Lu Jiujia said to Gu An. Gu An nodded at him and then walked towards the pavilion.


    From the moment Li Ya started his journey back to the Supreme Sect, Gu An had sensed his presence.


    Along the way, Li Ya encountered many events, including ying demons and resolving grudges. It seemed they would have a long conversation.


    Upon going upstairs and entering the room, Gu An saw Li Ya writing at the table.


    Li Ya was already at the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm, but his lifespan had not increased, still at 1,550 years.


    Compared to Li Xuandao, he was not only less talented but also less fortunate.


    Fortunately, Li Ya was unaware of how powerful his father was and still carried himself with confidence.


    Gu An closed the door and smiled, asking, "Senior Brother Li, long time no see, what are you writing?"


    Li Ya looked up at him and said, "I''m writing a body cultivation method that can extend your lifespan for you."


    Gu An was intrigued and walked over to see the cultivation technique Li Ya was writing.


    "How have you been these years?" Li Ya asked while writing.


    "Quite well, peaceful and at ease," Gu An replied and then asked in return.


    Li Ya began to recount his experiences cultivating at Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    After arriving at Three Pure Ones Mountain, he discovered many members of the Li family living there. With the help of his family elders, he lived well and learned many spells. Especially his Daoist Heart, which had be more solid than before. Now, when he performed swordsmanship, it carried Daoist Intent, which, ording to the aplished cultivators at Three Pure Ones Mountain, was very rare¡ªeven a genius like Sage Xuan Miao hadn''t mastered it.


    Gu An could sense the Daoist Intent within him, a power simr to Sword Intent but more advanced.


    With Daoist Intent, Li Ya''s perception of spiritual energy in nature became keener, and he might even be able to capture the rules of heaven and earth.


    It seemed he had indeed gained a lot.


    After talking about Three Pure Ones Mountain, he spoke of the events he encountered on his return journey.


    Li Ya also encountered many cultivators who took the opportunity of the demon cmity tomit evil acts, including cultivators from reputable sects, which made him very angry.


    "Now I not only y demons but also people. Although many tell me that in extraordinary times, these people are needed to resist demons, I don''t listen." Li Ya said coldly.


    He then looked at Gu An and asked, "Junior Brother, do you think I''m wrong?"


    Gu An replied, "How could you be wrong? If these people were willing to resist demons, they wouldn''tmit evil acts. By doing evil, they are a burden to the entire human race. I support you."


    Li Ya''s face immediately broke into a smile, knowing his junior brother understood him.


    He continued to speak about his journey, and Gu An listened attentively.


    Over the decades, Gu An had made many friends, disciples, and even had romantic interests, but Li Ya still held a high position in his heart.


    They had both entered the Supreme Sect together, and before reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, Li Ya had taken care of him. This kindness he would naturally remember.


    Once Li Ya finished writing, he had also concluded his story.


    Li Ya put down his brush and looked at Gu An, smiling, "Junior Brother, I havee specifically to visit you. Tomorrow, I must descend the mountain again."


    "The world is in chaos. Senior Brother can go and do what you must. I don''t have your strength and can only nt herbs in Medicine Valley. I will pray for you, wishing you safety," Gu An said with a smile as well.


    Li Yaughed, "With you praying for me, I will certainly be safe."


    He then asked, "By the way, do you still have contact with my emperor father?"


    This matter had been hidden for decades, and Gu An felt it was time to speak out, so he told him about Tianya Valley.


    "I used to disdain him, but now his deeds have made me look at him with new eyes. Follow him well. If he dares to scheme against you, I will not spare him," Li Ya said with emotion.


    After the demon cmity, the three dynasties had ceased fighting, united against the demons. Li Xuandao even personally led troops to expedition against the Demon King, his fame growingrger, acknowledged more highly in the Immortal Cultivation World than even the emperors of Tianwei and Great Jiang.


    "Oh yes, a wise man at Three Pure Ones Mountain divined that our Li family has a person destined for great things. That should be me. I might be an immortal in the future. See, isn''t your Senior Brother impressive?" Li Ya said proudly.


    Only in front of Gu An could he reveal his true feelings.


    Gu An curiously asked, "What are the characteristics of a person destined for great things? Is it top talent or unrivaled fortune?"


    Li Ya raised an eyebrow, "Whether in terms of talent or fortune, I am the strongest among the direct bloodline of the Li family. How do you see it? I should be the person destined for great things. Or do you think there is someone else? You don''t possibly like my sister, do you?"


    "How could that be? I haven''t seen your sister for years. By the way, is Senior Sister Li well?"


    "Of course she''s well, but wait, you just said you don''t like my sister?"


    Li Ya''s eyes widened, and he began to bicker with Gu An.


    Senior Sister Li was Li Xuanyu. Gu An had once helped her manage her cave, and she had introduced him to other businesses. They had a good rtionship, but in recent years, Li Xuanyu had been in seclusion in the Inner Sect, and the two had only met a few times, exchanging brief greetings before parting.


    Thus, it continued until the next morning when Li Ya finally departed.


    Gu An stood at the window sill, watching him leave.


    "A person destined for great things... Senior Brother, in any way I see it, your father seems more like the person destined for great things..."


    ...


    In the cave.


    Zhang Buku sat on the ground shirtless, in meditation. The blood spots on his body had disappeared, and his skin had be even fairer. There were three ck scales on each side of his neck, and eerie phantasms emerged around him, like the lingering souls of demons.


    He slowly opened his eyes and stood up, his joints cracking like thunder.


    Feeling his newfound strength, a look of excitement appeared on his face.


    Not only had his Cultivation Level advanced greatly, but his Qi-Blood had also undergone aplete transformation. The feeling was truly wonderful.


    He began to stretch his bones.


    After a while, he seemed to notice something and walked to the rock wall, examining it closely.


    "Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe..."


    Zhang Buku muttered. Having been on the run for years, he was unaware of major events in the Immortal Cultivation World and had not heard of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, but he could tell that a mighty technique was inscribed on the rock wall.


    After finishing reading, he discovered it only contained the general outline of the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe and not the specific mental method, which disappointed him.


    Just from its description, he could tell the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe was formidable. If he could master it, he would be invincible.


    He suddenly sensed something and used his Divine Sense to inspect the rock wall.


    Bang!


    A vast amount of memory surged into his mind, causing him to be dazed.


    After some time.


    His eyes cleared, and a look of ecstasy appeared on his face.


    He had unexpectedly inherited theplete Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe!


    Recalling those grandiose moves, his heart burned with eagerness.


    He was impatient to start practicing the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe, but he had no axe in hand.


    He nced around and noticed a stone axe wedged in a crack in the rock, making him delighted.


    He pulled out the stone axe and swung it a few times, feeling it was too light.


    Nheless, he at least had an axe to practice the moves!


    He stepped back a few paces and then knelt, facing the rock wall, "Senior, though I do not know your identity or whether you are still alive, what I have gained today is entirely due to your grace. From now on, you will be my master! I will never forget your kindness!"


    Afterward, he began kowtowing heavily, his forehead bleeding profusely.

 Chapter 184: Chapter 184 Mutual appreciation, Su Han鈥檚 desperate situation

    In Tianya Valley.


    Gu An, who was picking herbs, smiled; he heard Zhang Buku''s words and felt bothforted and aplished.


    Senior Brother Zhang, did you ever think I would be your son''s support?


    Gu An''s thoughts drifted back several decades. At that time, Cheng Xuandan was still around, constantly engaged in alchemy and rarelying downstairs. It was always Zhang Chunqiu leading him, Li Ya, and Meng Lang in their work.


    Years passed, and of the original five master and disciple members, only Gu An and Li Ya remained.


    Time flows, and some people and events are taken away by the years, with their traces gradually erased.


    Autumn leaves danced in the air, as Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun San followed Gu An, asionally asking questions.


    Normally, neither Luo Hun, Lv Xian, nor Ji Rui paid much attention to them, only Gu An would chat with them and even bring them some gifts whenever he came, so they liked him very much.


    This time, Gu An brought them some spirit fruits, which were very tasty.


    Although the three monkey demons were demon ves, Gu An did not look down on them. Just like when facing Tian Yao''er, he was used to treating all living beings with an equal attitude.


    Moreover, in his view, even ordinary monkey demons had their own personalities and interesting aspects.


    Perhaps one day, these three monkey demons could also have their own opportunities.


    Gu An told them about the current cmity of demons, depicting the evil deeds of demons and humans, guiding them towards virtue.


    Hearing how dangerous the outside world was, the three monkey demons gave up the idea of leaving the valley, trusting that Gu An would not frighten them with lies; what he said must be true.


    Lv Xian suddenly came to Gu An''s side and asked: "Valley Master, do you think humans and demons can live in harmony?"


    Gu An squatted down and replied: "Why not? Before the great demon cmity, there was constant strife within the human race. There will always be survival struggles among individuals, but on a collective level, it is definitely decided by a minority in power."


    Lv Xian was immediately interested and asked: "Do you mean that the cmity between humans and demons is not destined by heaven?"


    The three monkey demons also looked at him.


    Gu An asked: "If in a mountain forest, there were no cultivators, no demons, only a group of ordinary living beings, would there be a cmity sweeping the entire forest? No, there would be conflicts, but they wouldn''t shake the environment."


    Lv Xian agreed and followed up: "You mean that as long as the leaders of both races negotiate peace, there can be tranquility?"


    "Even if there is peace, the struggle for survival among living beings will not cease, but it would not be as terrifying. However, these ideas are meaningless; we cannot change the world''s trend, so it''s useless to think too much. Better to cherish the days we have now."


    Gu An stood up and said this. Then he looked at Lv Xian and asked: "Do you have something to do?"


    Lv Xian pretended to cough and said: "I''ve been having some difficulties with the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palmtely and would like your guidance."


    "My hand techniques were all taught by you, how can I guide you?" Gu An replied, a glint of coldness shing in his eyes as he looked at Lv Xian.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Lv Xian quickly said: "It''s precisely because I taught you that I want to hear your thoughts. One doesn''t need to be superior to guide another; different people have different insights, and you might offer unexpected ideas."


    This exnation was reasonable and considerate.


    Gu An said: "Then wait a moment, let me finish my work first."


    "Alright!" Lv Xian stepped aside immediately.


    After a while, Gu An handed the medicinal herbs to the three monkey demons and then took Lv Xian to the attic.


    Without needing his instructions, Lv Xian began setting up restrictions.


    Neither Luo Hun nor Ji Rui thought much of it. Even though they all served Li Xuandao, they still kept secrets from each other, especially regarding cultivation matters, which should not be easily pried into.


    An hourter, Lv Xian finally opened the door and left, and Gu An was also about to leave.


    Staring at Gu An''s retreating figure flying by sword, Lv Xian felt filled with admiration.


    This person was truly incredible.


    Despite having a cultivation level in the Divinity Transformation Realm and extraordinaryprehension, he concealed his abilities to appear as an ordinary valley master.


    He had investigated Gu An''s background and found no deep-seated enemies; he even had the Ji Family as his support.


    This indicated that Gu An had unimaginable patience and goals.


    Lv Xian''s admiration for Gu An grew, wishing to be someone like him.


    What''s a moment of glory? Bing immortal is the true goal!


    Lv Xian also thought of Li Xuandao. He was the only one who knew Li Xuandao''s true cultivation level, no wonder Li Xuandao admired Gu An so much.


    It was mutual appreciation among those with grand ambitions!


    It amused Lv Xian that neither knew the other''s true cultivation level.


    He started to look forward to the day when both would discover each other''s true strength.


    ...


    Autumn passed, and winter arrived. A major event shook the world of immortal cultivation.


    The Supreme Sect actually sent a demon army to support the Northern Territory, including a Mahayana Realm Demon King, causing an uproar. Countless people questioned the Supreme Sect''s collusion with the Demon n, but with this demon army sweeping through a battlefield, the doubts disappeared, reced by excitement.


    Sessive reports of victory boosted the morale within the Supreme Sect.


    Yet, even so, the world crisis remained unresolved.


    The Demon Land''s demons seemed endless, impossible to killpletely.


    Besides picking herbs, Gu An spent most of his time descending the mountain to y demons. His lifespan had already surpassed six million years.


    This winter, more and more disciples were dispatched down the mountain, and the number of disciples in the outer and inner sects kept decreasing.


    Gu An could sense a terrifying demonic energy brewing in the north.


    Loose Immortal Realm!


    It must be that Demon Ancestor!


    Deep within the Demon Land, there might be a Great Cultivator of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Therefore, Gu An did not act immediately.


    Once the Demon Ancestor ventured south, as long as he dared to step into human territory, Gu An would strike at once!


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm, iming to be a Holy Land, would not directly attack the human race.


    One night.


    Gu An habitually used his Divine Sense to scan the world and was attracted to a certain forest.


    In that forest, Su Han was hiding in the grass. He had an artifact that could conceal his aura. The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil were patrolling within a hundred miles but could not find him.


    Su Han''s aura was unstable, indicating severe injuries.


    Had he fallen out with the Ghost Mother of Ephemera?


    Gu An had no intention of intervening; he quietly observed.


    After seven days, Su Han finally left the forest.


    During his travels in the mortal world, Gu An would asionally keep an eye on him.


    Su Han was secretly investigating Zhen Qin.


    What was he nning?


    Gu An wouldn''t allow Su Han to harm Zhen Qin. If Su Han dared to harm Zhen Qin, he would not stand by.


    ...


    Heavy snow fell, covering everything.


    In a mountain ravine, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and several disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall were resting, each cultivating energy to restore spiritual power.


    Zhen Qin suddenly opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings.


    She hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked to Ye Lan, whispering: "Martial Aunt, there is an issue with my cultivation. I need to undress, so I wish to be alone in the forest for a while."


    Ye Lan opened her eyes and looked at her, concerned: "Do you need my help?"


    "No, you know my cultivation technique is special." Zhen Qin smiled. Seeing her smile without any signs of trouble, Ye Lan nodded in agreement.


    Zhen Qin then left the camp.


    She continued walking through the forest, traveling several miles before stopping and looking ahead.


    Under a tree, a figure stood with its back to her.


    "Senior Brother Su Han, is that you?" Zhen Qin asked cautiously.


    Su Han turned around, his face devoid of color and hair turned white. His bone sword was gone.


    He forced a smile and said: "It''s me,e here."


    Zhen Qin hesitated but still approached Su Han.


    When she was only seven steps away from him, she sensed being trapped in some kind of restriction, causing her expression to change.


    "No need to panic, it''s my artifact, which can block Divine Sense detection, keeping the Ghost Mother of Ephemera and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil from finding me," Su Han exined.


    Zhen Qin breathed a sigh of relief, maintaining her distance and asked: "Senior Brother, can you really not turn back?"


    Su Han''s face twisted into a grim smile: "Turn back? There''s no going back. My hands are already stained with blood; even if I abandon my cultivation, my enemies won''t let me go."


    Zhen Qin saw his unstable condition and quickly asked: "Do you need healing medicine?"


    "No, I came to ask you for a favor." Su Han shook his head.


    Zhen Qin couldn''t help but ask: "What is it?"


    At that moment, Su Han suddenly moved closer, pressing his right hand on her forehead. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized she couldn''t move.


    Su Han''s face turned immensely cold in that instant.


    "Senior¡­ brother¡­"


    Zhen Qin managed to utter two words before a powerful spiritual force entered her body, rendering her speechless.


    In the distance.


    In a town, Gu An was swinging his sword to y demons, his brows furrowed, eyesplex.


    He turned and continued to kill demons, while other cultivators were fighting alongside him in the town.


    In the forest, Su Han looked at Zhen Qin''s panicked expression and whispered: "Junior Sister, don''t be afraid. I won''t harm you. Senior Brother is at the end of his rope, destined to die, and wants to pass all my cultivation to you before I die, to help you change your fate."


    Hearing this, Zhen Qin''s pupils dted.


    Memories of Outer Gate City shed in her mind. Back then, the outer gate wanted to sacrifice disciples, and Su Han risked his life to cover her escape from the city.


    Because of this gratitude, she had always cared about Su Han''s fate.


    Though Su Han was infamous, perhaps wronging many people, he had always been good to her. Everyone could condemn him, but not her.


    "The Ghost Mother of Ephemera taught me the Defying Fate Divine Skill, wanting me to enter the Nine Nether Road. Though I don''t know her final intention, my fate would be grim. In a secret realm, I seized a Mahayana Dharma Artifact and escaped them, but I''m heavily injured and won''t live long¡­"


    "The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword ends with me. I sought revenge, but the true enemy is elusive. Yet, I understand now that practicing the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword means endless enemies, perhaps I''ve already taken my revenge."


    "Junior Sister, with our average talent, we are mere ants in the world of cultivation. Practicing the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword was my only chance to escape fate. Though I failed, my life was still worthwhile¡­"


    "Now, inherit my cultivation¡­"

 Chapter 185: Chapter 185 Hateful Heaven Ancestor

    Listening to Su Han''sst words, Zhen Qin''s eyes were red. She wanted to stop Su Han, but she couldn''t speak.


    Su Han continued to instruct: "I am only passing my cultivation to you. After I die, burn my body to ashes, and remember to take my storage bag. Anything rted to the Ghost Mother of Ephemera has already been discarded¡­"


    Blood began to flow from the corners of his mouth, followed by his eyes and nose. The blood streaks on his pale face were so brilliant, especially in the icy snow, making it even more horrifying.


    Seeing Su Han''s eyes turn into a pair of blood-red eyes, Zhen Qin''s heart ached immensely, and tears kept flowing uncontrobly.


    Her robe began to flutter, and her cultivation level started skyrocketing.


    "The power of the Defying Fate Divine Skill is very easy to cause deviation, but this cultivation technique itself is meant to be a wedding dress. After passing it on to others, the power bes pure, even able to cleanse their tendons and marrows, transforming them¡­"


    "Junior Sister, thank you for still thinking about me¡­"


    Su Han''s voice grew weaker.


    Zhen Qin felt her eyelids bing unprecedentedly heavy. Her vision started blurring, she couldn''t see her senior brother''s face clearly anymore.


    "Tell Master¡­ I am sorry¡­ I disappointed him¡­ He helped me establish my foundation¡­ But instead of repaying him, I only caused trouble¡­"


    "Although this life has been extraordinary, there are too many regrets¡­"


    Zhen Qin''s consciousnesspletely sank into chaos.


    The snow fell harder and harder, as if the heavens and earth werementing.


    ...


    No one knew how much time had passed.


    Zhen Qin''s consciousness began to wake up, and she suddenly opened her eyes, awakening as if from a dream.


    She found herself lying in the snow, with another person lying beside her, her senior brother Su Han.


    She immediately scrambled up to check on Su Han, but as soon as she turned him over, she was so frightened that she hastily retreated.


    Su Han was already dead, his whole body was purple, and he was skin and bones, looking as if his flesh and blood had been sucked dry, extremely terrifying.


    "Senior Brother¡­ No¡­ It shouldn''t be like this¡­"


    Zhen Qin sat destely on the ground, staring at Su Han. She could feel an unprecedentedly powerful spirit power within her, but she wasn''t the least bit happy.


    She suddenly threw herself onto Su Han''s corpse, starting to wail loudly.


    When she flipped Su Han over to face the sky, she noticed that his purple lips were slightly curled, as if he had died without pain.


    After a long time.


    After Zhen Qin vented her emotions, she slowly stood up. There were still tear stains on her face, but her expression had be colder than ever.


    She raised her right hand, and with a gesture, Su Han''s gold ring flew into her hand.


    She could feel the immense power contained in this gold ring, even though she had been transformed, it still shocked her.


    This must be a Mahayana Dharma Artifact!


    Zhen Qin''s eyes turned back to Su Han, she bit her lip, her eyes full of struggle.


    Her trembling right hand lifted, a spirit power fire igniting on it.


    "Are you really willing to burn the senior brother who passed on his cultivation to you?"


    A voice came from the side, startling Zhen Qin. She turned to see a small figure in white sitting on the trunk of a tree behind her, wearing a mask.


    She was stunned for a moment, then couldn''t help but cry out in joy: "Mountain God!"


    She immediately knelt down, continuously kowtowing to the Mountain God.


    Gu An looked down at her with a deliberately frivolous tone,ughing: "What are you doing?"


    Zhen Qin looked up and hurriedly said: "Please save my senior brother, Mountain God!"


    "He killed so many people, why should I save him?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin panicked and said: "How many people did he kill? Looking at the world, which Great Cultivator''s hands aren''t stained with blood? The Immortal Cultivation World is inherentlypetitive. My senior brother didn''t want to kill, but many people wouldn''t tolerate him and forced him onto this path!"


    "He cultivated the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. It''s said that the greater the hatred of the sword practitioner, the stronger the sword intent; but my senior brother is not invincible in the world with the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, which shows that his hatred is not that great!"


    "He also cultivated the Defying Fate Divine Skill of the Ephemera Sect. This skill can seize other''s cultivation. If my senior brother had no bottom line, his cultivation level would be even higher!"


    As she spoke, she became more and more agitated, releasing all her grievances.


    She felt aggrieved for Su Han.


    Su Han grew up without a mother, his father passed away early. He carried a blood feud and entered the Supreme Sect. The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword he cultivated was passed down by his father. What wrong did he do?


    Others hunted him down, shouldn''t he fight back?


    Su Han never killed ordinary people, even to be stronger, he only killed cultivators.


    The righteous path of the world, Zhen Qin did not believe those Great Cultivators never killed innocent cultivators!


    Gu An looked down at her and said: "The world has countless paths to cultivation. He must be responsible for his choices. Do you know what the fairest thing the heavens provide to all beings is? It is death."


    "Since people have died because of him, he will naturally die as well."


    Zhen Qin wanted to refute but feared offending the Mountain God.


    Gu An continued: "You think he had no other path, and he thought so too. But if you think carefully, was that really the case? I don''t think so. You both came from the same sect, why are you living well?"


    After hearing this, Zhen Qin gradually calmed down.


    "If you truly believe your senior brother was without fault, then you will walk the same path. This is not what he wished to see." Gu An''s tone became ethereal.


    "The dead cannot be brought back to life. I am just a Mountain God; I don''t have such power. But I can take away your senior brother''s body and leave you with a sliver of hope. How about it?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin did not respond immediately.


    She hesitated for a long time, then said through gritted teeth: "Then please, Mountain God, take him away. One day, I will find you. I will seek the method of resurrection!"


    Gu An did not oppose her. If Zhen Qin had one more goal, her future cultivation would be more diligent.


    He raised his right hand, taking Su Han''s body into his hand, making it very small, leaving only a storage bag on the snow.


    Seeing the Mountain God''s miraculous divine skills, a grief-stricken Zhen Qin was too sad to be amazed.


    She got up and asked: "Mountain God, why are you here?"


    Gu An disappeared from the tree branch, leaving a sentence:


    "Who says a mountain god can only stay in one ce? Moreover, I am not just a mountain god."


    Upon hearing this, Zhen Qin was awed, thinking that this mountain god might hold a transcendent position among the immortals and gods.


    She wiped away her tears and infused the gold ring with spirit power, causing the barrier to disappear immediately.


    She headed toward the ce where Ye Lan and others were stationed. Her senses had already captured the aura of Ye Lan and others. They spread out, moving quickly, clearly searching for her.


    ...


    Inside the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion.


    Gu An ced Su Han''s body on a stone table, looking at his apprentice''s face, feeling a bit dazed.


    He thought of when they were in the mountains of Mystic Valley years ago. He guided Su Han in swordsmanship, and Su Han generously gave him the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword Technique passed down from his family.


    He recalled how, when demon cultivators attacked Mystic Valley, Su Han stood in front of him without hesitation to protect him.


    He felt he had not owed Su Han anything, but in reality, Su Han had not wronged him either. Su Han had simply chosen a different path.


    Gu An used his mana to start freezing Su Han''s body, preventing it from decaying. The soul remained temporarily within the body.


    He had no way to resurrect the dead, this was the best he could do.


    "Hmm?"


    During the freezing process, Gu An detected something, raising an eyebrow.


    Su Han only transferred his power to Zhen Qin, but the Hateful Heaven Sword Intent remained in his body.


    Gu An sensed that this Sword Intent contained many causal connections, one of which was veryplex, reaching the Loose Immortal Realm.


    How could Su Han havee into contact with a Loose Immortal?


    Could it be the creator of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword?


    Gu An raised his other hand, taking Su Han''s Sword Intent into his palm, forming a cluster of blood energy swirling in his hand.


    After Su Han was fully frozen, Gu An walked aside and began to study this Sword Intent.


    As early as the Nirvana Realm, Gu An could detect causal connections and observe the past decade of beings of lower realms. Now, his perception of causality was even stronger.


    In his eyes, causal auras constantly formed lines. The one belonging to the Loose Immortal extended from the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion to the ends of the heavens and the earth.


    Gu An turned, using his divine sense to trace the line.


    They spanned countless mountains, his divine sense traversed oceans, finallynding on a vast ind.


    On this ind lived millions of people; a third of them were cultivators, and their cultivation levels were very high, with seven at the Mahayana Realm.


    One at the Nirvana Realm, and one at the Loose Immortal Realm!


    The Loose Immortal was hidden underground on the ind, within aplex barrier.


    [The Hateful Heaven Ancestor has developed hostility toward you, and his killing intent is increasing. Would you like to perform Life Span Detection on him]


    Hmm?


    How does he know about me?


    Gu An was secretly rmed. He hastily dissipated the Hateful Heaven Sword Intent in his hand, choosing Life Span Detection.


    [Hateful Heaven Ancestor (Loose Immortal Realm Second Layer): 14809/25000/28000]


    Loose Immortal Realm Second Layer!


    After a moment of hesitation, Gu An disappeared from his spot.


    ...


    In a mysterious underground chamber, the Hateful Heaven Ancestor, d in a grey robe, meditated on a prayer mat. He kept his eyes closed, brows furrowed.


    "Mountain God¡­ Who is ying tricks? I didn''t expect such a figure to be hidden on that continent¡­"


    The Hateful Heaven Ancestor muttered to himself, opening his blood-red eyes.


    He could spy on all sword practitioners through the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword Intent.


    Su Han was too far from him, causing a dy in his spying process.


    The thought of the Mountain God taking Su Han caused him unease.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Moreover, it seemed the Mountain God was deducing his causality.


    "Has he transformed into a Mountain God to evade the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, or is he from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm himself?" The Hateful Heaven Ancestor pondered with a frown.


    Su Han''s death made him furious.


    Fewer and fewer people were cultivating the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. The Immortal Cultivation World was well aware of its price, severely impacting his ns.


    For this reason, he had turned his eye to the continent.


    Unfortunately, in less than a thousand years, the reputation of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword on that continent also turned foul.


    Having finally found someone to inherit the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, he naturally cared.


    He felt resentment toward the Ghost Mother of Ephemera and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil, even considering exterminating those insects but feared being discovered by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Now, no one on the continent cultivated the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword.


    The more the Hateful Heaven Ancestor thought about it, the angrier he became, even developing murderous intent.


    "No, I have to go there myself and personally pass on the teachings!"


    The Hateful Heaven Ancestor thought silently, closing his eyes to continue cultivating.


    This matter could not be rushed; he needed to wait until the so-called cmity of demons and spirits ended before quietly sneaking onto the continent.


    He had already discovered that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had nurtured another human dynasty.


    At that moment.


    A hand suddenly pressed on the Hateful Heaven Ancestor''s shoulder, making him open his eyes abruptly.

 Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Hateful Heaven Path, Demon Ancestor Intends to Head South

    Hateful Heaven Ancestor had stayed in his cave for over a thousand years without taking a single step outside. None of the cultivators on the ind knew he was hiding there.


    Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Even though he had Loose Immortal cultivation, he was still startled.


    He instinctively wanted to turn his head, but at that moment, an incredibly terrifying mana surged into his body, destroying his bones and tendons before restraining his Primordial Spirit.


    Behind him stood Gu An, who had performed the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body.


    Gu An pressed a hand on his shoulder, looking down at him.


    Although there was only one major realm difference between Loose Immortal and Wandering Immortal, the gap was vast. Moreover, Gu An had Ninth Layer Wandering Immortal cultivation, while Hateful Heaven Ancestor only had Second Layer Loose Immortal cultivation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Puff¡ª"


    Hateful Heaven Ancestor spat a mouthful of blood, and his eyes immediately lost their spirit.


    Gu An began to perform Soul Capturing Skill to search his memories.


    The memories of Hateful Heaven Ancestor were too vast, so Gu An only searched for memories rted to the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword.


    A long time passed.


    Gu An withdrew his Divine Sense and then began to use the Three Pure Ones True Fire to finish off Hateful Heaven Ancestor.


    [You have sessfully taken 1,280 years of life from Hateful Heaven Ancestor (Second Layer Loose Immortal Realm)]


    Watching Hateful Heaven Ancestor''s body gradually turn to ashes, the heavy weight on Gu An''s mind slowly lifted.


    Being resented by a Loose Immortal put pressure on Gu An. If he didn''t eliminate the enemy immediately, he couldn''t be at ease.


    He started examining the cave. It wasn''t small; it was well-furnished and even had a Spirit Pond with various kinds of aquatic nts.


    ording to Hateful Heaven Ancestor''s memories, he had no connection with this ind. He had sneaked onto the ind to hide because he had enemies.


    His enemies were from a sea-based sect called Star Sea Congregations. This sect dominated the ocean and had countless disciples, though Gu An wasn''t sure of their exact strength.


    During the memory search, Gu An was very careful, fearing he might see other Wandering Immortals or higher realm beings. Immortal Path Realm cultivators'' perception of karmic forces increased with their cultivation level, and he worried that other great cultivators might notice his soul search.


    As for the strongest cultivator on this ind, they were only in the Nirvana Realm, not a major concern.


    Soon, Hateful Heaven Ancestor was burned to ashes. Gu An began to inventory his belongings.


    His storage bag was of high quality, containing dozens of restrictions. The internal space was over ten miles in diameter, storing countless spirit stones, elixirs, magic artifacts, secret books, and rare treasures.


    Gu An felt that with this storage bag alone, he could establish his own sect.


    He wasn''t in a hurry to leave. He sat on a stone bench and took out a secret book to read.


    This secret book was called Hateful Heaven Path!


    The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword was merely a branch of the Hateful Heaven Path. Because Hateful Heaven Ancestor had been a sword cultivator, he had created the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword.


    Hateful Heaven Path was a legacy discovered by Hateful Heaven Ancestor in an ancient pce under the sea when he was a thousand years old. It was said that this pce belonged to a powerful sect from ancient times. When the ocean submerged the mortal world, everything sank to the seabed.


    Hateful Heaven Ancestor had reached his current height relying on the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword. He propagated the sword technique, allowing sword cultivators to bolster his Hateful Heaven Path. The power of the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword came from borrowing his strength. In this process, he would continually absorb the other party''s Qi fortune and lifespan. Thus, those who practiced the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword advanced quickly in cultivation but also died quickly.


    The cultivator from the Sword Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty who created the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword had also been taught by him, not self-created.


    After perusing it, Gu An thought Hateful Heaven Path was indeed powerful, but it was too sinister. Moreover, practicing this path would lead to bacsh. For example, Hateful Heaven Ancestor couldn''t be exposed to sunlight and could only act at night. Even as a Loose Immortal, walking in the sunlight would cause heart demons to torment him.


    Gu An threw the secret book into his storage bag and continued to inventory the other secret books.


    ... ¡­


    At the end of the year, the demonic catastrophe was entering a more severe stage, and the Supreme Sect began mobilizing outer disciples to patrol the surrounding areas.


    That day, a violent demonic cat rushed into Mystic Valley, attempting to attack servant disciples. Fortunately, Chu Jingfeng arrived in time to y it.


    When Gu An returned from the Third Medicine Valley and saw the demonic cat''s corpse, he found it still harbored a concealed and sinister power of cause and effect.


    This power of cause and effect was quite simr to the Hateful Heaven Path, possibly exining the demon n''s transformation into demons.


    The disciples gathered around him, talking all at once, worried that Mystic Valley would face an attack during the demonic catastrophe.


    Gu An stood up andforted them, "Don''t be afraid. With the protection of the Supreme Sect, nothing will happen."


    The disciples didn''t believe him. If there was a demonic cat today, what would appear tomorrow?


    Chu Jingfeng had no cultivation, relying solely on his swordsmanship to y demons. If Gu An wasn''t present, even a Second Layer demon beast could devour them all.


    Hearing the disciples'' concerns, Gu An thought they were reasonable and decided to go to the Outer Gate City to issue a bounty, inviting Foundation Establishment Realm disciples to protect the Medicine Valley, which made the disciples very happy.


    Watching them discuss excitedly, Gu An thought of the scene when Cheng Xuandan invited Chu Jingfeng.


    He turned to the north. He could feel the demon ancestor''s aura had stabilized and was no longer rising, indicating the demon ancestor had fully revived and could head south at any time.


    Besides the demon ancestor, he also felt another aura. This aura didn''t seem to emanate from an individual but from an entirend, vast and eerie.


    It should be the Evil Demon from ck Disgust Demon King''s memory.


    The legend of the Evil Demon had been around for a long time. ck Disgust Demon King had only heard of it but never seen it.


    ording to legend, obtaining the true blood of the Evil Demon allowed demons to revert to their ancestral forms. The Six-Headed Sea Dragon had once obtained a drop of true blood from the Evil Demon.


    Gu An suspected the Evil Demon was also raised by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    He stood there for a while, then headed toward the pavilion.


    At the same time.


    In the distant north.


    Demon energy filled the heavens and earth, thunderclouds covered the sky, and lightning flickered, resembling the rolling of a sea dragon.


    Thend was uneven, and trees were sparse. Bones, more numerous than trees, stretched as far as the eye could see, resembling a hellishndscape.


    The further north one went, the more bones there were, with even mountain-sized skeletons appearing, likely the remains of ancient species.


    As the bones grew denser, an enormous altar emerged. It stood on a deste in, over twenty miles in diameter, made of some kind of blue stone and covered with numerous ancient runes. Bone piles surrounded the altar, forming a white ring around it from above.


    Eight ck lines, resembling chains, intertwined at the altar''s center, where a figure sat.


    It was the demon ancestor!


    The demon ancestor wasn''t as colossal as the Six-Headed Sea Dragon, appearing more like a human cultivator. He wore tattered robes, with long white hair hanging loosely, and his ck fingernails were sharp as des. On closer inspection, he had two additional eyes on his forehead, all four eyes pitch-ck with dark red pupils.


    He was ying with a stone sword. The de wasn''t long and was as wide as his arm, appearing ordinary.


    "I''m hungry."


    The demon ancestor suddenly spoke, his voice booming like thunder, apanied by the roar of tigers and dragons.


    A figure flew in from the horizon¡ªa bird demon with ck wings. He hovered at the altar''s edge, looking nervous as he said, "Demon Ancestor, all the demons within a million miles have been eaten by you. His Majesty has also gone south to join the battle. There''s no food left for you..."


    His gaze towards the demon ancestor was filled with fear, and he tried hard to keep his voice from trembling.


    The demon ancestor nced at him, his eyes cold, causing him to immediately bow his head.


    "Who says it''s all been eaten?"


    The demon ancestor''s voice echoed, its tonezy.


    Upon hearing this, the bird demon''s face changed color drastically, and he turned to flee, disappearing in an instant into the horizon.


    The demon ancestor''s eyes narrowed, and the space in front of him rippled.


    That bird demon suddenly appeared before him, and he grabbed its head, smashing it violently onto the altar.


    Blood sttered, and the demon ancestor showed a ferocious, cruel smile. He opened his mouth and bit down directly.


    "Ah¡ª"


    The bird demon let out a miserable scream!


    The demon ancestor didn''t choose to kill it but to eat it alive.


    A long time passed.


    The demon ancestor sat in a blood-soaked area, surrounded by ck feathers. He licked the blood on his fingers, his gaze looking towards the horizon.


    "It''s time to prepare to head south."


    ...


    The new year''s Spring Festival arrived, but it was very quiet, not as lively as in past years, and the banquets quickly dispersed.


    In the dead of night, on Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    In Nianchu Cave, Gu An was spending the festival with Tian Yao''er.


    While roastingmb, Tian Yao''er repeatedly showed off the Limitless Freedom Step, moving back and forth and asionally using her innate Divine Skill to transform into various female demons.


    Gu An couldn''t help butugh and ask, "Why do you keep transforming into female demons?"


    "I want to see if the master likes it."


    Tian Yao''er stopped and giggled.


    Gu Anmented, "None of them are as pretty as you. Stop transforming from now on."


    He was telling the truth. Tian Yao''er was already stunningly beautiful, far superior to the female demons who retained demonic features.


    Hearing this, Tian Yao''er was overjoyed and immediately pounced on Gu An, clinging to his arm.


    After being affectionate for a while, she asked, "Master, can you catch a few more demons to keep mepany?"


    Gu An asked, "What kind of demons do you want?"


    "Just female demons, preferably young ones, easy to control," Tian Yao''er smiled.


    Gu An thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.


    Now that the various zones in Nianchu Cave were running smoothly, he could capture a few demons for Tian Yao''er to assist her, ensuring she could focus on her cultivation.


    "Let''s see if Ie across anyter. I don''t like randomly catching demons," Gu An said, focusing on the roastedmb leg in his hand.


    Tian Yao''er nodded and smiled, "Master is kind-hearted and only saves demons. Being chosen by you is their blessing."


    "What do you mean, kind-hearted? Don''t use words incorrectly."


    "Anyway, master is very nice. You''re the best person I''ve ever met."


    "How many people have you met in your life?"


    "Oh, it doesn''t matter. You''re the best. Meeting you is the greatest blessing of my life."


    As she spoke, Tian Yao''er''s gaze fell on the mask on Gu An''s face.


    She really wanted to remove Gu An''s mask but was afraid of angering him.


    Gu An handed her themb leg and then stood up, saying, "Alright, you eat slowly. I have to go."


    Tian Yao''er froze and quickly asked, "So soon? Where are you going?"


    Gu An vanished into thin air, leaving a single sentence, "To check on another lonely demon."


    Tian Yao''er''s smile instantly froze.

 Chapter 187: Chapter 187 Immortal Paths Powerful Enemy, The Supreme Sects Crisis

    Inside the cave.


    Zhang Buku wielded the stone axe, continuously swinging it. His movements were fierce, his footwork mysterious, and his afterimages appeared in session, making it seem as if several clones of him were left in the cave.


    Since he arrived at this cave and learned the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe, he hadn''t gone out again.


    Relying on cultivating the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe, his Qi-Blood rapidly strengthened, and he hadpletely fused with the power of that mysterious demon core.


    He didn''t notice a sparrow watching him from a distant rock.


    Watching Zhang Buku''s posture, Gu An felt gratified.


    This kid still had some talent!


    At least he hadn''t wasted the effort of nurturing him!


    Gu An also noticed the change in Zhang Buku''s bloodline. This change wasn''t evolving towards the Six-Headed Sea Dragon but was another type of demonic aura he hadn''t seen before.


    He suddenly thought of the Evil Demon.


    The Six-Headed Sea Dragon ingested the True Blood of an Evil Demon, thereby regressing to its ancestors. Could it be that Zhang Buku would also regress to his ancestors?


    In fact, Zhang Buku wasn''t alone and destitute; he still had a mother. But Zhang Chunqiu had never revealed his mother''s identity, making it impossible for him to find her.


    Could Zhang Buku''s mother have an extraordinary background?


    Gu An thought silently but didn''t fear too much.


    After practicing the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe for a while, Zhang Buku finally saw Gu An.


    "It''s you, little sparrow, you''ve finally appeared. What is your rtionship with the predecessor of this cave?"


    Zhang Buku asked excitedly. He didn''t rush towards Gu An immediately, fearing he''d scare Gu An away.


    Gu An shook his head and didn''t make a sound.


    The Heaven and Earth Nine Transformations, brought by the All Things Form and Energy Art, were indeed convenient. Not only could it transform one''s form, but it could also change one''s aura. Zhang Buku hadn''t noticed anything unusual about him at all.


    Seeing the sparrow transformed by Gu An not speaking, Zhang Buku wasn''t disappointed either and began to excitedly talk about his own unique opportunity.


    If it weren''t for this sparrow before him, he wouldn''t have had this encounter. He might even have been eaten by demons.


    Even if this sparrow had no spiritual wisdom and was unrted to this cave, he still felt grateful.


    Gu An listened patiently. The current Zhang Buku was filled with unprecedented fighting spirit, and his entire essence, energy, and spirit had transformed.


    In Zhang Buku, he saw the shadow of An Hao.


    That was the aura belonging to a genius!


    Gu An suddenly remembered that when they were young, An Hao and Zhang Buku had fought, and that was An Hao''s first failure since he began immortal cultivation. He wondered if An Hao still harbored resentment.


    After Zhang Buku finished speaking, Gu An opened his mouth and spat out the demon core of the ck Disgust Demon King.


    Seeing the sparrow spit out a demon core nearly ten times its size, Zhang Buku''s mouth opened wide.


    Subsequently, Gu An pped his wings and quickly disappeared into the cave passage.


    Zhang Buku stared at the demon core on the ground in silence for a long time.


    ...


    The New Year had just passed, but thend of the Three Dynasties had not yet weed the revival and was still shrouded in demonic mist and demonic Qi.


    In the northern region of the Great Jiang Dynasty, in a valley, cultivators continuously flew in and out, very busy.


    Xuan Tianyi sat under a tree, his upper body bare and wrapped in white cloth, holding a white bone and examining it carefully.


    Ji Hantian approached Xuan Tianyi and spoke: "The Daotian Sect has deduced that the Demon Ancestor is about to descend south. Are you confident?"


    Xuan Tianyi replied casually: "Of course, I have confidence. Even if I can''t win, there''s still Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "What if the Demon Ancestor is stronger than Sword Venerable Fudao?" Ji Hantian asked worriedly.


    "Then we all die together. Don''t really think it''s a battle for the survival of the Human Race. Rest assured, if we die, there arerger human forces overseas." Xuan Tianyi said casually, raising the bone in his hand and squinting his eyes as if examining its surface patterns.


    Hearing this, Ji Hantian couldn''t help but roll his eyes.


    He couldn''t help but ask: "You''ve been looking at that bone for days. What''s so special about it?"


    Xuan Tianyi answered nonchntly: "My spells are so powerful that this Demon King was reduced to ashes, leaving only this bone. It surely has something extraordinary about it. Perhaps there''s a secret hidden behind the demon cmity."


    Ji Hantian was about to say more when a strong wind blew from the north into the valley, giving everyone a sudden shiver.


    Xuan Tianyi couldn''t help but put down the bone and turn his head, frowning.


    "Such powerful demonic energy... how could it be..."


    Ji Hantian''s face changed drastically, mumbling to himself.


    Even for a cultivator of the Unification Realm like him, this was terrifying, not to mention the other cultivators in the valley.


    "Such terrifying demonic energy, it feels like the sky is about to copse..."


    "Is it the Demon Emperor?"


    "No, I''ve felt the aura of the Demon Emperor before. This demonic energy far surpasses that of the Demon Emperor. It must be the legendary Demon Ancestor."


    "This demonic energy is too terrifying. The legends are true, the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Demons..."


    "What should we do? We aren''t going to fight, are we? Facing such demonic energy, I can''t see any hope of winning!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The cultivators in the valley had fought demons for years and had even experienced battles with Mahayana Realm participants. Their Daoist Hearts had long transformed.


    But even so, facing the distant demonic energy, they were terrified, without any will to fight.


    Xuan Tianyi vanished into thin air.


    Ji Hantian immediately turned and urged the disciples of the Supreme Sect to prepare for battle.


    Far away, Gu An stood up at the Third Medicine Valley of the Supreme Sect. He didn''t look north but looked up at the sky.


    The sky was blue, but the white clouds were dissipating.


    "Master, what''s wrong?"


    An Xin, who was counting seeds nearby, turned and asked. Xiaochuan and several disciples all looked at Gu An.


    Gu An said: "The clouds in the sky are dispersing."


    Hearing this, the others all looked up. Soon, they also began to feel suspicious.


    After the clouds dispersed, they didn''t disappear but kept surging, like pieces of torn cloth being pieced together. Moreover, everyone noticed that the whole world became strangely quiet, with even the sounds of insects missing.


    "Seven Stars Spirit Realm, is it¡­"


    Gu An looked at the sky and thought silently.


    He could feel the space above the Supreme Sect fluctuating, a mysterious power had already enveloped the entire Supreme Sect.


    This power had surpassed the Nirvana Realm, so the Supreme Sect cultivators hadn''t noticed.


    The Demon Ancestor descended south, but another Loose Immortal was about to arrive at the Supreme Sect.


    It seemed the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had set its sights on Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Were they afraid that Sword Venerable Fudao would stop the Demon Ancestor from descending south?


    Under Gu An''s gaze, the scattered clouds in the sky gradually formed an array diagram, grand and spectacr. This made more and more disciples of the Supreme Sect look up.


    The disciples in the valley could even hear the noise from the outer city in the distance.


    Lu Lingjun appeared next to Gu An, saying in a deep voice: "Trouble ising, you better not run out."


    With that, she leaped into the sky.


    Not only her, but the Unification Realm cultivators of the Supreme Sect also flew out.


    Lu Lingjun took out a treasure sword and shed it, the spiritual power sweeping across like a rainbow, majestic in momentum.


    With a loud boom!


    The array diagram in the sky burst out with brilliant golden light, and a boundless pressure descended, startling Lu Lingjun to stop in a hurry.


    The other Unification Realm cultivators were the same. Unlike Lu Lingjun, they were suppressed by the pressure from the sky, unable to move, all looking at the array diagram in the sky with fear.


    Every piece of scattered cloud in the array diagram emitted golden light, forming golden lines and then condensing into golden runes. The golden light shined down, and whoever was illuminated by it couldn''t move.


    An Xin''s eyes widened, showing a look of despair.


    The outer city, atop the Heavenly Repair tform.


    The cultivators in sword enlightenment there all stood, their bodies trembling, they looked at the sky incredulously.


    "What is that¡­"


    Zuo Yijian, standing next to the Heaven-Cutting Axe, raised his neck and asked with difficulty.


    No one answered him. The other cultivators seemed to be watching the descent of gods, but not bringing fortune, rather despair.


    Under the gazes of countless people, a gigantic, illusory face manifested within the vast golden array diagram. Only the outlines of the facial features were visible, its true visage unclear, and its gender indistinguishable. It seemed like the will of the Heavenly Dao overlooking the myriad beings, imposing great oppression on the Supreme Sect disciples.


    More and more people''s legs shook, kneeling on the ground. Subconsciously, it was as if an invisible hand pressed their heads, not allowing them to look directly at the mysterious giant face in the golden array diagram.


    In a mansion in the Inner Sect City, Ji Xiaoyu looked at the sky, her brows tightly furrowed.


    She didn''t recognize this array diagram, but intuition told her the visitor was certainly rted to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    "May I ask which senior has arrived, why oppress the Supreme Sect in this world of chaos wrought by demons?"


    A female voice rang out, and a woman in ck appeared next to Lu Lingjun.


    She was the Supreme Elder, Fairy Suxin. Returning from overseas, she suffered severe injuriesst year in the demon battlefield, and now back in the Supreme Sect to heal.


    Her cultivation level wasn''t much higher than Lu Lingjun. Facing the golden array diagram together, they could only slightly reduce the pressure.


    The mysterious giant face in the golden array diagram didn''t respond. It seemed to be searching for something.


    Suddenly.


    The golden array diagram emitted golden light beams, shooting towards the outer gate city of the Supreme Sect, sweeping across the sky. Under the gazes of countless disciples, the golden light beams converged into a golden arm, like the hand of the heavens, exuding supreme pressure.


    That direction was exactly the Heavenly Repair tform!


    Standing beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, Zuo Yijian''s face changed drastically. He was also suppressed, half-kneeling, unable to stand up.


    From his perspective, the golden hand in the sky shrouded the heavens and covered the sun, making everyone in the city feel despair.


    With a loud rumble!


    The Heaven-Cutting Axe trembled, an immense sword intent soared into the sky, causing the golden hand to stop.


    "Existing within the Realm of Immortal Path, why hide among mortal sects?"


    A cold voice echoed, reverberating through the Supreme Sect, making every cultivator hear it clearly.


    Realm of Immortal Path?


    They immediately thought of an entity.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Only Sword Venerable Fudao could belong to the Realm of Immortal Path!


    Gu An and An Xin, like the others, were pressed to the ground. Unlike others who were kneeling, he was squatting with his hands supporting him, arms trembling, head down, making it hard to see his expression.


    "Since you won''t answer, watch this sect turn to dust."


    The cold voice spoke again, like a heavenly god issuing judgment upon all beings. The terrifying pressure over the Supreme Sect suddenly intensified, and the earth began to tremble.


    With his head down, Gu An nced at Xiaochuan, An Xin, and others'' desperate expressions from the corner of his eye.


    Everyone''s hearts were shrouded in fear, too preupied to look at those beside them.


    Gu An sighed softly.


    Why do people always seek death?

 Chapter 188: Chapter 188: What Realm is Sword Venerable Fudao in?

    Gu An infused his mana into the ground, the Five Element Spiritual Energy followed his mana and converged towards the Heavenly Repair tform.


    On the Heavenly Repair tform, the cultivators who couldn''t raise their heads saw wisps of Spiritual Energy emerging on the tform, all converging in one direction, they nced out of the corner of their eyes.


    The Heaven-Cutting Axe!


    Zuo Yijian, kneeling beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, felt it even more deeply, his pupils dted, filled with excitement.


    The elder was about to make his move!


    nature''s spiritual energy gathered beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, forming a whirlpool, quickly condensing into a dark purple phantom.


    It was precisely Gu An''s Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body!


    Under the golden light, the posture of the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body was iparably domineering, causing the nearby cultivators to be filled with excitement.


    Sword Venerable Fudao has appeared!


    The giant face in the sky locked its gaze on the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, the Golden Light Array Diagram once again burst forth with golden rays, and this time, it was as if a torrential downpour decorated the entire sky, especially for the cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform, the visual impact was immense.


    Under Zuo Yijian''s watchful eye, the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body grasped the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe in reverse.


    The Heaven-Cutting Axe, which the cultivators of the Supreme Sect thought impossible to lift, was effortlessly raised as if it had no weight.


    The Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body lifted the axe with one hand, facing the golden rays that filled the sky, its figure looked so insignificant.


    But at that moment, all the cultivators kneeling on the tform directed their gaze towards it.


    With its appearance, everyone in the Outer Sect City felt the pressure on them lessen, at least they could turn their heads.


    No one knew why, but looking at Sword Venerable Fudao holding the Heaven-Cutting Axe, all the fear in everyone''s hearts dissipated.


    Time seemed to slow down at that moment.


    Zuo Yijian raised his head, a look of fanaticism on his face.


    He was still kneeling, as if worshipping the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body.


    The Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body lifted the axe with its right hand, moving the Heaven-Cutting Axe to its left waist, and then suddenly lifted it upwards.


    Slicing Heaven with Axe!


    With one sh, the entire world instantly lost its color!


    The golden rays in the sky were sessively annihted, the Golden Light Array Diagram spanning the sky was directly cut in half, including the giant face, and even a clear space rift appeared in the sky, shocking the onlookers.


    "Who are you, to have trained the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe to such a degree?"


    A mysterious, cold, and indifferent voice sounded, this time filled with fear, no longer calm andposed as before.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    The Golden Light Array Diagram in the sky, sliced in half, suddenly exploded, a terrifying strong wind crushing everything between heaven and earth, Zuo Yijian instinctively lowered his head and closed his eyes.


    All the disciples in the Third Medicine Valley were blown away by the suddenly erupting strong wind, including Gu An''s true body, the formations in each area of the valley were activated, forming protective barriers, like light shields suddenly lighting up.


    The mountains and forests outside the Medicine Valley shook violently, as if the trees were about to be uprooted at any moment!


    The same happened in Mystic Valley!


    All the cultivators in the outer gate cities in the eight directions, the inner gate cities in the four directions, and the main city of the sect saw the Golden Light Array Diagram in the sky suddenly cut in half, although they couldn''t see clearly what had happened, the space rift spanning the sky proved that someone had just made a move!


    Along with the mysterious enemy''s words, everyone thought of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Ji Xiaoyu stood on the eaves, resisting the strong wind with her own spiritual power, the debris beneath her feet was blown away, she squinted as she looked on, her eyes filled with shock.


    The sky was covered with streaks of golden light, as if the golden sky had been torn apart.


    "The Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe..."


    Ji Xiaoyu muttered to herself, her beautiful eyes fixated on the sky.


    She naturally knew that the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe was one of the nine inheritances of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the appearance of the Heaven-Cutting Axe had made her think that Sword Venerable Fudao just got the relic of Ancestor Xuan Tian.


    But now it was proven that Sword Venerable Fudao had also mastered the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe!


    From the words of that mysterious great cultivator, it seemed that Sword Venerable Fudao not only mastered it but trained the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe to a very high realm!


    Sword Venerable Fudao was hostile to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, could it be that Sword Venerable Fudao was also a person of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Ji Xiaoyu resisted the wind and thought wildly.


    The violent windstormsted for a long time.


    Zuo Yijian struggled to open his eyes, seeing Sword Venerable Fudao turn around, putting the Heaven-Cutting Axe back in ce, then Sword Venerable Fudao came to him, gently patting his shoulder.


    He froze, immense joy filled his heart, his mind went nk.


    Before he could think more, Sword Venerable Fudao disappeared into thin air.


    When the stormpletely subsided, more and more people stood up, looking up, there were only golden remnants of clouds and a space rift of unknown length left in the sky.


    "We are saved!"


    "The one just now definitely reached the Realm of Immortal Path, yet was killed by Sword Venerable Fudao with one sh!"


    "He should be dead, otherwise why didn''t he make a sound?"


    "Who on earth is that person, to dare suppress our Supreme Sect alone, fortunately, we have Senior Sword Venerable here."


    "Didn''t you hear? Sword Venerable Fudao is also in the Realm of Immortal Path, they say even the Mahayana Realm can''t reach the edge of the Immortal Path!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A thunderous cheer erupted from the Outer Sect City.


    Lu Lingjun and Fairy Suxin floated in the air, the impact on the two women was even greater.


    When Sword Venerable Fudao swung the axe, they felt a chill that made them fearful even in retrospect!


    The mysterious great cultivator they couldn''t resist was killed just like that?


    Fairy Suxin looked at Lu Lingjun and sighed: "It seems the Mystic Heart Realm is still within the mortal range."


    Lu Lingjun remained silent, her feelings wereplicated.


    She had reached a realm she had dreamt of before her ascension, but since reaching the Mystic Heart Realm, she often felt powerless, even though her cultivation level had grown stronger, she felt weaker.


    ...


    In a forest, a figure appeared out of thin air, it was a man in golden robes, stumbling forward as hended, spitting a mouthful of blood.


    His blood sshed on the flowers and grass, immediately turning them to ashes.


    He stabilized his figure and started to cultivate energy to suppress the domineering mana within his body.


    "Damn... how can his mana be so powerful... and with more than one attribute..."


    The man in golden robes thought through gritted teeth, his handsome face full of pain.


    It couldn''t be done!


    He couldn''t suppress it at all!


    He immediately turned around, preparing to flee back to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    But as soon as he turned, a hand pressed down on his shoulder, his eyes widened.


    Before he could turn around, a Divine Sense far surpassing a Loose Immortal''s rushed into his mind, causing his eyes to lose their luster.


    The strongest aspect of a Wandering Immortal was their Soul Power, stronger than their own mana!


    Standing behind the man in golden robes was Gu An''s true body, he had dyed a bit to handle the disciples in the valley, which was why the man in golden robes had escaped here.


    This time, Gu An did not perform Soul Search, instead using Divine Sense to destroy the Primordial Spirit of the man in golden robes, directly suppressing him!


    [You have sessfully seized Startling Immortal Lin (Sixth Layer of Loose Immortal Realm) 1709 years of life span]


    Gu An took Startling Immortal Lin''s Storage Bag, then used Taiching True Fire to burn his body.


    The Loose Immortal died in the forest, without a sound.


    After Startling Immortal Lin turned to ashes, Gu An disappeared into thin air.


    About half an hourter, figures appeared in the forest, looking at the scorched grass burned by Startling Immortal Lin''s immortal blood, all frowning.


    There were eight people, male and female, all with extraordinary auras.


    "Is Startling Immortal Lin dead?"


    "Not sure, we''ll know whether he is alive by checking his Soul Jade."


    "I didn''t expect Sword Venerable Fudao to be so powerful, his Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe feels close to Elder Lin''s level."


    "In terms of achievement, he can''tpare to Elder Lin, it''s just that his mana is strong enough."


    "If Startling Immortal Lin is really dead, how do we exin to Elder Lin? What about the Supreme Sect, how should we deal with it next?"


    Everyone was silent.


    Although they hadn''t gone to the Taicang Dynasty, they sensed the terrifying aura of the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe, now they dared not go to the Supreme Sect.


    An old man in ck robes said solemnly: "Let''s go back first, lest Sword Venerable Fudaoes to kill us."


    As soon as he said this, everyone''s expressions changed, they immediately disappeared from the spot.


    Gu An, who had returned to the Third Medicine Valley, was indeed watching them.


    Eight Loose Immortals!


    The foundation of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm shocked Gu An, no wonder Hateful Heaven Ancestor didn''t daree to the continent.


    Fortunately, the other side also feared him.


    Gu An''s gaze turned northward.


    The Demon Ancestor was approaching!


    He had to deal with Startling Immortal Lin and now the Demon Ancestor.


    Today was truly troublesome!


    Lu Lingjun had returned to the valley, she saw Gu An and immediately dragged him to the loft, causing him to be temporarily unable to leave.


    As Lu Lingjun closed the door, Gu An asked: "What''s wrong with you?"


    Lu Lingjun replied: "After the Demon Cmity ends, I''m nning to leave the Supreme Sect and explore the secret realm Shen Zhen discovered."


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask: "How do you know we can definitely withstand the Demon Cmity?"


    Lu Lingjun gave him a nk look and said crossly: "You didn''t see how Sword Venerable Fudao acted today, just one sh killed the invader, with Sword Venerable Fudao here, how can the Taicang Dynasty not withstand the Demon Cmity?"


    Gu An was secretly pleased, but still showed a worried expression on his face, saying: "No matter how strong Sword Venerable Fudao is, he can''t possibly wipe out all the demons, right?"


    "He only needs to deal with the Demon Ancestor and the Demon Emperor, the Demon Cmity will surely end, today I have truly broadened my horizons, this is also the first time I have seen Sword Venerable Fudao in action myself..."


    Lu Lingjun began recounting the scene of Sword Venerable Fudao swinging the axe earlier, with reverence in her words.


    At the same time, in the Great Jiang Dynasty, Northern Territory.


    Xuan Tianyi stood at the edge of a cliff, figures constantly appearing on either side of him, all great cultivators from various sects, following their gaze forward, there was a deste in with demon energy permeating, the end of heaven and earth was murky, as if ck mist was about to press down.


    Liang Canghai of the Cangtian Sect looked at Xuan Tianyi and said: "We sensed a terrifying pressure from the direction of the Supreme Sect earlier, could something have happened?"


    Others also looked at Xuan Tianyi.


    Xuan Tianyi said indifferently: "It came quickly and went quickly, meaning it''s already resolved, if it was an enemy, with Sword Venerable Fudao there, anyone daring to invade the Supreme Sect would die."


    Despite his calm demeanor, a storm was raging in his heart.


    Startling Immortal Lin''s pressure made even this Mahayana Realm cultivator feel fear.


    It must have been an Immortal descending on the Supreme Sect!


    Xuan Tianyi, with the highest cultivation level among the group, had experienced more.


    The mysterious Immortal had just appeared not long ago, then was killed by an even more terrifying aura, indicating a great battle had erupted in the Supreme Sect and ended swiftly!


    This made him wonder, what realm was Sword Venerable Fudao in?

 Chapter 189: Chapter 189 Sword Venerable Fudao Battles the Demon Ancestor!

    When Xuan Tianyi felt shocked in his heart, other great cultivators turned their eyes to the distance.


    The overwhelming demonic aura of the Demon Ancestor was constantly approaching. They could no longer worry about the situation within the Three Dynasties; the uing battle for them was one of life and death.


    A figure appeared out of thin air next to Liang Canghai. This person wore a blue dao robe, had a refined and elegant demeanor, ck and white hair, and exuded a sense of detachment as if he had seen through the worldly affairs.


    As soon as he appeared, the others bowed to him.


    Xuan Tianyi withdrew his mind and nced at the neer.


    This person was the Daoist Lord of the Cangtian Sect!


    One of the three great cultivators in thend of the Three Dynasties; now, Sword Venerable Fudao was considered an existence beyond the Mahayana Realm, leaving only Xuan Tianyi and the Daoist Lord in the Mahayana Realm.


    The two rarely met as they had to take charge of different parts of the battlefield.


    Liang Canghai looked at the Daoist Lord and respectfully asked: "Martial Master, can you see what realm the Demon Ancestor is in?"


    The others looked at the Daoist Lord, their expressions tense.


    The Daoist Lord replied: "The Realm of Immortal Path. As to the specific realm, I do not know, but it can be confirmed that even if we join forces, we are not his match."


    His voice was light, but the words he said struck everyone like a heavy hammer, making their faces pale.


    Fight to the death!


    These two words were often on their lips, but when facing an invincible enemy, it was inevitable that they felt a bit flustered in their hearts.


    "Even if we are not his match, we must hold him off and wait for Sword Venerable Fudao toe and support us."


    Xuan Tianyi said with a casual tone, without any hint of fear, even with a touch of smile.


    These words instilled hope into the other great cultivators, whose eyes suddenly shone with vitality.


    One couldn''t help but ask: "Will Sword Venerable Fudao reallye? Over the years, he has hardly ever taken action outside of the Supreme Sect. He might not belong to the Supreme Sect but insteade from overseas, secretly cultivating there. He may not want to interfere with the maind''s major events unless some fellows provoke him directly."


    These words caused the crowd to waver once again.


    Xuan Tianyi raised his hand, and a blue lotus bloomed in his palm. Looking ahead, he said: "Everyone, don''t overthink it. Believe in Sword Venerable Fudao, believe in the Supreme Sect. If Sword Venerable Fudao had nothing to do with the Supreme Sect, then the Heavenly Repair tform would not have the word ''Righteous'' on it."


    "We seek immortality, but even immortals from overseas cannot achieve true immortality. So-called immortals just have a longer lifespan than mortals. Since all lives will end, why not bloom brilliantly in this cmity rather than dying in seclusion, thus not wasting a lifetime of cultivation."


    His words resonated with the other great cultivators, who began adjusting their mindsets, preparing for the uing battle.


    At the same time.


    Ten thousand miles away, on the barren ins.


    The Demon Ancestor strolled forward, followed by a vast demonic fog, covering the sky and swallowing all the white bones along the way.


    His white hair fluttered wildly, his tattered robe swaying in the wind, and his four eyes stared ahead, his brows slightly furrowed.


    A bird flew out of the demonic fog behind him, swiftlynding on his shoulder. It was a white dove, tilting its head and asking: "Demon Ancestor, you seem to have some hesitation in your heart."


    Its voice was like a little girl''s, ethereal and melodic.


    The Demon Ancestor looked into the distance and said: "Earlier, there was a Loose Immortal aura among the human race, and another aura even stronger. However, both disappeared in an instant, making it impossible for me to determine their cultivation levels."


    Upon hearing this, the white dove immediately asked: "Could there still be a being stronger than you in the world?"


    "How could there not be? If there weren''t, why would I need to resurrect?"


    "If that''s the case, why march southward? The world is so vast; why not just leave some survivors? If you are hungry, we can go to the sea to find food; the sea has plenty of demon beasts..."


    The white dove chattered non-stop, describing the vastness and beauty of the ocean.


    The Demon Ancestor listened intently but did not stop moving.


    The destend was littered with white bones. With each step he took, the demonic fog behind him surged forward, plunging half the world into darkness. He was like the catastrophe of heaven and earth, driving away the light with darkness.


    After a long while, the Demon Ancestor finally said in a mncholic tone: "Little demon, sometimes being strong in thisnd is a mistake. I cannot leave this continent."


    Upon hearing this, the white dove was dumbfounded, staring nkly at him.


    "However, even if I am not the strongest, unable to leave the continent, no one canpletely eradicate me. Since we all have to die eventually, let me see the strength of the human race in the south."


    His face once again turned vicious, his four eyes filled with greed and cruelty.


    He shook his shoulders, startling the white dove into flight.


    "Little demon, fly northward. Since you yearn for the ocean, then go. Although the ocean is more dangerous, it also holds more hope."


    As the Demon Ancestor''s voice fell, he took a step and traversed several miles in an instant. The demonic fog behind him quickly engulfed the white dove.


    Boom!


    A terrifying aura burst from his body; the ground beneath his feet constantly cracked, surrounded by demonic energy, connecting with the demonic fog behind him. Countless shadowy figures of demon beasts appeared, as if he were leading the entire demon n forward, exuding grandeur.


    In the distance, Xuan Tianyi, the Daoist Lord, and others were all startled.


    The people of the Three Dynasties''nd were equally terrified.


    The Supreme Sect, which had just survived the cmity brought by Startling Immortal Lin, fell into silence once again.


    But this time, the disciples of the Supreme Sect were no longer afraid; instead, they started to look forward to what would happen next.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, inside a pavilion.


    Lu Lingjun turned her head to look out the window, her brows furrowed and said: "This should be the aura of the Demon Ancestor, truly terrifying. I wonder if Sword Venerable Fudao will make a move this time, the other cultivators might not be able to withstand such demonic energy."


    Gu An feigned confusion and asked: "Is the Demon Ancestor very powerful? Can even Xuan Tianyi not stop him?"


    Lu Lingjun rolled her eyes at him and said irritatedly: "Do you think your sworn elder brother is invincible in the world? Compared to Sword Venerable Fudao, he is far inferior."


    Gu An wanted to say on behalf of Sword Venerable Fudao that his second brother was invincible in the world, but he held back.


    He sighed and said: "When will this world''s disaster end? It is so difficult to live a peaceful life."


    Lu Lingjun found it funny andughed: "Your peaceful life hasn''t been enough? You don''t even need to fight."


    "But seeing you all get hurt, how can I feel at ease?" Gu An said earnestly.


    Seeing his expression, Lu Lingjun suddenly felt guilty.


    With his personality, he would indeed worry about those around him; how could she mock him?


    Although Gu An did not fight, everyone around him received his medicinal herbs and elixirs. His contribution was no less than the other fighting disciples.


    Lu Lingjun took a deep breath and said: "Don''t worry. It''s almost over. It just depends on the battle between Sword Venerable Fudao and the Demon Ancestor, to see who is stronger."


    Gu An nodded and said: "Let''s go down andfort the other disciples. At this crucial moment, we must stay united."


    His divine sense could easily cover thend of the Three Dynasties, and he could feel the Demon Ancestor getting closer to the Northern Territory.


    The two of them got up and walked downstairs.


    The disciples in the valley had already gathered together. Seeing Gu An and Lu Lingjuning over, they quickly surrounded them, asking Lu Lingjun about the distance of the demonic aura from the Supreme Sect.


    With their low cultivation levels, they did not know where the demonic aura was, worrying that it was once again aimed at the Supreme Sect.


    "Do not worry, this demonic aura should be from the Demon Ancestor. It is still far away, and the great cultivators of the Immortal Cultivation World are already preparing to confront him."


    Lu Lingjun reassured them. The mention of the Demon Ancestor startled the disciples, and they began discussing it incessantly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiaochuan turned to look at his senior brother, who was standing outside the crowd, gazing at the sky, lost in thought.


    He immediately walked over and asked: "Senior brother, are you worried?"


    Gu An nodded and said: "Of course, I''m worried. I can''t help but wonder if I should have worked harder on my cultivation. If I were stronger, I would feel more at ease now."


    Xiaochuan responded: "Senior brother, you should indeed work harder on your cultivation. Your talent and status are higher than mine; don''t give up."


    "I''m also talking about you, fool. Can you focus on the cultivation technique I taught you?"


    "Senior brother, do you think that even if I cultivate this technique, I can reach the Core Formation Realm? Will I be able to form a Nascent Soul in this lifetime? We don''t know; it''s impossible. Even if I live for another couple hundred years, if all the time is spent on cultivation, what''s the point? This is something you once told others. I just want to enjoy life to the fullest. Maybe in my next life, I''ll be a genius like Senior Brother Li Ya."


    Xiaochuan chuckled, his face showing a look of yearning.


    Looking at the wrinkles at the corners of Xiaochuan''s eyes, Gu An couldn''t help but mock himself.


    He always said to respect everyone''s choices, yet he cared too much for those close to him.


    He patted Xiaochuan''s shoulder, then turned his gaze to the horizon.


    Better think about how to kill the Demon Ancestor!


    After ying Startling Immortal Lin, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would certainly notice Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Since that''s the case, no more pretending!


    It''s time to show everyone swordsmanship that surpasses the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword!


    Gu An squinted his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the sky to the outer heavens.


    ...


    The Great Jiang Dynasty, Northern Territory.


    On the cliff, Xuan Tianyi, the Daoist Lord, Xuan Quan, Liang Canghai, Daoist Tianshu, and others, more than thirty great cultivators stood side by side, their robes pping in the wind.


    Following their gaze, the sky had been obscured by the vast demonic fog; their divine senses had already locked onto the Demon Ancestor.


    The Taoist of Immortality from the Three Pure Ones Mountain, dressed in a white robe, held a horsetail whisk and waved it downward off the cliff.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The earth cracked, the mountain where the cliff was located separated from the barren in, forming a deep, bottomless chasm. Spiritual energy rose from the chasm, forming a shocking energy wall, dispersing the clouds in the sky.


    Xuan Tianyi nced at the Taoist of Immortality with the corner of his eye, then continued to stare at the Demon Ancestor.


    "Everyone..." Liang Canghai was about to speak when he suddenly sensed something, abruptly raising his head. It wasn''t just him; the other great cultivators did the same.


    They saw the sky quickly darken, the starry sky appeared on the heavens, countless stars twinkling, even meteors streaked across.


    The Daoist Lord couldn''t help but frown, calcting with his fingers.


    The Demon Ancestor also saw this scene. Behind him was the dim demonic fog, while in front of him, half the sky was covered by the brilliant starry sky.

 Chapter 190: Chapter 190 Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword!

    Tianwei Dynasty, Heavenly Pce Mountain.


    An Hao, Si Yan''er, and a group of cultivators walked out of the Heavenly Pce, gazing at the vast sky full of stars with wide eyes.


    The sky in the Immortal Cultivation World was very high. They had never seen so many stars, and they were so close that it seemed they could reach out and pluck them.


    "What is this phenomenon?"


    "Could the sky be falling?"


    "Could this be the work of the Demon Ancestor?"


    "It shouldn''t be. It might be a powerful formation, perhaps from the Cangtian Sect. Their formations are grand, embodying the essence of heaven and earth."


    "Recently, there have been more and more demons in the nearby areas. I''m afraid it will be very difficult for us to protect the inheritance here."


    An Hao gazed at the starry sky, his eyes flickering.


    Si Yan''er stood next to him, marveling. She said a few words but received no response. She couldn''t help but turn to look at him.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Si Yan''er nudged his arm with her elbow and asked.


    An Hao took a deep breath and said, "This is the sword intent of Sword Venerable Fudao. It should be an evolution of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword."


    Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Everyone looked at him, their faces showing surprise and joy.


    They had been drawn out by the demonic might of the Demon Ancestor and were fearful and uneasy. When the sky suddenly changed, they naturally became more tense. Now, upon hearing An Hao''s words, did this not imply that Sword Venerable Fudao was about to confront the Demon Ancestor?


    Si Yan''er knew that Sword Venerable Fudao was An Hao''s master, which made her look forward to the uing battle even more.


    She couldn''t forget the scene when Sword Venerable Fudao waved his sleeve and annihted a Great Cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Such a powerful figure should not be defeated, right?


    Thinking carefully, no matter how strong the enemies that emerged in the world, Sword Venerable Fudao always emerged victorious.


    If he didn''t act, it wouldn''t matter. But when he did, it shocked the world!


    Taicang Dynasty, on a blood-soaked in, Wu Jue was fiercely battling with the demons. His fists moved like the wind, and each punch could explode the demon''s bodies, making his presence even more terrifying than the demons''.


    On the battlefield, tens of thousands of soldiers from the Taicang Dynasty were fighting against the demons.


    Wu Jue looked up, his face filled with shock.


    How did the sky change so suddenly?


    Not only him, but the other soldiers were also frightened. However, the rampaging demons would not stop, forcing them to continue fighting.


    Miles away, a general d in silver armor wielded a long spear, unmatched and invincible.


    He was Ye Yan, a disciple recruited by Gu An in the Mystic Valley.


    Although Ye Yan was still in the Foundation Establishment Realm, his physique and spear technique were exceptionally strong, far beyond other Foundation Establishment Realm soldiers. Of course, he was still somewhat inferior to Wu Jue, but his spear technique was more agile.


    The spear danced like a dragon, and his movements were swift like a startled swan. With each thrust and pull, flesh and blood flew!


    Ye Yan also looked up at the starry sky, his eyes filled with envy.


    "What kind of cultivation level could create such a phenomenon?"


    Ye Yan wondered, having served in the military for decades and fought countless battles, his vision was already broad. It was precisely because of this that he understood his own insignificance.


    The world was vast, and the rulers of the world''s destiny were those Great Cultivators who stood above the dynasties. In this life, he probably would not have the opportunity to witness the elegance of those Great Cultivators.


    Ye Yan collected his thoughts and continued fighting.


    On a distant mountaintop, Li Xuandao stood facing the wind, gazing at the myriad stars, his sword-like brows furrowed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    With his current cultivation level observing the phenomenon in the sky, his feelings were deeper than Wu Jue''s or Ye Yan''s.


    "The Realm of Immortal Path¡­"


    Li Xuandao murmured, his eyes drifting.


    Cultivators across the world were stunned by the star-filled sky, except for a few hiding in the mountains who remained unaware, such as Zhang Buku, who was still cultivating the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe in that mountain cave.


    On a mountain trail in the western region of the Taicang Dynasty, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and other disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall stopped in their tracks, admiring the majestic scene of the stars in the sky.


    The disciples spected that a Great Cultivator was about to confront that unknown terrifying demonic energy.


    Ye Lan withdrew her gaze and looked at Zhen Qin, sighing slightly.


    Since thest disappearance, Zhen Qin seemed like a different person, bing silent. Even when questioned, Zhen Qin did not respond, which made her very worried.


    She could only pray now that the demonic cmities would end soon so she could take Zhen Qin back to the Supreme Sect to rest.


    ¡­


    In the Third Medicine Valley, all the disciples were astonished by the changes in the sky, and Lu Lingjun was gazing at the star-filled sky.


    She felt a vast sword intent that reminded her of Sword Venerable Fudao, but she also felt that this sword intent was stronger than what Sword Venerable Fudao had disyed before.


    Was it someone else, or had Sword Venerable Fudao never shown his full strength before?


    Gu An and Xiaochuan stood side by side, both gazing at the sky with simr expressions, but Gu An only pretended to be shocked.


    His Divine Sense had already locked onto the Demon Ancestor!


    When he wielded the Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword, the Demon Ancestor had no escape. It was toote to turn back now.


    However, instead of retreating, the Demon Ancestor exploded with even stronger demonic energy, intending to invade the Human Race''s territory.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao? Let us determine the victor of this cmity today!"


    The Demon Ancestor''s cold voice echoed across the three dynasties. This time, people were not afraid. The words ''Sword Venerable Fudao'' seemed to have a certain power, giving them a great sense of security.


    By now, not only the Immortal Cultivation World but evenmoners knew the name of Sword Venerable Fudao. Sword Venerable Fudao had already be the guardian deity in the hearts of people across the three dynasties, even greater than the Mountain God.


    The Mountain God was ethereal and elusive, but Sword Venerable Fudao was a cultivator, closer to them!


    Northern Territory of Great Jiang.


    After the Demon Ancestor''s call, he leaped into the air, his demonic energy erupting, with thunderbolts intertwining around him. The demonic fog behind him billowed fiercely, and countless demonic beast phantoms roared deafeningly, causing the ground to crack continuously, as if the entire world was about to copse.


    He quickly approached the cliff where Xuan Tianyi and others were.


    Even though they knew Sword Venerable Fudao was about to act, Xuan Tianyi and the others did not let their guard down. They all took out their strongest magic artifacts or formed formations, preparing to confront the Demon Ancestor.


    A vast sword intent suddenly descended, enveloping the world!


    Xuan Tianyi and the others instinctively looked up, and then, their eyes widened, and their mouths fell open. Even the inscrutable Daoist Lord and Taoist of Immortality could not remain calm at this moment, all showing shocked expressions.


    As they watched, the countless stars burst out with sword light, like innumerable sword shadows streaking down with flowing light, covering the entire sky, an awe-inspiring spectacle.


    Even someone as strong as the Mahayana Realm felt insignificant as dust at this moment!


    The Demon Ancestor gazed at the endless starry sword shadows, a fleeting look of fear in his eyes, followed by a manic expression.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    Amidst the rolling demonic fog, countless demonic beast phantoms condensed into a giant demon a thousand feet high. The figure was human-like, standing on lions and tigers, with an azure dragon coiled around its waist, a phoenix spreading its wings on its shoulders. Its long hair writhed like a cluster of serpents, and its hands conjured a long de''s shadow, brandishing it skyward in fury.


    At this moment, Xuan Tianyi and others, along with the approaching cultivators in the rear, were all stunned. It seemed as if they were witnessing a creation god resisting the sky, the visual impact making their hearts pound like war drums.


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    Endless starry sword shadows descended, striking the long de in the giant demon''s hands. His demon de was instantly submerged, and his demon body was continuously pierced through.


    He let out a soul-shaking roar and struck the sky with his palm.


    The starry sword shadows fell like the Milky Way, and the thousand-foot-high giant demon was submerged in an instant. The ground shattered, dust flew, and winds howled across the world.


    The giant spiritual energy wall cast by the Taoist of Immortality shattered in an instant, startling Xuan Tianyi and the others to gather their spiritual power to defend themselves. But the mountain they stood on was still pulverized, and they were swept away.


    People in the three dynasties felt the northern sky suddenly burst with blinding light, and the world lost its color in their eyes.


    Even the people in the Third Medicine Valley were dazzled and closed their eyes. Lu Lingjun flew into the sky, shielding the valley with her spiritual power.


    Her beautiful face was full of incredulity, gradually losing its outline in the bright light.


    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, Nianchu Cave.


    The cave walls shuddered, and Tian Yao''er hid by the stone table, extremely nervous. She covered her head with her hands, murmuring "master."


    North Sea Mountains, in front of Mountain God Temple.


    Sage Xuan Miao stood outside the forest, enveloping the mountains in his spiritual power. Yet even so, the surrounding forest still shook violently. He looked into the distance, his face filled with shock.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao..."


    Sage Xuan Miao murmured. Such power made him feel that Sword Venerable Fudao might be no weaker than the Mountain God.


    Or perhaps, the Mountain God did not act because he foresaw that there were still strong individuals like Sword Venerable Fudao in the world?


    Sage Xuan Miao could not see the specific battle situation, but facing such grand sword intent, he could not think of how the Demon Ancestor could win.


    The intense lightsted for ten breaths'' time. When everyone regained their vision, the world was still filled with howling winds, and the earth shook.


    The starry sky spectacle disyed across the heavens gradually disappeared, revealing the blue sky.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An looked at the prompt before him, his brows furrowed.


    [You sessfully seized 1,030 years of lifespan from the Demon Ancestor (Fifth Layer of the Loose Immortal Realm)]


    How is it only a little over a thousand?


    It''s not even as much as Startling Immortal Lin!


    Next to him, Xiaochuan cautiously opened his eyes, watching the sky''s stars gradually fade, and couldn''t help asking Gu An: "Senior Brother, is it over?"


    He had expected an earth-shattering battle between Sword Venerable Fudao and the Demon Ancestor. Now, looking at it, it was certainly earth-shattering but not much of a battle.


    Gu An took a deep breath, pretending to be profound, and said: "I am not sure either. Perhaps only Lu Lingjun knows the situation afar."


    The servant disciples behind them also discussed this matter, their eyes looking toward Lu Lingjun in the sky.


    Lu Lingjun hovered in the air, looking northward with a look of fear in her eyes.


    A small snake peeked out from her hair¡ªit was the White Spirit Demon Emperor. It hissed its tongue, eximing: "My goodness¡­ such terrifying demonic energy dissipated just like that? The Demon Ancestor was not even an opponent for one move of Sword Venerable Fudao..."


    Lu Lingjun did not respond to it because she was also pondering this.


    Just how strong is Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Before long, the outer gate city in the distance erupted with cheers, the disciples of the Supreme Sect''s Law Enforcement Hall unleashing their pent-up emotions.


    To see Sword Venerable Fudao act twice in one day¡ªno regrets in this life!


    Most importantly, the Demon Ancestor had perished. Does it not signify the end of the demonic tribtions?

 Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Sword Venerable Shakes the World, Holy Land Saves the World

    Rumble, rumble¡ª


    Dust flew in the air as Xuan Tianyi flew out from the ruins. He ascended to the sky, overlooking the scene below, his eyes widened.


    His gaze crossed the chasm created by the Taoist of Immortality. On the other side of thend, the Demon Ancestor''s figure was no longer visible. The horrifying demonic might from before hadpletely disappeared. All he could see was rolling dust and demonic mist, the area appearing like a chaotic world.


    "Was that a sword array just now?"


    Xuan Tianyi frowned, thinking to himself. The Sword Venerable Fudao hadn''t appeared, yet he was able to vanquish the Demon Ancestor with one move, truly frightening him.


    This was his first real encounter with the might of the Sword Venerable Fudao. Even on the ocean, he had never seen such a sword array.


    Other great cultivators also gathered from all directions. They were unharmed, only thrown off by the force. They were very excited.


    "The Demon Ancestor is dead! Is the demonic cmity finally over?"


    "Hahaha, we finally won, and we didn''t have to die!"


    "The Sword Venerable Fudao is truly too powerful, even among the immortals there are still gaps."


    "Why would someone so powerful hide their identity?"


    "Ask yourself that. For someone of his caliber, if he were to step in a few times, it''s alreadymendable. If his true identity were revealed, you''d alle begging to him whenever trouble arises."


    The great cultivators were very excited, some even burst outughing. The years of pent-up aggression were finally released.


    Liang Canghai, Sect Leader of Cangtian Sect, spoke: "Everyone, I suggest that the various sects of the three dynasties should all erect statues of the Sword Venerable Fudao, not to curry favor, but to let the world remember his benevolence forever!"


    Hearing this, the great cultivators of other sects all apuded.


    The Supreme Elder Xuan Quan frowned, hesitated to speak.


    Xuan Tianyi nced at Liang Canghai and snorted coldly, but said nothing.


    Subsequently, under Liang Canghai''s orders, they started patrolling the area to ensure that the Demon Ancestor was truly dead.


    Far away in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An was also using his divine sense to search the battlefield. The Demon Ancestor left behind no demon core or demon treasure upon death.


    This guy died so worthlessly.


    Could it be he could be resurrectedter?


    Gu An suppressed his thoughts and joined his disciples in discussing the strength of the Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Now it depends on how the Seven Stars Spirit Realm reacts!


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm imed to be a Holy Land, they shouldn''t act recklessly. That Startling Immortal Lin had not revealed his true name; even the disciples of the Supreme Sect didn''t know who he was.


    ...


    The fall of the Demon Ancestor!


    This news spread throughout the world in just two days. The reason it spread so quickly was that the Demon Ancestor had previously called out to the Sword Venerable Fudao when he moved south.


    The Sword Venerable Fudao''s prestige reached unprecedented heights across the three dynasties!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Although the rampaging demons had notpletely dispersed, the demon kings were already scared and had withdrawn from thends of the three dynasties, greatly boosting the morale of the human race!


    Everyone in the world sang praises of the Sword Venerable Fudao!


    When Gu An disguised as the Green Hero traveled through the mortal world, in every city, vige, and town, people were discussing the Sword Venerable Fudao, much to his surprise. He hadn''t expected the news to spread so fast.


    After the fall of the Demon Ancestor, demons were still numerous, indicating that the true controller of the demons was not the Demon Ancestor.


    However, as long as the demon kings retreated, the three dynasties would eventually triumph. Gu An did not remain idle, seizing the time to umte life spans.


    The ability to seize life spans was his greatest secret, so he couldn''t use the identity of the Sword Venerable Fudao to massacre, mainly because the Sword Venerable Fudao seldom ughtered demons before. It was more reasonable to do so as the Green Hero, as there were many heroes like him in the current world.


    Days passed by.


    A monthter, Gu An''s life span broke eight million years.


    On this day, Lv Baitian came to the Third Medicine Valley to find him. Gu An received Lv Baitian in a pavilion.


    Lv Baitian was very happy, constantly praising the Sword Venerable Fudao. The Sword Venerable Fudao appeared during his tenure as the head of the Supreme Sect, and he sessfully retained the Sword Venerable Fudao. The Supreme Elders were very pleased with his actions, and Xuan Tianyi also stated that he would notpete for the position of sect leader.


    "The demonic cmity is virtually over. Besides the Sword Venerable Fudao ying the Demon Ancestor, the Holy Land has also opened its doors, sending disciples down the mountain to save the world," Lv Baitian lightly shook his teacup, smiling.


    Gu An asked: "The Holy Land? I heard from the Third Miss that the Holy Land never intervenes in the affairs of the continent. Why did they intervene this time?"


    Lv Baitian exined: "It is said that the formation of the demonic cmity rtes not only to the Demon Ancestor but also to an ancient demon known as the Evil Demon. The Evil Demon was sealed underground by the Holy Land. When the Demon Ancestor fell and the demons continued to rampage, the Holy Land realized something was wrong. After investigating, although the Evil Demon remains sealed, his demonic qi seeped into demon bodies through nature''s spiritual energy, causing their corruption into demons."


    "Because thends of the three dynasties lie in the southernmost part of the continent, furthest from the Evil Demon, the human race was not corrupted. The Holy Land also revealed that the Evil Demon grows increasingly powerful and will inevitably emerge in the future, bringing another catastrophe. The Holy Land will face it alongside the various sects of the human race, as they consider it their responsibility for notpletely eradicating the Evil Demon."


    Hearing this, Gu An almost developed a sense of admiration for the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Truly wless and impable!


    If Gu An hadn''t searched through so many memories, based on Lv Baitian''s words alone, the Holy Land indeed seemed great.


    But he knew it was all orchestrated by the Holy Land themselves.


    It was also a good thing. The Holy Land sending disciples to save the world indicated that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cared about its image and wouldn''t act recklessly.


    It also meant that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm feared the Sword Venerable Fudao, unwilling to confront him directly, giving Gu An more time to grow.


    Still, Gu An couldn''t let his guard down; he had to watch out for the Seven Stars Spirit Realm investigating him in secret.


    Gu An, feigning joy, asked: "That is indeed good news. The Holy Land must be really powerful. Do other sects know of this?"


    "Yes, all sects received a message from the Holy Land''s envoys. It''s estimated that within five years, demons will be no more, and the three dynasties might even expand into the demonnds. For the Taicang Dynasty and the Supreme Sect, it could be a bit troublesome," Lv Baitian nodded.


    Gu An was surprised and asked: "What kind of trouble?"


    "With the Great Jiang Dynasty and the Tianwei Dynasty standing between the Taicang Dynasty and the demonnds, it makes it hard for us to mine spirit mines or seek opportunities in the demonnds. Over time, the Taicang Dynasty will be swallowed by the other two dynasties, weakening the Supreme Sect''s influence in the immortal cultivation world. I''m nning to support Li Xuandao to aplish this."


    Lv Baitian spoke worriedly, then began sipping tea.


    Gu An wanted to say, you guys are really persistent.


    The demonic cmity isn''t over, and you''re already thinking about dividing the demonnds?


    But he couldn''t interfere; the Supreme Sect indeed needed to grow stronger, which would help him to continue surviving.


    Lv Baitian started discussing the Supreme Sect''s uing ns with a sincere attitude. Clearly, he still hadn''t given up on recruiting Gu An as a disciple.


    ording to him, once the demonic cmity was resolved, the Supreme Elders would no longer travel south but lead the Supreme Sect''s disciples to explore the demonnds, constantly enhancing the Supreme Sect''s foundation.


    They even considered the Cangtian Sect as a hypothetical enemy, and the Cangtian Sect felt the same. Lv Baitian found the Cangtian Sect''s over-the-top praise of the Sword Venerable Fudao nauseating.


    "Do they want to align with the Sword Venerable Fudao? Dream on! Gu An, why don''t you write a book with the Sword Venerable Fudao as the protagonist, just like Pan An''s works which spread throughout the world!" Lv Baitian looked at Gu An, seriously.


    Write about myself again?


    Gu An wasn''t so narcissistic. He immediately shook his head: "No way, I don''t want to write books for others anymore. Besides, the karma of the Sword Venerable Fudao is too significant. If I write it and the book bes famous, it''d attract endless trouble. Sect Leader, do you want to get me killed? Not to mention, you wouldn''t be able to defend against the enemies of the Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Lv Baitian agreed, temporarily setting the idea aside.


    After chatting for a long time, Lv Baitian left regretfully.


    Gu An didn''t stay idle; he left the Third Medicine Valley, spent an hour in the Mystic Valley, and then disguised himself as the Green Hero again to descend the mountain.


    ...


    Time flew by, and another month passed.


    Gu An celebrated his ny-fifth birthday; he was getting closer to a hundred years old.


    On this day, Xuan Tianyi visited Gu An. He pulled Gu An, who was still sowing seeds in the garden, back to the pavilion, looking mysterious.


    "What''s the matter, so urgent?" Gu An asked, seeing Xuan Tianyi set up restrictions inside the room.


    Xuan Tianyi turned to the desk and took a book from his storage bag, mming it onto the table.


    Gu An looked closely, his eyelids twitching.


    Sword Venerable Travelogue!


    Good heavens!


    He immediately said: "Are you crazy? Daring to mess with the Sword Venerable Fudao? Aren''t you afraid he''lle after you?"


    Xuan Tianyi raised an eyebrow: "I''m just writing a book. What trouble can it bring?"


    "Be careful, the Sword Venerable Fudao might tap your shoulder at midnight!"


    "Oh? That''s a nice idea, could add to the atmosphere."


    "No, I''m serious, don''t mess around!"


    Gu An became anxious. The Supreme Secret Records had already tainted his real name, and he didn''t want his other identity to be tarnished too.


    Lv Baitian was such a beast, unable to find me, so he asked Xuan Tianyi to write?


    If he had known, Gu An should have taken the task himself!


    Seeing Gu An''s anxiety, Xuan Tianyi felt moved. This brother was not a mistake!


    "Don''t worry, this time I changed the style. I''m imitating your books. Take a look first." Xuan Tianyi waved his hand, assuredly.


    Gu An immediately picked up the Sword Venerable Travelogue and seriously read through it.


    Xuan Tianyi walked to the bookshelf, wanting to see what books Gu An usually read.


    A long while passed.


    Gu An put down the Sword Venerable Travelogue, letting out a sigh of relief. He turned to Xuan Tianyi and said: "It''s not bad, indeed it doesn''t have so many romantic affairs. The Sword Venerable Fudao is now revered by cultivators worldwide. You can mythologize him, but not degrade him."


    Xuan Tianyi turned around, ring at him: "What do you mean? You think the Green Hero is degrading?"


    "By the way, I''ve always been curious. Is the Green Hero Travelogue made up or real experiences?"


    "Half true, half false."


    The anger in Xuan Tianyi''s eyes dissipated significantly, reced by embarrassment.


    "Which half is true, and which half is false?" Gu An frowned.


    It turned out to be true!


    Do you think you''re worthy of Ms. Zi? That night in the abandoned temple, you two were so¡­


    Gu An suddenly wanted to find a knife to poke Xuan Tianyi.


    Xuan Tianyi fake coughed: "Let''s talk about this book. Don''t get distracted. Give me some advice. After all, Pan An knows the cultivators of the world well. I heard other sects are also sending people to write books, imitating Pan An, to win over the Sword Venerable Fudao. Our Supreme Sect can''t lose in book writing!"

 Chapter 192: Chapter 192 Cant Lift It Just Cant Lift It

    "First of all, the name cannot be called Travelogue, it has no attraction at all. As an immortal cultivator, do you want to see people traveling the world? Don''t they have the ability? I like to watch it because my aptitude is poor and I don''t dare to leave the Supreme Sect on normal days."


    Gu Anmented pompously, Xuan Tianyi sat down beside him, carefully listening to his suggestions.


    Just like that, Gu An began his long-winded tirade.


    Putting aside everything else, bragging felt exhrating, no wonder so many people liked to act as mentors, Gu An enjoyed it very much.


    Two ancient hours quickly passed.


    Gu An stopped reluctantly, while Xuan Tianyi felt deep admiration, realizing there were so many tricks to writing a book¡ªwhat to make enjoyable, rtable, create tension, and more, listening to him was utterly fascinating.


    Excitedly, Xuan Tianyi stood up to bid farewell.


    "I''m nning to visit the Heavenly Repair tform to feel the Sword Intent of Sword Venerable Fudao and rewrite this book. Following your advice, I won''t call it Sword Venerable Travelogue anymore. I wille up with a new name."


    After saying that, he walked towards the door. Gu An stood up to see him off.


    After going downstairs, Gu An watched him leave with a look of contemtion.


    An Xin suddenly ran over and said, "Master, the White Spirit Rat is missing!"


    Gu An responded casually, "It''s gone, then it''s gone; it knows how toe back on its own."


    Many disciples in the valley were rewarded by him and allowed to cultivate under the Mystic Pure Tree, but the one who benefited the most was the White Spirit Rat, whose maximum lifespan had increased several times over. He suspected it had achieved enlightenment in its dreams.


    How difficult enlightenment was. Lu Lingjun practiced under the Mystic Pure Tree every day without sess, but the White Spirit Rat managed to do it.


    However, no one else noticed this; the White Spirit Rat appeared the same as before, just a bit more agile.


    An Xin looked worried as she listened.


    Since Gu An had handed the White Spirit Rat to her, she no longer disliked it; Gu An thought she was bing a rat ve.


    Gu An led An Xin to the side, preparing to guide her in her cultivation.


    Now, Gu An was already a Great Cultivator at the Eighth Floor of the Foundation Establishment Realm, more than capable of guiding An Xin.


    On the other side.


    Xuan Tianyi arrived at the Heavenly Repair tform.


    It had been two months since the fall of the Demon Ancestor. Because of Sword Venerable Fudao, the Supreme Sect had be the most prestigious sect in the Three Dynasties region, attracting numerous cultivators to visit the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Zuo Yijian guarded the Heaven-Cutting Axe, with dozens of disciples by his side, all his followers.


    The Heaven-Cutting Axe was the inheritance left by Sword Venerable Fudao to the disciples of the Supreme Sect, so Zuo Yijian did not allow disciples from other sects to challenge this legacy.


    "No one but disciples of our sect can test the Heaven-Cutting Axe!"


    Zuo Yijian shouted sternly, causing dissatisfaction among the cultivators surrounding the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Someone even questioned his authority.


    Zuo Yijian defiantly replied, "I am Zuo Yijian, the Maniac Swordsman of Canghu Lake. My sword was once used by the Sword Venerable himself, and I have the duty to safeguard his legacy!"


    With that statement, no one dared to question him further, though many still disapproved of his attitude.


    Xuan Tianyi watched from a distance, equally displeased.


    An insignificant Nascent Soul Realm cultivator dare to act so arrogantly?


    He suddenly recalled Gu An''s warning. Yes, this could be written down. In the future, he would write that Sword Venerable Fudao killed people with a shoulder tap to frighten this kid.


    "Xuan Tianyi, long time no see."


    A light chuckle caught Xuan Tianyi''s attention. He turned to see a man in a purple robe approaching. The man was elegant, with his robe fluttering in the wind and a feather crown on his head, attracting the gazes of disciples along his path.


    Xuan Tianyi slightly raised his chin and said, "Ji Xuanling, it''s been years. Howe you''ve just now entered the Mahayana Realm?"


    As soon as his words fell, the Heavenly Repair tform was abuzz.


    Even Zuo Yijian, standing beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, couldn''t help but look toward the two.


    Very quickly, someone recognized Xuan Tianyi, making them even more curious about Ji Xuanling.


    Where did this Mahayana Realm cultivatore from?


    Weren''t there only two Mahayana Realm cultivators in the Three Dynasties region?


    Ji Xuanling walked up to Xuan Tianyi, standing five steps apart, their heights nearly identical. Xuan Tianyi was more arrogant, while Ji Xuanling, though not as proud, was equally formidable.


    "Brother Xuan, you made rapid progress after a trip to the ocean. Are you now a disciple of the Supreme Sect or the Star Sea Congregations?" Ji Xuanling asked with a smile.


    Xuan Tianyi scoffed, "I can be a disciple of any sect I want, can you?"


    Ji Xuanling chuckled and continued asking, "I wonder, Brother Xuan, have you met Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Xuan Tianyi suddenly had an idea, smiling as he said, "Of course I have. If you want to meet Sword Venerable Fudao, you can. See the Heaven-Cutting Axe over there? If you can move it even slightly, I''ll take you to see Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "Really?"


    "Absolutely."


    "It seems this axe is hard to move." Ji Xuanling said thoughtfully.


    Xuan Tianyi replied proudly, "Indeed, it is. Even with my cultivation, I could only make it shift a little."


    Many disciples of the Supreme Sect who had seen him lift the axe were hesitant to speak, not daring to contradict him in public.


    "Then let me try."


    Ji Xuanling turned and walked toward the Heaven-Cutting Axe, with Xuan Tianyi following closely behind.


    Upon reaching the Heaven-Cutting Axe, Zuo Yijian wanted to stop him but was instantly subdued by Xuan Tianyi''s divine sense, rendering him immobile.


    Zuo Yijian looked at Xuan Tianyi in fear, feeling furious.


    Ji Xuanling ignored Zuo Yijian''s minor actions. He raised his hand to grasp the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    More and more cultivators gathered. On the Heavenly Repair tform one could find disciples from all sects of the Three Dynasties Immortal Cultivation World, even including Demon Path Disciples. In the face of the demon cmity, the righteous and demonic paths had ceased hostility to jointly resist demons, so the Supreme Sect did not prevent Demon Path Disciples froming, as long as they didn''t cause trouble.


    Under the watchful eyes of Sword Venerable Fudao, who would dare to act recklessly?


    The moment Ji Xuanling grasped it, he felt the same as Ji Xiaoyu.


    Unshakeable!


    However, remembering that Xuan Tianyi could make it shift with all his might, he felt slightly reassured and began cultivating energy.


    Boom!


    The aura of the Mahayana Realm was fully unleashed, startling the surrounding cultivators to retreat.


    Xuan Tianyi''s eyes narrowed; he immediately isted Ji Xuanling''s aura with his own, directing it skyward to avoid harming others.


    Figures appeared out of thin air on the Heavenly Repair tform. Lv Baitian, Gu Zong, Ji Hantian, and Lu Lingjun had all arrived and were watching Ji Xuanling.


    Ji Xuanling''s brows furrowed. He shifted his stance for better leverage, even emitting golden mes from his seven orifices, causing the surrounding space to quake violently.


    The Heavenly Repair tform trembled, and Lv Baitian and others cultivated energy to channel mana into the tform, preventing it from shattering.


    Despite using secret techniques, Ji Xuanling found himself unable to budge the Heaven-Cutting Axe, bing increasingly agitated.


    He let out a low shout, veins bulging from his neck, his face flushed red, no longerposed or elegant.


    Xuan Tianyi''s mouth twitched uncontrobly.


    Yes!


    Just like that!


    The so-called prodigy of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, nothing more!


    Ji Xuanling''s entire body ignited with golden mes, resembling a human torch, yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t move the Heaven-Cutting Axe!


    "How could this be¡­"


    Ji Xuanling was shocked, unable to ept this reality.


    He could ept not being able to lift it, but he couldn''t ept being weaker than Xuan Tianyi!


    The harder he tried, the more he felt the Heaven-Cutting Axe was immovable. How did Xuan Tianyi manage to do it?


    Could it be the Star Sea Congregations had deeper foundations than the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    "Enough, it''s about time. If you can''t move it, you can''t move it. As a prodigy of the Holy Land, can you not ept this fact? Looks like the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s training is inadequate, only teaching cultivation, not character formation?" Xuan Tianyi''s voice rang out.


    This guy was incredibly annoying, broadcasting his voice for all to hear, as if afraid no one would know Ji Xuanling''s identity.


    Ji Xuanling cursed inwardly, withdrawing the mes around him.


    The terrifying pressure of the Mahayana Realm vanished, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.


    Xuan Tianyi no longer suppressed Zuo Yijian and began mocking Ji Xuanling. Ji Xuanling tried to keep smiling, praising the greatness of Sword Venerable Fudao, after all, he was a renowned Great Cultivator.


    Seeing Ji Xuanling''s humility, Zuo Yijian felt favorable towards him, speaking up, "Actually, Senior Xuan failed before as well. He couldn''t make the Heaven-Cutting Axe budge."


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xuanling''s smile froze.


    Xuan Tianyi wasn''t angry; he became even more pleased.


    He decided he would definitely include the shoulder-tapping detail in his book to make Zuo Yijian restless!


    On the other side.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An pondered the purpose of Ji Xuanling''s visit.


    It probably wasn''t to investigate him; if so, would theye with such fanfare?


    Could it be the Holy Land was preparing to integrate into the Immortal Cultivation World?


    After the Mahayana Realm pressure dissipated, An Xin rxed and raised her sword again, saying, "Master, Senior Xuan said just now that the other partyes from the Holy Land, does this mean the Holy Land intends to ept us?"


    In her mind, the Holy Land was definitely more powerful than the Supreme Sect.


    Hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but specte if the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wanted to annex the Supreme Sect?


    Facing the unknown Sword Venerable Fudao, they couldn''t continue to suppress openly, mainly because their previous actions were in secret and couldn''t be publicly exposed.


    But the Lin Family wouldn''t let it rest.


    The Lin Family was a major n in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm!


    Gu An was ready to bully the older and more powerful ones.


    He said, "How would I know? Focus on practicing your sword skills. You''re good in every way, but your mind isn''t focused. Whenever there''s a chance, you ck off."


    An Xin blushed and continued practicing her sword.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An collected his thoughts, no longer thinking about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    He began to think about his new book.


    It was about time to start writing Journey to the West. Perfect, he could use this book to critique the high and mighty Seven Stars Spirit Realm, awakening the thoughts of cultivators everywhere.


    Of course, this book had to be written slowly to avoid alerting them.


    Writing for decades, by the time the Seven Stars Spirit Realm realized, Gu An would have already reached the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal realm!


    News of the prodigy Ji Xuanling from the Holy Land failing to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe quickly spread, exciting the disciples of the Supreme Sect.


    As the Holy Land began saving the world, many legends about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm sprouted like mushrooms after the rain. To many disciples of the Supreme Sect, it seemed like the Holy Land was trying to steal the glory of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Why didn''t the Holy Land act before the demon ancestor''s death?


    Now, the moment a prodigy from the Holy Land appeared in the Supreme Sect, they were overshadowed by Sword Venerable Fudao. How could they not be pleased?


    This news quickly spread from the Supreme Sect to the Immortal Cultivation World of the Three Dynasties, attracting more and more cultivators toe to the Supreme Sect, eager to witness the prowess of the Heaven-Cutting Axe.

 Chapter 193: Chapter 193 Just Sparring, Not Life-Threatening

    With the arrival of midsummer and under the scorching sun, Gu An was picking medicinal herbs in Mystic Valley.


    As the number of demons and monsters in the world significantly decreased, the sky became bluer. Now, with the three dynasties, the Holy Land, and the Demon Emperor''s forces actively eliminating demons, Gu An''s speed of harvesting life spans also slowed down.


    However, everything gradually returned to peace, which was a good thing for him.


    Peace in the world, quietly farming, and developing steadily¡ªthat was the true path.


    Lu Jiujia came to Gu An''s side and asked softly, "Senior Brother, are you going to participate in the alchemy contest at the end of the year?"


    After the Demon Ancestor died, Lv Baitian became active again. First, he made Xuan Tianyi write a book, and then he organized the First Alchemy Contest of the world. The various rich rewards attracted the attention of cultivators across the world, and disciples of the Supreme Sect could participate as well.


    In Lu Jiujia''s view, Gu An''s alchemy skills were quite good. He had elevated batch after batch of servant disciples to outer disciples. Just in Mystic Valley alone, more than twenty disciples had achieved Foundation Establishment sessfully, and new faces appeared in Medicine Valley almost every year.


    "No need to join the excitement; having my name on the Golden List is enough for me to make a living." Gu An casually replied.


    There would be many simr world contests in the future. If there were a calligraphy contest, he might participate since he liked practicing writing daily.


    Lu Jiujia sighed at the development of the Supreme Sect.


    Now, the Supreme Sect was vastly different from when he first joined, with a more upright atmosphere and a stronger sect. Previously, even seeing a Nascent Soul cultivator was difficult, but now there were numerous Divinity Transformation, Void Crossing, and Unification cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform, and he even heard of Mystic Heart Realm affairs.


    The stronger the Supreme Sect, the more opportunities for the disciples. For example, even participating in organizing the First Alchemy Contest of the world could reap significant rewards, making it suitable for disciples with ample time butcking cultivation resources.


    Gu An continued to pick herbs while attentively listening.


    Listening more to the opinions of lower-level cultivators about the Supreme Sect revealed more about whether the Supreme Sect was on the right path.


    Wait!


    Why do I have this sect leader''s mindset again?


    me Lv Baitian!


    However, Gu An was ustomed to acting as Lv Baitian''s behind-the-scenes advisor. This feeling was actually quite satisfying, just speaking without doing, fulfilling his desire tomand without exerting effort.


    Lv Baitian also enjoyed it. Over time, perhaps one day Gu An would want to manage the sect personally.


    It had been several months since the Demon Ancestor''s fall. The Supreme Sect dispatched inner disciples and outer disciples to eliminate demons, while inheriting disciples and true disciples were sent to the Demon Land for exploration.


    The Demon Land was vast, an unknown treasure trove for the sects of the three dynasties. Even great cultivators of the Mystic Heart Realm could not resist going.


    Lu Lingjun had left the Third Medicine Valley as well, but her departure did not affect the Third Medicine Valley.


    When Lu Jiujia finished speaking, Gu An finally said meaningfully, "You must cultivate the technique left by Wuxin seriously. The rise of the Supreme Sect shows that times have changed, and we both have opportunities."


    Lu Jiujia nodded, starting to imagine the future.


    Gu An handed the picked herbs to Lu Jiujia, gave a few reminders, and then left Mystic Valley.


    Next was the picking in Tianya Valley, Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, Mountain God Temple, and Nianchu Cave. In the evening, he had to go to the Eight Scenic Caves. It was busy but fulfilling.


    Although the number of demonized monsters was decreasing, Gu An still gained a lot of life spans by picking medicinal herbs.


    He was even preparing to expand Nianchu Cave Mansion, just as he needed to find two female demons for Tian Yao''er.


    At night.


    In Nianchu Cave Mansion, Gu An sat at a stone table, sipping tea while watching Tian Yao''er and two little cat demons.


    The Demon Landcked nothing but demons, and Gu An sought out demons that were suffering.


    These two little cat demons were twins. Their parents were eaten by a demonized monsterst month, and they barely escaped, suffering many injuries over the past month. Tian Yao''er was cleaning their wounds.


    Seeing her joyful yet distressed expression, Gu An couldn''t help but think of An Xin.


    Do women all like to keep pets?


    Gu An extended his divine sense to the depths of the Demon Land. The legend of the Evil Demon spread continuously in the three dynasties, making the Evil Demon a dire threat to all, more terrifying than the Demon Ancestor, even the ancient Holy Land could not shake it.


    The demonic qi of the Evil Demon was constantly spreading. Even Gu An, in the Ninth Layer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, needed to spend some time searching for it.


    Half an hourter, Gu An''s divine sense locked onto a mountain range deep within the continent, a ce nearly ten million miles away from Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, with demonic qi covering a radius of over a million miles.


    Gu An''s divine sense prated the densest area of demonic qi. Along the way, he saw a group of mysterious cultivators, none of whom were weak, with the weakest at the Mahayana Realm. They had set up camp in a mountain forest''s temple, each cultivating alone without interacting.


    It seemed like the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wanted to guard against the Evil Demon breaking its seal?


    Soon, he felt a strong restriction, breakthrough only possible by someone at the Wandering Immortal Realm. He felt he could break it, but he did not want to rm the Seven Stars Spirit Realm or the Evil Demon, so he withdrew his divine sense.


    Take it slow, no rush!


    If he could reach a lifespan of one hundred million years before the Evil Demon broke its seal, great. If not, he would break through early.


    Gu An called up his attribute panel and saw that his lifespan was about to hit nine million years, feeling calm inside.


    After a while, Gu An asked, "Have you thought of what to name them?"


    The two little cat demons had low spiritual wisdom, still at the First Order.


    Tian Yao''er thought for a while and said, "Master, why don''t you name them? Speaking of which, I still don''t know what master''s name is."


    Upon saying this, her tone turned wistful, her gaze at Gu An filled with grievance.


    Ignoring her look, Gu An said, "Let''s call them Tianqing and Tianbai."


    Both cat demons were white. The names Tianqing and Tianbai came to Gu An''s mind because of his Qinghong Sword and Ye Lan''s White Spirit Sword.


    Tian Yao''er immediately ttered, "Sounds good, as expected of master."


    Gu An stood up and left with a parting word, "Remember, don''t let them step on the herbs."


    Seeing him disappear into thin air, Tian Yao''er pouted, then picked up the two cat demons and brought them to the stone table. She suddenly noticed two books on the table.


    "Sword Venerable Legend?"


    Tian Yao''er became interested, cing the two cat demons on the table, then picked up one of the books and started reading.


    ...


    At the end of summer, the heat in the world persisted.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Xuan Tianyi sat on a chair, looking depressed. He couldn''t help but ask, "Why doesn''t my Sword Venerable Legend sell as much as your book?"


    Gu An was writing, answering, "Maybe there are too many books of the same type, so it has a weaker effect."


    Not to mention other sects, just the Supreme Sect had produced dozens of books about Sword Venerable Fudao. Green Hero didn''t have Pan An''s appeal, so how could it be popr?


    Xuan Tianyi sighed, feeling he was better suited to writing travelogues.


    He picked up a piece of paper Gu An had just finished writing and read aloud, "Chaos wasn''t divided, and the world was in turmoil; vast and boundless, unseen by anyone. Since Pangu broke the primordial chaos, from then on, clear and turbid were distinguished¡­"


    Just the opening poem captivated him.


    This must be an Investiture of the Gods type of book!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He read on seriously, finding it fascinating.


    When he finished the first page, he wanted to find the second, but Gu An hadn''t written it yet.


    Gu An wasn''t just recalling the plot but also thinking about the handwriting, how to make it look good.


    "Forget it, you keep writing. I''m here to say goodbye today." Xuan Tianyi put down the paper and said.


    Without looking up, Gu An asked, "Where are you going?"


    Xuan Tianyi replied, "To the Demon Land to find the Evil Demon. The Holy Land is leading us."


    Gu An nodded and said, "Be very careful, don''t becent because of your cultivation level."


    "You brat, how dare you lecture me? I''ve roamed the oceans, unlike you who stay in the Supreme Sect all day. Don''t worry, I can''t possibly die; I''m invincible below the immortal path."


    Xuan Tianyi stood up, full of spirit, and said.


    Gu An looked at him and asked, "What if you encounter an immortal path being?"


    "Then I''ll die gloriously!"


    Xuan Tianyi said, turning to leave. At the door, he looked back and urged, "Write faster; I want to see if your book can surpass Investiture of the Gods."


    He pushed the door open and left. Gu An did not get up to see him off.


    Surpass Investiture of the Gods?


    Gu An chuckled, continuing to write.


    As dusk approached, he finally left the Third Medicine Valley.


    ...


    Late at night, in the mountains and forests.


    Wearing animal skins, Zhang Buku strolled forward, carrying a stone axe at his waist. His eyes were fixed on the firelight on the mountain, where there was a temple, illuminated by firelight and an inexplicably familiar aura.


    He had left the cave a month ago, heading north, seeking opportunities in the Demon Land. Along the way, he had hardly interacted with cultivators or demons, making him very nervous as he cautiously approached the mountain.


    Soon, he entered the temple. It wasrge, with Zhang Buku standing in the outer courtyard, hesitating. The firelight was just behind a wall.


    "Since you''re here,e over and meet."


    A voice came from the other side of the courtyard wall. Hearing this, Zhang Buku breathed a sigh of relief and leaped over the wall.


    Hended in front of the fire, scrutinizing the ck-d man sitting opposite. The man had a stern face, and beside him was a noticeable heavy sword.


    While Zhang Buku observed Li Ya, Li Ya was also observing him.


    "My name is Zhang Buku. May I know your name, Daoist Friend?" Zhang Buku cupped his fists and said.


    He could sense the person before him was very strong, but now he was no longer the same as before. He was only somewhat nervous, not afraid.


    Li Ya replied, "My name is Li Ya. Why do you have half demon energy in you?"


    Zhang Buku answered, "My father is human, my mother is a demon. Are you the same as me?"


    Li Ya?


    That name sounded familiar.


    Upon hearing his question, Li Ya red at him and snorted, "Of course not. I only consumed a demon treasure, having the power of demon blood."


    Zhang Buku felt a bit disappointed upon hearing this.


    Noticing the stone axe at Zhang Buku''s waist, Li Ya stood up and smiled, "Kid, how about we spar a bit?"


    Since witnessing Sword Venerable Fudao''s Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword, he had understood the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword better. He had been diligently practicing for half a year, eager to test it out.


    Zhang Buku instinctively touched the stone axe at his waist and asked, "Are we really just sparring?"


    Li Ya nodded, "Just sparring, no life-threatening moves. I''ve been practicing my swordsmanship for half a year and want to test it."


    Zhang Buku''s eyes lit up, and he smiled, "To be honest, I''ve been practicing hard for some time too. Alright, let''s go."

 Chapter 194: Chapter 194: Be Careful Sword Venerable Fudao Pats Your Shoulder

    In the dark night, strong winds arose, and the forest swayed violently.


    The mes of the temple flickered with the wind, and dust billowed up from the foot of the hill.


    Li Ya crashed into the forest, his body smashing through the mountain wall, and the dust quickly engulfed him. His North Sea Heavy Sword flew hundreds of feet away, piercing a thousand-year-old tree and splitting its trunk.


    Zhang Buku hovered in the air, holding a stone axe in one hand. He looked nervously down and asked, "Daoist Friend Li Ya, are you alright?"


    Li Ya''s Sword Intent was so strong that he had to use the Heaven-Cutting Divine Axe. He was happy when he struck Li Ya down, but then he got worried, fearing that he might have killed him.


    The two had met by chance; he never killed those without grievance or enmity.


    Zhang Buku waved his left hand, dispersing the dust below, and looked at Li Ya lying among the shattered mountain wall.


    Li Ya hung his head low, covered in blood.


    That blow from the axe had almost split his body apart. Fortunately, he had taken the Dragon Image Divine Primordial; otherwise, he wouldn''t have survived.


    Zhang Buku quickly flew to Li Ya''s side, panicking and unsure of what to do.


    Li Ya struggled to raise his head, closing one eye and gritting his teeth, "What kind of monster are you..."


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t do it on purpose. I really didn''t mean to. It''s just that you were too powerful; I had to give my all," Zhang Buku hurriedly exined.


    Hearing this, Li Ya felt slightly consoled.


    But he still felt miserable!


    Fortunately, the ancestor''s soul remained at Three Pure Ones Mountain; otherwise, it would have been aplete disgrace!


    Afterwards, with Zhang Buku''s assistance, Li Yanded, sat cross-legged, and began cultivating energy to heal his injuries. Zhang Buku went to retrieve his North Sea Heavy Sword.


    An hourter.


    Li Ya opened his eyes, looking at the uneasy Zhang Buku beside him, feeling somewhat helpless.


    If Zhang Buku had been unting his victory, he could still be angry, but Zhang Buku''s respectful attitude left him with nothing to me. After all, it was he who suggested the sparring.


    "How old are you?" Li Ya asked.


    "Seventy-one."


    "..."


    At ny-seven years old, Li Ya felt wounded once again.


    At that moment, he truly understood what it meant to always have someone better.


    Losing to An Hao, he could ept, as An Hao was renowned. But losing to an unknown half-human, half-demon in the wild made him feel terrible.


    Suppressing his pain, Li Ya asked, "Who is your master?"


    Zhang Buku scratched his head, saying, "I don''t have a master, though I do have an uncle. But all my skills were learned in a cave."


    A cave?


    Li Ya thought of the encounters his ancestor had mentioned. He didn''t expect someone to be so fortunate, surpassing decades of his hard work by sheer chance...


    Seeing him puzzled, Zhang Buku began to recount his experiences, omitting Gu An''s existence, as he had promised not to cause trouble for Gu An.


    Listening to Zhang Buku''s story, Li Ya felt even more speechless.


    Where did this sparrowe from?


    Why hadn''t he encountered it?


    Although he was known as the person of Heavenly Destiny in the Li Family, blessed with great qi fortune, he felt vastly inferiorpared to Zhang Buku.


    The two, now familiar through their fight, continued their conversation.


    Far away, tens of thousands of miles away, Gu An, who was ying demons, smiled and then turned to walk into the darkness.


    After staying in the temple for two days, Zhang Buku and Li Ya joined hands to head north, seeking opportunities in the Demon Land.


    During that period, Zhang Buku offered to teach his axe technique to Li Ya, which deeply touched him.


    However, determined to concentrate on swordsmanship, Li Ya declined, realizing that his loss wasn''t due to his swordsmanship but because Zhang Buku''s physique was far stronger.


    Li Ya began to wonder if apanying Zhang Buku might lead to great opportunities.


    Sigh, if Junior Brother Gu knew he was seriously injured again, he would surely worry about him.


    ...


    Time flew by, and a year passed quickly.


    In early May of that year, Gu An''s total lifespan reached ten million years, and the demons in the three dynasties had be scarce. He no longer descended the mountain, returning to his former farming life.


    Although the trend of seeking opportunities northward was rising, the number of new disciples recruited by the Supreme Sect each year continued to grow, keeping the sect lively.


    This year, the number of servant disciples in the third Medicine Valley exceeded six hundred, a quarter of whom were new; those who left had been promoted thanks to the Foundation Establishment Pills bestowed by Gu An. As a result, Gu An''swork within the Supreme Sect grew wider.


    Now, whenever he went to Outer Gate City, disciples would always greet him.


    The number of servant disciples in the Mystic Valley also reached fifty. When Gu An wanted to expand the Medicine Valley, the Outer Sect Great Elder Lv Songhan readily agreed. Gu An''s book "Shattering Void" had brought him many benefits, andbined with the Lv Family''s backing, he wouldply with most of Gu An''s requests.


    One day, Gu An came to the North Sea Mountain, embodying the Mountain God, to inspect Sage Xuan Miao''s progress over time.


    Sage Xuan Miao had also recruited some minor demons to assist, giving him more time for cultivation.


    When the Mountain God arrived, he immediately rose to wee him and apanied the Mountain God to pick medicinal herbs. During this process, he mentioned some recent events in the North Sea Mountain.


    Though the demon disaster had ended, cultivators often fought over treasures and grudges. He saved many people in the name of the Mountain God, hoping to spread the Mountain God''s name.


    Interestingly, although the Mountain God''s name was widely known, only Sage Xuan Miao could sense Gu An''s presence.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An spected that it was because others hadn''t seen him, while those, like Zhen Qin and other disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall, who had seen him, did not worship him. The disciples of the Supreme Sect only revered Sword Venerable Fudao.


    "Mountain God, what do you think of the Holy Land?" Sage Xuan Miao suddenly asked, his expression slightly tense.


    While picking medicinal herbs, Gu An replied, "Why do you ask?"


    Sage Xuan Miao answered, "I always felt the demon disaster was rted to the Holy Land, and the recent rumors about the Evil Demon. I found in some historical records of Three Pure Ones Mountain that the Evil Demon appeared only after the birth of the Demon Ancestor. There''s no clue about where he came from or why he came."


    "Didn''t Three Pure Ones Mountain also im to be a Holy Land? If you suspect something, why not investigate the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?" Gu An asked nonchntly.


    Did Sage Xuan Miao want him to act against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    That was impossible!


    Before fully understanding the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, Gu An wouldn''t act rashly.


    Sage Xuan Miao stepped forward and whispered, "We did investigate before, but it resulted in a near-catastrophic disaster. Since then, Three Pure Ones Mountain no longer dares to mention the Holy Land; even my master stays apprehensive about them."


    Gu An wasn''t surprised. Thend of the three dynasties had undergone numerous dynastic changes and sect upheavals, yet only the Seven Stars Spirit Realm persisted. Surely, there were those who suspected it but didn''t dare offend it.


    "Be careful tonight; their people areing for you," Gu An suddenly said with a smile, catching Sage Xuan Miao off guard.


    Gu An''s visit to gather medicinal herbs today was because he sensed two Mahayana Realm presences approaching the North Sea Mountain, one of whom had set off from the Supreme Sect.


    Sage Xuan Miao wanted to ask more, but Gu An refused to say anything.


    After gathering the herbs, Gu An took a portion, leaving the rest for him, and then disappeared into the forest.


    Sage Xuan Miao became restless, anticipating an encounter with people from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm that night.


    ...


    At dusk, the North Sea shimmered.


    Ji Xuanling stood at the shore, holding a book with the words "Sword Venerable Legend" on its cover.


    Out of nowhere, a figure appeared beside him, a man dressed in a gold-threaded red robe, with a ruby-embedded headpiece burning with golden-red mes. His right hand was ced behind his waist, and arrogance marked his brows.


    "Why are you slower than me?" Ji Xuanling asked nonchntly.


    Lin Chen stared at Ji Xuanling and snorted, "That''s what I should be asking you."


    He shifted his tone and asked, "After staying at the Supreme Sect for a year, any information on Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "The information is in my hand. Do you want to see it?" Ji Xuanling raised the book in his hand, smiling.


    Lin Chen immediately confiscated the book, quickly scanning it with his Divine Sense. He looked up at Ji Xuanling and said coldly, "Are you mocking me?"


    Ji Xuanling raised his chin and said, "Lin Chen, who told you that I came to the Supreme Sect to investigate Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Lin Chen frowned.


    Ji Xuanling continued, "The higher-ups want to be on friendly terms with Sword Venerable Fudao. He''s likely at Loose Immortal Realm Nine Layers or even higher. Such a great cultivator couldn''t have appeared out of nowhere; he might be from a great sect overseas. Lin Senior''s death was indeed unfortunate, but it''s his fault for not being strong enough. If someone like him, a Loose Immortal, had to die, I advise you to give up on this idea."


    Lin Chen sneered coldly, "So your faction prefers to endure humiliation? Sword Venerable Fudao dared to kill my father. Are you sure he has respect or goodwill towards the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?"


    Ji Xuanling shrugged, "Why don''t you ask him yourself? I don''t want to court death. Honestly, our family sent me here to recruit the Supreme Sect, which means recruiting Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Lin Chen''s eyes shed with anger.


    He threw the book against Ji Xuanling''s chest and turned to leave.


    Ji Xuanling grabbed the book, smirking, "It''ll be dark soon; be careful if Sword Venerable Fudao pats you on the shoulder."


    Lin Chen stopped and looked back at him, while Ji Xuanling raised the book.


    Next, Lin Chen vanished into thin air.


    Ji Xuanling smiled and then sat down to continue reading.


    At night.


    Lin Chen arrived at the Mountain God Temple where Sage Xuan Miao resided to inquire about the Mountain God, suspecting that the Mountain God was Sword Venerable Fudao. How could two such great cultivators appear simultaneously in thend of three dynasties?


    As a disciple of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he had never seen any mention of the Mountain God in ancient records.


    Lin Chen expressed that the Holy Land wished to recruit the Mountain God and sent him here for this purpose.


    Sage Xuan Miao was cautious towards him, merely stating that the Mountain God''s whereabouts were elusive, and he wished to see the Mountain God himself, which was why he had built the temple there.


    After inquiring for a long while and getting no satisfactory answers, Lin Chen felt a murderous intent but held back, fearing the Mountain God might be nearby.


    He suddenly noticed the small wooden figure in Sage Xuan Miao''s hand and asked, "Is this the Mountain God''s wooden figure? Can you give it to me?"


    Sage Xuan Miao had leisurely carved many small wooden figures of the Mountain God, intending to spread the Mountain God''s name.


    He tossed the wooden figure to Lin Chen.


    Lin Chen said no more, taking the wooden figure and leaving.


    Burdened with thoughts, he walked through the forest at night, his eyes fixed on the wooden figure in his hand, increasingly convinced that the Mountain God might be Sword Venerable Fudao, his eyes filled with uncontroble killing intent.

 Chapter 195: Chapter 195 Ive Spilled the Beans!

    [Lin Chen harbors hostility toward you and loathes you to the bone. Would you like to perform a life span detection on him?]


    As Gu An was writing in the Mystic Valley pavilion, a line of text suddenly appeared before his eyes. He frowned and chose to perform a life span detection on Lin Chen.


    [Lin Chen (Mahayana Realm, Second Layer): 634/4500/4700]


    Mahayana Realm, Second Layer?


    Gu An immediately extended his divine sense toward the North Sea Mountain, because there was a cultivator with a Mahayana Realm Second Layer cultivation there.


    He quickly caught sight of Lin Chen''s figure, who happened to be holding a small wooden figure that bore an exact resemnce to his own.


    No wonder it triggered the life span hostility warning!


    Gu An didn''t take action right away; instead, he expanded the range of his divine sense to ensure that no Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm cultivators were nearby.


    ...


    Under the cover of night, Lin Chen tossed the small wooden figure into his storage bag, feeling that he couldn''t rush in avenging his father.


    Since he couldn''t determine if the Mountain God was Sword Venerable Fudao, he could only turn his attention to the Supreme Sect.


    He didn''t dare confront Sword Venerable Fudao directly. What he thought about now was how to incite conflict between the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm and Sword Venerable Fudao.


    If he could uncover Sword Venerable Fudao''s true identity and if Sword Venerable Fudao wasn''t strong enough to be untouchable by the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, then Sword Venerable Fudao would surely die.


    Lin Chen took a deep breath. Just as he was about to leap into the air, a hand rested on his shoulder.


    He was ovee with a feeling of falling into an abyss, his spiritual power freezing instantly.


    His pupils widened, a wave of indescribable terror rising in his heart.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "The sky''s getting darker, beware of Sword Venerable Fudao patting your shoulder."


    Ji Xuanling''s words echoed in his ears. At this moment, he was petrified with terror.


    Unable to move, he wanted to plead for mercy, but he couldn''t even open his mouth.


    The mysterious hand pressed firmly on his shoulder, making no further move, which onlypounded his fear, plunging his heart into despair.


    Suddenly,


    from behind came a sigh. Lin Chen couldn''t help but feel a strange kind of relief. Did the other person not intend to kill him?


    Boom!


    An overwhelming divine sense rushed into his mind, causing him to lose consciousness instantly.


    ...


    With the turn of the ancient hour, Gu An walked down the stairs, joining the disciples for exercises.


    Last night, he reaped three hundred and eighty-four years of life span, but more importantly, he gathered crucial information.


    Within the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, there were two attitudes towards Sword Venerable Fudao.


    One was to investigate his identity and, if he was not insurmountable, find a way to lure him out and then annihte him.


    The second was to actively recruit him,pensating for the loss of Startling Immortal Lin and covering up their crimes.


    Thetter was primarily worried that Sword Venerable Fudao might be associated with maritime forces.


    The Lin Family''s strongest force was only a loose immortal, and the death of Startling Immortal Lin was a severe blow to them, severing their upward path. Their hatred for Sword Venerable Fudao was profound, continuously pushing for revenge within the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm. However, the higher-ups'' attitude was ambiguous, forcing Lin Chen, as the direct offspring of the Startling Immortal Lin, to leave the territory to investigate Sword Venerable Fudao.


    This intelligence was favorable for Gu An. At least, it confirmed that without knowing his true identity, the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm wouldn''t act recklessly, allowing him to continue biding his time.


    Notably, the current Seven Stars Spirit Realm on the continent was mainly led by the Six Stars Cave. The Lin and Ji families originated from the Six Stars Cave, but continent geniuses could only enter the Seven Stars Cave for cultivation.


    The five-star caves above them were all overseas!


    This heightened Gu An''s wariness towards the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    He was facing a power far surpassing the Ephemera Sect!


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm was not only stronger but maintained a holynd image, executing their ns seamlessly, making it difficult for an individual to shake their foundation.


    Even if Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal could sweep through the Six Stars Cave and Seven Stars Cave, how would one face the five-star caves above?


    Gu An cast aside these thoughts, focusing on his practice, listening to the disciples discuss their ns for the day. His mood lightened.


    Why worry so much?


    His identity was well hidden. As long as he didn''t reveal himself, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wouldn''t dare act rashly.


    Cherish the present!


    "Have you heard? Next year, there''s going to be the World''s Best Sword Dao Tournament."


    A female disciple suddenly spoke, stirring everyone''s interest. They began discussing the World''s Best Sword Dao Tournament.


    Gu An asionally interjected, appearing very enthusiastic, dreaming of the tournament¡ªafter all, outwardly, he was just a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator.


    Next year, he nned to advance to the Ninth Layer of Foundation Establishment. Then, after turning a hundred, he would form his core.


    Forming a core before the age of a hundred marked a genius; doing so afterward painted him as a mediocre cultivator relying on elixirs to break through.


    Near noon, Ye Lan came to find him.


    "Senior Brother, Zhen Qin has dramatically changed over the past two years, bing silent and introspective. I can''t understand hertely. I''ve noticed her investigating the Ghost Mother of Ephemera. Could she still have lingering feelings for Su Han?" Ye Lan said anxiously after closing the door.


    Gu An knew the reason but couldn''t disclose it, nor could he stop Zhen Qin from seeking revenge.


    Currently, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil were following Jiang Qiong into the Great Jiang Dynasty, establishing a sect named Juhua Sect, without much notoriety.


    Zhen Qin needed to face life on her own to grow better. Of course, if she ever confronted the Ghost Mother of Ephemera and couldn''t win, Gu An would protect her, as she hadn''t deviated from the right path.


    "She''s grown up and has her own thoughts. Don''t worry too much," Gu Anforted.


    Ye Lan came closer, speaking in a low voice, "I always feel she has a higher cultivation hidden. Could she have been possessed? Or did she take a mysterious master? Senior Brother, don''t you have connections with Sword Venerable Fudao? Can you ask him to investigate?"


    Gu An shook his head, "I haven''t seen him for a long time. Remember, do not mention Sword Venerable Fudao. His name carries too much weight now. Many strong enemies might be plotting against him. With our cultivation level, we can''t involve ourselves, or we will be doomed."


    As he spoke, he released mana from his feet, isting the room to prevent eavesdropping.


    Ye Lan nodded, "I understand. I never dare to mention it, only to you."


    Her steadiness reassured Gu An. Most importantly, Ye Lan''s activity range was within his divine sense.


    The Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators of the Supreme Sect could never escape his divine sense range for life.


    Such was the brutal reality of cultivation differences.


    Ye Lan began talking about other matters, mainly about some trivial issues in the Law Enforcement Hall. Gu An listened intently.


    When she finished, Gu An said, "If you''re ufortable, let me know. I''ll find you a better position."


    Ye Lan raised an eyebrow, "Senior Brother, do you really have that capability?"


    She knew about the Third Medicine Valley''s existence but couldn''t ess specific details about it. She wasn''t sure how much Gu An contributed to the Supreme Sect.


    She even suspected Gu An of growing medicinal herbs for Sword Venerable Fudao, which exined why he often left Mystic Valley.


    Gu An pulled out a book, tossing it onto the table: "I''m revealing my cards!"


    It was the initial draft of "Investiture of the Gods," a treasured edition without a cover.


    Ye Lan''s face turned pale instantly. She asked in a trembling voice, "Senior Brother, did you write that book?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Gu An crossed his arms, raising his chin arrogantly.


    Ye Lan red at Gu An, angrily asking, "Senior Brother, if you had such great needs, why did you reject me? Is your heart set on someone in the valley?"


    Gu An was stunned, taken aback by her sudden outburst.


    He looked down, realized something, and quickly picked up "Investiture of the Gods," flipping it open: "Look closely! Junior Sister, what are you thinking all day? Senior Brother must criticize you a bit..."


    Ye Lan only needed to nce at a couple of lines to recognize the book. She widened her eyes in shock, "You wrote ''Investiture of the Gods''? Are you Pan An?"


    Gu An shook his head, giving her a look that said he couldn''t believe her misunderstanding.


    Her face turned red. She circled the table, grabbing his shoulders and gently shaking him, "Senior Brother..." she said coquettishly.


    ...


    Two ancient hourster, Ye Lan opened the door and walked downstairs.


    Lu Jiujia saw her and smiled, greeting her.


    Ye Lan kept a stern face, nodded slightly, and then flew away using her sword.


    Lu Jiujia was used to her demeanor. After all, staying in the Law Enforcement Hall for a long time tended to make one serious.


    Days of leisure passed by. Gu An wandered among the various medicine valleys, asionally visiting the Outer Gate City and Inner Sect City, living afortable life. However, the increasing demonic qi from afar indicated the day when the Evil Demon would break the seal was approaching.


    Gu An hesitated whether he should breakthrough to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm early to avoid mishaps.


    After thinking it over, he decided to breakthrough at sea by the end of the year.


    Better safe than sorry!


    Summer gave way to autumn.


    Because of the uing World''s Best Sword Dao Tournament, more sword cultivators started arriving at the Supreme Sect, causing swordpetition signs to appear around Mystic Valley.


    Fortunately, Sword Venerable Fudao was hidden in the nearest Outer Gate City, deterring these sword cultivators from bullying the servant disciples.


    After noon in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An stood with his hands behind his back, watching the disciples sweeping the grounds.


    The White Spirit Rat was frolicking in a pile of fallen leaves, infuriating An Xin but always eluding her capture.


    Everything felt perfect!


    Gu An''s lips curved into a smile. As he was appreciating the beautiful scene, he suddenly sensed something and turned to look north.


    Beyond three dynasties, a strange heavenly aura appeared above a river that cut through the mountains.


    It resembled the celestial aura that appeared when Lu Lingjun ascended.


    Someone else was ascending?


    Gu An thought to himself. He sensed this celestial aura was slightly stronger than when Lu Lingjun ascended but not strong enough to make him wary.


    He previously spected Lu Lingjun''s sessful ascension was due to his presence nearby during his breakthrough. Would there be special circumstances around this ascender?


    Gu An''s divine sense began scanning the forests within a thousand-mile radius, his gaze suddenly locking onto a stele hidden in the grass. The stele contained restrictions only breakable by Mahayana Realm cultivators, concealed without any leakage of aura.


    Interesting.


    Gu An had no intention of investigating further, as he already saw many great cultivators heading toward the ce where the ascender would descend. Besides great cultivators, there were also low-cultivation individuals, such as Li Ya and Zhang Buku.


    Seeing Li Ya''s figure, Gu An''s expression turned peculiar.


    Why did he feel like Li Ya was going to get hurt again?


    Speaking of which, Zhang Buku was frequently injured in recent years, even more severely than Li Ya. Did these two have some sort of attraction field?

 Chapter 196: Chapter 196: Being Someones Mount After Ascending?

    The demonnds in autumn were covered with golden leaves, like a sea of gold.


    Li Ya stood on the North Sea Heavy Sword, flying through the air, while Zhang Buku stood behind him, staring into the distance.


    Zhang Buku saw a figure in the distance flying towards the horizon at a speed far beyond theirs, the powerful aura of their cultivation level making him secretly astonished.


    "Brother Li, are we really going to get involved in this mess?" Zhang Buku couldn''t help but ask.


    Li Ya had been his first friend. This past year, they had ventured through the demonnds together, facing life and death, forming a deep bond, but it was easy to get hurt.


    Even though they often got injured, being able to rely on each other was far better than going it alone.


    The fierce wind blew against Li Ya''s face, and he showed a smile on his handsome and resolute face, he said, "So many great cultivators are rushing there, let''s go take a look. We won''t fight yet, we''ll observe quietly. If there''s no opportunity, we''ll just watch the excitement, but if there is one, all the better."


    Zhang Buku heard this and found it reasonable. He looked ahead, eyes showing a hint of anticipation.


    On the other side.


    Gu An was not continuously watching the Ascension Land but had begun to busy himself.


    He was preparing to expand Nianchu Cave. Nianchu Cave, watched over by Tian Yao''er, truly belonged to him. Apart from the Mystic Heaven Cave Mansion, the other Medicine Valleys were mostly exposed, making direct expansion difficult.


    He entered Nianchu Cave and used his own mana to erge it.


    Tian Yao''er watched Gu An''s back, her little mouth opened wide, while Tianqing and Tian Bai squatted on her shoulders, shaking their heads as they watched Gu An.


    Gu An walked in front of the mountain wall, his right hand leading the way, and with each step, the mountain wall ahead would cave in without any rocks falling or the cave shaking. This ability left Tian Yao''er''s eyes wide with amazement.


    She always knew Gu An was strong but hadn''t realized just how formidable.


    Even after training for many years, she couldn''tprehend Gu An''s divine skills.


    In the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Nianchu Cave had doubled in size. Since Heavenly Phoenix Mountain was particrlyrge, it wouldn''t affect the mountain body, and further expansions by ten times would be no problem in the future.


    Gu An arrived at a stone table, ced down a storage bag, and said, "These are all seeds, up to you to nt them. Don''t disappoint me."


    Without waiting for Tian Yao''er to respond, he vanished into thin air.


    Tian Yao''er didn''t look at the storage bag but instead mimicked Gu An''s earlier posture, raising her right hand and carefully recalling his movements.


    ¡­


    The moon set and the sun rose, ushering in a new day.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An put down his pen and stood by the window, looking at the demonnds. After the Ascenders arrivedst night, that stele triggered a restriction, opening an entrance to a Minor Heaven and Earth, where all the great cultivators swarmed in.


    Early this morning, many people had flown out and started fighting, including Li Ya and Zhang Buku.


    In the mountain forests by the riverbank, Li Yay bloodied amongst the fallen trees, staring at the overbearing figure high in the distant sky, clenched his teeth, and struggled to stand up.


    "Hahahaha, so this is the ability of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land? Nothing more! I don''t know whether I ascended to the wrong ce or if this world is just so weak?"


    The speaker was a man with blood-red hair, two curved ck horns on his head, bare-chested, in ck pants, with a fiery red sash around his waist, crawling with strange blood-colored runes. With his spiritual power surging, the runes wriggled, lifelike.


    He wielded a silver rod, sweeping it at the great cultivators attacking from all directions. Blood mes erupted, sweeping across the sky in a spectacr disy, forcing those great cultivators back.


    He vanished into thin air, appearing instantly behind a great cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm, and smashed down with his rod.


    Boom!


    The great cultivator plunged into the river, their life or death uncertain.


    Zhang Buku quickly flew to Li Ya''s side, also severely injured but not as badly, he said in a deep voice, "Brother Li, we should retreat!"


    Though reluctant, Li Ya could only nod.


    The two supported each other, flying away, with madughter and the sounds of heaven and earth shinging from behind.


    That guy deliberately didn''t kill, specifically tormenting opponents. The more they suffered, the more excited he became, like a mad demon.


    "Runaway ants, remember the name of this one. This one is honored as the Great Saint, you all may call this one the Blood Prison Great Saint!"


    Hearing this, Zhang Buku immediately elerated, fearing the Blood Prison Great Saint would chase them.


    In fact, the Blood Prison Great Saint was indeed watching Li Ya and Zhang Buku.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He was very interested in these two guys with half-human, half-demon blood.


    Especially Zhang Buku, whose qi-blood was so strong it seemed he was hiding a cultivation level, and his axe technique was also impressive.


    After a while, with no one left standing around, the Blood Prison Great Saint smacked his lips, looking at the white light whirlpool hovering over the distant forest, hesitated, then flew off in another direction.


    That direction was where Zhang Buku and Li Ya had fled!


    An ancient hourter.


    Zhang Buku and Li Yanded in a dense forest shrouded in thick fog, with rich spiritual energy, perfect for hiding.


    Afternding, Li Ya began to set up a formation, with Zhang Buku merely watching, not knowing the technique.


    When Li Ya finished setting up the formation, they both sat down and exhaled in relief.


    Li Ya grinned, even with a face full of blood, his excitement was evident. He raised his right hand, pulling a fist-sized golden fruit from his storage bag.


    "With this, our efforts weren''t in vain." Li Ya said contentedly.


    Zhang Buku wiped the blood and sweat from his face, saying admiringly, "Brother Li, you''re amazing. You were so fast those great cultivators didn''t notice you seeing the treasure."


    "We''re brothers, half each. I can feel the power within this fruit, it''s definitely a treasure that can transform the body." Li Yaughed proudly, enjoying Zhang Buku''s gaze.


    Although he couldn''t beat Zhang Buku inbat, he could y the big brother in actions!


    As they excitedly talked, little did they know, several miles away, the Blood Prison Great Saint was silently approaching, already hearing their conversation, and Li Ya''s formation was as good as nonexistent to him.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s mouth curled up in a sneer.


    At that moment, a hand rested on his shoulder, instantly freezing his demonic power, and his body could no longer move forward.


    His eyes widened, instinctively wanting to struggle, but he was entirely powerless.


    How could this be...


    What realm was this opponent at?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint panicked. He had never been so suppressed before, with even his divine sense unable to spread out, clueless about who was behind him.


    Naturally, it was Gu An, who had used the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body.


    Before attacking, Gu An ensured that no one was following the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    [Blood Prison Great Saint (Mahayana Realm Eighth Floor): 1209/9000/9999]


    Mahayana Realm Eighth Floor, far stronger than Lu Lingjun.


    Gu An immediately used the Soul Capturing Skill to search the Blood Prison Great Saint''s memories.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint hailed from the Spirit Realm, a mortal world with nine continents and seven seas, where the Mahayana Realm was the highest realm.


    He had been a cultivator of the human race,ter transforming into a demon body after obtaining Divine Beast True Blood,pletely unleashing his talent, sweeping through those of the same realm, even able to battle across realms, invincible.


    Interestingly, although the Blood Prison Great Saint''s name sounded terrifying, he was actually a soft-hearted individual. As long as there wasn''t a blood feud, he would spare those who knelt and begged for mercy after defeat. He had nevermitted an evil act in his life.


    His notorious name stemmed from his foul mouth. His threatening boasts made many believe he hadmitted those evil acts,pounded by nder from enemies, gradually earning him the Blood Prison Great Saint title, which he proudly saw as the fear and dread of the Spirit Realm''s beings, his greatest achievement.


    After reading his soul, Gu An unexpectedly didn''t want to kill this guy anymore.


    With no one watching him, he could take him in.


    Because Gu An saw the Divine Beast''s true form whose blood was absorbed.


    With the fall of the Demon Ancestor, many demons were ughtered, and the demonnds had be a ce where the human race sought opportunities, with great cultivators fighting everywhere. The focus of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was on the evil demons, ignoring the Blood Prison Great Saint, perhaps having seen countless Ascenders.


    ¡­


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s consciousness gradually awakened, feeling a heavy and ufortable drowsiness.


    He struggled to open his eyes, seeing arge tree with a man sitting on the grass in front of it, holding a book.


    He abruptly opened his eyes wide, trying to teleport away, but only managed to stand up, not jump away.


    He seemed to realize something, his eyes showing panic.


    He had turned into a red-furred bull, almost as tall as a grown man.


    He wanted to speak, but all that came out was a moo.


    The most despairing thing was that his cultivation level was gone!


    This must be the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit!


    Gu An had sealed his cultivation to the Energy Cultivation Realm, with mana wrapping his demon core and primordial spirit, making him appear no more than a First Order demon beast.


    "Ascender from the Spirit Realm, if you serve me for a thousand years, I''ll let you go."


    Gu An put down his book and said leisurely.


    Looking at his youthful face, the Blood Prison Great Saint felt only fear.


    Gu An stood up and walked toward him, making him retreat in fear.


    Without his cultivation, how could he dare escape? Eventually, he was caught by Gu An and humiliatingly ridden.


    Gu An sat on his back, patting him, pointing in a direction. He could only move forward.


    By dusk, Gu An had ridden the Blood Prison Great Saint back to the Mystic Valley.


    With his dark red fur and majestic body, he instantly drew the curiosity of numerous disciples, who gathered around, pointing.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was dazed.


    With his divine sense sealed, he had worried all the way about which demon cave he would be taken to.


    Yet...


    These cultivators'' qi-blood was so weak, seemingly all in the Energy Cultivation Realm?


    He felt like he had arrived in some small ce in the Spirit Realm.


    As Gu An introduced him to the disciples with a smile, this feeling of illusion became a mix ofplex emotions.


    He was the Blood Prison Great Saint, the most outstanding genius of the Spirit Realm in ten thousand years, sweeping the nine continents and seven seas, reigning invincible, earning the title of Great Saint through his battles.


    Yet...


    After ascending, he had be a mount?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint sank into bewilderment.

 Chapter 197: Chapter 197 The Ambition of the Supreme Sect

    Gu An unted his new mount, attracting the disciples'' curiosity towards the Blood Prison Great Saint, causing him to feel quite oppressed. But fearing Gu An, he could only endure.


    Even Chu Jingfeng, who usually practiced swordsmanship on the mountaintop, came to join the fun. He had seen many mounts, but it was his first time seeing such an imposing ox. Itsrge horns were impressive, and its fur fluttered like mes in the wind.


    After lingering in the Mystic Valley for an hour, Gu An took the Blood Prison Great Saint back to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He nned to take the Blood Prison Great Saint with him wherever he went around the Supreme Sect.


    Now, the number of cultivators in the Supreme Sect was increasing, and it was possible to see cultivators riding their mounts in the sky.


    The disciples of the Third Medicine Valley were equally interested in the Blood Prison Great Saint. The presence of such Spiritual Energy in this valley amazed the Blood Prison Great Saint, as such a level of Spiritual Energy was rare even in the Spirit Realm, making him look forward to the days ahead.


    Since he came, he might as well find peace!


    But just one nightter, that thought was reced by anger.


    There was an incredibly fat old rat in the Medicine Valley, damn it, it was infuriating!


    He was napping downstairs when the White Spirit Rat bit his butt, startling him. As an invincible Great Saint in his realm, how could he tolerate this?


    What frustrated him even more was yet to happen.


    He couldn''t catch the White Spirit Rat!


    That night was the darkest moment in the Blood Prison Great Saint''s life.


    The next day, Gu An took the Blood Prison Great Saint to Tianya Valley.


    "Why are you riding an ox?"


    Luo Hun approached the Blood Prison Great Saint and asked curiously, unable to resist touching its fur.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Just bought it. How is it? Impressive, right?"


    "Indeed, quite nice. What breed is it?"


    "I''m not sure either. I call him Bull Demon King."


    "Bull Demon King? That name¡­"


    Luo Hun shook his head with a smile, while the Blood Prison Great Saint lowered his ox eyes, looking dispirited.


    Lv Xian and Ji Rui were also attracted to the Blood Prison Great Saint and came over to greet Gu An.


    Given the plethora of demon creatures in the world, they didn''t inquire much further.


    "Have you seen my third sistertely?" Ji Rui asked Gu An.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "No, I rarely go to the Inner Sect. What''s the matter? Need me to deliver a message?"


    Ji Rui nodded and said, "The family wants to summon her back to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Could you help convey the message?"


    Gu An readily agreed and then went to pick medicinal herbs.


    Three monkey demons circled the Blood Prison Great Saint with great curiosity.


    Seeing their scratching and sniffing, the Blood Prison Great Saint felt they were mocking him, making him even more annoyed.


    It became even more difficult after ascending for the third day.


    ...


    Inte autumn, Lv Baitian came to see Gu An.


    After going upstairs, he habitually closed the door and set up a restriction. After finishing, he approached the desk and sat down, smiling as he asked, "Is the ox downstairs yours? Its qualifications are a bitcking; it''s just a First Order. It''s not very useful. Do you want me to give you a Third Order mount?"


    Gu An shook his head and smiled, "No need. I don''t have many enemies. I don''t need such a powerful mount. Besides, I have a good eye for this ox. It''s quite intelligent."


    "Intelligent? Looking at its eyes, it seems like it''s about to be buried."


    "Ha ha."


    Gu An chuckled without denying.


    Lv Baitian didn''t continue to mock the Blood Prison Great Saint and started discussing sect matters.


    Although the number one Sword Dao tournament in the world had not yet taken ce, he already looked forward to the next big event.


    Gu An''s love for teaching was aroused, and he began to talk at length about various ideas, which Lv Baitian listened to with great interest.


    Gu An not only discussed methods but also envisioned a bright future, making Lv Baitian feel quite pleased.


    After a long time.


    Taking advantage of Gu An drinking tea, Lv Baitian asked, "How do you think the Supreme Sect should view demons?"


    During the previous great demon cmity, the Demon Emperor had sent a group of great demons. This group of demons was now still staying in the Supreme Sect, following Di Xie''s leadership. The Supreme Sect had not mistreated them, arranging caves for each.


    Gu An responded, "Sometimes human hearts are worse than demon hearts. Since we are already cultivating to be immortals, why should we have racial prejudice? Why can''t the Supreme Sect recruit demon n disciples?"


    Lv Baitian nodded. He sighed and said, "But doing so, wouldn''t there be hidden dangers?"


    "Everything has its pros and cons. We can''t avoid doing something just because we fear the cons. If sessful, it can set an example, making the human and demon ns on the maind no longer be at odds. If it fails, then treat it as a training exercise, suppress it if necessary. Isn''t suppression what you were best at in the past?" Gu An said calmly.


    With this, he aimed to umte strength for the Supreme Sect.


    The Supreme Sect eventually has to face the Seven Stars Spirit Realm!


    Ji Xuanling represented the Seven Stars Spirit Realm in trying to win over the Supreme Sect, but the Supreme Sect only maintained good rtions without bowing down, reflecting the attitude of the Hall of Elders.


    Now, the mentality of the upper echelons of the Supreme Sect had be inted. They were already thinking about bing the second Holy Land in the maind, or even surpassing the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    With Gu An''s support, Lv Baitian felt much more confident, and the smile on his face became brighter.


    The two chatted for a long time before Lv Baitian left, satisfied.


    Downstairs, he looked at the Blood Prison Great Saint lying on the ground and became interested. He walked over, patted the Blood Prison Great Saint''s head, and said with augh, "Little beast, cultivate well. One day, you might be a disciple of the Supreme Sect. Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm is not impossible."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint nced at him with a white eye, toozy to respond.


    This made Lv Baitian pause, suspecting he had misseen.


    Forget it. What''s the use of arguing with a beast?


    Lv Baitian stood up and left.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint watched his back, seething with inner rage.


    Old thing!


    Just you wait!


    Daring to insult me, in a thousand years, I will make you kneel before me and beg for mercy!


    ...


    Snowkes flew as Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint, wandering in the Third Medicine Valley. It seemed like he was patrolling, but in reality, his Divine Sense was traveling overseas, looking for a ce to break through.


    An Xin ran over, curiously asking, "Master, why do you ride it wherever you go? Don''t you think it''s slow?"


    Gu An lightly chuckled and said, "I''m training its physique. Although it''s my mount, I won''t mistreat it. Sooner orter, I will release it."


    Hearing this, the Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes brightened, and his ox body became upright, no longer looking like an old dying ox.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An Xin nodded. Just as she was about to speak, two figures suddenly flew in from the sky.


    It was Lu Lingjun and Shen Zhen.


    Afternding, Shen Zhen enthusiastically greeted Gu An.


    Lu Lingjun nced at the Blood Prison Great Saint under Gu An but didn''t pay much attention.


    Shen Zhen talked excitedly about their opportunities over the years, making even An Xin listen with envy.


    Gu An also pretended to be emotional, envious, satisfying Shen Zhen''s sense of achievement.


    Now Shen Zhen was already at the Fifth Layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, evidencing the great fortitude.


    After chatting for a while, Shen Zhen finally left. Before leaving, she mentioned preparing to publish a book next, which made Gu An''s heart skip a beat.


    After Shen Zhen left, An Xin also didn''t disturb Gu An and Lu Lingjun, finding an excuse to leave.


    Lu Lingjun lightly stomped her foot, forming a barrier with her spiritual power, isting the three-foot area, making the Blood Prison Great Saint look at her again.


    "Gu An, I heard there''s an ascender appearing in the north. You are close to the sect leader. Did you find out anything?" Lu Lingjun asked directly.


    Ascender!


    Upon hearing these words, the Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t help but lower his head.


    Such a disgrace!


    Gu An thought for a moment and shook his head. "I haven''t heard of it. Why are you so concerned about the ascender?"


    Lu Lingjun hesitated for a while and said, "To be honest, I''m also an ascender, so I wanted you to write about the Shattering Void."


    Gu An''s eyes widened, showing a look of incredulity.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint looked up again, this time with tears in his eyes.


    Lu Lingjun had wanted to say this for a long time. The opportunities over the years had made her more confident as she said, "I want to recruit ascenders and build my ownwork in the Supreme Sect. What do you think?"


    She knew Lv Baitian often visited the Medicine Valley, and she had often heard about Lv Baitian''s ns from Gu An.


    She also wanted to convey her intentions to Lv Baitian through Gu An.


    Gu An excitedly said, "Of course, it is a good thing. It will enhance the strength of the Supreme Sect. However, I really don''t have any information on that ascender."


    Hearing this, the Blood Prison Great Saint was full of confusion.


    He could tell now that no one knew the true cultivation level of the person on his back.


    Moreover, the cultivators he had seen so far were very weak, not even reaching the first-ss level in the Spirit Realm. He couldn''t understand why a great cultivator like Gu An would hide in such a small ce.


    "In the future, keep an eye out for such information, and I won''t treat you unfairly," Lu Lingjun said.


    She had to devote most of her time to cultivation. Since the appearance of beings in the Mahayana Realm and the Immortal Path, she felt a great urgency, thinking the Mystic Heart Realm was inadequate.


    Gu An nodded with a smile.


    They had a brief chat before Lu Lingjun left.


    Gu An patted the Blood Prison Great Saint, signaling him to continue forward.


    "People always want to go to ces they''ve never been before, but when they arrive, they find it''s all the same. When they want to turn back, it''s often toote."


    Gu An said leisurely, and the Blood Prison Great Saint felt he was speaking to him.


    Unfortunately, the Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t speak; otherwise, he would argue with Gu An.


    If it weren''t for meeting you, would I be so aggrieved?


    The falling snow grew heavier, the ground umting more snow. The Blood Prison Great Saint left two ox hoof prints in the snowy ground as he and Gu An disappeared into the vast snow.


    Until nightfall.


    Demon Land.


    On the wastnd, Xuan Tianyi and An Hao sat facing the fire. The falling snow did notnd on them, melting in the ten-foot radius around them, separated from the surrounding snowy ground.


    Xuan Tianyi held a book and softly said, "The demonic qi here is very strong. Maybe we''ll find Evil Demons hiding nearby."


    An Hao was practicing his skills. He opened his eyes and asked, "Senior, what should we do when we find the Evil Demon?"


    After the trend of heading north swept the world, he couldn''t restrain his restless heart anymore. Saying goodbye to Si Yan''er, he ventured north alone.


    His goal was to be an immortal and not stay in one ce for any person indefinitely.


    Xuan Tianyi answered, "Then you take the information back. I will stay here alone."


    "Why would you stay?"


    "I also want to y the hero. I can''t always rely on Sword Venerable Fudao, can I?"


    As he spoke, Xuan Tianyi turned to the next page and continued to read.

 Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Master Understands You

    Deep in the night, inside the Mystic Valley Pavilion, candlelight flickered, and hot tea was brewing. Zhen Qin sat dazedly on a small stool, staring at the teapot and lost in thought.


    Gu An was writing a book. After he finished a page, he started to appreciate it, feeling increasingly pleased with his work.


    "Disciple,e and have a look."


    Gu An''s voice interrupted Zhen Qin''s thoughts.


    Zhen Qin quickly stood up, walked to his side, took the page from his hand, and read it attentively.


    "The Seven Great Saints... Great Sage Who Pacifies Heaven, Bull Demon King?"


    Zhen Qin couldn''t help but look at Gu An and asked, "Master, isn''t your Bull downstairs the Bull Demon King? Did you write him into the book?"


    Gu An chuckled and asked, "Is that not allowed?"


    "Of course it is, but your writing style..." Zhen Qin nodded, her expression a bit hesitant.


    Does Master have such talent?


    Upon thinking about it, she realized that since Master didn''t cultivate, he must have time for music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.


    After finishing reading, she handed the page back to Gu An and said, "It''s very well written. Just this part alone feels no worse than the Investiture of the Gods. Master, are you nning to publish a book? I hope you can surpass Pan An..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, she suddenly widened her eyes in astonishment and looked at Gu An.


    "Pan An... Gu An..."


    Zhen Qin''s expression turned peculiar, and she quickly asked, "Master, could you actually be Pan An?"


    Gu An smiled and said, "This is my biggest secret. I''m only telling you. Can you tell Master what''s troubling you?"


    Gu An could feel that Zhen Qin came today wanting to share her troubles but was afraid of something, so he revealed his identity as Pan An to draw her out.


    Although he already knew the truth, he couldn''t expose his identity, and what Zhen Qin needed was to confide in someone close by.


    Zhen Qin gritted her teeth and said, "I''m afraid of dragging Master into this!"


    "If you don''t say anything and something happens, you''ll not only drag me into it, but it will also be my burden. That would harm me more." Gu An shook his head.


    Zhen Qin felt relieved and smiled for the first time.


    At Gu An''s gesture, she moved to the other side of the desk and began to talk about Su Han''s death.


    Gu An got up to pour tea, and Zhen Qin''s gaze followed his back, trying to see his reaction.


    However, she couldn''t see through anything.


    Had Master already let go of Senior Brother Su?


    Zhen Qin thought to herself. She couldn''t me Gu An. She owed Su Han for covering for her, but her Master owed him nothing.


    Gu An brought a bowl of hot tea in front of her, looking at her calmly as she spoke.


    When she finished, Gu An said, "The deceased have passed. You should live ording to his wishes, not inherit his hatred."


    "But..."


    "Think about what he said to you before he died. What do you think he hoped for you to do?"


    Gu An interrupted her and asked solemnly.


    Zhen Qin remained silent.


    Gu An continued, "Let alone whether you can defeat the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, the world is so vast. Are you going to spend your whole life searching for her? Cultivate well and experience the world your Senior Brother wanted to see. Do the things he couldn''t achieve. That is truly good for him. There is a divine intent in the unseen world. Your Senior Brother ultimately attracted a body of sins, but inheriting his power means you share his fate, whether for good or ill. It''s all up to your intentions."


    Zhen Qin was filled with countless thoughts, her expressionplex.


    Gu An was not rushed; he merely provided guidance. To let go, she needed to rely on herself.


    Zhen Qin looked up at Gu An. Now, in her eyes, he seemed very weak. Since inheriting Su Han''s cultivation, Zhen Qin had already formed her Nascent Soul, and her cultivation level was still growing. It was inevitable she saw others from a superior viewpoint, but tonight, she felt deeply ashamed.


    What use was mere cultivation level?


    She took a deep breath and asked, "Master, if I perform good deeds, will it really help Senior Brother Su?"


    Gu An answered, "I am not sure, but at least this way, you can free yourself and fulfill his wishes."


    Zhen Qin chuckled, instantly returning to her usual lively and mischievous demeanor.


    "Master, you are Pan An! You hid it well. Earlier, I even thought you were the author of the Supreme Secret Records!"


    "Ahem, nonsense. How could Master be such a person?"


    Wait!


    Does she also read the Supreme Secret Records?


    Gu An''s expression turned peculiar. Shen Zhen truly was a scourge, corrupting so many people!


    Zhen Qin snorted, "Who told Master to love reading Green Hero Travelogue?"


    "They are all rumors! Don''t believe them!"


    The master and disciple duo began to argue.


    A long while passed.


    Gu An spoke, "Defying Fate Divine Skill, Master knows. Someone wants to pass it on to me. I can put in a good word for you, allowing you to be a True Disciple and embark on a proper immortal cultivation path."


    Zhen Qin was once again shocked, not expecting her Master to have such an opportunity!


    "Master, who is it? Are they powerful?" Zhen Qin asked curiously.


    "Sect Leader Lv Baitian, do you think he''s powerful?"


    "Hiss... Does that mean, Master, you will be a Great Cultivator of the Unification Realm in the future?"


    "I did not agree, and his lifespan is long. Perhaps he will live longer than your Master. This matter cannot be spread, to avoid trouble."


    "I understand, Master. To be honest, I am now a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator. These years, hiding my cultivation level has been really ufortable..."


    Zhen Qin began toin.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Master understands you."


    "How do you understand?"


    "Fine, I do not understand. Can Master hit you for daring to show off to Master?"


    The master and disciple again started to bicker.


    It was almost dawn when Zhen Qin finally went downstairs.


    Passing by the Blood Prison Great Saint, she squatted in front of him, stroked his bovine head, and whispered with augh, "Little Bull, I can now be a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator. Impressive, right?"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint opened his eyes and nced at her.


    Crazy!


    He finally understood that this Upper Realm was full of crazy people.


    After muttering a few more words, Zhen Qin leaped up and flew toward the Outer Gate City.


    It was not until noon that Gu An used his Disciple Token to contact Lv Baitian to help change Zhen Qin''s disciple status.


    Lv Baitian was very interested in the transmission of the Defying Fate Divine Skill to Zhen Qin and agreed right away.


    ...


    Another nightfall arrived.


    That night, Gu An left Mystic Valley, stepping on the Limitless Freedom Step and heading west, crossing mountains andnds, and entering the ocean.


    Step by step!


    The distance that a ninthyer Wandering Immortal could traverse was immense!


    This time, he took a full hundred steps andnded on a small continent.


    Standing on the beach, his Divine Sense enveloped the continent. He saw many demon creatures, but no cultivators of the human race.


    This continent should not be sunk by giant sea demons!


    Gu An walked into the forest. He didn''t immediately find a ce to break through but instead took a look around the continent.


    Meanwhile.


    In the Demon Land.


    In the dim tunnel, Xuan Tianyi and An Hao were walking. An Hao was very nervous and kept looking behind him.


    "Cultivators observe with Divine Sense, not with eyes. Didn''t Lv Baitian teach you that?"


    Walking ahead, Xuan Tianyi asked casually.


    An Hao looked at his back, feeling a bit reassured.


    This was the only Mahayana Realm Cultivator in the Supreme Sect on the surface. In the Three Dynasty Regions, he was second only to his Master among the cultivators of the human race.


    Following Xuan Tianyi, even in dangerous situations, they should be able to escape with their lives.


    An Hao asked, "I always feel this journey is too quiet without any demon obstruction as if they intentionally let us in."


    "Perhaps."


    Xuan Tianyi responded casually.


    Not long after, the two walked out of the tunnel and arrived at a cliff. Looking out, they saw a vast underground space, with rolling magma below, like a zingke.


    Xuan Tianyi looked down at the magmake, the firelight casting shadows on his face.


    An Hao also looked down, but his expression was tense.


    "Such dense demonic qi, is the Evil Demon hiding below?" An Hao asked in a low voice.


    Xuan Tianyi said, "You''ve been following for so long. Why don''t youe out?"


    As soon as he said this, An Hao was shocked and quickly looked around.


    Immediately, he saw mysterious figures shrouded in demonic qi emerging from the distant cave walls, seven in total.


    Xuan Tianyi said softly, "I didn''t tell you earlier because I was afraid you''d be in danger separated from me. Just watch how I handle these sneaky ones."


    With that, he stepped forward, walking in mid-air.


    An Hao remained vignt, drawing out his treasure sword and keeping an eye on his surroundings.


    ...


    Under the tree, Gu An sat in meditation, leaning against the trunk. He had activated the Life Span Barrier and looked up through the leaves at the crescent moon in the night sky.


    Tonight''s weather was excellent!


    It was as if heaven and earth were celebrating for him!


    Gu An''s lips curled up as he opened the Attribute Panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 96/10376008]


    [Physique: Mystic Holy Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Wandering Immortal Realm, Ninth Layer]


    ...


    Ten million three hundred seventy-six thousand years of life span!


    Because of the failure to breakthrough to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm from the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, he needed to wait twenty thousand years, so Gu An chose to invest a million years first.


    Fifty attempts, gambling on a stroke of luck, what if he got lucky?


    The simtion began!


    [You cultivated energy absorption for twenty thousand years. Using the great aplishment of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcibly attempted to break through to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm. You faced the Heaven and Earth Divine Intent Heavenly Tribtion but did not survive and failed the tribtion crossing]


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Gu An remained calm, first ying with two hundred thousand years, seeding would be nice, but failure was eptable.


    As expected, all attempts failed.


    He then invested another one hundred thousand years!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    One after another, lines of equally long prompts kept appearing.


    All failures again, one hundred failed tribtion crossings!


    Another fifty attempts, surely he''d seed now?


    More practically identical prompts popped up, and now Gu An could no longer keep a straight face.


    Three million years of life span and still no breakthrough!


    He couldn''t help but look again at the words Heaven and Earth Divine Intent Heavenly Tribtion.


    He truly wanted to see what this heavenly tribtion looked like!


    He hoped someone could show him in reality how to ovee the Heaven and Earth Divine Intent Heavenly Tribtion someday!


    Gu An took a deep breath and chose to invest fifty thousand years of life span.


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Consecutive failures struck at Gu An''s Daoist heart.


    Until a prompt suddenly grew longer.


    [You cultivated energy absorption for thirty-eight thousand years. Using the great aplishment of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, you forcibly attempted to break through to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm. You faced the Heaven and Earth Divine Intent Heavenly Tribtion and survived, seeding in the tribtion crossing. Your cultivation level has broken through to the firstyer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm]

 Chapter 199: Chapter 199: Breakthrough to the Ninth Level of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm!

    [You cultivated in energy absorption for 390,000 years, and your cultivation level broke through to the secondyer of the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm]


    [You cultivated in energy absorption for 400,000 years, and your cultivation level broke through to the thirdyer of the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm]


    [You cultivated in energy absorption for 420,000 years, and your cultivation level broke through to the fourthyer of the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm]


    ...


    [You cultivated in energy absorption for 500,000 years, and your cultivation level broke through to the eighthyer of the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm]


    Seeing all the indications fall, Gu An summarized the pattern and invested another 30,000 years of his life span, sessfully reaching the ninthyer of the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm.


    At the same time, nature''s spiritual energy already bore into his body, symbolizing the start of his breakthrough.


    It felt sofortable!


    Gu An considered whether to spend another 30,000 years of life span to foresee the name of the next realm, but then thought it would be futile, for what use was knowing a name?


    The surrounding forest began to shake violently as the spiritual energy of heaven and earth descended.


    The ground beneath Gu An showed signs of a Qi Sea, and the speed at which spiritual energy entered his body became faster. He began to imagine the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm.


    What is the difference between a Wandering Immortal and a Heavenly Flying Immortal?


    Gu An looked at the sky. In the depths of his mind, he felt it was rted to the heavens.


    After reaching the Wandering Immortal Realm, he could sense a certain power from the heavens suppressing all beings, making it impossible to leave. Wandering Immortals could break free from the constraints of heaven and earth rules but could not escape the suppression from the heavenly power above.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    The speed at which spiritual energy entered his body reached an unprecedented level, even making Gu An somewhat rmed.


    How wide a range of spiritual energy was needed for this?


    It didn''t take long for the entire continent''s living creatures to be startled, with birds flying chaotically, beasts fleeing wildly, and the earth trembling.


    Gu An did not bother to worry about themotion, as arge amount of immortal insights poured into his body.


    Heavenly Flying Immortal!


    One can leap beyond heaven and earth, roam the universe!


    One can peep into yin and yang, and control the five elements!


    Upon reaching this level, one must delve into the Path of Five Elements to progress further.


    The Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill Gu An practiced was precisely a Five Elements Cultivation Technique, so his breakthrough went smoothly.


    His primordial spirit underwent an unprecedented transformation, giving his soul a feeling of joy surpassing any form of pleasure.


    An hourter, Gu Anpletely crossed into the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm.


    The oceans surrounding the continent also erupted into monstrous waves, a scene formed by countless underwater demonic beasts surging, affecting unknowable miles.


    Gu An opened his eyes, his primordial spirit leaping out of his body.


    He instinctively wanted to break free from the Life Span Barrier, leap out of this heaven and earth, and peek into the higher world.


    However, he restrained himself.


    He gazed up at the night sky, his eyes prating millions of miles high, and he saw an invisible membrane enveloping the night sky, like a prison cage binding all beings of heaven and earth.


    He felt he could cross that invisible heavenlyyer, but he didn''t dare to at the moment.


    Having no understanding of the world beyond, he couldn''t rush there.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An spotted that invisible heavenlyyer producing ripples. He looked towards the direction from which the ripples came and saw a figure descending from the sky, falling to the end of heaven and earth.


    Someone arriving from the outer heavens?


    He dared not look too closely, fearing to disturb the other.


    He suddenly realized that the world and the outer heavens weren''t so isted. Heavenly Flying Immortals of this heaven and earth would venture out but also return?


    He continued to enjoy the process of spiritual energy tempering his body.


    After the breakthrough, his primordial spirit had already transformed into a Flying Immortal Primordial Spirit, capable of slipping into yin and yang. By yin, it did not mean underground but another world contrary to this one.


    He could see the wandering souls in heaven and earth, and those souls about to enter reincarnation, flying into the sky, and disappearing less than 100,000 miles above, being pulled into the underworld by reincarnation.


    Gu An could already sense the chilling aura of the underworld, so cold that he didn''t wish to trespass.


    His cultivation level continued to rise!


    The speed of spiritual energy entering his body still increased, the Qi Sea on the ground resembling waves ready to engulf him at any moment.


    His primordial spirit continued to gaze at the sky.


    An hourter, he saw a Heavenly Flying Immortal escaping into the outer heavens in the distance, confirming even more that this world had other Heavenly Flying Immortals, and reaching the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm did not mean one had to leave this realm.


    It suggested that the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm might not be the highest realm in this world!


    No matter what, Gu An''s desire to explore the outer heavens was not that intense; staying in thefort zone was the safest.


    Being able to grow stronger, why leave thefort zone?


    Time flowed quickly.


    A full two ancient hours passed before Gu An''s cultivation level stabilized at the ninthyer of the Heavenly Flying Immortal Realm.


    The Life Span Barrier consumed nearly 700,000 years of life span, an exaggeration.


    The next breakthrough, to fully reinforce, would consume millions of years of lifespan just on the Life Span Barrier?


    A heavy burden and a long path ahead!


    After the spiritual energy no longer entered his body, and the world returned to calm, Gu An slowly stood up.


    He did not immediately remove the Life Span Barrier but sensed his own strength.


    His mana, and senses, both underwent a transformation; the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path, and the gaps thereafter would only grow wider.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An felt that a Wandering Immortal couldn''t defeat a Heavenly Flying Immortal across realms, mastering any divine power would not suffice.


    Elsewhere.


    In the demonnd, within a dark forest.


    A space rift suddenly appeared, and a severely injured An Hao was tossed out from it.


    He immediately got up and flew south, constantly calling for his master in his heart, but unfortunately, as before, his master did not appear.


    "Damn it... it''s all because I''m too weak..."


    An Hao gritted his teeth, his pride shattered that night.


    The scenes of Xuan Tianyi using a mysterious scroll to send him away kept shing in his mind, and his ears echoed with Xuan Tianyi''s ambitious words.


    "Go back, I won''t die here, wait for me to return and find you."


    The more carefree Xuan Tianyi appeared, the more worried An Hao became, as those seven mysterious great cultivators were overwhelmingly powerful, Xuan Tianyi was absolutely outmatched.


    "Who exactly are they? What did Senior Xuan leave on my back?"


    An Hao thought anxiously and angrily, recalling how before parting, Xuan Tianyi pped him into the space rift. At the moment he was struck, he felt his back burn, and now it itched as though someone were using a small knife to carve words on his back.


    He felt Senior Xuan detected something and left the information on his back, but now he could not use his divine sense to check. Whenever his divine sense approached his back, it was repelled by a mysterious power.


    He quickly took out a Spirit Energy Elixir and forcefully poured it into his mouth.


    His gaze became determined.


    He would definitely return!


    If Xuan Tianyi died, no matter who the murderer was, he would seek revenge for Xuan Tianyi!


    ...


    The moon set, and the sun rose.


    Heaven and earthpletely calmed down, and Gu An then removed the Life Span Barrier and headed towards the Supreme Sect.


    With just three steps, he returned to the Supreme Sect.


    He returned to the Mystic Valley, came down from the building, and rode the Blood Prison Great Saint towards Tianya Valley.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint could feel his good mood, humming an unfamiliar tune.


    He had to admit, it sounded quite nice.


    Gu An spread his divine sense, taking in the entire continent, even epassing the surrounding seas.


    He began to inspect old friends one by one.


    Jiang Qiong''s Juhua Sect seemed very harmonious, and she was practicing in the sect master''s mansion.


    Ye Lan was handling affairs of the Law Enforcement Hall, appearing very different from how she faced Gu An, exuding an ice queen temperament.


    Li Ya and Zhang Buku were being chased by a great demon, appearing dangerous but likely to survive.


    Gu An also saw An Hao, who was escaping. With no pursuers behind, he couldn''t be bothered to intervene.


    His divine sense swept over friends and disciples, and then nced at the demonic energy-fillednd still teeming with many Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators.


    Gu An felt he could easily break the seal and spy on the Evil Demon but refrained.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s growth speed couldn''t keep up with his own.


    Unless the Seven Stars Spirit Realm actively provoked him, he intended toy low.


    Anyway, the Three Dynasties''nd was far from the demonic energynd, and unless it was a catastrophic disaster, he preferred not to intervene.


    After leaving the Mystic Valley''s range, the Blood Prison Great Saint suddenly felt his body enveloped by a terrifying power, causing his steps to falter as the surrounding environment changed drastically.


    They immediately found themselves less than 200 miles away from Tianya Valley.


    What kind of divine skill was this?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint marveled internally; it wasn''t his first time experiencing this divine skill, but he had no idea how far they had traveled due to being sealed by the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit.


    As the strongest being in the Spirit Realm, he was trying to sense Gu An''s divine skills to learn, but had yet to figure out the trick.


    Half a dayter.


    Gu An again rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to arrive at the Third Medicine Valley.


    The disciples had grown ustomed to seeing him always riding a bull, and some even went to buy first-order mounts in the Outer Gate City to imitate him, though first-order demon beasts rarely had the presence of the Bull Demon King.


    He sensed Shen Zhen''s presence, waiting for him in a pavilion.


    This guy isn''t releasing another book so soon, right?


    Gu An urged the Blood Prison Great Saint to quicken his pace, reaching the pavilion and dismounting.


    Watching Gu An''s anxious back, the Blood Prison Great Saint felt stifled.


    In such a hurry, couldn''t he just walk himself?


    It was just a few steps!


    He couldn''t understand why Gu An needed to act weak in front of these minor cultivators, so hey down to sleep, reliving his invincible moments in his dreams.


    Entering the room, Gu An closed the door.


    Shen Zhen sat on a chair, pointing to a jade scroll on the table with a mysterious smile.


    Gu An approached the table and asked, "What is this?"


    Shen Zhen raised her white chin, proudly smiling, "This is my new work, guaranteed to shock the immortal cultivation world!"


    Gu An looked skeptical, picking up the jade scroll and probing it with his divine sense.


    His face instantly turned red and he immediately withdrew his divine sense, incredulously looking at Shen Zhen.


    "You¡­ you did this?" Gu An asked, trembling.


    Could she be a genius?


    This creation could indeed shock the immortal cultivation world, it was incredible, damn it, it was outrageous!


    Shen Zhen raised an eyebrow, smiling, "How is it? Isn''t the idea of making pictures move like real people amazing?"


    Gu An didn''t know how to respond.


    Immortal cultivation world anime?


    But this anime was too lifelike, no different from real people.


    Using such design in the Supreme Secret Records'' plot was truly impactful.


    Gu An resisted the tumult in his heart, asking, "Who is the male cultivator in it?"


    Shen Zhen looked at him, blinking, "I didn''t use your face, but thinking of other men was too ufortable for me, so I had him wear a mask."


    Gu An fell silent.


    No wonder the mask...


    His physique was very simr to his own!

 Chapter 200: Chapter 200: Do you know my Cultivation Level?

    Gu An, suppressing hisplicated emotions, asked, "This thing is too groundbreaking, are you really going to do it? Themotion might be bigger than writing a book."


    In fact, the *Supreme Secret Records* written by Shen Zhen had always been forbidden by the Supreme Sect. If she were not the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect, Gu An suspected she would have long been captured.


    Shen Zhen retorted, "I haven''t killed or set fires, what''s the Supreme Sect going to do, throw me in jail?"


    "But you are, after all, a woman. If this gets exposed, how will people see you? How will they view your father, or the Daotian Sect?"


    Gu An spoke earnestly. Shen Zhen''s nature wasn''t bad, nor did she have any emotional entanglements. Whenever he used his divine sense to survey the world, he would also nce at her. When she wasn''t seeking him, she was mostly in her cave cultivating or delving into music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.


    Shen Zhen fixed her gaze on him and asked, "You don''t like what I''m doing?"


    Gu An responded, "I''m just worried about you."


    Shen Zhen couldn''t help but smile, and she took out a new jade scroll, handing it to Gu An.


    Gu An hesitated for a moment but still used his divine sense to inspect the jade scroll.


    Immediately, his eyebrows raised.


    It wasn''t just an action illusion, but the process of cultivating divine skills. The person in the jade scroll was Shen Zhen, and it recorded her divine skills cultivation process, even including the meditation spells.


    After a while,


    Gu An withdrew his divine sense, his gaze fixed on Shen Zhen.


    Shen Zhen hummed, "This is my real creation, isn''t it more conducive to inheritance?"


    Gu An nodded, saying, "Very good, it gives people more direction during cultivation."


    With that, he ced the two jade scrolls on the table.


    Shen Zhen began to recount the experience of her and Lu Lingjun''s training. They had ventured into the grotto heaven of an ancient great cultivator, filled with dangers, and only after great effort did they obtain the inheritance and treasures.


    Gu An listened avidly, asionally eximing in amazement, gratifying Shen Zhen''s desire to talk.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She loved discussing these things with Gu An, while talking to others might attract unwanted attention. With Gu An, she enjoyed his praise without that risk.


    After a long time,


    Shen Zhen finally stood up and said, "I''ll leave this divine skills jade scroll with you."


    Before Gu An could refuse, she headed for the door and quickly went downstairs.


    Gu An looked at the jade scroll on the table, wanting to call out to Shen Zhen. Why not take the other one?


    Forget it!


    He''d better keep this one to prevent anyone from going astray.


    Gu An had memories of his past life and had long experienced the corruption of this thing. His willpower in this aspect was far beyond that of the people in the Immortal Cultivation World. He felt it was his duty to bear this mental burden for the cultivators.


    Elsewhere,


    Shen Zhen, upon going downstairs, couldn''t resist teasing the Blood Prison Great Saint, annoying him greatly.


    Until nightfall, Gu An finally took the Blood Prison Great Saint back to Mystic Valley. Late at night, Gu An quietly arrived at Nianchu Cave of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    Tian Yao''er was cultivating, while two cat demons were ying. Seeing Gu An appear, they quickly stopped andy on the ground. Although they hadn''t shape-shifted yet, they were highly intelligent and, under Tian Yao''er''s guidance, they were very respectful towards Gu An.


    Gu An nodded at them, then sat at the stone table and began contemting the matters of a grotto heaven.


    With his current cultivation level, opening up an independent minor heaven and earth wasn''t difficult, but the challenge was in raising the spiritual energy.


    He couldn''t instantly create a minor heaven and earth filled with spiritual energy.


    Next, he nned to collect high-grade celestial treasures to prepare for his grotto heaven. He was now thinking about where to hide the grotto heaven.


    Although the minor heaven and earth within the grotto heaven was hidden in another space, the entrance to the real world was fixed and couldn''t move.


    After much thought, Gu An decided to open the grotto heaven on the maind.


    This maind was vast and had fewer immortal realms, making it suitable for him to develop slowly.


    At this time, Tian Yao''er approached and asked what he was thinking.


    Gu An didn''t hide anything, as the grotto heaven would eventually need to be managed by her.


    To seize life span, he needed to personally harvest it with his mana, as puppets or clones weren''t reliable.


    The clones of his Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, though called clones, were actually formed by his mana andcked independent thought.


    Gu An had no interest in clones; he preferred to directly experience life and growth.


    Tian Yao''er, upon hearing this, was secretly shocked.


    The master had already opened a minor heaven and earth?


    She wondered if Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother could do the same?


    Having cultivated for so long, she wasn''t naive. She was increasingly certain that the master was stronger than the Demon Mother. It was just that he imed he couldn''t defeat the Demon Mother to encourage her to cultivate.


    She felt no resentment towards this. Her enemies needed to be dealt with by her own hands.


    "Just set it here at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain. It''s said that Heavenly Phoenix Mountain was once a habitat for phoenixes. Every few thousand years, enormous spiritual energy surges from the ground, producing countless celestial treasures." Tian Yao''er said earnestly.


    Gu An thought it made sense.


    Then, he sent his divine sense underground to open up a minor heaven and earth.


    The grotto heaven couldn''t be too close to Nianchu Cave to avoid affecting the growth of medicinal herbs here. It should ideally be near the great earth spirit lineage, so it could absorb the underground spiritual energy.


    An hourter, Gu An sessfully opened it. Unlike other great cultivators who needed to fill it with soil and water, he could directly manifest it with his mana, thanks to his Five Elements attribute. However, the nts would still need to be relocated manually.


    For now, he wasn''t in a hurry. He would let the grotto heaven absorb spiritual energy first.


    ...


    With the arrival of the New Year, the Supreme Sect was busy with celebrations and all cities were bustling.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Outer Gate City. Although they attracted many gazes along the way, no one was surprised. Nowadays, many disciples in the Outer Gate City rode mounts, and numerous majestic demon birds circled above the city.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was also very interested in the Outer Gate City, constantly looking around.


    "Brother Gu, long time no see."


    A lightugh sounded, and Gu An turned his head to see Di Xie approaching.


    Di Xie had gotten acquainted with Zuo Lin and Gu An when he first arrived. He had always hidden his true identity, and now only the high levels of the Supreme Sect knew that he was the son of the Demon Emperor.


    Gu An dismounted with a smile, raised his hand, and cupped his fists.


    Di Xie looked at the Blood Prison Great Saint, examining it, and said, "Brother Gu, this mount of yours seems to have a unique bloodline?"


    Although the Blood Prison Great Saint''s cultivation level was low, Di Xie could still sense some unusual traits, but nothing more.


    Gu Anughed, "He''s quite good. I like him a lot, so I take him everywhere with me, but his speed is a bit slow."


    Di Xie smiled and nodded, then invited Gu An for a drink, which Gu An didn''t refuse. He led the Blood Prison Great Saint and followed Di Xie.


    They chatted andughed along the way, their rtionship harmonious.


    After experiencing the Demon Catastrophe, Di Xie cherished his friendship with Zuo Lin and Gu An even more.


    The human and demon races shouldn''t be forever locked in conflict; they could coexist peacefully, just like him and Gu An.


    The two found an inn. Gu An left the Blood Prison Great Saint by the inn''s door and asked the innkeeper to keep an eye on him.


    The two went to the second floor by the window.


    "The first swordpetition in the world is about to start. I''m nning to participate. You muste to watch then." Di Xie said with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately agreed and wished him sess in advance.


    "I''ve heard they''re preparing to recruit some demon n disciples. Brother Gu, what do you think about this?" Di Xie asked curiously.


    He was pleased but also worried when he heard this. He knew well the nature of some demons. If they harmed someone in the Supreme Sect, would that not worsen the conflict?


    After all, the Demon Catastrophe had only ended recently, and there was still significant resentment towards demons among the human cultivators.


    "It''s a good thing. Didn''t some demons help us fight off the Evil Demons during the catastrophe? Now that the Demon Ancestor has fallen, but Evil Demons remain, which are a greater cmity. The human and demon races should unite to ovee the tribtion." Gu An said casually.


    Di Xie observed his expression, trying to figure out his true thoughts, but his words made Di Xie happy.


    They started drinking, passing cups back and forth, and soon, two jars were emptied.


    An hourter, sounds of a cow and the innkeeper''s voice interrupted Gu An and Di Xie''s conversation.


    "I need to go down and check." Gu An said, standing up.


    Di Xie nodded and followed him downstairs.


    In front of the inn''s door, more and more disciples gathered.


    The innkeeper stood in front of the Blood Prison Great Saint, wearing a forced smile as he looked at the luxurious robed man in front of him, saying, "Sir, I really can''t sell this cow. If you want to buy it, you should find the owner upstairs."


    The man in luxurious robes was arrogant, with four attendants behind him, all looking formidable.


    He looked down at the innkeeper and said, "Go call him down."


    Before the innkeeper could respond, Gu An''s voice came from behind, "Brother, sorry, but this cow is not for sale."


    Gu An approached the Blood Prison Great Saint, patting its head, and gave the luxurious robed man a life span detection. This was his habitual action to see the other person''s maximum life span.


    [Zhou Ye (Divinity Transformation Stage Fifth Level): 402/880/1200]


    Surname Zhou?


    Gu An thought to himself.


    After the Ji Family left the Supreme Sect, the Zhou Family also started leaving, reportedly to support the Cangtian Sect.


    Zhou Ye looked at Gu An and said, "Two top-grade spirit stones, I''ll take it."


    As soon as he said this, the surrounding disciples were in an uproar.


    A first-order demon beast worth that much?


    Listening to the discussions around, the Blood Prison Great Saint was infuriated, his eyes ring up with rage.


    He epted being Gu An''s steed, but who did this kid think he was?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint judged from the other''s aura that he was just a low-level Divinity Transformation cultivator.


    Gu An frowned, shaking his head in difficulty.


    Di Xie suddenly stepped in front of him and said, "My brother said it''s not for sale, stop pestering!"


    Zhou Ye looked him up and down and sneered, "Do you know what my cultivation level is?"


    "What, being in the Divinity Transformation Stage Fifth Level makes you arrogant?" Di Xie retorted coldly.


    The crowd was in an uproar again, and the innkeeper stepped back in fear, with Gu An also pretending to be shocked.


    Zhou Ye asked, frowning, "Who are you?"


    Di Xie said calmly, "I am Di Xie, Mystic Heart Realm Third Layer."


    Bang!


    The whole street exploded into chaos.


    Zhou Ye and the four behind him all retreated together.


    Di Xie nced at Gu An, giving an apologetic look.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint, at the Mahayana Realm Eighth Layer, felt humiliated. Was the Mystic Heart Realm that prestigious?


    After he ascended, he shouldn''t have been so arrogant!


    Gu An, at the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm Ninth Level, feigned tension, continuously stroking the cow''s head.

 Chapter 201: Chapter 201: Demon Shocks the World

    Under the might of Di Xie, Zhou Ye ultimately withdrew with his men. Before leaving, Zhou Ye still harbored hostility towards Gu An. However, it did not reach the level of hatred, only dissatisfaction, and a desire to teach him a lesson.


    Afterward, Di Xieid his cards on the table with Gu An, revealing his true identity, and left with a look of shock on Gu An''s face.


    He turned his back to Gu An, sighed slightly under the gaze of many disciples on both sides of the street.


    From now on, it would be challenging for him to befriend Gu An, as the difference in status and cultivation level was clear.


    Even if he had the inclination to form a bond, Brother Gu would probably feel pressured, wouldn''t he?


    Di Xie smiled self-deprecatingly.


    Gu An continued to ride the Blood Prison Great Saint around the street. After nearly two ancient hours, they finally left the city.


    On the way to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An introduced the Supreme Sect and those noble families to the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint listened intently, for Gu An had said that he would let him go after a thousand years. Once free, he would still need to understand this Great Heaven and Earth, so it was best to umte knowledge now.


    "Do you know why I captured you?" Gu An asked nonchntly.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was no fool and thought it must be rted to those two half-human, half-demon individuals.


    "You might think this world is nothing special, but it is far more dangerous than you imagine. This is also why I hide my cultivation level. Serving me for a thousand years, first to atone for your sins, and second to temper your character. I hope you cherish it."


    Gu An spoke softly. If the Blood Prison Great Saint performed well, he wouldn''t mind teaching him the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    The Primordial Reincarnation Skill and the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit were, in a sense, a perfect match. It was just right to use the Blood Prison Great Saint to experiment and see if it was effective.


    "Moo..."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint responded. Although he could not speak human words, Gu An understood his submissive intention.


    In fact, the mindset of the Blood Prison Great Saint had already changed. He had thought before that following Gu An might be an opportunity.


    At least Gu An could be his protector!


    If it hadn''t been Gu An who took action against him back then, but another immortal cultivator of simr cultivation level, he might have already died and vanished.


    Putting himself in someone else''s shoes, if someone attacked his disciple or junior, he wouldn''t show mercy either.


    Within the circle of Great Cultivators in the Spirit Realm, there was a saying: It is better to provoke the Blood Prison Great Saint himself than to suppress his juniors.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s pace wasn''t fast, and Gu An didn''t rush him. During the ride, it seemed as if he was talking to himself, while the Blood Prison Great Saint didn''t feel annoyed.


    For some reason, he always felt that Gu An had changed recently.


    Even a casual remark from him felt inexplicably calming to the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    He didn''t believe it was an illusion. It must be rted to Gu An''s cultivation level.


    Perhaps he could learn something by following Gu An.


    ...


    After the bustling and busy Spring Festival, Gu An continued his simple life. During this period, no one from the Zhou Family caused trouble for Gu An, perhaps fearing Di Xie or knowing about his rtionship with Lv Baitian.


    In any case, Gu An didn''t mind.


    Nowadays, he wouldn''t regard the Zhou Family as a threat. If Zhou Ye harbored any intent to kill him, he would resolve it immediately.


    In the days that followed, he would go to the Inner Sect City once a month to sell his medicinal herbs and umte spirit stones.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He had already spotted a more prosperous cultivation city overseas, nning to go there in the future to purchase arge number of high-rank medical herbs and nt them in his Grotto Heaven.


    The days were busy yet purposeful and not at all dull for him.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Over half a year had passed, and Gu An turned ny-seven years old.


    The demonic qi in the north grew thicker, and in a few more years, the so-called Evil Demon might break the seal.


    The first Sword Dao Tournament in the world was in full swing, and Gu An was also watching the excitement.


    In the distant Demon Land.


    In the underground space where An Hao parted ways with Xuan Tianyi, Ji Xuanling stood at the edge of a cliff, looking down at the magma with a frown. He saw several skeletons floating and sinking.


    Behind him stood a group of Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators.


    "Below should be the sealed ce of the Evil Demon, right?"


    "The demonic qi here is truly terrifying. We must have the seniors of our realme to handle it."


    "A message has already been sent. We shall hold our ground here first to prevent other cultivators from entering and ruining the n."


    "You never know when the Evil Demon will break the seal. If it suddenly happens, we won''t be able to hold out."


    Ji Xuanling ignored their chatter, his gaze lingering on the distant cave wall. He saw numerous shocking cracks, indicating a great battle had urred there before.


    One of the cracks made him frown.


    "Could it be him?" Ji Xuanling thought of Xuan Tianyi.


    He had fought with Xuan Tianyi countless times and was well aware of hisbat methods.


    The thought of Xuan Tianyi possibly dying here made him inexplicably uneasy.


    "Wait, the seal hasn''t been broken yet, so why would someone be fighting here? Could someone have tried to stop Xuan Tianyi? Who could have arrived here before the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?"


    Ji Xuanling furrowed his brows deeply, a terrifying suspicion arising in his mind, making his face turn even grimmer.


    Meanwhile.


    In the main hall of the Supreme Sect''s main city.


    An Hao stared intently at Lv Baitian sitting at the head seat, while Lv Baitian frowned deeply.


    "Master, what should we do?" An Hao asked in a deep voice, with a sense of foreboding in his heart.


    Lv Baitian did not disy the fury An Hao expected but remained silent instead.


    "Senior Xuan is the only Mahayana Realm cultivator we have in the Supreme Sect. We cannot abandon him!" An Hao said through gritted teeth.


    Lv Baitian looked at him and said, "You said it yourself: the only one. If even he couldn''t withstand it, what can we do?"


    "Unless the Sword Venerable Fudao intervenes, but we don''t even know where he is. We can''t ask the entire sect to beg him for one person, right?"


    An Hao''s expression changed several times.


    Because when he failed to summon his master that night, he thought his master didn''t want to get involved. Afterward, he stopped calling for help and rushed back to the Supreme Sect.


    His master was unwilling to intervene, and the Supreme Sect didn''t want to; what should he do?


    What bothered An Hao the most was that he couldn''t me anyone.


    If he had the strength, he wouldn''t need to beg!


    The Supreme Sect had countless disciples; it was impossible to sacrifice them all for one person.


    His master didn''t owe him or the Supreme Sect anything. Why should he keep cleaning up after him?


    Suddenly, An Hao thought of something. He turned around and removed his robe, exposing his back, saying, "This is left by Senior Xuan, seems to be some kind of restriction. My divine sense couldn''t decipher it."


    Lv Baitian looked up, eyes widening abruptly, and appeared behind An Hao in a sh.


    He gripped An Hao''s shoulders tightly, preventing him from moving.


    "So, that''s it..."


    Hearing Lv Baitian''s words, An Hao, though confused, didn''t interrupt his master''s examination of the restriction on his back.


    ...


    Mid-autumn, the first Sword Dao Tournament in the world concluded, and the champion was a sword dao great cultivator from the Gu Family. Di Xie ranked second.


    Gu An also watched the final battle between Di Xie and the Gu Family great cultivator. If Di Xie hadn''t insisted on using a sword, he might not have lost.


    Though Di Xie was at the Mystic Heart Realm, his swordsmanship was exceedingly immature.


    The first Sword Dao Tournament in the world attracted the entire Immortal Cultivation World''s attention, bringing immense profit to the Supreme Sect.


    Other sects began to emte the Supreme Sect, hosting various tournaments. However, at this stage, cultivators were more interested in the spectacrbat demonstrated in the first Sword Dao Tournament in the world.


    After the tournament, An Hao sought out An Xin. The siblings hadn''t seen each other for a long time and were very happy, talking for a long while.


    Gu An noticed that An Hao seemed to have something on his mind, but his rtionship with An Hao wasn''t close enough to inquire.


    Before leaving, An Hao found Gu An, thanked him for taking care of An Xin, and gifted him many high-rank medical herb seeds. After some polite refusal, Gu An reluctantly epted them.


    The two didn''t talk for long before An Hao took his leave.


    Gu An watched An Hao''s departing figure, guessing it was rted to his experience in the Demon Land.


    "Disciple, fear not. Once he emerges, he''s dead."


    Gu An thought silently and suddenly recalled Xuan Tianyi.


    An Hao had previously spent time with Xuan Tianyi. Why had only An Hao returned?


    He immediately used his divine sense to scan the entire continent but couldn''t find Xuan Tianyi.


    Had Xuan Tianyi sailed away?


    But he hadn''t seen him depart!


    Gu An''s gaze fixed on that demonic qiden area, where numerous Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators had gathered, including Ji Xuanling, who had previously visited the Supreme Sect.


    Aside from the deep underground and a few obscure hidden realms, the only remaining ce he hadn''t explored was the sealed area of the Evil Demon.


    Could it be that Xuan Tianyi was captured by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm or had fallen into the sealed area of the Evil Demon?


    ...


    Two monthster, the north erupted with terrifying demonic qi, as dreadful as the demonic might of the Demon Ancestor, rming the Three Dynasties.


    Standing up in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An turned to look.


    Not far away, the Blood Prison Great Saint also gazed northward, secretly rmed.


    What terrifying demonic qi!


    This Great Heaven and Earth truly hid dragons and tigers!


    Who might be behind this demonic qi?


    Gu An only took one nce before continuing to pick medicinal herbs.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint nced at Gu An, seeing his calm demeanor, and felt relieved.


    Come to think of it, he wasn''t clear about Gu An''s true cultivation level.


    Disciples in the valley were also disturbed by the distant demonic might. They gathered in groups, discussing the matter.


    They immediately associated it with the Evil Demon!


    Since the Holy Land''s emergence and the spread of the legend of the Evil Demon, it had be a significant concern among people.


    After the eruption, the demonic might persisted, not dispersing, though it didn''t affect the disciples'' lives. It made them feel oppressed and uneasy.


    Early the next morning, many cultivators flew over the Third Medicine Valley, heading north.


    Gu An''s divine sense observed the Three Dynasties, noting that various sects were sending many cultivators toward the Demon Land.


    He wasn''t worried. Judging from the current aura, the Evil Demon was at the level of a loose immortal and had notpletely broken free from the seal.


    He wanted to see if the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would truly assist the Three Dynasties'' human race in resisting the Evil Demon.


    Meanwhile.


    In a forest, Zhang Buku followed Li Ya, unable to restrain himself from asking: "Brother Li, with such demonic qi, it must be the legendary Evil Demon. We should stay away and let the great cultivators handle it."

 Chapter 202: Chapter 202: The Elder Uncle is called Gu An, do you know him?

    "The world is in distress, how can we cultivators sit idly by? This has nothing to do with cultivation level, it''s about spirit!"


    Li Ya said without turning his head, his tone resolute and powerful, causing Zhang Buku to feel somewhat ashamed.


    In terms of awareness, he was indeed not as good as Brother Li.


    "Of course, if we get an opportunity, that''s even better. Let''s try it. The more people there are, the easier it is to blend in, at least we won''t be easy targets." Li Ya shifted his tone and continued.


    Zhang Buku twitched his mouth but did not refute.


    He twisted his arm and said, "Brother Li, it seems my old injury is acting up."


    "Hold it in. Is your injury more serious than mine? As men, even if we die, it''s just a scar as big as a bowl. What are you afraid of? If you''re scared, you''ll lose for a lifetime!"


    Li Ya snorted, his gaze prating the gaps in the leaves, looking at the rolling demonic clouds in the sky, his thoughts drifting.


    Zhang Buku pouted, secretly thinking that he was just good at talking big.


    Having been together for so long, it''s true that he couldn''t bear to abandon Li Ya.


    Forget it, this brother for a lifetime, I''ll follow him through the mountains of swords and seas of mes!


    Zhang Buku consoled himself in his heart. He followed up and asked, "Brother Li, where do you think the Blood Prison Great Saint we encountered before is now? He''s an ascended being, is he looking for a sect to establish himself?"


    Li Ya casually answered, "Naturally, one person can''t establish themselves in the Immortal Cultivation World. The Mahayana Realm sounds strong, but it''s not invincible. But with his ability, he is probably being revered by some sect now, living much better than the two of us brothers."


    "Indeed."


    Zhang Buku clicked his tongue in amazement. Without a sect as a backing, he deeply understood how difficult it was for a person to wander the Immortal Cultivation World alone.


    The two chatted while advancing, the demonic clouds in the sky continued to spread, seemingly marching towards the entire Mortal World like a cmity.


    ...


    Gu An rode on the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, heading towards the pavilion area. His divine sense already locked onto the depths of the Demon Land.


    Amid a destend, the ground cracked open, spreading like a spider web. Majestic demonic qi erupted from the earth''s crevices, soaring to the sky, an awe-inspiring sight. It was as if a peerless evil demon was about to break out from the ground, creating a suffocating atmosphere between heaven and earth.


    Gu An observed cultivators constructing a transmission array tform on a cliff about fifty thousand miles from the ce where the evil demon was breaking its seal. They probably belonged to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, as Ji Xuanling was among them.


    At this moment, Ji Xuanling stood at the edge of the cliff, his brows furrowed.


    A woman in white walked up to him, smilingly asked, "What''s the matter? Are you afraid?"


    Ji Xuanling nced at her indifferently, "No matter how strong the evil demon is, can it be stronger than Sword Venerable Fudao? I''ve been to the Supreme Sect."


    "It''s different. These two haven''t fought, besides, you represented the Seven Stars Spirit Realm going to the Supreme Sect. Why would Sword Venerable Fudao attack you?" The woman in white shook her head.


    Ji Xuanling continued to look ahead, ignoring the woman in white.


    The woman in white added, "Elder Lin is here too. He is a Loose Immortal. With his intervention, we should get through this tribtion."


    "Elder Lin?"


    Ji Xuanling''s brows furrowed again, his doubts growing stronger. The terrible conjecture seemed to be about to be confirmed.


    He always believed that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was the true holynd and took pride in being born in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. But recently, more and more things made him feel that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm harbored many unspeakable secrets, secrets that might shatter its holy name, driving him to the brink.


    What tortured him the most was that he guessed the truth but didn''t dare to reveal it, and still had to follow orders.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The demonic clouds in the sky began to emit thunderous sounds, like ancient demon gods roaring, causing unrest among all beings.


    ...


    Gu An watched for a long time. When the Blood Prison Great Saint returned to the pavilion, he dismounted.


    Although cultivators from all over the world were heading north, and even the demon n was mobilizing troops towards the evil demon''s seal, he was not in a hurry. Better wait for the evil demon to revive before taking action.


    He suspected that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wanted to eliminate the evil demon themselves to make a name for themselves, but he felt that the rising speed of the demonic qi might disrupt their n.


    Unless the Seven Stars Spirit Realm dispatched a Wandering Immortal!


    Just right to use the evil demon to test the strength of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on the continent.


    In the days following, news of the imminent revival of the evil demon spread wildly within the Supreme Sect, even reaching the disciples in Mystic Valley and the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An could feel that the evil demon was about to break its seal ahead of time for some unknown reason.


    He didn''t bother to specte on the reason, as long as the evil demon didn''t grow strong enough to exceed his control.


    Judging by the current pace of its qi rising, it would take another hundred years to pose a threat to Gu An.


    The difference between Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal and Wandering Immortal was like the gap between mortals and immortals, not to mention that the evil demon had not yet reached the Wandering Immortal realm.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm side hadn''t made a move yet, they were also waiting. Gu An thought they would act only when the three-chao cultivators gathered, which would be their chance to make a name.


    In the blink of an eye.


    A month quickly passed, and arge number of three-chao cultivators had gathered where the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators were stationed. The evil demon''s qi had almost reached the Wandering Immortal realm, sending a chill down all cultivators'' spines. Let alone scouting for information, they didn''t even dare to send their divine senses into Demon Land.


    On the wastnd, the Supreme Sect cultivators gathered to build houses, with formations set up around the perimeter.


    Lv Baitian stood on a terrace, his gaze fixed on the distant cliff, where the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was stationed, isted as a holynd, not mingling with the three-chao sects.


    All the sects gathered on the wastnd under the cliff, but the Seven Stars Spirit Realm remained aloof.


    Ji Hantian approached Lv Baitian, whispered, "There''s still no sign of Xuan Tianyi. Could he really have perished in Demon Land?"


    His brows furrowed, Xuan Tianyi was a rare talent in the Supreme Sect in thousands of years and their strongest person on the surface. Losing Xuan Tianyi would mean half of the Supreme Sect''s foundation crumbling.


    "Regardless, we must prepare for the possibility that he can''t fight." Lv Baitian said solemnly.


    Ji Hantian looked at Lv Baitian, deep in thought.


    After a long while, he finally asked, "Sect Leader, are you hiding something from me? If Xuan Tianyi is really dead, how can you be so unperturbed? You are too calm."


    Lv Baitian shook his head and turned to go downstairs.


    In the distance.


    Li Ya led Zhang Buku into the Supreme Sect''s encampment. Zhang Buku looked around, full of curiosity.


    "I heard the Supreme Sect started recruiting demon n disciples. You should jointer, I''ll rmend you." Li Ya softlyughed.


    Zhang Buku asked, "Really?"


    He was visibly excited.


    Li Ya nced at him, curiously asking, "Why so excited? When I introduced you to the cultivators of the Cangtian Sect, you weren''t this thrilled. Why?"


    Zhang Buku took a deep breath, "Truth be told, my father was an outer sect servant disciple of the Supreme Sect. Since childhood, I''ve heard tales of the Supreme Sect from him. Naturally, I yearn for it."


    Due to Zhang Buku''s tragic background, Li Ya never asked much, afraid of saddening him. Today, hearing this, he couldn''t help but ask, "What''s your father''s name? By the way, I also started as an outer sect servant disciple. Maybe I knew your father."


    Zhang Buku turned his head, "My father''s name was Zhang Chunqiu."


    "What?"


    Li Ya stopped in his tracks, staring at Zhang Buku in stunned surprise.


    Surprised, Zhang Buku asked, "Brother Li, you knew him?"


    First shocked, Li Ya then remembered that Zhang Buku''s father had passed away. His mood dropped.


    "Was your father a servant disciple in Medicine Valley? When I joined the valley, he was my senior brother." Li Ya said with mixed emotions.


    Zhang Buku was excited again, "Really? I didn''t expect we had such a connection."


    "Right, you mentioned a martial uncle earlier, what''s his name? Why didn''t your father mention me?" Li Ya asked. Just as he finished, his mind suddenly jolted.


    Wait!


    Isn''t this messing up the seniority?


    Zhang Buku replied, "Martial Uncle''s name is Gu An. Do you know him?"


    "Junior Brother Gu..." Li Ya immediately realized.


    Indeed, back in Medicine Valley, Senior Brother Zhang Chunqiu''s favorite was Junior Brother Gu. Junior Brother Gu was kind to everyone, universally liked. It''s natural that Senior Brother Zhang Chunqiu remembered him.


    Zhang Buku also realized, scratching his head, "Should I call you Martial Uncle Li?"


    "Forget it, Brother Li flows better. We''ll each stick to our own!"


    Seeing his shameless expression, Li Ya felt somewhat vexed. They''d been calling each other brothers for years, it was hard to change now.


    After all, Zhang Buku only saw him, their previous rtionship might as well not count.


    Zhang Buku nervously asked, "Brother Li, how''s your rtionship with Martial Uncle Gu?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Hearing this, Li Ya suddenly wanted to alter the rtionship. He looked up, proudly smiled, "Of course, we''re the best of brothers."


    "Really?" Zhang Buku was overjoyed.


    Li Ya asked skeptically, "Why are you so curious about him? Have you seen him?"


    "Of course, when I was young and my father hadn''t yet passed, Martial Uncle Gu came to my house. He even brought me a top-grade spirit elixir. He''s my only elder in this world." Zhang Buku said seriously.


    Only elder...


    Li Ya''s mouth twitched, "In that case, you''d better call me Martial Uncle."


    "No way, we''ll each stick to our own."


    "If Junior Brother Gu hears this, it''ll be a joke."


    "What? Last year when the Demon King nearly tore you apart, I risked my life to save you. Didn''t you say we''re brothers for life? Now you''re denying it?" Zhang Buku red.


    They had already sworn brotherhood, how could he recognize his brother as a martial uncle?


    Li Ya opened his mouth, feeling somewhat stifled.


    Zhang Buku looked around, muttering, "I wonder if Martial Uncle Gu is here..."


    Li Ya sneered, "He''s just a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, besides, he''s timid. How could he be here?"


    Foundation Establishment Realm?


    Zhang Buku was taken aback. He had seen Martial Uncle Gu y demons. To be honest, he felt Martial Uncle Gu was stronger than Li Ya.


    But he had promised Martial Uncle Gu not to reveal his acts of heroism. So, he held back.


    Seeing Li Ya''s expression, he clearly didn''t know Martial Uncle Gu''s true cultivation level.


    Such a proud person, if he knew the truth, he''d definitely hassle Martial Uncle Gu?


    Zhang Buku thought secretly, feeling rather delighted.


    Knowing Martial Uncle Gu''s secret, did it mean Martial Uncle Gu saw him as closer?

 Chapter 203: Chapter 203: The Evil Demon Breaks the Seal, Its Him

    Zhang Buku could not find Gu An within the Supreme Sect''s camp, as Gu An was still busy nting seeds.


    He hade to the grotto heaven he had cultivated beforehand, scattering ordinary herb seeds to improve the soil.


    Once the matter with the Evil Demon was resolved, he nned to go overseas to buy arge number of high-rank medicinal herb seeds.


    Decades had passed, and Gu An had umted a vast fortune, enough for him to spendvishly.


    The demonic power from the north persisted, affecting all life. Wherever Gu An went, he heard people worrying about it.


    Simultaneously, Gu An overheard another discourse: some were constantly advocating for the Holy Land, iming that this cmity would not spread to the human realm with the Holy Land''s intervention.


    Using his divine sense to cover thend of three dynasties, Gu An saw many people specifically spreading this news. From the karma around them, he deduced they were entrusted by Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators.


    Indeed, the Holy Land''s means were far beyond the Supreme Sect''s.


    After witnessing how difficult it was to control the Sword Venerable Fudao, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm acted swiftly.


    Moreover, Gu An noticed batches of cultivatorsnding from the sea, some among them even Nirvana Realm great cultivators. They infiltrated the three dynasties to gather information¡ªsome were investigating the Sword Venerable Fudao, others the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Gu An did not pay too much attention, as long as they didn''t appear before him.


    Time continued to pass.


    About half a monthter, as autumn drew to a close,


    Gu An was riding the Blood Prison Great Saint, wandering around the Third Medicine Valley when his divine sense turned northward.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm had begun to take action!


    Gu An saw among them appearing a Loose Immortal, whose aura was no weaker than Startling Immortal Lin''s, even without releasing his pressure.


    In the depths of the Demon Land, at the edge of the Demon Land.


    "All disciples, prepare for battle!"


    A bold voice resounded throughout the Supreme Sect''s encampment, prompting all disciples to begin mobilizing. Not only the Supreme Sect but other sects were the same.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm dispatched disciples to various sects, instructing on battle tactics. Even powerful sects like the Cangtian Sect did not dare refuse, onlyplying, as the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had great cultivators at the Realm of Immortal Path.


    When the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s cultivators flew toward the depths of the Demon Land like arrow showers, dozens of sects spread out, ready to encircle the Demon Land from different directions.


    An Hao, Li Ya, and Zhang Buku were among them.


    The Supreme Sect''s Mystic Heart Realm had only one representative¡ªAncestor Xuan Quan. Other sects were the same, with even the strongest Cangtian Sect only sending a Daoist Lord, not even bringing any Mystic Heart Realm great cultivators.


    They all knew the battle''s keyy with the Holy Land!


    An Hao gazed at the backs of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators, frowning deeply in thought.


    Over ten thousand Supreme Sect cultivators followed Lv Baitian in flight, everyone tense. Even with the Holy Land at the forefront, they still felt anxious, as the Holy Land had stated that the Evil Demon could not bepletely eradicated by them.


    In the Seven Stars Spirit Realm faction, Ji Xuanling''s eyes heldplex emotions as he looked at the elder at the very front.


    That elder was the Lin Family''s Loose Immortal, named Ancestor Lin Lu, holding a high position within the Six Stars Cave. Not only was his cultivation profound, but he himself had lived for nearly ten thousand years.


    Ancestor Lin Lu wore arge purple robe, his white hair bound beneath a cor, and his weathered face exuded vitality with bright eyes, making him appear imposing.


    Suddenly, his eyes squinted, and in the direction he gazed upon, the barren earth ahead was riddled with fissures, ck demonic qi seeping out, as if something extremely evil was breeding. Thunderclouds churned above, lightning shing, casting a heavy atmosphere over everything.


    Ancestor Lin Lu raised his right hand, a golden umbre appearing in his palm. He lifted it, and the golden umbre flew over his head, swiftly shooting forward.


    In the blink of an eye, the golden umbre flew to the most densely concentrated area of demonic qi, hovering ten thousand feet above the ground, near the thunderclouds.


    BOOM¡ª¡ªN?v(el)B\\jnn


    The golden umbre suddenly opened, spreading golden rays of light, as if an immense power from another dimension shook the very sea of time, dispersing clouds and lightning, transforming the gloomy sky into something majestic and ethereal.


    Golden light poured down from the umbre like a torrential rain,nding on the cracked ground, forming inscriptions that expanded rapidly, covering a thousand-mile radius within two breaths and continuing to spread.


    The golden inscriptions suppressed the demonic qi emerging from the ground fissures. When the inscriptions stopped extending, their edges emitted golden light, shooting into the clouds and forming golden pirs, isting ten thousand miles around, with the Three Dynasties'' sects positioned outside the golden barrier.


    "What kind of magic artifact is that? It can form a formation by itself?"


    "Indeed powerful, this formation feels stronger than our sect-protecting array."


    "No wonder it''s the Holy Land, truly formidable."


    "It seems the Holy Land ns to handle the Evil Demon alone. We just need to assist."


    "That''s good. Who wants to die?"


    Discussions buzzed among the sect disciples, their reverence for the Holy Land rising rapidly.


    Ji Xuanling looked up at the golden umbre in the sky, uttering four words: "Loose Immortal Dharma Treasure."


    Ancestor Lin Lu elerated alone, quickly arriving above a massive ck hole. Looking down, he saw it was bottomless, with all the ground fissures extending from this pit.


    The demonic qi inside pushed against the golden mana, threatening to break through at any moment.


    "Seven Stars Spirit Realm, heh heh."


    A chilling voice echoed through the world, heard clearly by all cultivators outside the formation.


    On the Supreme Sect''s side, numerous great cultivators'' faces changed dramatically, including Lv Baitian, Ji Hantian, and Ancestor Xuan Quan.


    An Hao''s eyes widened, his expression incredulous.


    "Senior Xuan... Impossible..."


    The voice was precisely that of Xuan Tianyi!


    An Hao subconsciously looked toward Lv Baitian. Ever since Lv Baitian discovered the restriction on his back, he had strictly forbidden him from revealing it.


    Lv Baitian had also promised to handle the matter and never wrong Xuan Tianyi.


    At this moment, Lv Baitian''s face was dark. Ignoring An Hao''s gaze, he stared intently at the depths of the Demon Land.


    "Evil Demon, after ten thousand years, you still haven''t repented?"


    Ancestor Lin Lu''s voice rang out, calm yet pressing.


    Evil Demon!


    All cultivators tensed, with those from various sects who had met Xuan Tianyi furrowing their brows, frequently looking toward the Supreme Sect.


    Just then, the earth trembled violently.


    Ancestor Lin Lu remained unfazed. He raised his right hand, strengthening the formation.


    The demonic qi in the ground fissures grew more potent and frenzied, trying to shatter the golden inscriptions on the surface, as if countless vengeful demons were about to burst from the abyss.


    Mournful wails echoed throughout the world, sounding like both dragon and phoenix songs, and evil ghosts'' howls, making everyone''s hair stand on end.


    BOOM¡ª¡ª


    A terrifying force suddenly broke through the surface, shattering the golden inscriptions. Rolling demonic qi surged to the sky, merging with the thunderclouds and sending the golden umbre flying.


    Ancestor Lin Lu was caught off guard, forced back by the overwhelming pressure.


    Stabilizing himself, he frowned, raised his hand, and cast a spell to steady the golden umbre in the sky, then pulled out a long redwood sword.


    Hundreds of Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators spread out, surrounding the terrifying pir of demonic qi, each taking out their magic artifacts.


    Ji Xuanling wielded arge fan, with golden mes leaping from its seven apertures.


    His gaze noticed a figure rising within the demonic qi pir, causing his pupils to dte suddenly.


    "It''s him... So it''s all true..."


    ...


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An dismounted from the Blood Prison Great Saint''s back. Instead of returning to his quarters, he turned and looked north.


    His brows furrowed, his eyes filled with coldness.


    His expression quickly changed. He retracted his gaze and prepared to go upstairs.


    At that moment, a figure flew in from afar. He stopped, turned, and saw Ji Xiaoyu swiftly approaching like a fairy descending from the sky before him.


    Gu An saluted her, smilingly asking, "Third Miss, what brings you here?"


    Ji Xiaoyu raised her hand, revealing a jade pendant, "Leave this with you. Don''t mention it to anyone. I wille back for itter."


    She tossed it to Gu An and then turned to leave, as quickly as she came.


    Gu An''s divine sense scanned it as he nonchntly put the jade pendant into his storage bag before turning to go upstairs.


    The jade pendant contained intelligence about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Why did Ji Xiaoyu give it to him?


    Could she have guessed something?


    Meanwhile,


    in the Demon Land, a figure stepped out from the roiling demonic qi. His appearance made Ji Xuanling''s face turn extremely grim, causing a stir among the Supreme Sect and disbelief in other sects.


    The figure emerging from the demonic qi was none other than Xuan Tianyi!


    Xuan Tianyi wore a ck robe, his white hair fluttering wildly. His handsome face was pale, with deep red eye sockets, and his pupils seemed to swirl with demonic qi, appearing particrly sinister.


    He twisted his neck, raised his arms, and stretched his body.


    "Senior Xuan!"


    An Hao''s voice echoed from afar as he tried to rush into the formation but was stopped.


    On the Cangtian Sect''s side, Daoist Lord frowned, calcting with his fingers. Sect Master Liang Canghai also frowned deeply, filled with confusion. How could this be?


    The Taoist of Immortality from Three Pure Ones Mountain couldn''t help but look at Ancestor Lin Lu, his eyes full of meaning.


    Discussions buzzed among the sects, and soon, Xuan Tianyi''s identity spread.


    A Supreme Sect Mahayana Realm cultivator had turned into an Evil Demon?


    This revtion shocked everyone. Once, during the demonic invasion, Xuan Tianyi had achieved great feats, earning the respect of cultivators worldwide.


    Ancestor Lin Lu stared at the Evil Demon, speaking coldly, "Evil Demon, you dare possess a human Mahayana Realm cultivator? You seek death!"


    His voice rumbled like thunder, echoing through the heavens, heard by all.


    Xuan Tianyi turned to him, eyes icy, and sneered, "Noisy!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, he waved his sleeve at Ancestor Lin Lu, releasing the terrifying power of a ninthyer Loose Immortal, obliterating the golden inscriptions on the ground. Ancestor Lin Lu''s spellcasting tried to block it, but he was still forced back. Thousands of miles away, the golden light from the formation was shattered, sending tens of thousands of sect disciples flying, with countless casualties.


    "You..." Ancestor Lin Lu red at Xuan Tianyi, his tone filled with shock and anger.


    What was happening?


    Their cultivation?


    Before he could think further, Xuan Tianyi raised his hand, palm facing the sky, with a wild smile on his face.


    He grabbed with his right hand and yanked downward. The thunderclouds in the sky copsed instantly, the terrifying pressure causing all cultivators outside the formation to plummet to the ground, and the earth trembled.

 Chapter 204: Chapter 204 Above Loose Immortal!

    Xuan Tianyi merely grabbed out with his hand, but it gave all the cultivators a sense of the sky falling, with the heavens shaking and the earth roaring, reverberating in everyone''s ears.


    The cultivators of the Seven Star Spirit Realm also fought desperately to resist. Although their cultivation was high, it was only impressivepared to the cultivators outside the formation. Before Xuan Tianyi, they were insignificant.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The earth continuously shattered, overwhelming demonic energy surged forth like a volcanic eruption, and countless lightning bolts intertwined like dragons and snakes, converging in the palm of Xuan Tianyi''s right hand.


    At this moment, Xuan Tianyi''s momentum reached its peak, white hair wildly fluttered, a madman expression, as if a demonic god had descended upon the world.


    Ancestor Lin Lu steadied himself and quickly cast spells with both hands, pushing forward with a palm strike, the mana like a dragon emerging from the abyss, carrying the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth, fire and wind intertwined, sweeping across the shattered earth, heading straight for Xuan Tianyi.


    In the face of this mana, everything in the world seemed insignificant!


    Xuan Tianyi raised his hand. Facing the vast tide of wind and fire, he blocked it with one palm, causing the raging wind and fire to split apart, forming countless fire dragons scattering in all directions.


    "Form the array, exterminate the demon!"


    Ancestor Lin Lu roared angrily, and the other Seven Star Spirit Realm cultivators leaped away, distancing themselves from Xuan Tianyi.


    Suddenly, the rolling dust behind Ancestor Lin Lu was scattered, and Xuan Tianyi stepped behind him, standing sideways.


    Xuan Tianyi''s eyes were filled with killing intent. With one palm strike, his hand ignited with demonic mes, prating Ancestor Lin Lu''s chest, sttering blood.


    Ancestor Lin Lu''s eyes widened with a look of shock and anger.


    Xuan Tianyi lifted his arm, following up with a dive, mming Ancestor Lin Lu, who was impaled on his arm, into the shattered ground. He then began to wildly swing him around, causing the Seven Star Spirit Realm cultivators to panic, and the great cultivators from distant sects were horrified.


    The evil demon, though not as exaggerated in size as the Demon Ancestors or Great Demon Kings, exuded an even more intimidating presence.


    Ancestor Lin Lu transformed into a blood mist. In an instant, his body reappeared dozens of miles away, covered in blood, with his robe tattered, no longerposed as before.


    Xuan Tianyi stepped out from the blood mist. As he looked up, countless sword shadows emitting silver light descended from the sky, engulfing him in an instant, causing dust to rise like a dragon swallowing the sky.


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    Countless sword shadows bombarded the ground, causing the entire earth to tremble violently.


    The ones casting the spells were dozens of Seven Star Spirit Realm sword cultivators. They floated high in the sky, each with their treasure sword inverted in front of them, the des vibrating with a clear and piercing sound.


    Watching the formidable sword array of the Seven Star Spirit Realm, the cultivators of various sects were ted. They retreated one after another, distancing themselves from the battlefield.


    The difference in cultivation levels was too great. Even flying was difficult, so they had to expand the encirclement.


    Lv Baitian grabbed An Hao and quickly retreated.


    "Master, is there no hope?" An Hao looked at Lv Baitian, gritting his teeth.


    Hearing that Xuan Tianyi had been possessed, his heart ached terribly.


    Lv Baitian gazed at the chaotic and terrifying battlefield in the distance, speaking in a solemn tone, "The urgent task now is to eliminate the demon!"


    Li Ya and Zhang Buku were also retreating. Their cultivation level was too low. Facing Xuan Tianyi''s demonic power, they felt suffocated.


    "Brother Li, there''s no way to take advantage of this situation!"


    Zhang Buku whispered urgently.


    He felt that the Holy Land was not containing the evil demon.


    Li Ya didn''t speak. He was equally nervous.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In his eyes, the Holy Land was the most powerful force in the world. With the Holy Land leading the way, their pressure should be less.


    But once the evil demon appeared, the situation waspletely reversed, and even the mighty Holy Land was being suppressed?


    On the other side.


    Ancestor Lin Lu flew high into the sky, taking out various magic artifacts. While forming an array, he cast spells to attack Xuan Tianyi.


    "What''s going on¡­ he shouldn''t be this strong¡­"


    Ancestor Lin Lu thought fearfully. He could feel that Xuan Tianyi was still growing stronger, even challenging a higher realm.


    The realm above Loose Immortal!


    In the Six Stars Cave, there was only one person in that realm, and that person was not on the continent.


    After reaching the Realm of Immortal Path, most cultivators would not stay on the continent. He usually roamed the oceans and would not have returned if not for the family incident.


    Before he could think further, a surge of demonic energy burst from beneath the sword array, scattering it. Dozens of Seven Star Spirit Realm sword cultivators spat blood and were sent flying.


    This demonic energy, like a de, pierced through the sky, aimed at Ancestor Lin Lu.


    Too fast!


    It was so fast that Ancestor Lin Lu couldn''t dodge and could only instinctively use mana to defend.


    Boom¡ª


    His figure was engulfed by demonic energy, and the clouds in the sky were also pierced. As the demonic energy dissipated, sunlight shone through the gap in the clouds.


    All of the magic artifacts in front of Ancestor Lin Lu shattered, and though he barely managed to block it, he was covered in blood, looking miserable.


    He was also at the Loose Immortal Realm, and at the eighth floor of cultivation, but before Xuan Tianyi, he was defenseless.


    "Damn it¡­"


    Ancestor Lin Lu roared, his mana bursting from within, further shattering the ground below. Earth spirit energy surged up like a celestial screen, covering hundreds of miles, grand and majestic, engulfing his figure.


    Xuan Tianyi suddenly appeared behind one of the Seven Star Spirit Realm cultivators, grabbing his head. The cultivator''s face showed terror.


    Before he could resist, Xuan Tianyi directly extracted his soul, opening his mouth to forcibly devour it.


    He then released his right hand, and the soulless cultivator copsed to the ground.


    This scene terrified the other Seven Star Spirit Realm cultivators, who fled in panic.


    Xuan Tianyi immediately disappeared and reappeared behind a female cultivator, grabbing her head and devouring her soul. These Mahayana cultivators had no chance to resist in his presence.


    Boom¡ª


    A gust of wind came, and Xuan Tianyi instinctively turned his head. He saw beam after beam of green light phantoms rushing out of the spiritual energy curtain covering half the sky. Each held different forms of magic artifacts, stood a hundred feet tall, and looked like celestial soldiers from another world, unstoppable.


    ¡­


    The Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An sat at his desk, practicing calligraphy while watching the battle.


    Possessed by the evil demon, Xuan Tianyi suppressed the Seven Star Spirit Realm alone. That Loose Immortal constantly disyed divine skills, shaking the heavens and earth, but was unable to harm Xuan Tianyi. Instead, he watched as Xuan Tianyi continuously devoured souls.


    Gu An sensed that ten Loose Immortals were heading to the battlefield, flying in from the northern coast of the continent with great speed.


    They should be reinforcements for the Seven Star Spirit Realm!


    "Strange, there is still Xuan Tianyi''s soul aura within him. It doesn''t seem like possession, but the two are so perfectly integrated, it''s as if they were originally one..."


    Gu An wondered. He initially nned to act once the evil demon broke free, but he had to wait because of Xuan Tianyi.


    The Seven Star Spirit Realm intended to use the evil demon to bolster their holynd''s prestige while luring Xuan Tianyi into a trap, weakening the Supreme Sect''s explicit power and reputation. It was truly sinister.


    But the evil demon was on the verge of breaking through to Wandering Immortal, which shouldn''t have been part of the Seven Star Spirit Realm''s n. Otherwise, Ancestor Lin Lu wouldn''t have acted early, forcing the evil demon to break free prematurely.


    The variable was Xuan Tianyi.


    Xuan Tianyi seemed to have additional secrets unknown to others.


    Thinking carefully, Xuan Tianyi''s talent didn''t seem trainable by the Supreme Sect, and his growth didn''t involve training in the Seven Star Spirit Realm but rather heading south instead.


    In any case, Gu An was determined to rescue Xuan Tianyi.


    Now the Seven Star Spirit Realm found itself in a difficult situation, and it was perfect to use the evil demon to weaken the realm''s power and prestige.


    At the very least, let the other sects know that the Seven Star Spirit Realm was not invincible.


    Gu An''s eyes turned subtle when he saw Xuan Tianyi spared Ji Xuanling.


    Besides Ancestor Lin Lu and Ji Xuanling, all the other Seven Star Spirit Realm cultivators had their souls devoured, leaving only their shells.


    Without anyone to restrain him, Ancestor Lin Lu was no match for Xuan Tianyi either. Being in the same realm, it would be difficult for Xuan Tianyi topletely kill Ancestor Lin Lu in a short time.


    Suddenly, Xuan Tianyi drilled deep into the ground. As soon as he disappeared, the ten Loose Immortals arrived.


    In the battlefield of the Demon Land, the world turned dark, and thend was buried in overwhelming dust, resembling the early chaos of creation.


    Ancestor Lin Lu looked around at his fellow disciples and said solemnly, "He''s about to break through to Wandering Immortal!"


    Upon hearing these words, the ten Loose Immortals'' faces changed dramatically. Without needing further orders, they all plunged into the ground fissures, chasing after Xuan Tianyi.


    Ancestor Lin Lu took out an elixir and swallowed it, then began cultivating energy mid-air to heal.


    His face was grim, filled with fear.


    The Lin Family had already lost Startling Immortal Lin, the most talented family member in history, and their ns involving the Seven Star Spirit Realm were nearly exposed. He came this time to redeem himself, but hadn''t expected the evil demon to be so powerful.


    Ten thousand years ago, the evil demon had just reached the Loose Immortal realm. How was he so strong now?


    Was there another''s influence behind the evil demon?


    His first thought was Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Sword Venerable Fudao could easily kill a Loose Immortal and was likely a Wandering Immortal. The Six Stars Cave had only one Wandering Immortal, and without knowing Sword Venerable Fudao''s true identity, they did not dare act rashly.


    Could Sword Venerable Fudao be someone from a great sect at sea, specifically targeting the Seven Star Spirit Realm?


    "Three hundred years ago, we shouldn''t have let the Ephemera Sect in!"


    Ancestor Lin Lu hated bitterly. The Six Stars Cave had numerous factions and his family couldn''t dominate. But now, the main loss fell on the Lin Family.


    The disciples just devoured, most came from the Lin Family; how could he not hate?


    At the same time.


    The Supreme Sect and other sects had retreated ten thousand miles away, sensing only two auras of Seven Star Spirit Realm cultivators, making them even more afraid.


    "Even the Holy Land can''t suppress the evil demon?"


    "Without the Holy Land, we would''ve been dead already."


    "The Holy Land does live up to its name, but its foundation is¡­"


    "Could we ultimately rely on Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "I suspect he''ll only act when the evil demon reaches the Three Dynasties border. We''re truly useless, always troubling him¡­"


    The cultivators discussed, while the Supreme Sect remained somber.


    Xuan Tianyi being possessed by the evil demon was a huge blow to their morale.


    Lv Baitian looked into the distance, his face dark and eyes shing.


    An Hao had calmed down, waiting for the oue. He hadn''t yet connected Xuan Tianyi''s plight to the Holy Land, only cared for Xuan Tianyi''s safety.


    However, it didn''t take long before an even more terrifying demonic energy erupted from the ground, startling everyone.

 Chapter 205: Chapter 205: Majestic Divine Might, Wandering Immortal Arrives

    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The sky above the Supreme Sect was covered by rolling thunderclouds, as if a storm was about to break.


    The sky changed so quickly that the disciples who were still busy in the Third Medicine Valley hurried their tasks.


    Gu An descended from the pavilion, feeling that Xuan Tianyi had already half-stepped into the Wandering Immortal Realm, which made him very interested in the sealing ground of the Evil Demon.


    What exactly was hidden below?


    It could actually allow the Evil Demon to break through in one fell swoop; there must be a secret down below.


    Could it be that the Evil Demon also had the ability to evolve lifespan cultivation?


    Gu An''s mind wandered, and he was already prepared to take action.


    Once Xuan Tianyi dealt with the eleven Loose Immortals of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he would make his move.


    He could feel the heavenly might condensing in the sky above the battlefield, signifying that Xuan Tianyi was about to face the tribtion.


    "Tsk tsk, is the tribtion range of a Loose Immortal thisrge?"


    Gu An looked at the thunderclouds in the sky and thought silently. This gave him a clearer concept of the celestial tribtion of the Immortal Path. The tribtion of the Evil Demon had covered the entire continent, showing just how exaggerated the power of the tribtion was.


    If the tribtion from Loose Immortal to Wandering Immortal was already like this, then what kind of power would the tribtion from Wandering Immortal to Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal be?


    The aura of a distant Loose Immortal suddenly disappeared. It seemed he had died at Xuan Tianyi''s hands.


    With the first, there would be a second.


    The sessive deaths of two Loose Immortals made Ancestor Lin Lu, who was healing, unable to remain calm.


    He immediately rushed into the underground to support.


    Gu An observed the tribtion. He could feel the Spiritual Power of the five elements in the heaven and earth gathering toward the thunderclouds above, rushing toward the crossing site at an extremely fast speed after entering the clouds. The Spiritual Power of the five elements in heaven and earth thus gathered together to umte heavenly might.


    The third Loose Immortal fell!


    After devouring the souls of the Loose Immortals, Xuan Tianyi''s momentum soared. Vaguely, Gu An felt two strands of Demonic Qi surging within one body.


    Could it be that Xuan Tianyi and the Evil Demon were vying for control of the body?


    Gu An silently thought, keeping a cautious attitude. If Xuan Tianyi''s soul was about to copse, he would immediately take action.


    For mortals, the distance from the Supreme Sect to the Demon Land was a lifelong journey that could never be covered, but for Gu An, it only took one step.


    The disciples in the valley began to gather, discussing what the thunderclouds in the sky portended.


    Lu Lingjun still stayed within the pavilion, cultivating, seemingly unconcerned about the cmity outside. Since returning, she had been in closed cultivation and had not left the room.


    ...


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    Watching the lightning and thunder in the sky, the cultivators of the Supreme Sect were extremely tense because they felt they were also within the scope of the celestial tribtion and might be affected.


    Liang Canghai was decisive and immediately ordered the disciples to retreat. After all, they couldn''t help the Seven Stars Spirit Realm; it was better to preserve themselves.


    Their presence here was at the call of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Otherwise, the safest option would be to guard the borders of the Three Dynasties, where they could gather more strength.


    Lv Baitian also led the disciples in retreat, and at that moment, Ji Hantian approached him.


    "I suddenly remembered that Xuan Tianyi had gone demonic in his youth¡­" Ji Hantian whispered.


    Lv Baitian nced at him, his gaze cold, scaring him into immediate silence.


    Ji Hantian spoke with some grievance: "I thought you two were at odds. So all these years have been an act for me?"


    Lv Baitian was the Sect Leader, and he was the Vice Sect Leader. He also had the ambition to be Sect Leader, but above them was Xuan Tianyi, who many elders supported for the position of Sect Leader. As such, he naturally harbored no good feelings toward Xuan Tianyi. It so happened that Lv Baitian once found him,ining about Xuan Tianyi, which quickly won his favor.


    Because of Xuan Tianyi, the two formed a better bond. Whenever Lv Baitian shirked his duties, he would work hard because Lv Baitian promised that if he stepped down, he would choose him.


    Of course, all this was about vying for power. On a day-to-day basis, the three of them, as fellow disciples, greeted each other amicably.


    "Talking nonsense, is now the time to discuss this?" Lv Baitian said in a deep voice, cutting off Ji Hantian.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A deafening sound came from behind, startling the two into turning their heads. The distance was too far for them to see what had happened, but the horrifying demonic might of the Evil Demon made them tremble in fear.


    At that moment, a disciple cried out: "Look at the sky!"


    Everyone looked up, astonished to find that the thunderclouds in the sky had reflected a scene of the Demon Land. Figures moved as swiftly as lightning, dazzling everyone. Those exaggerated spells and divine skills were even more shocking to every cultivator''s eyes.


    Various factions began to slow down, retreating while watching the battle unfold.


    An Hao, Li Ya, and Zhang Buku did the same.


    Zhang Buku''s eyes were full of longing; could he reach such a realm in his lifetime?


    An Hao''s eyes were full of concern and worry. He always believed that there was still hope for Xuan Tianyi to break free from the Evil Demon.


    Under the watchful eyes of all the cultivators, whenever Xuan Tianyi stopped to devour a soul, the scene in the sky would focus on him, zooming in, showing everyone the chilling process of him consuming the souls of the Loose Immortals.


    Xuan Tianyi''s face disyed two different expressions, arrogance and cruelty on the left, frowning and pain on the right. This made him look even more bizarre.


    Time continued to pass.


    In the end, only Ancestor Lin Lu remained alive. Seeing thest Loose Immortalpanion''s soul drawn out, hepletely gave up on resisting. He tried to escape, but Xuan Tianyi caught him, and this time, he could not escape Xuan Tianyi''s grasp.


    "You¡­ can''t¡­" Ancestor Lin Lu trembled, his Primordial Spirit unable to leave his body, his physical form unable to use divine skills, and his Qi unable to break free from the hand above his head.


    Sadly, before he could finish his words, he copsed to the ground.


    Xuan Tianyi swallowed his soul, soared into the sky, sat cross-legged in mid-air, constantly rising. When he stopped, beneath him was a vast wave of dust like a dragon, seemingly engulfing the entire world.


    The illusions in the sky continued to expand, eventually covering the entire continent. Wherever there were people or demons, they were frightened, discussing who the figure in the sky was.


    Transformed into the Evil Demon, Xuan Tianyi deeply imprinted himself in the hearts of all beings.


    The disciples of the Third Medicine Valley discussed in astonishment. Some remembered Xuan Tianyi, finding it hard to believe.


    Gu An turned and walked toward the Transmission Array tform.


    The Blood Prison Great Sainty on the ground, watching the spectacle.


    "As expected of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. This tribtion is too exaggerated, and this Evil Demon looks so powerful¡­" the Blood Prison Great Saint thought to himself.


    He was not at all flustered; after all, he was a prisoner.


    His gaze unconsciously followed Gu An. Seeing him teleport away, he didn''t mind, thinking Gu An was going to take care of the Mystic Valley.


    After arriving at the Mystic Valley, Gu An simply inspected it briefly before leaving.


    As the great battle ended, the only sound left in heaven and earth was thunder.


    The cultivators of the Three Dynasties'' factions all paused. The leaders from each faction gathered to discuss their next move.


    They could all see that the Evil Demon was undergoing a tribtion.


    If the Evil Demon seeded in the tribtion, the situation would be even worse.


    But with theplete annihtion of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, what could they do?


    Someoneined: "There are so many cultivators in the Holy Land, yet they sent only so few of us here. Isn''t this courting death?"


    Every hundred years, geniuses from various factions would go to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm for cultivation. They knew that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm far exceeded this number of people.


    Not only was the Seven Stars Spirit Realm sparsely popted, but they even called them to die here!


    It wasn''t just one person; others also resented the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. No matter how nicely the Seven Stars Spirit Realm spoke, these were old monsters who lived for hundreds, even thousands of years, not easily swayed by sweet talk. They judged the Seven Stars Spirit Realm by its actions.


    Liang Canghai took a deep breath and said: "Alright, now the urgent task is how we might stop the Evil Demon''s tribtion?"


    Everyone fell into silence.


    The gap in realms was too vast; they had no chance of winning.


    Daoist Lord suddenly said: "I foresee that the fate of the Three Dynasties has not yet run out. Perhaps there will be a turn of events. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm, after all, is an ancient Holy Land. Having lost so many people, they will not let it go easily."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As soon as he spoke, everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    They trusted the Daoist Lord greatly.


    Lv Baitian said nothing, his gaze fixed on the illusions in the sky.


    Time flew by, and those who came to fight felt agony.


    The people of the Three Dynasties were even more tense, watching the demon go through the tribtion, guessing what might happen next. Some even prayed for Xuan Tianyi to fail the tribtion.


    An Hao sat cross-legged on the ground, both restoring his Spiritual Energy and keeping a close watch on the sky.


    Zhang Buku and Li Ya did the same, though they were more curious about Xuan Tianyi''s actual realm, finding the tribtion''s momentum excessively exaggerated.


    On the other side.


    Suspended high in the sky, Xuan Tianyi was surrounded by Demonic Qi. The Demonic Qi from the underground pierced through the dust of heaven and earth, entering his body, continuously boosting his momentum.


    "Xuan Tianyi! Have you forgotten you consider yourself a hero of the Righteous Path?"


    A voice rang out in fury and rm.


    From the dust wave emerged the disheveled Ji Xuanling, shouting angrily at Xuan Tianyi.


    Xuan Tianyi''s right eye opened, his brow furrowed, half his face showing a struggling expression.


    At that moment, his other eye opened, ncing at Ji Xuanling with a gaze full of soul-chilling murderous intent, making Ji Xuanling''s heart quake.


    Xuan Tianyi''s lips quivered slightly,boriously uttering two words: "Run¡­ away¡­"


    As soon as he finished speaking, his right eye closed, and his entire face''s expression returned to a unified look of cruelty and malevolence.


    He raised his right hand, aiming at Ji Xuanling.


    "Innate Five Elements Divine Thunder Tribtion! To think you, fiend, can undergo one of the top ten tribtions of all time!"


    A voice, like that of a Heavenly God, resounded throughout the continent, shaking all beings to their core.


    Anyone who heard this voice was instinctively filled with awe.


    Ji Xuanling instinctively turned his head, seeing a massive hole suddenly form in the thunderclouds above. A figure shining brightly descended from the sky, pressing the two of them down, scattering the boundless dust waves on the ground.


    Boom!


    Xuan Tianyi sat on the ground, the ruins within a hundred-mile radius copsing, forming a massive circr pit. A figure descended in front of Xuan Tianyi, causing him to look up in fear.


    For the first time, he showed such an expression!

 Chapter 206 Domineering! Sword Venerable Fudao!

    Ji Xuanling also fell to the ground, but unlike Xuan Tianyi, he did not bear the overwhelming pressure that surpassed a Loose Immortal. Afternding, he only staggered a few steps.


    He quickly raised his eyes to look, his gaze locked on the mysterious figure in front of Xuan Tianyi.


    It was a figure shining with a strong light, and he recognized the identity of the other person at a nce.


    "Cave Master!" Ji Xuanling eximed in surprise.


    The Cave Master of Six Stars Cave, Divine Soul True Lord!


    The Divine Soul True Lord stood tall, draped in a wide, ck robe, with white clothes cinched with gold thread underneath, and a jade-adorned green silk belt. His ck hair was coiled with three small swords. His expression was cold, and he looked down at the seated Xuan Tianyi with eyes so frigid they seemed to freeze time.


    The illusion in the sky mirrored Xuan Tianyi''s figure while also reflecting the image of the Divine Soul True Lord, allowing everyone in the world to see his true appearance.


    Even the most esteemed Great Cultivators instinctively revered the Divine Soul True Lord at first sight.


    Just by standing there, the Divine Soul True Lord exuded an invincible aura!


    The people of the world were even more encouraged. The invincible Evil Demon cowered before the Divine Soul True Lord, all his previously established terrifying aurapletely gone, now appearing so weak.


    Xuan Tianyi did not want to stand up, but he simply could not!


    The gap between a Loose Immortal and a Wandering Immortal was as vast as the difference between clouds and mud!


    Xuan Tianyi looked at the Divine Soul True Lord in terror, a look of pleading in his eyes.


    Thousands of miles away.


    An Hao looked at the illusion in the sky showing the Divine Soul True Lord and panicked immediately.


    Under his watchful gaze, the Divine Soul True Lord raised his right hand, and his imposing voice echoed across the entire continent:


    "Today, I, the True Lord, will execute the demon for the sake of all living beings!"


    His voice, akin to a god''s, reverberated with rolling thunder.


    "No¡ª" An Hao shouted with all his might, immediately wanting to leap up to intervene.


    Almost instantly, he felt a tap on his shoulder, causing all his Spiritual Power to dissipate, rendering him unable to fly up.


    Zhang Buku, Li Ya, and many disciples of the Supreme Sect glimpsed a shadow so fast they thought it was a hallucination.


    After speaking, the Divine Soul True Lord prepared to finish Xuan Tianyi with a single palm strike.


    Ji Xuanling''s face changed drastically as he opened his mouth to plead.


    Smack!


    Suddenly, a hand pressed down on the Divine Soul True Lord''s shoulder, dispersing the bright light on him, altering his expression and halting his right palm.


    Xuan Tianyi also saw someone suddenly appear behind the Divine Soul True Lord, his expression changing dramatically as he struggled visibly.


    Ji Xuanling gaped in shock, staring at the person behind the Divine Soul True Lord.


    At this moment, all living beings saw the person behind the Divine Soul True Lord in the sky.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Lu Lingjun pushed open the door, just in time to see the illusion in the sky, her expression changing ordingly.


    Outer Gate City, Heavenly Repair tform.


    Standing beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, Zuo Yijian looked up at the sky and murmured, "Sword Venerable Fudao..."


    In the distance, Di Xie also recognized the mysterious figure, growing nervous immediately.


    Sword Venerable Fudao was going to confront the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s expert?


    An Hao, upon seeing Sword Venerable Fudao''s figure, became excited, clenching his fists tightly.


    He thought it was his master who finally came to help him out of reluctance.


    Li Ya also became excited, the patriarch had actuallye!


    Zhang Buku was simply curious about who had suddenly arrived.


    Lv Baitian, looking at the sky, visibly sighed in relief.


    The leaders of other sects were stunned, not understanding why Sword Venerable Fudao had intervened.


    In the illusion in the sky, the Divine Soul True Lord slowly lowered his right hand, ncing back and asking, "Could it be that you are the Sword Venerable Fudao who recently made a name for himself throughout thend?"


    Behind him stood a demonic shadow, shrouded in dark purple demonic qi, mysterious and ominous.


    Gu An suddenly pulled him behind and then stepped forward.


    The Divine Soul True Lord''s expression changed dramatically, and his body involuntarily recoiled.


    Gu An stepped forward to stand before Xuan Tianyi, extending his right hand, pointing two fingers at Xuan Tianyi''s forehead.


    The magic of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal erupted, forcibly expelling the Demon Soul from Xuan Tianyi''s body, dispersing the demonic qi, making Xuan Tianyi grimace in pain.


    This scene shocked everyone in the world.


    This wasn''t the Evil Demon?


    Everyone saw a demonic shadow emerge from Xuan Tianyi, identical to his form.


    Before the Evil Demon could resist, Gu An''s right hand opened, swiftly grabbing it and capturing it in his palm.


    The demonic pressure that shrouded the continent disappeared instantly, leaving everyone feeling inexplicably relieved, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from their hearts.


    "You..."


    The Divine Soul True Lord was enraged. As the Cave Master of Six Stars Cave, he naturally knew the Evil Demon''s true origin. Though not personally leading it, he had allowed it.


    Sword Venerable Fudao was pping him in the face!


    Gu An turned and stood side-on to the Divine Soul True Lord.


    Xuan Tianyi spat out blood, copsing forward, his foreheadnding on Gu An''s thigh. Before closing his eyes, he weakly uttered, "Fudao..."


    He copsed by Gu An''s leg, his consciousness plunging into darkness.


    Sword Venerable Fudao made no sound, allowing him to lie there, calmly staring at the Divine Soul True Lord.


    The people of the world held their breaths. Everyone could feel the standoff between the Divine Soul True Lord and Sword Venerable Fudao, recognizing that Sword Venerable Fudao hade to save the one possessed by the Evil Demon.


    No!


    More urately, to save the one possessed by the Evil Demon!


    The world fell silent. Even the Great Cultivators near Demon Land were incredibly tense, not daring to breathe loudly.


    Blood Prison Great Saint, lying on the ground, looked at Gu An''s figure, eyes full of admiration.


    Such domination!


    Without saying a word, everyone could feel his strong intent!


    Blood Prison Great Saint suddenly felt his past self was incredibly weak. Always boasting, butpared to the Great Cultivator of the Upper Realm, his spirit fell short by miles.


    Not just him, everyone else felt the Divine Soul True Lord had fallen to a lower position.


    This mysterious figure effortlessly pulled the Divine Soul True Lord away and scared him into inaction. Their abilities were clearly unmatched!


    Ji Xuanling, closest to them, was utterly shocked.


    He knew better than anyone the power of the Divine Soul True Lord. In the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, centered around Six Stars Cave, the Divine Soul True Lord was as divine as an Immortal to them, representing the continent''s strongest being.


    Such an existence was easily pulled away by Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Ji Xuanling finally understood why the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had suddenly changed their mind and decided toe forth to save the people. They feared Sword Venerable Fudao and wanted to restore their image!


    The Divine Soul True Lord''s face was extremely grim, caught in an inner struggle between choices.


    He had intended to use the anomaly of this Innate Five Elements Divine Thunder Tribtion to showcase his grand and heroic image of saving all living beings. But now, he found himself in a difficult position.


    If he acted, he couldn''t be sure of winning, plus what would the world think of him?


    If he didn''t act, how would the world view the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    "Who exactly are you? Do not say you''re from the Supreme Sect. Thisnd could not possibly spawn someone as powerful as you!"


    The Divine Soul True Lord asked solemnly, this time, not letting his voice echo across the continent, only audible to himself, Gu An, and Ji Xuanling.


    Gu An did not answer him but raised his right hand and pointed his index finger at his face.


    Somehow, facing Gu An''s fingertip, the Divine Soul True Lord felt fear.


    Too overbearing!


    The other party didn''t want to converse, only conveying one message, for him to back off!


    Otherwise...


    The Divine Soul True Lord realized that, given the unmatched power of the other party, he might very well die.


    He was, after all, a Wandering Immortal. Not only on this continent but across the nearby sea areas, his cultivation level was among the top!


    In an instant, many thoughts crossed the Divine Soul True Lord''s mind.


    Finally, he coldly snorted, flicked his sleeves, and disappeared within a few steps.


    He left gracefully, yet in the people''s eyes, it was a stance of fear, no matter how upright his posture was.


    The reason Gu An didn''t kill the Divine Soul True Lord was that the world was watching, and a public execution would not be good. Firstly, because the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was a Holy Land here to save the world, and secondly, to avoid drawing other Great Cultivators from the Star Caves.


    However, sometimes, not killing had a greater deterrent effect than killing!


    Not killing could both instill fear and leave room for the opponent to fantasize.


    Killing meant a never-ending vendetta!


    Gu An looked up. The celestial might was dispersing. With the Evil Demon gone and unable to cross the tribtion, the Heavenly Tribtion naturally couldn''t continue.


    He then vanished from the spot.


    Xuan Tianyi, leaning against Gu An''s leg, fell forward, and Ji Xuanling appeared out of thin air, catching him before his forehead hit the ground.


    Seeing this, Lv Baitian immediately called for Supreme Sect disciples to follow him to rescue.


    Over ten thousand Supreme Sect cultivators flew up all at once, fearless, every one of them with excitement written on their faces.


    With Sword Venerable Fudao present, what did they have to fear?


    Leaders from other sects exchanged nces. The situation had exceeded their expectations, too much information challenging their understanding.


    Liang Canghai took a deep breath and said, "The three dynasties advance and retreat together!"


    With that, he immediately flew towards Cangtian Sect.


    Other sect leaders snapped out of it and went to give orders.


    Winning over Sword Venerable Fudao had be their most important task in years. The recent confrontation only solidified this belief.


    Read thetest fiction on M-VL-em|p,yr


    Sword Venerable Fudao turned out to be stronger than the Holy Land!


    ...


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Lu Lingjun watched as the illusions in the sky gradually dispersed, pulling her thoughts back to reality.


    Instinctively, she wanted to find Gu An to discuss her observations from the battle but realized his presence was not in the valley.


    She unconsciously scanned Mystic Valley with her Divine Sense, finding Gu An among the mountain woods nearby, inspecting medicinal herbs, and she breathed a sigh of relief.


    She showed a helpless smile.


    Such a great spectacle ignored, all he worried about were his nts.


    Truly hopeless!


    Elsewhere.


    In the Inner Sect City, Ji Xiaoyu stood on the eaves, ncing up at the sky. Even as the illusion started to fade, she did not avert her gaze.


    She hadn''t seen the Divine Soul True Lord before but could feel his high status within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Such a powerful being was forced to retreat by Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Her eyes filled withplexity.


    Sword Venerable Fudao, who exactly are you?


    After this battle, she guessed the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would have to humble themselves. Before Sword Venerable Fudao came along, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wouldn''t dare tomit tant evil, let alone now.


    However, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would surely frantically investigate Sword Venerable Fudao, and the Ji Family from the Supreme Sect would be their tool.


    "Patriarch, was this oue within your expectation?"


    Ji Xiaoyu''s lips curled into a smile as she turned to leave. Just as she turned, the Inner Sect City erupted in thunderous cheers.


    One city was but a microcosm of the world!


    The entire world erupted into a feverish celebration!

 Chapter 207: Chapter 207 Like Pan An

    Over the ocean, Divine Soul True Lord sat on a huge gourd, his arms crossed in front of his chest as the sea breeze blew his hair.


    He closed his eyes, frowning deeply.


    The more he thought, the angrier and more restless he became.


    After this battle, the prestige of the Holy Land would surely plummet. How could he not be angry?


    He just couldn''t judge Sword Venerable Fudao''s attitude towards the Seven Star Spiritual Realm.


    For now, Sword Venerable Fudao did not seem hostile towards the Seven Star Spiritual Realm. The previous Lin Jingsian killed himself, and Ji Xuanling went to the Supreme Sect without incident.


    This time was no different. Sword Venerable Fudao only pushed him back and did not strike a killing blow.


    He couldn''t tell if Sword Venerable Fudao feared the Seven Star Spiritual Realm or had no killing intent from the start.


    In fact, when the Evil Demon attacked the Wandering Immortal Realm, Divine Soul True Lord had sensed it but deliberately did not intervene.


    He allowed the Lin Family Loose Immortal and disciples to be devoured by the Evil Demon to create a more terrifying image of the Evil Demon. The stronger the Evil Demon, the more prestige he would gain by exterminating it. Secondly, he wanted to use this opportunity to eliminate the Lin Family, thus removing the cause and effect of offending Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Had he seeded, the Seven Star Spiritual Realm would have maintained the prestige of the Holy Land while resolving any grudges with Sword Venerable Fudao, achieving a perfect oue.


    But things went wrong.


    Sword Venerable Fudao acted ahead of schedule.


    "It seems Sword Venerable Fudao is rted to Xuan Tianyi. Could he be from the Starsea Congregations?" The more he thought about it, the more likely Divine Soul True Lord found this possibility.


    Before Xuan Tianyi joined the Starsea Congregations, the Supreme Sect did not have such a great cultivator.


    He spected that Xuan Tianyi, knowing the demon disaster was imminent, had asked Sword Venerable Fudao for support in advance.


    That''s right!


    It must be so!


    Divine Soul True Lord had heard that Xuan Tianyi wrote a book entitled The Legend of Sword Venerable.


    He raised his right hand and took out a token, hesitating for a moment before probing it with his divine sense.


    Soon, he sensed a wave of divine sense from the token, and began to ry what had happened, along with his spections.


    After a while, his face turned grim as he was obviously reprimanded.


    In the forest of Mystic Valley, Gu An silently pondered. Ever since Divine Soul True Lord had left, his divine sense had been following him, preventing any unforeseen events.


    Seeing Divine Soul True Lord take out the token, Gu An could guess he was contacting someone more powerful from the Seven Star Spiritual Realm.


    Once Divine Soul True Lord ced the token back into his storage ring, Gu An exhaled a long breath, his eyes growing cold.


    Judging by his expression, Gu An hesitated.


    The life span foresight could only determine whether others had ill intentions towards his true form, while the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body could conceal his true form and obscure karmic calctions unless the other person linked Sword Venerable Fudao directly to his true form and harbored enmity.


    The Mountain God''s little figure had resembled Gu An''s true form closely, without any divine skills to cloak it, which was why he could sense it. And the Hateful Heaven Ancestor had discovered him directly through sword intent.


    After thirty minutes, Divine Soul True Lordnded on an ind. As he entered a cave, Gu An sensed a restriction and stopped following.


    Just remember this ind!


    Gu An stood up and walked back to Mystic Valley.


    The disciples in the valley were still excitedly discussing the sky illusion they had witnessed earlier, the image of Sword Venerable Fudao deeply ingraining in their minds. They also believed that the entity confronting Divine Soul True Lord was indeed Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An joined them, chatting for a while.


    The impact of this battle was even greater than when Sword Venerable Fudao killed the Demon Ancestor, not only because peace prevailed after defeating the Evil Demon, but also because it involved the Holy Land.


    When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, the disciples were gathered noisily, like in a busy market.


    Lu Lingjun, who had been waiting for him, pulled him into a pavilion, excitedly talking about Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Seeing her admire Sword Venerable Fudao so much filled Gu An with satisfaction. He had to feign excitement and reciprocate the emotional value.


    For the next month, the Supreme Sect was in constant uproar, everyone full of excitement, various news spreading wildly within the sect.


    Gu An went to the Outer Gate City twice, each time staying for two ancient hours, listening to the disciples on the streets praise Sword Venerable Fudao.


    It was worth noting that within this month, Gu An noticed more cultivators arriving from the sea, some even in the Realm of Immortal Path, spreading throughout the Immortal Cultivation World, gathering intelligence on the Seven Star Spiritual Realm and Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An suspected they might be from another great power.


    He thought of Hateful Heaven Ancestor''s foes from the Starsea Congregations. The Starsea Congregations was a colossal power at sea. At least in Hateful Heaven Ancestor''s mind, the Starsea Congregations were on par with the Seven Star Spiritual Realm.


    Could the Starsea Congregations be preparing to strike at the Seven Star Spiritual Realm?


    Although Gu An let his imagination run wild, he remained calm, continuing his peaceful farming life. After all, no one knew that he was Sword Venerable Fudao.


    After the winter snow fell, the cultivators who had fought the Evil Demon began returning to the Supreme Sect.


    It was worth mentioning that Li Ya and Zhang Buku also returned.


    Sensing their auras flying towards Mystic Valley, Gu An awaited them in advance.


    The two still shared the North Sea Heavy Sword. Zhang Buku, looking at the forest covered in snow, appeared nervous.


    He was returning to the Medicine Valley where his father used to live, eager to see Martial Uncle Gu again.


    The more Zhang Buku thought about it, the more nervous he became. Li Ya reminded him not to mention their injuries to Gu An and to speak based on Gu An''s reactions.


    Zhang Buku felt helpless but could only agree.


    After a short while, Li Ya and Zhang Buku flew into Mystic Valley.


    Their arrival drew the attention of the servant disciples.


    "Senior Brother Li!" Lu Jiujia walked over excitedly, full of surprise.


    Of all those who had left Mystic Valley, who was the most formidable? Naturally, it was Li Ya!


    Despite losing miserably to An Hao and missing the Golden List because of it, Li Ya''s strength had earned the Supreme Sect''s recognition, making him Mystic Valley''s pride.


    Li Ya looked at Lu Jiujia, knowing he was Gu An''s junior brother. He nodded slightly and said, "I am here to see your senior brother."


    Before Lu Jiujia could reply, a voice floated down from the pavilion:


    "Senior Brother Li. Buku. Come up."


    Hearing Gu An''s voice, Zhang Buku became excited.


    Li Ya nced at him and then led him upstairs.


    Watching Li Ya''s confident back, Lu Jiujia''s eyes were full of envy. Li Ya lived the life he desired.


    Soon, Li Ya and Zhang Buku reached the upper floor and entered the room. Zhang Buku, seeing Gu An, became so excited that he knelt down immediately.


    Li Ya hurriedly closed the door in fright. If word got out about his closest brother kneeling to his junior brother, it would be a scandal.


    "What are you doing? Get up quickly!" Gu An, sitting at the desk, said helplessly.


    Li Ya immediately pulled Zhang Buku up, ring at him for losing face!


    Zhang Buku ignored Li Ya and looked at Gu An with a silly grin.


    Gu An gestured for them to sit and then got up to pour them tea.


    "Senior Brother Li, how have you been these years?" Gu An asked warmly.


    Li Ya immediately started boasting about his encounters and his progress in cultivation.


    Throughout the conversation, Zhang Buku hesitated to speak.


    Gu An ced two cups of tea before them; Zhang Buku wanted to stand and bow, but Gu An stopped him with a look.


    Seeing Gu An''s one nce making Zhang Buku obedient, Li Ya felt a pang of jealousy amidst his storytelling.


    "By the way, Junior Brother Gu, when did you descend the mountain without telling me? If I had known you were visiting Senior Brother Zhang, I definitely would have gone too." Li Ya suddenly recalled, asking sternly.


    Gu An rolled his eyes at him and said, "At that time, Buku was still a minor. Could you havee with me? You were focused on proving yourself."


    Li Ya heard this and gave an embarrassed smile.


    His rtionship with Zhang Chunqiu was average. Even if he had free time, he wouldn''t have gone unless Gu An insisted.


    Gu An turned to Zhang Buku and asked, "How has it been following Senior Brother Li? Any injuries?"


    Zhang Buku was about to speak when Li Ya interrupted: "How could you get injured following me? These years, we''ve been a great team, having everything we wanted, and our cultivation has advanced rapidly."


    Seeing this, Zhang Buku could only nod.


    Then Li Ya shifted the topic to Sword Venerable Fudao, instantly changing the subject. Zhang Buku, who admired Sword Venerable Fudao, couldn''t stop talking.


    Gu An smiled at them, asionally chiming in.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Did Li Ya really take him for the Primordial Ancestor?


    The proud look on his face made Gu An want tough.


    As for Zhang Buku, although excited, he wasn''t as exaggerated as Li Ya.


    Hearing Gu An praise Sword Venerable Fudao made Li Ya feel greatly satisfied.


    He wanted to tell Gu An that Sword Venerable Fudao was their Li Family Primordial Ancestor!


    But recalling the Primordial Ancestor''s instructions, he could only hold back.


    He hadn''t encountered the Primordial Ancestor in a long time. What was the Primordial Ancestor doing?


    Was he busy teaching An Hao?


    On the way back, Li Ya hadmunicated with An Hao, andpared to An Hao''s progress, his achievements over the years were negligible.


    Once again, he felt sour.


    The Primordial Ancestor favored An Hao for his talent, but guided him out of blood and kinship.


    Gu An didn''t know what Li Ya was thinking but felt his mood suddenly drop.


    He didn''t want to inquire and took the chance to focus on Zhang Buku, feeling slightly irritated by Li Ya''s hogging of the conversation earlier.


    Bullying my nephew?


    "I''m fine. Brother Li treats me well, really." One sentence from Zhang Buku caused Li Ya''s blood pressure to soar.


    Gu An, smirking, asked, "Brother Li?"


    "Yes, we are sworn brothers, promising to live and die together!" Zhang Buku said stoutly. He could help Li Ya hide some things, but not let him gain seniority!


    Li Ya''s expression turned awkward.


    His gaze fell on the paper in front of Gu An. Seizing the moment, he picked it up and asked abruptly, "Junior Brother Gu, what are you writing?"


    Gu An smiled and replied, "A book called Journey to the West."


    "Journey to the West? Never heard of it."


    "Just started writing it."


    "Alright then, I wish you to be a famed writer like Pan An."


    Li Ya skimmed a few lines before putting it back, mainly using it to divert the conversation. He didn''t really care about Journey to the West.


    Zhu Bajie carrying his wife?


    What nonsense!


    This book seemed boring at first nce.

 Chapter 208: Chapter 208 Hostility from the Divine Soul True Lord

    When Li Ya put down the paper, the conversation unconsciously turned back to Sword Venerable Fudao, as if they could talk about him endlessly.


    Zhang Buku said that earlier, when Sword Venerable Fudao made his move, he saw a blurred figure, suspecting it was Sword Venerable Fudao, who passed right in front of them.


    Li Ya also said he saw it, and the two were quite convinced.


    Gu An found it amusing; he had deliberately let An Hao and the other two see him, urately speaking, let the cultivators from the Supreme Sect notice that he wasing from there.


    With the Limitless Freedom Step, Gu An could move beside Divine Soul True Lord in one step.


    The three chatted for another ancient hour before Li Ya and Zhang Buku bade farewell.


    Li Ya was preparing to bring Zhang Buku into the sect, and there were many things to be busy with, so Gu An naturally did not keep them.


    Watching them disappear into the heavy snow, Gu An stood there for a while before entering the house.


    ...


    At the end of the year, as the Spring Festival approached, since the human race hadpletely ovee the demon cmity, it seemed peaceful days were ahead, so Lv Baixia ordered an extravagant Spring Festival celebration this year.


    Before the Spring Festival even arrived, each city began preparations, and this atmosphere also affected Mystic Valley and the Third Medicine Valley.


    To wee the new era, Lv Baitian issued various decrees, raising the treatment of every level of disciple, down to even the servant disciples, making the entire sect jubnt.


    Riding the Blood Prison Great Saint, Gu An strolled through the Outer Gate City. He could sense many people hiding their cultivation levels in the city, with more than twenty Mystic Heart Realm cultivators, three Mahayana Realm, and one in the Nirvana Realm.


    These people were all from overseas, and in the past year they had been gathering various intelligence, mainly about the views of Supreme Sect cultivators on the Holy Land Seven Stars Spirit Realm and Sword Venerable Fudao.


    They did not affect Gu An, so he could not be bothered with them.


    Along the way, Gu An met many old acquaintances, some who graduated from Medicine Valley, and some fellow disciples he met at the Book Collection Hall and Elixir Hall. Engaging in small talk, he did not feel bored, but rather found it interesting.


    Listening to friends'' current endeavors in immortal cultivation also broadened his experience.


    The Spring Festival atmosphere enveloped every street, even the Blood Prison Great Saint looked around curiously.


    Unknowingly, Gu An arrived at the Heavenly Repair tform again.


    The vast Heavenly Repair tform was crowded and noisy, with many Outer Disciples standing guard around the edges.


    First vanquish the Demon Ancestor, then eliminate the Evil Demon, Sword Venerable Fudao''s prestige had reached its peak. Even disciples from other sects woulde to the Heavenly Repair tform to worship the words "Righteous Path".


    The entire Immortal Cultivation World was discussing Sword Venerable Fudao, and it was worth mentioning that the Sword Venerable Legend written by Xuan Tianyi had be a hit.


    In the book, Sword Venerable Fudao liked to tap his enemies on the shoulder at night, which corresponded perfectly with the earlier scene where he pressed down on Divine Soul True Lord''s shoulder, making people wonder if Green Hero knew Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An just watched from below the tform. There were many like him, mostly Foundation Establishment Realm and Qi Cultivation Realm, content to watch the excitement from afar.


    Then, Gu An patted the Blood Prison Great Saint, guiding it.


    With the festivaling, he had to prepare gifts for the disciples.


    This year''s Spring Festival held a different meaning, as the Supreme Sect was ready for rapid development. The previous Golden List Conference, Alchemy Meeting, and the World''s First Sword Dao Conference had umted enormous wealth for the Supreme Sect, and now with the world in peace, it was time to make great strides.


    Gu An also needed to gather high-rank medical herbs for the Grotto Heaven.


    Suddenly.


    A prompt appeared before Gu An''s eyes.


    "Divine Soul True Lord has developed hostility towards you and formed the intention to kill. Would you like to perform Life Span Detection on him?"


    A prompt suddenly appeared before Gu An''s eyes, making him frown.


    Well then!


    Gu An took a deep breath and chose to perform Life Span Detection. He had looked before and wanted to see again because this time it was about his own life.


    "Divine Soul True Lord (Wandering Immortal Realm Third Layer): 28098/130000/180000"


    Currently, he had around ten thousand years of life left!


    He should be able to seize ten thousand years of life!


    Gu An changed his mind and had the Blood Prison Great Saint leave the Outer Gate City, heading outside instead of towards the inner sect, finding an uninhabited forest to stay for a while.


    ...


    Within a secluded pce, the floor reflected a luminous glow, with many spirit stones embedded in the stone pirs on both sides. It was these spirit stones that illuminated the hall.


    At the end of the hall, Divine Soul True Lord sat at the head seat, holding a scroll. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the ck-d man kneeling in the hall, saying, "You may leave."


    The ck-d man immediately turned and left. Once the door closed again, Divine Soul True Lord frowned, with his left hand supporting his cheek and his right hand holding the scroll, deep in thought.


    His gaze asionally nced at the scroll in his hand.


    "Xuan Tianyi¡­"


    Divine Soul True Lord muttered to himself. Since leaving the continent, although he feared Sword Venerable Fudao, he had not given up.


    He had ordered Supreme Sect''s spies to investigate all of Xuan Tianyi''s rtionships, and the scroll in his hand recorded everyone closely rted to Xuan Tianyi.


    The rising power of the Evil Demon was likely rted to Xuan Tianyi, and Sword Venerable Fudao intervened to save him.


    No matter how he thought about it, Divine Soul True Lord med Xuan Tianyi for the failure in the battle against the Evil Demon.


    So he developed a murderous intent towards Xuan Tianyi and his close associates.


    But he dared not act rashly, for perhaps Sword Venerable Fudao was among them in disguise.


    The mere thought of Sword Venerable Fudao made Divine Soul True Lord feel troubled.


    Fortunately, the Three Star Cave had not contacted him much over these years, or he really wouldn''t know how to report back.


    "Sigh!"


    Divine Soul True Lord sighed, stood up, and prepared to head to the small Spirit Realm to seclude himself.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm needed to maintain its image and avoid being discovered by nearby great powers. As the high-standing Cave Master, he only needed to issue orders and would not personally manage things.


    He took two steps forward, just about to descend the steps.


    A hand suddenlynded on his shoulder. Although it was just a light tap, his heart stopped.


    He couldn''t forget the feeling of being tapped on the shoulder by Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Fear instinctively arose in his heart, and as he was about to speak, an overwhelming mana surged into his body, instantly turning his flesh into ashes, and even his primordial spirit vanished.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The gap between the Ninth Layer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm and the Third Layer of the Wandering Immortal Realm was immense!


    In front of Gu An, Divine Soul True Lord was no different from an ant.


    The scroll in Divine Soul True Lord''s hand also turned to ashes along with him. Gu An, who had performed the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body technique, vanished as if he had never appeared.


    He quickly returned to the Supreme Sect, emerging from the bushes and walking towards the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    He had been out of the Blood Prison Great Saint''s sight for less than ten breaths.


    With its cultivation sealed, the Blood Prison Great Saint had no idea what he had done and immediately stood up after seeing him return.


    Gu An hung the wildflowers he had casually picked on the Blood Prison Great Saint''s horns and directed it towards Mystic Valley.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint did not think much and carried Gu An away.


    At this moment, Gu An appeared calm, but his heart was far from at peace.


    He looked again at the prompt. Killing Divine Soul True Lord had given him ten thousand five hundred years of life.


    The Wandering Immortal Realm was indeed formidable, no longer akin to weeds!


    When he killed Divine Soul True Lord, Gu An did not even dare to perform a Soul Search as Divine Soul True Lord surely knew many high-realm immortals, and he feared that soul searching might alert those powerful beings.


    He was already peering into the Way of Cause and Effect. If he delved deeply into this path, it would be like gaining foresight of potential life threats.


    He had not even explored that cave.


    For a great cultivator like Divine Soul True Lord to disappear for decades or even a hundred years was not unusual.


    It remained to be seen whether the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had a device to contact its disciples.


    Gu An had once read a book stating that some sects across the seas possessed special artifacts. When a sect member perished, they could detect it immediately.


    Anyway, he would take a gamble. Gu An would not allow someone harboring murderous intent towards him to live. The longer they were left unchecked, the greater the danger!


    ...


    After the Spring Festival, the Supreme Sect began promoting the World''s First Cultivation Meeting.


    What was the Cultivation Meeting?


    This idea, inspired by the Heaven-Cutting Axe, was to create a heavy object that participants would control with spiritual power. The announcement of this meeting caused widespread interest in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Such a meeting had never been held before. Lv Baitian nned to prepare for five years and even hinted at participation from overseas cultivators.


    Since killing Divine Soul True Lord, Gu An observed the territory of the Three Dynasties every day with his divine sense. Fortunately, everything was peaceful, and the life span detection had not been triggered.


    In mid-March, Lv Baitian visited Gu An.


    The two drank wine in the house, with Gu An listening carefully to Lv Baitian''s ambitious ns, asionally interjecting.


    He did not understand how to manage a sect but could offer some suggestions. Currently, Lv Baitian''s ideas aligned with his own.


    Lv Baitian put all his efforts outward, and the entire sect worked hard for its growth, reducing internal strife significantly. The Supreme Sect enjoyed unprecedented harmony.


    "Even though the world appears peaceful now, I still feel uneasy, just like half a year ago when dealing with the Evil Demon. That mysterious cultivator, his cultivation was iparably strong."


    Lv Baitian put down his wine bowl and sighed.


    That person was already dead.


    Gu An silently answered in his heart but said, "Wasn''t it said that the person was an immortal senior from the Holy Land? The Holy Land shouldn''t bring cmity, right?"


    Lv Baitian curled his lips and said, "Who knows. Alright, let''s not talk about this. I just hope that in my lifetime, the Supreme Sect can produce someone who surpasses the Mahayana Realm. For this, I will spare no effort."


    Gu An nodded and said, "An Hao is exceptionally talented; he is the best candidate."


    "Indeed."


    Lv Baitian smiled. After experiencing the Demon Cmity, he seemed to have a new perspective on An Hao.


    This was good too. He hoped Lv Baitian would focus on An Hao as Gu An did not want to be the sect leader.


    The two talked for a long time before Lv Baitian finally bade farewell.


    He had gained new ideas from Gu An. Even before the World''s First Cultivation Meeting began, he was already nning the next grand event.


    After Lv Baitian left, Gu An did not stay long at the Third Medicine Valley either. He returned to Mystic Valley, then quietly left.


    He continuously used the Limitless Freedom Step, quickly distancing himself from the maind.


    After several steps, he arrived on a vast ind, the most prosperous in this sea area, with a cultivator poption exceeding five million, always bustling with people.


    He did not disguise himself since the Supreme Sect was so far away. Even a Mahayana Realm cultivator would take a lot of time to get here, and there were countless sea demons along the way.


    Here, no one recognized him!


    The purpose of this trip was to purchase medicinal herb seeds. His Grotto Heaven only grew herbs of the seventh rank or higher!

 Chapter 209: Chapter 209 Meng Lang, Loose Immortal Realm Level 6

    Beforeing, Gu An had already observed with his divine sense that the strongest on the ind was slightly stronger than a Divine Soul True Lord, but not by much. If there was a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, he would not have dared toe.


    If there was a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, then there could be an even higher realm.


    If the strongest on the surface was only a Wandering Immortal, there should not be a more terrifying existence hidden in the shadows.


    Even if there was, as long as Gu An did not cause trouble, nothing should happen.


    He went to the Sea Protection Mansion in the city, intending to conduct a transaction and register for an identity token, which would allow him to enter and exit the various buildings. This was information he had gathered with his divine sense earlier.


    The Sea Protection Mansion was veryrge, with many cultivatorsing and going, covering an area of a hundred miles. As soon as Gu An entered, a servant greeted him.


    "Senior, may I ask what you are here for?"


    "To register for an identity token."


    "Alright, let me take you there. This way, please."


    The servant''s demeanor was very respectful and enthusiastic.


    Gu An followed him. There were many servants like him. Although their attire was not luxurious, it was clean and respectful. From the color of their clothes, their status in the Sea Protection Mansion could be judged. The clothes of this servant were the mostmon.


    After asking Gu An if he was a neer, the servant began to introduce the Sea Protection Mansion and the ind to him.


    This ind was called Immortal Seeking Ind, a famous neutral ind in the ocean. Transactions could be conducted here safely. If something went wrong, the Ind Master would ensure justice. Moreover, connections could be made with Great Sects such as the Star Sea Congregations, Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and Deep Sea Spirit Pce.


    When introducing the background of Immortal Seeking Ind, the servant was not arrogant, remaining humble, which Gu An found impable.


    When Gu An asked for his name, the servant was ttered and quickly introduced himself.


    Actually, even without his introduction, Gu An already knew, but it was necessary to go through the formalities.


    [Hu Xiaojian (Nascent Soul Realm, Second Layer): 480/860/2200]


    A lifespan of this extent could make him a genius in the Supreme Sect, but on Immortal Seeking Ind, he could only serve as a servant.


    Gu An sighed inwardly.


    "By the way, Senior, have you reached the Immortal Path Realm? If so, I can guide you to obtain a High-Rank Identity Token, whiches with various benefits." Hu Xiaojian asked cautiously.


    He could tell from Gu An''s extraordinary bearing, though not overbearing, that Gu An was likely a Great Cultivator who had returned to simplicity.


    Gu An responded affirmatively, making Hu Xiaojian even more excited.


    After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, under Hu Xiaojian''s guidance, Gu An arrived at arge hall where most of the cultivatorsing and going were in the Mahayana Realm or Nirvana Realm.


    The Nirvana Realm cultivators were likely outsiders like Gu An, while the Mahayana Realm cultivators belonged to the Sea Protection Mansion.


    As for Loose Immortals, they were rare to encounter.


    Hu Xiaojian approached an elderly man and exined Gu An''s intention. The elder immediately stood up and led the two to a side hall.


    [Chu Feng (Nirvana Realm, Fifth Layer): 3860/15000/17000]


    Gu An silently noted this information, then followed Chu Feng.


    Chu Feng took a white jade token, uninscribed, from a redwood cab, handed it to Gu An, and said, "Inject your mana into this, then silently recite your name to register."


    Gu An took the white jade token, adjusted his cultivation level, and injected his mana.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After a few breaths, he raised the identity token to show Chu Feng.


    "Meng Lang, Loose Immortal Realm, Sixth Layer."


    Chu Feng read aloud, then quickly raised his hand in salute, respectfully addressing him as Senior.


    Hu Xiaojian was even more excited, also saluting.


    Gu An put away the identity token and casually asked, "I heard there are many benefits to a High-Rank Identity Token?"


    Chu Feng nodded and respectfully introduced the benefits of a High-Rank Identity Token.


    Tax transaction discounts, permanent cave residence, allocation of five servants, and more.


    Gu An was very pleased with what he heard and ultimately decided to have Hu Xiaojian lead the way, making Hu Xiaojian feel ttered while Chu Feng smiled and encouraged Hu Xiaojian.


    Thus, Gu An began his procurement journey on Immortal Seeking Ind.


    First, he had to exchange for Spirit Stones. It was worth mentioning that on Immortal Seeking Ind, the basic currency was a Top-Grade Spirit Stone. Low-grade and Mid-Grade Spirit Stones were not allowed here.


    Low-Rank Cultivators did not even have the qualification to enter the ind, a harsh reality.


    But on second thought, who below the Nascent Soul Realm could cross the ocean to reach Immortal Seeking Ind?


    Immortal Seeking Ind was surrounded by millions of miles of sea, with no other inds around. As for the maind, it was even farther away.


    To Hu Xiaojian, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was a distant power. He had heard most about the Star Sea Congregations, the overlords of the ocean!


    ...


    In the evening, Gu An returned to Mystic Valley.


    Purchasing medicinal herbs took time, not a one-time deal. However, Immortal Seeking Ind had plenty of high-rank medicinal herbs, even offering Ninth-Rank Medicinal Herbs, enough to meet Gu An''s needs.


    It was said that every few decades, Immortal Path Spirit Trees might even be auctioned on Immortal Seeking Ind.


    After greeting the disciples in the valley, he went upstairs.


    Once the procurement was done, it would be time to publish Journey to the West!


    Today''s trip to Immortal Seeking Ind had put Gu An in a good mood. Using the name Meng Lang was a way tomemorate an old friend.


    He was not worried about being recognized.


    Most people who knew Gu An would never reach Immortal Seeking Ind in their lifetimes. As for geniuses like Xuan Tianyi and An Hao, without advancing to the Immortal Path Realm, they would find it difficult toe.


    If Xuan Tianyi had connections with the Star Sea Congregations, he might have the chance to go to Immortal Seeking Ind, but he had never heard of Meng Lang.


    Gu An thought that many yearster, if he met Xuan Tianyi overseas, Xuan Tianyi''s expression would be interesting.


    Speaking of Xuan Tianyi, that guy was still recovering from his injuries in the Supreme Sect. Who knows when he would recover his strength.


    Gu An set aside these thoughts and focused on writing.


    A monthter.


    Having just turned ny-eight, Gu An came to Nianchu Cave. He found Tian Yao''er and brought her into his Grotto Heaven, then took out arge number of medicinal herb seeds and handed them to her for nting.


    Looking at the multitude of seeds, Tian Yao''er''s eyes widened, her breath quickening, "How long will this take to nt?"


    Gu An had spent all his wealth, yet only a quarter of it was used. He chuckled softly, "These seeds are at least Seventh-Order. Be careful, if you ruin any, I''ll have to hold you ountable."


    Seventh-order¡­seventh-order?


    Tian Yao''er was stunned, then thrilled. With so many high-rank medicinal herbs properly nted, the Spiritual Energy here would be abundant, wouldn''t it?


    She immediately began to take action.


    Gu An, on the other hand, infused his mana into the ground, converting it into Five Element Spiritual Energy.


    Relying solely on the Grotto Heaven to absorb Earth Spirit Energy was too slow.


    Fortunately, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill documented a sorcery on how to convert mana into Spiritual Energy.


    Busy days awaited!


    ...


    Time flew by, and the Immortal Cultivation World weed a period of peace. In the blink of an eye, two years had passed.


    Gu An''s total lifespan had reached six million seven hundred thousand years. He had nted all the high-rank medicinal herbs he had purchased in his Grotto Heaven, but the maturity time for Seventh-Order Medicinal Grass was extremely long, so he had to be patient.


    Though the wait was long, once harvested, it would be an enormous amount of lifespan!


    Moreover, Seventh-Order Medicinal Grass had a strong life force and required little oversight.


    That year, the Supreme Sect had grown much stronger. Meanwhile, the Taicang Dynasty and the Tianwei Dynasty had begun to war, while the Great Jiang Dynasty remained stable, not participating in the conflict.


    The dynastic struggles were cruel but not a catastrophe, having no impact on the Immortal Cultivation World.


    Gu An nned to achieve Core Formation that year.


    His surface cultivation level needed to be improved!


    One day at noon, Xuan Tianyi came to visit Gu An.


    As they entered the house to chat, Xuan Tianyi cast many restrictions first. He was now the strongest cultivator in the Supreme Sect but still deployed many restrictions, indicating his awareness of several Great Cultivators infiltrating the Supreme Sect.


    "Did you see the celestial phenomenon from that battle?" Xuan Tianyi turned to Gu An and asked solemnly.


    Gu An nodded, then motioned for him to sit and talk.


    Bam!


    Xuan Tianyi mmed the table in fury, cursing, "I was schemed against by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm! A bunch of bastards! This isn''t over!"


    Gu An''s eyelids twitched. Why are you telling me this?


    He suddenly suspected that the Divine Soul True Lord''s hostility towards him a few months ago was due to investigating Xuan Tianyi''s connections.


    "The Seven Stars Spirit Realm? Are you talking about the Holy Land?" Gu An asked cautiously.


    Xuan Tianyi sat down, took a deep breath, and said, "Yes, I was thrown into the Evil Demon''s sealing ground by cultivators from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. If not for Sword Venerable Fudao''s intervention, they would have wanted to eliminate mepletely. How hateful! Divine Soul True Lord, just you wait!"


    Gu An said worriedly, "The Holy Land is powerful. You mustn''t be reckless. Even the entire Supreme Sect wouldn''t be enough."


    Xuan Tianyi looked at him and snorted, "I know that, but I''m not just a disciple of the Supreme Sect. I''m also a disciple of the Star Sea Congregations. My peers have already infiltrated the Supreme Sect. I''m nning to head south and inform my master about this. The Star Sea Congregations and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm both follow the righteous path and do not harm themon people. I will ensure the Seven Stars Spirit Realm doesn''t have it easy!"


    How bold!


    You have a backer, and you didn''t say so earlier?


    Forcing me to take risks?


    Gu Anined inwardly, feeling helpless.


    Xuan Tianyi, seeing through his thoughts, said with a hint of regret, "After all, it is the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Without a legitimate reason, the Star Sea Congregations would not act. I don''t have that kind of influence, but if I had evidence, it would be different. Anyway, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm won''t have a good timeing."


    Gu An cautioned him, "Though I don''t know how powerful the Star Sea Congregations are, be careful. The journey south is long; if anything happens on the way..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence, but Xuan Tianyi understood.


    "No worries. I will be apanied by other disciples of the Star Sea Congregations, and there will be Immortal Path seniors overseeing from abroad. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm won''t dare to act rashly." Xuan Tianyi reassured him.


    Gu An felt relieved.


    Xuan Tianyi then said, "You focus on your cultivation. Someday, I''ll take you into the Star Sea Congregations; you might gain immortal destiny."


    Gu An shook his head, "Forget it. The ocean is a ce for the high and mighty. As a mere mortal, I''ll stay in the Supreme Sect. I don''t want to be a burden."


    Xuan Tianyi tried to persuade him further but was diverted by Gu An, who asked him when he would return.


    Xuan Tianyi said it depended on the situation, ranging from a few years to several decades. But he would definitely return, as his next goal was to help develop the Supreme Sect.


    Although he was angry, he saw this as an opportunity. If the Star Sea Congregations pressured the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the Supreme Sect could develop.


    Even though he now belonged to the Star Sea Congregations, he wanted to help the Supreme Sect.


    In any case, he believed that no matter how the Supreme Sect developed, it could never catch up to the Star Sea Congregations!

 Chapter 210 Journey to the West Emerges, Shocking the World

    Gu An chatted with Xuan Tianyi for a full two ancient hours. Before leaving, Gu An even gave him half a set of Journey to the West.


    So many years had passed, he had already written Journey to the West, but he wanted to release itter and kept refining his calligraphy, so he had rewritten Journey to the West many times.


    The reason for giving Xuan Tianyi only half was because he was afraid Xuan Tianyi might leak it.


    Always leave some suspense!


    After Xuan Tianyi left, Gu An followed downstairs and rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Mystic Valley.


    Ye Lan was waiting for him in the pavilion. He dismounted from the Blood Prison Great Saint''s back and leisurely went upstairs.


    When the two met, they exchanged pleasantries.


    Over the past year, Ye Lan had been very busy and could onlye to see him during the Spring Festival.


    "Senior Brother, you are turning a hundred this year. How about a celebration?" Ye Lan asked with a smile.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "Why would a cultivator celebrate a big birthday? No need, I don''t like trouble."


    Ye Lan nodded and didn''t press further. She just mentioned it casually. After all, a hundred years was an important milestone.


    They started chatting. Ye Lan didn''t have any special reason to see Gu An, she just missed him.


    They talked about everything, from the Supreme Sect to the Immortal Cultivation World, and even about themon folk. Most of the time, Ye Lan did the talking, and Gu An chimed in.


    A long time passed.


    Gu An was concerned about her Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    Ye Lan said that she practiced it daily, although her cultivation level hadn''t increased, she could feel the umtion of the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    Gu An took out arge number of prepared supreme-grade elixirs for her, telling her to take them promptly. In twenty years, she would need to unseal the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    By then, it was unknown how much her maximum lifespan would increase.


    Faced with Gu An''s gifts and arrangements, Ye Lan did not refuse and instead showed a happy smile.


    Seeing her smile, Gu An couldn''t help but shiver.


    "Junior Sister, don''t misunderstand, I will always be your Senior Brother," Gu An said seriously.


    Ye Lan nodded with a smile. She stood up, walked to Gu An''s side, and ced her hands on his shoulders.


    It had always been him who patted others'' shoulders; only his Junior Sister could pat his.


    Ah, well, she was his Junior Sister, after all.


    "Sit down, no hands-on."


    "Oh, Senior Brother, I won''t do anything inappropriate, just likest time."


    "You dare mentionst time?"


    "What''s wrong with a little touch? I promise I won''t go further."


    "Don''t speak such bold words, sit down, I have something to tell you."


    "Say it, I''ll just stand by your side."


    ...


    Three dayster, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Outer Gate City. He made his way to the Book Collection Hall.


    The Great Elder of the Book Collection Hall, Feng Shang, personally received Gu An. After they were seated, Feng Shang asked with a smile, "Shattering the Void is finished. Do you have a new book in mind?"


    Though Shattering the Void''s reputation wasn''t as great as Investiture of the Gods, it made a lot of money, benefiting not only him but the entire Outer Gate City as well.


    Their Outer Gate City had be the top among the eight outer gate cities, with Sword Venerable Fudao in martial and Pan An in literature.


    Every time he read Investiture of the Gods, Feng Shang felt Gu An resembled Sword Venerable Fudao.


    But thinking that Gu An was not yet a hundred years old, he found his spection absurd. Though perhaps Pan An was somehow rted to Sword Venerable Fudao, maybe this was why Pan An refused to write about Sword Venerable Fudao, fearing people might discover the connection.


    Gu An took out five books from his storage bag, which were the first half of Journey to the West.


    Feng Shang picked up the topmost book and, seeing the cover, he couldn''t help but read aloud, "Journey to the West?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The name sounded ordinary.


    He was a bit disappointed, but considering Pan An''s fame, even an ordinary book would earn spirit stones.


    He began to read, and after a few moments, his expression changed slightly. He straightened his back and read more intently.


    As time went on, his right hand began to tremble.


    When he read about Sun Wukong causing havoc in the Heavenly Pce, he couldn''t help but p his thigh in excitement.


    Gu An shook his head andughed. He stood up and said, "The books are yours. Leave the rest to you."


    Having worked with the Book Collection Hall for so many years, he naturally didn''t worry about them deceiving him.


    Upon hearing this, Feng Shang quickly stood up, excitedly saying, "Journey to the West will definitely be a hit. This is a divine bookparable to Investiture of the Gods. No, it''s even better than Investiture of the Gods!"


    Journey to the West had a stronger narrative ability and the plot was highly engaging. Watching Sun Wukong''s birth, his struggle for kingship, and his journey to the sea to seek immortality, he felt it resonated well with the cultivators in the Immortal Cultivation World. Furthermore, when the Heavenly Court appointed Sun Wukong as the Horses'' Fortune, and he endured humiliation in Heaven, he couldn''t help but anticipate Sun Wukong''s rebellion.


    He hadn''t expected Sun Wukong to actually cause havoc in the Heavenly Pce!


    It was truly powerful!


    Feng Shang genuinely admired Gu An, who could think of anything. Moreover, the spells, dharma treasures, and powers in Journey to the West felt real, as he had heard simr legends before.


    There were stories of a Dragon Pce under the sea, immortals in the heavens, and sages overseas, among others.


    Gu An smiled at him and, without saying much, turned and left.


    Feng Shang watched Gu An walk out the door, with sunlight shining on him, feeling dazed.


    Truly an immortal!


    Gu An found the Blood Prison Great Saint and rode it away from the Book Collection Hall.


    Along the street, he asionally encountered old acquaintances, greeting them with a smile.


    After the Ji Family withdrew from the Supreme Sect, the Zhou Family also switched to the Cangtian Sect. The departure of the two great families happened quietly. Had it been decades earlier, the Supreme Sect would have been severely weakened, but now, there didn''t seem to be any impact. Instead, the Supreme Sect had grown even stronger.


    However, Gu An heard other family names from the passing cultivators.


    This was the Supreme Sect. When some left, others would take their ce.


    This was a sign of continuous prosperity!


    Who knew when the Supreme Sect would reach the levels of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm and the Star Sea Congregations?


    At that time, how many of his old acquaintances would still be around?


    Gu An''s thoughts drifted with the bumping of the ox''s back, fantasizing about scenes thousands or even tens of thousands of years in the future.


    ...


    A blink of an eye.


    Another year passed.


    This year, the Supreme Sect''s First Under Heaven''s Cultivation Level Tournament was about tomence, but the hottest topic was a book.


    Journey to the West!


    With the release of Pan An''s Journey to the West, the entire Immortal Cultivation World was shaken!


    Initially thought to be another mediocre book like Supreme Immortal Venerable or Shattering the Void, it turned out to be a ssical type like Investiture of the Gods!


    Great Sage Equalling Heaven Sun Wukong became the most popr name in the three dynasties'' Immortal Cultivation World!


    Pan An was once again elevated to a god-like status. With just one Journey to the West, people no longer doubted his talent, and some even imed that Journey to the West was superior to Investiture of the Gods!


    Lv Baitian seized the opportunity to leverage the poprity of Journey to the West, dering that the person who won the top spot in the First Under Heaven''s Cultivation Level Tournament would earn the title of Great Sage.


    This ignited even more interest and anticipation for the First Under Heaven''s Cultivation Level Tournament!


    Because of Journey to the West, Pan An''s fame within the Supreme Sect even overshadowed Sword Venerable Fudao for a while.


    Pan An had initiated a trend of book-chasing in the Immortal Cultivation World. Now, he once again outshone Sword Venerable Fudao through his literary work.


    In fact, many Immortal Cultivation stories had emerged after Pan An, but most cultivators still felt Pan An''s writings were the best. Gu An thought this was due to the initial euphoria of the first read, as the Immortal Cultivation World certainly had many literary talented cultivators.


    One day.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint once again to the Outer Gate City. He felt there would be some excitement to watch today.


    The city was bustling with people, cultivatorsing and going ceaselessly, very lively, almost like celebrating the Spring Festival. Gu An saw many cultivators in strange costumes, and even shape-shifting demons.


    Now, the Supreme Sect had begun recruiting demon n disciples, with great results. Each year, around ten thousand shape-shifting demons woulde to apprentice.


    The main character in Journey to the West being a demon had made the entire demonmunity more favorable towards the Supreme Sect.


    Arriving at the surroundings of the Heavenly Repair tform, the Blood Prison Great Saint halted. He heard people around talking.


    "Have you read Journey to the West? The Book Collection Hall put up another batch yesterday, and I managed to get a copy."


    "Then lend it to me. I read an unofficial version that doesn''t contain Pan An''s handwriting."


    "Recently, more and more people have been challenging the Heaven-Cutting Axe. They say that whoever can lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe can secure the top spot in the First Under Heaven''s Cultivation Level Tournament."


    "You''re joking. Even the champion can''t possibly lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe!"


    Some were talking about Journey to the West, some about Sword Venerable Fudao, but most were discussing the First Under Heaven''s Cultivation Level Tournament.


    Gu An silently counted down.


    After a while.


    He thought to himself, Here ites.


    A dominating aura enveloped the Heavenly Repair tform, followed by a loud voice that echoed throughout the city:


    "I am the foremost cultivator of Lingxia, Qiao Dai. All of you move aside. I want to challenge the Heaven-Cutting Axe!"


    Boom!


    The entire city trembled. Everyone looked towards the sky above the Heavenly Repair tform and saw a majestic figure floating in the air. It was a man in a yellow robe, wearing a golden crown and a python belt, with an aura like a swirling dragon around him.


    Gu An cast a Life Span Detection spell on him.


    [Qiao Dai (Mahayana Realm Ninth Layer): 898/8900/8900]


    An extreme lifespan of 8900 years!


    Among Nirvana ded, he was second only to An Hao and the Blood Prison Great Saint, even surpassing Xuan Tianyi.


    Gu An could feel that this person contained qi-blood beyond the Mahayana Realm.


    Of course, it was only beyond, reaching the Nirvana Realm was impossible.


    The weakest in the Nirvana Realm was stronger than the strongest in the Mahayana Realm. This¾³½ç was the barrier between the mortal and the immortal!


    People around the Heaven-Cutting Axe gave way, and Qiao Dai descended.


    Many were discussing where Lingxia was.


    Gu An knew about Lingxia. It was the dynasty in the far north of the continent, created by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Everyone in that dynasty was a descendant of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators.


    But the territories of the three dynasties hadn''t interacted with Lingxia yet.


    Zuo Yijian stood beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, eyeing Qiao Dai.


    Qiao Dai exuded an emperor''s aura, and with each step, a dragon''s roar apanied him, which made Zuo Yijian secretly marvel.


    When he reached the Heaven-Cutting Axe, Qiao Dai didn''t try to lift it immediately. Instead, he looked at Zuo Yijian and said, "Move away, so you don''t get hurt!"


    "You..."


    Zuo Yijian was instantly infuriated, crumpling the Journey to the West in his hand.


    An Elder in the Unification Realm appeared out of thin air and said, "Listen to him, everyone back off."


    Upon hearing this, Zuo Yijian reluctantly retreated. The cultivators meditating around the righteous words also got up, including Di Xie.


    Ji Hantian appeared among the crowd, watching Qiao Dai with solemn eyes.


    The Ji Family had close ties with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and he had met Qiao Dai in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. At that time, he was still young, and Qiao Dai was already the most famous genius in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Though most of the Ji Family had joined the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, Ji Hantian had a strong aversion to it, which made him dislike Qiao Dai.


    He couldn''t help but say, "Without Immortal Path cultivation, don''t dream of challenging!"

 Chapter 211: Chapter 211 The Unfathomable Gu An

    Qiao Dai ignored Ji Hantian''s provocation and fixed his gaze on the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Everyone looked at him. Over the years, there were countless cultivators who came to challenge the Heaven-Cutting Axe, but few had such amanding presence like him.


    The number one cultivator in Lingxia, it sounded quite intimidating!


    Though Qiao Dai appeared calm, in fact, he was very nervous inside.


    In recent years, Sword Venerable Fudao''s prestige was incredibly strong, spreading widely even within the Spirit Realm. Qiao Dai knew he could not possibly be a match for Sword Venerable Fudao, but since the Heaven-Cutting Axe was merely a treasure left behind by Sword Venerable Fudao, he still had confidence in lifting it.


    He raised his right hand and gripped the handle of the axe.


    At the moment he grasped it, he felt an unprecedented heaviness.


    His brows furrowed, and he immediately began to exert force.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The Heavenly Repair tform quaked, and everyone watched him nervously.


    No matter which sect they were from, the cultivators on the tform did not want him to lift it.


    The disciples of the Supreme Sect cared about face, while disciples from other sects cared about opportunity; who wouldn''t want to be the heir of Sword Venerable Fudao?


    To this day, Sword Venerable Fudao had be a figure of worship for all sects under three dynasties.


    Under Gu An, the Blood Prison Great Saint secretly marveled. He too wanted to try lifting the Heaven-Cutting Axe. So far, the only person he couldn''t surpass was the one on his back.


    This fellow named Qiao Dai was different. The Blood Prison Great Saint could sense that Qiao Dai''s cultivation level was even higher than his own.


    If Qiao Dai couldn''t move the axe, then he would have no hope.


    This made him even more wary of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Just leaving a Dharma treasure on the tform, and over the years, no one could lift it, let alone move it. It was unimaginable how high Sword Venerable Fudao''s cultivation realm must be.


    Qiao Dai also started using a secret technique, making his momentum soar, causing even the Outer City to tremble.


    More and more figures appeared on the Heavenly Repair tform, all high-ranking members of the Supreme Sect. They looked at Qiao Dai with eyes full of fear.


    But as they watched, the great cultivators of the Supreme Sect began to smile.


    The momentum was terrifying, but it was useless!


    If it couldn''t be lifted, it just couldn''t be lifted! Zuo Yijian watched Qiao Dai''s contorted face with silent glee.


    Let him be arrogant¡ªwith such limited skills, he dared to challenge the Heaven-Cutting Axe?


    In the end, Qiao Dai did not be like Xuan Tianyi or Ji Xuanling. He only attempted for a few breaths before his momentum suddenly receded.


    He stood straight, withdrew his right hand, and said, "As expected of Sword Venerable Fudao, I, Qiao Dai, admit defeat!"


    His voice echoed throughout the city, resonating endlessly.


    Even though his words were boastful, many people wanted to ask who he was, having never heard of him before. But recalling Qiao Dai''s earlier momentum, no one dared offend him.


    Not daring to offend Qiao Dai, they all praised Sword Venerable Fudao instead!


    Suddenly, the Heavenly Repair tform became lively, and everyone started discussing the strength of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Qiao Dai looked at Ji Hantian and snorted, "Where is your sect leader? I want to meet him!"


    Ji Hantian nodded, then motioned for Qiao Dai to follow. The two quickly left the Outer City.


    Gu An patted the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, signaling it could go.


    After leaving the Outer City, Gu An said leisurely, "In a few years, I will let you reach the second level, able to speak human words."


    Hearing this, the Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes brightened.


    Not being able to speak was really unbearable!


    He couldn''t wait to curse those ants who kept touching him all day long!


    "But remember, there are things you can say and things you can''t," Gu An reminded.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint nodded quickly. Actually, there wasn''t much he could say, as he had no idea how strong Gu An really was.


    ...


    Day by day passed, and it came to the end of summer.


    On the peak of the mountain north of Mystic Valley, Gu An was sparring with Chu Jingfeng in swordsmanship.


    While swinging his sword, Gu An''s divine sense spread out, surveying the continent inside and out.


    He saw a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal traversing the sky, descending to the Mortal World at the eastern end of the firmament.


    Over the years, he saw many figuresing and going between heaven and earth. Though Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were rare, at his level, he could see at least one every day, showing how vast this mortal world was. Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were not the strongest.


    Even at the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, Gu An''s divine sense could not cover the entire Mortal World.


    No wonder it was called the Great Heavenly Spirit Land; this mortal world was truly vast!


    For Gu An, the bigger this world was, the better. Therger the world, the smaller and more insignificant he felt.


    After a while, Gu An sensed a vast aura erupting from the eastern direction, far from the continent, even farther than Immortal Seeking Ind.


    But that aura made his heart tremble.


    It was very powerful!


    It didn''t seem like the aura of a living being''s cultivation, but rather some kind of supreme treasure.


    Could it be that someone from beyond the heavens came for this mysterious supreme treasure?


    It seemed highly possible to Gu An.


    At this moment, Chu Jingfeng sheathed his sword, gasping, "I''m exhausted, can''t match you."


    He looked at Gu An with aplex expression.


    Every time he felt his swordsmanship had improved significantly, he would spar with Gu An. Each time, it seemed he was about to win, but the result was always defeat.


    The twopeted in swordsmanship without using spiritual power, purely relying on qi.


    Of course, if he couldn''t defeat Gu An before his qi was depleted, it meant his swordsmanship wasn''t superior to Gu An''s.


    Gu An smiled, "Just a little more, you are much stronger than before."


    Chu Jingfeng wiped the sweat off his forehead and stared at Gu An, asking, "Do you mean you are also improving, or have you been holding back?"


    He increasingly felt that Gu An was unfathomable. Initially, he was merely grateful to Gu An, but now he felt Gu An was either a peerless genius or a high-level cultivator hiding his cultivation.


    He thought back to the years when the Demon of Greed caused chaos. The Demon of Greed had perished in Gu An''s house, but to this day, no one discovered who had saved Gu An.


    Could it be Gu An himself?


    Gu Anughed, "Hey, I''m at the ninth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm, about to reach Core Formation. Isn''t it normal to beat you? Don''t forget, I''m ranked 500th on the Golden List!"


    Seeing his smug expression, Chu Jingfeng couldn''t help but shake his head and smile.


    Right, why overthink!


    In any case, he was now a cripple, weaker than everyone.


    After chatting for a while longer, Gu An gripped his Heavenly Residence Sword and descended the mountain, while Chu Jingfeng sat meditating on the cliff, reflecting on his earlier sword-fighting experiences.


    The next morning, the first Heavenly Strength Tournament officially began. It was said that over fifty thousand cultivators and demons had signed up, covering all realms. There were even mysterious Mahayana cultivators participating.


    Gu An did not participate; instead, he headed to Tianya Valley to harvest medicinal herbs.


    This year, he aimed to reach a lifespan of seven million years. After surpassing the ten million-year mark, he could look forward to a billion-year lifespan.


    A billion years would bring new abilities, the next time could be ten billion or even a hundred billion years for new functions?


    The thought was exciting to Gu An.


    If a billion years passed in the real world, how high would his cultivation level be?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ...


    The sky was clear, and the ocean was boundless. Immortal Seeking Ind sat on the ocean, small as a speck of dust, but when viewed up close, its prosperity was evident.


    Gu An returned to Immortal Seeking Ind, and exchanged all the medicinal herbs he had gathered over the past three years for top-grade spirit stones, then began to wander around.


    He nned to buy some high-quality cultivation elixirs to help Ye Lan and Xiaochuan. As for others, he wouldn''t go out of his way to help them; enjoying the elixirs he personally refined was good enough.


    Hu Xiaojian continued to lead the way for Gu An, full of enthusiasm.


    "By the way, senior, several months ago, a conflict broke out between the Star Sea Congregations and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Have you heard about it?" Hu Xiaojian asked suddenly, his expression excited.


    Gu An answered, "I''ve been secluded in training, unaware of this. Why did they sh?"


    Hu Xiaojian lowered his voice, "It''s said that a disciple of the Star Sea Congregations was killed by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, so a group of Star Sea Congregation cultivators attacked inds affiliated with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. They fought for three days and nights. Many say the Star Sea Congregations and Seven Stars Spirit Realm are going to war. They have been at peace for fifty thousand years, who knows if it''s true."


    "If these two top forces go to war, this ocean will be far from peaceful."


    Gu An first thought of Xuan Tianyi.


    Was Xuan Tianyi''s capability so great?


    On second thought, yes, a Mahayana cultivator of several hundred years was rare. Even on the ocean, he would be a top-tier talent. On Immortal Seeking Ind, Gu An had only seen a few.


    The two continued chatting as they moved forward.


    An hourter, Gu An had spent all his spirit stones, reaping abundant rewards.


    Spending on his junior brothers and sisters, he felt no regret, even if they were destined to die. He was willing to help them live a few hundred or thousand years longer.


    After dismissing Hu Xiaojian, Gu An began to wander Immortal Seeking Ind on his own.


    Immortal Seeking Ind wasrge, with numerous cities. Cultivators, demons, and spirit beasts were everywhere, making the streets very lively.


    Suddenly, someone brushed past Gu An. Due to the person''s peculiar attire, Gu An subconsciously threw a life span detection.


    [Nine-Finger Divine Lord (Second Layer of Traveling Immortal Realm): 170800/190000/800000]


    Hmm?


    Seventeen thousand years?


    Was this eighty thousand-year maximum lifespan serious?


    Gu An was intrigued. The person''s apparent cultivation was only at the Mahayana Realm. Even as a ninth-level Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm great cultivator, Gu An couldn''t see through his true cultivation level, indicating this man''s greatness.


    Of course, it was also possible that this person was not a wandering immortal, but had his cultivation level fall due to some reason.


    Gu An thought thetter was more likely. He didn''t turn back and continued forward.


    However, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord stopped. He wore a ck outfit like a wanderer; his clothes were not fancy, somewhat old, with a bamboo hat and arge wooden box on his back.


    He looked back, frowning under his hat, eyes filled with confusion.


    "Was it a misperception?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord felt someone watching him earlier but saw no one when he looked back.


    The strongest on this street was just a loose immortal.


    He retracted his gaze and continued on his way.


    30 minutester.


    He arrived at a residence and met a man in a purple robe in the courtyard.


    "Senior, please have a seat," the purple-robed man said with a smile, respectfully.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord sat down, cing therge wooden box beside him. He calmly asked, "What business do you have with me?"


    The purple-robed man sat, waved his right hand, and a purple light barrier rose around the courtyard, then quickly disappeared.


    He looked at the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and whispered, "Senior, I have a lead on the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure you sought before. It is somewhat troublesome; it involves the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Do you dare to venture there?"

 Chapter 212 : 212 Strange Aura

    After brushing past the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Gu An quickly left Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Although the Nine-Finger Divine Lord couldn''t threaten him at the moment, his age of one hundred seventy thousand years made Gu An reluctant to associate with him.


    Gu An had no need to make connections with great powers; he just wanted to avoid trouble.


    After returning to the Supreme Sect, he went to watch the First Cultivation Conference every few days and found it quite interesting.


    The Supreme Sect created different treasures ording to different realms, and it was said that the materials were brought from overseas by Xuan Tianyi. The heaviest was a Mahayana Realm treasure, heavier than a mountain.


    Because of this, the Supreme Sect also specially opened a venue and set upyers of restrictions to prevent the ground from copsing.


    Since there was nobat, the First Cultivation Conference didn''tst as long as previous events; in less than half a month, Qiao Dai won the first ce and was conferred the title of Great Sage of the Heavenly Peak by the Supreme Sect!


    Afterwards, Qiao Dai announced his decision to join the Supreme Sect and be an elder, which took Gu An by surprise.


    What is the Seven Stars Spirit Realm up to?


    Sending a Mahayana Realm cultivator to the Supreme Sect for no reason?


    Or are they nting a pawn?


    Gu An didn''t ask Lv Baitian; even if Qiao Dai had bad intentions, he wasn''t afraid.


    It only took one move to kill the Divine Soul True Lord, and it would be the same for Qiao Dai!


    However, after autumn arrived, Ji Hantian brought Qiao Dai to find Gu An, who happened to be in, so he received them in his building.


    Qiao Dai sat at the table, looked around the environment, and asked: "Are you Pan An?"


    Gu An, carrying a cup of tea to the table, responded: "I am Pan An. May I ask what business you have with me, senior?"


    The Ji Family had switched allegiance to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and now Ji Hantian brought Qiao Dai to find him, which made him think deeply.


    "Sit down and talk," Ji Hantian said with a warm smile, even taking the initiative to pour tea for the two of them.


    Gu An sat down and looked at Qiao Dai.


    Qiao Dai scrutinized him with an oppressive gaze.


    "What do you think of the Holy Land, Seven Stars Spirit Realm?" Qiao Dai asked.


    Gu An was stunned and replied: "The Seven Stars Spirit Realm is called a Holy Land; naturally, I respect it. Why do you ask me this?"


    Qiao Dai said: "Is Master Puti from the Oblique Moon Three Stars Cave in your writing meant to pay homage to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?"


    Master Puti was the teacher of Sun Wukong, the protagonist of Journey to the West. Ever since Journey to the West became a hit, Master Puti was often mentioned. Some even firmly believed that the Oblique Moon Three Stars Cave, the Spirit tform, and Square Inch Hill truly existed.


    Gu An nodded.


    Since the Ji Family had turned to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and Qiao Dai came from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, Gu An naturally had to go along with their thoughts.


    If these two still had doubts about him, he could only have Sword Venerable Fudao take action.


    Seeing Gu An nod, Qiao Dai didn''t seem pleased; instead, he frowned and said: "Actually, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm is not as good as you think."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An looked at him in amazement.


    What does this mean?


    Could it be that Qiao Dai harbored enmity toward the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Ji Hantian chimed in: "The previous great cmity of demons is rted to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. We sought you out because we feared you esteemed the Seven Stars Spirit Realm too much, and there are some things we need to tell you."


    Without waiting for Gu An to respond, Ji Hantian exined the origins of the Demon Ancestor and Evil Demon, leaving Gu An dumbfounded.


    Gu An actually knew this long ago but had to act surprised while contemting their intentions.


    After Ji Hantian finished, Qiao Dai said: "The actions of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm disgust me deeply. Ever since I embarked on the immortal cultivation path, I wanted to be an immortal who saves the world. That was also why I chose to join the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. But a friend of mine exposed the crimes of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. He came from the Lin Family, whose ancestor was in by Sword Venerable Fudao after attacking the Supreme Sect. Later, during the siege of the Evil Demon, the Lin Family suffered heavy losses."


    "Taking advantage of this, their adversaries within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm sought to exterminate them. Before fleeing, my friend left me a letter exposing the general misdeedsmitted by the high-ups of the Six Stars Cave against the Lin Family. It took me years to fully ept these facts."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An felt a sigh ofment at hearing that the Lin Family had been abandoned by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Of course, the Lin Family''s annihtion was not undeserved, just infighting among dogs.


    Gu An furrowed his brow and said: "I am merely a minor cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Why are you telling me this? I cannot help you. Don''t think of using Pan An''s name to expose the Holy Land; I cannot afford to provoke them."


    Ji Hantian smiled: "Rest assured, we are not that reckless. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm is currently too powerful, and even thebined forces of the three dynasties can''t shake it. We just hope you won''t exalt the Seven Stars Spirit Realm in your books in the future."


    Qiao Dai nodded and said: "Exactly. Your influence is truly great. I used to disdain it until I read your Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, only then realizing your prowess. However, I liked your Supreme Immortal Venerable the most; the story of aeback is more captivating."


    So that''s what it''s about...


    Gu An found it bothughable and exasperating. It was just a coincidence; in fact, he was subtly hinting that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm resembled the Buddhism Sect of Western Heaven.


    He pretended to contemte and then reluctantly agreed to the matter.


    Seeing Gu An seemingly hesitant, Ji Hantian and Qiao Dai didn''t get angry. They too took a long time to process this information when they first learned about it.


    Not only did they have to expose the evil side of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, but they also had to endure the pressure of confronting it directly.


    This was, after all, the most powerful force on the continent, with no equal!


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask: "If the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wishes to enve all beings, why engage in such roundabout methods? Even thebined forces of our three dynasties are no match for them, right?"


    Qiao Dai replied: "Not all of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm is evil. On the ocean, it remains a Holy Land of the Righteous Path. Our continent is merely one region of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, governed by the Six Stars Cave and Seven Stars Cave. Over the past tens of thousands of years, the high-ups of the Six Stars Cave sought extreme ways to break through the Heavenly Destiny, deceiving superiors and subordinates, leading to these consequences."


    "In the unseen world, there exists Qi Fortune and incense. If the beings of the continent detest the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the other Star Caves would surely notice. If the beings are exterminated, it would also attract the attention of surrounding forces. Fire can''t be wrapped in paper, and most cultivators within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm are unaware of this, considering themselves disciples of the Righteous Path."


    Once again, it was the parasites within the Righteous Pathmitting atrocities, but the parasites of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm were an existence that the beings of the continent couldn''t contend with.


    Gu An feigned a sudden realization, then asked a few more questions, even mentioning the Ephemera Sect.


    The reason the Ephemera Sect managed toe through the Nine Nether Road was due to the connection between its Hierarch, Butcher Immortal Jing, and an elder in the Six Stars Cave. The interwoven interests between the two were immeasurable. It seemed like they were allowing the Ephemera Sect to wreak havoc, but in reality, that elder wanted to devour the essence of the Origin Tree of Ephemera.


    Once the three dynasties'' cultivators sacrificed to the Origin Tree, the elder would strike, not only reaping benefits but also gaining a good reputation.


    The continent where the Ephemera Sect resided was also a subsidiary of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, extremely distant from here, so far that the cultivators of the Ephemera Sect had to rely on the Nine Nether Road. Without Mahayana Realm cultivation, they would surely die en route through the ocean.


    The three continued their conversation for an hour. Before leaving, Ji Hantian urged Gu An not to spread this matter.


    With the current strength of the Supreme Sect, it waspletely inadequate to contend against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, so they had to endure!


    Gu An rose to see them off. Watching Ji Hantian''s departing figure, he very much wanted to ask about the Ji Family''s true stance towards the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Currently, there were very few members of the Ji Family in the Supreme Sect, practically just Ji Hantian''s lineage.


    Speaking of which, when the Evil Demon broke free, Ji Xiaoyu gave Gu An a jade pendant to temporarily keep. It recorded the crimes of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and after so many years, Ji Xiaoyu had yet toe to reim it.


    Using his divine sense, he noticed Ji Xiaoyu heading towards the Tianwei Dynasty, moving towards the eastern ocean.


    What was this?


    Running away from marriage?


    ...


    Ji Hantian and Qiao Dai''s visit did not affect Gu An''s life. In the following days, he visited the Outer Gate City more and more frequently.


    During the winter season, with heavy snow falling.


    In front of the Law Enforcement Hall''s gate in the Outer Gate City, Gu An and Ye Lan stood before a statue.


    After taking the elixirs from Gu An, Ye Lan said helplessly: "This is too much. Senior brother, don''t you cultivate? Are you spending all day making elixirs for me?"


    Gu An patted the snow off her shoulder andughed softly: "Don''t worry. What I gave you is only a small part; the majority I consumed myself. How could you be more important in my heart than myself?"


    Ye Lan red at him but felt deeply moved inside.


    She wasn''t foolish. Gu An had definitely given her all the elixirs just to help her achieve the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    She was puzzled. She felt her body was still good, able to live for another two hundred years. Why was her senior brother so insistent on her achieving it in the next twenty years?


    Did her senior brother think she could only live for one hundred and twenty or thirty years?


    She didn''t ask much as she chose to trust her senior brother.


    The two started talking about Zhen Qin.


    For a long time.


    Gu An bid farewell to Ye Lan and turned to leave.


    Watching him walk into the heavy snow, Ye Lan felt an inexplicable sense of loss.


    This feeling was strange; she felt she and her senior brother were growing further apart.


    After leaving the Law Enforcement Hall, Gu An began wandering the streets.


    Although the winter snow was heavy, some streets remained bustling.


    Arriving in the busy market area, a young disciple approached him and whispered: "The long-lost Supreme Secret Records, want to buy? The kind with illustrations!"


    Gu An gave him a look of disdain, bypassed him, and continued on his way.


    The young disciple persisted; after a dozen steps of entanglement, he finally gave up.


    "So hypocritical! I spit on you!"


    The young disciple cursed at Gu An''s back.


    As he walked, Gu An unknowingly arrived near the Book Collection Hall and suddenly noticed someone reading a book under an old tree beside the hall''s courtyard wall.


    Reading Journey to the West, no less!


    Gu An walked past and curiously asked: "Brother, why don''t you read inside? There are seats in there."


    Foundation Establishment Realm, just average.


    Even his appearance was average.


    But Gu An felt something off about his aura, so he used life span detection.


    {You Yingying (Foundation Establishment Realm, Eighth Floor): 124/400/5000}


    Hmm?


    Maximum life span of five thousand years?


    Why is the cultivation level so low?


    And the name is a woman''s?


    Doesn''t seem like she''s disguised as a man.


    You Yingying looked up at Gu An and replied: "It''s too noisy inside. It''s more peaceful here, and I can feel the nature."


    Then she suddenly scrutinized Gu An, hesitated, and asked: "Are you Gu An?"

 Chapter 213 : 213 Divine Monarch Arrives, Great Opportunity

    Hearing You Yingying''s inquiry, Gu An hesitated for a moment and asked, "I am. Do you know me, Daoist Friend?"


    You Yingying''s eyes lit up and she said, "My name is You Yingying. Senior Brother Xuan rmended that Ie to find you. I was originally going directly to your Medicine Valley but couldn''t resisting to see Journey to the West first."


    "Senior Brother Xuan Tianyi?"


    "That''s right. We are from the same sect in the Star Sea Congregations. You might not know about the Star Sea Congregations, they are a great sect overseas..."


    She started introducing the Star Sea Congregations, and Gu An listened attentively, pondering why Xuan Tianyi had sent her.


    Gu An became increasingly certain that You Yingying was indeed a woman, merely using some miracle technique to make her aura and appearance resemble that of a man.


    Such means were truly impressive. Without using divine sense to probe her, she could deceive someone at the Ninth Level of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm like Gu An. How could it not be impressive?


    However, since she came from the Star Sea Congregations, it made sense. The Star Sea Congregations had a long history and had certainly produced Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, possessing miracle techniques and divine skills that could deceive the senses of such beings. It wasn''t unusual.


    You Yingying greatly admired Gu An''s Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, so her words were filled with praise.


    For a long time.


    Gu An asked, "Daoist Friend, you didn''te just to find me, did you?"


    Coming all the way from overseas just for two books?


    He didn''t believe it. You Yingying surely had other motives.


    You Yingying nodded and said, "To be honest, Senior Brother rmended me to sit at the Supreme Sect. But fearing I would be bored, he suggested Ie to see you. I am indeed very interested in your books."


    "To sit?" Gu An became even more curious.


    You Yingying said, "Senior Brother fears that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm might attack the Supreme Sect. With me around, they would at least not dare to act rashly."


    So impressive?


    This Foundation Establishment Realm Sixth Layer cultivator seemed to have a significant background.


    What background could intimidate the Six Stars Cave?


    Gu An pondered while inquiring further, but You Yingying didn''t want to say more.


    Later, Gu An invited her to the Third Medicine Valley, but she refused politely, saying she had already rented a residence in the Outer Sect and would visit him if she felt bored.


    Gu An was just being polite. Since she refused, he naturally wouldn''t insist.


    You Yingying suddenly waved her sleeve, transforming into a slender woman in blue clothes, with fair skin and a beautiful face. Her eyes carried a yful and mischievous spirit. Her long hair reached her calves, the ends tied with a red scarf.


    Gu An wasn''t too stunned. You Yingying was indeed beautiful, but the most beautiful ones he had seen were Tian Yao''er and Ji Xiaoyu. The two women were equally matched in appearance, with different temperaments, making it hard to judge.


    "Remember, this is my true appearance."


    You Yingying winked at Gu An, then waved her sleeve again, turning back into the ordinary male image from before.


    Gu An feigned a shocked expression, greatly satisfying You Yingying''s vanity. After leaving her residence address, she turned and left.


    After she had gone far, Gu An finally smiled.


    Hopefully, this woman could truly be the trump card of the Supreme Sect!


    ...


    Five years swiftly passed by.


    During these five years, the Supreme Sect encountered no major troubles and developed steadily. Gu An''s life continued as usual, moving between different Medicine Valleys and visiting the Immortal Seeking Ind about once a year.


    He also sessfully formed a core and officially became a Core Formation Realm disciple, causing quite a stir in the Third Medicine Valley.


    In the evening, Gu An rode on the Blood Prison Great Saint back to Mystic Valley. He spoke, "From today onwards, your cultivation level will be at the Second Layer."


    As he finished speaking, he released a bit of the Returning Primordial Spirit Path from within the Blood Prison Great Saint, restoring its cultivation level to the Second Layer, akin to the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint felt the spiritual power within its body surge, filled with excitement. It wanted to let out a loud roar but restrained itself.


    "Thank you¡­ master¡­" the Blood Prison Great Saint said respectfully, its voice somewhat hoarse.


    It had been holding back for too long!


    Gu An, sitting on its back, continued to offer instructions, which the beast listened to intently, fearing to offend Gu An in the future.


    Once Gu An finished, he ced his hand on the ox-head of the Blood Prison Great Saint, imparting the Primordial Reincarnation Skill to it.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes instantly turned vacant, its body halting.


    Gu An wasn''t in a hurry, beginning to admire the surrounding scenery.


    This was a sparse woond located on a ridge, with views of other majestic mountains in the distance when turning one''s head.


    Gu An suddenly noticed a powerful aura approaching the Supreme Sect.


    Wasn''t this the Nine-Finger Divine Lord he had encountered before on the Immortal Seeking Ind?


    Gu An was curious. The Divine Lord''s limit of eighty thousand years of lifespan had left a deep impression on him.


    Why would such a powerful figuree to this backward continent?


    Compared to the surrounding sea areas and continents, the continent where the Supreme Sect was located was indeed backward, naturally due to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Every ten thousand years, they would instigate a major demonic cmity. How could the human race on this continent ever prosper?


    After the demonic cmity ended, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was quite restrained, causing no further troubles but sending more disciples down the mountain to establish more connections with the secr world. Because of this, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm remained highly regarded in the Immortal Cultivation World, with many sects hoping to establish friendly rtions with them.


    Gu An silently pondered.


    After a long time.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint finally awakened, eximing excitedly, "What a domineering cultivation technique! Master, if I cultivate this technique for a thousand years, can I ascend into the Realm of Immortal Path in one leap?"


    It was willing to be Gu An''s steed for a thousand years, with its cultivation sealed. It was perfectly suited to cultivate the Primordial Reincarnation Skill during this time.


    "That depends on whether you put in the effort." Gu An replied with a smile.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint wanted to say more, but Gu An patted its head, transmitting a message that someone was approaching, causing it to shut up immediately.


    "Let''s continue on our way." Gu An said.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint immediately resumed walking.


    The mountain path wasn''t too steep, with the surrounding flowers and birds making the journey refreshing.


    Just as they exited the forest, a figure approached from ahead. It was the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, still wearing a straw hat and looking travel-worn.


    He came before the Blood Prison Great Saint and asked, "May I ask if you are a disciple of the Supreme Sect, brother?"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint stopped, scrutinizing the man but unable to discern his depth.


    "I am Gu An of the Supreme Sect. May I ask what brings you to our sect, Daoist Friend?" Gu An raised his hand in greeting, smiling as he asked.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord had sought out Gu An because he observed that among the local cultivators, Gu An had the highest cultivation level, thus most likely belonged to the Supreme Sect.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked up at Gu An, feeling as if he had seen him somewhere before.


    However, with Gu An only at the Core Formation Realm, having encountered many with simr cultivation levels in his travels, he paid it no mind.


    "I am Daoist Nine-Finger, a loose cultivator wandering the world. I''ve heard of the Supreme Sect''s reputation and wish to join. May I ask if you could introduce me?"


    Gu An naturally didn''t refuse, agreeing readily, and began leading the way.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint walked at a leisurely pace, and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was in no hurry, using the time to learn more about the Supreme Sect from Gu An.


    He asked many questions, and Gu An answered them all, his forthrightness furthering the Divine Lord''s favorable impression of him.


    After a considerable time, the two grew closer.


    "Daoist Friend, could you tell me your cultivation level so that I can decide whether to take you to the Outer Sect or the Inner Sect?" Gu An asked.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord had observed on his journey that to be a high-ranking member of the Supreme Sect, one needed at least an Unification Realm cultivation.


    "To be honest, I am at the Fourth Layer of the Unification Realm." Daoist Nine-Finger said hesitantly.


    "What? Unification Realm?"


    Gu An eximed, making the Blood Prison Great Saint want to roll its eyes.


    In the face of Gu An''s excitement, Daoist Nine-Finger remained calm, not relishing the sense of superiority since his real cultivation level was at the Second Layer of the Wandering Immortal Realm.


    Energy Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Divinity Transformation, Void Crossing, Unification, Mystic Heart, Mahayana, Nirvana, Loose Immortal, Wandering Immortal!


    Pretending to be at a lower realm, he was four major realms higher than Gu An.


    In reality, he was nine major realms higher than Gu An!


    Along the way, Gu An''s curiosity grew, but his words didn''te across as obsequious, earning more respect from Daoist Nine-Finger.


    As evening approached, they arrived at Mystic Valley. Gu An invited Daoist Nine-Finger to stay for the night, to which thetter had no objection.


    Upon entering Mystic Valley, a group of servant disciples greeted them warmly.


    Seeing these Energy Cultivation Realm cultivators mingling closely with Core Formation Realm Gu An, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord noticed that Gu An wasn''t just respectful on the surface; he was also kind and non-arrogant towards those below him.


    Gu An tasked Lu Jiujia with arranging amodation for Daoist Nine-Finger before retiring to his room to rest.


    A whileter, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord sat cross-legged on his bed, scanning the Supreme Sect with his divine sense.


    The strongest cultivator in the Supreme Sect was only at the Mahayana Realm, posing no threat to him and offering little of interest.


    He even discovered the existence of the Eight Scenic Caves but paid it no mind. Everyone had secrets; Gu An having a hidden cave was nothing notable, and the herbs within the Eight Scenic Caves did not attract him.


    Deep into the night.


    On the mountain top, Chu Jingfeng sat meditating, absorbing energy.


    "What cultivation technique are you practicing?" The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s voice suddenly came, startling Chu Jingfeng, who turned to look.


    An hour ago, he had seen the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was addressed as senior by Gu An. He quickly stood up, greeting him, "A technique for absorbing energy, not worth mentioning."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord scrutinized him and said, "Your natural talents are decent. It''s a pity you haven''tid a solid foundation. The technique you''re practicing can improve your aptitude, but its effects are limited."


    Hearing this, Chu Jingfeng felt both relieved and somewhat ufortable.


    Daring to belittle the Daoist Expansion Skill?


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord continued, "I can help you rebuild your foundation and restore your cultivation. Will you be my named disciple?"


    Chu Jingfeng hesitated and asked, "May I know the senior''s identity?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s eyes shed with appreciation, "I am a loose cultivator from overseas. I met your Valley Master. Tomorrow, I will join the Supreme Sect. I am an Unification Realm cultivator. ording to your Valley Master, bing an elder shouldn''t be difficult."


    Unification Realm cultivator!


    Chu Jingfeng was stunned. To him, Unification Realm cultivators were exalted, unapproachable beings!


    He gritted his teeth and said, "I need to discuss this with the Valley Master. He took me in when I was in distress. I can''t just leave."


    "Hahaha, talk to him tomorrow then."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lordughed, then turned and left.


    This foolish boy didn''t realize he had encountered a great fortune!

 Chapter 214: Chapter 214 Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!

    The next morning, Nine-Finger Divine Lord brought Chu Jingfeng to find Gu An and expressed his intention to take him as a disciple.


    Gu An was pleasantly surprised and hastily had Chu Jingfeng express his gratitude to Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    This gesture deeply moved Chu Jingfeng. Upon hearing that Nine-Finger Divine Lord could help him restore his cultivation level, he felt tempted. However, given all that Gu An had done for him over the years, he felt torn and unsure of how to decide.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord also held Gu An in higher regard; he could see that Gu An was genuinely happy for Chu Jingfeng.


    This was indeed true. Although Gu An was powerful, in terms of knowledge and experience, he certainly couldn''t match the seventeen thousand-year-old Nine-Finger Divine Lord. If the Divine Lord sincerely cared for Chu Jingfeng, it would be a turning point in Chu Jingfeng''s life.


    Subsequently, Gu An directly instructed Chu Jingfeng to acknowledge Nine-Finger Divine Lord as his master, making the atmosphere very harmonious.


    An hourter, they used the Teleportation Array to reach the Third Medicine Valley and then flew to the Inner Sect City.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord had long known of the Third Medicine Valley but had not expected it to belong to Gu An as well.


    It wasn''t until noon that Gu An returned alone to the Third Medicine Valley, while Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Chu Jingfeng prepared to stay in the Inner Sect City.


    Though the true intentions of Nine-Finger Divine Lord remained unclear, the addition of a Wandering Immortal was a good thing for the Supreme Sect.


    If Nine-Finger Divine Lord caused trouble, Gu An could always intervene.


    "Is the fortune of the Supreme Sect rising?"


    Gu An sat in his chair, silently pondering.


    First, Xuan Tianyi summoned You Yingying of the Star Sea Congregations, then Qiao Dai of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm came to surrender, and now a mysterious Wandering Immortal had arrived. This fortune made Gu An marvel.


    He didn''t overthink it and began to practice alchemy.


    ...


    In the dead of night, Gu An arrived at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain. He first visited his own Grotto Heaven and then made his way along the tunnel to Nianchu Cave.


    The two cat demons had grown up. Though they had not yet shape-shifted, they now appeared asrge as leopards, lying prone on the ground, seemingly napping but actually absorbing nature''s spiritual energy.


    Tian Yao''er heard Gu An''s footsteps and immediately stepped out of the house, appearing before Gu An as if teleporting. She was about to throw herself into his arms when he pressed her forehead with his finger, stopping her from moving forward.


    "You are a bit slow, not fast enough."


    Gu An was referring to Tian Yao''er''s Limitless Freedom Step.


    Tian Yao''er pouted and asked, "Master, did you go to your Grotto Heaven first?"


    "Yes,"


    Gu An responded, then walked past her.


    The medicinal herbs in the Grotto Heaven were all at least Seventh Rank, taking much longer to maturepared to Low-Rank Medical Herbs, so he couldn''t harvest them yet.


    However, once he could harvest them, he would surely gain arge amount of life span at once.


    Even without relying on the Grotto Heaven, Gu An could now rue nearly 300,000 years of life span each year.


    Tian Yao''er caught up and curiously asked, "Master, when will we move in there?"


    The Grotto Heaven was much more spacious, while Nianchu Cave felt too stifling.


    "You can go in anytime you want, just don''t forget about Nianchu Cave," Gu An replied.


    A look of disappointment shed in Tian Yao''er''s eyes. She had hoped to live with Gu An, thinking he was nning to move in because of the many High-Rank Medical Herbs nted there.


    She didn''t press the matter but instead started talking about recent events.


    The previous night, a Great Demon had fought in Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, causing a hugemotion that made her very nervous, fearing a demon might break into Nianchu Cave.


    Their conversation continued leisurely. Soon, Tianqing and Tian Bai were awakened by their chatter. Seeing Gu An, the two cat demons grew delighted and immediately rushed over.


    "Master!"


    "Master, you finally came!"


    The two cat demons'' voices sounded sweet, like two young girls coyly addressing Gu An.


    Gu An almost got goosebumps; he felt that Tian Yao''er had spoiled these two cat demons.


    They sat down at the stone table, and Tian Yao''er brought out some fine wine, saying, "Master, do you have more of ''Journey to the West''? I just read the part where Sun Wukong fights the White Bone Demon. Monk Tang is really frustrating!"


    Gu An took out thetest scroll from his Storage Bag and ced it on the table. He joked, "Why, didn''t you side with the demons?"


    "Sun Wukong is also a demon. I support him. Monk Tang may save demons, but he''s so oblivious. Master, do humans have a legend about seeking scriptures?" Tian Yao''er asked indignantly.


    "No, it''s just a story I made up."


    "Really? It feels so real."


    "When you be a Great Demon, you can also rule Heavenly Phoenix Mountain."


    "Hehe, that''s what I thought too! When the timees, I''ll call myself the Beautiful Phoenix King and form the Seven Great Saints."


    Talking about such things excited Tian Yao''er. She chattered on enthusiastically.


    Gu An found it amusing. Indeed, boasting needed no teaching; it came naturally with imagination.


    As they chatted, Gu An sensed a vast aura from a distance. His Divine Sense instinctively followed, but the aura quickly vanished.


    Gu An spected it might havee from a Minor Heaven and Earth realm. Thinking of such vastness, he first considered the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Only the Minor Heaven and Earth realm of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm could be so well-hidden.


    Of course, Gu An''s Divine Sense could locate the Minor Heaven and Earth realm of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, but the restrictions there were highly advanced. Sneaking in unnoticed was beyond his capability. If he forced his way in, it would certainly alert the cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    "Are they up to something again?"


    Gu An pondered as he dealt with Tian Yao''er.


    ...


    With the passage of summer into autumn, the weather remained hot.


    At noon, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Outer Gate City. There, he overheard cultivators talking about a recent event.


    An Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!


    "Did you hear? There are signs of an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in the Demon Land."


    "What''s an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    "I don''t know either. I heard it''s an immortal''s magic artifact. Possessing it grants the power of an immortal."


    "I heard about it too, but no one knows the exact location yet."


    "Is this Immortal Path Supreme Treasure more powerful than the Heaven-Cutting Axe?"


    Gu An listened silently, but the Blood Prison Great Saint, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Master, is there really such an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    Gu An did not answer but looked ahead.


    You Yingying approached, hands behind her back, her face beaming with a smile. "It''s true. Want to know more?" she asked.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint nodded, eagerly looking at her.


    However, You Yingying rolled her eyes at him and then looked at Gu An.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Of course, I''m also interested."


    "Come to my residence, I have something to discuss with you," You Yingying said, turning to leave.


    Gu An patted the Great Saint, signaling him to follow.


    After 30 minutes, they were sitting in a courtyard. You Yingying and Gu An sat across from each other at a stone table. She began to introduce the Immortal Path Supreme Treasures.


    "The world has magic artifacts, Dharma Treasures, and Immortal Treasures. Immortal Treasures are magic artifacts crafted at the Immortal Path Realm, only wielded by an immortal''s mana. But an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure is crafted by the mightiest of the Immortal Path, each imbued with an Immortal Spirit."


    "These supreme treasures not only contain immense power but also remain unaffected by the passage of time. The beings who crafted them either left the Mortal World or have passed away, but the treasures endure. The Star Sea Congregations possess one such supreme treasure, the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, which is their Church Treasure."


    "The Holy Land, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, also has an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, the Seven Stars Mirror, which is likewise their Church Treasure. Recently, it is said that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm discovered another Fake Immortal Treasure, and the entire ocean ispeting for it. I hadn''t expected the news to spread so widely that even the low-level cultivators of the Supreme Sect would hear of it."


    Gu An, curious, asked, "What is a Fake Immortal Treasure?"


    You Yingying exined, "It is a damaged Immortal Path Supreme Treasure where the Immortal Spirit is dormant. Though still possessing great power, it pales inparison to aplete supreme treasure."


    Gu An suddenly suspected that Nine-Finger Divine Lord hade to the Supreme Sect for this Fake Immortal Treasure.


    Normally not engaged inbat, Gu An wasn''t particrly interested in Immortal Path Supreme Treasures. He ced more trust in his own mana.


    You Yingying continued to describe other Immortal Path Supreme Treasures, each a legendary artifact, iming that those who obtained them could achieve the Immortal Path, boasting extravagantly.


    The Blood Prison Great Sainty nearby, listening intently with a look of longing in his eyes.


    As Gu An listened, he spread his Divine Sense over the continent, noticing that from all directions, cultivators and demons were arriving from overseas, including several beings at the Immortal Path Realm. He identified three wandering immortals and over a dozen Nirvana Realm beings making their way here.


    Within the continent, he detected the presence of more than twenty wandering immortals, spread out in different areas, all seeking Immortal Path Supreme Treasures. Some were even near the Minor Heaven and Earth realm of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, plotting how to infiltrate.


    Notably, Gu An saw that An Hao, Li Ya, and Zhang Buku were also roaming the Demon n''s territory. An Hao was fighting a Great Demon of the Divinity Transformation Realm alone.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "After talking about Immortal Path Supreme Treasures, let''s discuss ''Journey to the West,'' shall we?" You Yingying suddenly said, her eyes glowing as she looked at Gu An.


    She usually loved reading all kinds of misceneous books, especially stories, which was why she got along well with Xuan Tianyi.


    Ever since Xuan Tianyi gave her ''Investiture of the Gods,'' she had been fascinated by Pan An.


    "What do you want to discuss?" Gu An asked.


    You Yingying immediately asked a series of questions, such as whether ''Investiture of the Gods'' and ''Journey to the West'' were connected, how many years apart they were, and on which continent the stories took ce.


    She was even curious about how Gu An came up with these two remarkable books.


    Gu An answered her questions one by one. As for the source of his inspiration, he mentioned meeting two Daoists before, one named Xu Zhonglin, who told him the story of ''Investiture of the Gods,'' and another named Wu Cheng''en, who told him the story of ''Journey to the West.''


    You Yingying did not doubt him and became even more curious about these two Daoists.


    She believed that with Gu An''s cultivation level, he did not seem to possess such extensive knowledge but simply had literary talent.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint listened curiously. He knew Gu An wrote books but did not know the details. Only when You Yingying mentioned the Bull Demon King did he be interested.


    Gu An had given him the name of the Bull Demon King!


    Had his master written a book for him?


    Who was Sun Wukong? Could it be the monkey in Tianya Valley?


    Thinking of those three monkeys, the Blood Prison Great Saint felt angry. Those three always stealthily pulled his fur, and he couldn''t catch them.


    Two hours passed like this.


    You Yingying brought tea and snacks, indicating she had no intention of letting Gu An leave.


    In the few years since arriving at the Supreme Sect, she hadn''t sought out Gu An because she was busy reading. She had read through all the books in the Book Collection Hall, a determination that impressed even Gu An.


    At that moment, a high-pitched dragon''s roar echoed from the sky.


    You Yingying''s face changed, and she murmured, "Dragon-ying Spear Chi Jiuxiao."

 Chapter 215 700,000 Years Life Span Limit

    Dragon-ying Spear Chi Jiuxiao?


    Dragon-ying?


    How arrogant!


    The Blood Prison Great Saint heard You Yingying''s words and couldn''t help but show a curious expression. He looked up to the south and saw a golden glow appearing in the sky, bing more and more spectacr, as if the sky was changing color.


    Gu An also turned his head to look. In fact, he had already seen the figure of the approaching person.


    Nirvana Realm Nine Layers!


    The golden light gradually enveloped the sky above the Supreme Sect. More and more people flew up, looking into the distance.


    Dragon roars echoed continuously, growing louder, indicating that the person was getting closer.


    Soon, a thousand-foot-long five-wed golden dragon flew from the horizon. Its majestic and imposing figure shook the Outer Gate City.


    Gu An saw that in the dragon''s head was a long spear, entirely golden, with a golden dragon coiled around the shaft, its mouth spitting out the spear de, exuding dominance.


    That was a very extraordinary Dharma Treasure!


    Perhaps it was the Immortal Treasure that You Yingying mentioned!


    This golden dragon was condensed from the Immortal Treasure and was not a True Dragon.


    Standing on the dragon''s head was a man wearing a gold-patterned white robe, a red belt around his waist. His shoulders were broad, his posture upright; his aura couldn''t be concealed. His face was handsome, his long hair coiled under a crown, with two strands of ck hair hanging in front of his ears, fluttering in the wind.


    Chi Jiuxiao stood high above, looking down at the Supreme Sect, a smirk on his lips, and his gaze arrogant.


    Gu An''s gaze locked onto him, throwing a Life Span Detection at him.


    [Chi Jiuxiao (Nirvana Realm Nine Layers): 998/25000/700000]


    Seven hundred thousand years of ultimate lifespan!


    Very exaggerated!


    This guy wasn''t even a thousand years old yet, and was already in the Nirvana Realm Nine Layers?


    No wonder he was so proud!


    "Who is this person?" The Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t help but ask. He could feel that the other party was definitely above the Mahayana Realm.


    You Yingying looked up at the sky and said softly, "He is a disciple of the Star Sea Congregations, with top-notch talent. At the age of five hundred, he stepped into the Realm of Immortal Path. The golden dragon he rides is transformed from the Dragon-ying Spear, which is an Immortal Treasure refined by an ancient Immortal. Although it is not as great as the Supreme Treasure of the Immortal Path, with this spear, even a Loose Immortal would find it difficult to kill him."


    Chi Jiuxiao, standing high above, looked down and saw You Yingying through the sky.


    He slightly raised an eyebrow and suddenly leaped down.


    The City Protection Array of the Outer Gate City was instantly disturbed, but it was broken as soon as it appeared, with no resistance whatsoever.


    He fell like swift thunder,nding in the courtyard of You Yingying''s residence, startling the Blood Prison Great Saint to his feet, as did Gu An.


    Chi Jiuxiao ignored him and Gu An, his eyes fixed on You Yingying, and heughed, "Little girl, what are you doing here?"


    "Little girl? How did your master teach you to speak?"


    "Haha, so this is the Supreme Sect that Xuan Tianyies from?"


    "Hmm."


    "Really weak. I heard he wants to deal with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Your master is running around making connections, but the higher-ups are unmoved."


    Chi Jiuxiaoughed softly. Seeing You Yingying frown, he continued, "How about I go and probe the depths of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm for you?"


    You Yingying looked at him and snorted, "With your cultivation level, don''t die at the Seven Stars Spirit Realm."


    "Hahaha! Then watch me seize the Supreme Treasure of the Immortal Path!"


    With that, Chi Jiuxiao leaped into the air, the golden dragon in the sky transforming into a streak of golden light, flying across the sky and disappearing without a trace.


    From beginning to end, Chi Jiuxiao didn''t even nce at Gu An.


    You Yingying snorted coldly, "That guy is truly arrogant, sooner orter he will suffer a big loss."


    Gu An sat down again and curiously asked, "What is your rtionship?"


    "Just fellow disciples, we''re not on the same path," You Yingying shook her head, obviously not wanting to say much about herself.


    A Foundation Establishment Realm Eighth Floor saying she''s not on the same path as a Nirvana Realm Nine Layers? Though correct, it felt a bit awkward.


    Gu An felt more and more that You Yingying was not simple, no wonder Xuan Tianyi invited her to the Supreme Sect.


    He looked at the cause and effect around You Yingying, probing her past twenty years.


    However, he only saw various scenes of You Yingying throwing tantrums and being domineering, with Xuan Tianyi pleasing her.


    "Letting him stir things up is good, your Supreme Sect is dissatisfied with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm anyway." You Yingying continued.


    Gu An remained silent, not responding.


    You Yingying could see that he didn''t want to cause trouble. Xuan Tianyi had mentioned this before.


    "Let''s continue talking about Journey to the West," You Yingyingughed.


    At this moment, the entire Supreme Sect was in an uproar, all disciples discussing Chi Jiuxiao.


    In a mansion in the Main City of the Sect, Qiao Dai stood on the eaves, frowning.


    "Dragon-ying Spear... why is he here? Could it be that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm really has the Supreme Treasure of the Immortal Path? But why bring the Supreme Treasure to this continent?"


    Qiao Dai was filled with confusion. He felt it was not a coincidence; the Seven Stars Spirit Realm must have a n.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s appearance marked the beginning of thepetition for the Supreme Treasure of the Immortal Path. In the days that followed, powerful presences asionally swept past the Supreme Sect, and divine senses asionally scanned the Supreme Sect.


    This made the atmosphere within the Supreme Sect tense, fearing they would suffer in the crossfire.


    ...


    Five dayster, Lv Baitian came to find Gu An. The two hid in a room to talk.


    After setting up a restriction, Lv Baitian couldn''t help but sigh, "Lately, many Great Cultivators from overseas are arriving. The peace of this continent is about to be broken."


    He felt very aggrieved.


    Those overseas Great Cultivators freely probed the Supreme Sect without greeting,pletely ignoring them. The most crucial part was that the Supreme Sect had to endure it.


    Not only the Supreme Sect, but the three dynasties and all sects felt this way.


    After surviving the demon cmity, all sects were eager to grow stronger. But in just a few years, so many beings at the Immortal Path Realm appeared, making them feel like weeds.


    "Before the demon cmity, I lived for hundreds of years without seeing a Mahayana Realm cultivator, let alone those at the Immortal Path Realm. Now, howe there are more and more?" Lv Baitian said troubledly.


    Gu Anforted him, "It''s okay, for now, no one is endangering the Supreme Sect. Their target should be that so-called Supreme Treasure of the Immortal Path."


    Lv Baitian nodded, "I just wanted to vent to you. Now the Hall of Elders is on high alert, fearing another cmity may break out..."


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A deafening roar came from afar, startling Lv Baitian, cutting off his words.


    Gu An''s divine sense swept out, seeing Chi Jiuxiao fighting a Nirvana Realm Great Cultivator far beyond Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    That person should be from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm; his aura did note from overseas but seemed to have suddenly appeared.


    Chi Jiuxiao was indeed strong,pletely suppressing the opponent.


    Gu An sensed a Loose Immortal aura approaching the battlefield, also emerging from the Minor Heaven and Earth of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    "I need to go back." Lv Baitian stood up and then disappeared from the room.


    Gu An also stood up, walked downstairs, and saw disciples gathering. The previous noise had scared them, and they couldn''t help but be afraid.


    Lu Lingjun also walked out from inside.


    She and the Blood Prison Great Saint looked in the same direction.


    After a while, Lu Lingjun withdrew her gaze and looked at the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Why did it seem like the Blood Prison Great Saint was also looking in her direction?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint felt her gaze and couldn''t help but re at her.


    "Stupid bull." Lu Lingjun shook her head and smiled, then walked towards Gu An.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t help but curse, "You''re the stupid one!"


    "Hmm?"


    Lu Lingjun nced at him, a terrifying murderous intent locking onto him, making his bull body stiffen.


    Gu An also gave the Blood Prison Great Saint a look, forcing him to lower his head.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint felt extremely aggrieved.


    A dignified Mahayana Realm cultivator, humiliated by a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator, unable to retort!


    He now really hated Lu Lingjun.


    Thousands of yearster, I definitely won''t join your Ascension Sect, and I''ll even steal your people.


    Lu Lingjun smiled with satisfaction, then came to Gu An.


    "Why do you argue with him?" Gu An pretended toin.


    "Upset? I apologize to you, how would I know he has such a bad temper?"


    Usually, she was in seclusion, unaware of what the Blood Prison Great Saint had gone through.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Never mind, treat him better in the future. After all, he''s my mount." Gu An shook his head, making the Blood Prison Great Saint feel very touched.


    Lu Lingjunughed, "This bull is too weak. If you want a mount, I can get you a stronger one."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s anger red up again.


    Gu An feared he would die of anger, so he pulled Lu Lingjun to an isted ce.


    Lu Lingjun sought him out of curiosity about recent events.


    Gu An didn''t hide anything and told her about the rumors of the Supreme Treasure of the Immortal Path. Lu Lingjun became interested and flew north directly.


    Really reckless!


    Are all ascenders like this?


    Gu An felt helpless. His divine sense locked onto Chi Jiuxiao; this guy was already facing a Loose Immortal.


    The Loose Immortal seemed to be the master of the Nirvana Realm cultivator, continually warning Chi Jiuxiao. But Chi Jiuxiao was extremely arrogant, soon starting a fight after a few words.


    One had to admit that the Dragon-ying Spear in Chi Jiuxiao''s hand was indeed powerful, capable of both offense and defense, preventing the Loose Immortal from defeating him in a short time.


    Of course, Gu An could see that the Loose Immortal was very cautious of Chi Jiuxiao, not dealing a deadly blow.


    Before long, Chi Jiuxiao was still defeated and had to retreat.


    The Immortal Treasure could only protect him from death but couldn''t help him kill a Loose Immortal Realm Great Cultivator.


    After the battle ended, Gu An retracted his divine sense and turned back to the house.


    ...


    In the middle of the night.


    An Hao walked through the woods, holding a map. He had obtained it by chance, and it was said to record the cave of an ancient Great Cultivator.


    As he walked, he suddenly sensed something, quickly putting away the map, warily looking around, and a long sword appeared in his hand.


    Footsteps came from the darkness. He looked closely and saw a man approaching.


    It was Chi Jiuxiao!


    An Hao did not recognize Chi Jiuxiao but could sense that the other was very strong.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s face was very bad. He looked at An Hao and asked, "Hey, what''s your name? Which sect or school are you from?"


    An Hao frowned, "My name is An Hao, from the Supreme Sect."


    Chi Jiuxiao said, "The Supreme Sect? There''s a connection. One of my junior sisters is in the Supreme Sect. In light of this connection, give me the eighth-rank heavenly material and earthly treasure from your storage bag for my healing, and I won''t treat you unfairly."


    Hearing this, An Hao''s face changed drastically. How did the other know he had an eighth-rank heavenly material and earthly treasure hidden?

 Chapter 216 Soaring Dragon Nine Transformations, Divine Exotic City

    Chi Jiuxiao noticed An Hao''s tension, so he raised his hand, took out a scroll, and threw it to An Hao.


    An Hao instinctively caught it, then heard Chi Jiuxiao say, "Take a look, this is a divine skill I identally obtained."


    After saying that, Chi Jiuxiao sat down cross-legged and began to cultivate energy to heal his wounds.


    An Hao hesitated for a moment before he delved his divine sense into the scroll.


    After a while, An Hao''s face changed dramatically, and the hand holding the scroll trembled.


    He withdrew his divine sense, then took out an Eighth Rank heaven and earth treasure from his storage bag, a bright red spirit flower, and presented it to Chi Jiuxiao.


    Chi Jiuxiao beckoned with his hand, and the Eighth Rank spirit flower flew into his hand.


    He stood up, took out a medicine cauldron that was about a zhang tall, tossed the spirit flower into it, and then added numerous medicinal herbs.


    After lighting the fire, he took out a small bottle and poured water into the cauldron; the small bottle seemed to contain an otherworldly space and never ran dry.


    When the cauldron was filled with water, Chi Jiuxiao sealed the bottle and put it back into his storage dharma artifact.


    He looked at An Hao and said, "You can leave now."


    With that, he leaped into the air andnded inside the medicine cauldron.


    An Hao hesitated for a moment but did not leave. Instead, he sat down under a nearby tree and began toprehend the divine skill given by Chi Jiuxiao.


    "Soaring Dragon Nine Transformations¡­"


    Just by looking at the description of the divine skill within the scroll, An Hao couldn''t help but feel his blood boil.


    Thus, day after day passed.


    Seven dayster.


    Chi Jiuxiao leaped out from the medicine cauldron. When hended on the ground, his wet robes quickly dried, and wisps of white smoke coiled around his body.


    He shrank the medicine cauldron to a small size, stored it in his hand, and then emptied it, using his mana to clean out the residue. At the same time, he looked into the distance.


    Through the gaps in the leaves, he saw an azure dragon tumbling in the sky beyond the forest.


    "This kid''sprehension is extraordinary."


    Chi Jiuxiao was secretly astonished. In just a few days, An Hao had managed to master the divine skill.


    Such talent was rare even in the Star Sea Congregations.


    After putting away the medicine cauldron, he disappeared without a trace in the forest.


    The next second, he appeared in the sky, blocking the azure dragon.


    The azure dragon, which An Hao had transformed into, was three zhang long, not veryrge, but full of imposing presence.


    Upon seeing Chi Jiuxiao, the azure dragon shook and transformed back into An Hao, who excitedly said, "This divine skill is amazing! After transforming, I feel like a true dragon, and my speed has increased significantly."


    Chi Jiuxiao said proudly, "Of course, I am Chi Jiuxiao of the Dragon-ying Spear. How could I deceive you, kid? The value of this divine skill far exceeds the Eighth Rank heaven and earth treasure. You should thank me."


    Upon hearing this, An Hao immediately bowed and thanked Chi Jiuxiao.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s face was full of smiles, though he felt a bit jealous inside.


    He had originally thought that even if he passed the Soaring Dragon Nine Transformations to An Hao, An Hao wouldn''t be able to learn it, making himself appear generous without any loss.


    Who would have thought¡­


    Chi Jiuxiao sized up An Hao and said, "Kid, why don''t you join the Star Sea Congregations? The Supreme Sect is too small for you. With your talent, if you join the Star Sea Congregations, you''ll reach the Mahayana Realm within five hundred years!"


    An Hao frowned slightly upon hearing this.


    Reaching the Mahayana Realm at five hundred years old was impressive?


    An Hao had always thought of his own talent as unparalleled, so he didn''t see reaching the Mahayana Realm in five hundred years as a difficult feat. Even Xuan Tianyi was only a few hundred years old.


    Chi Jiuxiao continued to boast about the greatness of the Star Sea Congregations. When he mentioned Xuan Tianyi, An Hao finally grew interested.


    He had a very good rtionship with Xuan Tianyi. However, in Chi Jiuxiao''s words, Xuan Tianyi was just a fellow disciple with decent talent. The reason Xuan Tianyi was mentioned was that he also came from the Supreme Sect.


    "Forget it, I''m not going to the Star Sea Congregations. I want to stay in the Supreme Sect," An Hao said, shaking his head.


    Chi Jiuxiao did not try to persuade him further; after all, he wasn''t the sect hierarch of the Star Sea Congregations, so making a few recruiting gestures was enough.


    "Why did you appear in this area?" Chi Jiuxiao asked.


    An Hao did not conceal anything and said, "I was originally training and heard the legend of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure. I wanted to see it for myself."


    Chi Jiuxiaoughed and said, "How about joining forces? We''ll rely on our abilities when the timees."


    An Hao hesitantly asked, "Can my cultivation level really help you?"


    "I''m not very familiar with this continent. You can tell me about the events happening here, and I''ll guide you in cultivating the Soaring Dragon Nine Transformations. How about that?"


    "Alright, thank you, senior," An Hao responded excitedly. The reason he did not leave was that he wanted to learn more skills from Chi Jiuxiao.


    Then, the two of them flew off in one direction.


    ...


    As autumn arrived, the scorching heat between heaven and earth gradually dissipated. The influence of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure continued to increase, attracting more and more cultivators to head north in search of opportunities.


    Gu An was not affected and continued to live his in yet interesting life.


    asionally, he would visit the Outer Gate City to chat with his friends about the various events stirred up by the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    One day.


    Ye Lan came to find Gu An and also spoke about the Immortal Cultivation World.


    "A faction of the Tianwei Dynasty was ttened by overseas great cultivators, causing panic in the Immortal Cultivation World. Fortunately, our Supreme Sect is protected by Sword Venerable Fudao; otherwise, those great cultivators from overseas wouldn''t dare to act recklessly," Ye Lan said with concern.


    The battle took ce at night, and Gu An had sensed it, but he didn''t intervene.


    He had no rtionship with Tianwei, so naturally, he was toozy to take action.


    Such cmities were not umon in the Immortal Cultivation World. The overseas great cultivators who intervened were only at the Mahayana Realm, but they were enough to crush a great sect with a million disciples.


    Gu An reminded her, "Then you should go out less and stay in the sect to cultivate."


    Ye Lan nodded and said, "I''m now stationed at the Law Enforcement Hall, doing idle tasks all day, and spending most of my time taking elixirs and absorbing energy."


    She was already one hundred and one years old, and her maximum lifespan was only one hundred and thirty years. Time was running out.


    Now, besides growing flowers and nts, Gu An supervised her cultivation.


    Unlike Xiaochuan, Ye Lan was quite ambitious, so Gu An was willing to help her.


    As they chatted, the topic shifted to Zhen Qin.


    A few days ago, Zhen Qin followed the elders and inheriting disciples to the Demon n''s territory. It was said that the Supreme Sect had discovered a secret realm, a rare opportunity.


    "That girl is bound to soar to great heights. She might even be a great cultivator of the Supreme Sect in the future. Imagine, she used toe to the Inner Sect to find me, acting like a little girl, reckless in her actions and careless in her words," Ye Lan began reminiscing about decades ago.


    Gu An listened attentively, and when she finished, he teased, "What, are you jealous of her? Why don''t I cultivate the Defying Fate Divine Skill and pass my cultivation level to you before I die?"


    Ye Lan gave him a sidelong nce and said, "I wouldn''t want that. What''s the point of living without you?"


    As they talked, the teacups on the table began to tremble, and ripples appeared in the tea.


    Ye Lan noticed this and frowned.


    Soon, even the ground began to shake, rming all the cultivators in the city.


    Gu An''s gaze turned towards the depths of the continent to the deste ins where a giant city was rising from the ground, upying a thousand-mile radius. Dust filled the sky, and the momentum was magnificent.


    That was¡­


    Gu An could sense the vast power contained within the city. It was a dharma treasure, the strongest he had ever seen.


    He immediately thought of a name.


    Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!


    The restrictions contained in this treasure were not only advanced but also veryplex. Gu An even sensed the aura of karmic rules.


    A city that upied a thousand-mile radius was colossal, with walls a hundred zhang tall, the city filled with buildings, pces, and towering spires. Despite its ancient and dpidated appearance, the city had crossed the long river of time.


    With the arrival of this city, the great cultivators scattered across the continent all rushed towards it, including Chi Jiuxiao and An Hao, even Li Ya and Zhang Buku joined the excitement.


    "I''m going out to take a look." Ye Lan said this and then leaped into the air, stepping on her flying sword as she left the residence.


    Gu An picked up his teacup and continued drinking tea, watching the excitement.


    He saw numerous cultivators from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm enter the city, and once they did, their figures disappeared, and their auras weakened.


    Gu An, at the Ninth Level of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, could barely catch their auras. Even so, it was difficult for cultivators of lower realms.


    No matter how many cultivators flew into the city, it remained silent. No one was seen, and no signs of life could be detected.


    "The Divine Exotic City is open. All beings under the heavens can enter the city and find their immortal fate!"


    A booming and ancient voice resounded throughout the heavens and earth, reaching every corner of the continent.


    Wandering Immortal!


    Gu An raised an eyebrow. The Six Stars Cave only had one Wandering Immortal. Now, with the appearance of a second, had the death of the Divine Soul True Lord been discovered?


    After a while, Ye Lan flew back.


    "The disturbance seems to being from afar. This Divine Exotic City sounds extraordinary. I really want to see it," Ye Lan said wistfully as she sat opposite Gu An.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "Such immortal fate is not something cultivators like us can reach."


    "I know. Don''t worry. I won''t go looking for death. With my cultivation level, I might die before even seeing the Divine Exotic City," Ye Lan said with a smile, shaking her head.


    Gu An didn''tfort her; it was indeed the truth.


    About an hourter, Gu An left under Ye Lan''s urging.


    In the days that followed, various legends about the Divine Exotic City circted within the Supreme Sect.


    Shen Zhen especially visited Gu An, bringing many tales of the Divine Exotic City.


    "I heard from a senior that the Divine Exotic City is an Ancient Immortal City, hidden and elusive. Each appearance can change the world. Our predecessors in the Daotian Sect once excavated an ancient site and found an inscription mentioning the Divine Exotic City. It is a very ancient legend," Shen Zhen said excitedly.


    Gu An smiled and asked, "What, do you want to join the excitement?"


    He observed the Divine Exotic City every day, witnessing over ten thousand beings enter the city, but none hade out.


    Shen Zhen nodded and said, "Yes, I''m nning to take a look. I won''t enter the city, just watch the excitement from outside and draw the Divine Exotic City. Are youing? There will be the vice sect leader and the supreme elders leading the way."


    Gu An shook his head and said, "I''m not going. If there''s an incident, dying there would be too worthless."


    "Nonsense! Are you cursing me?" Shen Zhen red at him.


    No matter how much she persuaded, Gu An wouldn''t go, so she had no choice but to give up.


    After Shen Zhen left, Gu An went downstairs to start picking medicinal herbs.


    At the same time, his divine sense saw Li Ya and Zhang Buku entering the Divine Exotic City.


    Another person was on the way to the Divine Exotic City.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was Ji Xiaoyu.

 Chapter 217 Have you read Journey to the West?

    The noise caused by the appearance of Divine Exotic City in a short period of time matched the past catastrophe of demons, with various legends about Divine Exotic City emerging and widely circting in the immortal cultivation world and among themon people.


    Divine Exotic City houses immortals!


    Divine Exotic City has the elixir of immortality!


    Divine Exotic City has a passage to an exotic world!


    And so on!


    These countless peculiar tales made Gu An feel astonished.


    In the blink of an eye, more than half a year had passed. This year''s Spring Festival was quieter than in previous years because many disciples of the Supreme Sect went out to seek opportunities. Fortunately, the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley were not affected.


    Divine Exotic City still stood there, continuously attracting cultivators from all over the world to seek treasures. Even the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was temporarily residing in the Supreme Sect, went there, taking Chu Jingfeng with him.


    Up to now, it was only heard who had gone to Divine Exotic City; no one had been heard to bring back any harvest from inside the city.


    Inte spring, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to Tianya Valley.


    Li Xuandao was actually there as well; he had not returned to Tianya Valley for many years.


    Gu An came to him and saluted, thanking him for the Golden Core he had given.


    "It seems the Supreme Sect treats you well, someone helped you form a core; I originally wanted to send someone to help you." Li Xuandao stroked his beard and smiled.


    In response, Gu An could only express his gratitude without mentioning much about the Supreme Sect.


    After not seeing him for many years, Li Xuandao''s cultivation had reached the second level of the Unification Realm. He was only three hundred and fourteen years old, which was quite extraordinary. Gu An suspected that he could reach the Mahayana Realm before the age of five hundred.


    Considering only this continent, it was estimated that only An Hao and Xuan Tianyi''s talents couldpare with his, and his maximum lifespan was not less, exceeding six thousand years. Achieving nirvana in this life would be no problem.


    Li Xuandao called over Ji Rui, Luo Hun, and Lv Xian, and they all sat down to chat.


    He mentioned Divine Exotic City and nned to take people to explore it.


    "ording to the information I received, Divine Exotic City is an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, containing numerous minor heavens and earths with countless opportunities. Who among you wants to go?" Li Xuandao asked.


    All three expressed their interest, and Li Xuandao then looked at Gu An.


    Gu An did not expect Li Xuandao to invite him and quickly shook his head and said, "I''ll pass. Given my cultivation, I would only be a burden to you, and I am not interested in the so-called immortal opportunities. I am self-aware enough to know that such immortal opportunities are not something I can covet."


    Li Xuandaoughed and said, "I am also at the Core Formation Realm; do you mean I shouldn''t go either?"


    Pretending to be at Core Formation Realm with the Unification Realm, do you still have the nerve?


    Gu An helplessly said, "There is a difference even among those at the Core Formation Realm; my strength is far inferior to yours."


    Li Xuandao raised his hand and pointed at him, did not insist, and just smiled.


    Lv Xian wanted to say that both of them should stop pretending, but he held back because he could not afford to offend either of them.


    They continued talking about Divine Exotic City, and Ji Rui began sharing the intelligence he had gathered about it, while Gu An silently listened.


    It was said that even the Seven Stars Spirit Realm could not subdue Divine Exotic City. The immortal spirit of Divine Exotic City was hidden in the city and hard to find, so they had no choice but to release the city and let cultivators from all over the worlde to find the immortal opportunities, thus forcing out the immortal spirit.


    Ji Rui received news from his family, saying that more overseas cultivators were on their way, which would inevitably affect the local immortal cultivation world.


    "As the Holy Land, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm doesn''t consider us at all, causing trouble for the immortal cultivation world of the three dynasties," Lv Xian couldn''t help but curse.


    Luo Hun nodded, he also disapproved of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    During the Great Catastrophe of Demons, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm did not intervene. After Sword Venerable Fudao exterminated the Demon Ancestor, they descended from the mountain to save the world and gain a good reputation. Now, how many years have passed since the Great Catastrophe of Demons ended, and they provoked so many powerful overseas cultivators? Can such a force really be considered a Holy Land?


    Li Xuandao did notment on the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and Ji Rui was even more silent.


    Gu An also wondered what the Seven Stars Spirit Realm intended to do.


    This was not just targeting the immortal cultivation world of the three dynasties. If all the overseas cultivators who came died, the impact would be massive.


    An hourter, Li Xuandao took Ji Rui, Luo Hun, and Lv Xian and set off. Meanwhile, Tianya Valley became lively. Three monkey demons found Gu An and chattered non-stop, giving off the vibe of being the kings in a mountain without a tiger.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint also became talkative, quarreling fiercely with Sun San.


    After Gu An finished picking medicinal herbs, he rode the Blood Prison Great Saint away leisurely, and Tianya Valley returned to silence.


    ...


    At dusk, Divine Exotic City stood tall on the wastnd, magnificent and grand. Quite a few cultivators and demons gathered in front of the four city gates, and some cultivators and demons directly flew into the city. The air above the city walls rippled, and then the entrants disappeared without a trace.


    Two figures flew from the horizon; it was Jiang Qiong and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    As they looked from a distance, their eyes showed astonishment.


    Beforeing, they had heard many legends about Divine Exotic City, but seeing it in person now, they felt the shock.


    Not only was it a visual impact, but an indescribable ancient aura also surged toward them.


    "Divine Exotic City, it is said that obtaining it can summon Divine Soul Demons to sweep across the heavens and earth. I never thought I would witness this legendary Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in my lifetime," the Ghost Mother of Ephemera marveled.


    Jiang Qiong frowned and said, "Why can''t I see anyoneing out?"


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera replied, "There are countless minor heavens and earths inside Divine Exotic City. Without several years, it''s very difficult toe out."


    Jiang Qiong fell silent, her beautiful eyes fixed on Divine Exotic City.


    At that moment, a loud bell suddenly roared, making everyone''s divine soul tremble. Jiang Qiong and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera instinctively turned their heads and saw a golden light flying from the horizon at high speed across the wastnd and entering Divine Exotic City, with no one seeing its true form.


    Jiang Qiong asked in a low voice, "What realm is that passerby?"


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera remained silent, unable to answer.


    Meanwhile,


    Gu An, staying in the Third Medicine Valley, also stared at Divine Exotic City.


    "Even the Wandering Immortals havee. Will Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals appear next?"


    Gu An stood by a wooden railing, looking at the horizon and silently thought.


    He originally wasn''t interested in Divine Exotic City, but as more and more old acquaintances entered the city, he had to pay more attention.


    If something happened to Divine Exotic City, half of the people he cared about would die. Just thinking about it felt distressing.


    After watching for a while, he moved to check each garden area.


    ...


    Inside a broken and deste city, An Hao and Chi Jiuxiao sat cross-legged in front of a copsed wall, their faces pale and obviously injured.


    Roar¡ª¡ª


    A thunderous roar echoed through the heavens and earth, causing the wall behind them to tremble slightly.


    An Hao opened his eyes and frowned, asking in a low voice, "Senior, is there really an immortal opportunity here? Should we try another ce?"


    They were in a minor heaven and earth inside Divine Exotic City. After being here for several months, they had not found many treasures but often encountered demon beasts of the Immortal Path Realm, facing life-threatening dangers. Even the powerful Chi Jiuxiao was injured.


    Chi Jiuxiao, with his eyes closed, said, "There are many powerful demon beasts here, indicating that this ce must hide a supreme treasure. The destion is only on the surface. If we can find the immortal spirit of Divine Exotic City, you and I will soar to the skies and be one of the dominions of heaven and earth."


    An Hao smiled bitterly, "Even if we find the immortal spirit, can we protect Divine Exotic City with our cultivation?"


    He admitted that Chi Jiuxiao was strong, but ever since they paired up, he often saw Chi Jiuxiao in difficult situations.


    Although Chi Jiuxiao imed those opponents were in the Loose Immortal Realm, it at least proved that within Divine Exotic City, he hadn''t reached the top tier. How could hepete for the immortal spirit with such strength?


    "The immortal spirit will choose its master. Once chosen, it can borrow the power of Divine Exotic City. Even you could possess the power of the Immortal Path Realm. With the protection of Divine Exotic City''s power, you and I will rise eventually," Chi Jiuxiao said nonchntly.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Upon hearing this, An Hao''s eyes lit up.


    He was about to speak when suddenly, the city shook more violently. Chi Jiuxiao instantly appeared before him, grabbing him before vanishing from the spot.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    Streets copsed, and dust rolled up, wanting to envelop the skies.


    Chi Jiuxiao and An Hao reappeared in the air, looking closely, the world was submerged in rolling dust waves, and the dpidated city below seemed in danger of being swallowed at any moment.


    "Chi Jiuxiao, long time no see!" An eerie voice rang out.


    Upon hearing this, Chi Jiuxiao''s brows furrowed, and he said in a deep voice, "Qin Xunyin, you indeed came!"


    As the words fell, the dust waves ahead suddenly parted, and figures emerged from it. Leading the group was a man in blue robes, graceful and proud.


    "Do you dare toe alone to our Six Stars Cave''s territory? Do you seek death?" Qin Xunyin stared at Chi Jiuxiao, a cold smile on his face.


    Chi Jiuxiao gripped An Hao''s shoulder with his right hand, and in his left hand, he condensed the Dragon-ying Spear. He pointed the spear at Qin Xunyin and sneered, "What? Do you think you can defeat me with a few helpers? Have you forgotten the cowardly look when you knelt before me a hundred years ago?"


    Upon hearing this, Qin Xunyin''s eyes turned cold. With a roar, the dust waves behind them dispersed, revealing a terrifying giant demon. It was an elephant demon with a head as huge as a mountain, ck skin, blood-red eyes, and scars covering its trunk. Its two tusks were like mountain ridges dispersing the dust waves below.


    Meanwhile,


    In another minor heaven and earth within Divine Exotic City,


    under the clear sky, Zhang Buku and Li Ya walked through a vast monastery. Along the way, there were numerous Buddha statues. Some stood on demon beasts, looking heroic, while others sat on lotus seats, appearing kind and merciful.


    "Brother Li, have you read Journey to the West?" Zhang Buku suddenly asked.


    Li Ya, walking in front, hummed, "When do I have time to read leisure books?"


    His gaze swept forward, his brows furrowed. Sinceing here, he had felt uneasy, as if someone hidden was watching them, making him very ufortable.


    "Let me tell you, Journey to the West involves the Buddhism Sect, and the Buddha is very powerful. Even the Great Sage Equalling Heaven, Sun Wukong, couldn''t escape the Five-Finger Mountain of The Buddha..." Zhang Buku began introducing Journey to the West.


    He didn''t actually want to talk about Journey to the West. His senses were sharper than Li Ya''s, and since stepping into this monastery, he felt danger.


    Strangely, they had walked around several times and couldn''t find an exit.


    The two had a tacit understanding. Neither pointed out this fact and continued to stroll, their minds on high alert.


    Tap, tap, tap¡ª¡ª


    A stone suddenly fell from the courtyard wall, startling Zhang Buku, who turned to see the stone rolling on the path behind, with no figures of people or demons on the walls around.


    He released his divine sense, but also failed to detect anything unusual.


    He turned back, about to say something, and in the next moment, his eyes widened. The space in front of him was empty; Li Ya had vanished!

 Chapter 218 My Master Is Definitely More Powerful Than Yours

    After Li Ya disappeared, Zhang Buku immediately panicked. He flew into the air, and from above, the vast monastery stretched out endlessly. The interconnected courtyards seemed endless, dizzying to behold. He scanned the area but could not find any trace of Li Ya.


    It wasn''t just Li Ya. He couldn''t see a single living creature!


    Thoroughly rmed, he began to fly around, searching for Li Ya.


    "Brother Li!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He called out loudly, but unfortunately, there was no response.


    The eeriness and horror intensified, making him feel that danger was approaching.


    No matter where he flew, he saw no human figures or traces. Gradually, he felt that the courtyards he passed by became increasingly repetitive, causing his consciousness to blur.


    He did not know how long had passed before he gradually descended into a courtyard.


    The world spun!


    His eyelids grew heavy!


    This feeling made Zhang Buku extremely ufortable. He half-knelt on the ground, supporting himself with his hands, feeling on the verge of fainting.


    "Damn it... I can''t... fall here..."


    Zhang Buku struggled to maintain hisst shred of rationality.


    He vaguely heard footsteps approaching from nearby. He turned his head with difficulty and saw a blurred, ovepping figure approaching. It seemed to be an old monk in a cassock.


    The old monk crouched down in front of him. Before Zhang Buku could see the monk''s face, he saw the monk''s hands, bony and gaunt, like a pair of ghostly ws, with very long nails.


    These hands rmed Zhang Buku and instinctively filled him with fear.


    A faint chirping sound came from afar, making him feel dazed, as if he had heard this sound somewhere before.


    The old monk beside him stood up and turned to look, his body trembling, seemingly chastising something.


    Suddenly.


    The old monk''s figure vanished into thin air, and he felt somethingnd on his shoulder.


    His consciousness quickly cleared, and the world in his eyes returned to normal, no longer shaking.


    Once he was fully awake, he quickly stood up and turned his head to see a sparrow perched on his shoulder.


    "It''s you!"


    Zhang Buku eximed with joy. It was this sparrow that had led him to the cave back then, where he obtained the Demon Core and learned the axe technique. He would never forget this sparrow.


    He instinctively wanted to grab the sparrow, but it suddenly flew away,nding on the courtyard wall, chirping nonstop.


    Zhang Buku couldn''t understand it, but seeing the sparrow tilting its head, he immediately understood and followed the sparrow.


    The sparrow pped its wings and flew away, and Zhang Buku hurriedly chased after it.


    After a while, the sparrownded on a stone statue along the courtyard path. As Zhang Buku approached, he was astonished to find that the face of the statue was Li Ya''s face.


    The statue''s body was a Buddha statue, wearing a cassock with Li Ya''s face on it, making Zhang Buku feel very uneasy.


    He began to call out to Li Ya, but unfortunately, received no response.


    Gu An, in the form of a sparrow, looked at Zhang Buku and sighed inwardly.


    This kid''s physique and cultivation were good, but his Divine Sense wascking and needed more practice.


    Gu An pped his wings, continuously pecking at Li Ya''s statue, guiding Zhang Buku.


    Zhang Buku took the hint and pushed the statue, but nothing happened.


    Gu Annded on the statue''s head, using his beak to peck at the statue''s face, then looked up at Zhang Buku.


    "I understand! Move aside!"


    Zhang Buku stepped aside and said in a deep voice. Gu An immediately flew away.


    Zhang Buku swung his fist and smashed the statue''s head with a punch.


    Rumbling¡ª


    The ground shook violently, spatial ripples appeared in the sky above the monastery, revealing various colors. Soon after, blood-red lights appeared, quickly recing the clear sky.


    In less than three breaths'' time, the monastery was under a night of blood, terrifying and horrifying.


    Zhang Buku stared ahead and found that all the stone statues had turned into white bones, hideous and terrifying.


    He leaped into the air. From above, the once boundless monastery now covered a mere hundred-zhang area. In front of one temple, Li Ya was tied to an old tree, a ghostly w covering his mouth and a ghostly hand pressing on his chest, preventing him from breaking free.


    These two ghostly hands'' arms extended behind the tree, making one wonder how terrifying their owner was.


    "Brother Li!"


    Zhang Buku roared in anger, leaping with a stone axe in hand. Just as he flew into the courtyard, the temple door suddenly opened.


    "I didn''t expect you to see through my formation! Remarkable, young human!"


    A hoarse voice came from the darkness behind the door. Then, an old monk in a cassock walked out. His figure was gaunt, his skin dark and covered in corpse spots, and his pupils had lost all color, pale to the extreme.


    Zhang Buku said nothing and swung his axe.


    Cutting through the mountain!


    With one swing, the sky and earth trembled. The old monk vanished from his spot, and the temple was split in two, with the connecting walls shattered, the cut extending outside the monastery.


    Gu An, in the form of a sparrow,nded on a distant eaves, watching the battle unfold.


    Zhang Buku was no match for the old monk, but Gu An could assist with his Divine Sense.


    The battle erupted in full scale!


    The monastery soon turned into a t field, more and more evil ghosts emerging from the ground and rushing toward Zhang Buku.


    Zhang Buku was deeply surrounded, fighting more and more valiantly.


    "Who? Show yourself!" the old monk suddenly shouted in anger. Whenever he was about to kill Zhang Buku, a powerful Divine Sense would strike him, throwing his Divine Soul into chaos and making him lose focus.


    No one answered him, and Zhang Buku was killing with red eyes.


    Gu An multitasked, using Divine Sense to help Zhang Buku while observing the Minor Heaven and Earth within Divine Exotic City.


    The powerful restrictions of Divine Exotic City could not stop his Limitless Freedom Step. As long as he locked onto the auras of Zhang Buku and Li Ya, he could step in instantly.


    Now he could enter and exit Divine Exotic City freely, utterly unhindered.


    Entering Divine Exotic City revealed its vastness. The city''s Minor Heaven and Earth numbered at least a thousand. Some Minor Heaven and Earth wererger than the entire Taicang Dynasty. Combined, the internal space of Divine Exotic City was likely wider than the entire continent.


    Gu An saw Chi Jiuxiao and An Hao being pursued, the pursuers likely from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, led by a Loose Immortal.


    He also saw the Nine-Finger Divine Lord single-handedly facing endless divine and ghostly armies in a heaven and was constantly using Divine Skills, domineering and unrivaled.


    Gu An tried to kill an evil ghost nearby but gained no life span from it.


    He instantly abandoned the idea of venturing through Divine Exotic City.


    These evil ghosts seemed to be from a single power, a power even Gu An could not fathom.


    The being who created Divine Exotic City must have a realm far beyond the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    Time flew by quickly.


    An hourter, Zhang Buku finally managed to kill the old monk, though it was Gu An''s Mana that had initially eliminated him, with Zhang Buku''s axe energy following closely.


    Killing the old monk did not grant Gu An any life span either.


    Zhang Bukunded, gasping heavily. He reached the old tree and cut off the ghostly hands, causing Li Ya to fall, whom he caught.


    He subconsciously looked back but saw no trace of the sparrow.


    He couldn''t care much about that and focused on attending to Li Ya.


    "Brother Li! Brother Li!" Zhang Buku whispered, using his Spiritual Power to heal Li Ya''s wounds.


    At the same time, Gu An had already returned to Mystic Valley.


    To Zhang Buku and Li Ya, Divine Exotic City was incredibly far from the Supreme Sect, but to Gu An, it was just a step away.


    He approached the Pill Furnace in his room, preparing for alchemy.


    Not only Li Ya and Zhang Buku encountered troubles today, but several other old friends did as well, so Gu An decided to stay in Mystic Valley and wait.


    "Divine Exotic City Immortal Spirit..."


    Gu An seemed to catch something just now. He stood before the Pill Furnace, pondering while beginning to ce herbs into the furnace.


    ...


    In the dark hall passage, An Hao and Chi Jiuxiao were walking quickly.


    Chi Jiuxiao suddenly stopped, leaning against the wall, and whispered, "We can stop now."


    An Hao looked around and asked, "Where is this ce?"


    They had just flown out of a Minor Heaven and Earth and ended up in this hall passage. After walking for a long time, passing numerous intersections, they had lost their way.


    They couldn''t forcibly break through the walls or even prate them with their Divine Sense, making An Hao very nervous.


    Chi Jiuxiao sat down, cing a small cauldron in front of him, then inserted two incense sticks.


    Watching him light the incense, An Hao frowned and asked, "What are you doing?"


    ck blood seeped from Chi Jiuxiao''s mouth. He forced a smile and said, "Those scum from Seven Stars Spirit Realm dared to hire two Loose Immortals to deal with me. I indeed couldn''t defeat them, but since Qin Xunyin can call for help, so can I!"


    An Hao widened his eyes and quickly asked, "Aren''t you from overseas? Who can you call?"


    "Heh, my master is a being surpassing Loose Immortals. Once I light this incense, he will sense it ande to rescue us quickly..." Chi Jiuxiao grinned.


    Surpassing Loose Immortals!


    An Hao was stunned.


    He sat down and said, "Since you''re calling your master, I''ll call mine as well!"


    He began calling his master in his mind.


    Previously, he had managed to call his master through his thoughts.


    But he was unsure. Last time, he wanted his master to save Xuan Tianyi, and his master didn''te right away, though he did actter. He wasn''t sure under what circumstances his master would act.


    "Your master? Forget it. What formidable cultivator could the Supreme Sect have?" Chi Jiuxiao couldn''t help butugh.


    An Hao said, "My master is definitely stronger than yours."


    "Kid, don''t disrespect my master!" Chi Jiuxiao red at him.


    An Hao was about to say that Chi Jiuxiao had also disrespected his master.


    Suddenly, the hall passage began to tremble, and a powerful killing intent attacked from the darkness.


    "Damn it! They caught up so fast!"


    Chi Jiuxiao immediately stood up, grabbed the small cauldron with the incense, and pulled An Hao along, flying quickly.


    Though strong at the Ninth Layer of Nirvana Realm, he couldn''t break through the walls or ceiling, so he could only fly close to the ground.


    "Chi Jiuxiao, you can''t escape!"


    Qin Xunyin''s voice came from behind, filled with frenzied excitement.


    At the same time.


    Outside Divine Exotic City.


    Lv Baitian and a group of Supreme Sect cultivators watched the city gate, discussing their ns after entering the city.


    Suddenly!


    A terrifying aura came from afar, startling everyone outside the city to turn and look.


    They could only see a streak of light breaking through the sky, disappearing into Divine Exotic City in the blink of an eye, swift as lightning, and couldn''t see what was within the light.

 Chapter 219: Chapter 219 Master!

    Chi Jiuxiao took An Hao and fled quickly, passing dozens of intersections. They suddenly flew into a vast pce whose length and width were difficult to estimate. The pce was dimly lit, with rows of stone pirs, most of which had extinguished oilmps hanging on them.


    As soon as An Hao entered the pce, he felt a cold wind blowing towards him, making him shiver uncontrobly.


    Before he could think more, a terrible killing intent came from behind.


    A dark red long scarf flew out from the darkness, swiftly passing by the two and circling in front, trying to entangle them.


    Chi Jiuxiao took out the Dragon-ying Spear and threw it forward. A dragon''s roar exploded, and a Golden Dragon condensed, illuminating the whole pce with golden light.


    The Golden Dragon formed by the Dragon-ying Spear fiercely collided with the dark red scarf, stirring up strong winds that ravaged the pce space.


    An Hao only felt himself about to be swept away. Fortunately, Chi Jiuxiao was holding him, but even so, he was still very ufortable.


    Chi Jiuxiao leaped up, his toes stepping on the Dragon-ying Spear. He flipped into the air, jumping over the dark red scarf, and then turned to look below.


    The dark red scarf was like a red river plunging into the darkness, with no end in sight.


    Figures attacked from all directions, quickly surrounding them.


    Qin Xunyin flew from the front,nding less than thirty feet from the two, and said with a sneer, "Chi Jiuxiao, where do you think you''re going?"


    Chi Jiuxiao put down An Hao and coldly said, "Want to kill me? Fine, let this kid go first!"


    "I..." An Hao was urgent, just about to speak but was stopped by Chi Jiuxiao raising his hand.


    Qin Xunyinughed dismissively, "Do you think you''re in any position to negotiate with me right now?"


    As he finished speaking, a figure appeared beside him. It was an old man in white, with a cold face, holding a jademp.


    Chi Jiuxiao slightly turned his head, ncing back. Another Loose Immortal had already appeared behind him.


    "Master..." An Hao whispered through clenched teeth.


    Chi Jiuxiao heard his words and smiled.


    "An Hao, it seems your master cannot hear your call. But my master ising soon." Chi Jiuxiao said softly with a smile.


    With these words, the faces of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators slightly changed.


    The old man in white beside Chi Jiuxiao instinctively turned around to look.


    "You bully my disciple, does Divine Soul True Lord agree?"


    A cold voice echoed through the pce, the killing intent in the tone making everyone feel as if they were in an ice cer.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s face once again showed an unruly and wild smile, looking at Qin Xunyin as if he were prey.


    ...


    The autumn wind blew, lifting the fallen leaves off the ground and gently putting them down again.


    Gu An was sweeping the ground, and the Blood Prison Great Saint beside him curiously asked, "Master, there are so many disciples in the valley, why do you sweep the ground yourself?"


    Not only Gu An but other disciples were also sweeping the ground in the Third Medicine Valley. However,pared to the vast Medicine Valley, the hundreds of people seemed sparse.


    "It''s sometimes good to sweep the ground. Feeling the earth with your hands and feet might lead to some insights." Gu An casually replied.


    He sounded very perfunctory, but his words fell on the ears of the Blood Prison Great Saint and seemed very reasonable.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint began to walk back and forth, feeling the earth and nature.


    Gu An looked toward the direction of Divine Exotic City, where four Wandering Immortals had gathered, two from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, one was Chi Jiuxiao''s master, and another was Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord was leading Chu Jingfeng to search for Immortal Spirit, while the other three Wandering Immortals were engaged in chaotic battles.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s master had killed two Loose Immortals and more than a dozen Seven Stars Spirit Realm disciples, attracting two Wandering Immortals.


    The situation was not good, as Chi Jiuxiao''s master had already fallen into a disadvantage.


    Gu An was not in a hurry to take action, first letting Chi Jiuxiao''s master fight for a while longer. He had to sweep this area clean.


    After a while, Gu An looked towards the west.


    Another Wandering Immortal had arrived!


    "It''s really lively."


    Gu An thought to himself, feeling a bit worried.


    The increasing presence of Immortal Path beings on this continent could easily bring catastrophe to the Immortal Cultivation World of the Three Dynasties.


    He just hoped this matter would end soon.


    ...


    In a Minor Heaven and Earth within Divine Exotic City, yellow sand covered the sky, and the wind raged wildly.


    On the desert, An Hao stood in front of Chi Jiuxiao, with a faint golden light around them, blocking the wind and sand.


    Chi Jiuxiao was sitting and healing his wounds, looking ahead. Booming sounds kepting, with heat waves, flying leaves, and gold mes entangled and surging. In the distance, mana rainbows shed brilliantly, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    The battle of Wandering Immortals, how terrifying!


    An Hao could not see the figures of the three Wandering Immortals. Even with the protection of the formation, he felt his body might turn to dust at any moment, which was an unbearably ufortable feeling.


    Chi Jiuxiao could barely see the Wandering Immortals'' battle, and because of that, his face looked even gloomier.


    His most respected master had already fallen into disadvantage!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He realized that doom was inevitable.


    This time, he had also implicated An Hao and his master, which made his fists clench tightly.


    "Damn it..."


    Chi Jiuxiao realized for the first time the power of Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Before, he had mainly been active within the territory governed by Star Sea Congregations. Even when encountering Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators, he rarely suffered losses. Now,ing to the territory of Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he recognized that those people feared not him, but the Star Sea Congregations.


    An Hao turned back and asked nervously, "Senior, what is the situation now?"


    Chi Jiuxiao was silent, not answering, just staring ahead.


    Seeing his face darkened to the point of dripping water, An Hao knew the situation was bad, making him even more anxious.


    "Chi Bei, today your disciple must die. If you insist on living and dying with him, then prepare to vanish!"


    A majestic voice rang out, followed by the sound of a zither, causing An Hao inside the formation to feel dizzy, with everything in his field of vision shaking.


    Chi Jiuxiao took a deep breath, then stood up.


    "Senior, what are you going to do?" An Hao frowned and asked.


    Chi Jiuxiao did not answer but shouted loudly, "I take full responsibility for my actions. This matter started because of me. Let my master go. I am willing to die to atone!"


    "Hmph, it''s not up to you to talk here!"


    An old voice echoed, filled with displeasure.


    "Master, I..."


    "Shut up!"


    With a loud and violent shout, the desert rolled, and ck lightning bolts extended from the horizon, as if tearing the sky apart.


    The battle became more intense!


    The formation protecting An Hao and the others was also shaking violently, causing An Hao to sway. He looked nervously ahead and suddenly saw a figure walking through the wind and sand.


    "Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion! You are truly vicious! Does Seven Stars Spirit Realm really belong to the Righteous Path?" an old voice rang out again, filled with anger.


    "Hmph, what is righteous, and what is demonic? Can you Star Sea Congregations really distinguish?" another voice replied, filled with disdain.


    Chi Jiuxiao panicked and quickly shouted, "Let my master go! I am willing to die!"


    His gaze instinctively turned to the figure walking through the sandstorm ahead.


    That figure stepped out of the sandstorm, revealing its true form: a man wearing purple robes, with white hair, a youthful face, and eyes as cold as serpents.


    He looked at Chi Jiuxiao and coldly said, "Whether you are willing or not, you must die, and your master must also die now."


    "You..."


    Chi Jiuxiao was furious, wishing he could rush out and fight the man in purple robes for three hundred rounds. But he remained rational, knowing he was no match for his opponent. If he went out, he probably wouldn''t withstand even one move, and would only distract his master.


    Boom!


    The rolling yellow sand behind the man in purple robes was suddenly scattered. An old man with torn robes and a face covered in blood flew, stepping on a golden ring. Before he could get close to the man in purple robes, a terrifying giant scorpion pincer swept in from the side, directly catching him and pulling him back, disappearing into the sandstorm.


    "Master!" Chi Jiuxiao shouted hoarsely.


    The man in purple robes raised his right hand, igniting a strange white me in his palm. He looked at Chi Jiuxiao and An Hao with a mocking smile.


    He approached the formation step by step, the wind and sand behind him swirling madly, with waves of qi created by mana soaring like dragons, creating a spectacr scene.


    "Just wait for death. Soon, your master wille down to join you."


    The man in purple robes said coldly. As he finished speaking, he was already less than ten steps away from the formation.


    He deliberately approached slowly, tormenting Chi Jiuxiao and An Hao''s minds while trying to distract Chi Bei.


    An Hao looked at him and couldn''t help but recall the scene when Xuan Tianyi was held back by mysterious cultivators. Just likest time, he was still utterly useless, weak enough to hate himself.


    He gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and couldn''t help shouting out loudly, "Master!"


    He screamed with all his might, his voice echoing inside the Minor Heaven and Earth.


    "Master? What? You also have a master? Can your masterpare to Mahayana..."


    The man in purple robesughed with more disdain. Before he finished his sentence, a hand suddenly pressed on his shoulder, forcibly stopping him.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s pupils dted, staring in shock at the figure behind the man in purple robes.


    The man in purple robes instinctively tried to use divine skills to dodge. He was horrified to find that the mana in his body was solidified and immovable. He tried to use his own qi to break free, but the hand on his shoulder was as heavy as the heaviest mountain in the world, pressing down on him. The more he struggled, the greater the pressure felt.


    "Do you think I have the cultivation level of the Mahayana Realm?"


    A cold voice came from behind the man in purple robes. An Hao heard it too and opened his eyes to see. When he saw the scene outside the formation, he was instantly overjoyed.


    "Master! You finally came!" An Hao looked at Gu An with surging emotions, his eyes quickly turning red.


    Gu An, who had disyed the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, ignored An Hao. He was standing sideways, his left hand pressing on the shoulder of the man in purple robes with a casual posture, yet the man in purple robes couldn''t move.


    "Who... who are you?"


    Another voice rang out, filled with fear.


    As he finished speaking, a figure suddenly appeared behind Gu An. It was a man in red robes, dressed extravagantly, exuding powerful energy, holding a short sword, and stabbing towards Gu An''s lower back.


    Gu An, holding the shoulder of the man in purple robes, vanished into thin air, causing the man in red robes to miss.


    Before the man in red robes could turn around, he felt an unimaginable force hitting his back. His body uncontrobly fell to his knees on the sand, and then a foot stepped on his back, pushing his spine down.


    Gu An, with his left hand pressing on the shoulder of the man in purple robes and his right foot stomping on the back of the man in red robes, suppressed two Wandering Immortals with his own strength!

 Chapter 220 The Legendary Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal

    Seeing Gu An''s fierce suppression of the two Wandering Immortals, Chi Jiuxiao was dumbfounded, while An Hao trembled with excitement.


    Gu An nced at the purple-robed man in his hand and cast a Life Span Detection.


    [Nine Stars True Lord (Fifth Layer of Wandering Immortal Realm): 42089/150000/160000]


    He then looked at the red-robed man at his feet and performed the Life Span Detection as well.


    [True Lord Cangye (Sixth Layer of Wandering Immortal Realm): 56803/160000/190000]


    Both are quite old!


    They all call themselves True Lords; could it be that True Lord is a title in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    As Gu An was pondering, True Lord Cangye at his feet struggled to speak: "Who might you be, sir? If that boy is indeed your disciple, take him away!"


    Boom!


    The whirlwind behind Gu An suddenly exploded, darkening An Hao and Chi Jiuxiao''s vision. A massive ck scorpion, asrge as a giant mountain, attacked, its pincers mping towards Gu An.


    Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion!


    Its speed was insanely fast, so fast that Chi Jiuxiao and An Hao couldn''t react in time.


    They only saw the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion attack suddenly, and before they could see it clearly, it exploded. ck venom sttered everywhere, followed by an even more terrifying roar.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    A vast cloud of dust rose behind Gu An, covering the sky with ck venom.


    "Impossible..."


    The Nine Stars True Lord, held by Gu An, had his eyes wide open in disbelief.


    That Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion was also in the Wandering Immortal Realm, yet it died instantly?


    He didn''t even see what method Gu An used, feeling that as soon as the scorpion''s pincers touched Gu An, its body exploded.


    [You sessfully seized 57009 years of life span from the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion (Second Level of Traveling Immortal Realm)]


    Seeing the notification, Gu An felt slightly satisfied.


    The Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion died under the Daoist Gang Primal Energy, which was manifested by the Ji Family''s Divine Skill, Heaven and Earth Path Gang. Whenever someone attacked Gu An''s body, this divine skill would trigger, killing the attacker.


    True Lord Cangye could neither extend his Divine Sense nor turn his head, but he felt as if he would be annihted the moment the Daoist Gang Primal Energy exploded.


    He had never felt so desperate.


    The opponent had definitely surpassed the Wandering Immortal Realm!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    How could such a being exist on this backward continent?


    The Nine Stars True Lord, witnessing the explosion of the Daoist Gang Primal Energy, was even more terrified.


    At this moment, the two Wandering Immortals lost all will to fight, feeling only endless fear.


    The longer they lived, the more they feared death.


    "Senior... give..." True Lord Cangye said, trembling.


    Although Gu An did not receive any hostility prompt, True Lord Cangye dared to let the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion attack him, truly courting death.


    Gu An suddenly exerted force with his right foot, directly crushing True Lord Cangye''s body into blood mist, leaving only a storage bag.


    The Nine Stars True Lord''s eyes widened in despair.


    From Gu An''s palm, the Breaking Path Divine Light burst forth, instantly reducing him to dust, leaving no trace behind.


    The storage bag of the Nine Stars True Lord also fell to the ground.


    The two Wandering Immortals died without any resistance!


    An Hao and Chi Jiuxiao were stunned. They knew how powerful these two Wandering Immortals were, which made them even more bewildered.


    Two notifications popped up before Gu An; he sessfully seized twenty thousand years of life span!


    A figure flew over andnded behind Gu An, bowing and cupping his fists. "Thank you, senior, for saving me!"


    It was Chi Jiuxiao''s master, Chi Bei.


    Chi Bei looked extremely miserable, his body oozing ck blood.


    "Don''t reveal this to anyone, or you''ll be my enemy." Gu An warned before disappearing into thin air, taking the two storage bags with him.


    Chi Bei looked up, but his Divine Sense could no longer detect Gu An, making him sigh.


    At this moment, Chi Jiuxiao rushed out of the formation, supporting Chi Bei.


    "Master, are you okay?" Chi Jiuxiao asked anxiously.


    Chi Bei struggled to speak: "Bring out the medicine cauldron; I need to expel the poison..."


    Chi Jiuxiao hurried toply.


    Soon, Chi Bei entered the cauldron to heal, taking out his prepared medicinal herbs and Spirit Water.


    An Hao approached the great cauldron and cautiously asked, "What''s the origin of the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion?"


    Chi Jiuxiao, staring at the great cauldron, said solemnly, "The Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion is one of the nine ancient deadly poisons of the ocean and the most powerful venomous insect alive today. If an Immortal is swallowed by it, they instantly turn into toxic blood; stung by it, their cultivation dissipates, and gods and Buddhas cannot save them."


    So terrifying?


    An Hao was startled, not knowing how tofort Chi Jiuxiao.


    Chi Jiuxiao turned to him and asked, "Who exactly is your master? It''s simply..."


    Gu An''s earlier performance was terrifying, even though Chi Jiuxiao was saved, he feared Gu An''s power.


    It was a fear born from something beyond hisprehension!


    "I can''t reveal my master''s name; he forbids it." An Hao shook his head, feeling proud inside.


    Whenever he encountered a higher realm existence, he would wonder what realm his master had reached.


    However, his master kept breaking his understanding time and time again.


    No matter how powerful an entity appeared before his master, they were but ants.


    He realized that although he was extremely talented,pared to his master, he wasn''t worth mentioning. He even suspected that his own talents were due to his master''s favor.


    Chi Jiuxiao fell silent after hearing this.


    He recalled Gu An''s previous demeanor, eyes showing admiration.


    A true man cultivating the immortal path should have such a presence!


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An did not return to the Supreme Sect but instead arrived at an isted ind on the sea with one step.


    He appeared in the forest, quickly sorting through the storage bags of the two True Lords, destroying suspicious items, and throwing the treasures into his own storage bag.


    As his storage bag wasn''t enough to hold the inheritance of these two, he had to refine one of their storage bags.


    After a while, he finally left.


    He entered his own Grotto Heaven with one step, emptied everything out, and burned the Nine Stars True Lord''s storage bag to ashes.


    Although he checked and found nothing wrong, he still wanted to be cautious.


    After doing all this, he returned to the Supreme Sect.


    He stood on the mountaintop next to the Mystic Valley, gazing into the distance.


    Although it was easy to kill three Wandering Immortals, he wasn''t at peace.


    He knew things were about to escte!


    But he didn''t regret it; he couldn''t let the enemies survive.


    There was another way!


    He also wanted to find the Immortal Spirit of the Divine Exotic City and give it to someone to end this conflict prematurely.


    Gu An had no interest in Divine Exotic City, despite its power, because its karma was too great. He didn''t want any trouble.


    Giving it to someone else to follow the Star Sea Congregations away would be the best result.


    He had visited Divine Exotic City twice and vaguely tracked the Immortal Spirit''s whereabouts.


    ...


    Several dayster, within the Minor Heaven and Earth of Divine Exotic City, the wind and sand had ceased.


    Chi Jiuxiao helped Chi Bei, who had just emerged from the cauldron, to sit down. Chi Bei, now dressed in a clean white robe, had a pale face and disheveled hair,cking any Wandering Immortal demeanor.


    Sitting down, he sighed: "I didn''t expect Divine Exotic City to attract a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal."


    An Hao''s face showed curiosity upon hearing this.


    "Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal? Is it the legendary realm capable of traveling beyond the heavens?" Chi Jiuxiao''s eyes brightened with excitement.


    Chi Bei nodded: "It must be. Being in the same realm, he couldn''t have possibly defeated those two True Lords so easily."


    He looked at Chi Jiuxiao and said, "Senior saved us, so we must keep our promise and not speak of his intervention. Just say it was cultivators from the Star Sea Congregations, got it?"


    Chi Jiuxiao nodded heavily.


    Chi Bei then looked at An Hao, scrutinizing him. He could see that An Hao had extraordinary roots and asked, "Is your master also from the Supreme Sect?"


    He could see the karma surrounding An Hao but could only see the past ten years, not the interactions between An Hao and his master.


    As for Lv Baitian, he was quickly dismissed; a mere Unification Realm was not worth his attention.


    "I''m not sure; he probably isn''t." An Hao shook his head, keeping a cautious mind and not fully trusting Chi Bei.


    Chi Bei smiled: "You''re very fortunate, young man. With such a master, your future is limitless. How about joining the Star Sea Congregationster?"


    An Hao hesitated: "I don''t have just one master. My other master is the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, and I have to take on the responsibility of strengthening my sect."


    Chi Bei''s smile grew even more gentle: "It''s not about leaving the Supreme Sect. You can train with the Star Sea Congregations for a while and help establish good rtions between the two sects. The Star Sea Congregations can help you grow strong quickly; once you''re powerful enough, you''ll better protect the Supreme Sect. In the future, if the Star Sea Congregations face difficulties, you can offer your help."


    Hearing this, An Hao found it hard to refuse and looked towards Chi Jiuxiao.


    Chi Jiuxiao snorted: "Is my master going to deceive you? Xuan Tianyi is the best example."


    Traveling together all this way, he had learned about the rtionship between Xuan Tianyi and An Hao.


    He also wanted to win An Hao over.


    Winning over An Hao meant winning over the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal from a few days ago!


    A Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal; the Star Sea Congregations had produced such beings, but those were legends, and he had never seen one with his own eyes.


    An Hao hesitated for a while but finally nodded in agreement, bringing smiles to Chi Bei and Chi Jiuxiao.


    Chi Bei''s smile faded as he said, "I haven''tpletely expelled the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion''s toxin. Let''s leave Divine Exotic City to avoid the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s pursuit."


    "But Divine Exotic City..." Chi Jiuxiao hesitated.


    Chi Bei red at him angrily: "There is a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal in Divine Exotic City, along with other Wandering Immortal presences. Do you think you have the qualifications topete for the Immortal Spirit?"


    Chi Jiuxiao immediately backed down, scratching his head with an awkward smile, not daring to insist further.


    An Hao felt some regret, but leaving now wouldn''t be a loss; he had found many treasures alongside Chi Jiuxiao and had gained a lot.


    So, the three of them packed up and began to search for a way out.


    ...


    In a dark hall, one side of the wall was adorned with a row of brass oilmps, some of which had already gone out.


    In front of themp wall stood a woman in a purple dress with a veil, her long hair coiled into a bun. Her revealed eyebrows were delicate, but the coldness in her eyes added a sense of mystery to her aura.


    A boy dressed in a sleeveless top appeared on her shoulder, tilting his head and asking, "Mother, what are you looking at?"


    Upon closer inspection, the boy''s feet were embedded in the shoulder of the woman in the purple dress; he was a Soul Body, not a Living Spirit.

 Chapter 221 Immortal Spirit, I Want It!

    "Mother is seeing who has fallen again."


    The woman in the purple dress spoke slowly, her voice ethereal, echoing in the hall like the sound of spring water flowing through a mountain stream.


    The boy on her shoulder asked confusedly, "What is there to see? People die all the time, don''t they? As long as less than half of themps on this wall are extinguished, the fortune of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm won''t be severed."


    The woman in the purple dress replied, "Three wandering immortals have died recently, all from the same ce. This ce is close to the Star Sea Congregations; I don''t know if it''s their plot or if someone else is causing trouble in the dark."


    The boy followed her gaze to the oilmps on the wall and began to ponder.


    At this moment, footsteps echoed from the darkness behind, and an old voice said,


    "Cave Master, the spirit mirror is showing divine sense fluctuations."


    When the woman in the purple dress heard this, she turned and walked into the darkness.


    The boy on her shoulder turned his head to look, his clear eyes drawn to the oilmps on the wall.


    ...


    Under the night sky, in a dpidated city.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord sat meditating in front of a fire, with Chu Jingfeng sitting next to him.


    Chu Jingfeng asionally nced into the distance; beneath the moonlight, dense fog surged, vaguely revealing terrifying ghostly shadows.


    "Can you feel it?" the Nine-Finger Divine Lord suddenly asked.


    Chu Jingfeng''s thoughts were pulled back, and he cautiously asked, "Master, feel what?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord whispered, "It is approaching."


    "Who is it?"


    "The Immortal Spirit of Divine Exotic City."


    Chu Jingfeng''s eyes widened, and his breath quickened.


    Sinceing to Divine Exotic City, he had learned about the Immortal Spirit from the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    As long as the Immortal Spirit epted a master, one could control the great power of Divine Exotic City!


    The Immortal Spirit''s choice of master was not solely based on cultivation level; it might also depend on fate, which was why so many non-Immortal Path Realm beings came to adventure here.


    Chu Jingfeng did not dare to hope that he could obtain Divine Exotic City, but he hoped his master could.


    The stronger his master became, the more benefits he would get. Moreover, from the bottom of his heart, he was grateful to the Nine-Finger Divine Lord¡ªit was the Nine-Finger Divine Lord who had given him a chance to be reborn.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stopped speaking and continued absorbing energy.


    Chu Jingfeng then began to imagine what might happen next.


    After entering the city with the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, he had witnessed many battles. No matter how strong the demons and ghosts were, they were no match for his master.


    He believed that as soon as the Immortal Spirit appeared, his master would inevitably control it and thus dominate Divine Exotic City!


    The moon set and the sun rose.


    The sun rose in the east outside the city.


    Chu Jingfeng was practicing Qi absorption cultivation when he suddenly felt the ground tremble. He opened his eyes to find the surrounding buildings shaking.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was sitting opposite him, slowly stood up. Before Chu Jingfeng could ask, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord raised his hand, and both of them soared into the sky.


    Chu Jingfeng looked down and his eyes widened in fear.


    He saw endless demons and ghosts appearing in all directions, surging like ck waves, engulfing the city''s buildings, and stimting his eyes.


    "This is the true power of Divine Exotic City, the Divine Soul Demons. Over countless years, an endless number of Divine Soul Demons have umted here. This is a force that can overthrow the Mortal World."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord spoke indifferently, looking into the distance.


    Before Chu Jingfeng could respond, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord raised his right hand and pressed down.


    Boom¡ª


    The city below instantly copsed, and countless Divine Soul Demons dissipated into ghostly mist. It seemed as if the entire earth was copsing, with dust flying up, turning the sky and ground murky.


    Chu Jingfeng vaguely heard a child''s yfulughter, like a ghost, giving him goosebumps.


    ...


    Divine Exotic City, East Gate.


    The gate stood open, and from outside, the streets inside appeared empty.


    Suddenly, the space inside the gate rippled, and three people emerged: Chi Bei, Chi Jiuxiao, and An Hao.


    The three of them walked ten steps forward. An Hao turned to look back, seeing the majestic city gate of Divine Exotic City, and sighed in relief.


    Finally, they were out!


    "An Hao?"


    A voice came from afar; An Hao looked and saw a group of cultivators in the distance, including Lv Baitian.


    An Hao quickly called out, "Master!"


    He was about to go over, but Chi Bei blocked him.


    "From now on, do not acknowledge your association with the Supreme Sect," Chi Bei said sternly, his gaze fixed on the distance.


    An Hao frowned and asked, "Why?"


    "They are here!"


    Chi Bei''s expression turned serious. He raised his hand, pulling out a magic artifact, ready for battle.


    Chi Jiuxiao also took out the Dragon-ying Spear, cursing under his breath, "It''s troublesome to be in the territory of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. These guys move fast."


    "After seven days and the fall of two wandering immortals, it''s impossible for the Seven Stars Spirit Realm not to have noticed." Chi Bei said calmly.


    Chi Jiuxiao looked at him and asked, "Master, what do we do?"


    Chi Bei sneered, "If the Seven Stars Spirit Realm makes a move, our Star Sea Congregations will respond in kind!"


    Hearing this, Chi Jiuxiao showed a smile of delight. He turned to look into the distance, his face lighting up with excitement.


    "So it''s you, Chi Bei of the Chi family from the Star Sea Congregations. Do you know the consequences of killing our disciples in the territory of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?"


    An icy voice echoed through the sky, the killing intent in it sending a chill down the spines of all beings outside the city.


    The disciples of the Supreme Sect quickly stood up, nervously looking into the distance.


    Terrifying auras erupted from all directions, shaking the earth and mountains.


    An Hao looked around and found that they were surrounded.


    Such a fearsome aura, could it be from wandering immortals as well?


    He was secretly rmed, his eyes turning towards Chi Bei, wondering if this senior could hold out.


    When would the wandering immortals of the Star Sea Congregations arrive?


    "Oh? So thisnd belongs to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. I thought you had long abandoned it!"


    A domineering voice rang out, opposing the previous wandering immortal of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Chi Bei clearly recognized the owner of this voice, a smile appearing on his face.


    The true battle of the wandering immortals was about to begin!


    ...N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The world was deste, and smoky ghostly mist pervaded thend. Chu Jingfeng stood on a gourd, surrounded by a faint light veil.


    His eyes were fixed ahead.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stood bare-chested, surrounded by fiery energy, his hair wild, looking like a war god, his posture imposing!


    In front of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord floated a fiery red phoenix, its wings spanning a thousand feet, pping as fiery waves surged, like dragons sweeping towards the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    "Humph! Since you refuse to bow, I can only subdue you!"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord spoke, his eyes cold, his body covered with ck runes, crawling and horrific.


    With those words, he suddenly charged towards the phoenix.


    The phoenix let out an ear-piercing screech, pping its wings once more. The surrounding dust waves scattered, revealing terrifying ghostly figures, each a hundred feet tall, d in battle armor, wielding long weapons, like ancient divine generals, exuding an unrivaled aura!


    In the blink of an eye, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was engulfed by these terrifying ghostly figures.


    Boom¡ª


    A violent gale exploded, scattering the ghostly figures. The Nine-Finger Divine Lord burst forth with relentless energy, striking towards the phoenix, shaking the mountains and rivers.


    This punch shattered space, and an ancient bell seemingly from the river of time emerged from a space rift, crashing directly into the phoenix.


    The enormous phoenix seemed small as a sparrow before a treepared to this ancient bell.


    The phoenix let out a mournful cry, as chains emerged from the surface of the bell, quickly binding the phoenix.


    No matter how it struggled, it couldn''t break free from the chains.


    The air was filled with a frenzied energy as more and more Divine Soul Demons approached from all directions, of various sizes and forms, with even a thousand-foot-tall Divine Soul descending from the sky.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord faced countless enemies alone, his punches and kicks like the wind, shaking the mountains and rivers, unstoppable.


    Chu Jingfeng stood on the gourd, his blood boiling as he looked on. Though he couldn''t see the specific movements of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord clearly, seeing those Divine Soul Demons being destroyed one after another, he could feel the immense power of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord!


    So strong!


    At this moment, Chu Jingfeng even felt that the Sword Dao was not the ultimate path; the path of the physical body was the strongest!


    The world roared, and the earth continuously raised dust. No matter how many Divine Soul Demons the Nine-Finger Divine Lord eradicated, there were always more toe.


    Rumble¡ª


    An enormous shadow rose at the edge of the world, like a mountain towering up, awe-inspiring.


    Chu Jingfeng looked from afar, feeling a chilling aura.


    "What is that..." he thought, terrified.


    Before he could think further, the mysterious giant shadow stepped out from the dust waves that covered the sky. It was a figure ten thousand feet tall, with a strong build, each muscle like a rocky mountain, exuding a power that made all living things fear.


    It was entirely ck, with disheveled hair, wearing only armored pants, and holding a massive axe in its hand.


    Wielding the axe in both hands, it swept forward. The force of the axe, even without reaching, sent a devastating wind along its path, nearly flinging the gourd Chu Jingfeng stood on.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord appeared in front of the gourd out of thin air, throwing a punch.


    Dong¡ª


    The deafening roar echoed, as the Nine-Finger Divine Lord met the mysterious giant''s axe with his own power.


    Both sides retreated; the Nine-Finger Divine Lord frowned, feeling his right fist numb.


    The mysterious giant stabilized after retreating several steps, then swung the axe again. This time, the mysterious force from the heavens gathered on the axe de, shing down with the power of creation!


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord raised his hand, which had only four fingers, extending two fingers as a golden beam shot out, piercing through the murkiness of the world, sweeping all obstacles aside!


    Boom¡ª


    The ten-thousand-foot-tall giant shadow was annihted by the golden light, leaving a vacuum in the world, and a huge canyon appeared below, astonishing Chu Jingfeng.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord turned and flew towards the phoenix.


    The phoenix was still trapped by the ancient bell, unable to move.


    Just as the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was about to approach the phoenix, a figure appeared out of thin air, raising a hand to capture the phoenix.


    The phoenix with wings spanning a thousand feet shrank to the size of a palm!


    "Who are you?" the Nine-Finger Divine Lord asked in a deep voice. He didn''t rashly advance, as he couldn''t gauge the person''s strength.


    Gu An, in his Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body form, turned to the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and said, "The Immortal Spirit, I''ll take it."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s face instantly twisted with rage, and he roared angrily, "Arrogant!"

 Chapter 222 Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit Recognizes Its Master!

    Facing the furious Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Gu An remainedposed. Holding the Phoenix, he said, "Feel carefully, and you will understand that this karmic consequence is not something you can bear."


    Hearing this, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was about to attack, instinctively dispersed his divine sense.


    A few momentster, his expression changed drastically, and fear filled his eyes.


    The Divine Soul Demons were still pouring out, throwing themselves at them recklessly, their roars echoing through the heavens.


    Gu An suddenly squeezed the Phoenix in his hand, and the Divine Soul Demons in the heavens were obliterated one after another, turning into ashes, and the noise abruptly ceased.


    Chu Jingfeng stood on his gourd, turned his head, and looked at Gu An in the distance, his face changing dramatically.


    A dark purple demon shadow, surrounded by demonic qi...


    "Fud..."


    He had just uttered a word when a terrifying divine sense locked onto him, scaring him into silence.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord also regained his calm. He looked at Gu An and asked, "What do you n to do?"


    He could sense a more horrifying presence brewing beneath the earth.


    Purely in terms of aura, it was beyond what he could contend with.


    Gu An did not answer but instead flipped his palm downward.


    Rumble¡ª


    The earth shattered, rocks rose into the air, and the entire world seemed on the verge of copsing. The momentum released by Gu An was so terrifying that even the Nine-Finger Divine Lord felt fear.


    "Just how high is his cultivation level?" the Nine-Finger Divine Lord thought to himself, feeling fortunate.


    If he had acted rashly earlier, or if the other party had directly ambushed him, he might have been in grave danger.


    Chu Jingfeng also looked nervously downward. Rocks ascended around him, flying towards the sky. As far as the eye could see, the distant earth was breaking apart endlessly, a visual impact so intense that he did not dare to breathe.


    Suddenly, as if seeing something, his eyes widened, and his body trembled.


    As the earth shattered, a massive ck object appeared below, boundless and terrifying.


    In the daylight, this extreme ck mass looked so horrifying and scary.


    Looking from above, the ck mass below was writhing. It was so immense that its shape couldn''t be discerned, much less identified.


    Gu An fixed his eyes on it.


    [Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm thirdyer): 0/0/0]


    No lifespan was shown, but there was a realm.


    Gu An''s right hand, which was suspended in the air, suddenly clenched, and the gigantic Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit below began to shrink at a visible speed.


    This was a divine skill, Universe in the Palm!


    Previously, he had used this divine skill to bring the Phoenix into his palm. This time, he desired to capture a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit struggled frantically, but wrapped in Gu An''s mana, it had no way to escape. Under the watchful eyes of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Chu Jingfeng, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, now a ck mass, rapidly shrank.


    Eventually, it fell into Gu An''s hand, resembling a mass of ck qi, constantly changing shape.


    Gu An then disappeared from his original spot, leaving the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Chu Jingfeng behind, unable to recover their wits for a long time.


    After a long while, Chu Jingfeng flew to the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s side and asked nervously, "Master, what should we do next?"


    He knew that the figure earlier was Sword Venerable Fudao, but he decided to keep it a secret.


    Sword Venerable Fudao was the most revered existence in the hearts of all disciples of the Supreme Sect. He had repeatedly saved the Supreme Sect and the human race of the Three Dynasties. Chu Jingfeng felt that he owed Sword Venerable Fudao his life, so he chose to side with him.


    Even if he revealed Sword Venerable Fudao''s identity, he felt it would only push the Nine-Finger Divine Lord into the abyss.


    From what had been shown earlier, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was no match for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Thinking of this, Chu Jingfeng felt deeply emotional.


    During the days he followed the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, he had thought that the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was stronger than Sword Venerable Fudao, and that he had struck the ultimate blessing.


    But the result was...


    He couldn''t help but wonder just how powerful Sword Venerable Fudao was.


    It now seemed that Sword Venerable Fudao was not from the Supreme Sect but was merely hiding there to protect them.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord took a deep breath and said, "It''s time to leave."


    Having the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit taken away made him furious, but Gu An''s Universe in the Palm divine skill had extinguished any desire to fight.


    Moreover, the aura emitted by the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit was clearly not something he could handle. If the mysterious person hadn''t appeared earlier, he might have been swallowed by the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit and turned into a Divine Soul Demon.


    Chu Jingfeng secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his master''s words.


    He truly feared that his master would have an obsession.


    After wandering through Divine Exotic City for so long, he had already reaped some rewards and was eager to return to the Supreme Sect to meditate in seclusion.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    On the other side.


    Gu An arrived at the most secluded Minor Heaven and Earth. There were no living beings here. The sky was dim, and the ground was dotted with trees that looked like Evil Ghosts.


    He nced at the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit in his hand, no longer struggling but trembling.


    Just as Gu An hesitated about whom to give it to, it suddenly burst open and then drilled into Gu An''s palm.


    The process was extremely quick. When Gu An wanted to stop it, he suddenly felt its emotions.


    It was pleading.


    Gu An fell silent.


    Soon, he felt his mana merging into the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit''s body. This was a process of epting a master that he had never experienced before.


    He was taking control of the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit and the entire Divine Exotic City.


    A 30-minute incense timeter.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit reappeared, condensed in Gu An''s palm.


    From now on, Gu An was the master of the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit and the master of Divine Exotic City.


    This made him feel somewhatplicated.


    If he had forcibly stopped it earlier, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit would have turned to ashes, so he had to ept it.


    Of course, now Gu An could easily squeeze the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, causing it to cease to exist.


    After epting the master, Gu An gained more understanding of Divine Exotic City.


    Even if the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit was destroyed, as long as Divine Exotic City remained, a new Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit would be born. Whether it was the same one was unclear, as it resisted death much.


    "Master."


    The voice of the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit echoed in Gu An''s mind, sounding like a young boy.


    Gu An asked, "Can you share your power with others, hiding the fact that I am your master, and making others appear as your master?"


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit wiggled in his palm, suddenly transforming into a small ck figure. It had no hair or facial features, just a body resembling a five or six-year-old boy, standing about ten centimeters tall.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit tilted its head, considered it for a moment, and said, "It can be done, but wouldn''t you be unhappy?"


    Gu An replied, "No. I want you to protect one of my juniors, but you must not reveal my presence to him. You have to pretend that he is your master."


    Upon hearing this, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit nodded obediently.


    Gu An disappeared with it.


    He arrived in another realm, a dense forest where Li Ya and Zhang Buku were resting.


    Gu An directed the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit with his mind to find Li Ya.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit immediately leaped from his hand and went to find Li Ya.


    In Divine Exotic City, the person Gu An cared most about was undoubtedly Li Ya. Although Li Ya had numerous opportunities, he was clearly far behind geniuses like An Hao and Lv Xian, so Gu An decided to help him.


    As for An Hao, whether he had Divine Exotic City or not, he would eventually rise. If he joined the Star Sea Congregations, he would possess immortal treasures no less powerful than the Dragon-ying Spear, even without a fake immortal treasure like Divine Exotic City.


    The Dragon-ying Spear was highly powerful, allowing Chi Jiuxiao to disy powerparable to a Loose Immortal.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit hopped along its way, its aura elusive, unnoticed by Li Ya and Zhang Buku as they meditated.


    When the Divine Exotic Immortal Spiritnded on Li Ya''s shoulder, a sudden scare made him instinctively open his eyes.


    "Screech¡ª"


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit called out and then plunged into Li Ya''s face, startling him to his feet.


    "What was that?"


    Li Ya kept touching his face but felt nothing. Zhang Buku, equally startled, rushed over.


    Upon learning that something had entered Li Ya''s body, Zhang Buku panicked.


    The two fumbled around, even using their divine senses to scan, but found nothing strange.


    After a while, Li Ya suddenly stopped, his expression peculiar.


    "Brother Li, are you okay?" Zhang Buku asked nervously.


    Li Ya took a deep breath, looked at Zhang Buku, and said with aplicated expression, "Brother, I think I have been epted as the master by an Immortal Spirit?"


    "What?"


    Zhang Buku''s eyes widened, unable to believe his ears.


    "Is it true?"


    "It is..."


    "Why you?"


    "What do you mean? Am I unworthy?"


    "How are you worthy?"


    "You! Show some respect. I canmand Divine Soul Demons. If you want to leave, it will be up to me!"


    "Brother Li! We are supposed to live and die together as brothers..."


    "You dog! Stop talking like that..."


    In the distance, Gu An listened to Li Ya and Zhang Buku bicker. Under the demonic qi, a smile appeared on his lips. He turned around and disappeared once more.


    He was the true master of Divine Exotic City. Within its confines, he could see all the minor heavens and the Divine Soul Demons hidden beneath each.


    The number of Divine Soul Demons was indeed staggering, and the entire Divine Exotic City was still in a state of recovery. It would only grow stronger until it became a true immortal treasure once more.


    Immortal Treasures existed eternally. Even if severely damaged, they could recover on their own, making Gu An view them differently.


    Gu An nned to harvest the heavenly materials and earthly treasures in Divine Exotic City.


    Now, everything in the city belonged to him and was not to be shared with anyone else!


    ...


    Under the rolling thunderclouds, Jiang Qiong sat meditating on the edge of a cliff, below which a majestic river ofva surged, asionally sending hot waves crashing against the mountain sides.


    She opened her eyes and frowned.


    "Why hasn''t she returned yet..." Jiang Qiong muttered to herself.


    She and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had entered Divine Exotic City together. They had arrived in this world two days prior. While Jiang Qiong was healing, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had said she would go to scout, but two days had passed, and she had not returned.


    Jiang Qiong was worried.


    Though she did not consider the Ghost Mother of Ephemera particrly trustworthy, their longpanionship had made her reliant on the Ghost Mother of Ephemera''s abilities.


    Could the Ghost Mother of Ephemera be in trouble?


    She was so cautious; what could have ensnared her?


    Jiang Qiong sank into thought. If the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was in danger, surviving alone, let alone obtaining the Immortal Spirit, would be nigh impossible.

 Chapter 223: Chapter 223 Gu Ans Fantasy

    Jiang Qiong grew more uneasy the more she thought about it. She took out an elixir and started elerating the restoration of her spiritual power.


    The sky darkened, and the only sound was theva below crashing against the mountain walls, making the atmosphere incredibly oppressive.


    Half a day passed.


    Jiang Qiong''s spiritual power had recovered considerably. She stood up and headed in the direction the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had gone earlier.


    Meanwhile.


    Li Ya had already mastered the power of the Divine Exotic City. Although he still couldn''t see every corner of the city, he felt unbelievably powerful now.


    Before entering the Divine Exotic City, he had doubts about the legends of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    How could it be that legendary?


    "Let''s go, there''s a big battle outside the city. Let''s go watch the fun!"


    Li Ya stood up, his face full of high spirits.


    Zhang Buku followed him up, staring nkly at him.


    Li Ya shrugged his shoulder, and the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit jumped out of his body,nding on his shoulder with its hands on its hips, looking very spirited.


    Looking at the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, Zhang Buku had a strange expression. It was hard to imagine that this little being was the Immortal Spirit of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Li Ya raised his right arm, and the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit immediately mimicked him.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The ground trembled, and the sky changed color, making Zhang Buku look around nervously.


    One by one, the Divine Soul Demons broke through the ground, lifting big trees into the sky. The same scene repeated everywhere, forcing Zhang Buku and Li Ya to stabilize themselves with their spiritual power.


    Li Yaughed proudly, "These are my Divine Army. Follow me to conquer the world!"


    Zhang Buku looked at him, just about to speak, when suddenly the ground beneath them rose with a roar. A terrifying giant shadow stood up, holding a piece ofnd in its hand with a forest on it, where Zhang Buku and Li Ya were standing.


    Compared to this terrifying giant shadow, they were as small as ants.


    This terrifying giant shadow was the same ten-thousand-foot figure that had fought against the Nine-Finger Divine Lord before. One hand held thend, and the other held an axe, looking like a giant god who opened the sky, with divine majesty spreading wide.


    Zhang Buku looked down, his eyes wide with shock.


    Li Ya was extremely excited. With such a Divine Army, how could he not sweep away all enemies?


    He could sense a terrifying battle outside the Divine Exotic City, but he also saw the disciples of the Supreme Sect, and he had to step forward.


    "Primordial Ancestor, this time I will be the hero, watch me!" Li Ya was trembling with excitement.


    He suddenly thought of Gu An.


    If only Junior Brother Gu was here, how great that would be.


    But if Junior Brother Gu were here, he would still worry about his safety.


    Never mind, after this battle, he would brag about it to him.


    Li Ya began to think about what treasures to bring back for Junior Brother Gu.


    The Divine Exotic City was so vast and had countless treasures. Just bringing a few out would be enough to reverse Gu An''s fate!


    ...


    Gu An was in a Minor Heaven and Earth, harvesting heaven and earth treasures. His life span kept increasing, which made him very happy.


    He saw that the four gates of the Divine Exotic City opened, and Li Ya rushed out with an endless stream of Divine Soul Demons, immediately affecting the battle. Over twenty wandering immortals from the Star Sea Congregations and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm were all disturbed and retreated.


    The ten-thousand-foot figure suddenly leaped out of the city,nding on the wilderness, roaring ferociously, and the sound echoed throughout the continent, making everyone tremble with fear.


    Just the roar alone was enough to make people lose their courage!


    Gu An was not worried about Li Ya. After all, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit itself possessed the power of a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    He continued harvesting heaven and earth treasures, having gained an eighty-thousand-year lifespan today. He did not intend to harvest everything, as he had to leave some for the Immortal Spirit to continue nting.


    Since the Divine Exotic City belonged to him, he nned to let the Immortal Spirit set rules for Li Ya.


    Usually, don''t pluck the heaven and earth treasures randomly. It would prepare mature medicinal herbs for Li Ya, who would surely ept them excitedly without suspicion.


    Looking at Li Ya''s spirited appearance made Gu An want tough.


    After this battle, Li Ya would surelye to show off.


    Gu An began imagining that a thousand yearster, when Li Ya thought his end was near and came to bid him farewell with the Divine Exotic City, what kind of scene would it be?


    Interesting, interesting!


    Gu An was just thinking when he suddenly felt something. He frowned and disappeared from the spot.


    In another realm, thunder clouds rolled, covering the sky. In a basin between the mountains, Jiang Qiong slowly stood up from the ground, clutching the wound on her right shoulder with her left hand, blood flowing continuously from the corner of her mouth. She looked ahead.


    Figures in ck robes filled the slopes, meditating at the highest point was an elder with a wooden staff beside him, from which ck gas wafted, wrapping the Ghost Mother of Ephemera in the air.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera had already turned into a soul body and was extremely weak.


    She opened her eyes with difficulty and looked at Jiang Qiong down the mountain.


    "Little girl, you have a good fighting spirit. Just right for luring the Ghost King of Hell."


    The ck-robed elder spoke with a mocking tone.


    The other ck-robed cultivators all looked down at Jiang Qiong with cold eyes. To them, Jiang Qiong was already a dead person.


    "The Ghost King of Hell? What exactly are you looking for?" Jiang Qiong gritted her teeth, thinking about how to escape.


    The difference in cultivation was too great. Any one of these people could easily kill her.


    "The Ghost King of Hell is the strongest ghost king hidden in this world. It guards an immortal treasure." The ck-robed elder spoke nonchntly.


    A ck-robed cultivator started descending the mountain, step by step approaching Jiang Qiong.


    Just as Jiang Qiong was extremely anxious, a gust of wind came from afar, making her instinctively close her eyes.


    The gust of wind whistled past, and Jiang Qiong felt her injury had somewhat healed, whether it was an illusion or not.


    She quickly opened her eyes and was astonished to find that those mysterious cultivators had disappeared.


    The soul body of the Ghost Mother of Ephemera was suspended in the air above the slope, slowly falling.


    Before Jiang Qiong could react, a whooshing sound came from afar, and a blood-red treasure pagoda descended from the sky,nding in front of her, scaring her to retreat instinctively.


    The blood-red treasure pagoda burst out with immense power, turning into blood mist, which quickly wrapped around Jiang Qiong, pulling her towards the pagoda.


    Jiang Qiong''s face was full of fear when she heard a voice in her ear: "Do not panic."


    Hearing this voice, Jiang Qiong instantly felt at ease.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    He hade too!


    She was pulled into the blood-red treasure pagoda, her figure disappearing.


    The Ghost Mother of Ephemera fell to the ground, turned her head to look, her face full of worry.


    ...


    Twilight approached.


    The towering Divine Exotic City stood on the wilderness, its four gates wide open. Cultivators continuously flew out, appearing as if they were being thrown out by some force instead of flying out on their own.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Li Ya stood on a high slope at the edge of the ruins, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit standing on his shoulder, guarding him.


    Two figures appeared beside him, one being Chi Bei, the master of Chi Jiuxiao, the other a middle-aged man in luxurious white robes, with amanding presence.


    "I am the Sea Lord of the Star Sea Congregations, Nan Fengtian. After this battle, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm will surely hold a grudge against you. You possess the immortal treasure, and relying solely on your own strength might not be enough to protect it. Come back with us to the Star Sea Congregations. We will train you as a true disciple, treating you better than Xuan Tianyi." The man in white robes spoke.


    Chi Bei followed: "The Star Sea Congregations is a great righteous sect. Many cultivators from the Supreme Sect are your seniors, so you can join without worry."


    Li Ya looked at the Divine Exotic City and said, "Thank you both for your kindness. I am willing to join the Star Sea Congregations, but can I visit the Supreme Sect first?"


    He was not foolish. After this battle, he had to choose a power to lean on. Lv Baitian had also just sent him a message, advising him to ally with the Star Sea Congregations.


    Nan Fengtian smiled, "Of course, we also want to visit the Supreme Sect. I heard the Supreme Sect hides a great cultivator stronger than a Loose Immortal, named Sword Venerable Fudao. This indicates the Supreme Sect''s great Qi fortune; it''s a treasurend."


    Li Ya smiled, thinking that Sword Venerable Fudao was his Primordial Ancestor. It was not the Supreme Sect''s good fortune, but the sect had benefited from the Li Family''s qi fortune!


    Of course, he wouldn''t say this out loud to avoid causing trouble for his Primordial Ancestor.


    They continued chatting. Li Ya wanted to take twopanions, Zhang Buku and Gu An.


    Hearing that Gu An was only in the Foundation Establishment Realm, Nan Fengtian advised against taking him, as his cultivation was too low. Without a Nascent Soul, joining the Star Sea Congregations recklessly would only lead to setbacks, especially since Li Ya couldn''t always look after him.


    As for Zhang Buku, his strong qi-blood made him an excellent candidate.


    Li Ya frowned, not very happy.


    Chi Bei had to continue to persuade him, describing the atmosphere in the Star Sea Congregations at length, and only then did Li Ya give up.


    Far in the Third Medicine Valley harvesting medicinal herbs, Gu An pouted.


    What Foundation Establishment Realm!


    I had already formed my core!


    Gu An inwardly sneered, having no intention of joining the Star Sea Congregations.


    The Star Sea Congregations had too many old monsters, making it unsafe.


    Unlike the Supreme Sect, where Gu An was already the strongest. He had absolute confidence staying there.


    Seeing that Li Ya allied with the Star Sea Congregations, Gu An feltpletely relieved.


    In the Divine Exotic City, he had harvested a million and five hundred thousand years of lifespan, pushing his lifespan past a million again, putting him in a great mood.


    He nned to revisit the Divine Exotic City after some time.


    Even if Li Ya went to the sea, with his cultivation level, he could hardly escape Gu An''s divine sense. Besides, Gu An had established a soul connection with the Divine Exotic City, ensuring he could track it wherever it went.


    Li Ya had begun expelling the adventurers from the Divine Exotic City. Gu An had not only given Jiang Qiong an immortal treasure but also given Zhen Qin one.


    Immortal treasures could merge into the body, making them hard to detect.


    Once Ye Lan was unsealed and her maximum lifespan increased, Gu An would give her an immortal treasure too.


    The Divine Exotic City held many immortal treasures. Controlling it brought unimaginable gains.


    Gu An couldn''t help but hum a little tune.


    Though he was hiding in the Medicine Valley, he could benefit those around him, making him feel truly great.


    Deeply hiding his work and name!


    One day, when hispanions discovered the truth, how much gratitude would they feel?


    Gu An started to imagine again.


    Night fell, and a night passed.


    At dawn, Gu An saw Li Ya store the Divine Exotic City within himself and then, under the guidance of Nan Fengtian and others, head back to the Supreme Sect.


    They wanted to leave the continent early to avoid any mishaps.


    Gu An arrived early at the Mystic Valley and followed the disciples in their exercises.


    Just as they finished, Li Ya came flying from the horizon, directly into the Mystic Valley.

 Chapter 224: Chapter 224 Gu An and Sword Venerable Fudao

    Mystic Valley, inside a pavilion.


    Thud!


    Li Ya mmed a small city onto the table. This small city was only the size of a palm, but a closer look revealed that its structure was extremely detailed andplex.


    It was indeed a miniature version of Divine Exotic City!


    He raised his chin, looking very proud.


    Gu An looked at Divine Exotic City and curiously asked, "What kind of carved artwork is this?"


    Li Ya''s mouth twitched, and he red, "This is Divine Exotic City!"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s face showed a look of shock, which made Li Ya feel quite pleased, but Gu An''s next words almost made him faint with anger.


    "Amazing, Senior Brother, you actually made a replica of Divine Exotic City!"


    "What replica, this is real! Don''t believe me? I''ll summon the Immortal Spirit to show you!"


    After saying this, Li Ya tried to summon the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit in his mind, but no matter how he called, the Immortal Spirit did note out.


    He immediately became anxious.


    What''s going on?


    Why are you pretending to be dead at such a critical moment?


    Gu An almost burst outughing, but fortunately, years of honing his acting skills had made them wless. He pretended to try lifting Divine Exotic City with a puzzled expression. As the whole pavilion trembled, he was unable to lift the city.


    "Could it be real?" Gu An muttered.


    Li Ya couldn''t care less about cursing the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit in his mind. He said proudly, "Do you know how many Great Cultivators are inside Divine Exotic City?"


    He began to recount his experiences, not mentioning that the Immortal Spirit had approached him first, but instead iming that he had gone through various trials to win the Immortal Spirit''s recognition.


    Gu An listened with admiration.


    Who knew his acting was so good?


    If it weren''t for me personally handing it to you, I might have believed you got it through the trials!


    Gu An was only teasing in his mind, outwardly agreeing to satisfy Li Ya''s vanity.


    Li Ya focused on describing his battles with the immortals from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, making Gu An exim in surprise from time to time.


    After talking for a full two ancient hours, Li Ya finally stopped, still somewhat unwilling to end it.


    How satisfying!


    It''s always thrilling to brag with a brother!


    He wouldn''t bother telling someone he''s not close with.


    Seeing Gu An pouring tea for him, Li Ya couldn''t stop smiling. He took out a jade ruler from his storage bag, nearly two feet long, and greenish-white in color.


    "This is a high-grade magic artifact. I intended to give you an immortal treasure, but your cultivation level is too low. An immortal treasure would only bring you trouble." Li Ya said seriously, then took out numerous heavenly materials and earthly treasures, cing them one by one on the table, and proceeded to ept them.


    Gu An felt very touched.


    Although Divine Exotic City was his, the fact that Li Ya, unaware of the truth, could still care for him this much proved Li Ya''s loyalty to him.


    Gu An was very generous to those around him, but most of it was just a small effort. Those he truly gave to also gave him in return.


    "I have to go to the Star Sea Congregations. It may take a hundred years before I return. Don''t miss me too much." Li Ya said proudly, though he felt reluctant inside.


    A hundred years was too long; no one could predict what would happen in a hundred years.


    He also worried about Gu An, but he had his own path to follow.


    Gu An nodded and said, "A hundred yearster, as long as you return, I will still be here waiting for you. Although living a thousand years is hard, now that I have reached Core Formation, living a few hundred years shouldn''t be a problem."


    Li Ya smiled, then reminisced about the days when they were still minors.


    Another ancient hour passed, and Li Ya left through the window.


    Gu An looked at the footprints he left behind and suspected he did it on purpose.


    No way, I''ll have to let the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit bully him a bit, in the name of teaching!


    Gu An made up his mind, simultaneously sending orders to the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit through his mind.


    In the evening.


    Zhang Buku came to visit Gu An. He had prearranged with Li Ya to visit separately.


    Zhang Buku had personal matters he wanted to discuss alone with Gu An, while Li Ya didn''t want to disrupt the seniority hierarchy. Three people in one room would also be crowded!


    As expected, Zhang Buku debunked Li Ya, saying Li Ya was just lucky and the Immortal Spirit approached him first. However, he wasn''t jealous of Li Ya; rather, he was happy for him, saying that if Li Ya wasn''t strong enough, he feared they might die on their adventures.


    In the end, Zhang Buku also took out numerous heavenly materials and earthly treasures as gifts for Gu An in gratitude.


    Gu An tried to decline, but Zhang Buku insisted until Gu An had no choice but to ept them.


    Being able to repay Gu An made Zhang Buku very happy. He started talking about how he wished his father could see his achievements now.


    What a pity!


    It wasn''t until evening that Zhang Buku finally left.


    ...


    Snow fluttered down as troops from the Supreme Sect returned. Zhen Qin came to visit Gu An first and also brought many treasures.


    Gu An couldn''t help butugh and cry, but he didn''t refuse.


    Four dayster, at night, another person came to see Gu An.


    It was Jiang Qiong.


    The two entered the Eight Scenic Caves to chat.


    "How have you been these years?" Gu An asked softly, sitting in front of a green vine tree.


    Two vines sprouted and began to massage his shoulders.


    Seeing him enjoying himself like this, Jiang Qiong couldn''t help but roll her eyes.


    Jiang Qiong took out a medicine cauldron, lit a fire, and added water before answering, "Pretty well. I recently went to Divine Exotic City and gained a lot."


    She started cing medicinal ingredients into the cauldron.


    Gu An immediately congratted her.


    "Do you know who I serve now?" Jiang Qiong asked casually.


    Gu An shook his head and said, "How would I know? In the immortal cultivation world, I am just an ordinary person who knows very few Great Cultivators."


    "Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "What?"


    Gu An was shocked. He cursed inwardly, I told you not to say anything, how could you spill it so easily?


    If Jiang Qiong told him about Sword Venerable Fudao today, she might tell others tomorrow. How could he not be nervous?


    Of course, even if others knew about Jiang Qiong and Sword Venerable Fudao''s rtionship, it wouldn''t threaten Gu An. However, Jiang Qiong might attract fatal trouble.


    "I''m only telling you, so don''t spread it around." Jiang Qiong said, turning to re at Gu An fiercely.


    Gu An sighed and said, "You shouldn''t have told me. If he overhears this, won''t I be in trouble?"


    Jiang Qiongughed and said, "Don''t worry, Sword Venerable Fudao doesn''t kill nobodies. I''m just chatting with you."


    Then she turned the conversation to her experiences in Divine Exotic City.


    "This trip to Divine Exotic City was full of dangers, and I nearly died. If it wasn''t for Sword Venerable Fudao''s intervention, you wouldn''t see me here today." Jiang Qiong said with a slight air of mncholy.


    Gu Anforted her, "You''re back now though. With your fortune, you might even be an immortal someday."


    Jiang Qiong shook her head and said, "An immortal? That''s far too difficult. The higher you stand, the more fears you have. By the way, why do you think Sword Venerable Fudao cares so much for me? Could it be he fancies my looks?"


    She nced at Gu An, anticipating his reaction.


    Gu An frowned and said, "Probably not. He''s too powerful and renowned, notcking in women."


    I care for you only because you''ve taught me so many spells!


    Thinking of you that way is too hurtful!


    Gu An felt insulted. How could Sword Venerable Fudao be so shallow?


    Seeing Gu An frown, Jiang Qiong felt a bit relieved, though his remarks annoyed her.


    "There are many women in the world, but how many have you seen that are more beautiful than me?" Jiang Qiong red, stepping forward quickly to lean over Gu An and stare at him.


    Their faces were less than ten centimeters apart, and Gu An, sitting on the ground, had to shift to the side.


    Jiang Qiong lifted her left foot, brushing past Gu An''s ear and stepping on the tree trunk, stopping his movement.


    "Why are you dodging? Do you find your Martial Master so repulsive?" Jiang Qiong snorted.


    Gu An said awkwardly, "Repulsive, never. I''m just afraid of offending you."


    He nced downward for a moment.


    Jiang Qiong was wearing a skirt, though there were pants underneath, her posture was still quite improper.


    "Offend?"


    Jiang Qiong withdrew her foot, squatted down, and started pulling at Gu An''s clothes.


    "What are you doing?" Gu An eximed in fear.


    Jiang Qiong replied, "In case that being really has his eyes on me, how could I refuse? Before that happens, let me fulfill you¡­"


    Although Sword Venerable Fudao was strong, Gu An was more important to her¡ªeven the most important.


    Gu An crawled away, but Jiang Qiong''s strength increased, making it difficult for him to reveal his true cultivation level, leaving him in a dilemma.


    "Stop this... This isn''t right..." By now, Gu An''s robe was in disarray, even his hair was loose, and his face was flushed with embarrassment.


    Jiang Qiongughed, stopping her actions, and said, "Even if you don''tply tonight, it won''t matter. I will force it if necessary..."


    "You..."


    Gu An panicked. Was she really going to do this?


    I''ve never even been with my junior sisters, how could I be with you, a witch?


    Gu An was about to call for Sword Venerable Fudao''s intervention.


    Just then, Jiang Qiong stopped, stood up angrily, and said, "Look at you, so cowardly. Strip down and get into the cauldron. Did you really think I wanted to do anything to you? I''m just preparing an excellent body tempering concoction for you."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An was stunned for a moment and then sighed in relief, quickly getting up.


    He walked past Jiang Qiong, only to get kicked in the butt by her.


    "Hurry up and strip!"


    Jiang Qiong said impatiently, feeling truly annoyed.


    In fact, she really had the impulse just now, but seeing Gu An''s terrified look, she couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    This made her both embarrassed and angry.


    Did this kid really think so little of her?


    Was it because of etiquette?


    Jiang Qiong thought of how Gu An grew up in a righteous path environment, surely respecting etiquette.


    She didn''t respect that because she came from the demon path.


    With this thought, she felt much better again.


    After all, if he felt nothing, why did he nce down?


    Jiang Qiong smiled.


    Gu An approached the medicine cauldron, quickly stripped, and then leaped into the cauldron, sshing water.


    "It''s a bit hot." Gu An''s voice came from within the cauldron.


    Jiang Qiong said coldly, "Endure it. Are you afraid of a little pain?"


    Gu An remained silent, not daring to speak further.


    The Eight Scenic Caves fell into silence.


    After cing all the medicinal ingredients into the cauldron, Jiang Qiong took out a blood-colored tower. She sat down and inspected it carefully.


    Gu An poked his head out and asked, "What treasure is this?"


    Jiang Qiong, staring at the blood-colored tower, replied, "This is the Blood Domain Soul Suppressing Tower, an immortal treasure. It''s incredibly powerful, and I got it by sheer chance."

 Chapter 225: Chapter 225 Outer World Cave

    Jiang Qiong briefly introduced the formidable aspects of the Blood Domain Soul Suppressing Tower. This tower could suppress enemies; once trapped within, they would lose their way and find it extremely difficult to escape. Moreover, they would constantly endure the burning of the blood mes within the tower, and if reduced to only their soul, there would be no chance of escape.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ording to the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, the Blood Domain Soul Suppressing Tower was absolutely one of the top three Immortal Treasures within Divine Exotic City, which was also the reason cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm sought it out.


    Most of the treasures within Divine Exotic City were plundered; some were seized by former owners from enemies, and others were left behind by adventurers after their deaths. The Blood Domain Soul Suppressing Tower had a longstanding reputation over the ocean and was considered a legendary supreme Immortal Treasure.


    Gu An often eximed in amazement, which caused Jiang Qiong to involuntarily smile.


    Watching Gu An''s inexperienced expression, she did not feel annoyed; instead, she found it amusing.


    In other ces, her cultivation level was insignificant, but in front of Gu An, she was a Great Cultivator.


    Even though many people looked down on her, as long as Gu An admired her, it was enough.


    Jiang Qiong then recounted her experiences from past years, including the founding of the Juhua Sect. Gu An listened attentively, even though he often used his Divine Sense to keep an eye on Jiang Qiong; hearing stories directly from her was more interesting.


    Night passed.


    By noon the next day, Gu An leaped out of the Medicine Cauldron and quickly put on his robe.


    Jiang Qiong approached him, scrutinizing him with amazement and said: "I didn''t expect your absorption speed to be so quick."


    Gu An precisely controlled his Qi-Blood, ensuring Jiang Qiong did not notice any issues.


    "Thank you!" Gu An said earnestly.


    Jiang Qiong thought to herself that this kid still wouldn''t call her Martial Master; she would have been angry in the past, but now she felt a hint of delight.


    She raised her head and said: "Practice your sword well. Your Sword Dao talent is outstanding. As for your cultivation level, I will find a way to help you improve."


    "This... isn''t appropriate. You should keep it for yourself. Giving it to me is a waste."


    Gu An hesitated, genuinely grateful to Jiang Qiong.


    Having this intention was enough!


    There was no need to take it seriously.


    Ifbat prowess had a numerical value, with Jiang Qiong''s helpst night, Gu An''sbat power would have sessfully increased from one hundred billion to one hundred billion and one!


    Indeed, it had enhanced, but this slight increase in value was more valuable to Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong snorted: "Rest assured, I won''t dy my cultivation."


    Gu An had to give up.


    Jiang Qiong asked Gu An about his experiences over the years, and Gu An did not hide anything, but as she listened, Jiang Qiong became increasingly unable to withstand it.


    "nting herbs, nting herbs, why are you always nting herbs?" Jiang Qiong eximed.


    Gu An pouted: "Yeah, just nting herbs. What else do you expect me to have experienced? Don''t underestimate herb nting; different medicinal herbs bring different feelings..."


    He began to enthusiastically recount his nting experiences.


    Jiang Qiong suppressed the irritability in her heart and listened carefully. Gradually, her mood calmed down.


    To her surprise, listening to Gu An talk about his farming life was quite interesting, bringing her thoughts back to her childhood.


    Time flew by.


    Until nightfall, Jiang Qiong bid farewell and left.


    Gu An did not leave the Eight Scenic Caves, nning to go out early the next morning.


    In the following winter, discussions about Divine Exotic City spread throughout the Supreme Sect cities, and Li Ya''s name reverberated throughout the Immortal Cultivation World, surpassing Sword Venerable Fudao and Pan An.


    Many believed that with the control of Divine Exotic City, Li Ya would be an Immortal in the future. Moreover, Li Ya was very young, and some already called him the best of the younger generation, even surpassing An Hao.


    Li Ya''s prominence did not affect Gu An''s life.


    With the capture of Divine Exotic City, many Great Cultivators overseas left, but some cultivators stayed behind, joining various sects, with the Supreme Sect absorbing the most.


    Because Li Ya hailed from the Supreme Sect!


    With control of Divine Exotic City, Li Ya didn''t need to wait for the future; he possessed power beyond a Loose Immortal, to the extent that even Wandering Immortals couldn''t do anything to him.


    In this way, a new spring arrived.


    That year, the Supreme Sect''s New Year celebrations were livelier than ever. It was said that the Supreme Sect was preparing to head south in search of an ind to establish a city, with the support of the Star Sea Congregations, making the task much easier.


    After the New Year, the Supreme Sect began recruiting disciples for the southern sea expedition, with ten thousand openings and excellent benefits, leading to active registrations across all cities.


    Gu An remained busy harvesting medicinal herbs, asionally worrying about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm stirring up trouble.


    Among the conflicts sparked by Divine Exotic City, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm suffered the most losses, but they currently appeared very calm, which made Gu An even more suspicious that they were brewing something.


    By March, the disciples of the Supreme Sect gradually put the matter of Divine Exotic City aside.


    On this day, Gu An went to the Outer Sect Book Collection Hall to hand over thest volume of Journey to the West.


    Despite the Great Elder Feng Shang''s earnest attempts to persuade him to stay, Gu An found an excuse to leave.


    Not far from the Book Collection Hall, a figure blocked Gu An; it was You Yingying from the Star Sea Congregations, disguised as a chubby man, looking jovial.


    "Brother Gu, how have you beentely?" You Yingying asked with a smile, having used the Sound Transmission Skill to reveal her true identity to Gu An in advance.


    Gu An replied with a smile: "Pretty good, how about you?"


    He couldn''t understand why You Yingying always enjoyed shape-shifting. What was the fun in it?


    Within the Supreme Sect, her reputation wasn''t widespread, making her actions pointless.


    "I''m quite well too. Lately, I''ve been really bored. How about I go to your Medicine Valley to help you out?" You Yingying asked.


    Gu An hesitated for a moment and agreed, then directed her to the Third Medicine Valley.


    Upon hearing this, You Yingying was immediately delighted and pulled Gu An towards her own residence to pack her things.


    "Your Supreme Sect has produced a Li Ya; with the support of the Star Sea Congregations, you''ll definitely rise to prominence. In the future, we''ll at least assist you," You Yingying remarked as she walked, her tone slightly emotional.


    She had not expected that amidst the scramble of so many Great Cultivators, an obscure minor cultivator would gain Divine Exotic City''s approval.


    As a member of the Star Sea Congregations, she deeply understood the might of the Fake Immortal Treasure, believing that Li Ya would undoubtedly be a significant Great Cultivator over the ocean.


    "That''s great news," Gu An responded, trying to act surprised.


    Following this, You Yingying began describing those powerful Immortal Path Supreme Treasures to Gu An.


    The Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner of the Star Sea Congregations was said to invert the stars and ocean within the formation, causing those who entered to be forever lost, and it could harness the power of stars and the ocean to change the course of events.


    The Seven Stars Mirror of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm contained ancient power, under whose light nothing could hide.


    Gu An found this very intriguing.


    He wondered what cultivation level was needed to craft an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure. When he reached that level, he also nned to create one.


    Making early ns to avoid panic when the time came.


    ...


    Spring went and autumn came, five years passed quickly.


    After Li Ya took Divine Exotic City, the maind enjoyed peace. The Supreme Sect sessfully established a city overseas, with even the Outer Sect having a Transmission Array tform leading to Southern Sea City. More and more disciples began training at sea, and news from the ocean continually arrived at the Supreme Sect.


    Since thepletion of the teleportation array in Southern Sea City, Gu An saw new things in the Outer Gate City whenever he went, making him feel like he was at a fair.


    In early summer, Gu An arrived at Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Led by the servant Hu Xiaojian of the Sea Protection Mansion, Gu An strolled around Immortal Seeking Ind, listening to the various disturbances on the sea.


    "The friction between the Star Sea Congregations and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm is increasing. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm has gone mad, constantly invading the Star Sea Congregations'' territories. It''s said to be rted to an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure from five years ago. On a distant continent, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm released an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure for others to contest, which was eventually obtained by a minor cultivator. The Star Sea Congregations then recruited that minor cultivator, thoroughly offending the Seven Stars Spirit Realm," Hu Xiaojian said with a sigh.


    Gu An asked: "Why would the Seven Stars Spirit Realm release the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    He had wondered about this before, finding it very puzzling. The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit also didn''t know the reason, thinking it was because it was being too powerful, making it impossible for the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators to find. So, they released Divine Exotic City.


    But considering it from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s perspective, even if they couldn''t conquer Divine Exotic City themselves, they shouldn''t give other powers the chance.


    Hu Xiaojian pondered: "It does seem unreasonable. Perhaps the Seven Stars Spirit Realm needed an excuse to dere war on the Star Sea Congregations? But using an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure as bait seems too exaggerated."


    The two continued chatting as they walked.


    Gu An wasn''t worried about causing trouble with the topic since the surrounding cultivators were all discussing the conflicts between the two great maritime powers.


    Half a dayter, Gu An left Immortal Seeking Ind and arrived at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain''s Nianchu Cave, bringing Tian Yao''er, Tianqing, and Tian Bai into the Grotto Heaven.


    He took out the seeds he bought today and had the three demons nt them. Though Tianqing and Tian Bai had not yet shape-shifted, their nimble ws made them capable of handling the nting duties.


    While they were nting, Gu An went to the entrance of the Grotto Heaven, using his mana to create a stele, and then inscribed characters with his sword Qi.


    Outer World Cave!


    The meaning was to be forever isted from the world.


    In the future, Gu An wouldn''t bring others here to live. This would always be his secluded Medicine Valley, specifically providing him with a longer life span.


    Because the seeds nted in the Outer World Cave were all high-rank seeds of level seven or above, no medicinal herbs had matured yet. He wasn''t in a hurry, patiently waiting.


    When the first batch of herbs matured, it would bring him a significant increase in life span, something he eagerly anticipated.


    Two ancient hourster, Gu An took them out of the Outer World Cave, walking along the underground passage towards Nianchu Cave.


    "I''ve prepared Shape-Shifting Elixirs for you; you can shape-shift in the next few days," Gu An said as he walked ahead.


    Upon hearing this, Tianqing and Tian Bai were overjoyed and hurriedly came forward to thank their master for his gift.


    Demons could achieve shape-shifting through their own cultivation, but the Shape-Shifting Elixir could speed up the process and increase the sess rate. If they relied on themselves for shape-shifting, failure would mean death or severe injury, simr to crossing a tribtion.


    "Master, what about me?" Tian Yao''er asked as she held Tian Bai, squeezing in beside Gu An with a pitiful expression.


    Gu An replied: "I''ve prepared a batch of Qi-Blood enhancing elixirs for you."


    The elixirs he prepared for Tian Yao''er weren''t ones he refined but were purchased on Immortal Seeking Ind, worth a fortune, and made by the top alchemy sect on the sea, the Purple Pill Pce.

 Chapter 226 : 226: Sudden Change in the Sea, Strange Fragrance

    Gu An did not personally oversee the shape-shifting of Tianqing and Tian Bai. With Tian Yao''er around, he believed the two cat demons would be fine.


    Tian Yao''er''s cultivation had reached the Ninth Layer of the Core Formation Realm, capable of handling matters independently.


    Gu An first returned to the Mystic Valley, taking a fewps around the valley before heading to the Third Medicine Valley.


    The number of Servant Disciples in the Third Medicine Valley had increased to eight hundred. As soon as he stepped out of the Transmission Array tform, he heard amotion.


    He nced up and saw some disciples sweeping, some patrolling the area, and others practicing spells. Under the distant trees, some were ying chess and Go.


    Gu An was lenient in managing the disciples. As long as theypleted their daily tasks, they could arrange their time freely.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, not all disciples were idle. Most harbored ambitions of bing Outer Disciples, so they worked diligently to please Gu An and obtain elixirs.


    Gu An walked towards his pavilion.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was dozing on the grass below the pavilion, nature''s spiritual energy slowly flowing into his body.


    Suddenly, the pavilion door opened, and You Yingying beckoned to Gu An. Seeing this, Gu An sighed helplessly and walked over.


    This pavilion belonged to Lu Lingjun. After Divine Exotic City was taken by Li Ya, Lu Lingjun returned.


    She was in seclusion for cultivation until You Yingying entered the valley, causing a change.


    The two of them unexpectedly got along well.


    Having heard that Lu Lingjun was a Great Cultivator in the Mystic Heart Realm, You Yingying became intrigued and approached her, sessfully befriending her through her Star Sea Congregations'' background.


    Gu An didn''t need to enter the pavilion to know what they would discuss.


    It was definitely about establishing the Ascension Sect!


    Gu An was also forcibly pulled into their n. As long as he provided medicinal herbs, he could secure a high-level seat in the future.


    Upon entering, You Yingying closed the door.


    Gu An walked into the hall. Lu Lingjun was sitting at the table, which was covered in papers, with a small white snake coiled on them.


    He sat down, teasing the White Spirit Demon Emperor, enjoying stroking its snake head.


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor, having concealed its cultivation, was usually docile. Besides, Lu Lingjun had privately instructed it, so it had toply with Gu An''s actions.


    You Yingying quickly sat beside Gu An, excitedly saying, "Recently, my people have tracked the whereabouts of Ascenders! And there''s more than one!"


    Gu An responded irritably, "You dragged me into this just for that? I have no intention of leaving the Supreme Sect."


    He wondered what Lu Lingjun had said to make this native You Yingying so obsessed with creating the Ascension Sect.


    Moreover, You Yingying, though only in the Foundation Establishment Realm, had many spies at sea. Previously, Gu An overheard their conversation and learned that You Yingying''s grandfather was one of the Sea Lords of the Star Sea Congregations, meaning he was at least in the Wandering Immortal Realm.


    Gu An felt quite unsettled about this. He had known You Yingying first, but she hadn''t confided in him, instead revealing everything to Lu Lingjun.


    Since you two are so close, why not just soar to great heights together?


    You Yingying giggled, "Of course, it''s not about asking you to invite them. With your cultivation level, seeing them would be quite difficult. I''m just informing you that the framework of the Ascension Sect is almost formed!"


    Lu Lingjun nodded, saying, "I n to establish the Ascension Sect outside the three dynasties. The Supreme Sect will also support us."


    To this, Gu An was not surprised.


    The position of the Taicang Dynasty was too awkward, located at the southernmost part of the continent. The spirit mines discovered by the Supreme Sect in the Demon n''s territory were constantly plundered by other sects, preventing the sect from expanding to the North.


    If the Ascension Sect could be established, other sects might not target it. In the future, the cooperation between the two sects would certainly hinder the development efforts of other sects.


    Regarding the sectpetition in the three dynasties'' area, Gu An had no intention of intervening. The Supreme Sect had not been gathering disciples or seeking Sword Venerable Fudao''s help, as both the Venerable Pavilion and the Hall of Elders were harboring pent-up frustrations, determined to elevate the Supreme Sect to the foremost sect among the three dynasties.


    Lu Lingjun said, "I n to personally head south. I''m just letting you know so you won''t wonder where I went."


    Gu An said, "You don''t need to report your whereabouts to me."


    "Huh?"


    Lu Lingjun nced at him, her gaze slightly cold.


    Gu An pouted and said no more.


    You Yingying began excitedly detailing the information on the Ascenders. There were five in total, three males and two females, residing on an ind within the Star Sea Congregations'' domain. The weakest among them had reached the Unification Realm, with two having reached the Mystic Heart Realm.


    There were actually many Ascenders overseas. Once they understood the survival rules of this world, they no longer hid their origins. After all, cultivators here couldn''t ascend to the lower realms, and they weren''t interested in the lower realms.


    Gu An listened attentively, contemting the impact if the Ascension Sect truly established itself in the immortal cultivation world on the continent.


    Ascenders might not have the highest cultivation, but their survival skills and temperament were formidable.


    Whether Lu Lingjun could win them over remained uncertain to Gu An.


    An hourter, Lu Lingjun left with the White Spirit Demon Emperor.


    Gu An and You Yingying saw them off. As Lu Lingjun''s figure disappeared into the sky, You Yingying looked at Gu An, patted his shoulder, andughed, "When the Ascension Sect is established, you can be counted as an elder. Your destiny will change, remember to thank me!"


    Gu An looked at her, curiously asking, "You''re not even an Ascender; why are you so enthusiastic?"


    Once the Ascension Sect was established, those without ascension experience would surely be marginalized or scorned, as the sect''s teachings would focus on gathering Ascenders.


    "It''s interesting. In this lifetime, if you could do a few notable things, it wouldn''t be a waste of time in this mortal world. If you could leave a mark, that would be even better," You Yingying said matter-of-factly.


    Gu An was surprised, "With your background, why do you sound like¡­"


    He noticed that in her true form, You Yingying had a peculiar causal force within her, limiting her spiritual power''s growth.


    Once her cultivation couldn''t progress, even with a maximum life span of five thousand years, You Yingying would surely die at the age of four hundred.


    You Yingying looked at him and sniffed, "Right, I already know my fate. In this lifetime, I can''t pursue the immortal path."


    With that, she turned and left, not wanting to continue the conversation with Gu An.


    Gu An didn''t press further.


    Havinge this far, he asked a single question, as he wouldn''t involve himself in You Yingying''s fate.


    He couldn''t ensure his junior sister''s immortality, so he wasn''t qualified to help others.


    He turned and went back inside to practice alchemy, nning to bring the elixirs to the Outer Gate City in a few days.


    ...


    The time came to the end of summer.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An was studying the Ziwei Array Chronicles when he suddenly felt something, casting his gaze outside the window, frowning slightly.


    "Why has this guy been so restless recently?"


    Gu An pondered in confusion.


    In the past month, Li Ya repeatedly used the power of Divine Exotic City, starting anew today.


    Li Ya was far from him, and he couldn''t capture him with divine sense due to the prohibitions of the Star Sea Congregations along the way. He didn''t want to rm their Great Cultivators.


    Even without using divine sense, he could learn about Li Ya''s situation through the mental connection with the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit.


    After a moment of hesitation, Gu An inquired the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit with his mind.


    Soon, the spirit informed him of the reason.


    Li Ya was exploring a secret realm, one of the legacy secret realms of the Star Sea Congregations. If he seeded, he''d gain the ancient legacy of the Congregations. With the power of Divine Exotic City, Li Ya had already reached the final challenge, facing the remnants of the inheritor''s soul, with the army of Divine Soul Demons unable to capture it for a while.


    Knowing the reason, Gu An stopped worrying.


    Li Ya had been with the Star Sea Congregations for over five years. If they had intended to harm him, they would have done so long ago. It seemed the Congregations genuinely wanted to nurture him.


    Gu An withdrew his gaze and continued studying the Ziwei Array Chronicles in his hand.


    Time continued to pass.


    An hourter.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A deafening roar from afar interrupted Gu An''s thoughts once again.


    "What''s special about today? Why is there so muchmotion?" Gu An muttered quietly, sending his divine sense towards the source of the sound.


    Before long, his expression changed dramatically.


    Reflected in his pupils was an endless ocean. At this moment, a gigantic fissure appeared in the ocean, continuously expanding. The seawater furiously rushed into the fissure, forming a spectacr waterfall. The deep fissure stretched for miles.


    Gu An sensed other divine senses being drawn to the ocean fissure and many cultivators heading towards it.


    The ocean was to the west of the continent. Gu An''s divine sense traveled a long way, discovering the fissure extended for tens of thousands of miles and was still growing, seemingly dividing the ocean in two.


    Strangely, despite the seawater pouring into the fissure, the sea level didn''t drop but maintained its majestic sight.


    Fortunately, the ocean fissure was far from the continent, with andmass in between.


    Gu An retracted his divine sense and continued reading, nning to visit Immortal Seeking Indter for information.


    On Immortal Seeking Ind, Gu An could always hear various significant oceanic events.


    Late at night.


    Gu An arrived at Nianchu Cave, walking towards the stone table. As soon as his footsteps sounded, two fragrances greeted him. Next, his arms were embraced, sinking into softness.


    "Master!"


    "Greetings, Master!"


    Two enchanting women clung to Gu An''s arms, one in a blue dress, the other in a white dress. They had graceful figures and delicate features, gazing at Gu An with eyes like rippling water.


    They were Tianqing and Tian Bai after shape-shifting.


    Gu An, wearing a mask, asked, "What''s that smell on you?"


    Tianqing tilted her head and said, "It''s a special water Miss made. It gives off a distinctive fragrance, masking our demon scent, so Master won''t dislike us."


    Gu An remained silent, inwardly satisfied.


    The newly shape-shifted Tianqing and Tian Bai indeed had a foul demon scent, which made him reluctant to be close to them before.


    Allowing them to hold him, Gu An walked towards the small building.


    The two cat demons chattered non-stop, just like Tian Yao''er.


    Soon, Tian Yao''er emerged from the house, beaming as she approached Gu An, expecting praise. Unfortunately, Gu An didn''t mention the fragrance but asked about her cultivation progress.

 Chapter 227 : 227 Immortal King

    Gu An sat at the stone table, enjoying Tianqing and Tian Bai''s shoulder and leg massages. He cast his gaze toward Tian Yao''er, asionally giving remarks on her Limitless Freedom Step, feeling quite content.


    Tian Yao''er felt rather frustrated but had no choice but to listen.


    After a long while, Gu An finally stopped his pointers to her and said, "Tianqing, Tian Bai, today I will teach you a divine skill. Do you wish to learn?"


    Upon hearing this, the two girls immediately nodded, their eyes shining with excitement.


    Gu An raised his hand, using his index finger to touch their foreheads. In an instant, their bodies stiffened, and a figure practicing divine skills was reflected in their pupils, their postures constantly changing.


    He imparted the Daoist Gang Primal Energy to them. Tianqing and Tian Bai needed many years to master it, which would also help them settle down.


    During the massages, their hands had been a bit restless, which made Gu An slightly displeased, hence a small punishment.


    Tian Yao''er sat down and curiously asked, "Master, what divine skill are you teaching them?"


    Gu An briefly introduced the Daoist Gang Primal Energy, which piqued Tian Yao''er''s interest, and she began to coquettishly beg him to teach her.


    Having spent so much time together, Gu An found it hard to refuse Tian Yao''er''s requests, so he nodded in agreement. This made Tian Yao''er very excited; her eyes darted around, thinking of something, unable to contain her smile.


    Once the two cat demons regained their senses, Gu An let them go to practice.


    As they left, Tian Yao''er approached again, eagerly leaning her forehead forward with her eyes closed.


    Seeing her acting like a damsel waiting to be picked, Gu An cursed her as a demon under his breath, then began imparting the divine skill.


    After teaching the divine skill, while Tian Yao''er was still immersed in the inherited memories, Gu An began picking medicinal herbs.


    Tianqing and Tian Bai were very restless. Wherever Gu An went, they would practice nearby, constantly chatting with him.


    It wasn''t until dawn that Gu An finally left.


    ...


    As autumn arrived, the weather became slightly cool.


    Gu An crossed several seas and reached Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Sure enough, news of the ocean rift had already spread across Immortal Seeking Ind, and everyone was talking about it.


    It was said that the rift was still continuously expanding, making it impossible to gauge its length. The width alone reached a hundred miles, causing unease, as if the entire mortal world was about to split in two.


    During this time, Gu An even saw Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal approaching the ocean rift, but they were powerless as well.


    "Senior, I heard a legend. Long ago, the mortal world was submerged by the ocean, countless Daoist traditions perished. When the ocean receded, all beings returned to living onnd, and sects sprang up like bamboo shoots after a rain. One of those sects was the Red Dust Sect. The Sect Master of Red Dust Sect created the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, Divine Exotic City, which suppressed the mortal world and achieved the position of Immortal King."


    "Before the Red Dust Sect Master fell, he split the ocean in two, then his body fell and was buried at the bottom of the sea. His realm was unimaginable, and some say it was the power of his bones that cracked the ocean. No one knows if it''s true."


    Hu Xiaojian followed beside Gu An, speaking mysteriously.


    Red Dust Sect, Divine Exotic City?


    Upon hearing this, Gu An suddenly felt that the ocean rift was rted to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm first released the Divine Exotic City, then created the ocean rift. What was their true intention?


    "Help me gather all the legends and records of Immortal Kings throughout history," Gu An instructed.


    Previously, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had sent the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil to deliver the Immortal King Crown to Gu An. Hidden beneath the crown were the bones and soul of the Evil Emperor. Gu An buried the Immortal King Crown at the bottom of ake in the North Sea and had not touched it since.


    He originally thought the Immortal King was just a title, but now it seemed there were many Immortal Kings.


    Hu Xiaojian quickly agreed. Being able to work for Gu An made him feel honored. Having spent so many years with Gu An, he felt fortunate to have someone powerful to rely on.


    Serving a Loose Immortal was indeed his blessing!


    There was an auction on Immortal Seeking Ind in a couple of days, and Hu Xiaojian rmended Gu An attend because there was a sapling of a ninth-rank Spirit Tree.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately agreed.


    Half a dayter, Gu An left with the sapling of the ninth-rank Spirit Tree. Some Loose Immortals attempted to track him but couldn''t keep up.


    Gu An arrived at the Outer World Cave and nted the sapling of the ninth-rank Spirit Tree.


    [Tree of Luo Hai (Ninth Rank): 56/80000/500000]


    Five hundred thousand years maximum lifespan!


    If he were to kill it now, Gu An could gain eight thousand years of life, but he would not engage in killing the goose thatid the golden eggs.


    The Tree of Luo Hai could form the Luotian Energy Sea, gather spiritual energy, and enhance the growth environment of all things. The Luotian Energy Sea could even bring down spiritual rain, which, it was said, offered a chance for enlightenment from the heavens and earth.


    This kind of Spirit Tree made Gu An very excited.


    In ten thousand years, the Outer World Cave would be fully cultivated. By then, if his old friends were no longer around, he could retreat there for tens of thousands of years, with Tian Yao''er keeping himpany, he would never be lonely.


    Gu An admired the Tree of Luo Hai for a long time before leaving.


    When he returned again, it was already ten yearster.


    In ten years, the Tree of Luo Hai had grown significantly taller.


    Tian Yao''er apanied Gu An, standing by his side, gazing up at the Tree of Luo Hai together.


    In the distance, Tianqing and Tian Bai were ying around. Gu An had taken them in to serve Tian Yao''er, but since Tian Yao''er was often in seclusion, she rarely disciplined them, leading to their continued innocence and yful nature.


    Ten years had passed, and Tian Yao''er''s cultivation level had reached the secondyer of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    "Master, we''ve been looking for so long. Shouldn''t we leave now?" Tian Yao''er asked softly.


    Gu An came back to his senses, nodded gently, then took her and left.


    Tian Yao''er urged him because she didn''t want to waste time here. She had a lot she wanted to discuss with Gu An.


    However, she could sense that Gu An''s mood wasn''t high.


    This feeling persisted until Gu An left.


    Returning to Mystic Valley, Gu An sat at his desk, holding the Green Hero Travelogue, unable to calm his mind.


    He sighed quietly, feeling very troubled.


    The reason for his distress was because tonight Ye Lan was going to release the cultivation suppressed by the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    He was already one hundred and twenty-two years old, whereas Ye Lan was one hundred and seventeen, only thirteen years away from the end of her lifespan. He feared that the Primordial Reincarnation Skill might have issues, so he left thirteen years as a buffer.


    Over these years, he had sent countless elixirs to Ye Lan, which should have helped her umte a significant amount of cultivation.


    Gu An thought this, feeling a bit more at ease.


    He sent his divine sense toward the Outer Gate City, inside Ye Lan''s mansion.


    Ye Lan was meditating on her bed, practicing her skills. Gu An could feel that her cultivation realm was loosening.


    He waited until the deep of night.


    Ye Lan''s cultivation waspletely released. Gu An had set up many formations in her mansion in advance. Nheless, her aura still alerted many people because he couldn''ty formations beyond his apparent abilities'' grade.


    More and more people gathered toward Ye Lan''s mansion. Fortunately, the Outer Sect''s Great Elder Lv Songhan arrived in time, dispersing the disciples and dispatching subordinates to guard the mansion.


    This was Gu An''s prior arrangement.


    Gu An could feel that Ye Lan was forming a core, and he couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief.


    Until dawn, Ye Lan began forming her Nascent Soul.


    This made Gu An secretly shocked. The Primordial Reincarnation Skill was quite domineering!


    Of course, the reason Ye Lan could break through so quickly was mainly because Gu An had invested a lot of elixirs. The value of those elixirs had already surpassed the umtion of most Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.


    After two more days, Ye Lan''s cultivation finally stabilized.


    But hermotion had attracted the attention of the Inner Sect and the Main City of the Sect.


    Gu An had no choice but to stand guard at the mansion''s entrance.


    Lv Baitian flew over. Seeing Gu An, he immediately approached him.


    Facing the Sect Leader, Gu An did not conceal anything. He exined the origin of the Daoist Expansion Skill and revealed that the reason Ye Lan''s breakthrough caused such a stir was that he had poured all the medicinal herbs he had obtained over the years into elixirs for her.


    Lv Baitian had heard of the Daoist Expansion Skill. Wuxin was now a key figure beside Li Xuandao, and the power of the Daoist Expansion Skill had already spread in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    He hadn''t expected Gu An to be so sentimental. He knew that Gu An possessed three Medicine Valleys, and the quantity of medicinal herbs he obtained yearly was immense. That he would pour it all into Ye Lan was astonishing.


    "Hmm, I''ll handle this. You can wait here in peace." Lv Baitian said and then signaled to Lv Songhan.


    He had Lv Songhan proim that a Great Cultivator at the Divinity Transformation Realm was practicing in the mansion, and no one was to disturb.


    A Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator reaching the Divinity Transformation Realm in two days would indeed cause a huge stir, but if it was a Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator practicing, the impact would be much less.


    Gu An stood and waited in front of the mansion.


    Until evening, when Ye Lan''s aura calmed, Lv Songhan finally led his people away.


    Gu An entered the mansion and walked toward Ye Lan''s room.


    Standing in front of the door, he waited.


    "Senior brother, why don''t youe in?" Ye Lan''s voice came from inside the room.


    Gu An took a deep breath and pushed the door open.


    His gaze was immediately drawn to Ye Lan on the bed. He quickly performed a life span detection.


    [Ye Lan (Divinity Transformation Stage Fifth Level): 117/600/600]


    Only six hundred years of life span?


    Gu An frowned, his heart sinking.


    Ye Lan opened her eyes, looked at him, and smiled, "Senior brother, I''ve reached the Divinity Transformation Realm. It''s incredible!"


    She was very excited, unaware that her life span was only six hundred years.


    In her understanding, living a thousand years at the Divinity Transformation Realm was not difficult, and she believed her cultivation would grow higher in the future.


    The Primordial Reincarnation Skill could extend the maximum life span but couldn''t ensure that the practitioner''s life span increased with breakthroughs.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After all, this skill was meant to defy fate.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Really? That''s great, junior sister. You''ll have to look after me from now on."


    Ye Lanughed, "The technique is yours. When you release your cultivation, you''ll definitely be more powerful than I am."


    Gu An hadn''t practiced the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, but hearing her say this, he had no choice but to agree.


    Ye Lan got up and sat at the table with Gu An, starting to talk about her breakthrough experiences.


    Gu An, meanwhile, pondered how to help Ye Lan achieve enlightenment.


    At present, it seemed enlightenment was the best way to extend the maximum life span. But how difficult enlightenment was!

 Chapter 228: Chapter 228 The 9,999-Year Life Span Limit

    Feeling down, Gu An looked at the excited Ye Lan, and his mood gradually improved.


    No matter what, he at least helped Ye Lan extend her life by four hundred and seventy years, and her cultivation progressed from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Divinity Transformation Realm, making her future life more exciting.


    With nearly five hundred more years of life, perhaps she would have her own opportunities in the future.


    Gu An smiled and asionally echoed Ye Lan''s words.


    When Ye Lan finished speaking, Gu An said, "I rmend you go to the Inner Sect."


    Ye Lan nodded, with a face full of yearning she said, "If I cannot progress further in this life, it would not be in vain to experience the world of Great Cultivators."


    Since Gu An stepped into the room, Ye Lan had noticed something was off with his expression.


    Recalling Gu An''s usual advice, Ye Lan thought of many possibilities. One thing was certain, her senior brother was very concerned about her life span.


    Ye Lan did not feel afraid or disappointed, instead, she felt very content.


    Without her senior brother''s help, she might have been a Servant Disciple for her whole life, let alone reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm. Everything now seemed like a dream.


    "If I can only live for a few hundred years, senior brother, you need not regret. If fate allows, we can meet in the next life, right?" Ye Lan blinked and said with a lightugh.


    Gu An was startled, thenughed, "Yes, if it''s meant to be, even reincarnation can''t stop it."


    They talked from the future to the past this time. Gu An chose to stay overnight at Ye Lan''s residence and they talked all night without feeling tired.


    Early the next day, Gu An left.


    Ye Lan saw him off to the gate, watching his departing figure, the sense of loss welled up in her heart once again.


    After her cultivation level rose, she increasingly found her senior brother''s demeanor extraordinary.


    Perhaps her senior brother had already reached a certain stage, after all, he was valued by the Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Ye Lan knew one thing for sure, if it was not just a chance meeting with the Sword Venerable Fudao, the Sword Venerable would not have taken action with the Qinghong Sword.


    Gu An just wanted to avoid trouble; that''s why he hid his rtionship with the Sword Venerable Fudao. Ye Lan could understand this.


    "Senior brother, I will always be with you for the rest of my life."


    Ye Lan smiled, her eyes filled with an expectant smile.


    The future was far away, she did not want to think about it too much, she just wanted to cherish the present.


    ...


    Putting aside Ye Lan''s matter for the time being, unlike the Daoist Expansion Skill which could only lift the cultivation constraints once in a lifetime, the Primordial Reincarnation Skill could be repeatedly cultivated. Ye Lan would continue to suppress her cultivation in the future and release it after hundreds of years, then the ultimate life span should be able to increase again, but Gu An was not sure if the effect would be the same as the first time lifting the cultivation constraints.


    Anyway, this was at least a hope.


    After hundreds of years, Gu An''s cultivation would also transform, and perhaps he could find the chance to change Ye Lan''s fate against the heavens.


    Compared to Ye Lan, Gu An was more worried about Xiaochuan.


    Xiaochuan this fellow usually did not work hard on cultivation, and even if the cultivation constraints were lifted, the improvement would be limited, certainly not as good as Ye Lan.


    But Xiaochuan had already seen through life and death, without fear of life and death, so Gu An was not so regretful.


    Everyone has their own choice, everyone will experience farewells, Gu An was not a stubborn person. If he was powerless, he could only work hard on his cultivation and see the end of the immortal path on behalf of his old friends.


    This year''s summer was not as hot as previous years.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An went downstairs, looking at the myriad forms of life in the valley, and he had a smile on his face, feeling very good.


    In the distance, You Yingying was instructing An Xin and several female disciples in practicing spells. Although her cultivation level was very low, she understood many spells.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was chasing the White Spirit Rat again. The gap between them was very small, whenever he was about to catch the White Spirit Rat, it always managed to dodge, making him extremely angry and unwilling to stop, so he could only keep chasing.


    Ten years had passed, and Lu Lingjun had not returned yet.


    Gu An detected through his divine sense that her Ascension Sect had been preliminarily established, but one of the Ascenders had offended an overseas family, and they had an ongoing grudge for several years.


    Gu An just watched the y with no intention of meddling.


    Although Lu Lingjun had been injured many times, it was not to the extent of life-threatening.


    It had to be said that Ascenders were indeed very tenacious. Even though the enemy was powerful, they had no ns to back down and were prepared to fight to the death, not giving up until justice was served.


    Xiaochuan came to Gu An''s side and said, "Senior brother, I just recruited a hundred Servant Disciples, do you want to take a look?"


    Over the past ten years, disciples have constantly established their foundations and left, while new disciples joined, and the total number of disciples had breached nine hundred.


    Gu An, being idle, agreed and nodded.


    He followed Xiaochuan to the grassy area at the edge of the pavilion area, where a hundred Servant Disciples were waiting, very nervous and whispering to each other.


    "Will the Valley Master ept us?"


    "He should. The head disciple brought us here."


    "This Third Medicine Valley is not simple, it sends out several Foundation Establishment Realm disciples each year to help them be Outer Sect disciples."


    "I''ve heard that too. It''s said that the Valley Master is the disciple of the Sect Leader."


    "The most important thing is that the Valley Master is very generous."


    Some were excited, some were anxious, and some were so nervous that they were shaking all over.


    When they saw Xiaochuan and Gu An approaching, they all shut up.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Their gazes fell on Gu An and were amazed by his appearance and demeanor.


    So young!


    So handsome!


    Gu An''s eyes swept over these Servant Disciples, constantly checking their life spans.


    In the past decades, there were no few buried talents among the Servant Disciples recruited by Xiaochuan, but none had an ultimate life span exceeding a thousand years. Gu An had never focused on cultivating Servant Disciples, so the master-disciple bond was not close.


    With one nce, all had ultimate life spans of a hundred or two hundred years, asionally showing up one with over three hundred years.


    [Yang Jian (Energy Cultivation Realm thirdyer): 15/97/9999]


    Hmm?


    Yang Jian?


    Even True Lord Eng appeared?


    And with the same ultimate life span as An Hao¡­


    Gu An''s gaze fixed on Yang Jian, he pointed at Yang Jian and transmitted his voice to Xiaochuan, asking him to call that kid out.


    Yang Jian wore simple gray clothes, his face slightly ck, looking like he had been doing farm work since childhood, but his facial contours were very good. If well-groomed, he would appear handsome.


    He stood in the crowd, very inconspicuous.


    Watching Xiaochuan approach, everyone held their breath, both nervous and expectant.


    Xiaochuan squeezed into the crowd, patted Yang Jian on the shoulder, and asked him toe out.


    Yang Jian was stunned, and quickly followed, feeling very anxious, afraid that Gu An would find him unpleasant.


    When he stood in front of Gu An, he heard Gu An ask, "Introduce yourself."


    Yang Jian came to his senses and hurriedly said, "My name is Yang Jian, from Longhu Town, Xu Province. I am fifteen years old, and my family has nine members..."


    Before Gu An could speak, Xiaochuan couldn''t help but ask, "Yang Jian? Which Yang, which Jian?"


    Yang Jian scratched his head awkwardly and said, "It''s Yang Jian from the Investiture of the Gods, True Lord Eng from Journey to the West. I really like these two books, so I changed my name to Yang Jian after joining the Supreme Sect. My old name was Yang Xiaohu, which sounded really bad..."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the other Servant Disciples burst intoughter.


    Hearing this, Gu An breathed a sigh of relief.


    Scared me to death!


    He really thought this kid was Yang Jian from the Investiture of the Gods. After all, this nearly ten-thousand-year ultimate life span was too eye-catching.


    To date, Gu An had encountered three people with an ultimate life span of nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine years: An Hao, the Blood Prison Great Saint, and Yang Jian.


    He scrutinized Yang Jian, finding his bones peculiar, and his spirit root was a Mixed Spirit Root of the Five Elements, but his bones were unlike ordinary people. This point was hard to detect without reaching the Immortal Path Realm. His bones needed a vast amount of spiritual energy to revive.


    In other words, if Yang Jian could not awaken his physical body, he was no different from an ordinary Servant Disciple.


    Without the life span detection, Gu An would not have detected this.


    If not encountered by Gu An, Yang Jian would likely never have been noticed for his extraordinary traits, as the number of immortals in the Taicang Dynasty was few, making it hard for him toe in contact with them.


    Xiaochuan, with a dark expression, said, "You really know how to name yourself, daring to take the name of True Lord Eng, who is so divine and handsome?"


    He also liked the Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West and had a very good impression of Yang Jian.


    In the Investiture of the Gods, Gu An included the story of Yang Jian rescuing his mother on Peach Mountain, making Yang Jian''s character moreplete and raising his poprity to the highest in the Investiture of the Gods, surpassing even Nezha.


    The other Servant Disciples joined in the teasing, making Yang Jian''s face turn red, wanting to find a hole to crawl into.


    "Choosing a new name after embarking on the path of Immortal Cultivation is also a way to show your ambition. From now on, you shall be called Yang Jian."


    Gu An said, with his words, the other disciples dared notugh anymore.


    Then, Gu An gave some courteous encouragement and exined some rules of the Medicine Valley, stating that as long as the disciples worked diligently, he was willing to help them establish their foundations and pursue the immortal path.


    After speaking, Gu An turned and left.


    He would not ept someone as a disciple based solely on their ultimate life span; he would observe Yang Jian''s future behavior. If he had good character, Gu An would be willing to help, forming a kind fate. If his character was mean, then he would live his exceptional life span in mediocrity.


    Due to being singled out by Gu An, Yang Jian was pursued by other disciples looking to befriend him, making him feel ttered.


    He looked at Gu An''s departing figure, his eyes full of gratitude.


    Without Gu An''s recognition, his name would have been constantly mocked.


    He decided secretly that he must perform well and strive to get a Foundation Establishment Pill someday!


    Back in his room, Gu An couldn''t help but turn his gaze to An Hao.


    Compared to Ye Yan, Su Han, and Zhen Qin, An Hao was his true disciple, inheriting his cultivation techniques and ultimate skills. He had always held great expectations for An Hao.


    An Hao''s cultivation had reached the ninthyer of the Nascent Soul Realm, and terrifyingly, he was not yet a hundred years old.


    At the moment, An Hao was cultivating on a small ind in the ocean, with Chi Jiuxiao and Chi Bei also on the ind, guiding him in his cultivation.


    Both were stunned by An Hao''s talent. If they didn''t know that An Hao had a mentor at the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, they would have fought to take him as a disciple.


    Gu An noticed that Chi Bei''s cultivation level was continuously dropping; it seemed the poison of the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion could not bepletely eliminated.


    He needed to find an opportunity to pass the Yang Wood Primordial Skill''s advanced technique to An Hao to prevent An Hao from being surpassed by Li Ya and Zhang Buku.

 Chapter 229: Chapter 229 Yang Jians Longing

    With the passing of summer and the arrival of autumn, the Third Medicine Valley gradually became tinged with yellow.


    Yang Jian came before the Blood Prison Great Saint, respectfully presenting a tter filled with flowers and fruits.


    The Blood Prison Great Sainty on the ground and gave him a casual nce. "Is it washed clean?" he asked indifferently.


    Yang Jian quickly nodded and whispered, "I washed it three times."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint lowered his head to sniff, then said, "Not bad. Keep it up, you may go now."


    Yang Jian stood up, bowed, and then retreated.


    Ever since Gu An approved his name, he had been more driven than the other disciples. Not only was he busy with chores in the valley, but he also served the Blood Prison Great Saint and the White Spirit Rat diligently. His industriousness made the other servant disciples feel disdainful, so they gradually began to distance themselves from him.


    Despite this, he did not feel embarrassed but was instead full of anticipation.


    He knew full well that with his average talent, if he only did what the other disciples did, he would at most earn a single Foundation Establishment Pill.


    He believed that even if he reached Foundation Establishment, it wouldn''t change his fate. There were many Foundation Establishment Realm disciples in the Outer Sect who still remained at the bottom.


    But if he could gain the favor of the Valley Master, that would be entirely different!


    Lacking aptitude and connections, Gu An represented the greatest opportunity in Yang Jian''s eyes.


    He didn''t know how to go about pleasing Gu An deliberately, so he used his spare time to take care of Gu An''s mounts and spirit pets.


    Yang Jian stood at the wooden fence, looking out over the vast expanse of the Medicine Valley''s garden. He wiped the sweat from his face, filled with hopes for the future.


    Being able to join such a medicine valley was already very fortunate!


    Next, he needed to seize this fortune!


    ...


    Days went by one after another.


    Inte autumn, someone came to visit Gu An. It was Wu Jue, whom he hadn''t seen in many years.


    Wu Jue, visiting the Third Medicine Valley for the first time, was amazed by its grandeur.


    "I''m looking for Gu An," Wu Jue said, grabbing a person. Coincidentally, that person was Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian was sweeping the ground and couldn''t help but ask, "May I ask for your name, senior? What is your rtionship with the Valley Master?"


    "My name is Wu Jue. Gu An and I are brothers. I''ve been away for many years and came here specifically to see him today," Wu Jue replied.


    Hearing this, Yang Jian dared not be careless. He asked Wu Jue to wait for a moment and ran all the way to Xiaochuan to report the matter, asking Xiaochuan to make the decision.


    Xiaochuan then went to Gu An''s pavilion and ryed the story at the door.


    In fact, Gu An had already sensed Wu Jue''s arrival, but since Wu Jue had now cultivated the Energy Concealing Sorcery, it was hard for him to detect directly. So he waited for his disciples to report it to him.


    "Bring him over," came Gu An''s voice from inside the room.


    Xiaochuan immediately called out to Yang Jian, sending the waiting Yang Jian downstairs on an errand.


    Just as Yang Jian turned around, Wu Jue suddenly rushed past like a gust of wind, startling him so much that he widened his eyes.


    He stood there dumbfounded, watching Wu Jue leave a trail of afterimages as he swiftly went upstairs. Even Xiaochuan, who was upstairs, had his hair blown around and stood frozen in ce.


    Wu Jue pushed open the door, saw Gu An, and smiled, turning around to close the door behind him.


    Xiaochuan came to his senses and turned to descend the stairs.


    Yang Jian was still stunned. It wasn''t until Xiaochuan beckoned to him that he finally snapped out of it.


    He didn''t inquire about Wu Jue''s identity, but in his heart, a great determination ignited.


    He also wanted to be a great cultivator like Wu Jue!


    On the other side.


    Inside the room, Gu An poured tea for Wu Jue and listened to him recount his experiences over the years.


    After sitting down and adjusting his mindset, he used Life Span Detection on Wu Jue as if he were about to open a blind box.


    [Wu Jue (Nascent Soul Realm, Level Eight): 124/890/7600]


    So many years had passed, but Wu Jue''s maximum lifespan had not increased, indicating that he hadn''t made any breakthroughs in Path Enlightenment for decades.


    Gu An felt a bit disappointed; he had hoped that Wu Jue could continue his Path Enlightenment indefinitely.


    Of course, with Wu Jue''s current talent and status, reaching the Nirvana Realm before the age of seven thousand six hundred wouldn''t be difficult.


    However, Gu An thought it a pity that Wu Jue wouldn''t reach the ultimate lifespan limit of nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine years.


    Wu Jue didn''t notice any change in Gu An''s expression and continued to talk excitedly about his experiences over the years.


    Gu An listened attentively. The timid boy from back then had now grown to be a capable individual. Hearing him now also made Gu An feel somewhat emotional.


    After a long time.


    Wu Jue began to speak about his troubles.


    "The Emperor treats me very well and has tried hard to win me over, but my master also treats me exceptionally, training me without reservation. Now, the Zhou Family behind my master is not only in conflict with the Taicang Dynasty but is also challenging the Supreme Sect..."


    Wu Jue spoke with a face full of anguish. He had embarked on the Immortal Cultivation Path at the Supreme Sect, so he had deep feelings for it. When the Zhou Family left the Supreme Sect, it made things difficult for him. Hence, he chose to serve Li Xuandao to avoid the disputes. But now, with the Zhou Family supporting the Great Jiang Dynasty, a three-way war was imminent, and he faced another decision.


    This time, he had returned to seek Gu An''s opinion.


    After hearing this, Gu An also felt troubled. Repaying a debt of gratitude was always the hardest.


    He pondered for a moment and then asked, "Who do you think is the most important?"


    Wu Jue was silent for a moment before he replied, "In my heart, the Supreme Sect is definitely the most important. Whether it is my master or the emperor, they chose me only after I had grown up. Without the Supreme Sect, I wouldn''t have met them."


    He raised his eyes to look at Gu An, his gaze gradually bing resolute.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Since you can make a choice, I won''t say more. Regardless of your decision, I will support you."


    Wu Jue felt a smile spread across his face and sighed, "I have to consider how to face them in the future."


    "It''s simple. Don''t be their enemy. Support the Supreme Sect unterally. There are many ways to repay them; you don''t have to follow orders blindly," Gu An reassured him.


    Wu Jue nodded, then took out various treasures from his storage bag, cing them on the table.


    "This is the Demon Extermination Elixir, which can prevent the birth of inner demons."


    "This is the Sleeve Gold Sword Array. Though small, it can form arge sword array once infused with spiritual power."


    "This is the Substitute Mouth Cricket. It''s of no practical use but can speak for you and serve as entertainment."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "And this, Top-Grade Dharma Artifact Mist Cloud Boots, allows you to create clouds under your feet and soar through the skies. It was a reward from the emperor for ying the enemy''s general."


    Wu Jue introduced the treasures one by one; there were eight in total, each with different uses.


    After he finished speaking, Gu An pretended to decline, but Wu Jue insisted, saying he had received many elixirs from Gu An in the past and had to pay him back.


    After several refusals, Wu Jue red and said, "Are we not brothers? You must ept these, or we can''t be brothers anymore!"


    Gu An had no choice but to agree reluctantly.


    "Next time you visit, don''t bring so many things. I don''t need them, and our bond can''t be measured by treasures," Gu An said seriously.


    He genuinely didn''t want them and hoped Wu Jue wouldn''t go to so much trouble.


    Wu Jue waved his hand and said, "I don''t care. When I see good things, I think of you. Since you don''t venture out and only focus on cultivation, I''ll find you all the magic artifacts and secret books you need."


    Gu An smiled and didn''t continue the topic.


    It wasn''t until dusk that Wu Jue left, having made up his mind to choose the Supreme Sect. He intended to see the Sect Leader next.


    Gu An stood on the balcony, watching the direction in which Wu Jue departed.


    The sunset was beautiful, even nearing twilight.


    Gu An saw Yang Jian staring nkly in the direction Wu Jue had gone.


    During this time, Yang Jian''s performance had beenmendable, and in Gu An''s eyes, he was already halfway towards bing a disciple.


    In the future, if Yang Jian became famous and even surpassed Wu Jue, would Wu Jue remember that the minor cultivator who led the way for him today was the renowned Yang Jian?


    Gu An found the thought amusing, and a smile appeared on his lips.


    He noticed that he was developing a mischievous habit of imagining the astonishment of those around him.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, five more years passed.


    During these five years, An Hao broke through to the Divinity Transformation Realm, and Wu Jue reached the ninth level of the Nascent Soul Realm, on the verge of a breakthrough.


    Since Wu Jue had decided to stay in the Supreme Sect, he hadn''t left the Supreme Sect. After expressing his intentions to Lv Baitian, Lv Baitian was very pleased and began investing substantial resources in him, creating momentum for him. Now, Wu Jue was one of the top three talents in the Supreme Sect, holding the position of a True Disciple.


    One hundred twenty-seven-year-old Gu An had a lifespan nearing sixteen million four hundred thousand years, still far from the billion mark, but he hadn''t harvested the high-rank medical herbs from the Outer World Cave yet. He was eagerly looking forward to those high-rank medical herbs.


    Throughout these years, Gu An asionally went to Immortal Seeking Ind to buy high-rank medical herbs. The number of seventh-order medicinal herbs nted in the Outer World Cave had exceeded one hundred thousand, and the number of eighth-order medicinal herbs surpassed ten thousand. Once all these herbs matured, harvesting them would significantly extend his lifespan.


    On this day, Gu An had just returned from Immortal Seeking Ind.


    He walked into the Third Medicine Valley with a slight frown.


    Recently, more and more Loose Immortals had been eyeing him, so he needed to consider purchasing medicinal herbs from other inds.


    The price of a single seventh-order medicinal herb was astronomical. Gu An''s extensive purchases at Immortal Seeking Ind had made him one of their top ten clients, naturally drawing envy.


    As Gu An passed by the Blood Prison Great Saint, he saw Yang Jian standing nearby, washing the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    He said, "Don''t spoil him. He spends his dayszing around, only knowing how to eat and sleep."


    Yang Jian quickly responded, "It''s fine. I don''t have anything to do anyway."


    Gu An said no more and quickly went upstairs.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint, thinking he had upset Gu An, quietly said, "Yang Jian,e here."


    Hearing this, Yang Jian hurried over and squatted in front of him.


    "Come find me at midnight tonight. I''ll teach you a spell," the Blood Prison Great Saint said mysteriously.


    Yang Jian''s expression became strange. "There''s no need. I''m not taking care of you for any benefit," he said.


    What he desired was Gu An''s favor!


    What kind of spell could a Bull Demon teach him?


    "I don''t care. You muste!" the Blood Prison Great Saint demanded, and Yang Jian had no choice but to agree.


    He stood up and left, ncing towards the pavilion where Gu An resided.


    If only it were his master teaching him a spell instead.


    Inside the room.


    After sitting down, Gu An spread his divine sense, looking towards the ocean trench to the east.


    This great trench had ceased to extend but still existed across the ocean, frequently drawing great cultivators to observe.


    Gu An sensed the presence of an entity surpassing the Wandering Immortal Realm flying above the ocean trench. The individual disyed their aura recklessly, drawing many divine senses to probe.

 Chapter 230 Sect Leaders Successor!

    Gu An looked for a while and then withdrew his gaze. Without knowing the other party''s intentions, he didn''t want to provoke them.


    The ocean trench had been around for many years without any disaster so far. Gu An hoped this tranquility couldst long enough to give him time to grow.


    He picked up thetest volume of the Green Hero Travelogue from the table and started reading. This book was sent by Xuan Tianyi, and he had already read it several times. Each reading gave him a different vor.


    Xuan Tianyi seemed mboyant and unrestrained, but he was actually meticulous and skilled in writing about women.


    Night fell.


    Yang Jian came to the Blood Prison Great Saint''s side, wanting to say something but hesitating.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint stood up and, with a twist of his ox-like butt, dropped a line before leaving, "Follow me."


    Yang Jian had no choice but to follow.


    "Well, maybe by appeasing it, it will mess with me less in the future," Yang Jian thought silently, his mood improving.


    The man and ox arrived in a forest a dozen miles away. The forest was vast, echoing with the sounds of insects.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint turned around to face Yang Jian, then started cultivating energy. In an instant, his red ox hair began to flow like burning blood mes, and a fierce aura erupted from his body.


    "Huh?"


    Yang Jian''s eyes widened, his whole being bing alert.


    This aura...


    Could thiszy ox really know spells?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint let out a deep ox roar, making Yang Jian feel an explosion by his ear, his brain buzzing.


    It took him a while to recover, looking at the Blood Prison Great Saint in horror. The Great Saint still maintained his aura, looking especially menacing in the night.


    Yang Jian''s gaze towards the Blood Prison Great Saint became fervent.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint raised his ox head and said, "This is a spell of the Blood Prison Divine Skill called the Blood Prison Roar. If you train to a minor achievement realm, it can cause the enemy''s divine soul to be unsettled in battle. If perfected, it could kill enemies with a roar."


    "So powerful? I want to learn! I want to learn!" Yang Jian felt ignited, the image of the Blood Prison Great Saintpletely transforming in his eyes.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint, full of pride, said, "Cultivating the Blood Prison Roar isn''t easy, are you ready for hardship?"


    "I''m not afraid of hardship!" Yang Jian said firmly.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint grinned. Under Gu An''s divine sense, he found an ox smiling to be quite eerie.


    This guy didn''t have any ill intentions, right?


    ...


    Autumn and winter passed, and the new spring arrived.


    The Third Medicine Valley began preparing for the Spring Festival once again. On this day, Wu Jue arrived, but Gu An wasn''t there, so he wandered around the valley.


    He saw the minor cultivator who had previously guided him carrying water, so he walked over and asked with a smile, "Little brother, aren''t you a cultivator? Why are you carrying water yourself?"


    Yang Jian''s eyes lit up when he saw Wu Jue. He hadn''t forgotten Wu Jue''s movement technique from that day, ethereal like an immortal.


    He replied, "This is... our... a form of... cultivation method..."


    His voice was hoarse, speaking haltingly, making Wu Jue ufortable to listen to.


    "What happened to your voice?" Wu Jue asked with a frown.


    Yang Jian answered, "From... practicing..."


    Wu Jue shook his head with a smile, patted Yang Jian on the shoulder, and turned to leave.


    The reason Wu Jue remembered Yang Jian was that before leavingst time, Gu An had asked him about his thoughts on Yang Jian. Being remembered by Gu An, he naturally developed a bit of interest in Yang Jian.


    But now it seemed, this boy''s talent was quite mediocre, with almost no advancement in cultivation over the years.


    Yang Jian didn''t know what Wu Jue was thinking. Just being asked by him already made him very happy.


    Wu Jue continued wandering in the valley.


    An hourter, he sensed Gu An''s aura. But when he turned his head, he frowned.


    There were actually two women beside Gu An!


    "Why isn''t it Ms. Shen?" Wu Jue wondered. He always thought Gu An and Shen Zhen liked each other, but now seeing Gu An chatting andughing with two women beside him, he felt upset.


    Brother Gu was letting down Ms. Shen!


    Gu An, with Ye Lan and Zhen Qin, flew in. The two women were curious about the scene in the Third Medicine Valley, constantly asking questions, and he answered with a smile.


    Afternding, Wu Jue approached, pointing at Zhen Qin and asked, "Gu An, who is this?"


    His tone was sharp, making Zhen Qin look at him in confusion.


    He knew Ye Lan, Gu An''s junior sister, but seeing Zhen Qin clinging to Gu An''s arm made him feel uneasy.


    Zhen Qin''s eyes lit up and said, "Are you Wu Jue?"


    Ye Lan nodded and said, "Yes, he is the true disciple who has recently be famous in the Supreme Sect, Wu Jue."


    Seeing Wu Jue, she felt very emotional.


    At the Golden List Conference, she met Wu Jue through Gu An. Back then, Wu Jue surprised her, but she didn''t expect him to achieve so much today.


    Why did geniuses always appear around senior brother?


    Gu An smiled and said, "This is my disciple, Zhen Qin. Let''s go inside and talk."


    Hearing this, Wu Jue''s expression softened.


    "When is Ms. Shening?" Wu Jue asked.


    He always believed that Gu An and Shen Zhen were meant to be together.


    Gu An casually replied, "How would I know when she wille?"


    Hearing this, Zhen Qin''s eyes darted between Gu An and Wu Jue, thinking about something.


    The four of them headed towards the pavilion, Zhen Qin continuously asking Wu Jue questions enthusiastically, making Wu Jue a bit shy.


    Before they reached the pavilion, a figure flew in quickly.


    Gu An silently thought, oh no.


    "Ms. Shen!" Wu Jue called out excitedly and waved at Shen Zhen.


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin looked towards Shen Zhen. She wore a white dress with a veil on her face, looking like a celestial being, with an outstanding temperament.


    Shen Zhennded beside Zhen Qin and smiled, "Wu Jue, long time no see."


    She was often in seclusion and didn''t know about Wu Jue''s reputation over the years.


    She looked at Ye Lan and Zhen Qin, full of curiosity.


    Gu An pretended to be calm and began introducing them to each other. The three women exchanged pleasantries, creating a harmonious atmosphere, but Gu An could feel the undercurrent.


    "I didn''t expect it, Gu An, you have so many female confidants?"


    You Yingying suddenly approached, asking excitedly.


    Wu Jue''s loud voice had drawn her attention. Seeing the three women surrounding Gu An and chatting, while Wu Jue maintained a polite distance, she felt there was a good show to watch.


    Gu An turned ck-faced and said, "Don''t talk nonsense!"


    Ye Lan looked at You Yingying and asked, "Who is this?"


    So senior brother''s previous jokes were true, many female disciples in the valley liked him!


    "I''m You Yingying, working for Gu An," You Yingying said with a smile. No one believed her, as how could an errand girl call the valley master by name?


    You Yingying continued, "I forgot to tell you, Senior Lu should being back for the festival."


    Gu An kept a straight face and said, "Let here back if she wants to."


    Ye Lan squinted her eyes and asked, "Is Senior Lu a man or woman?"


    You Yingying said, "A woman, Lu Lingjun. You should have heard of her. She''s a great cultivator in the Mystic Heart Realm!"


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin''s faces changed. They had indeed heard of Lu Lingjun, but didn''t expect her to be connected with Gu An.


    Shen Zhen''s eyes curved in a smile, looking appreciatively at You Yingying.


    What a talent!


    I like her!


    Gu An took Ye Lan''s hand and walked towards the pavilion, saying, "My junior sister is here for the first time, I need to attend to her."


    Ye Lan''s face blushed, Zhen Qin hurriedly followed, feeling victorious. She proudly gave You Yingying a challenging look.


    You Yingying red at Zhen Qin before turning to leave. Shen Zhen tacitly followed suit without a word.


    Wu Jue stood in ce, watching the backs of the three women. After thinking it over, he decided not to follow them.


    If they really start fighting, he would step in to protect Gu An.


    "Ah, no wonder Brother Gu doesn''t cultivate, too busy tending to his peach blossoms. Indeed, Master is right; women are obstacles on the immortal cultivation path, they are inner demons." Wu Jue shook his head and continued strolling through the valley.


    Upstairs in the room, Gu An poured tea for the three women.


    Ye Lan started chatting with Shen Zhen. Having worked in the Law Enforcement Hall for many years, she was adept at handling people and situations, making the conversation lively and pleasant among the three women, appearing like close friends.


    After Gu An sat down, Shen Zhen asked, "After Journey to the West, will you write another book? I want to read about Sun Wukong bing the Victorious Fighting Buddha."


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin already knew Gu An was Pan An, but still looked at him curiously, eager for his answer.


    Zhen Qin looked at Gu An, marveling inwardly. Her master''s cultivation talent might be mediocre, but his writing was extraordinary.


    By now, more and more people knew Gu An was the author, so he didn''t mind Shen Zhen revealing his identity intentionally. After all, his apparent cultivation level was no longer weak, and he could defend himself.


    "No more writing, busy researching other minor arts." Gu An answered casually.


    Shen Zhen felt a bit disappointed and began praising Journey to the West, saying it was better than the Investiture of the Gods and more meaningful. She felt Journey to the West was critiquing something.


    Ye Lan also joined in the discussion about Journey to the West, while Zhen Qin gazed at Gu An with admiration, realizing its impact had even surpassed the Investiture of the Gods.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An hourter, another guest arrived at the valley, freeing Gu An somewhat.


    Lv Baitian!


    Lv Baitian entered the room, and Ye Lan and Zhen Qin quickly stood up to greet him. They were already true disciples and had naturally met Lv Baitian before.


    Shen Zhen also greeted Lv Baitian courteously.


    "Hmm, you all go out and have a look around. I have something to discuss with Gu An," Lv Baitian said indifferently, but heughed inwardly.


    This kid was impressive, having so many peach blossoms, not inferior to my younger days!


    Zhen Qin couldn''t help but curiously ask, "Sect Leader, are you very familiar with my master?"


    Lv Baitian looked at her, knowing she was Gu An''s disciple, thenughed, "Of course. He is my appointed sessor to the sect leader. During the Golden List Conference, the World''s Number One Sword Dao Tournament, the Alchemy Conference, and so on, it was all his idea. From now on, you can call me Martial Master."


    Upon hearing this, the three women widened their eyes.


    Gu An silently thought, this is bad.


    Shen Zhen also felt surprised. She knew Gu An was close with Lv Baitian, thinking it was because of Pan An''s identity. She didn''t expect Lv Baitian to hold Gu An in such high regard.


    Seeing Gu An''s expression, Lv Baitian was amused and said, "Never mind, you all stay and listen."


    The three women quickly thanked him. Their gazes towards Gu An made him uneasy.

 Chapter 231 The World-Destroying Catastrophe is Coming

    Lv Baitian sat down, then began to ask Gu An about what kind of event to hold next to make it more attractive.


    Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and Shen Zhen stood by, listening; they were also curious about how Gu An strategized for Lv Baitian.


    Gu An pondered and said, "The Supreme Sect has already held numerous events; although the types are changing, for the vast majority of disciples, there isn''t much participation. Other sects have started to imitate us, making it hard to increase our influence no matter what kind of event we hold."


    Lv Baitian nodded, troubled by this situation himself.


    Other sects were not fools; seeing the Supreme Sect to profit, they also began to hold simr events. Especially with Cangtian Sect joining, cultivators across thend flocked to them, significantly reducing the Supreme Sect''s appeal.


    To this day, Cangtian Sect remained the top sect in the Immortal Cultivation World of the three dynasties.


    Shen Zhen also fell into deep thought.


    Although the Great Yu Dynasty was no more, the Daotian Sect remained. Now, having established close ties with the Supreme Sect, the better the Supreme Sect''s development, the more it benefited Daotian Sect.


    Gu An continued, "Actually, we''re in the best position. We have two Mahayana Realm cultivators and the mysterious Sword Venerable Fudao. On this point, Cangtian Sect cannotpete. If you want to surpass Cangtian Sect, why not hold a Tianbang Tournament? No age limit, no cultivation realm limit,bat to determine the top hundred ranks. As long as we announce it, the world''s cultivators will be shaken. Sects that don''t dare participate will only be ridiculed."


    "If Cangtian Sect doesn''t dare to participate, they will be deemed weaker than our Supreme Sect in the eyes of the world''s cultivators. If they participate, then let it be a normalpetition to see if their Daoist Lord can defeat Senior Xuan and Senior Qiao."


    Lv Baitian''s eyes lit up upon hearing this, but he still hesitated, saying, "Mahayana Realmbat, if it gets intense, how do we control it?"


    Gu An thought for a moment and said, "How about holding it in the Outer Sect? We can use Sword Venerable to deter them."


    Lv Baitian frowned, still hesitant.


    The Supreme Sect''s high-level members also had reservations about Sword Venerable; they didn''t know what Sword Venerable''s intentions were or his origins.


    Previously, they fantasized that Sword Venerable was an ascetic trained by the Supreme Sect, hiding his cultivation level, unknown to anyone. But as immortals continued to appear in their vision, they realized that the Supreme Sect''s soil couldn''t nurture such an existence. Sword Venerable was simply too powerful, forcing them to recognize reality.


    "If the sect leader fears angering Sword Venerable, we can allocate part of the Tianbang Tournament''s proceeds to the Heavenly Repair tform as a tribute to Sword Venerable, showing our sincerity," Gu An suggested.


    Lv Baitian hesitated and asked, "Is that alright?"


    Gu An continued, "You can inquire in front of the Heaven-Cutting Axe. Sword Venerable is an immortal; he will surely hear you. As long as you exin the stakes clearly, he should tacitly allow it."


    "After the Tianbang Tournament is held, as long as the Supreme Sect cultivators retain the top position, other sects won''t be able to host their own Tianbang Tournaments, since only the top sect in the world has the qualification to host it. If Cangtian Sect cannot secure the top position, their morale will also suffer."


    "Like the previous Golden List Tournament, the Tianbang must be recorded. It''s best to distribute it to the world''s cultivators without charging spirit stone fees, to spread its influence first. The second Tianbang Tournament can then collect spirit stone fees for profit."


    As long as the Supreme Sect made this announcement, the matter would be settled.


    Throughout history, no sect dared to do it despite thinking of it. Gathering the world''s top cultivators within their sect topete for supremacy could easily spiral out of control, possibly leading to total destruction.


    The Supreme Sect was different, as they had the bnce-breaking existence of Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Shen Zhen couldn''t help but say, "This n is indeed devious; no sect in the world can refuse. Even if they know they can''t secure the top position, they have to participate."


    The more Lv Baitian thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. As long as the Supreme Sect secured the top spot, they could still attract great cultivators in the future!


    "What if cultivators from the Holy Land or overseas participate? What do we do then?" Lv Baitian hesitatedly asked.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Wouldn''t that further prove the Supreme Sect''s influence? Even cultivators from the Holy Land couldn''t resist participating. As long as our people''s ranks are the highest within the three-dynasty Immortal Cultivation World, that''ll be sufficient."


    Lv Baitian found it reasonable and began to discuss the specific details with Gu An.


    Mere slogans wouldn''t suffice; there had to be tangible benefits to attract more cultivators to participate.


    Ye Lan watched Gu An and Lv Baitian discuss matters involving the world''s great trends. She felt sentimental; as expected, her senior brother was destined not to be an ordinary person.


    Zhen Qin, on the other hand, didn''t think much; she was already fantasizing about the Tianbang Tournament.


    Who wouldn''t want to be the world''s number one?


    Though she had no qualification topete, she still wanted to know who was the number one in the Immortal Cultivation World.


    An ancient hourter, Lv Baitian hurriedly left, not even celebrating the New Year.


    Gu An took the three women downstairs to enjoy the New Year''s atmosphere with the disciples. The disciples in the Medicine Valley even set up a market, making it very lively.


    As dusk approached, Lu Lingjun returned. The gap in cultivation between her and Ye Lan and the other two women was vast, so there was no conflict. Distracted, she paid no attention to their rtionship with Gu An.


    Gu An first went back to Mystic Valley, drank with the disciples, and returned to the Third Medicine Valley to continue celebrating with the others.


    The next morning, guests left, and the disciples resumed their busy routines. Lu Lingjun also left Medicine Valley, flying towards the main city of the sect.


    One night, several dayster, Gu An saw Lv Baitian leading several dozen members of the Hall of Elders to the Heaven-Cutting Axe. They set up a formation to prevent other disciples and cultivators on the tform from hearing them.


    After exining the Tianbang Tournament, the Heaven-Cutting Axe remained silent, and they took this as Sword Venerable Fudao''s tacit approval.


    Gu An had already begun to look forward to the benefits the Tianbang Tournament could bring; he could buy many high-rank medicinal herbs.


    The second morning, Gu Zong brought arge group of cultivators to find Lu Lingjun; these cultivators had a minimum cultivation level of Void Crossing Realm, numbering over a hundred.


    Lu Lingjun immediately took this group of disciples southward. Gu Zong exchanged pleasantries with Gu An before leaving.


    Gu An didn''t ask what Lu Lingjun was up to. There''s no need to guess; it''s obvious it was about overseas ascenders.


    One monthter.


    The Supreme Sect announced the Tianbang Tournament, and notices about the tournament quickly covered every city in the Immortal Cultivation World. At the same time, Lv Baitian sent out invitations to various sects, acting first and reportingter.


    The world was shaken!


    The higher-ups of the various sects cursed the Supreme Sect''s shamelessness, but the lower and middle-level cultivators were exhrated.


    Many were curious: aside from Sword Venerable Fudao, who was truly the world''s number one?


    Sword Venerable, being too powerful, was considered an outsider by the cultivators of the three dynasties. The local world''s number one had never been definitively determined.


    When Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint into the Outer City, the disciples passing by discussed this matter excitedly.


    Yang Jian, who was following beside the Blood Prison Great Saint, also felt his blood boiling.


    He wondered if he would ever have a chance to be on the Tianbang in this lifetime.


    Throughout the journey, Yang Jian saw Gu An greeting people frequently. He knew many, including cultivators with their subordinates, which made Yang Jian admire Gu An even more.


    This morning, Gu An had Xiaochuan send word to Yang Jian, saying he would take him to the Outer Gate City, thrilling him.


    It meant Gu An was truly epting him!


    Not just him; other servant disciples also thought so, which led to many imitating him, gathering around the White Spirit Rat, leaving An Xin helpless.


    "Yang Jian, are you willing to truly be my disciple?"


    Gu An suddenly asked, making the daydreaming Yang Jian freeze. He asked reflexively, "What?"


    Gu An nced at him, giving him a fright that drenched him in cold sweat.


    "Fool, the master is asking if you are willing to truly be his disciple!" the Blood Prison Great Saint said mockingly; it was his way of caring for Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian had served him for five years, so he naturally had a liking for him and wanted to help him.


    Others might not know Gu An''s true cultivation level, but the Blood Prison Great Saint knew very well.


    The strongest person in the Supreme Sect was Gu An; he even suspected that the mysterious Sword Venerable Fudao was Gu An.


    "Ah? I am willing! I am willing! Master, please ept my bow!"


    Yang Jian was overjoyed and knelt in the street.


    The passing disciples all looked at him with strange expressions.


    Gu An didn''t feel embarrassed, epting his bow. After he kowtowed three times, he let him up.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint continued forward, and Yang Jian followed closely, trembling with excitement.


    He had been in the Third Medicine Valley for five years. In his mind, Gu An was highly esteemed. Although Gu An seemed to only be at the Core Formation Realm, there were actually Mystic Heart Realm great cultivators hidden in the valley, leading him to imagine many things.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint nced at the trembling Yang Jian, feeling a bit sour.


    Why?


    This kid seemed unremarkable and extremely ordinary!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This kind of person could be Gu An''s disciple, while he, an invincible ascender in the Mortal World, could only be a mount.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint felt conflicting emotions.


    If he hadn''t been so reckless when he first ascended, hadn''t hunted down Li Ya and Zhang Buku, he wouldn''t have ended up like this.


    But then he thought, if not for those incidents, even after a thousand years of cultivation, he might not have encountered a great cultivator like Gu An. Even if he did, he would probably be killed.


    He considered it a blessing in disguise.


    "He can have many disciples, but if I am his only mount, it would be different," the Blood Prison Great Saint thought, getting excited again.


    As the saying goes, beating a dog depends on the owner''s face...


    Spit!


    Disciples eventually graduate, but a mount is a lifelong bond!


    Even if Gu An freed him a thousand yearster, he would pledge loyalty, saying he would always be Gu An''s mount.


    He wanted Gu An to be his backing in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Continue reading on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    The more the Blood Prison Great Saint thought about it, the more excited he became. His ox body began to tremble.


    Gu An looked down at him and then at Yang Jian. He suddenly worried that Yang Jian might be led astray by the Blood Prison Great Saint, as his mind didn''t seem stable.


    Just then, a shabbily dressed old man stopped the Blood Prison Great Saint. He looked at Gu An, his eyes wide, rambling, "The mortal disaster ising, the ocean will engulf everything, the apocalypse is nearing..."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint stopped, eyeing him suspiciously.


    Yang Jian also nced at him, drawn by his words.


    The old man finished speaking, turned, and stopped other passing cultivators, saying the same things.

 Chapter 232 First Heavens Pride

    Watching the old man crazily preach about the apocalypse, the cultivators passing by on the street couldn''t help but discuss, most of them not taking it seriously, just curious about where this old man came from to dare be so presumptuous at the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An remained half-skeptical.


    The ocean would swallow everything?


    He had heard such legends before; on the ocean, these kinds of legends were not umon. Moreover, in recent years, arge rift had mysteriously appeared on the ocean, making it hard for him not to believe.


    "I am only one hundred and twenty-seven years old, why so much hardship?"


    Gu An thought helplessly, but the previous demon cmity was not a disaster for the mortal world, just a scheme by the immortal cultivation forces, and such things were by no means rare in this world.


    This time, he hoped the ocean cmity wasn''t targeting him or the three dynasties''nds. If that''s the case, he would have to think more, wondering if the Heavenly Dao was scheming against him.


    Indeed, he shouldn''t get too involved in the mortal world. Could his way of crazily growing stronger without crossing tribtions be seen as an anomaly by the Heavenly Dao?


    To eliminate an anomaly without knowing where it is, it simplyunches an apocalypse.


    For all beings, a cmity is a catastrophe, but for heaven and earth itself, it''s just a major cleansing.


    Lost in thought, Gu An soon saw that old man being seized by a disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall, still shouting as he was taken away:


    "The ocean will swallow everything¡­"


    This small episode didn''t stay in many people''s minds. Compared to such crazy talk, the disciples were more concerned about the Heavenly Rankings Tournament.


    The title of "Number One in the World" stirred the hearts of countless cultivators.


    Gu An wasn''t too worried either. This old man didn''t have an extraordinary limit to his lifespan, nor did he hide his realm; he was merely at Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation level.


    He brought Yang Jian to the Elixir Hall, instructing him to observe carefully and listen, as he might help him with tasks in the future.


    This made Yang Jian both excited and nervous, worried about making mistakes and disappointing Gu An.


    It wasn''t until evening that they finally returned to the Medicine Valley.


    Spring passed and summer came, and Gu An crossed the threshold of one hundred and twenty-eight years old.


    The Heavenly Rankings Tournament had already spread throughout the world, but the exact start time was not yet determined. With the operation of the Supreme Sect, over ny percent of the cultivators in thends of the three dynasties knew about it.


    Who is "Number One in the World" became a hot topic for cultivators during their leisure time.


    On this day.


    Gu An came to the Immortal Seeking Ind. As soon as he arrived, he heard someone discussing the millennial great sea tide.


    Legend has it that once every millennia, the ocean will rise and floodnd masses,sting for hundreds of years before it subsides. Not every great sea tide is the same; in severe cases, it could flood the entire mortal world, a phenomenon that happens once in a million years.


    Today''s cultivators couldn''t calcte how far it had been since thest apocalypse-level sea tide, but precisely because they couldn''t calcte it, they were in a state of panic.


    Everywhere on the ocean, people were proiming that the apocalypse-level sea tide was imminent. These people came from different sects, iming to have sensed the world''s omens and saw the apocalyptic visions in their dreams while cultivating. Weaker cultivators might even undergo deviation and be insane.


    Some even linked it to the oceanic rift that appeared before, suggesting it might be a sign of the apocalypse-level sea tide!


    When Gu An found Hu Xiaojian, Hu Xiaojian also brought up the matter, his face full of worry.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "The world is truly in chaos now. First, there was the conflict between the Seven Stars Spirit Realm and the Star Sea Congregations, battles urring everywhere. Now, there''s an imminent apocalypse-level sea tide. We truly live in the worst of times," Hu Xiaojian sighed.


    Gu Anforted, "Nothing is certain yet, don''t overthink."


    Though the news was spreading widely, the sea level hadn''t risen, at least not affecting the maind of the three dynasties''nds.


    ording to legend, before an apocalypse-level sea tide erupts, there would be a buildup period of hundreds of years that all living beings in the mortal world can sense. It''s said that during this period, the spiritual energy of the sea would burst forth, enriching the entire world''s spiritual energy, elerating the cultivation speed of all beings, as if a small mercy from heaven and earth. If one could leave this world during this period, they could escape the cmity.


    But that''s only applicable to high-level cultivators. To achieve Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal within those few hundred years, one would at least need to be at the Wandering Immortal Realm.


    Gu An and Hu Xiaojian wandered the streets, chatting as they walked.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared before them, a woman in yellow attire, her demeanor dignified with an extraordinary aura, and her appearance also top-notch. Her cultivation level reached the Mystic Heart Realm.


    "May I ask if you are Senior Meng Lang? My lord wishes to invite you as a guest. My lord is Sage Tang Hai," the woman in yellow said respectfully.


    Using a Mystic Heart Realm female cultivator as a maid?


    Such a grand gesture!


    As Gu An was thinking, Hu Xiaojian quietly introduced, "Sage Tang Hai is an honorary elder of the Sea Protection Mansion on Immortal Seeking Ind, known for his righteous actions and good reputation."


    The implication was that he could be trusted.


    Gu An nced at Hu Xiaojian before looking at the woman in yellow and said, "Lead the way."


    He cast a lifespan detection on the woman in yellow. With a lifespan limit just over two thousand, she would be considered a girl of heavenly pride on the maind, only to be a maid on Immortal Seeking Ind.


    The woman in yellow gracefully bowed and then turned to lead the way.


    Half an hourter, they entered a mansion. Hu Xiaojian chose not to go inside, waiting at the gate instead.


    Tang Hai Mansion wasrge, with many servants whose lowest cultivation level was at the Nascent Soul Realm.


    Led by the woman in yellow, Gu An arrived at a courtyard where he saw a man in blue attire sitting at a table, sipping tea, with a schrly and elegant air.


    [Sage Tang Hai (Loose Immortal Realm Fifth Layer): 8908/27000/27500]


    The woman in yellow stopped her steps, bowed to Sage Tang Hai, and then left.


    Sage Tang Hai looked at Gu An and stood up to sp his fists in salute, "Daoist Friend, I apologize if my invitation disturbs you."


    Gu An approached the table, raising his hand in return salute, "No worries, I have nothing much to do anyway."


    Then, both of them sat down and began to chat.


    After some casual conversation, Sage Tang Hai finally said, "Daoist Friend, the number of heavenly materials and earthly treasures you''ve purchased over the years is staggering, and many people are inquiring about you. But rest assured, no one dares to cause trouble on Immortal Seeking Ind. I''ve also helped you block some of them."


    Gu An didn''t understand his meaning and could only follow along, thanking him.


    The strongest on Immortal Seeking Ind had only the cultivation level of Wandering Immortal Realm. Gu An didn''t really regard anyone there seriously.


    "Recently, the news of the apocalypse-level sea tide has been rampant. Whether it''s true or not, the world is in turmoil. If we cultivators can band together for warmth, that would be the best. Ten years from now, I n to hold a private auction here, even offering an Immortal Path Spirit Tree. If Daoist Friend is interested, you can attend it. The actual trading price will count seventy percent of the final transaction price. Consider it my gift to Daoist Friend as a meeting token," Sage Tang Hai said, stroking his beard with a smile that gave aforting feeling like a spring breeze.


    Gu An heard this and smiled, thanking him again.


    An Immortal Path Spirit Tree?


    He was indeed very interested!


    The highest-grade spirit tree he had was only of the ninth rank. He couldn''t imagine what wonders an Immortal Path Spirit Tree would hold.


    Seeing Gu An agree, Sage Tang Hai became more enthusiastic.


    The two chatted for a long time, with Sage Tang Hai revealing his desire to form a small circle of Loose Immortals, to explore and venture into the Ancient Immortal Path Secret Realm together.


    After a full hour, Gu An finally left Tang Hai Mansion.


    Hu Xiaojian followed without saying a word.


    ...


    The first wisp of autumn breeze blew into the Third Medicine Valley.


    Yang Jian stood in front of the wooden railing, staring nkly at the pavilion where Gu An lived.


    It had been a while since he apprenticed under Gu An, yet nothing in his life had changed. Gu An hadn''t taught him any cultivation techniques or spells, causing him some agony.


    He was already twenty-one years old, and his cultivation remained at the thirdyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, making him very anxious.


    He heard that the number one genius of the Supreme Sect, An Hao, had already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm at his age.


    Time passed as he daydreamed.


    As dusk fell, Yang Jian washed a batch of fruits and carried them on arge wooden tray to the Blood Prison Great Saint''s side.


    Just as he was about to leave, a voice came from the pavilion, "Jian''er, wait for me downstairs after nightfall."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian became excited, quickly bowing to the pavilion. He didn''t shout loudly, fearing other disciples might hear.


    An hourter, wearing clean clothes, Yang Jian stood in front of the stairs, his eyes asionally ncing towards the window upstairs.


    Blood Prison Great Saint found it amusing, teasing him now and then, making him blush, not knowing how to respond.


    Suddenly, the door upstairs opened, and Yang Jian immediately stood straight.


    Gu An descended the stairs and headed towards the Transmission Array tform. Yang Jian quickly followed, and Blood Prison Great Saint also trailed behind.


    The two of them, along with the ox, used the teleportation array to reach the Mystic Valley and then headed towards the deserted mountains and forests.


    Seeing Gu An riding on the ox''s back, Yang Jian felt very nervous. He wanted to ask his master when he would teach him cultivation techniques but was afraid of being rude.


    They walked through the night.


    By dawn, Yang Jian was in a daze.


    Gu An made Blood Prison Great Saint stop; beside them was arge river, the water so clear that they could see small fish and crabs.


    Gu An looked at the rising sun and asked, "Jian''er, do you wish for superior cultivation techniques?"


    Yang Jian awkwardly scratched his head and said, "If such exists, I naturally want it¡­"


    Gu An didn''t dislike his utilitarian nature.


    He looked at Yang Jian and asked, "What are you willing to sacrifice for immortal cultivation?"


    He nned to nurture Yang Jian well and keep him close, a treatment even An Hao didn''t receive.


    Yang Jian was stunned for a moment and said, "I have nothing, but I desire only immortal cultivation, even if it costs my life."


    Gu An said calmly, "Your root and bones are special, making energy absorption difficult. You should feel it too."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian''s face instantly darkened.


    His aptitude was not merely humble; even in the Third Medicine Valley, it was considered low-tier. After many years in the valley, he hadn''t even broken through a single minor stage, which made him yearn even more for higher-level cultivation techniques.


    "I can transform you into a genius, but you must endure unimaginable pain, perhaps even facing physical destruction. Are you willing?" Gu An fixed his gaze on Yang Jian, his tone indifferent.


    Facing his master''s gaze, Yang Jian felt inexplicably flustered.


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    "Master, are you scaring your disciple?" Yang Jian asked cautiously.


    Physical destruction sounded terrifying.


    Gu An said, "Changing one''s fate against the heavens isn''t easy. If you fear, I won''t force you. I will still teach you appropriate cultivation techniques and spells, but your path will progress slowly."


    Yang Jian asked, "Master, has any other senior brother or sister seeded?"


    Gu An shook his head and said, "I''ve truly taken only two disciples. The others are just given elixirs, and your senior brother is already a world-renowned genius."


    World-renowned?


    Yang Jian opened his mouth, filled with confusion.


    Isn''t the master at the Core Formation Realm? How does he have such a powerful disciple?


    World-renowned?


    Could hepare to the legendary first genius of the Supreme Sect, An Hao?

 Chapter 233 What Realm is Above the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal

    Gu An saw through Yang Jian''s thoughts but didn''t exin and instead waited for his choice.


    Yang Jian''s bones were special and required vast amounts of spiritual energy for body tempering. This process was bound to be painful, so Gu An let him choose.


    No matter how strong the aptitude, without a firm will, the road ahead would be difficult.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint looked at Yang Jian mockingly, wanting to see how the boy would choose.


    Yang Jian clenched his teeth and said, "Yang Jian from ''Investiture of the Gods'' was able to split a mountain to save his mother and fight against the heavens. Since I''ve renamed myself Yang Jian, I can''t disgrace his name. Even if it means my body is shattered to pieces, I will have no regrets. Master, please help me defy destiny!"


    With that, he knelt down suddenly.


    Gu An''s lips curved upwards, and Yang Jian felt a terrifying force envelop him, sending chills down his spine.


    Before he could think further, he felt the world suddenly shift, causing his internal organs to quiver.


    The next second, the world returned to normal, and he felt his feet touch the ground. The intense sense of weightlessness made him almost want to vomit.


    He supported himself on the ground and instinctively looked up to see his master still sitting on the Bull Demon King''s back. He couldn''t help but sigh in relief. He opened his mouth and asked, "Master, just now..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, a sea breeze blew, instantly clearing his mind.


    He stood up and turned around, dumbfounded by what he saw.


    What did he see?


    "The sea...how is that possible..."


    Yang Jian looked towards the vast ocean in front of him, utterly stunned.


    Though he had never seen the ocean, he had heard old stories saying it wasrger than ake, boundless, like another world.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint had felt the Limitless Freedom Step before, but each time it left him astonished.


    This divine skill was truly unbelievable!


    Without any warning, it was so fast that even he, a Mahayana Realm cultivator, couldn''t react.


    Gu An dismounted from the Bull and walked towards the ind''s interior, saying, "Follow me."


    Yang Jian snapped out of his stupor and quickly followed Gu An.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint also followed, curious about how Gu An nned to help Yang Jian defy destiny.


    Could such a mediocre talent truly transform into a favored son of heaven?


    He was filled with doubt.


    Yang Jian''s feelings wereplex, a mix of excitement and trepidation.


    Just from that earlier disy, he could tell that his master was definitely not a Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    In other words, his master''s words were true!


    He could defy destiny, but he would have to face bone-crushing pain. The mere thought of it made his legs tremble.


    Gu An noticed Yang Jian''s state but didn''t offer anyfort because Yang Jian would have to face it eventually.


    After walking into the forest, Yang Jian''s attention was diverted. He found the spiritual energy here incredibly abundant, and the creatures on the ind seemed unusual. He saw a blue-furred rabbit as fast as lightning.


    There were also snakes resembling white jade, spiders like gemstones, and long creatures hovering in mid-air like sea dragons. All these new sights stimted his senses.


    After walking for an hour, Gu An finally stopped at akeside deep within the forest. He stood by theke, took out a great cauldron, and started a fire.


    Yang Jian watched as Gu An pointed with his right hand, shooting out a blue me, feeling an even deeper sense of awe.


    "Master, what realm are you in?" Yang Jian braved himself to ask.


    Gu An casually replied, "Loose Immortal Realm."


    "What is a Loose Immortal?"


    "Qi Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Divinity Transformation, Void Crossing, Unification, Mystic Heart, Mahayana. These are the nine ranks of the Mortal Realm. Beyond that is the Immortal Path Realm. Nirvana is the first step on the Immortal Path, and Loose Immortal is the second step."


    Gu An exined, and Yang Jian gasped in shock.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint also learned about the Immortal Path Realm for the first time.


    Was his master really only two major realms above him?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint suspected Gu An was hiding something.


    Fortunately, Yang Jian, the innocent one, asked the question he wanted to ask: "What realm is above Loose Immortal?"


    "That is something you will have to seek out yourself in the future."


    Gu An answered. While he intended to reveal part of his strength, he couldn''t fully expose himself; there always had to be some reserve.


    He had recently been contemting breaking through to a higher realm. In case a World-Destroying Sea Tide erupted, he feared the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal technique wouldn''t suffice.


    He wasn''t too worried, though. If the Mortal World were ever submerged, he could escape to Outer Heaven or open a Grotto Heaven under the sea, bringing those close to him into a Minor Heaven and Earth of his own creation.


    Yang Jian continued to inquire about the differences between the various realms, and Gu An patiently answered, gradually emboldening Yang Jian.


    He suddenly felt that his master wasn''t as terrifying as he had initially thought and was actually quite gentle.


    In reality, Gu An treated all his disciples gently, including him, but his desire to depend on Gu An brought inevitable pressure.


    After Gu An had finished preparing the medicinal herbs, he instructed Yang Jian to enter the Medicine Cauldron.


    Yang Jian asked if he needed to undress, and Gu An replied that it wasn''t necessary.


    Ordinary robes couldn''t block spiritual energy.


    Yang Jian sat inside the Medicine Cauldron, extremely nervous, clutching the corners of his robe tightly, with cold sweat the size of beans dripping from his forehead.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint stood up, cing his hooves on the edge of the Medicine Cauldron, and said, "Boy, the path of immortal cultivation is arduous. Many times, you just need to think about holding on a little longer, just a little longer, and the pain you''re enduring will soon pass."


    Yang Jian took a deep breath, looked at the Blood Prison Great Saint, and asked, "Senior Niu, may I ask what realm you are in?"


    Since his master was a Loose Immortal, the Bull Demon King, as his master''s mount, must be incredibly strong.


    Otherwise, why would his master only bring him along?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint looked at Gu An, saw him nod, then turned back, smiling proudly, and said, "I am at the Mahayana Realm''s eighth floor, and I''m not just a Bull Demon; I am the Blood Prison Great Saint who ascended from the Lower Realm..."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He recounted his glorious history endlessly, leaving Yang Jian with his mouth agape.


    The Mahayana Realm''s eighth floor!


    He knew that the Supreme Sect had only two Mahayana Realm cultivators in name.


    Who would have thought that the bull raised by his master was at the Mahayana Realm?


    Yang Jian was dazzled by the immense joy, feeling as if he were dreaming.


    Gu An instructed the Blood Prison Great Saint to step aside, and the Blood Prison Great Saint had no choice but to shut up and move away, showing none of the bearing of a Mahayana Realm cultivator.


    Gu An took out an elixir and handed it to Yang Jian, saying, "After consuming this, follow the mental method I described and cultivate your energy. I will guide you in your training. No matter how much it hurts, you must follow my guidance to absorb energy; otherwise, you will perish, and not even an Immortal Daluo can save you."


    Yang Jian was about to ask what an Immortal Daluo was when he saw Gu An turn away. He could only toss the elixir into his mouth.


    The moment it entered, it dissolved, and Yang Jian felt his throat burning, his body suddenly heating up.


    At this moment, Gu An''s voice reached his ears using the Sound Transmission Skill, along with a domineering force entering his body, guiding him to absorb nature''s spiritual energy.


    Gu An was teaching the All Things Form and Energy Art!


    The All Things Form and Energy Art originated and continually elevated from the Energy Nurturing Skill. It was fundamentally a body tempering technique. Although Gu An rarely engaged in closebat, his physique was robust.


    Furthermore, the All Things Form and Energy Art could conceal one''s aura, making it perfect for Yang Jian to hide his strength in the future.


    Gu An wasn''t worried about Yang Jian revealing the technique, as he himself would inevitably upgrade it further.


    Yang Jian began absorbing energy following the power within him while keeping his master''s mental method in mind.


    As time passed, the medicinal soup in the cauldron started to boil. Yang Jian''s skin turned hot red, but the pain in his skin was insignificantpared to the agony of tearing in his bones and muscles.


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    Pain!


    Pain beyond imagination!


    The sensation of thousands of insects gnawing at bones, tearing muscles, couldn''t begin to describe this agony!


    His master''s voice constantly echoed in his ears, making him feel less afraid. With his master present, he felt inexplicably reassured.


    Just like the Blood Prison Great Saint had said, hold on a little longer, and soon it would be over.


    The pain intensified, and gradually, he began gritting his teeth.


    His hair fluttered, veins bulged on his face, and his body was drenched, making it hard to distinguish between sweat and medicinal fluid.


    Crunch¡ª


    His body suddenly made a hair-raising sound, as if bones were grinding against each other. Even the Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t help but shiver.


    "Can he really defy destiny?"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint thought in shock.


    To him, Gu An remained the omnipotent immortal!


    He turned his head, seeing Gu An standing by theke with his back to the medicine cauldron, his calm demeanor earning even more admiration.


    For Gu An, defying destiny seemed like it wasn''t a difficult task.


    Little did the Blood Prison Great Saint know, Gu An wasn''t truly defying destiny but merely helping Yang Jian restore his true physique.


    At this moment, Gu An was multitasking, guiding Yang Jian''s cultivation while using his divine sense to scan the ocean.


    He was searching for a suitable ce for his next breakthrough.


    "I wonder what realm lies beyond Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal..."


    Gu An thought expectantly. With over sixteen million years of lifespan, he felt he should be able to break through.


    However, he hesitated over whether to enhance his cultivation techniques and divine skills, as elevating them required investing tens of thousands or even more lifespan years.


    He feared he might not have enough lifespan left to break through afterward.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Yang Jian suddenly let out a shrill scream, making the Blood Prison Great Saint''s heart tighten.


    This seemed more painful than when he had absorbed the true blood of the divine beast.


    Gu An didn''t turn back, seemingly unconcerned about Yang Jian.


    The elixir he had given Yang Jian was extraordinary, worth 100 supreme-grade spirit stones, equivalent to 10,000 top-grade spirit stones.


    One hundred million low-grade spirit stones!


    It was known that outer sect servant disciples only received one low-grade spirit stone per month as stipend. The treatment in Mystic Valley and the Third Medicine Valley was better, but not by much.


    With this elixir, Yang Jian might even make a direct breakthrough, depending on how much of the medicinal power his physique could absorb.


    Time passed by second by second.


    After a while of screaming, Yang Jian''s voice suddenly stopped.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint widened his eyes in shock.


    Yang Jian slowly rose from the cauldron, still in a meditative posture. His ck hair fluttered, skin glowing red. Strangely, he emitted a menacing aura, frightening the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    This feeling was like encountering a nemesis!


    Rumble¡ª


    A thundercloud had quietly formed in the sky, brewing a mighty force.


    "What kind of life grid is being altered? This is too overwhelming!"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint thought in astonishment. Even with his divine beast blood-enhanced physique, he was intimidated by Yang Jian''s presence, indicating how terrifying Yang Jian''s physique had be.


    He turned to look at Gu An, who remained unfazed, seemingly unconcerned by the heavenly power.

 Chapter 234 Only I Can Decide My Disciples Life and Death

    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The sound of thunder continued to roar, causing the ocean around the ind to rise and fall, with howling winds signaling the approach of a storm.


    Gu An had his back to Yang Jian, his divine sense enveloping the sea area spanning thousands of miles, constantly on guard against any approach by a Great Cultivator.


    He wasn''t worried about the celestial tribtion Yang Jian was causing, as such tribtions were insignificant over the ocean. Yang Jian''s cultivation level was formidable enough that, though terrifying, it was only a threat to cultivators of lower realms.


    Yang Jian still had his eyes closed, meditating in mid-air. His robe fluttered wildly as the nature''s spiritual energy surged into his mouth and nose. Simultaneously, his pores expelled searing qi, enveloping him and making him appear extremely imposing.


    His eyebrows were tightly furrowed, enduring unimaginable pain. His entire focus was on his inner being,pletely unaware of the outside world, or even that he had floated up into the air.


    The thunder roared like a heavenly god, oppressively overwhelming.


    The Blood Prison Great Sainty prone on the ground, his mindset now adjusted and filled with anticipation.


    He was eager to see what kind of defying fate Yang Jian would create.


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    Bang!


    A sudden bolt of lightning struck down, hitting Yang Jian. In an instant, his robe was reduced to ashes, and his body turned charred. As the lightning subsided, blood began to seep from his skin, making him look ghastly. Within three breaths, he was transformed into a bloodied figure.


    Gu An turned to look at Yang Jian, his gaze remaining calm.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint also remainedposed, sensing that Yang Jian''s life was not in immediate danger.


    One bolt of heavenly lightning after another struck down!


    Gu An sharply noticed that these heavenly lightnings contained Five Elements Spiritual Energy.


    Could it be that Yang Jian''s physique could directly absorb the Five Elements Spiritual Energy?


    No wonder such immense spiritual energy was needed to break through the constraints deep within his bone marrow.


    Too monstrous, thus unepted by the Heavenly Dao?


    Gu An''s expectations for Yang Jian grew; he wanted to see what kind of transformation Yang Jian would undergo.


    Yang Jian continued to endure the lightning strikes, his skin and flesh splitting open, blood sttering, yet his aura didn''t weaken. Instead, it brewed an even stronger force.


    After around 30 minutes, Yang Jian''s body was devoid of hair, his skin waspletely charred, with white bones faintly visible at the joints.


    The might of the heavenly lightning reached a new height, causing the Blood Prison Great Saint to grow tense, fearing that Yang Jian might suddenly die.


    At this moment.


    Gu An felt an aura rapidly approaching.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was a Nirvana Realm cultivator, not too strong.


    As long as a Loose Immortal or higher did not appear, Gu An wouldn''t need to forcibly take Yang Jian away.


    Soon, a figure flew into the ind, traversed the forest, and quicklynded by theke. Without looking at Gu An or the Blood Prison Great Saint, his gaze fixed on Yang Jian, filled with astonishment.


    [Immortal Seeking Taoist (Nirvana Realm Nine Layers: 20489/25000/300000)]


    Immortal Seeking Taoist?


    This name seemed familiar.


    Gu An suddenly remembered that Wuxin mentioned being taught the Daoist Expansion Skill by a divine monk who called himself Immortal Seeking Taoist.


    He didn''t expect this person to be a Nirvana Realm existence!


    In other words, during his weaker days, there was a Nirvana Realm Great Cultivator in the Trithree Halls. If he had recklessly seized life spans and grown rapidly, he could have very likely perished at the hands of a Nirvana Realm Great Cultivator.


    This made him feel fortunate for having kept a low profile.


    Though named a Daoist, Immortal Seeking Taoist looked more like a monk, d in a dark-yellow monk robe and cassock, with a youthful and handsome face.


    Gu An remained silent, but the Blood Prison Great Saint wasn''t pleased. He grumbled, "Hey, smelly monk, who let you in? Youe in without a greeting?"


    Since deciding to be Gu An''s exclusive mount, his mindset had shifted.


    The monk could disrespect him, but he must respect his master!


    Immortal Seeking Taoist nced at the Blood Prison Great Saint, smiled, then looked at Gu An, cupping his fists in salute. "This humble Daoist is Immortal Seeking Taoist. May I know the honored name of Daoist Friend, and what is your rtionship with this person?"


    Gu An calmly replied, "My name is Meng Lang, he is my disciple."


    Immortal Seeking Taoist noted that Gu An''s aura only indicated a Core Formation Realm cultivation level, but he didn''t believe it, growing even more curious.


    Being unable to discern the other''s true cultivation meant the other was likely far superior to him.


    He smiled, "Daoist Friend Meng, your disciple is extraordinary. His heavenly destiny exceeds the current world''s limits; it should have been buried, but you discovered it. This world will change because of him."


    Gu An asked, "Oh? Did I make a mistake?"


    "Not at all, the affairs of heaven and earth are about change. The old gives way to the new, and everything changes daily. There''s no right or wrong." Immortal Seeking Taoist smiled, his gaze then returning to Yang Jian, filled with wonder.


    Gu An inquired, "Daoist Friend, do you know what his physique is?"


    Immortal Seeking Taoist pondered, "This humble Daoist finds it hard to judge. He has the mysteries of the Ancient Five Elements Treasure Body and the fierce qi and blood of the Primeval Tyrant Body."


    Five Elements Treasure Body?


    Gu An had once possessed the Five Elements Treasure Body but had ascended to an Innate Taoist Body, transforming further into his current Mystic Holy Body.


    "Are the Five Elements Treasure Body and Primeval Tyrant Body powerful?" the Blood Prison Great Saint asked, making Gu An quite satisfied with him.


    Good, he has potential!


    If Gu An asked this himself, it would have lessened his status.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist smiled at the Blood Prison Great Saint, saying, "Naturally, in ancient times, talent wasn''t solely determined by spirit root attribute and qualification. Physique also yed a major role. Those with Treasure Bodies, regardless of spirit root qualification, ultimately became legendary rulers of the immortal path."


    He began to recount the ancient Treasure Bodies he knew about.


    The Exquisite Treasure Body, a physique of greatprehension, impervious to evil influences.


    The me Primordial Treasure Body, a body like zing sun, which could transform into a glorious sun at its peak.


    The Defying Blood Treasure Body, where near-death situations trigger immense potential, possibly leading to permanent power increases.


    And so on!


    Immortal Seeking Taoist described eight types of Treasure Bodies, astonishing both Gu An and the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    From his tales, ancient immortal paths seemed stronger than today''s, with various Treasure Bodies thriving, myriad races standing tall, and even reincarnation existing, allowing the mighty to seek immortal opportunities through rebirth.


    "Daoist Friend, I hope today''s events remain between us," Gu An said.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist had shown no hostility and shared much ancient lore, which spoke well of him, though not necessarily proving him absolutely good, but certainly not bad at the moment.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist nodded, "Rest assured, this humble Daoist doesn''t wish to see such a promising figure fall either."


    Bang!


    Suddenly, Yang Jian erupted with a terrifying force, shaking the forest and causing ripples in the nearbyke.


    The thunderclouds emitted a red glow. A terrifying red lightning bolt struck Yang Jian, making him scream in agony.


    "Mystic Dark Heavenly Tribtion¡­" Immortal Seeking Taoist frowned, stating each word slowly.


    Mystic Dark Heavenly Tribtion?


    Gu An remembered this name; it was the tribtion he faced when breaking through to the Void Crossing Realm in his cultivating visions.


    "This tribtion is odd, beyond what his cultivation should attract. It''s a certain-death tribtion!" the Blood Prison Great Saint shouted in horror.


    This tribtion surpassed even his Unification Realm tribtion in intensity!


    He sensed the Mystic Dark Heavenly Tribtion still brewing, with the true horror yet toe.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist took a deep breath and said, "Indeed, a certain-death tribtion. It seems the heavens will not tolerate him."


    Gu An thought of An Hao, who also had a 9,999-year lifespan, yet faced less intense tribtions.


    Could it mean that even within the same 9,999-year limit, talent varied?


    This number marked a human limit, but talent had no bounds.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist said to Gu An, "The Mystic Dark Heavenly Tribtion is a tribtion of karma, not to be forcibly dispersed. Intervening would stain you with karma, leading to facing the same, or even stronger, tribtion yourself during a breakthrough¡­"


    His face expressed deep regret.


    What a pity for such a promising seedling.


    Gu An looked at Yang Jian and remained silent.


    Karma from the heavenly tribtion?


    Sorry, he didn''t undergo tribtions, and he had faced this kind of tribtion in his cultivating visions, enduring it without assistance. He had made it through!


    Another bolt of lightning fell, this time even more terrifying!


    Gu An''s eyes sharpened, and he suddenly waved his sleeve.


    His long sleeve swept, directly dispersing the thunderclouds, allowing sunlight to shine down on Yang Jian.


    The tribtion dissolved instantly!


    Immortal Seeking Taoist''s eyes widened in disbelief as he turned his head to look at Gu An, who remained indifferent, serene.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint turned as well, wanting to speak but holding back.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist felt the dissipating aura and his eyes grewplicated. He sighed, "Daoist Friend, why did you go to such lengths¡­"


    Gu An looked at the blood-soaked Yang Jian and said, "Immortal cultivation is about enduring tribtions. So what if it''s a different tribtion? Only I determine my disciple''s life and death."


    How domineering!


    The Blood Prison Great Saint felt his blood boil; following such a person was indeed a blessing.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist looked at Gu An, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He raised his hand in salute, showing respect.


    Then, they both waited for Yang Jian to awaken.


    They could feel Yang Jian''s qi-blood rapidly strengthening. With the tribtion gone, ample spiritual energy rushed towards him, causing a profound transformation in his bones and marrow.


    After a long time.


    Immortal Seeking Taoist asked Gu An, "May I ask where Daoist Friend hails from?"


    "From the west."


    "The west?"


    "Have you heard of Immortal Seeking Ind?"


    Gu An glimpsed at Immortal Seeking Taoist, curiously inquiring.


    Immortal Seeking Ind, Immortal Seeking Taoist, could there be a connection?


    Immortal Seeking Taoist smiled, "So, Daoist Friend knows Immortal Seeking Ind. To be honest, I founded the ind long ago,ter passing it to my disciple. The fame it enjoys now is all thanks to him, not myself."


    The Ind Master of Immortal Seeking Ind was a Wandering Immortal, while Immortal Seeking Taoist was merely a Nirvana Realm cultivator.


    Indeed, one shouldn''t judge solely by cultivation level; background and connections also counted as strength.


    Gu An reflected on this and then engaged in polite conversation with Immortal Seeking Taoist.


    It wasn''t until early the next morning that Yang Jian''s transformation concluded. He leaped into theke, washed his body, and then stepped ashore.


    Under the sunlight, he had grown a few inches taller, his skin fair and his muscles well-defined, exuding immense strength from merely looking at his upper body.

 Chapter 235: Chapter 235 Post-Holiday Breakthrough

    Looking at Yang Jian who was now apletely different person, Gu An smiled.


    Yang Jian had reached the fifthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm in one go. His qi-blood was even stronger than that of the Foundation Establishment Realm, proving that Gu An''s elixirs and medicinal herbs had not been wasted.


    Of course, Yang Jian''s physique surely still held more mysteries that needed to be uncovered through future cultivation.


    Gu An took out a blue robe and tossed it to Yang Jian, who hurriedly put it on.


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist quickly walked up to Yang Jian and carefully looked him over. The more he looked, the happier he became, as if staring at a rare treasure, making Yang Jian feel very ufortable.


    "Young friend, your master is exceedingly good to you. Do you know what kind of tribtion you just went through?"


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist said. Upon hearing this, Yang Jian couldn''t help but ask what kind of heavenly tribtion it was.


    Then, the Immortal Seeking Taoist began to exin the Mystic Dark Heavenly Tribtion and told him that it was Gu An who had dispelled the tribtion, bearing great heavenly tribtion consequences as a result.


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian''s face changed dramatically. He hurriedly bypassed the Immortal Seeking Taoist and ran to Gu An, kneeling before him.


    "Master... Your disciple is not worthy of your actions... Your disciple let you down..."


    Yang Jian''s forehead touched the ground, choking with emotion as he spoke.


    He felt both moved and guilty in his heart. His master had changed his fate, not only by providing precious elixirs and medicinal herbs but also by bearing the consequences of the heavenly tribtion. The depth of this kindness was immense.


    From childhood to adulthood, although he had not suffered hardships and had a happy family, ever since his spirit root was detected, his world had turned dark. Gu An not only brought him hope but also fulfilled that hope...


    Yang Jian knew well that his master could train other disciples and was not obligated to choose him, which made the weight of this kindness even heavier.


    Gu An looked down at him and said: "Since you have acknowledged me as your master, it is something a master should do. Get up now. I do not seek your repayment in the future, just that you avoid causing trouble and implicating your master."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yang Jian looked up and saw Gu An blinking at him. He immediately understood that his master was joking with him, just like Master Puti''s advice to Sun Wukong in "Journey to the West".


    "Master..."


    "Get up now. A real man doesn''t cry, what kind of behavior is this?"


    "Alright..."


    Watching Gu An and Yang Jian, the Immortal Seeking Taoist felt deeply moved. He had a feeling that many yearster, today''s events would be a story as Yang Jian''s name shook the world.


    He took two steps forward and said: "Daoist friend, our meeting is fate. I have a divine skill here that I would like to give to your disciple, would you mind?"


    Gu An said: "Jian''er, quickly bow in gratitude to Senior."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian turned around, cupped his fists, and bowed to the Immortal Seeking Taoist, thanking him for the divine skill.


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist took out a secret book from his sleeve and handed it to Yang Jian: "Young friend, what is your name? I will keep an eye on your achievements in the future."


    Yang Jian took the secret book, first looking at Gu An. Seeing him nod, he then replied: "My name is Yang Jian."


    "Yang Jian?"


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist noted the name; he felt like he had seen it somewhere in a book before.


    Afterward, the Immortal Seeking Taoist did not disturb the master and disciple any further and took his leave.


    Gu An began to teach Yang Jian the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill!


    The All Things Form and Energy Art and the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill were Gu An''s foundation techniques. Even An Hao only practiced a lower version, showing how much Gu An valued Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian had been in the valley for many years, though he didn''t have an outstanding personality, Gu An liked his honesty.


    This boy had ambitions but did things steadily.


    He clearly wanted to get close to Gu An but never looked for a chance to face Gu An directly. Instead, he dutifully served the Blood Prison Great Saint and the White Spirit Rat for years, which even Gu An found amusing.


    In Gu An''s eyes, Yang Jian was like an unpolished gem, and he looked forward to seeing what kind of person Yang Jian would be under his careful training.


    Gu An did not seek Yang Jian''s repayment in the future. Teaching Yang Jian was just an embellishment to his leisurely life.


    He merely wanted to teach a disciple, nothing more.


    ...


    In the evening, at the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint down from the Transmission Array tform, with Yang Jian following beside him.


    "Master, where have you been? I haven''t seen you for four days." A passing An Xin asked curiously.


    Her eyes turned to Yang Jian, widening as she carefully examined him.


    "Just went out for a walk."


    Gu An casually replied, then dismounted and walked alone towards the pavilion.


    An Xin immediately approached Yang Jian, examined him closely, and asked: "Are you really Yang Jian? How have you changed so much?"


    Yang Jian had already mastered the sorcery of the All Things Form and Energy Art, letting him conceal his aura, but he couldn''t precisely disguise his realm.


    He said nervously: "Master gave me an elixir to temper my muscles and bones, so my skin has be a bit whiter."


    "I see, it looks like Master has epted you as a closed-door disciple." An Xin smiled. She did not harbor any jealousy, as her master was far more powerful than Gu An.


    Although the disciples of the Medicine Valley all called Gu An Master, it was merely a term of respect with no actual rtionship.


    Yang Jian scratched his head and smiled. Though still shy, he now exuded more confidence.


    The two chatted for a while, and more and more disciples noticed Yang Jian''s changes, gathering around to inquire.


    In just a few days, Yang Jian seemed to have transformed from a countryside boy into a clean and handsome young gentleman, which was quite a shock for the disciples who knew him.


    Soon, the news about Yang Jian bing Gu An''s closed-door disciple spread, and because of Yang Jian''s transformation, Gu An became even more mysterious in the eyes of the disciples.


    In the days to follow, Yang Jian continued to do chores like other servant disciples, but he spent most of his spare time on cultivation, hiding in his room for most of the day. To prevent anyone from disturbing his cultivation, Gu An arranged a separate courtyard for him.


    Yang Jian truly felt the change in status that came with bing Gu An''s disciple, making him even more grateful to Gu An.


    Time flew by.


    Another new spring festival arrived. The Immortal Cultivation World was already dominated by the Heavenly Rankings Tournament. The Supreme Sect had set the specific date for the Heavenly Rankings Tournament to be in ten years during the Spring Festival.


    When Ye Lan and Zhen Qin came to the Third Medicine Valley to visit Gu An, Gu An introduced Yang Jian to them and pointed out that he was his disciple.


    Because of this, Ye Lan even gifted Yang Jian a magic artifact.


    Zhen Qin was very happy, considering herself his senior sister and told him toe to the Inner Sect if he ever needed anything.


    Little did they know, Gu An introduced Yang Jian to them to provide them with a backing.


    Since his physique awakening, Yang Jian had cultivated for half a year, raising his cultivation level from the fifthyer to the sixthyer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. This speed was very fast, and it was estimated that he could form his core before the Heavenly Rankings Tournament started. One should know that half a year ago, he was only a thirdyer Energy Cultivation cultivator.


    Apart from the increase in cultivation level, Yang Jian''s understanding of the All Things Form and Energy Art was very quick. It seemed he was naturally suited for body refinement.


    Lv Baitian also visited the Third Medicine Valley to speak with Gu An. Gu An simrly introduced Yang Jian to Lv Baitian.


    In the room, Lv Baitian looked over Yang Jian, who was energetic, bing more astonished as he gazed.


    This qi-blood was extraordinary!


    Even though Yang Jian hid his cultivation level, his aura made anyone feel that he was not ordinary at first nce.


    Upon knowing that this person was the Sect Leader of the Supreme Sect, Yang Jian was very surprised. Butpared to before, he treated others moreposedly, a confidence that came from his strength.


    Moreover, he knew his master was a Loose Immortal, more powerful than anyone in the Supreme Sect.


    This secret was only known to him and the Blood Prison Great Saint, making him more proud.


    "Your disciple is remarkable. It''s a waste for him to be your disciple. Why not let hime with me to the Inner Sect for training?" Lv Baitian said.


    Before Gu An could answer, Yang Jian quickly responded: "Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Leader, but I only wish to serve my master! I will never take a second master in this life!"


    Lv Baitian''s expression became strange.


    Gu An chuckled and said: "Naughty boy, how dare you interrupt when I''m speaking with the Sect Leader."


    Lv Baitian couldn''t help but look at Gu An. For some reason, he felt that Gu An had changed. This change was hard to articte.


    Auras!


    Yes!


    That was the feeling! From the moment he entered the room, he felt that Gu An and Yang Jian shared amon aura, one that only the proudest of heaven possessed.


    Could it be that Gu An had encountered a great opportunity?


    Lv Baitian pondered and then smiled: "No harm done. Since he is your disciple, I wouldn''t force it. Let''s talk about the Heavenly Rankings Tournament."


    Gu An nodded, and the two began discussing the Heavenly Rankings Tournament.


    Only then did Yang Jian learn that the Heavenly Rankings Tournament, which had be the talk of the Immortal Cultivation World, was his master''s idea.


    Although a bit surprised, he was not shocked.


    What is the Heavenly Rankings Tournamentpared to this? His master was a Loose Immortal, definitely the most powerful in the world. Even the mysterious Sword Venerable Fudao might not be his master''s opponent!


    Sword Venerable Fudao''s battle records were widely known, but the realm of his opponents was not clearly transmitted. At least, Yang Jian didn''t know.


    An ancient hourter, the three descended the stairs. Lv Baitian did not leave but stayed at the Third Medicine Valley for the festival, chatting with Gu An. He found it very enjoyable, as Gu An always inspired him, and there was no scheming between them. They could open up their hearts and drink freely.


    Yang Jian was also praised by many disciples. His wine cup rarely left his hand, making this the happiest Spring Festival of his life.


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    ...


    Late at night, Gu An came to Nianchu Cave, bringing fine wine and delicacies. He sat with Tian Yao''er, Tianqing, and Tian Bai around a stone table.


    "Eat slowly; there''s plenty more." Gu An said, watching the three demons devour the food,ughing.


    He still wore a mask, which exposed his mouth so he could drink.


    Tian Yao''er put down the roastedmb leg in her hand, wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth, and asked curiously: "Master, you seem very happy?"


    "Not bad. I epted a disciple in the past half-year. He has excellent talent and constantly gives me surprises, so I''m naturally in a good mood." Gu An replied, taking the opportunity to caution the three demons not to bezy.


    Tian Yao''er frowned and asked: "Disciple? Male or female?"


    "Male, why?"


    "Nothing. Don''t worry, Master, I won''t disappoint you either. I''ll spar with your disciple sometime in the future." Tian Yao''er said confidently.


    Gu An smiled and agreed to the request.


    Although Tian Yao''er''s maximum lifespan was longer than Yang Jian''s, as a demon, it was notparable. In terms of talent, Tian Yao''er could not match Yang Jian.


    Gu An was more eager to see a spar between An Hao and Yang Jian.


    After the Spring Festival, he nned to find a ce to break through and then visit An Hao.

 Chapter 236: Chapter 236 Breakthrough to the Nine Layers of the Carefree Immortal Realm!

    New Year''s just passed, and all things in heaven and earth began to revive.


    Gu An walked through the air, admiring the ocean scenery along the way.


    Although the rumors about the World-Destroying Sea Tide were spreading far and wide, the ocean still looked calm, without the slightest sign of disaster.


    He spread out his divine sense, searching for a suitable ce to break through. He was already very far from the continent, and his Limitless Freedom Step had already crossed a hundred steps. With his current cultivation level, he could step across a distance dozens of times that of the continent, showing just how far this sea area was from the continent.


    The spiritual energy of the beings in the ocean was exceptionally dense, far exceeding that of the continent. Moreover, the cultivation levels of the oceanic demon beasts were very high. He even saw a whale at the Loose Immortal Realm, asrge as half the continent, capable of swallowing the territory of three dynasties in one gulp, exaggeration to the extreme.


    Upon arriving here, the aura of human cultivators became rare. The asional aura felt belonged entirely to Immortal Path Realm cultivators.


    Without a cultivation level at the Nirvana Realm, one couldn''t enter this sea area.


    Finally, Gu An''s gaze locked on a grand sea ind. The ind was teeming with life, even housing a power formed by hundreds of thousands of demons, with most of the demon soldiers training in the ins. The strongest demon had reached the secondyer of the Loose Immortal Realm.


    The ninthyer Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm Gu An stealthily sneaked into the forest, meditating under a tree and activating the life span barrier.


    He did not immediately attempt to break through but instead spread out his divine sense, observing the situation all around.


    Within the range of his divine sense, he felt the aura of Wandering Immortals. Fortunately, there were no Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals.


    Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were always few in numbers, not visible to mortal spirits, after all, they could leave this world.


    When Gu An expanded the range of his divine sense to its maximum, he still did not see any Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, finally putting his heart at ease.


    Though he couldn''t see any Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals at sea, if he looked up at the sky, he could daily see the figures of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortalsing and going, like meteors streaking across the sky.


    Gu An retracted his divine sense and pulled up the attribute panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Lifespan: 128/16890764]


    [Physique: Mystic Holy Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm Ninth Layer]


    ...


    With ten million years of lifespan invested, could I break through to a higher realm?


    The eighth to ninthyer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm cost thirty thousand years of life span. To reach a higher realm, failing once would mean waiting for more than thirty thousand years before trying again.


    Failing a hundred times would cost at least three million years of life span, which made him shudder just thinking about it.


    If he could use ten million years of life span to break through to a higher realm, he would consider himself lucky.


    So he dared not upgrade his cultivation technique or physique, deciding to brute-force his way in the realm instead!


    Gu An took a deep breath and first invested a million years of lifespan to test the waters.


    [You cultivated through energy absorption for fifty thousand years, using the Great Aplishment of Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill to forcefully break through to the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm. You began to cross the tribtion, but you did not survive the Ultimate Reincarnation Heavenly Tribtion and failed.]


    [You cultivated through energy absorption for one hundred thousand years, using the Great Aplishment of Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill to forcefully break through to the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm. You began to cross the tribtion, but you did not survive the Ultimate Reincarnation Heavenly Tribtion and failed.]


    ...


    Crossing the tribtion every fifty thousand years?


    A bit harsh!


    Gu An looked at the constant failure prompts before him, feeling somewhat panicked.


    A million years of lifespan resulted in just twenty failures...


    It would take five million years of lifespan to fail a hundred times...


    The more Gu An thought, the more anxious he became. His heart hardened, and he directly invested five million years of lifespan into cultivation!


    Fail!


    Fail!


    Gu An couldn''t even be bothered to look closely, just seeing that as long as the prompt didn''t grow longer, it meant all failures.


    After all, five million years of lifespan ultimately went down the drain, another hundred failures.


    This Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm was truly difficult to break through. No wonder he had never even heard of it in the real world. There were legends of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals above the sea but no tales of Carefree Primordial Immortals.


    Gu An pulled up the attribute panel again, and seeing there were still ten million years of lifespan left, his heart settled a little.


    Another five million years of lifespan!


    He didn''t believe he couldn''t break through!


    Series of prompts crazily popped up, and within the life span barrier, spiritual energy never surged, and the leaves above his head swayed with the wind, producing rustling sounds that made Gu An feel malice.


    It was as if the life span barrier was mocking him.


    The second five million years of lifespan all ended up in failures!


    He had already spent eleven million years of lifespan, failing two hundred and twenty times to cross the tribtion!


    If he upgraded his cultivation technique and physique first, today would he be unable to break through?


    But even if he didn''t break through, at least his strength would''ve increased like now. If he ultimately failed, he would have gained nothing.


    Gu An couldn''t ept such a failure, so he continued investing, this time putting in five hundred thousand years of lifespan.


    Constant failures appeared before him, but finally, a prompt suddenly lengthened, surprising him with joy.


    It worked!


    [You cultivated through energy absorption for three hundred and fifty thousand years, using the Great Aplishment of Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill to forcefully break through to the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm. You began to cross the tribtion, you survived the Ultimate Reincarnation Heavenly Tribtion sessfully, and your cultivation level advanced to the firstyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm.]


    [You cultivated through energy absorption for four hundred and ten thousand years, advancing your cultivation level to the secondyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm.]


    [You cultivated through energy absorption for four hundred and seventy thousand years, advancing your cultivation level to the thirdyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm.]


    [You cultivated through energy absorption for five hundred thousand years, your cultivation level increased.]


    Sixty thousand years for a small realm advancement, this Carefree Primordial Immortal was truly fierce.


    Gu An felt sentimental, the life span barrier finally began to function, and earth spirit energy surged into his body.


    He didn''t remain idle, continuously investing lifespan into his cultivation.


    His cultivation small realms could only be at the ninthyer; he wasn''t used to presenting himself as an observer below the eighthyer,cking a sense of security.


    Eventually, he spent another four hundred and ny thousand years of lifespan to attain the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm.


    The eighthyer to the ninthyer shockingly cost him one hundred and fifty thousand years of lifespan!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This breakthrough took nearly twelve million years of lifespan to reach the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, an utterly terrifying figure.


    Boom!


    The earth rumbled, and spiritual energy soared like a tide, covering the grass within the barrier.


    All spirit energy on the entire ind and the surrounding sea area abruptly plummeted, startling all beings into panic and chaos.


    The influence of the life span barrier continued to expand. The spiritual energy required from the ninthyer Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm to the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm was immense. After a few breaths, ocean demons erupted from beneath the sea.


    Heaven and earth were in an uproar!


    The ind fell into a mor as the demons roared, deafeningly.


    Gu An saw shape-shifting demons flying over the forest, thinking an enemy was attacking the ind.


    Gu An closed his eyes and began to feel the changes within himself.


    He wanted to see what the Carefree Primordial Immortal had that made it so hard to break through.


    After thirty minutes, a flood of profound insights exploded in Gu An''s mind like the universe''s big bang, infinite information pouring into his consciousness.


    Heaven and earth rules!


    Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal required cultivating the Path of Five Elements to perceive higher realms. With the Five Elements Perfection, one could perceive the heaven and earth rules.


    All things in the world wereposed of the unseen and untouchable power of rules. The Five Elements were the foundation, as stated in the "Tao Te Ching" that Dao produced One, One produced Two, Two produced Three, and Three produced all things.


    The Carefree Primordial Immortal was the realm of perceiving the rules of heaven and earth. Reaching this realm meant beingpletely unbounded by the constraints of heaven and earth,pletely carefree. The primordial spirit underwent a baptism by the rules of heaven and earth, reaching transcendence.


    His Golden Core and Mystic Heart were transforming into higher existences. The Golden Core was umting the power of heaven and earth rules to form his Dao.


    What was Dao? Dao epassed everything, cultivation techniques, spells, divine skills, etc. Everything about his existence was his Dao!


    The Golden Core generated the Dao, transforming into the Primordial Elixir!


    No wonder the Nascent Soul and Golden Core independently existed. The Nascent Soul transformed into the primordial spirit, and the Golden Core transformed into the Dao. Gu An guessed they would merge at some future realm, making him the incarnation of the Dao.


    Time flew by quickly. As earth''s spiritual energy sank faster, the clouds above churned violently as if ready to copse with the spiritual energy. The ind''s demons were terrified, assembling in formations and hiding within the ind, not daring toe out.


    Fortunately, no demon intruded into the life span barrier!


    After an hour, Gu An sessfully transformed into a Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    Breaking free from heaven and earth rules, truly carefree!


    Wherever the Dao existed, the mind could reach!


    What was the existence of Dao?


    ces and beings inheriting Gu An''s Daoist Sorcery were where the Dao existed, enabling him to easily escape and control their causes and effects!


    Gu An realized the Way of Cause and Effect was a unique Daoist sorcery. As his realm increased, his mastery over cause and effect grew deeper.


    The so-called cause and effect were the invisible forces produced by the interaction of all beings. There were cause and effect, and gathering endless cause and effect together was the world!


    After a major realm breakthrough, Gu An''s cultivation level began to surge.


    The Primordial Elixir had already deduced his Dao, and all the cause and effect rted to him would appear in his Dao. He was moving towards the realm of omniscience.


    First, understand all his cause and effect; at higher realms, who knows if he couldprehend all cause and effect!


    After three hours, night fell, and Gu An finally reached the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm.


    His divine sense range was expanding continuously, perceiving the life span barrier''s extraction range of earth spirit energy significantly exceeded his ninthyer Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm range.


    Due to this immense scope, no one, not even a demon, could detect the focal point of spiritual energy''s descent.


    When the earth''s spiritual energy ceased flowing into Gu An, he slowly stood up and opened his eyes.


    He instantly transformed into an aurora and vanished from the spot.


    Then, he arrived in front of a mansion. As it waste at night, the streets were empty, but the mansion within was brightly lit.


    He looked up, and the signboard bore two words.


    Ji Mansion!


    Through the Dao of his Primordial Elixir, he arrived at the Ji Mansion where his cause and effect resided.


    Yes, it was arriving, not teleporting!


    Arriving wouldn''t produce any signs between the two ces, breaking free from the rules of heaven and earth, arriving at another ce from a higher dimension.


    He was essentially traveling within his Dao!


    This feeling was truly marvelous.


    Gu An walked towards the Ji Mansion, the ce of his birth and childhood.


    Taking a step past the main gate, he walked within the courtyard.


    An old servant carrying antern walked towards him, passing through his body.


    This, too, was the mystical nature of the Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    Mortal Spirits couldn''t see, Mortal Spirits couldn''t touch!


    No wonder there were no legends of the Carefree Primordial Immortal. For the first time, Gu An felt invincible.

 Chapter 237 Soul of the Ji Family Ancestor

    Late at night, the Ji Mansion was dimly lit. Gu An walked leisurely through the corridors, and childhood memories kept surfacing.


    As the starting point of Gu An''s life, he had deep feelings for the Ji Mansion. From childhood to adulthood, he lived quite well in the Ji Mansion. Apart from the incident when he smashed the flower bed and was nearly punished by having his hand cut off, he had a good life without being bullied by other Ji Family members. Although there were asional conflicts among the house servants, it never escted to a point of deadly enmity.


    Having not returned for a hundred years, the Ji Mansion felt both familiar and unfamiliar to him.


    What was familiar were the furnishings and environment, which had not changed much. What was unfamiliar were the people.


    There were many branches of the Ji Family, and the Ji Mansion he was in was just one among many, with branches spread across three generations.


    Before the Demon Catastrophe, the Ji Family had hidden in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Only the main family and the high-ranking and talented disciples went into hiding. After the catastrophe, those who had hidden in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm returned to their respective homnds to continue developing the family.


    Gu An even saw branches of the Ji Family on the ocean, though they stayed close to the maind, not daring to venture far because the demons in the ocean were powerful, and high-level demons could be encountered frequently.


    The person with the highest cultivation level in this Ji Mansion was in the Unification Realm. Back then, those in the Unification Realm were beings he had to look up to.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An detected a faint soul aura, piquing his interest. He immediately walked toward that direction.


    Along the way, figures passed by him; he even walked through the courtyard walls as if everything there was illusory to him.


    Gu An saw a familiar face, the court guardian who almost cut off his hand back then.


    A hundred years had passed; the guardian now had gray hair and looked aged. He no longer appeared fierce but rather kind and gentle.


    Gu An merely nced at him, having no thought of seeking revenge. Indeed, it was his fault for smashing the flower bed back then. The guardian was just doing his duty, and now, their realms were worlds apart. Why should he hold a grudge?


    The Ji Mansion wasrge, and Gu An walked leisurely as if on a casual stroll.


    An hourter, he arrived at the ce where the mysterious soul resided, which turned out to be the ancestral hall of the Ji Mansion.


    He passed through the door and saw rows of spirit tablets, all of Ji Family''s ancestors, and the soul was hidden within the main spirit tablet.


    Gu An approached the spirit tablet, noting the name on it.


    Ji Zhan!


    A soul was hidden deep inside the spirit tablet, an old man, lying on his side, seemingly napping.


    He was hidden in the Power of Cause and Effect, not in an ordinary exotic space, where beings couldn''t detect his presence with Divine Sense.


    Ji Zhan turned over as if dreaming, unaware that someone was spying on him.


    Gu An cast Life Span Detection on him, but the data came back as zero, not even disying his realm.


    In the unseen, Ji Zhan had countless connections with the entire Ji Mansion, threads of cause and effect among them, one involving Ji Xiaoyu.


    Ji Zhan was an ancestral bloodline of Ji Xiaoyu.


    Following Ji Xiaoyu''s line of cause and effect, Gu An saw a segment that was very blurry, even to his eyes.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s cause and effect seemed off, giving Gu An an eerie feeling as if Ji Xiaoyu had suddenly be someone else at a certain stage.


    Looking closely, the change seemed to ur when Ji Xiaoyu was ten years old.


    He did not dwell on it, for he wasn''t here to investigate Ji Xiaoyu. Ji Xiaoyu possessed the Primordial Daoist Talisman, so having special causes and effects was not surprising. Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    Gu An did not stay long and quickly turned away from the ancestral hall.


    Deep within the spirit tablet, Ji Zhan suddenly turned over and sat up. He scratched his head, muttering: "Strange, just now I felt a sense of unease. Could it be that the Ji Family is facing another cmity?"


    "me it on that Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Sigh, the current generation trulycks ambition, always relying on others. I can only watch and hope that she can restore the Ji Family to its former glory."


    Ji Zhany down again and continued to sleep.


    For him, time had no meaning. He was ustomed to indulging in dreams, enjoying the reincarnations he created for himself.


    ...


    At dawn, the sunlight swept from the horizon.


    Chi Bei stood on the beach, frowning as he gazed into the distance. His face was pale. During the battle in Divine Exotic City, he had been stung by the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and the scorpion venom had not been fully purged from his body.


    A figure emerged from the forest behind him. It was Chi Jiuxiao, the genius from the Star Sea Congregations.


    "Master, An Hao that kid was really outrageous. I passed on my Divine Skills to him, and he mastered themst night. It''s simply unnatural¡­"


    Chi Jiuxiao cursed as he approached, resentful of An Hao''s extraordinary talent.


    He had indeed been defeated, acknowledging that An Hao''s talent andprehension surpassed his own.


    Chi Bei did not respond, still staring into the distance.


    "Master, what are you looking at?" Chi Jiuxiao couldn''t help but ask when he saw his master lost in thought.


    Chi Bei snapped back to reality and said: "The spiritual energy over the sea seems unusual. I suspect there is an anomaly somewhere, possibly rted to the recently rumored World-Destroying Sea Tide."


    Chi Jiuxiao frowned and said: "What World-Destroying Sea Tide, it must be the Seven Stars Spirit Realm causing trouble. That huge rift appeared too coincidentally!"


    Chi Bei did not reply, thinking thosements were pointless.


    At that moment, a seven-colored radiance descended from the sky,nding beside them, instantly drawing their attention. They turned to see a figure within the radiance.


    It was a mysterious figure enveloped in dark purple demonic qi.


    Chi Jiuxiao''s eyes widened: "Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Chi Bei could not forget the scene where Gu An easily killed two Wandering Immortals, and he quickly bowed. No matter what, the other had saved his life, so he should pay his respects.


    "Thank you for looking after my disciple all these years," Gu An said.


    Chi Bei was about to speak when Gu An suddenly appeared in front of him, reaching out with his right hand. Two fingers pointed at Chi Bei''s chest, rendering him immobile instantly.


    "Master!"


    Chi Jiuxiao was startled, instinctively wanting to rush forward.


    "Stay put!"


    Chi Bei shouted, even using his mana to restrain Chi Jiuxiao.


    "The senior is detoxifying me¡­" Chi Bei took a deep breath and said slowly, his eyes filled withplex emotions.


    As Gu An''s mana entered his body, he suddenly felt insignificantly small.


    In the face of this power, the Wandering Immortal Realm was so weak, vulnerable.


    How powerful were the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals?


    Although Chi Bei was a Wandering Immortal, hecked the confidence to reach the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm in the future. It seemed only one great realm apart, but he couldn''t imagine how to break through to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    Chi Jiuxiao was overjoyed at his master''s words.


    He had been constantly worried about his master''s poisoning, feeling helpless and anxious. He never expected An Hao''s master could purge the Immortal-Swallowing Scorpion''s poison.


    After a few breaths, Gu An withdrew his hand and said: "I''d like to spend some time alone with my disciple."


    Then he turned and walked into the forest. Chi Jiuxiao quickly bowed, not daring to obstruct him.


    Chi Bei felt the poison in his body dissipating, and with it, the weight on his heart. He looked at Gu An with awe.


    Such a terrifying poison, yet he could easily expel it¡­


    Little did he know, Gu An could have eradicated the poison instantly but deliberately prolonged the process, even so, it was beyond Chi Bei''s reach.


    Chi Jiuxiao quickly came to Chi Bei''s side, concerned about his condition.


    Deep within the ind, hundreds of miles away in the mountains, An Hao sat cross-legged on a mountainside, cultivating.


    Divinity Transformation Realm, Fourth Layer!


    Still stunning.


    Gu An stood behind An Hao, reflecting on his current cultivation level.


    An Hao was now only ny-four years old, and a ny-four-year-old cultivator in the Divinity Transformation Realm, Fourth Layer, would surpass Li Xuandao in no time. An Hao was still the fastest cultivator Gu An had ever known.


    At one hundred twenty-eight years old, having reached the ninthyer of the Carefree Immortal Realm, Gu An said: "Based on your cultivation level, you haven''t been cking."


    An Hao abruptly opened his eyes, turned around, showing a look of surprise and joy. He quickly stood up, excitedly asking: "Master, what brings you here?"


    Gu An replied: "I came to check on you."


    Hearing this, An Hao became even happier, rushing to Gu An, asking various questions, losing his usualposure.


    In front of Gu An, he still seemed like that lively, mischievous boy.


    The master and disciple talked for a long time before Gu An got to the point: "How is your practice of the Yang Wood Primordial Skill progressing?"


    An Hao''s Spirit Root Qualification was strong, not because of a single-root attribute but because each of his spirit roots was of Heavenly Spirit Root level.


    In other words, An Hao could cultivate the Five Elements Skill.


    Practicing the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill was not considered abandoning his current practice because the two cultivation techniques were from the same origin.


    "Very well, I have already cultivated the Yang Wood. This spiritual wood can absorb Spiritual Power, and it''s quite domineering¡­" An Hao eagerly described his aplishments, not wanting to disappoint his master.


    After he finished, Gu An said: "I will teach you a higher-level cultivation technique, the Yang Wood Primordial Skill is just one foundation of this technique."


    Upon hearing this, An Hao''s eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded.


    "This technique cannot be disclosed, as it may attract cmities. Also, your Tribtion Crossing will be more difficult than cultivators of the same realm, so be mentally prepared." Gu An reminded him.


    An Hao suddenly realized: "Heavenly Tribtion is rted to the cultivation technique? No wonder my tribtions always astonish others."


    Gu An continued, saying: "Recently, I have taken on another disciple. Your junior apprentice''s qualification is also outstanding, not inferior to yours. As the senior apprentice, you must set an example and not be surpassed by him."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A junior apprentice?


    An Hao frowned, feeling a sudden tension.


    If someone else had said this, he would have dismissed it, believing no one could match his qualifications.


    But hearing it from his master, he didn''t doubt it. There was someone with qualificationsparable to his, possibly younger, giving him a sense of urgency.


    "Master, what is my junior apprentice''s name?" An Hao cautiously asked.


    "One day, you will meet and get to know each other because you are cultivating the same technique." Gu An answered.


    Could it be Li Ya?


    An Hao thought of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword that Li Ya had used.


    Soon, he dismissed this guess. Li Ya was older than him and wasn''t considered a genius, at least in his eyes, quite ordinary.

 Chapter 238 Seven Days in Outer Heaven, Vast Expanse of Heaven and Earth

    After passing down the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill to An Hao, Gu An didn''t linger longer and quickly left the ind.


    In the sky, he saw the distant ocean stirring up massive waves, originating from the ce of his breakthrough. The spiritual energy he consumed during his breakthrough was enormous, causing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to sink, inevitably shaking the ocean.


    Fortunately, that sea region did not have any human-upied maind. The demon creatures surviving there all had cultivation levels, so even if the ind was flooded, they wouldn''t die. Besides, the waves just swept across rather than raising the sea level.


    Gu An just nced at it and did not give it much thought, avoiding any burden on himself.


    He harbored good intentions and avoided harming innocent beings as much as possible. Still, if his cultivation inadvertently affected innocent lives, he couldn''t help it, and he would not stop his progress.


    Upon returning to the Supreme Sect, Gu An first wandered around the Mystic Valley. Lu Jiujia and the servant disciples were already ustomed to days without Gu An. Although Gu An often visited the Mystic Valley, everyone knew that his focus was on the Inner Sect''s Medicine Valley, which they understood. Without Gu An, they felt no pressure.


    Half an hourter, Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley.


    Compared to the Mystic Valley, the Third Medicine Valley was much livelier.


    Gu An stepped down from the Transmission Array tform, looked around, and saw the past of every servant disciple before his eyes.


    A mortal spirit''s century-long life was just a fleeting moment for him.


    Gu An looked at An Xin, peering into her past, and sure enough, he saw his own figure.


    He could see the past of mortal spirits, and so could other Carefree Primordial Immortals. This made him more grateful for his choice. Luckily, he stayed in the Supreme Sect. If he had roamed the world, the increasing causality would have attracted the attention of hidden Carefree Primordial Immortals. If such transcendental beings found his growth speed unreasonable, it would have been troublesome.


    Gu An walked to the wooden fence in the garden area, looked up, and found his vision far beyond before, feeling more and more that the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was vast.


    The name "Great Heaven and Earth" was indeed well-deserved!


    This continent was already vastly broader than Earth in his past life, yet it was like dust in the entire Great Heaven and Earth. As his field of vision expanded, he saw more Heaven and Earth Flying Immortalsing and going.


    He could even see the scenes beyond heaven, a splendid Star Sea with breathtaking spectacles, with starry lights resembling celestial rivers, filled with countless stars like great waves sifting through sand, and gigantic nebs like cosmic trees guiding all beings.


    Gu An''s gaze was drawn to the sun illuminating heaven and earth. Outside the Great Heaven and Earth, there were not just one, but seven enormous suns, orbiting around the Great Heaven and Earth under some mysterious rule, allowing every ce within it to maintain a regr pattern of four seasons and day-night cycles.


    With his eyesight, he saw that each of the seven suns contained a mysterious being. They were colossal, with various forms¡ªsome were birds, others beasts, and even human-like figures, instilling awe.


    The sun''s surface had a power barrier that prevented Gu An from seeing their true forms, which also made life span detection impossible.


    Gu An merely nced before looking away, avoiding disturbing the beings within the suns.


    Carefree Primordial Immortals could easily cross the sky to the outer universe, but he didn''t want to go for now. Staying at the Supreme Sect was good enough. He had no urgent enemies, so exploring was unnecessary.


    He could now roam the world freely. With the mystique of a Carefree Primordial Immortal, if he wished, no life below a Carefree Primordial Immortal would see or touch him.


    Gu An looked towards the distant heaven and earth, his vision extending rapidly for countless miles.


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    A vast expanse of ocean swept past his eyes, he saw more prosperous continents and scenes of life fighting, including wars, battles between immortal great cultivators, and giant spirit beasts revered as divine beasts roaming the world, with countless mortals kneeling in worship.


    There were also many ces his vision could not prate, indicating that they might be home to Carefree Primordial Immortals.


    Such ces were either far from the mortal world or within extremely prosperous human or demonnds.


    Gu An even saw a continent full of immortal beings, with the lowest cultivation being the Nirvana Realm, which amazed him.


    Fortunately, that continent was incredibly distant. Even Nirvana Realm cultivators would find it difficult to cross because the journey was fraught with dangers. He had just seen a Loose Immortal swallowed by a mysterious giant sea demon, an event that happened so suddenly. The Loose Immortal was just passing by at an immense speed beyond mortal sight, yet was still devoured, perishing instantly.


    Gu An felt as if he was exploring, this kind of peering brought him novelty. The whole world seemed to reveal its true face before him, making him unable to stop.


    He did not know how much time had passed.


    You Yingying came beside him and asked: "What are you thinking about? Why have you been staring nkly for so long?"


    Gu An withdrew his gaze, looked at her, and smiled gently, "I am thinking about how vast the Star Sea Congregations are, and how broad the world outside is."


    You Yingyingughed and replied, "If you want to go to the ocean, I can arrange it for you. As for howrge the Star Sea Congregations are, even I, who was born there, am unsure. The sea area upied by the Star Sea Congregations is thousands of timesrger than this continent, and that''s just my estimation."


    Gu An nodded slightly. The territory of the Star Sea Congregations indeed exceeded the continent''s size by thousands of times, but it did not seem vast to him because he could see even further.


    He wondered if there were Carefree Primordial Immortals in the Star Sea Congregations.


    Gu An thought that even if there were, they would not be in the mortal world.


    Though Gu An could see the other side of the mortal world, he did not find the existence of Carefree Primordial Immortals. It was just hard to see them, but he could not be sure they did not exist. Perhaps Carefree Primordial Immortals could not spy on each other.


    Therefore, this realm was called Carefree!


    "Speaking of which, the internal assessment of the Star Sea Congregations is about to start. I wonder if Xuan Tianyi will make a name for himself this time," You Yingying said, her face full of reminiscence.


    When Gu An heard this, he couldn''t help but ask, "Is there a threshold for the internal assessment?"


    Li Ya, Zhang Buku, and An Hao had already joined the Star Sea Congregations. Gu An looked forward to seeing them make a name for themselves. All three had received his inheritance. If they could thrive in the Star Sea Congregations, he would naturally be pleased.


    "No, anyone under a thousand years old can participate. By the way, Li Ya from the Supreme Sect is expected to take part. That Divine Exotic City is a Fake Immortal Treasure, so many prodigies will want topete with him."


    You Yingying smiled wickedly, with an expression of anticipating someone to be embarrassed.


    The two of them continued chatting, the topic revolving around the Star Sea Congregations. Although You Yingying did not want to return, she spoke with pride about the Star Sea Congregations, often belittling the Supreme Sect.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This made Gu An look forward to the future of the Supreme Sect.


    The future was long, and there was no rush!


    Who could tell if the Supreme Sect would be more powerful or the Star Sea Congregations more prominent in ten thousand years?


    Although Gu An had already reached the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal stage, his life had just started at one hundred twenty-eight years old. Not to mention the future, he was very much looking forward to tomorrow.


    After chatting with You Yingying for a while, Gu An moved to another ce to continue observing the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    In the extremely distant west, he saw a majestic mountain located in a desert, surrounded by sky-covering sandstorms, with a golden, radiant giant pce atop the peak, constantly receiving and sending off monks. That pce was also a ce his vision could not prate.


    This indicated that the pce likely had a Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    The world was indeed vast and popted with numerous great powers. Not every Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal or higher existence would leave the mortal world.


    In the days that followed, whenever Gu An had time, he observed the heaven and earth.


    What made him most wary was the north. Therey a vast continent, thergest he had ever seen. He could only see its outline from the edges, and as soon as he got closer, a mysterious force barred his sight.


    It was a very mysterious power present in all things.


    It must be Qi Fortune!


    The Supreme Sect also gathered simr power, butpared to that continent, its Qi Fortune was like a grain of ricepared to the bright sun.


    He spected that the continent was the strongest area in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, but he could only observe with just his eyesight.


    That continent was also incredibly far from thend of the three dynasties. Crossing mountains and seas to reach it was harder than the Journey to the West.


    ...


    Spring of the first year of being a Carefree Primordial Immortal passed. Despite reaching a new realm, Gu An continued living as before, traversing various Medicine Valleys, sometimes visiting the Outer Gate City to read, and asionally drinking and chatting with friends. Life was very leisurely.


    In the mountains and forests.


    Yang Jian, dressed in blue, continuously attacked Gu An. His movements were agile, and his punches and kicks were fierce, while Gu An stood still, dismantling each move in an unhurried manner. The faster Yang Jian was, the slower Gu An seemed.


    Yang Jian was kicked by Gu An again, crashing into a tree and shaking down many leaves.


    This time, Yang Jian didn''t have the strength to get up, his Qi exhausted, but he didn''t feel frustrated. Instead, he looked at his master expectantly.


    He couldn''t match his master''s prowess, but he wanted to hear his master''s evaluation of him.


    "The path of physical cultivation is not so narrow. Not just fists and feet can be magic artifacts; every part of the body can," Gu An said, feeling gratified.


    This boy''s growth speed was amazing, even surpassing An Hao back then. Perhaps the elixir''s efficacy still lingered, making Gu An feel astonished.


    Set a goal.


    Reach the Nirvana Realm within five hundred years!


    Before that, Yang Jian couldn''t go down the mountain to train, at most, he could return to visit family.


    Yang Jian didn''t know that his master had set a cultivation goal in his heart. He stood up and said, "Master, should I mainly practice the All Things Form and Energy Art, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, or the Daoist Gang Primal Energy you taught me? They all seem profound and hard to master."


    Gu An replied, "Take it slow, there''s no need to rush to breakthrough the cultivation realm. You can start byying a solid foundation."


    Yang Jian felt it made sense. Following Gu An in cultivation meant he had all the elixirs he needed and no usual expenses, so he didn''t need to hurry.


    "Master, when would you be willing to participate in the Celestial Ranking Tournament?" Yang Jian suddenly asked, his tone full of anticipation.

 Chapter 239 This Time, I Win!

    Since being given a life-altering destiny by his master, Yang Jian believed that his master was the most powerful cultivator in the world. No one, be it the Sword Venerable Fudao, Daoist Lord, or the superpowerful forces like the Seven Stars Spirit Realm and Star Sea Congregations, could match his master.


    He wanted to see his master renowned across the world, for as his disciple, it would be a moment of pride.


    Gu An looked at him with a stern expression and said, "Are you cultivating to seek fame, or to pursue immortality? If it is fame you seek, then go to the mundane world, where you can be an ultimate martial expert."


    Yang Jian thought his master was angry and quickly replied, "Of course it is to pursue immortality... Master, I was wrong. I was just curious after hearing other disciples talking about the rankingpetition."


    Gu An did not let him off so easily, using this opportunity to temper his character. In a heartfelt tone, he said, "Not to mention your current physique is against thews of nature. If others learn about it, it may bring disaster upon you. There are many who are aware of their Heavenly Destiny. I am strong, but there are always others out there stronger than the likes of Loose Immortals. A cultivator should cherish what they already have rather than recklessly seize opportunities."


    "Do not unt, do not underestimate themon people of the world."


    Yang Jian felt ashamed, filled with guilt.


    Recently, he indeed had developed a sense of pride, seeing other disciples in the valley struggling with basic Qi Cultivation, while he was already at the Foundation Establishment level, feeling superior.


    "Though I do not seek repayment from you, I do not want you to be someone who acts recklessly. Since you are cultivating immortality, you ought to understand that there is a Heavenly Destiny beyond human efforts. If you stray down the wrong path, you will eventually be punished by the heavens. I do not wish for you to be someone who seeks vain glory. Do you understand?" Gu An continued, bringing tears to Yang Jian''s eyes.


    Yang Jian was not moved by grand principles; it was hearing his master say once more that repayment was not required that touched him, making him feel unworthy.


    He knew exactly what he was thinking. Even though he was reborn anew, his heart still harbored selfish desires and a darker side, making him feel ashamed of himself.


    Look at his master, clearly an immortal, yet never bullying the weak, humbly staying within the Supreme Sect, living among mortals without arrogance.


    He should learn from his master and be a true cultivator!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Master, I..." Yang Jian began, but was interrupted before he could finish.


    "Let''s go back."


    Gu An turned and left, with Yang Jian quickly following.


    ...


    At the end of summer, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint back from Tianya Valley. Along the way, the Blood Prison Great Saint kept cursing three monkey demons and even begged Gu An to release some of his cultivation, at least to the Core Formation Realm.


    "No rush, it''s good for tempering your character. You are too impetuous, your words can hurt. Without proper tempering, you will bring cmity upon yourself sooner orter," Gu An said nonchntly, holding a peculiar book in his hand that Luo Hun had obtained from Li Xuandao.


    ording to Luo Hun, this book wasparable to the Green Hero Travelogue!


    Indeed, the three-dynastynd had many literary talents, and there were always those who could write better than Xuan Tianyi.


    This book was not a travelogue, but a collection of tales about the romance and scandals in the Imperial City.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint lost his spirit upon hearing Gu An''s words.


    He knew his faults, but once he got into an argument with someone, he couldn''t quench his anger without giving them a good beating.


    [Zhou Yu has developed hostility towards you and harbors killing intent. Would you like to perform Life Span Detection on him?]


    Zhou Yu?


    The former Venerable Pavilion of the Supreme Sect?


    Gu An frowned, wondering why this guy had suddenly developed a killing intent towards him. Could it be rted to Wu Jue?


    The Zhou Family had already left the Supreme Sect, causing quite a stir. At least the disciples of the Supreme Sect regarded the Zhou Family as traitors, especially given their choice of the Cangtian Sect.


    To this day, Cangtian Sect was the Supreme Sect''s biggest rival. The disciples believed that to be the premier sect in the Immortal Cultivation World, they must surpass the Cangtian Sect.


    Gu An spread his divine sense across the entire continent, searching for Wu Jue''s presence, and quickly found him.


    Wu Jue was at the border forests of the Taicang Dynasty, in a dpidated temple. Besides him, there were several other cultivators present, standing off against him.


    At this moment, Wu Jue frowned deeply, his hands clenched into fists inside his sleeves.


    Zhou Yu, dressed in a ck robe, stood in front of him, exuding authority. The other Zhou Family cultivators looked at Wu Jue with disapproval.


    "Wu Jue, our Zhou Family has invested a lot of resources in you. Without the Zhou Family, you wouldn''t be who you are today. Are you really going to forget our kindness?" a female cultivator said sternly.


    Others chimed in, with most of them hinting at threats in their tone.


    Wu Jue gritted his teeth and said, "The Supreme Sect has also been kind to me. Wouldn''t joining the Zhou Family be a betrayal of that?"


    Zhou Yu slowly spoke, "Jue''er, although the world is peaceful now, more and more Ocean Cultivators are arriving. The Immortal Cultivation World will face a catastrophe sooner orter. As far as I know, even the Sect Leader and Supreme Elder do not know the true identity of Sword Venerable Fudao. If there everes a day when Sword Venerable Fudao leaves, the Supreme Sect would be quickly annihted."


    Wu Jue firmly responded, "Impossible! Why would the Supreme Sect alone face destruction? Is the Cangtian Sect absolutely safe? Besides Sword Venerable Fudao, there are other Great Cultivators in the Supreme Sect. I believe the Supreme Sect is stronger than the Cangtian Sect!"


    In saying this, he was severing ties with Zhou Yu, who now served the Cangtian Sect.


    Zhou Yu''s expression turned ugly, and he said, "Think carefully, betrayal of the Zhou Family will make you our enemy. Out of respect for our master-disciple rtionship, I can let you go today, but in the future, I will kill you to uphold the Zhou Family''s reputation. Not only you, but anyone associated with you will die, such as your only brother in the Supreme Sect, Gu An."


    "Besides Gu An, all your friends in the Main City of the Sect will also die."


    Zhou Yu truly did not want to let Wu Jue go, as Wu Jue''s perception was too formidable. He believed Wu Jue could rival An Hao.


    The Cangtian Sect had no talentparable to An Hao!


    Moreover, Wu Jue had no background and was alone. In the future, he could marry into the Zhou Family, continuing the lineage of exceptional talent.


    Upon hearing this, Wu Jue''s expression turned grim. He tried to keep calm, took a deep breath, and asked, "Since when did you start investigating me?"


    When Zhou Yu mentioned Gu An, Wu Jue panicked.


    So, the Zhou Family still had spies within the Supreme Sect!


    Zhou Yu said calmly, "From the day you became my disciple, I understood all your rtionships. It''s not toote to turn back now. You can even bring those you care about into the Cangtian Sect in the future."


    This time, he didn''t mention Gu An.


    Because he couldn''t draw in Gu An, knowing Gu An was actually Pan An and close to Lv Baitian.


    The thought that Gu An could influence Wu Jue meant that Lv Baitian might be able to win over Wu Jue, inming his killing intent.


    Why should Lv Baitian have both An Hao and Wu Jue, these two peerless talents?


    Wu Jue fell into a struggle.


    If the Zhou Family came only for him, he wouldn''t be afraid. But since it involved Gu An, he had to hesitate.


    His talent and perception were top-notch, and he believed he could be a world-shaking force. But he was still young and needed time to grow. The Zhou Family, in his eyes, was a colossal existence, one he couldn''t challenge alone.


    The Zhou Family still had spies within the Supreme Sect. He couldn''t keep an eye on Gu An all the time. What if one day a Zhou Family spy attacked Gu An...


    He couldn''t bear to imagine such a scenario.


    "Damn it..."


    Wu Jue clenched his fists, staring at Zhou Yu with eyes aze.


    Zhou Yu sighed and said, "Disciple, actually, I..."


    Boom!


    A sudden thunderbolt struck down with a speed that left Wu Jue and the others no time to react, hitting Zhou Yu and sending everyone flying from the st.


    Wu Jue hit the wall but quickly stabilized himself, looking over, and his eyes widened.


    Zhou Yu had vanished. The spot where he stood was charred ck and smoking.


    The other Zhou Family cultivators were wide-eyed, their expressions stunned.


    "Master?"


    A disciple called out quickly, but received no response.


    "Not good, there''s a Supreme Sect Great Cultivator nearby!" a female disciple shouted and disappeared, followed by the other cultivators, forgetting all about Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue stood in a daze, hesitated for a moment, and then chose to leave.


    On the way out, he couldn''t help but wonder if Zhou Yu was dead or alive?


    Who could have struck that thunderbolt?


    It couldn''t have been a coincidence that Zhou Yu was struck by natural lightning, right?


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An still riding on the Blood Prison Great Saint''s back, felt bored with the mere ny-two years of life span gained from killing Zhou Yu.


    "I hope the Zhou Family knows their ce and stops developing hostility towards me. Otherwise, don''t me me for being ruthless..."


    Gu An thought silently. While he continued to choose a low-profile approach to cultivation, he was not someone the Zhou Family could provoke!


    Fortunately, in the days that followed, no one from the Zhou Family developed hostility towards Gu An.


    No one believed that a newly formed Core Formation cultivator like Gu An could have killed Zhou Yu, a cultivator of the ninthyer of the Unification Realm out of thin air.


    The one who killed Zhou Yu must have been at the Mystic Heart Realm or even the Mahayana Realm, which was an obvious warning from the Supreme Sect to the Zhou Family.


    ...


    In a bright grand hall, thousands of cultivators gathered. The vast pce was expansive, with a hallway over a hundred feet wide and rows of transmission array tforms on either side, with cultivators constantly teleporting in.


    An Hao stood in ce, curiously looking around at everyone.


    "I heard that this entrance exam involves Li Ya from Divine Exotic City."


    "Divine Exotic City? Could it be that Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    "Yes, that Li Ya is indeed lucky. Who knows how powerful he is with the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    "I hope he can''t use the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure. How could wepete against that?"


    "Without using the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, he''s just a minor cultivator from the Barbarian Continent, nothing noteworthy."


    An Hao listened to the disciples'' discussions around him, filled with mixed emotions.


    The influence of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure was enormous, and Li Ya''s name had reached the Star Sea Congregations, making the new disciples who were about to enter the sect hostile towards him.


    Just as he was thinking, a voice called out, "An Hao, long time no see. This time, it''s my turn to win."


    An Hao turned his head to see two men walking towards him, one of whom exuded demon energy.


    It was Li Ya and Zhang Buku!


    Li Ya appeared confident, eyes fixed on An Hao, while Zhang Buku looked full of curiosity.

 Chapter 240 Sworn to Protect

    Looking at Li Ya, who was full of fighting spirit, An Hao remained unmoved. If it had been before, he might have expected to spar with Li Ya, but now his mind was upied only with that junior brother he had never met.


    Li Ya possessed the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure and was no longer the same as before. An Hao naturally did not consider himself a match for Li Ya.


    However, excluding the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, An Hao truly did not think Li Ya was qualified to be his opponent.


    Li Ya thought he was timid, so he said, "Don''t worry. When I spar with you, I won''t use that treasure. But if it''s against others, I won''t hold back at all, and I''ll show off our Supreme Sect''s might."


    Zhang Buku stood beside them and snorted, "I don''t mind if you use that supreme treasure. In fact, I want to test its sharpness."


    An Hao looked at Zhang Buku. He had met Zhang Buku before, at a time when Zhang Buku and Li Ya were already inseparable, though they had not yet be acquainted.


    He found Zhang Buku very interesting and could feel the immense strength of his qi-blood. In terms of real strength, he was certainly stronger than Li Ya.


    "What''s your name?" An Hao asked Zhang Buku, staring at him.


    Zhang Buku replied, "My name is Zhang Buku. I''m Li Ya''s brother."


    Li Ya''s mouth twitched, but he did not refute.


    An Hao nodded and then said nothing more, turning around.


    Li Ya became interested, stepped forward, and said, "The three of use from the Supreme Sect and have joined the Star Sea Congregations at the same time. Regardless of victories or defeats in the future, how about mutual support?"


    An Hao nodded without objection.


    In his heart, the Supreme Sect held a high position. Helping fellow disciples was only natural to him.


    Li Ya and Zhang Buku stepped forward and stayed beside An Hao, starting to chat and share their past experiences. An Hao initially didn''t care, but as he listened, he became captivated by their experiences.


    Were these two so eager for battle?


    Very soon, Zhang Buku and Li Ya started arguing, each ming the other. An Hao suddenly felt a bit envious of them, as they could rely on each other no matter where they went.


    Thinking of his junior sister, An Xin, An Hao couldn''t help but sigh.


    Even he felt that the heavens were unfair.


    ¡­


    While Li Ya and the others wandered in the Star Sea Congregations, far away at the Supreme Sect, Gu An and his disciples lived their lives as usual for ten years.


    Ten years passed in a sh.


    Gu An''s age reached one hundred and thirty-nine. That summer, the Heaven Ranking Tournament, hosted by the Supreme Sect, was about to begin, plunging the Supreme Sect into an unprecedented state of prosperity.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, within a pavilion.


    Gu An looked at his attribute panel. His lifespan had recovered to eight million years, and he was secretly satisfied.


    When he broke through to the Carefree Primordial Immortal, the life span barrier alone cost him nearly a million years of life. In ten years, he had gained more than four million years of life, which was quite stable.


    Next, Gu An nned to aim for one hundred million years of life, at which point he wouldprehensively enhance his attribute panel before breaking through to higher realms.


    Although it seemed far off to gain a one hundred million year lifespan in just ten years, Gu An was not anxious. He still had a trump card, which was the Outer World Cave Heaven.


    The seventh-order medicinal herbs in the Outer World Cave Heaven couldn''t mature in just a few decades, and every month, Gu An brought in high-rank seeds.


    What Gu An was currently thinking about was collecting an Immortal Path Spirit Tree.


    Last year, during a private auction held by Sage Tang Hai, an Immortal Path Spirit Tree appeared, but unfortunately, its price skyrocketed. Gu An could not afford it due to his regr purchases of high-rank medical herbs. The other party was a great cultivator from the Star Sea Congregations with deep pockets and an astonishing background.


    Gu An had not resorted to robbing for a single tree. There was no need to make enemies, as an Immortal Path Spirit Tree would not gain him a million-year lifespan at once. Moreover, at that time, the Supreme Sect and the Star Sea Congregations were on good terms. His disciple, An Hao, was alsofortably staying in the Star Sea Congregations.


    There would be another chance in the future!


    Seizing this Heaven Ranking Tournament, Gu An nned to amass wealth. He was looking forward to the uing excitement.


    He stood up, preparing to head for the Mystic Valley, as an acquaintance had returned.


    Aftering downstairs, Gu An called over Yang Jian, then rode with the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Mystic Valley through teleportation.


    The disciples of the Mystic Valley had all seen the Blood Prison Great Saint and Yang Jian over the years, so they knew of their rtionship with Gu An.


    Gu An did not go upstairs but began patrolling the gardens in the valley, with Yang Jian and the Blood Prison Great Saint following.


    After ten years, the thirty-two-year-old Yang Jian had already reached the secondyer of the Core Formation Realm. At such an age, with such cultivation, he was among the top-tier talents of the time. Considering that Yang Jian, at the age of twenty, was only at the thirdyer of Qi Cultivation Realm, his talent was immeasurable.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Yang Jian still concealed his cultivation, appearing to be at the seventhyer of Qi Cultivation Realm.


    Yang Jian, who practiced the All Things Form and Energy Art and the Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill, had an extremely powerful qi-blood. Gu An judged that cultivators at the Nascent Soul Realm couldn''t withstand his strength.


    With Gu An''s teaching, Yang Jian had grown more steady, neither arrogant nor impetuous, showing the demeanor of a true disciple.


    "I heard the Daoist Lord of the Cangtian Sect has arrived," Yang Jian chatted with the Blood Prison Great Saint about the Heaven Ranking Tournament.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was also very interested, and the two only talked about others, not their own cultivation¡ªa habit developed under Gu An''s long-term instructions.


    After a while.


    A figure flew from the distant sky; it was Li Ya.


    Yang Jian turned his head to look, curiosity showing in his eyes.


    What a powerful aura!


    Li Ya came on his sword, like an immortal descending from the sky.


    After sheathing his sword, he quickly walked to the edge of the garden and greeted Gu An.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Senior Brother Li, what brings you here? Wait for me for a moment."


    Li Ya nodded, his gaze inadvertently falling on Yang Jian.


    Although Yang Jian''s cultivation was low, his demeanor was extraordinary.


    "What is this person''s rtionship with Junior Brother Gu?" Li Ya thought to himself.


    After a while, Gu An handed over medicinal herbs to a servant disciple, then led Yang Jian towards Li Ya.


    He introduced Yang Jian to Li Ya, asking Yang Jian to greet him.


    "Yang Jian greets Uncle Master," Yang Jian sped his fists, neither humble nor overbearing. Although Li Ya''s aura was strong, it couldn''tpare to Gu An. If Gu An hadn''t concealed his cultivation, the two wouldn''t be considered fellow disciples.


    Li Ya, hearing this, curiously asked, "Is it the Yang Jian from the Investiture of the Gods?"


    Yang Jian nodded and said, "I loved reading the Investiture of the Gods since I was a child, and I changed my name to symbolize my aspiration after joining the sect."


    Li Ya smiled, then took out a treasure sword from his storage bag and gave it to Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian looked at Gu An, and only after seeing Gu An nod did he ept it.


    Li Ya pulled Gu An towards the pavilion, while Gu An beckoned Yang Jian to follow, causing Li Ya to hesitate.


    "Jian''er is my truly epted disciple, whom I''ve taught everything I know. Let him follow us and broaden his horizons," Gu An said with a smile.


    Li Ya, hearing this, took another look at Yang Jian.


    He understood Gu An''s implied meaning.


    "I see. If you ever encounter trouble while adventuring out there, you can alwayse to me, your Uncle Master," Li Ya said with an air of spirit, to which Yang Jian quickly expressed his gratitude.


    Gu An found it amusing; Li Ya had guessed his intention correctly, but got the rtionship wrong.


    He wasn''t setting Yang Jian up with a backer but the other way around!


    After the three went upstairs, Li Ya began recounting his experiences within the Star Sea Congregations. He had already be a true disciple of the Star Sea Congregations, although his cultivation was the lowest among them, relying on the Divine Exotic City.


    Although Yang Jian had joinedter, he had heard of the Divine Exotic City.


    Unexpectedly, the Supreme Sect cultivator who seized the Divine Exotic City years ago turned out to be his Uncle Master.


    He suddenly suspected that Li Ya had obtained the Divine Exotic City with help from his master.


    "By the way, I heard there was an internal assessment in the Star Sea Congregations. Did you participate?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    Li Ya''s expression instantly became unnatural. "I did, and I got quite a good ranking, entering the top hundred. I became a true disciple based on my own strength."


    Gu An didn''t believe it. Over the years, Li Ya had used the power of the Divine Exotic City quite often.


    "I heard An Hao also participated. What was his ranking?" Gu An continued to ask.


    Li Ya''s expression became even more awkward.


    Yang Jian''s eyes lit up, and he asked, "Master, are you talking about the number one genius of the Supreme Sect, An Hao?"


    "That''s right, it''s him."


    Yang Jian fell into contemtion.


    Li Ya ambiguously said, "His ranking was also good. Without using the Divine Exotic City, I indeed couldn''t match him."


    Gu An curiously asked, "What do you mean? Did you two meet again?"


    Li Ya felt aggrieved. Was Junior Brother Gu doing this on purpose?


    Trying to embarrass me in front of a junior?


    He did indeed run into An Hao. He had subdued many great cultivators with the Divine Exotic City. But when facing An Hao, for the sake of fairness, he didn''t use the Divine Exotic City and ended up disastrously defeated. This incident became widely known inside the Star Sea Congregations, and An Hao made a name for himself by stepping on him, leaving him very frustrated.


    Although frustrated, he did not regret it. An Hao had always been his goal to chase. He wanted to know how far apart their real strengths were.


    Gu An chuckled, knowing his disciple had defeated Li Ya. He felt a sense of satisfaction.


    Sigh, this kind of attitude was not good!


    Gu An changed the topic, talking about the Heaven Ranking Tournament.


    Li Ya said the reason he came back was that the Supreme Sect had sent a message, asking him to return. The Supreme Sect needed the power of the Divine Exotic City to deal with great cultivators from overseas.


    After all, this was the first Heaven Ranking Tournament hosted by the Supreme Sect. Lv Baitian hoped to maintain the title of number one in the world, even if the opponents were cultivators from Holy Lands or great cultivators from overseas.


    Gu An felt Lv Baitian was not being fair, but he couldn''t criticize. Dharma treasures were part of a cultivator''s strength. Besides him, who on the Immortal Path didn''t rely on Dharma treasures inbat?


    "Senior Brother Li, what do you think of my disciple? Five hundred years from now, I''ll have him participate in the Heaven Ranking Tournament. Maybe he will even encounter you then," Gu An said with a smile.


    Li Ya nced at Yang Jian and said, "His cultivation is a bit low. Topete for the number one position in the world, he still needs a big opportunity."


    Yang Jian remained silent, standing honestly aside.


    Gu Anughed and said, "In any case, I believe my disciple has great qi fortune. He will eventually astonish the world. Although I''m uncertain if I''ll live to see that day, I hope you will support each other on the Immortal Cultivation Path, advancing and retreating together. After all, this path requires more than just oneself." Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    These words made Li Ya emotional.


    He knew Junior Brother Gu''s talent was mediocre, so he certainly couldn''t vie for longevity like him.


    Li Ya earnestly said, "Rest assured, your disciple is my disciple. As long as I am alive, I will protect him with my life. Anyone who dares to harm him must step over my dead body first."


    Yang Jian looked at Li Ya, his eyes showing a change.

 Chapter 241 Sword Venerable Fudao, Will You Battle Me?

    Li Ya returned this time and brought many gifts for Gu An, including Immortal Cultivation medicinal herbs and overseas magic artifacts. When Gu An tried to make some polite conversation, Li Ya didn''t bother with the pleasantries and left directly through the window, leaving Gu An in silence.


    Yang Jian also marveled at what a peculiar person this uncle-master was.


    Although Li Ya seemed unreliable, Yang Jian still held a good opinion of his actions and words.


    Just based on Li Ya''s previous deration that he would protect him to the death, Yang Jian acknowledged him as his uncle-master.


    After staying in Mystic Valley for a while, Gu An took Yang Jian and Blood Prison Great Saint to the Outer Gate City. With the approaching Grand Tournament, cultivators frequently flew across the sky, not just from Supreme Sect but from all over the world.


    No matter the oue of the Grand Tournament, Supreme Sect was set to gain substantial benefits this time, and Gu An was eager to see how much profit Supreme Sect would share with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Days passed by.


    Five dayster, though the weather was hot, the Inner and Outer Gate City was crowded due to the imminent start of the Grand Tournament.


    In front of the South City Gate, countless cultivators gathered, forming a vast sea of humans, their heads bobbing, creating a spectacr scene. Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Following their gaze, in the sky stood an array tform surrounded by seventy-tworge gs, with a diameter over a hundred miles, its base emitting a faint golden light forming a golden tform that blotted out the sky when looked at from below.


    This array, known as the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, was purchased by Supreme Sect from Star Sea Congregations, specifically for Great Cultivators topete inbat, at a huge cost. Maintaining this array required massive amounts of spiritual energy. It was said that Supreme Sect had already channeled the spiritual energies from their underground spirit lineages into the array.


    Every city and medicine valley within Supreme Sect had formations projecting the scene of the Luotian Floating City Battle Array. These transmission formations were not very expensive, so even Mystic Valley had an array set up by Supreme Sect, allowing all disciples in the valley to watch the match.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Over nine hundred disciples gathered in the pavilion area, some meditating on the ground, some sitting on benches, looking up at the light screen in the sky, waiting for the Grand Tournament to begin.


    Before thebat even started, the disciples were already excitedly discussing.


    Gu An sat by a stone table, savoring pastries. Yang Jian, An Xin, Xiaochuan, and You Yingying sat at the same table, also discussing the Grand Tournament.


    The names of each Great Cultivator were mentioned from their mouths. Over the past decade, many oceanic Great Cultivators had established their fame in the Three Dynasties, making it uncertain who would im the title of the world''s number one.


    These ocean cultivators temporarily stayed in the Three Dynasties region, leaving many opportunities behind, promoting the development of the Immortal Cultivation world and establishing a reputation for virtue and greatness.


    You Yingying mentioned an ocean Great Cultivator named Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord. Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord imed to be the reincarnation of an immortal, possessing vast divine skills. The Star Sea Congregations tried to recruit him but were refused. His whereabouts were mysterious, like a dragon glimpsed but never seen fully. He liked to teach beings with mediocre talents, earning admiration.


    She believed Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord could im the first position in the Grand Tournament.


    Xiaochuan couldn''t help but say, "Why are these ocean Great Cultivators meddling in the Grand Tournament? Isn''t this bullying?"


    You Yingying replied, "Although the Three Dynasties region is weak, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm in the maind is not. As long as cultivators from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm participate, other Great Cultivators will be drawn in, all wanting to establish their fame by stepping over the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Of course, there might be undercurrents I''m unaware of. This Grand Tournament is indeed unusual with so many Great Cultivators joining."


    An Xin nodded, saying, "It''s said there are five hundred participants, with halfing from overseas. The Three Dynasties'' cultivators only make up a third. Besides Li Ya, the weakest among them is in the Mystic Heart Realm. Many withdrew after seeing the participant list, leading to the current situation."


    Yang Jian remained silent, gazing at the illusion in the sky with yearning in his eyes.


    The title of the world''s number one was certainly mesmerizing.


    Gu An didn''t join their discussion. He knew the level of participants in the Grand Tournament better than anyone.


    Currently, five Loose Immortals had gathered within Supreme Sect; the number of Nirvana Realm cultivators reached seventeen, and there were over a hundred Mahayana Realm cultivators.


    If nothing unexpected happened, sects within the Three Dynasties couldn''t hope to im the first position in the Grand Tournament, or even make it into the top twenty. The only hopey with the Supernatural City''s Li Ya.


    Moreover, Gu An sensed a Wandering Immortal''s presence, hidden in the mountains outside Supreme Sect, purpose unknown.


    This Grand Tournament was no longer just a test among the Immortal Cultivation world of the Three Dynasties.


    Gu An wasn''t worried though. If Supreme Sect faced destruction, he would intervene.


    If they weren''t in danger, he wouldn''t act even if Supreme Sect lost. One must ept their inferiority.


    Until noon, the Luotian Floating City Battle Array finally changed. The seventy-tworge gs trembled, bursting with golden light, quickly forming a majestic pce, vast and transparent, allowing the outside world to see inside.


    "Today, the first Grand Tournament of Supreme Sect will begin. I am Lv Baitian, the Supreme Sect leader, here to announce the rules of the Grand Tournament. It''s all about winning. No killing..."


    Lv Baitian''s voice spread throughout Supreme Sect through the array light screens, silencing the hustle and bustle instantly.


    Gu An turned his head, asking An Xin to bring over a few more tes of pastries, and An Xin immediately obeyed.


    After a while, Lv Baitian finished exining the rules of the Grand Tournament and began announcing the first match.


    "The first match today will be between the Cangtian Sect..."


    Before Lv Baitian finished his words, a vast pressure engulfed Supreme Sect, interrupting him.


    "Wait a moment!"


    An aged voice echoed between heaven and earth, catching countless people off guard.


    Was someone going to interfere with the Grand Tournament?


    Yang Jian and the others beside Gu An also tensed up.


    "Before the Grand Tournament begins, could Sword Venerable Fudao have a match with me? I am Bi Luo, the Ind Master of Jinghai Bi Luo Ind, known as Sage Bi Luo."


    The aged voice''s words caused a tremendous uproar within Supreme Sect.


    Someone dared to challenge Sword Venerable Fudao!


    You Yingying frowned, saying, "Sage Bi Luo? How is he involved? Did he align with someone?"


    Xiaochuan couldn''t help but ask, "What realm is Sage Bi Luo in? Is he also an immortal?"


    "Hmm, he is an immortal. As for his specific cultivation level, I''m not sure. He''s beyond my reach. I just heard rumors," You Yingying replied.


    Meanwhile, a figure appeared within the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, prompting countless people to look up. Through the array light screens, they saw the figure.


    d in a green robe, the figure stood tall, holding a long staff. His white hair was coiled under a jade crown, his face old and stern, with green mes burning atop the staff, resembling coiling dragons and serpents, emitting a mysterious aura.


    Sage Bi Luo!


    An overwhelming ancient aura descends upon him, causing every cultivator who witnessed his true form to feel an innate sense of awe, akin to mortals gazing at the vast sky, instinctively revering heaven.


    In the Outer Gate City, on the Heavenly Repair tform, Supreme Sect''s high-ranking officials gathered. Lv Baitian, Ji Hantian, and Xuan Quan were all present.


    Zuo Yijian stood beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, frowning, his gaze towards Sage Bi Luo filled with hostility.


    For such a grand asion, someone jumped out to challenge Sword Venerable Fudao, appearing to harbor ill intentions.


    However, he wasn''t worried, even somewhat excited.


    Sword Venerable Fudao had not taken action for many years. Although his legend remained, overseas cultivators were unclear about his actual strength.


    Lv Baitian looked up at the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, frowning and snorting coldly, "As expected, someone is looking for trouble. I just don''t know which force sent him."


    If Sword Venerable Fudao were defeated or refused to fight, Supreme Sect''s control over the Grand Tournament would weaken sharply, potentially leading to the tournament''s copse and a crisis of annihtion for Supreme Sect.


    Gu Zong looked at Lv Baitian, whispering, "Sect Leader, this person isn''t on the participant list."


    Lv Baitian nodded, replying calmly, "Then let''s wait and see. It''s time for the overseas cultivators to witness his power."


    Other high-ranking officials in Supreme Sect also showed anticipation.


    Sword Venerable Fudao was not only invincible in the hearts of Supreme Sect''s disciples, but also to these high-ranking cultivators.


    He quelled internal strife, slew demon ancestors, killed immortals, vanquished evil demons, and more.


    Sword Venerable Fudao''s might wasn''t just talk, it was established through battles witnessed by Supreme Sect''s disciples.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Just by listening to the disciples'' discussions, Gu An realized he couldn''t avoid taking action.


    So be it, it had been a long time since he showcased his swordsmanship.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An leaned against the stone table, swirling his wine cup with one hand, a slight smile ying at the corner of his mouth.


    Yang Jian, who had been observing his master, noticed the change in his master''s expression and felt a shock in his heart.


    Could it be that Sword Venerable Fudao was his master?


    Having learned about Sword Venerable Fudao''s legendary tales over the years, Yang Jian had often spected about this. Could a sect hide two mysterious powerhouses surpassing all disciples?


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, could it be that you dare not show yourself? Or do you look down upon someone from a remote ind like me?"


    Sage Bi Luo''s voice rang out again, majestic and resounding.


    Hearing his mocking words, Supreme Sect''s disciples were enraged, their anger surpassing their innate reverence.


    They began hoping that Sword Venerable Fudao would take action and teach this oceanic rogue a good lesson!


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    Suddenly, the sky''s weather changed, clouds churned, white clouds turned ck, and the world darkened, prompting countless people to look up.


    Inside the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, Sage Bi Luo also looked up, seeing the rolling thunderclouds. He snorted, shaking his long staff, and his vast mana erupted, forming two azure dragons coiling within the array pce. Their bodies spanned a hundred miles, enough to silence all beings.


    The two azure dragons slowly lifted their heads, roaring towards the sky, their dragon cries echoing endlessly.


    "It is said that Sword Venerable Fudao''s swordsmanship is unparalleled in the world. Today, let''s see if you can break my array!"


    Sage Bi Luo''s voice echoed again. He waved his sleeve, sending countless magic artifacts into the air between the two azure dragons. Wind and fire swirled, entangling the dragons, causing them to grow rapidly, their heads piercing the top of the Luotian Floating City Battle Array.


    At that moment!


    The thunderclouds suddenly parted, revealing a vast starry sea in the sky. All creatures'' eyes reflected the resplendent starry sea, magnificent and fantastical.

 Chapter 242 The Sword Intent That Silences Heaven and Earth!

    The moment the Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword was unleashed, a majestic panorama of the starry sea unfolded above the sky, upying the vision of all cultivators within the Supreme Sect.


    When the Demon Ancestor had previously attacked the Northern Territory, this sword array had also appeared, but only the frontline cultivators had seen it. Now, ny percent of the cultivators within the Supreme Sect were seeing this sword array for the first time, and they were all astounded.


    Especially the disciples who had joined the Supreme Sect in the past few decades; they were utterly stupefied.


    A sword array capable of changing the heavens, how many years of cultivation would it take to reach such a level?


    Within the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, Sage Bi Luo was locked in by the Sword Intent of the Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword. The moment the infinite starry sea appeared, he felt his mana solidify within him, a suppression so intense that it made his heart pound.


    Sage Bi Luo''s face paled, regret creeping into his heart.


    He had thought that Sword Venerable Fudao was merely a Wandering Immortal. After all, Sword Venerable Fudao had previously only in Loose Immortals. Despite knowing he might not be a match for Fudao, he believed he could at least gauge his opponent''s strength.


    Now, feeling the Sword Intent of Fudao, he was reminded of the insignificance he felt a million years ago.


    The gap between them was immense, at least a full major realm apart!


    He was a Wandering Immortal, so Sword Venerable Fudao must be¡­


    "Heaven and Earth¡­" Sage Bi Luo muttered through gritted teeth. This time, he did not call out to Heaven and Earth, knowing he couldn''t escape and had no choice but to fight to the bitter end.


    After a brief moment of silence, the Supreme Sect exploded in an uproar.


    Countless disciples of the Supreme Sect raised their arms and cheered; the high-level cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform were equally excited, with Zuo Yijian beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe even kneeling down in a posture of devout worship.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Over nine hundred disciples were simrly excited, shouting the name of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    You Yingying saw Sword Venerable Fudao in action for the first time, her small mouth agape with an expression of incredulity.


    Yang Jian was also frightened. What kind of sword array was this?


    Too exaggerated!


    He couldn''t help but look at Gu An, who also wore a shocked expression.


    Could Sword Venerable Fudao not be his master?


    Indeed, he had not sensed his master''s mana dissipating.


    "Pay close attention and see how much you canprehend," Gu An''s voice suddenly reached Yang Jian''s ears, making him widen his eyes in astonishment.


    Was his master really Sword Venerable Fudao?


    This sword array¡­


    How did he aplish it?


    He didn''t see him make a move!


    Already having formed his core, Yang Jian felt he had a deep understanding of immortal cultivation, but today, his master''s technique overturned hisprehension.


    The Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword was high above, far from the Third Medicine Valley. No one would have thought that Sword Venerable Fudao was hiding here.


    Yang Jian had thought that Sword Venerable Fudao was up in that vast starry sea, overlooking all beings.


    At that moment, the stars in the vast sea burst into light, and one by one, stars began to fall, more and more, densely packed, with a momentum that suggested the sky was copsing, bringing the mor of Heaven and Earth to a sudden halt.


    All beings looked up, their eyes wide and silent, as if witnessing an immortal phenomenon!


    Countless stars fell, bursting with sword qi, causing the trees of the mountains and rivers to sway violently, and dust to be swept away into the distance.


    Within the Inner Sect City, Li Ya stayed in a courtyard, looking up at the Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword, secretly rmed.


    Could the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword reach such a degree?


    He turned his head to look at the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit on his shoulder and asked, "Could Divine Exotic City withstand this sword with its power?"


    Withstand?


    I almost got killed by him and you''re asking me that?


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, feeling the Sword Intent from the sky, could confirm that Sword Venerable Fudao was indeed his master.


    He replied, "Not sure."


    His voice, full of childishness, contrasted sharply with his inner thoughts.


    Li Ya continued watching the light screen in the sky, wanting to see if Sage Bi Luo could withstand a single strike from Sword Venerable Fudao.


    ...


    Facing the endless stream of Star Sword Energy, Sage Bi Luo shouted angrily, raising his staff as surging mana flowed into two Azure Dragons, which were wreathed in fierce mes and strong winds as they soared into the sky.


    The dragon''s roar exploded!


    Countless people held their breath!


    Numerous streams of Star Sword Energy fell, colliding with the dragons in midair!


    The gigantic Azure Dragons, ridge-like, were blocked abruptly. Starting from the dragon''s head, they were shattered one after another, dissolving into azure winds sweeping across the world.


    In an instant, the two Azure Dragons were obliterated by the Star Sword Energy, the power of the sword qi was unstoppable!


    Sage Bi Luo was illuminated by the sword light, his eyes widened, filled with fear.


    As the relentless Star Sword Energy poured into the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, a resplendent sword light erupted, causing Heaven and Earth to lose color, and countless beings to close their eyes.


    Blinded, only the sound of the wind could be heard!


    Several breathster, cultivators gradually regained their vision.


    As more and more people opened their eyes, when they saw the scene within the light screen in the sky, their hearts raced.


    The Luotian Floating City Battle Array remained, but its golden light at the base fluctuated violently, on the verge of dispersing, while Sage Bi Luo, kneeling inside, maintained a raised staff stance. The staff in his hands was only half remaining, smoldering, and he was covered in blood, his hair disheveled and utterly battered.


    Sage Bi Luo trembled all over, his bulging eyes bloodshot.


    The infinite starry panorama was slowly dissipating, signaling the end of the battle.


    Sage Bi Luo''s heart filled with endless fear.


    Luckily, he had sought battle before the Heavenly Ranking Tournament; otherwise, at any other time, he might have perished.


    He couldn''t even withstand a single move from Sword Venerable Fudao¡­


    Gritting his teeth, he wobbled to his feet, turning and flying towards the horizon, rapidly escaping the Luotian Floating City Battle Array and disappearing to the edge of the sky.


    When he came, he was wildly boastful, but when he left, he was a defeated silence.


    Heaven and Earth erupted in thunderous cheers.


    "So strong! This is the strength of Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "That Sage Bi Luo was so arrogant before; who would have thought he''d be defeated sopletely."


    "If the sect leader hadn''t set the rules, I bet he''d be dead."


    "No kidding, once Sword Venerable Fudao makes a move, who can survive?"


    "It''s said the Vice Sect Leader survived; could he also be an Immortal?"


    Disciples of the Supreme Sect jeered at Sage Bi Luo and praised the overwhelming power of Sword Venerable Fudao. Even disciples from other sects were excited, though the great cultivators preparing for the Heavenly Ranking Tournament grew tense.


    After this battle, they dared not act recklessly. The Sword Intent just now had snuffed out any fighting spirit.


    The morale of the Supreme Sect soared, the sect bustling as if celebrating the New Year.


    Once the Sword Intent illusion above the skypletely disappeared, the Luotian Floating City Battle Array also returned to its full state.


    "The first match of the Heavenly Ranking Tournament, Zhou Zu of Heaven Sect versus Gu Xuan of the Supreme Sect!"


    Lv Baitian''s voice rang out again, this time brimming with dominance, as if he were Sword Venerable Fudao himself.


    Following his words, Zhou Zu and Gu Xuan flew into the array. Zhou Zu''s face wasplicated, while Gu Xuan looked spirited. They exchanged a few words, judging by the mouth movements, it seemed Gu Xuan was mocking the Zhou Family''s choice.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An stood up and said, "You all keep watching, I''ll go fetch something from inside."


    An Xin and Xiaochuan nodded, while You Yingying remained immersed in the grandeur of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Yang Jian watched Gu An''s departing figure, his mind specting.


    He didn''t bother thinking about the fate of Sage Bi Luo; instead, he began to recall the magnificence of the Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword.


    He had thought that executing Sword Dao required a sword, but his master had neither drawn a sword nor moved an inch earlier, yet a sword array was created by mere thought?


    Unbelievable!


    Yang Jian felt a surge of hot blood in his chest.


    One day, he too would create such divine skills!


    ...


    Covered in blood, Sage Bi Luo swiftly flew off the continent, unable to calm his heart, fearing that Sword Venerable Fudao might pursue him.


    At the same time, his eyes were filled with rage.


    "Damn the Seven Stars Spirit Realm for such inurate intelligence, no wonder they sent me as cannon fodder, despicable!"


    Sage Bi Luo thought hatefully as he cursed the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    He took out an elixir and quickly swallowed it, speeding up his flight.


    As he passed an ind, a hand suddenlynded on his shoulder, his face changed dramatically, and before he could react, an immense force he had never felt before pressed down, causing his body to plummet rapidly.


    Boom!


    Dust erupted from the forest in the depths of the ind, causing the entire ind to quake, with waves surging on the surrounding sea.


    The dust cleared, treesy toppled, and a massive crater appeared.


    Under the sunlight, Sage Bi Luo knelt within the crater, a dark purple demonic hand on his shoulder. Looking back, it was Gu An in the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body state.


    Sage Bi Luo was terrified, struggling to look back, his pupils dted in shock.


    He couldn''t stand up, nor could his Primordial Spirit emerge; at that moment, he was like a mere mortal, powerless to resist.


    His terror peaked, and despair cloaked his heart.


    "Sword Venerable¡­ I¡­" Sage Bi Luo stuttered, but before he could finish, a terrifying Divine Sense surged into his mind, causing his eyes to lose their luster.


    The sea breeze blew, scattering the nearby dust and fluttering Sage Bi Luo''s tattered robes.


    Gu An used the Soul Capturing Skill to search Sage Bi Luo''s memories.


    Not long after, he retracted his Divine Sense, his right palm igniting with Three Pure Ones True Fire, swiftly enveloping Sage Bi Luo.


    Even though Sage Bi Luo was just a tool, daring to provoke him meant death.


    If Gu An had not been a match for Sage Bi Luo today, he would have been the one to die.


    In a saying from his past life, showing mercy to one''s enemy is being cruel to oneself.


    Gu An conveniently took Sage Bi Luo''s storage ring, but his mind dwelled on the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    The force behind Sage Bi Luo''s probing of Sword Venerable Fudao was indeed the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    However, in Sage Bi Luo''s memories, there was no encounter with an actual cultivator of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, only a ghost meeting him for the discussion.


    As long as Sage Bi Luo agreed, after the mission, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would offer him an opportunity to listen to Dao lectures.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    What specific Dao, the memories didn''t specify, but judging by Sage Bi Luo''s excitement, it must be extraordinary.


    Could it be the lectures of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal?


    Could there be a Carefree Primordial Immortal in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    Gu An fell into contemtion. Regardless, after today, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would be fully targeting Sword Venerable Fudao.


    It was necessary to probe the depths of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    If there was no Carefree Primordial Immortal, it must be eradicated!


    Gu An''s heart harbored killing intent; without exterminating the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he wouldn''t feel at peace.

 Chapter 243: Chapter 243 The Pressure from Sword Venerable Fudao

    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An went downstairs and returned to the stone table, where he watched the grand battle of the Tian Bang Tournament with the disciples.


    Killing Sage Bi Luo earned Gu An a lifespan of more than seven thousand years, which wasn''t too bad.


    Sage Bi Luo was over seventy thousand years old. He hadn''t broken through a minor realm in over ten thousand years, so he had been searching for immortality opportunities for many years. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm targeted his needs to lure him into action.


    Gu An did not sympathize with Sage Bi Luo; people always have to take responsibility for their choices.


    What he was considering now was how to deal with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    If the Seven Stars Spirit Realm hadn''t plotted against him, he might not have confronted them. After all, dying time was more beneficial to him.


    The first match of the Tian Bang Tournament had not yet ended. It was difficult for Great Cultivators of the same realm to determine a winner. Gu Xuan and Zhou Zu both had Mystic Heart Realm cultivation and evidently had a real grudge, using all their skills to the fullest, providing a feast for the spectators'' eyes.


    "It is said that the Zhou Family has withdrawn all its disciples from the Supreme Sect, while the Gu Family has done the opposite, fully supporting the Supreme Sect. Both sides are shing, likely hiding a battle of pride."


    "With Sword Venerable Fudao around, how could the Zhou Family be so short-sighted?"


    "Who knows what kind of bewitching potion the Cangtian Sect gave the Zhou Family."


    "It is said that until now, Sword Venerable Fudao has not attacked other sects, so those sects might hold onto illusions, thinking they have a chance to win him over."


    "Thebat between Mystic Heart Realm cultivators is already so fierce; I cannot imagine what the battle between Mahayana Realm cultivators would be like."


    The Supreme Sect was abuzz with discussions about the Tian Bangbats, and the grudges between the Zhou Family and the Supreme Sect spread throughout cities and towns.


    An Xin and Xiaochuan, who were beside Gu An, were discussing this matter. You Yingying from the Star Sea Congregations ridiculed the Zhou Family for their stupidity in believing the Cangtian Sect''s nonsense.


    In her view, the only reason Sword Venerable Fudao stayed at the Supreme Sect was due to a sense of affinity. Thebined resources of the Three-Morning Land couldn''t possibly entice him.


    Yang Jian was also pondering what charm the Supreme Sect had to keep his master there.


    The first match of the Tian Bang Tournament concluded with Gu Xuan''s victory. As the host, the Supreme Sect gained considerable prestige, even the overseas cultivators had to change their views on them.


    Though the foundations of the Supreme Sect were still weak, the sect''s momentum was now unstoppable.


    The second match was between overseas cultivators. Gu An suspected that Lv Baitian manipted it again, but it didn''t matter much, as the Tian Bang Tournament was a knockoutpetition. When they lose, they are eliminated. For those aiming to win first ce, they only cared about the final victory. Even if other cultivators had opinions about the rankings, they could not afford to lose face in front of the world.


    This match, abat between Mahayana Realm cultivators, was magnificent, with spells and divine skills disyed in grandeur, causing the bottom of the Luotian Floating City Battle Array to glow with a rainbow of light.


    The Mahayana Realm cultivators'' battlested nearly two ancient hours before a winner emerged. Most spectators did not find it tedious and remained excited.


    The Tian Bang Tournament continued day and night; even at night, there werebats.


    On the third day, Ye Lan and Zhen Qin came to find Gu An to watch the battle together. They had learned that there was a match involving Li Ya today, so they wanted to witness Li Ya''s divine skills together.


    Ye Lan sat beside Gu An, reminiscing about their days in the Mystic Valley.


    Recalling the past, neither she nor Zhen Qin could have imagined reaching today. Whether it was Ye Lan or Zhen Qin, they had thought reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm in their lifetime would be good enough. But now, with their opportunities, both had achieved Divinity Transformation.


    Considering only their age, they were undoubtedly rare geniuses, but they knew they were not true geniuses, so they remained humble and filled with reverence for immortal cultivation.


    Gu An also fell into memories. Being able to help those around him live better lives gave him a great sense of aplishment.


    Immortal cultivation should not be pursued without emotion, at least that was how he felt.


    As noon approached, it was finally Li Ya''s turn.


    When the ancient sect called out Li Ya''s name, a deafening cheer erupted throughout the Supreme Sect. The name of Divine Exotic City had long resounded across the world. Although Li Ya''s talent wasn''t as great as An Hao''s, no one underestimated him because of his Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Li Ya''s return clearly meant to help the Supreme Sect contend for the first ce in the Tian Bang Tournament. How could the disciples not cheer for him?


    Listening to the cheers from all around, a smile appeared on Gu An''s face.


    A hundred years ago, before leaving the Mystic Valley, Li Ya had boasted that he would one day be famous worldwide. Today, he achieved his ambition.


    "I hope a thousand years from now, you will stand at an even higher ce and have more people cheering for you," Gu An thought as he looked at Li Ya in the sky disy.


    People''s characters and pursuits differ, leading them to choose different paths. Gu An desired longevity, and before reaching the other shore of longevity, he couldn''tfortably enjoy fame.


    Li Ya was different. He yearned for freedom and fame, walking a pathpletely different from Gu An''s. Gu An did not think his path was wrong; after all, not everyone had the ability to steal lifespans like him.


    If he didn''t have that ability, Gu An would also have to go on the run, risking everything for opportunities.


    Gu An eagerly anticipated seeing how far Li Ya could go, whether he could transcend Heavenly Destiny and achieve Nirvana.


    Li Ya''s ultimate lifespan had not increased until now.


    Within the Luotian Floating City Battle Array, Li Ya stood proudly with a Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit perched on his shoulder. The small, pitch-ck creature bared its teeth and ws at Li Ya''s opponent, looking very cute.


    Li Ya''s opponent was an old man in a Taoist robe with thirdyer Nirvana Realm cultivation. At this moment, facing Li Ya, the man''s expression was solemn.


    He silently cursed the Supreme Sect for their shamelessness.


    Dealing with Li Ya, even if he won, it would not be a fair victory due to the significant gap in their cultivation levels. But if he lost, he would be utterly embarrassed.


    Why didn''t they arrange a Loose Immortal opponent for Li Ya, who had an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?


    Were they using him as a whetstone?


    The Taoist-robed old man took a deep breath, drew out his Dharma Treasure, and prepared for battle.


    Li Ya said nothing and directly summoned the Divine Exotic City. The Divine Exotic City flew out of his body, rapidly expanding and transforming into a phantom that enveloped his figure, continuously upying space inside the array.


    The appearance of the Divine Exotic City caused a mor throughout the Supreme Sect.


    Most cultivators were seeing the Divine Exotic City for the first time, and they were very excited.


    With the Divine Exotic City visible, the battle''s oue was already predictable.


    Although it was a duel between Li Ya and the Taoist-robed old man, in reality, it was the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit fighting on behalf of Li Ya.


    However, inside the Divine Exotic City, Li Ya would also bear some pressure. If he faced a Wandering Immortal in a prolonged battle, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit might be undefeated, but Li Ya could be shaken to death.


    Of course, there were no Wandering Immortals in the Tian Bang Tournament; the only Wandering Immortal had already been in by Gu An.


    The following battle had the spectators entirely appreciating the power of the Divine Exotic City. The endless swarms of Divine Soul Demons surged out, theirbined aura both awe-inspiring and terrifying.


    After Li Ya''s victory, the atmosphere of the Tian Bang Tournament reached its peak.


    Gu An saw Shen Zhen still sketching the Divine Exotic City in front of his cave residence.


    ...


    A month passed quickly, and the participants in the Tian Bang Tournament had been reduced from five hundred to thirty. Some had a bye in between, and the remaining thirty, besides Li Ya, were at least in the Mahayana Realm.


    Besides Li Ya, the most prominent were Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord and Yan Qitian of the Star Sea Congregations.


    Yan Qitian was at the ninthyer of the Loose Immortal Realm. Only Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord could match his true cultivation level.


    Late at night.


    In an estate within the Inner Sect City.


    Yan Qitian was sitting cross-legged inside, cultivating energy to recover his mana.


    He wore a close-fitting ck robe embroidered with dragon and tiger patterns, looking very imposing.


    Suddenly, he heard footsteps and immediately opened his eyes to see a dark purple demonic shadow appear inside the room, startling him to his feet.


    "Who goes there?" Yan Qitian asked in a deep voice.


    The other party had managed to reach him without detection. The footsteps were clearly an intentional alert; someone of such cultivation wouldn''t make footsteps while walking.


    He carefully scrutinized the figure, suddenly realizing something, his expression changed slightly, and he said, "Could it be that you are Sword Venerable Fudao?" Continue your journey on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Gu An''s divine sense had already enveloped the estate; no one could spy on them.


    He spoke, "What is the Star Sea Congregations'' actual stance toward the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?"


    Hearing this, Yan Qitian secretly rxed as the other party had spoken, meaning they could talk.


    Having witnessed the Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword, he didn''t consider himself a match for Sword Venerable Fudao. Even Wandering Immortals couldn''t take a single move from him; how could he resist?


    He didn''t answer immediately, instead, falling into deep thought.


    Gu An cast a life span detection on him.


    [Yan Qitian (Loose Immortal Realm Ninth Layer): 14590/25000/50000]


    With a maximum lifespan of fifty thousand years, he seemed to have the potential of a Wandering Immortal.


    Gu An thought silently and wasn''t in a hurry, waiting for Yan Qitian''s response.


    In fact, he didn''t need to ask. The Star Sea Congregations had long been at war with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. He was merely following protocol, examining the attitude of the Star Sea Congregations'' cultivators toward the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Yan Qitian took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, our grudge with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm hassted for hundreds of thousands of years, reaching an irreconcble stage. It won''t be long before the Star Sea Congregationsunch a full-scale attack on the Seven Stars Spirit Realm."


    He organized his thoughts about the happenings on this continent, feeling that Sword Venerable Fudao was against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    When Xuan Tianyi of the Supreme Sect returned to the Star Sea Congregations, he had spoken ill of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm everywhere.


    Gu An said, "After the Tian Bang Tournament ends, return to the Star Sea Congregations and collect all information on the Seven Stars Spirit Realm for me, especially regarding the cultivation realms of their cultivators. I only want the information. You won''t be short-changed. This is a personal deal between you and me, without involving the Star Sea Congregations. You must not mention this to anyone."


    Hearing this, Yan Qitian was delighted.


    Was Sword Venerable Fudao going to deal with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    He quickly agreed, "No problem. There''s no need for a deal, senior. I''ll collect the information for you for free. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm is not only your enemy but ours as well."


    "Hmm, but it''s best not to inform the Star Sea Congregations about this, at least not for now."


    "Understood, senior!"


    Gu An immediately disappeared from the spot.


    Yan Qitian breathed a sigh of relief, feeling immense pressure facing Sword Venerable Fudao. It felt like walking on a knife''s edge.


    "Could it be that Sage Bi Luo was invited by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?" Yan Qitian pondered. He had heard of Sage Bi Luo''s deeds; this person rarely provoked others. His challenge to Sword Venerable Fudao before the Tian Bang Tournament was clearly out of enmity.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 244 Are You Really in the Energy Cultivation Realm?

    The struggle for the top thirty in the Heavenly List Tournament became even more intense than before. At this stage, opponents of the same realm required a long time to secure victory, unless there was a significant disparity in their minor realms.


    Days passed by.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The number of cultivatorsing to the Supreme Sect to watch the tournament grew, and the entire Immortal Cultivation World was discussing the Heavenly List Tournament. Cultivators who disyed their talents in the tournament became famous worldwide and were revered by countless cultivators.


    After half a month, fifteen cultivators remained in the Heavenly List Tournament. Qiao Dai from the Supreme Sect advanced again without contest, sessfully entering the top fifteen, causing much discussion among the cultivators.


    Everyone could see that the Supreme Sect was protecting Qiao Dai, but his Qiao Family came from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, which made many hesitate to openly question him.


    Li Ya also sessfully entered the top fifteen, but his condition was worrisome. The high-intensitybat had continuously inflicted internal injuries on his physical body, and fighting between Mortal Spirits and Immortal Spirits also harmed the soul.


    Everything has its pros and cons. Gu An didn''t help Li Ya too much, as he needed Li Ya to respect the power far beyond his own.


    Nevertheless, the Supreme Sect had seeded, as there were no cultivators from the Cangtian Sect in the top fifteen. Apart from the Supreme Sect, the best rank among the three dynasties'' sects was twenty-ninth, held by a Daoist Lord of the Cangtian Sect.


    With two cultivators from the Supreme Sect in the top fifteen, it solidified their position in the Immortal Cultivation World of the three dynasties.


    Another ten days passed, and only eight cultivators remained vying for the top spot in the Heavenly List. The Supreme Sect held two ces, represented by Li Ya and Qiao Dai, who advanced by default.


    In the battle of the top eight, Qiao Dai fell in the first match, stopping at the eighth position.


    Li Ya, relying on Divine Exotic City, advanced to the top four but ultimately stopped at fourth ce. His Qi was exhausted, and he fainted on the battlefield after just summoning the army of Divine Soul Demons.


    The disciples of the Supreme Sect weren''t disappointed but rather admired Li Ya.


    Li Ya, barely over a hundred years old, shouldered the honor and mission of the entire sect. Reaching fourth ce in the Heavenly List Tournament was alreadymendable.


    In the previous Golden List Tournament, Li Ya encountered An Hao early and didn''t even make the top five hundred. This time, winning third ce, Gu An thought he should have no regrets.


    As Gu An had spected, the final contenders for the top spot in the Heavenly List were the Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord and Yan Qitian.


    Their grand battlested three days and three nights, finally ending with Yan Qitian conceding defeat.


    The Supreme Sect remained bustling, and the tax revenue from various resource transactions delighted the sect leaders. The first Heavenly List Tournament was highly sessful; other sects couldn''t easily imitate such grandeur.


    Only until autumn did the Supreme Sect regain its peace.


    Before leaving, Li Ya visited Gu An. They chatted for two ancient hours before Li Ya departed with grace.


    This time, he truly became a hero, gaining great renown. In the Immortal Cultivation World of the three dynasties, his fame overshadowed both the Yellow-Robed Immortal Lord and Yan Qitian, because he was one of their own and due to his age and legendary experiences.


    These matters had little to do with Gu An. The Heavenly List Tournament was just a minor episode for him. What truly pleased him was that the Supreme Sect had obtained the storage bag before the Heaven-Cutting Axe. It was the highest-grade storage bag, containing an immense amount of Spirit Stones. After calcting, he felt that the Supreme Sect had not deceived him, showing great sincerity.


    The disappearance of that storage bag also thrilled the higher-ups of the Supreme Sect, as they believed it signaled an even closer rtionship with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The Supreme Sect acted swiftly, and the roster of the Heavenly List Tournament quickly spread throughout the Immortal Cultivation World, distributed freely. Through the roster, they learned about the origins and formidable cultivation levels of the Heavenly List great cultivators. Unconsciously, the Supreme Sect''s image became even grander in their minds.


    To summon so many immortals forbat, the Supreme Sect was undoubtedly the premier sect in the Immortal Cultivation World!


    In the Taicang Dynasty, Cangzhou, in the pce garden.


    Li Xuandao, d in a dragon robe, sat at a table, perusing the Heavenly List, and softly praised: "The Supreme Sect is ruthless with this move. With this roster, the world will believe the Supreme Sect has the power to summon immortals."


    Sitting across from him was a woman, Jiang Qiong.


    Behind Jiang Qiong stood two figures, two ghost cultivators from the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil, while behind Li Xuandao stood two great cultivators, one of whom was Yi Liuyun, who had once cultivated in Tianya Valley.


    Jiang Qiong chuckled: "Isn''t Your Majesty the one who truly benefits? Prince Li Ya''s name is renowned worldwide now; who doesn''t know he is your son?"


    Speaking of Li Ya, her feelings wereplex.


    She and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had wandered Divine Exotic City, nearly dying, only for a younger generation to obtain it. How could they not feel envious and dejected?


    The most important factor was, when she served as the Great Elder of the Supreme Sect''s Outer Sect, she learned about Gu An''s connections. The person Gu An was closest to was Li Ya.


    This boy was truly fortunate to have such a master with great Qi Fortune.


    Moreover, with her around, Gu An could live peacefully even without leaving the valley.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Qiong''s lips curled up.


    Li Xuandao set the Heavenly List aside, looked at Jiang Qiong, and said, "I have thoroughly understood the strength of the Juhua Sect. However, even if I unify the world, the Juhua Sect would find it very difficult to overthrow the Supreme Sect''s status."


    Jiang Qiong responded: "There''s no need to overthrow, just standing firm is enough."


    She had no intention of contending with the Supreme Sect.


    The true owner of the Juhua Sect was Sword Venerable Fudao; whypete?


    Besides, Gu An was still in the Supreme Sect.


    Li Xuandao nodded and said, "Tianwei can no longer pose a threat. If you can help us conquer the Great Jiang Dynasty, I will definitely support the Juhua Sect during my reign and shape it into a picture of the Righteous Path."


    Li Xuandao still held the Juhua Sect in high regard. The strength of this sect was quite extraordinary.


    Jiang Qiong nodded and then continued to voice the needs of the Juhua Sect. Li Xuandao patiently listened.


    The autumn breeze blew, scattering leaves that rose from the garden and drifted into the distance.


    Read thetest on m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    Time flew by.


    A leaf fell, descending into Gu An''s hand.


    Another autumn hade. Gu An stood by the wooden railing, enjoying the scenery of Medicine Valley.


    Two years had passed since the end of the Heavenly List Tournament, and Yan Qitian had yet to return, causing Gu An to wonder.


    Yang Jian suddenly approached, holding a long weapon¡ªa Three-pointed Two-edged de modeled after Yang Jian''s weapon in Investiture of the Gods.


    Over two years, his aura had grown stronger. Even when hiding his cultivation, he appeared formidable and not to be trifled with.


    "Master, a cultivator named Zhou Tongyou hase to the valley entrance, iming to be your old acquaintance," Yang Jian said, ncing towards the distance.


    Zhou Tongyou was watching two servant disciples y Go, his curiosity piqued.


    Gu An turned and looked at Zhou Tongyou, reflecting.


    He had killed Zhou Yu. How could he feel indifferent meeting Zhou Tongyou again?


    Luckily, Zhou Tongyou was unaware of this matter.


    He stepped towards Zhou Tongyou, with Yang Jian following closely behind.


    Recalling their first encounter decades ago, Zhou Tongyou had visited the Supreme Sect, sweeping through all disciples under a hundred years old. Noticing Gu An''s disciple Ye Yan practicing spear techniques, he offered guidance, injuring Ye Yan severely. Gu An had to step in.


    They didn''t know each other until they fought. Later, Gu An wrote Supreme Immortal Venerable, basing the secondary male character on Zhou Tongyou.


    He didn''t expect Zhou Tongyou to remember him after so many years.


    Soon, Gu An reached Zhou Tongyou, smiled, and said: "Daoist Friend Zhou, long time no see."


    Zhou Tongyou turned to look at him, smiling.


    As arrogant as ever, Zhou Tongyou''s unparalleled pride couldn''t be hidden.


    "Coming to the Supreme Sect, how could I not visit you? Your Medicine Valley''s scale truly impresses me¡ªremarkable," Zhou Tongyouughed.


    The two began exchanging pleasantries.


    Zhou Tongyou came as a representative of the Jueshan Sect for an exchange. He wasn''t alone; a group of talented disciples apanied him, though he acted independently.


    The reason he thought of Gu An was due to an encounter with Gu An''s disciple Ye Yan years ago.


    "Your disciple''s cultivation level may not be high, but hisprehension of spear techniques is remarkable. He has already grasped Spear Intent," Zhou Tongyou praised Ye Yan.


    Yang Jian was curious¡ªwas Ye Yan his senior brother?


    As he listened, he realized Ye Yan was merely a servant disciple from the valley and had not received genuine guidance from his master. He was a senior brother in name but not the one his master always mentioned.


    The master was truly impressive, nurturing a genius with just a few tips.


    In the end, Zhou Tongyou''s gaze fixed on Gu An, eyes burning: "It''s been years; shall we spar again? I will still suppress my cultivation to match yours, how about it?"


    Among his peers, Zhou Tongyou had only lost to two people: Lv Xian and Gu An, thetter due to suppressed cultivation.


    Gu An feigned hesitation.


    "Suppressed cultivation? Then why not let me fight on behalf of my master!" Yang Jian suddenly spoke up.


    Zhou Tongyou frowned, looking at Yang Jian. Just as he was about to refuse, his heart inexplicably trembled meeting Yang Jian''s gaze.


    For some reason, he thought of Lv Xian, that peerless genius of the past.


    "Well, let''s see your power then, and whether you can match your master," Zhou Tongyouughed, his eyes turning aggressive.


    The two disciples ying Go looked up in anticipation.


    Gu An said, "Let''s find an empty ce."


    He patted the heads of the two disciples, refocusing their attention on the game.


    Zhou Tongyou and Yang Jian followed Gu An. Walking along, Zhou Tongyou inquired about Yang Jian like an elder. Knowing Yang Jian was selected as a servant disciple, he felt relieved.


    He truly feared this one was a genius Gu An recruited from a noble family.


    Ordinary servant disciples couldn''t be geniuses, as the Spirit Root testing in great sects was reliable.


    Thirty minutester, outside Medicine Valley in a forest.


    Zhou Tongyou clutched his chest, his face full of shock, staring at Yang Jian, who remained in a kicking stance as if looking at a monster.


    "Are you really in the Energy Cultivation Realm?" Zhou Tongyou couldn''t help but ask.


    Yang Jian retracted his leg and said, "We both didn''t use Spiritual Power, so what realm doesn''t matter, does it?"


    Zhou Tongyou nearly spat blood at his words. He felt his chest bones were about to break.


    How could this guy''s Qi be so strong?


    Zhou Tongyou himself was a physical cultivator and had even cultivated the Evil Suppressing Golden Body...


    To him, Yang Jian seemed even more terrifying than Lv Xian!

 Chapter 245 Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, Is It Very Powerful?

    "Again!"


    Zhou Tongyou gritted his teeth. He couldn''t believe it; he couldn''t be defeated by a mere Servant Disciple!


    It was said that the Supreme Sect''s Qi Fortune had been soaring in recent years. He didn''t believe Qi Fortune could defy the heavens to such an extent that even a randomly picked Servant Disciple could defeat him.


    What a joke!


    He was the number one genius of the Zhou Family!


    Yang Jian waved at him, and this gesture made him even angrier.


    The two quickly tangled again. Gu An could see that Zhou Tongyou''s physique was special, but unfortunately, he met Yang Jian. Yang Jian''s physique wasparable to an Ancient Treasure Body. ording to the Immortal Seeking Taoist, as long as an Ancient Treasure Body grew smoothly, it would undoubtedly be an Immortal King of an era.


    No matter how strong Zhou Tongyou''s aptitude was, it was still below the Immortal Path. Two hundred years ago, there were no legends of the Mahayana Realm on this continent, and even the Mystic Heart Realm was known to only a few cultivators.


    Zhou Tongyou''s Evil Suppressing Golden Body,pared to Yang Jian''s physique, was as different as heaven and earth and posed no threat.


    Their bodies shed, fists and kicks met, and their attacks were fierce and as fast as a gale.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was attracted over. He stood at the edge of the forest and slowly approached.


    In the end, Zhou Tongyou, in his desperation, identally used Spiritual Power, forcing Yang Jian back.


    Yang Jian steadied himself, shook his right hand, and frowned.


    Facing his gaze, Zhou Tongyou''s face turned red instantly, and he said, "I admit defeat!"


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian''s frown immediately rxed. This was his first sparring match since following Gu An in immortal cultivation. He cared deeply about the oue; if he lost, wouldn''t he be letting his master down?


    Gu Anughed and said, "This kid has brute strength. How can a cultivator rely solely on Qi? It was an advantage for him. Winning or losing doesn''t matter. Jian''er, quickly thank the senior for his guidance."


    Yang Jian quickly cupped his hands in salute, sincerely expressing his thanks.


    The more sincere he was, the worse Zhou Tongyou''s expression became.


    Zhou Tongyou noticed a sneaky demon bull wandering in the distance and couldn''t help but ask, "Is that bull yours?"


    Gu An thought, "You don''t want to spar with the bull, do you?"


    "Yes, how about it? What do you think of its appearance?" Gu An asked with a proud tone, intending to skip over the sparring incident and save Zhou Tongyou some face.


    Zhou Tongyou pouted and said, "It looks decent, but its shape is a bit awkward."


    In the distance, the Blood Prison Great Saint widened his eyes. Just as he was about to curse, he was stopped by Gu An''s re and had to give up.


    Then, Gu An invited Zhou Tongyou to enter the valley for a chat, but he refused, saying he had other matters and had to leave after the spar.


    Gu An didn''t insist, watching him leave.


    Yang Jian scratched his head and asked, "Master, did I offend him?"


    Gu An looked at Zhou Tongyou''s back and said, "It''s alright. Letting him know early that there''s always someone better is not a bad thing."


    Gu An still had a good impression of Zhou Tongyou.


    This guy''s actions may be harsh, but his ability to guide those casual cultivators shows a kind heart.


    The conflict with the Zhou Family was hidden and shouldn''t affect his rtionship with Zhou Tongyou.


    Zhou Tongyou''s visit to the Supreme Sect this time was likely an attempt by the Zhou Family to mend their rtionship with the sect. There was no deep hatred between them; perhaps they could let things go in the future.


    "Master, do you think my battle just now had any problems?" Yang Jian humbly asked for advice.


    Gu An didn''t hold back and began to critique.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint approached, looking pitifully at Gu An.


    Only after Gu An patted his ox head did his mood improve.


    "He''s just a mortal; what are you fussing about?" Gu An''s words made the Blood Prison Great Saint smile widely.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ...


    The Jueshan Sect was a Righteous Path Sect within the Taicang Dynasty. During the previous demon disaster, they had also given their all, maintaining a good rtionship with the Supreme Sect. This time, the genius disciples of the Jueshan Sect came to spar with those of the Supreme Sect, causing quite a stir.


    Pan An''s Supreme Immortal Venerable was still very famous within the Supreme Sect. It was no secret that Zhou Tongyou in the book was the same Zhou Tongyou from the Jueshan Sect, so many people paid attention to his performance.


    Zhou Tongyou swept through the Supreme Sect''s disciples, showcasing the brilliance of decades past until he met Wu Jue.


    Without suppressing their cultivation levels, relying on their skills alone, Zhou Tongyou couldn''t defeat Wu Jue, solidifying Wu Jue''s reputation as a genius.


    Wu Jue was a genius nurtured by the Supreme Sect after An Hao, with extremely fast cultivation speed. He had once been a Golden List Genius. Now, having defeated Zhou Tongyou, he dispelled any remaining doubts and made the Supreme Sect''s disciples more hopeful for him.


    On the night of the full moon.


    Lv Baitian and Gu An were drinking together in a room.


    "Wu Jue sees you as his only brother, Li Ya considers you the most important person, Zhang Buku regards you as his only elder, and An Hao''s sister apprentices under you. Ji Xiaoyu, from the Ji Family, grew up with you. Even Gu Yu, the son of the Gu Zong, has a good rtionship with you. You little brat, and you still say you don''t have the ambition to be the next Sect Leader?" Lv Baitian red as he spoke.


    He truly admired Gu An, who could always make friends with geniuses and form excellent rtionships.


    Of course, he could understand why. Gu An''s genuine nature allowed him to form such good connections. Because of this, he admired Gu An, as it wasn''t easy to treat everyone genuinely.


    People tend to favor the promising. As for him, even if he often reminded himself to treat all disciples equally, he wouldn''t give a second nce to an average disciple passing by.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Heaven has been kind to me. I honestly don''t want to be the Sect Leader. Nowadays, the Supreme Sect is full of geniuses; do we stillck a leader?"


    "No matter how many geniuses, we can''t choose recklessly. The Sect Leader mustmand respect."


    "Can my current cultivation levelmand respect?"


    "Before I die, I''ll transfer my cultivation to you. Then, you''ll directly achieve the Mystic Heart Realm."


    "By the time you''re dying, I''ll have reincarnated ten times already."


    "Oh? So you are retreating to advance, wanting me to transfer my cultivation to you sooner?"


    The two began to banter, and Gu An wasn''t interested in his cultivation.


    Would I, a Carefree Primordial Immortal, need your Unification Realm cultivation level?


    Just one breath of Spiritual Energy is stronger than all your life''s cultivation!


    That night, after Lv Baitian left, Gu An quietly departed as well.


    Yan Qitian had finally arrived!


    Underneath the night sky, Yan Qitian rode a cloud, gliding past the full moon, looking like an immortal.


    He was pondering how to face Sword Venerable Fudao. Though he was working for him, the thought of facing the Sword Venerable brought him immense pressure.


    At that moment, a hand suddenly pressed on Yan Qitian''s shoulder, causing his heart to stop.


    With a roar, the cloud beneath his feet dispersed, and he fell into the forest below. When his feet touched the ground, his heart was in his throat.


    His Mana was surprisingly restrained, leaving him unable to move.


    What terrifying suppression! Stay connected through m-v l|e''-NovelBin


    For the first time, he felt such pressure, and fear began to grow in his heart.


    Fortunately, the hand on his shoulder released him, and he quickly turned to see Sword Venerable Fudao, immediately bowing in respect.


    "Senior, wasn''t that a bit too..." Yan Qitian couldn''t help but say, trying to calm himself.


    He suddenly recalled a recent book circting in the Star Sea Congregations about Sword Venerable Fudao. It mentioned that the Sword Venerable would press on someone''s shoulder before killing them. He thought it was just Xuan Tianyi''s whimsicality, but it turned out to be true.


    Wait!


    Could Sword Venerable Fudao be nning to kill him?


    Dispose of him after use?


    Yan Qitian''s expression changed drastically as he trembled,pletely losing the demeanor of a Loose Immortal and second rank on the Heavenly List.


    As the saying goes: The higher you stand, the more you fear. Being suppressed so easily by Sword Venerable Fudao, he shuddered at the thought of Fudao''s unimaginable cultivation level. How could he not be terrified?


    Gu An spoke, "Where is it?"


    Yan Qitian hurriedly took out a scroll from his storage ring, offering it with both hands, nervously replying, "This is collected through the power of my family and master. Though not entirely clear, it should give a general understanding of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s strength."


    Gu An made a gesture, and the scroll entered his hand. His Divine Sense prated it, dispelling all the restrictions within.


    Yan Qitian nervously stood aside, fearing that Sword Venerable Fudao might suddenly decide to kill him.


    He didn''t dare to flee, as it would be useless. It was better to try to make a good impression.


    After a while, Gu An looked at him and said, "You did well. Our transaction hasn''t been leaked, right?"


    Yan Qitian quickly replied, "Only my master knows. I mentioned a mysterious senior with a grudge against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wanting information. My master didn''t press further. Except for me, no one knows it''s you."


    Gu An nodded.


    Yan Qitian added, "Senior, dealing with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm can''t be done rashly. If you are willing, why not join forces with our Star Sea Congregations? From the information I''ve gathered, the Cave Master of One Star Cave is a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who achieved it fifty thousand years ago. Even our Sect Hierarch isn''t confident in defeating him."


    "Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, are they strong?"


    Gu An''s question left Yan Qitian speechless.


    Are they strong?


    Yan Qitian opened his mouth, suddenly realizing something.


    Could it be that the other party wasn''t unaware of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm but simply didn''t fear any Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal?


    His gaze changed instantly. Looking at Gu An, he felt an urge to kneel on the spot.


    "You did well. Tonight''s conversation must not be mentioned to anyone. If you dare to speak of it, no matter where you hide, I will find you, and no one can stop me."


    Gu An suddenly spoke, scaring Yan Qitian, who immediately bent over and promised.


    After he finished speaking, Gu An stepped up to him and ced two fingers on his forehead, making him stiffen and his eyes go vacant.


    ...


    Under the moonlit night, in a courtyard.


    Ji Xiaoyu was meditating in a pavilion, continuously casting spells, and cultivating some sort of cultivation technique.


    A figure walked in from the yard, a middle-aged man in arge robe with a stern countenance.


    He stopped before the pavilion, gazing at Ji Xiaoyu and sighing, "Xiaoyu, have you still not made up your mind?"


    Ji Xiaoyu did not respond.


    "The Primordial Daoist Talisman truly is extraordinary, but our Ji Family can''t protect it. Moreover, now that the Ji Family has allied with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, we can only choose to trust them," the middle-aged man said earnestly.


    Ji Xiaoyu opened her eyes and looked at him calmly, her gaze making him feel uneasy.

 Chapter 246: Chapter 246 Heavenly Eye Prophecy

    Ji Qiankun felt uneasy under Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze. Ever since a certain point, he began to feel like he couldn''t see through his own daughter. Despite his higher cultivation level, he always felt that his daughter was dangerous. He even suspected that she had been possessed, but after examining her, there were no signs of possession.


    Ji Xiaoyu slowly spoke: "Father, do you know the origin of the Primordial Daoist Talisman?"


    Ji Qiankun frowned and said: "The Primordial Daoist Talisman is a legacy left by ancient immortals. They choose their master through reincarnation. Those who possess the Primordial Daoist Talisman have extraordinary talent. With every major breakthrough, they will receive a legacy."


    "Xiaoyu, it was I who introduced you to the Primordial Daoist Talisman back then. I naturally understand its importance. However, the Primordial Daoist Talisman is not unique in this world. The development of the Ji Family has already hit a bottleneck. We need a force like the Seven Stars Spirit Realm to open a path overseas. Sacrificing for the family, the family will not treat you unfairly."


    Ji Xiaoyu stood up and looked at Ji Qiankun from within the pavilion.


    The moonlit night was like water, and the cold wind was bleak.


    Ji Qiankun felt irritated by Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Ji Xiaoyu say:


    "The Primordial Daoist Talisman in my body gave me a Heavenly Eye. Do you know what my Heavenly Eye sees?"


    Looking at Ji Xiaoyu''s extremely cold face, Ji Qiankun felt inexplicably uneasy. He pressed on: "What did you see?"


    Ji Xiaoyu stepped forward, circled around the stone table, and walked outside the pavilion. As she moved closer to Ji Qiankun, her momentum surged with each step. Her expression was as cold as an immortal in the skies, and her eyes were fixed on Ji Qiankun.


    "I saw the Seven Stars Spirit Realm shatter, with countless corpses lying around, blood flowing like a river."


    "I saw the Ji Family reaching its end, with the Qilin wailing in sorrow."


    "I saw you, Father, your head separated from your body, dying with unfulfilled wishes."


    Ji Xiaoyu''s voice was not loud, nor did her tone drop, but every word shook Ji Qiankun to his core.


    The Primordial Daoist Talisman, a result of ancient immortals'' cultivation, contained an unknown power.


    The Ji Family was also unaware of the power held by Ji Xiaoyu''s Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    Ji Xiaoyu stopped on the steps and looked at Ji Qiankun: "If the Ji Family only wanted me to offer the Primordial Daoist Talisman, I might not refuse. But you all want me dead. How do you expect me to agree?"


    Ji Qiankun remained silent. He wanted to say something, but looking into Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes, he felt that any words would be futile.


    "No matter how you ramble, this matter is settled. You do not have much time left!"


    Ji Qiankun left, flicking his sleeves.


    Watching his back, Ji Xiaoyu did not get angry; instead, a look of disdain appeared on her face.


    ...


    Dawn.


    Yan Qitian opened his eyes and found himself still in the woods. The figure of Sword Venerable Fudao was nowhere to be seen.


    He recalled the inherited memories in his mind, his expressionplex.


    "Breaking Path Divine Light..."


    He hadn''t expected Sword Venerable Fudao to bestow an inheritance of divine skills upon him. Although he had previously stated he needed no reward, for Sword Venerable Fudao to do this demonstrated a conduct that he greatly respected.


    At the same time, he understood that if he publicized this matter, Sword Venerable Fudao would not let him off lightly.


    Sword Venerable Fudao was a cultivator who clearly distinguished between gratitude and grievances, always keeping his promises.


    He sensed that the Breaking Path Divine Light was highly unusual; it was undoubtedly a rare and great opportunity!


    After much contemtion, he decided to visit the Supreme Sect.


    After all, Sword Venerable Fudao was in seclusion within the Supreme Sect. Building a good rtionship with the Supreme Sect was also a way to show his respect to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Moreover, he felt this might be an opportunity for him.


    Perhaps, with the help of the Supreme Sect, his path of immortal cultivation could proceed more smoothly.


    With that thought, he flew toward the Supreme Sect.


    On the other side, in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An was leading the disciples in exercises. The sight of over nine hundred disciples practicing together was quite impressive; even Yang Jian was practicing earnestly.


    The autumn air was crisp, and the spiritual energy was abundant.


    Gu An was in a great mood, a smile beaming on his face. Seeing his sunny disposition, the disciples'' spirits also lifted.


    After the exercises, Gu An didn''t leave but instead dragged Xiaochuan to y chess. The other disciples wanted to watch, but he refused.


    Once seated, Xiaochuan eagerly said: "Senior brother, I won''t go easy on you. Recently, I''ve had seventeen consecutive wins in chess."


    He arranged the ck and white pieces on the board and made the first move.


    Gu An followed with a move of his own and asked with a smile: "How is your practice going recently? Have you been taking the elixirs I gave you on time?"


    Xiaochuan was only three years younger than him and was nearing his lifespan limit. Gu An nned to help him release his cultivation level in the next two years.


    Xiaochuan, unlike Li Ya or Zhen Qin, who ventured into the immortal cultivation world, had little ambition and only helped Gu An manage medicinal herbs. Yet in Gu An''s heart, he held considerable significance.


    In this lifetime, the one who had apanied him the longest was Xiaochuan. Their rtionship had long since be like family.


    Xiaochuan casually replied: "It''s alright; I''ve been taking all the elixirs."


    His focus was on winning the chess game to impress his senior brother.


    Each time he moved, Gu An would make his move quickly, initially not paying much attention. But as time went on, Gu An''s speed in ying brought him immense pressure.


    What made it worse was that Gu An kept expressing concern for him, forcing him to respond, which left him increasingly agitated and frustrated.


    Of course, Gu An noticed Xiaochuan''s frustration; it was intentional on his part.


    Watching Xiaochuan be frazzled, Gu An found it highly amusing.


    Suddenly, Gu An asked: "Xiaochuan, would you like to leave the mountain to marry and have children?"


    Startled by this, Xiaochuan immediately looked up in panic: "Senior brother, do you want to get rid of me?"


    Gu An rolled his eyes at him and said: "Experiencing various pleasures in life is a must. I''m just suggesting you marry and have children. If you want toe backter, you''re wee anytime. Of course, if you don''t like women, that''s fine too."


    Xiaochuan was already 138 years old and had never experienced romantic rtionships before. As his senior brother, Gu An felt it was his duty to help him.


    Although Gu An himself had not experienced romantic rtionships in this lifetime, he had tasted it in his previous one, so it wasn''t intriguing for him. But for Xiaochuan, it was different.


    Xiaochuan didn''t even read Green Hero Travelogue, so Gu An was somewhat worried about him.


    Xiaochuan''s face turned crimson: "Isn''t this inappropriate?"


    "What''s inappropriate about it? When the timees, I''ll give you money. You can buy a house deed when you leave the mountain, and matchmakers will naturallye knocking. Experiencing a couple of decades in a normal life might not be a bad thing," Gu An said softly, cing another chess piece. This move made Xiaochuan''s face turn green.


    Shameless!


    ying chess was just ying chess. What was with these underhanded tactics?


    Xiaochuan''s thoughts were disrupted, but he was moved by Gu An''s words.


    In fact, Gu An had a deeper consideration for suggesting he leave the mountain, which was to see if experiencing worldly life could lead Xiaochuan to Path Enlightenment.


    Path Enlightenment was very mysterious. Even a Carefree Primordial Immortal couldn''t force someone to achieve it at will.


    The reason Path Enlightenment could alter one''s lifespan was because it gained the essence of heaven and earth. Human life was inherently determined by heavenly destiny.


    Thus, with Gu An''s relentless persuasion, Xiaochuan was defeated utterly in chess, ending in frustration.


    Gu An stood up and said with a smile: "Think it over carefully. Whenever you make up your mind,e to me. Don''t worry; we will always be brothers. As long as I''m here, I''ll protect you for life."


    Hearing these words, Xiaochuan''s spirits lifted. He turned to look, and Gu An had already walked away.


    For some reason, he felt that his senior brother''s arrangement was like preparing for his own impending end.


    It seemed his senior brother still cared about him a lot.


    A smile appeared on Xiaochuan''s face.


    Gu An also smiled, secretly thinking: "This little one still wants to beat me? Come back after practicing for another eight hundred years."


    That day, Yan Qitian visited the Supreme Sect, causing a stir among its top leaders. Lv Baitian personally received him, and they had extensive discussions.


    Three dayster, Yan Qitian left. The Supreme Sect announced that Yan Qitian, second on the Heavenly Rankings, had be a guest elder of the Supreme Sect. This news excited everyone in the Supreme Sect.


    It''s said that Yan Qitian left behind many cultivation techniques and spells, promising that should the Supreme Sect face difficulties, they could summon him with a magic artifact. To show their gratitude, the Supreme Sect began to publicize Yan Qitian''s deeds, aiming to make him the top cultivator of the Supreme Sect.


    Yan Qitian''s involvement shook the immortal cultivation world, putting pressure on various sects and congregations to engage in diplomacy with the Supreme Sect. However, the Cangtian Sect remained silent, with low morale.


    Autumn passed into winter, the snow nketing everything. Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin


    Mystic Valley.


    Gu An stood by the window, appreciating the snowy view.


    His divine sense enveloped the continent.


    Dealing with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm couldn''t be done forcefully, mainly because the realm was too vast. With five other caves overseas, he wanted to capture them all, but it was challenging. It was easy to alert other overseas factions or great cultivators.


    So he nned to first eliminate the Six Stars Cave and Seven Stars Cave on the continent.


    Gu An could detect their minor heaven and earth, waiting for a disturbance in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm before making his move.


    Since the appearance of Divine Exotic City, many oceanic cultivators had been traveling on the continent, including the Star Sea congregations, frequently shing with the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Gu An intended to strike the Seven Stars Spirit Realm during a major upheaval caused by the Star Sea congregations, eradicating their key cultivators, ending the realm''s presence on the continent.


    By then, the Star Sea congregations would likely advance north, pressuring the Seven Stars Spirit Realm to focus away from the continent.


    Today, Gu An suddenly sensed a peculiar power brewing in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, piquing his curiosity.


    He saw the essence of that power, further heightening his anticipation for the uing developments.


    "Indeed, this world is full of hidden talents, so many secret forces,"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An thought to himself as he turned and sat back at his desk, picking up the Supreme Secret Records.


    Reading many books eventually reveals what is ssic.


    ssics are those that never grow tiresome.


    He turned page after page, like witnessing the rings of a tree.


    Three years quickly passed by.


    Gu An''s lifespan once again surpassed tens of millions of years. On this day, he closed the Supreme Secret Records, stored it in his storage bag, then stood up and walked out of the attic.


    The summer sun was scorching, insects incessantly buzzing, the sunlight shining on Gu An, reminding him of the scene when he first entered Mystic Valley at fifteen.


    He fixed his gaze, seeing Lu Jiujia instructing newly arrived servant disciples.


    In Gu An''s eyes, Lu Jiujia''s back gradually merged with Zhang Chunqiu''s.


    A hundred years had passed, and though things had changed, some marks remained.


    Gu An smiled and began contemting which magic artifact to use in the uing war. Simply crushing with mana seemed too dull.

 Chapter 247 Reincarnation Does Not Permit You Either

    Thinking it over, Gu An decided to use the Heavenly Residence Sword.


    The Heavenly Residence Sword was a divine sword gifted to him by Li Ya, one of the three Emperor Swords of the Taicang Dynasty. Although the Emperor Sword was not very useful to him now, the elegant form of the Heavenly Residence Sword made it worth using.


    Gu An also thought of Lu Lingjun, who wielded two swords in battle, and felt that he could try using a two-handed sword as well.


    He had no pressure dealing with the Six Stars Cave and Seven Stars Cave of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Gu An went downstairs and made his way to Lu Jiujia, who quickly saluted him and introduced two new disciples.


    The two servant disciples were very nervous in front of Gu An, not like Li Ya and Meng Lang who were impatient with Cheng Xuandan and Zhang Chunqiu back in the day. The current status of the Supreme Sect in the Taicang Dynasty was far beyond what it was a hundred years ago, now being the top sect in the continent''s immortal cultivation world, second only to the legendary Holy Land.


    Gu An did not adhere strictly to the rules but instead gently encouraged the two new disciples, leaving them pleasantly surprised.


    After he left, the two disciples were filled with anticipation for their uing life in the Mystic Valley.


    Gu An did not head to the Third Medicine Valley but walked towards the mountains and forests outside the valley.


    He appreciated the scenery along the way and realized it had been many years since hest experienced the surroundings of the Mystic Valley on foot.


    Back then, he raced around the mountains with Xiaochuan, and life was carefree.


    "To feel such nostalgia after just over a hundred years, imagine what it will be like in ten thousand years."


    Gu An suddenly thought, then adjusted his emotions, preparing to invade the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Explore stories on m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Today, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was about to undergo a significant change, presenting the perfect opportunity for him.


    ...


    Sunlight poured into the courtyard where Ji Qiankun and numerous members of the Ji Family stood, chatting andughing.


    A number of cultivators floated in the distant sky, each like an immortal, showcasing their unique styles.


    This Ji Mansion, located atop a solitary mountain, covered an area of over ten miles. Thick fog swirled below the mountain, resembling a vast ocean, with peaks emerging from the sea of clouds, akin to immortal Taoist practice grounds.


    The sea of clouds stretched endlessly, as if this ce truly was above the Nine Heavens, with the sun directly overhead.


    Ji Hantian leaned against the courtyard door with his arms crossed in front of his chest and eyes closed. Judging by his furrowed brows, his mood was not good.


    Ji Qiankun came to Ji Hantian''s side, smiling, "Grandpa, the auspicious hour is near. Why don''t you go outside to greet the Luo Family?"


    Ji Hantian opened his eyes, snorted coldly, and left with a flick of his sleeve.


    Ji Qiankun did not get angry. He knew Ji Hantian had objections regarding the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, but since it concerned the family''s prosperity, Ji Hantian would choose to endure.


    Now that the Supreme Sect was thriving, the Ji Family had stopped insisting on Ji Hantian leaving the sect. In fact, they started to support him again, seeing another avenue as beneficial.


    Ji Qiankun turned back to see Ji Xiaoyu''s door adorned with joyous decorations. The sight eased his uneasy heart slightly.


    Every time he thought of Ji Xiaoyu''s words that night, he felt restless and upset.


    Dong¡ª¡ª


    The loud sound of a gong echoed through the heavens and the earth. A beam of golden light swept in from the horizon, rapidlynding in front of the Ji Mansion''s gate. The sounds of hooves and roars came from afar as nine white horses drew a golden carriage along the golden path. Two female cultivators, resembling fairies, leaned out of the carriage windows, holding baskets of flowers, and scattered petals continuously.


    The petals drifted with the wind, quickly dissipating into magpies that circled in the sky.


    The cultivators from nearby mountains flew out of their mansions, and some jumped out of the fog below, all wanting to watch the excitement.


    "What a grand spectacle. As expected of the Luo Family."


    "I heard Luo Yetian has broken through to the Mahayana Realm. Is it true?"


    "It should be true. Entering the Mahayana Realm after just over five hundred years is indeed terrifying talent."


    "Ji Xiaoyu of the Ji Family is not simple either. It''s said she was born with a Primordial Daoist Talisman and great fortunes. She is a perfect match for Luo Yetian."


    "With the Ji Family allied with the Luo Family, they are set to rise. If they produce an immortal, it would be even more remarkable. They might even cultivate in the Five Stars Cave in the future."


    Each mountain belonged to a different family, but these families were at the lower end of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, iparable to the Luo Family, hence their envy of the Ji Family''s fortune.


    At the end of the golden path, numerous cultivators rode on magic artifacts, flying in a grand procession that stirred the clouds. They swiftlynded by the golden path, stretching all the way to the Ji Mansion''s gate. ncing around, there were at least a thousand cultivators, all with imposing auras and dressed in golden robes.


    The nine-horse-drawn carriage halted at the gate. The curtain opened, and an imposing man in a red robe stepped out. He was tall and handsome, with long hair tied in a Lotus Jade Crown, resembling a star lord descended from the heavens. His eyes shone brightly as if they contained the universe.


    Seeing him disembark, the Ji Family cultivators hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.


    Luo Yetian smiled and asked, "Sister Yu, are you ready?"


    He had been busy in seclusion, only meeting Ji Xiaoyu once. Sensing the innate aura of the Primordial Daoist Talisman within her and admiring her exceptional beauty, he had his family propose the marriage. He barely needed to lift a finger, just one word from him was enough.


    And as he expected, the Ji Family agreed without hesitation.


    He chose this year precisely because he had just reached the Mahayana Realm. In previous years, his mind was solely focused on advancing to the Mahayana Realm, and Ji Xiaoyu was merely a thought, not worth upying his entire mind.


    An elder of the Ji Family smiled and said, "She is ready and can depart anytime."


    Luo Yetian nodded, "Our Luo Family has already invited all the major families from the Six Stars Cave and the Seven Stars Cave, and even some seniors from the Five Stars Cave to attend. This wedding will surely be grand. Rest assured; we are one family now."


    He spoke appropriately without arrogance, making the Ji Family cultivators smile and thank him repeatedly.


    He looked up at the Ji Mansion, anticipation showing in his eyes.


    He could already sense the aura of the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    Meanwhile, in the courtyard where Ji Xiaoyu resided, Ji Qiankun urged her from outside the door.


    "The auspicious hour has arrived. Don''t keep the Luo Family waiting." Ji Qiankun said, knocking on the door.


    The door opened at that moment.


    Ji Xiaoyu, d in a phoenix crown and cloud robe, stepped out apanied by two female cultivators. The veil covered her face, revealing only a snow-white chin, and her hands were sped before her stomach,porting herself with grace.


    Seeing she was already in her wedding attire, Ji Qiankun heaved a sigh of relief and smiled.


    "Xiaoyu, what you worry about might not happen. There may be a turnaround. The Luo Family has even invited great cultivators from the Five Stars Cave; they might be able to help you." Ji Qiankun said softly.


    Ji Xiaoyu passed by him, stopping suddenly, "Crossing this door, our father-daughter bond ends."


    Ji Qiankun frowned, "What nonsense are you talking about? I will always be your father, and the Ji Family will always be your home."


    Ji Xiaoyu said nothing more, stepping forward.


    Apanied by the two female disciples of the Ji Family, she left the courtyard.


    Ji Qiankun watched her back and exhaled deeply.


    Over the past three years, he had feared any mishap in this marriage, so he had been guarding Ji Xiaoyu closely.


    He quickly followed, not resting assured until he delivered Ji Xiaoyu to the Luo Family himself.


    Outside the mansion gate, a disciple hurriedly came out to inform the Ji Family''s higher-ups that Ji Xiaoyu wasing, causing smiles to bloom on everyone''s faces.


    They had long heard of Ji Xiaoyu''s dissatisfaction, but such was the fate of noble families, where marriages served the family''s interests.


    During the wait, a cultivator of the Ji Family asked Luo Yetian about the rumored World-Destroying Sea Tide''s validity.


    Luo Yetian pondered and said, "I heard it upon emerging from seclusion as well. Such rumors have spread across the seas, but the truth is uncertain. At least a hundred years from now, it seems unlikely, beyond that, no one can say."


    The surrounding cultivators began to murmur, discussing the matter.


    After a while, many cultivators from the Ji Family walked out of the gate, with Ji Xiaoyu in the center, surrounded like the moon among stars.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Upon seeing her, Luo Yetian smiled.


    Just then, Ji Xiaoyu stopped and tore off the red veil from her head, igniting it in her palm until it quickly turned to ashes.


    Her expression was icy cold, eyes fixed on Luo Yetian, with a faint smile on her lips.


    Luo Yetian felt ufortable under her gaze and frowned, "What do you mean by this?"


    The surrounding Luo Family cultivators also frowned. Was Ji Xiaoyu about to oppose this marriage?


    "Quickly bring another red veil," the n leader of the Ji Family ordered, looking at Ji Qiankun with a dissatisfied expression.


    Before Ji Qiankun could speak, Ji Xiaoyu soared into the sky, hovering a hundred meters above. The Luo Family cultivators didn''t stop her, curious about her intentions.


    Did she n to cancel the marriage in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm?


    A red pattern appeared on Ji Xiaoyu''s forehead, the runes of the Primordial Daoist Talisman. As the power of the talisman surged out, her aura transformed drastically.


    "You mortals disturb my rebirth process, how utterly vexing," Ji Xiaoyu said, frowning slightly. Her voice resonated through the skies, her tone coldly indifferent, making the Ji Family cultivators find her unrecognizable.


    Luo Yetian, sensing something, ascended to her level and asked suspiciously, "Who exactly are you?"


    One by one, the Luo Family cultivators appeared in the air, surrounding Ji Xiaoyu.


    The sky and sea of clouds churned, forming thunderclouds. A towering figure appeared within those clouds, like a giant god standing in outer heaven, overlooking the world.


    Ji Xiaoyu did not look up but calmly gazed at Luo Yetian, "Some karmic entanglements are beyond your reach. Disturbing my cultivation, even reincarnation will not pardon you."


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    An immense pressure erupted from Ji Xiaoyu, and golden mes emanated from her forehead, rapidly forming a hundred-meter-tall silhouette behind her. The figure looked exactly like her but radiated an aura surpassing the Mahayana Realm.


    Ji Xiaoyu raised her hand, grasping at the sky. The phantom behind her mirrored her movements, shattering the thunderclouds with one hand. Within her palm, an awe-inspiring figure appeared, the same one from earlier, now filled with fear.


    Before he could speak, golden mes engulfed him. In an instant, he was incinerated, leaving no trace behind.

 Chapter 248 Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, One Sword to Sever!

    "Impudent!"


    Seeing Ji Xiaoyu summon a phantom that directly annihted the Great Cultivator of the Luo Family, the other Luo Family cultivators were instantly enraged. They each brought out their own Dharma Treasures, prepared to kill her on the spot.


    Luo Yetian was about to speak when the phantom behind Ji Xiaoyu suddenly erupted with golden mes, sweeping in all directions. The cultivators from all directions were toote to dodge and could only instinctively use Spiritual Power and Mana to resist.


    As the golden mes swept past, the entire world suddenly changed.


    The sky turned crimson, and countless meteors fell from the distance. Each meteor stirred up a shockwave, creating a breathtaking spectacle.


    Ji Xiaoyu stood high above, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth, but her brows did not knit together, remaining indifferent.


    The phantom behind her ignited with golden mes, and the Dao Patterns on its forehead flickered with a strange light. She raised her right hand to her mouth, muttering something, andyers of golden glyphs burst forth from her body, expanding rapidly to dominate the entire sky in less than three breaths.


    "I didn''t expect the Primordial Daoist Talisman to contain will! I wonder which ancient predecessor it is that we have disturbed?"


    An elderly voice rang out as an old man in a grey robe appeared, blocking in front of Luo Yetian.


    Luo Yetian quickly raised his hand to salute him, his demeanor respectful.


    The old man in the grey robe did not turn around, his gaze fixed intently on the golden phantom behind Ji Xiaoyu.


    "A Loose Immortal is not enough," Ji Xiaoyu''s voice rang out once more.


    The grey-robed old man''s face changed dramatically, and he immediately took out a jade staff.


    Boom¡ª


    A horrifying wave of golden mes rushed towards him. The grey-robed old man used his Mana to resist, but Luo Yetian behind him still felt the searing pain. This pain was not just on the surface; even his soul felt the agony.


    "How is this possible...Who exactly is she?" Luo Yetian thought in disbelief.


    The Ji Family members below were equally astonished.


    Was Ji Xiaoyu''s Primordial Daoist Talisman really containing such terrifying power?


    Ji Qiankun suddenly remembered what Ji Xiaoyu had told him three years ago, and a chill ran down his spine.


    The grey-robed old man, possessing Loose Immortal cultivation, couldn''t withstand the vast golden mes. Blood spots appeared on his skin, as did on Luo Yetian''s behind him.


    The other Luo Family Great Cultivators attacked from different directions, but their Mana quickly dissolved as it approached the golden mes, unable to harm Ji Xiaoyu.


    The mountains trembled as if they were about to copse, startling the cultivators in their caves. More and more people flew into the sky, looking at Ji Xiaoyu in disbelief.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Under their gaze, the golden phantom behind Ji Xiaoyu raised its right hand, drawing cracks across the sky with its fingertips. When her hand stopped, the space along the path shattered instantly, golden mes coiling around the edges of the space rift, forming a gigantic halo.


    The blood spilling from Ji Xiaoyu''s mouth increased, but her eyes remained calm.


    The golden phantom behind her drew a giant golden fan from the halo, its surface shaped like maple leaves, covered with glyphs, as if hiding numerous worlds.


    As the giant golden fan descended, the world began to copse, space twisted and shattered, clouds dispersed, and giant peaks crumbled.


    The cultivators residing in thisnd scattered like headless flies, in extreme panic.


    "Retreat with the people!"


    The grey-robed old man''s voice was low and solemn as he resisted the golden mes, having transformed into a man of blood; Luo Yetian behind him was slightly better, but his skin also began to ulcerate.


    Luo Yetian gritted his teeth, just about to turn and leave.


    At that moment, the golden phantom behind Ji Xiaoyu suddenly swung the fan. A wave of burning mes swept across half of the sky, vaporizing all the cultivators along the way. Grey-robed old man and Luo Yetian couldn''t escape; as the me wave passed, both of them turned into Light Stars, their bodies and souls annihted, scattering like falling sparks.


    This scene left the Ji Family cultivators and other n cultivators stunned and terrified.


    Ji Xiaoyu tilted her head, looking down at Ji Qiankun.


    The Ji Family cultivators were extremely tense, not daring to meet her gaze.


    Everyone within the Ji Family knew that the family had nned to sacrifice her; she didn''t truly wish to marry.


    "With so many dead from the Luo Family, how will the Ji Family live in the future?" Ji Xiaoyu''s icy voice reached the ears of the Ji Family members.


    Ji Qiankun, Ji Hantian, and the others felt a chill rise from their hearts, spreading throughout their bodies.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes began to fill with blood, quickly turning blood-red.


    "Xiaoyu, what exactly do you want to do?" Ji Hantian quickly asked. Apart from the Luo Family, no other families had suffered from the golden mes, making other n cultivators silently sigh in relief.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes, now blood-red, raised to look towards the horizon.


    At the end of the world appeared a massive ck rift from which silhouettes flew out, rapidly approaching.


    These figures all had an aura stronger than the previous grey-robed old man!


    A horrifying killing intent locked onto Ji Xiaoyu.


    Ji Xiaoyu raised her right hand, and the golden phantom behind her mirrored the motion with its giant golden fan.


    At that moment, a figure appeared before her. Her eyes widened in surprise, showing clear shock despite the blood covering them.


    Gu An, wielding the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, stood before Ji Xiaoyu. He held a sword in each hand, one being the Heavenly Residence Sword, the other the Qinghong Sword, both shrouded in dark purple Demonic Qi, hiding their true forms.


    Facing the approaching Great Cultivators from afar, Gu An casually swung his swords.


    The sword light illuminated the world!


    A streak of Sword Qi, like a white rainbow, swept across the sky. The Great Cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm attacking Ji Xiaoyu were swallowed by the Sword Qi before they could even see Gu An''s form, turned to ash and vanished.


    [You have sessfully taken 590 years of lifespan from Luo Ku (Seventh Level of Loose Immortal Realm)]


    [You have sessfully taken 387 years of lifespan from Daoist Zhen (Ninth Level of Loose Immortal Realm)]


    [You have sessfully taken 1032 years of lifespan from Lu Changfeng (Seventh Level of Loose Immortal Realm)]


    ...


    One by one, notifications appeared before Gu An''s eyes.


    Gu An turned to look at the devastated Ji Xiaoyu, deeply rmed. The power of this Primordial Daoist Talisman was astonishing.


    It was alreadyparable to the Wandering Immortal Realm!


    However, Ji Xiaoyu was struggling to withstand it; her life force was fading rapidly.


    He spoke, "Withdraw your divine skill."


    He used the voice of Sword Venerable Fudao, hoarse and steady.


    Ji Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Reincarnation has begun, and it cannot be reversed."


    Gu An''s gaze shifted to the golden phantom behind her. He could see that the soul aura of the golden phantom was identical to Ji Xiaoyu''s. This power must have originated from somewhere else, summoned rather than hidden within her.


    He tried a Life Span Detection on the golden phantom but found nothing.


    "Sword Venerable, have youe specifically to assist me?" Ji Xiaoyu suddenly asked.


    Gu An replied, "I came to annihte the Seven Stars Spirit Realm."


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes bled as she smiled, "This life was too short, Sword Venerable. If we are fated, we shall meet again in the future."


    Her body suddenly burst forth with golden light and then scattered. A golden talisman appeared, absorbing the surrounding golden light into itself, and then quickly merged into the golden phantom.


    Gu An''s gaze fell on the giant fan in the hands of the golden phantom, feeling the terrifying power within it.


    This treasure was no weaker than the Divine Exotic City, and it wasn''t even a physical object, just manifested power.


    The golden phantom swung its fan, and an overwhelming wave of golden mes soared overhead, breaking through the heavens. The terrifying spiritual energy surged in from the Minor Heaven and Earth outside.


    A burst of intense light erupted from the distant darkness, a presence beyond a Wandering Immortal Realm approaching, extremely fast.


    Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal!


    This Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal raised his palm to strike, intending to annihte the golden phantom with one blow. The golden phantom immediately raised its fan to defend.


    Rumble¡ª


    The heavens trembled, and space copsed and twisted.


    Gu An stood beneath the fan, looking up at the giant golden fan, filled with curiosity about this treasure.


    "Sword Venerable, my power won''t hold for long." Ji Xiaoyu''s voice sounded, tired.


    The golden phantom''s arm trembled, the fan moving closer to Gu An, unable to withstand the power of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    Gu An focused, using Life Span Detection on the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    [Earth Gang Divine Lord (First Layer of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm): 129080/230000/250000]


    A Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who had lived for twelve thousand years!


    Gu An took a step, crossing the distance of two formidable powers, appearing in front of the Earth Gang Divine Lord.


    The Earth Gang Divine Lord''s face changed dramatically, disbelief showing on his face.


    Sword light shed, Sword Qi burst forth!


    With one sh, Gu An annihted the Earth Gang Divine Lord, body and soul, in an instant. The terrifying force even pushed back the golden phantom.


    The golden phantom, holding the giant fan, looked at Gu An''s back, its features changing, clearly startled by Gu An''s power.


    "I underestimated you, Sword Venerable. I look forward to meeting you again," Ji Xiaoyu''s voice sounded. Immediately after, the golden phantom scattered, merging into the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    The Primordial Daoist Talisman tore through space and quickly disappeared.


    Gu An turned to see the Ji Family cultivators retreating. Amid the crowd, Ji Hantian seemed to sense something and looked back, meeting his gaze.


    At that moment, Ji Hantian felt a mix of shock and guilt.


    He was shocked at Sword Venerable Fudao''s invincible presence in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and guilt-ridden for seemingly disappointing the elder.


    He had always thought that the "Righteous Path" inscribed on the Heavenly Repair tform was left by Sword Venerable Fudao, hoping he could lead the Supreme Sect onto the righteous path.


    The fiery aura in the sky surged like tidal waves. A blink of an eyeter, Ji Hantian could no longer see Sword Venerable Fudao''s figure.


    Gu An took one step across space, arriving at a vast White Jade Square where thousands of disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm were meditating, all facing a grand pce ahead.


    No one noticed Gu An''s arrival!


    Gu An''s gaze shifted to the pce, feeling the presence of another Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal hidden within.

 Chapter 249 If the Heavens Dont Take You, I Will

    In the pce, the sound of preaching continuously echoed, immersing the cultivators in the za, making it difficult for them to extricate themselves.


    Gu An, holding his twin swords, stepped forward. Against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he did not intend to reach the level of exterminating everyone; he only wanted to ughter the high-ranking members to disperse the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on this continent.


    If he were to annihte the entire Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the surrounding major forces would undoubtedly be more wary of him, possibly drawing even stronger entities.


    Gu An walked among the disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. With each step, he resisted the preaching sound from the pce. The disciples behind him awakened one by one, seeing Gu An, they were startled, hurriedly got up, took out their magic artifacts and divine weapons, and prepared for battle.


    Gu An continued to walk without looking back or pausing his steps.


    "Who is he?"


    "What does he intend to do?"


    "I can''t see through his cultivation level; we shouldn''t act rashly after all, there''s a Divine Lord stationed here."


    "Could he be someone from the Star Sea Congregations?"


    "No, this seems like the Demon Shadow Divine Skill, a cultivation technique from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion of the Taicang Dynasty. I have seen it before, the one who mastered it fully is the Sword Venerable Fudao residing in the Supreme Sect..."


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    These four words made the disciples in the za tremble with fear.


    How could they not have heard of Sword Venerable Fudao, who even forced the Cave Master Divine Soul True Lord of the Six Stars Cave to retreat?


    It was said that after that battle, the Divine Soul True Lord disappeared and no one knew where he went. There were also spections within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm that the Divine Soul True Lord was killed by Sword Venerable Fudao.


    No matter the im, the strength of Sword Venerable Fudao was something the Seven Stars Spirit Realm dreaded.


    The disciples in this za were either geniuses or nobles of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. They knew some inside information; for example, Startling Immortal Lin from the Lin Family died at the hands of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Instantly, more and more disciples in the za woke up. Regardless of their high cultivation levels, none dared to approach Gu An, let alone stop him.


    Before long, Gu An arrived in front of the pce steps.


    Being closer, he could better appreciate the majesty of the pce, exuding a Daoist Intent Gu An had never felt before. This Daoist Intent could make it easier for one toprehend Daoist Sorcery, indicating that the materials of this pce were not simple and might contain some powerful formation.


    There was only one person inside the pce, a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal!


    Stronger by a few degrees than the previous Earth Gang Divine Lord!


    It had to be known that the strongest beings in the Six Stars Cave and the Seven Stars Cave were only in the Wandering Immortal Realm. Now, two Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals had emerged, indicating that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had long been prepared.


    Fortunately, Gu An had not rashlye before; he dared toe now because he was certain that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm did not have a Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    The Star Sea Congregations were unlikely to deceive him. After all, if the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had a Carefree Primordial Immortal, how could they allow the Star Sea Congregations to oppress them so?


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, what kind of irreconcble enmity do you have with my Seven Stars Spirit Realm?"


    An elderly voice echoed from within the pce, resounding in this Heaven and Earth. Hearing his voice, the agitated disciples in the za calmed down one by one.


    This was a senior from the Five Stars Cave, renowned overseas, surely capable of subduing Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Since the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had many Minor Heaven and Earths, and they existed separately without being connected, the battle in the Minor Heaven and Earth where the Ji Family resided could not be felt. They were unaware that a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal had already fallen at Gu An''s hands.


    They did not know, but the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal inside the pce was very clear about it!


    "Raising the Demon Ancestor, creating Evil Demons, and toying with mortals, do you still wonder if there''s a grudge?"


    Gu An''s voice rang out, changing the expressions of all the cultivators in the za.


    Although they had vaguely heard of it, it was still hard to ept when Sword Venerable Fudao tore away the disguise of this sin.


    After all, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm prided itself as following the Righteous Path!


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    The pce doors swung open, a strong wind howled out, blowing the demonic qi on Gu An and forcing back all the disciples in the za.


    A figure walked out from the depths of the pce, a man in a feathered robe with a valiant face, a white crane''s shadow swirling behind him, his whole being exuding Immortal aura. He walked to the steps, looking down at Gu An from above.


    "You, covered in demonic qi, havee to seek justice in a Holy Land. Don''t you find itughable?"


    The feathered robe man asked indifferently.


    [Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, thirdyer): 158082/260000/310000]


    Gu An looked at the prompt in front of him, unmoved.


    He could feel that Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord was stalling for time; several Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were rushing over. This was precisely what Gu An wanted.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An responded: "Demon is not demon, Immortal is not Immortal; if the heavens won''t judge you, I will."


    Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lordughed aloud as if he had heard a grand joke.


    "That Demon Ancestor is formed from the Qi Fortune of Heaven and Earth, it can only be killed, not abolished forever. To suppress it, how many disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm have guarded here for generations? The Evil Demons are vile beyond measure. To seal it, how many lives has the Seven Stars Spirit Realm lost?"


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, do you know how many enemies the Seven Stars Spirit Realm has repelled to protect the environment of this continent, how many disciples have been buried in the ocean?"


    "You only see the suffering of the mortals on the continent, but have you considered how much the Seven Stars Spirit Realm has sacrificed?"


    Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord spoke vehemently, his words stirring the emotions of all the cultivators in the za.


    Indeed, others might not know, but being disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, how could they be unaware of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s long-term defense of the continent?


    Each of them had close rtives or friends who had died in battles with ocean forces and demons.


    They looked at Gu An with expressions full of anger, as if Gu An was the sinner.


    Gu An stood in ce, quietly watching Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord. When Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord finished speaking, he suddenly asked: "The Evil Demons on the continent have been eliminated by me; why, then, are there other Evil Demons in your hall?"


    The za fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord.


    Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord coldly replied: "Nonsense, must I let you enter the hall to check?"


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    Rolling thunderclouds swiftly covered the sky, vast auras descended. Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord visibly rxed a bit.


    "My Seven Stars Spirit Realm is the Holy Land established by the Immortal Path Holy Court in the mortal world, how could you, an evil demon, nder it!"


    "Laughable, one who dares not reveal his true self, yet dreams of toppling the Seven Stars Spirit Realm singlehandedly?"


    "Killing our Divine Lord of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, today will see you eradicated without reincarnation!"


    "For hundreds of thousands of years, how many beings have been saved by my Seven Stars Spirit Realm; do you think you can shake it?"


    "Whether one is righteous or demonic, it''s not for you to judge!"


    One after another, majestic and imposing voices resounded like thunder, startling the disciples in the za. They all looked up, their faces full of shock.


    Strong lights emerged from the swirling thunderclouds, piercing through the sea of clouds and illuminating the sky and earth.


    At the same time.


    Snow began to fall over the continent.


    In the height of summer, snowkes drifted down from the sky, causing all beings on earth to wonder.


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    The disciples stopped what they were doing and looked up at the snowkes filling the sky.


    Yang Jian stood in front of the wooden railing, reaching out to catch a snowke. It quickly melted, turning not into water, but a wisp of white gas.


    "This is..." Yang Jian frowned, sensing an elusive aura from the snowke. This aura intrigued him, and he immediately reached out to grab more snowkes.


    You Yingying, who was ying chess with An Xin, looked up.


    "Snow in summer, what kind of omen is this? I''ve never seen it before," An Xin muttered.


    You Yingying reached out, catching a snowke. It turned into a wisp of white gas and dissipated. Her expression changed slightly, and she whispered, "Heavenly snowfall, snow turning to gas, this is abnormal; could it be the legendary sign of an Immortal''s fall?"


    An Xin asked curiously, "What is the sign of an Immortal''s fall?"


    You Yingying replied, "I''ve heard that when a high Dao Level Immortal falls, Heaven and Earth would produce an anomaly, as a testament to their life''s cultivation achievements."


    "An Immortal''s fall? Is it on this continent or overseas?" An Xin asked curiously.


    You Yingying looked up, her eyesplex, and answered, "Probably on this continent."


    Throughout the Supreme Sect, any cultivator exposed to sunlight was discussing this sudden anomaly in Heaven and Earth.


    Ye Lan also stepped out of her room and into the courtyard. She looked up with furrowed brows.


    Miles away, Wu Jue was simrly affected. Yet, he seemed to attain an almost mystical state, as ifprehending something.


    In the Great Jiang Dynasty, in the Juhua Sect.


    Jiang Qiong and the Ghost Mother of Ephemera stood on the cliff''s edge, reaching out to catch snowkes.


    "A sign of an Immortal''s fall. It appears the conflict between the Seven Stars Spirit Realm and the Star Sea Congregations has reached an irreconcble point. A high Dao Level Immortal has fallen," the Ghost Mother of Ephemera said, frowning with worry.


    Jiang Qiong smiled, "The more fiercely they fight, the better it is for us."


    Despite her words, she felt an inexplicable unease, as if something bad was about to happen.


    ...


    In the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    The thunderclouds spread, forming a giant vortex. A golden mirror floated in the vortex, its edges carved with patterns of various divine beasts, the mirror surface a deep blue, surrounded by crimson mes.


    Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, the Seven Stars Mirror!


    In front of the Seven Stars Mirror, a figure floated. He wore a long purple robe, with two fiery red orbs hovering over his shoulders like suns. Behind him was a crescent moon, from which wisps of spiritual energy emanated, forming colorful clouds around him.


    He looked down at Gu An from above.


    [Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, seventhyer): 187034/420000/490000]


    Gu An looked at this man''s life span with slight satisfaction.


    In this Heaven and Earth, a total of seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals had appeared. Besides the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning, the cultivation levels of the others were all below the sixthyer, except for one who had reached the fifthyer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    With the appearance of the Seven Stars Mirror, the entire Minor Heaven and Earth was sealed. Creatures outside could not enter, and those inside could not escape.


    The disciples in the za bore unimaginable pressure, falling to their knees and painfully gazing at the sky.


    The high-standing six Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals remained indifferent to the disciples'' suffering.


    So did Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord in front of the pce doors. He took out a Divine Weapon, a silver spear about ten feet long, with a ck g just below the spearhead, depicting a demonic shadow.


    All seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals focused their gazes on Gu An.


    At this moment, Gu An seemed to be resisting the entire Heaven and Earth!

 Chapter 250: Chapter 250 Arrogant Sword Venerable, do you still have reinforcements?

    The divine light of the Seven Stars Mirror was so brilliant, illuminating the expressions of all the disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on the square. At this moment, the disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm also realized that something was wrong. The high and mighty Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals seemed to be preparing to abandon them.


    For a while, cries, pleas for mercy, sobs, and curses kept ringing out.


    But Gu An, who was being stared at by the seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, was looking at the two treasure swords in his hand.


    The Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning looked down at Gu An and asked, "Do you have anything else to say?"


    Sword Venerable Fudao''s origins were mysterious and he could even y Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, so the Realm Master couldn''t help but feel some dread. He feared that there might be even more terrifying beings standing behind Sword Venerable Fudao, so he didn''t act immediately.


    If he had no backing, he would not let Sword Venerable Fudao go today!


    Gu An raised his head, looked up at the six Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals in the sky, and asked, "Are your people all here, or do you still have reinforcements?"


    As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals all changed dramatically.


    Arrogant!


    They had lived for hundreds of thousands of years and had never seen such an arrogant person.


    With the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure overhead and seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals working together, could he dare to be so arrogant?


    The Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning thought of many possibilities in an instant. He even thought that Sword Venerable Fudao might be at a higher realm than the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, but then he dismissed the idea, thinking how could such an ethereal existence be hiding in a small corner of this continent?


    Shouldn''t he go to Outer Heaven to seek the opportunity for the Great Dao?


    Feeling the power of the Seven Stars Mirror, the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning''s eyes shed with fierceness.


    Even if someone surpassed the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm and killed so many Great Cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, this matter could not be let go!


    He immediately raised his hand; the Seven Stars Mirror, as high as ten thousand feet, trembled violently, bursting out with even more terrifying pressure!


    The voices of all the disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on the square came to an abrupt end, and they desperately felt their skin ulcerate and their flesh dissolve.


    At this moment, a vast power enveloped them, removing the torture they were enduring. They couldn''t help but widen their eyes, looking subconsciously for the source of this power, and their gaze fell on Gu An.


    "Have you recognized it now? Is this the Holy Land you think it is?"


    Gu An''s voice rang out, making the faces of the disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm lookplicated.


    They were all the talented disciples of the Six Stars Cave and Seven Stars Cave, believing they had a great role and bearing the future of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Yet now, they were being abandoned by the Seven Stars Spirit Realm without any fault of their own. How could they ept this?


    The Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord also flew under the Seven Stars Mirror. The seven immortals worked together, their bodies bursting into light, resembling the Big Dipper, suspended under the Seven Stars Mirror. Their mana merged with the aura of the Seven Stars Mirror, making the pressure of the Seven Stars Mirror even more formidable.


    Gu An looked up at them, feeling emotional.


    So this was the power of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?


    He felt that the power disyed by the Seven Stars Mirror at this moment had already surpassed that of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals. Even a Great Cultivator of the first threeyers of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm would find it difficult to resist.


    Of course, even if a Carefree Primordial Immortal couldn''t match it, escaping would still be easy!


    Gu An suddenly had a new idea. He asked aloud, "Gentlemen, if I shatter this dark sky, can you bring brightness to thisnd?"


    Upon hearing this, the seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals frowned.


    The disciples of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on the square were all stunned. Before they could react, Gu An shed his sword.


    His right hand held the Heavenly Residence Sword. His wrist rotated, with the tiger''s mouth facing downwards, and the de shed upwards.


    His posture was so casual. This sword seemed to have no powerful momentum, yet as the sword shed the sky, mes and air sts dissipated. The seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals in front of the Seven Stars Mirror could not evade and were directly turned to ashes.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    The Seven Stars Mirror was struck by sword qi, shaking violently. The thunderclouds above were directly cleaved, and sunlight poured down!


    The tens of thousands of geniuses of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on the square were all dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes.


    They had already felt the power of the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning and the Seven Stars Mirror. That was a power they couldn''t even imagine or resist.


    Even though Sword Venerable Fudao''s mana protected them, they still thought a fierce battle would ur. But that wasn''t the case.


    One sword to annihte!


    Crushing and devastating!


    It seemed as if they hadn''t killed the strongest of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm but rather the cloud waves in the sky!


    The storm swept across the world, and the fierce wind crashed through the spirit mist enveloping the mountains and rivers. One after another, the mountain forests appeared, pressed by the violent gale like turbulent waves, spectacr beyondpare.


    Only the Seven Stars Mirror remained in the sky!


    The ten-thousand-foot-high Seven Stars Mirror quickly withdrew its aura. The mirror body trembled for a while and then began to fall.


    ["You have sessfully taken 25,709 years of life from the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning (Seventh Layer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm)."]


    ["You have sessfully taken 10,041 years of life from the Ten Thousand Miles Divine Lord (Third Layer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm)."]


    ["You have sessfully taken 18,116 years of life from the Divine Lord Xiang (Fifth Layer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm)."]


    ...


    A total of six messages appeared in front of Gu An, making Gu An secretly puzzled.


    Why was one person missing?


    Gu An remembered that person, named Thousand-Faced Divine Lord, with a cultivation level of the fourthyer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    He clearly felt that the seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals all turned to ashes, and it was impossible for anyone to escape.


    Could it be that this person had other avatars?


    If so, why could he still sense their lifespan?


    Gu An''s divine sense quickly enveloped the continent and kept expanding but couldn''t find any trace of the Thousand-Faced Divine Lord.


    This opened his eyes.


    The Thousand-Faced Divine Lord was quite a character, able to escape from his hands, even more capable than the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning at the Seventh Layer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm!


    Gu An suddenly gained more than 80,000 years of life. Previously, when he killed the cultivators of the Luo Family, he had also gained more than 50,000 years of life. This time, he gained nearly 130,000 years of life, which was quite good, saving him months of effort.


    The most important thing was to eliminate potential threats!


    Gu An raised his hand, storing the now-shrunken Seven Stars Mirror in his hand. He probed it with his divine sense, overbearingly destroyingyers of restrictions, quickly finding the Immortal Spirit, and forcibly making it acknowledge him as its master.


    The storm in the world was still surging. The cultivators on the square looked up, remaining silent for a while before epting the fact that they had survived.


    Thump!


    A cultivator suddenly knelt down, facing Gu An, and began to kowtow.


    With someone taking the lead, others followed suit and kowtowed.


    Over ten thousand people bowed to Gu An, making a rather magnificent scene.


    "It is up to you to change the Seven Stars Spirit Realm on thisnd. If it continues to be like before, named as a Holy Land but practicing evil, I will return. Then, it won''t be just the high-ranking members who will die."


    Gu An''s voice rang out, and he shed towards the pce with the Qinghong Sword in his left hand.


    Boom!


    A sword qi swept out, forcefully splitting the pce into two, immediately turning it into ashes.


    Such overwhelming power at his fingertips made the kneeling cultivators tremble in fear, and at the same time, they felt a fervent admiration for Gu An.


    Sword Venerable Fudao was not only powerful but also saved them. How could they harbor resentment?


    If they were to hate anyone, it would be those high-ranking members who wanted to kill them!


    At this moment, they all widened their eyes. As the pce turned to ashes, demons flew out. Their aura was all that of Evil Demons, with male, female, and even demon forms. They wailed and were ultimately obliterated by the wind.


    Exterminating a group of Evil Demons did not bring Gu An any life span, but it gave the geniuses of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm a tremendous mental shock.


    How could the Holy Land nurture so many Evil Demons?


    When they came back to their senses, Gu An''s figure was already gone.


    A teleportation array appeared in the distant sky, and countless cultivators surged in. The genius disciples on the square were still in shock, recalling everything that had happened earlier, feeling like they were in a dream.


    ...N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In a dim pce, a woman in a purple dress watched as the six oilmps at the highest point of the wall went out simultaneously. Her eyebrows immediately furrowed.


    The young ghost boy on her shoulder widened his eyes and eximed in shock, "Have the Realm Masters fallen? How is that possible!"


    The highest oilmps represented the pinnacle of power in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. The oilmp of the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning was particrlyrge, like a moon surrounded by stars.


    At this moment, a figure appeared out of thin air beside the woman in the purple dress.


    As soon as this person appeared, he couldn''t help but spit out a mouthful of blood. He immediately sat down to cultivate energy, suppressing the chaotic qi and blood in his body.


    The woman in the purple dress turned to look at him, her eyebrows furrowing even more tightly.


    "Thousand-Faced Divine Lord, what on earth happened? Why did the Realm Masters all fall?" the woman in the purple dress asked.


    The person cultivating energy was none other than the Thousand-Faced Divine Lord who had escaped from Gu An''s hands. He was wearing a blue robe, with long hair draped over his shoulders, and his face was as delicate as a woman''s. At this moment, hisplexion was extremely pale, and his lips were still trembling.


    "The Six Stars Cave was attacked, and the Realm Masters thought the Star Sea Congregations were attacking, so they went to support. We encountered Sword Venerable Fudao from the continent. He annihted us with a single sword¡­ The power of the Seven Stars Mirror couldn''t withstand his sword qi. The Seven Stars Mirror has now fallen into his hands¡­"


    The Thousand-Faced Divine Lord said tremulously. He opened his eyes, filled with despair, and said, "He was too strong¡­ The Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were like dust before him. If I hadn''t detected something wrong and used my divine skills to switch my main soul and avatar, I would have died too. Even so, the fall of my avatar brought me enormous bacsh, and I will need to recover for the next ten thousand years¡­"


    Thinking about Sword Venerable Fudao''s figure, his body couldn''t help but tremble.


    He then looked at the woman in the purple dress and said, "Second Cave Master, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm is finished. The seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals are dead, leaving only you and me. With the Seven Stars Mirror in Sword Venerable Fudao''s hands, we are powerless to resist the Star Sea Congregations. We need to make ns early!"


    The woman in the purple dress was the Second Cave Master of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. After listening to the Thousand-Faced Divine Lord, she fell into silence.


    Recently, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had been repeatedly suppressed by the Star Sea Congregations. She had considered the possibility of their demise but didn''t expect it toe so quickly. In just one day, seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals had fallen!


    Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were the foundation of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm!


    "ns? What ns can we have? Moreover, the gate to the Divine Exotic Realm has already opened. Once the catastrophe descends, entangled by karma, escaping to Outer Heaven would be useless." The Second Cave Master said, her gaze eerie, as if thinking about something.


    The Thousand-Faced Divine Lord used his power to suppress his injuries and said, "I don''t care. I must leave the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. I have cultivated for tens of thousands of years and don''t want my path to end abruptly. If there is something I can do to help in the future, feel free to ask. But I do not want to fight Sword Venerable Fudao again!"


    He stood up, bowing to the Second Cave Master, then disappeared from the spot.


    In the dim great hall, only the Second Cave Master and the young ghost boy on her shoulder were left. The flickering candlelight made their shadows look like ferocious demons.

 Chapter 251: Chapter 251 The World Changes Drastically, A Huge Trouble

    In the forest, Gu An sat in meditation under a tree, leaning against the trunk, ying with the Seven Stars Mirror.


    The Seven Stars Mirror, which emitted an aura rivaling that of a Carefree Primordial Immortal, became small and exquisite in his hands, looking nothing like an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Snowkes fell through the gaps in the leaves,nding on him and melting into vapor.


    Seven Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals had suddenly fallen, causing the heavens and the earth to mourn, and snowkes continued to fall.


    While holding the Seven Stars Mirror, Gu An also used his divine sense to trace the Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    He was very curious about Ji Xiaoyu''s ancestry and divine skills.


    When the Primordial Daoist Talisman fled, he specifically used his divine sense to follow it. Although the Primordial Daoist Talisman crossed the rules of heaven and earth, hiding in ces unreachable by living beings, he could still track it.


    He noticed that the Primordial Daoist Talisman did not leave the continent but returned to the Ji Family. However, it was not to the branch family where Ji Xiaoyu was born, but to a branch family located in the Great Jiang Dynasty.


    Gu An thought of Ji Xiaoyu''s decisive appearance earlier and felt a little sentimental.


    He did not expect Ji Xiaoyu to go all out directly. That mysterious shadow should be her past life. Ji Xiaoyu seemed to be practicing a method simr to the Primordial Reincarnation Skill. The difference was that while the Primordial Reincarnation Skill umted qi fortune and talent through reincarnation, Ji Xiaoyu already possessed great power herself, and she could even summon this power, crossing ages and reincarnations.


    What would Ji Xiaoyu be like at her peak?


    He did not know.


    He just felt it was a pity for Ji Xiaoyu to fall in this life.


    "Third Miss, I hope you have good fortune in your next life and are no longer coerced by your family," Gu An thought.


    Seeing that the Primordial Daoist Talisman still remained in the Ji Family, he was very puzzled about the rtionship between Ji Xiaoyu and the Ji Family. If it was only a rtionship in this life, why not reincarnate into a different family?


    Perhaps he could ask the soul of the branch family, Ji Zhan.


    But after thinking about it, he decided against it.


    That was Ji Xiaoyu and the Ji Family''s destiny. Why should he interfere, and what reason did he have to investigate?


    Gu An treated everyone around him like this, not prying into their pasts, but cherishing their currentpanionship.


    After this battle, he looked forward to meeting Ji Xiaoyu again in the future.


    By then, would Ji Xiaoyu be another person, or still the Third Miss of this life?


    The mirror of the Seven Stars Mirror reflected Gu An''s handsome face. His eyes seemed to cross the vast ocean of time, reaching the other side of destiny.


    Gu An focused on the Seven Stars Mirror. This was a truly well-preserved Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, even stronger than Divine Exotic City.


    Even after being attacked by his mana, the Seven Stars Mirror did not develop a single crack. Instinct told him that the Seven Stars Mirror could be even stronger, it was just that the Realm Master of Heavenly Meaning and others could only unleash it to that level.


    He connected his mind with the Seven Stars Immortal Spirit. Immediately, the Seven Stars Mirror began to change, its edges transforming from the shape of a divine beast to floral patterns, and its overall color turned dim.


    At first nce, it was just an ancient and in mirror, nothing resembling a supreme treasure.


    He revealed a satisfied smile, then ced the Seven Stars Mirror into his bosom.


    He stood up, looking at the still falling heavy snow, but feeling that the sky had be brighter than before.


    "It''s time to go home."


    ...


    The summer snowfallsted for seven days. When the heavenly phenomena dissipated, news about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had not yet spread, but the Supreme Sect had already been rmed. To be precise, the entire Immortal Cultivation world of the Three Dynasties was sending people to investigate, and there were even continuous streams of overseas cultivators arriving, heading for the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    But this time, no Great Cultivator dared to fly over the Supreme Sect.


    A great storm was brewing.


    After Gu An returned to the Supreme Sect, he acted as if nothing had happened, asionally checking the Primordial Daoist Talisman to see if Ji Xiaoyu had reincarnated.


    Life remained leisurely, but Gu An felt more rxed than before, at least the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was no more!


    That''s right, it was going to be gone!


    Gu An''s divine sense surveyed the ocean, seeing the cultivators from the Star Sea Congregations chasing down the Seven Stars Spirit Realm cultivators everywhere. It wasn''t just the Star Sea Congregations, other major forces were also following to devour the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s territory and qi fortune, showing him the scene of survival of the fittest.


    One day, someone came to visit Gu An.


    It was none other than the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who served as a guest elder of the Supreme Sect. Although this man was of the Second Level of the Wandering Immortal Realm, his maximum lifespan reached 800,000 years, and his current lifespan was 180,000 years. He suspected the Nine-Finger Divine Lord had once fallen from a higher realm.


    When the Nine-Finger Divine Lord first joined the Supreme Sect, it was Gu An who had shown him around, leading to their friendship. Chu Jingfeng was still following him for training.


    Under the tree, Gu An and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord sat face to face, with An Xin helping to pour tea.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord smiled and nodded at An Xin, then chatted with Gu An, praising him for managing the Medicine Valley in an orderly manner.


    Since meeting Gu An, his heart had be calm.


    Overseas, no matter where he went, the air was filled with scheming and power struggles, but Gu An''s Medicine Valley had a sense of tranquility, and he felt this atmosphere was rted to Gu An himself. He had also inquired about Gu An from Chu Jingfeng, and Chu Jingfeng''s evaluation of Gu An was the same as his own.


    "He definitely wouldn''t imagine that I have the cultivation level of the Second Level of the Wandering Immortal Realm, also it''s probable he hasn''t heard of the term Wandering Immortal in this short life."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord held the tea bowl, looking at Gu An with a smile.


    Gu An raised his bowl as well and smiled back at him.


    "If this old fellow knew I was at the Ninth Layer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal, could he remain this calm?" Gu An thought, finding it very amusing.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord suddenly said, "Lately the world has been unstable, you need to be careful, try to stay out of the valley as much as possible."


    Hearing this, Gu An frowned and asked, "Senior, has something major happened?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord hesitated for a moment, then softly said, "To be honest, the holynd of this continent, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, is about to copse. This will inevitably affect the bnce of both the continent and the ocean. Without the pressure of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, it''s inevitable that more Great Cultivators will invade this continent."


    Gu An asked in surprise, "How could that be possible? That''s a holynd!"


    The disadvantages of destroying the Seven Stars Spirit Realm hadn''t escaped Gu An''s consideration.


    But there were pros and cons to everything. Even if the Seven Stars Spirit Realm wasn''t destroyed, who knew what cmity it nned next?


    If it weren''t for him, the Immortal Cultivation World of the Three Dynasties and the beings of the continent would have long perished in the demon cmity. Gu An had a clear conscience.


    Considering his own safety, he only thought about being a savior!


    He never shouldered the world''s safety. He was first a man, then an immortal.


    "It''s indeed incredible. That was a colossus standing for hundreds of thousands of years. I don''t know who did it..." the Nine-Finger Divine Lord sighed.


    Gu An asked, "Since the world is about to fall into chaos, why doesn''t senior stay in the Supreme Sect? The ocean is surely more dangerous than the continent, isn''t it?"


    He hoped to fully bring the Nine-Finger Divine Lord into the Supreme Sect''s camp, so he wouldn''t have to deal with some minor threats.


    Truth be told, killing didn''t have that much appeal to him,pared to the longevity offered by medicinal herbs.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord nodded and said, "I''m nning to stay for a while, because I have a suspicion in my mind."


    "What suspicion?"


    "Haha, that I cannot tell you, lest you get entangled in karma."


    "Really? Then please don''t say it. Though I''m unaware of your realm, your world is definitely not one I can tread."


    "Hahaha!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Hearing Gu An''s words, the Nine-Finger Divine Lordughed heartily.


    Throughout his life, he had met many people, but few were as calm and open-minded as Gu An.


    Although he hadn''t revealed his true cultivation level, even his superficial level was enough to make most Core Formation Realm cultivators go out of their way to please him. Gu An was different. Their friendship was one of a gentleman''s, without any interests involved, making him feel veryfortable.


    Gu An didn''t listen to him much. From time to time, he would talk about amusing things in his valley. Though in, they had a unique vor to the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    Having stood atop the clouds for so long, asionally looking at the lives of mortals was quite nice.


    Later, Gu An invited the Nine-Finger Divine Lord to y a game of Go. After exining the rules just once, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord understood.


    At first, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s moves were messy, but after about forty moves, he started to develop his own strategy. From blind defense to strategic preparation, he improved rapidly.


    Gu An became interested and started ying seriously.


    In the end, he won.


    The defeated Nine-Finger Divine Lord was not angry. Instead, he looked at the board with interest, savoring Gu An''s strategies.


    "Interesting, let''s y again," the Nine-Finger Divine Lord said, looking up.


    Gu An then called out to Xiaochuan, who was passing by, asking him to y, stating that Xiaochuan was better than him, making Xiaochuan raise his chin.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord didn''t care who his opponent was as long as they knew how to y.


    Thus, the two began to battle on the Go board, attracting other disciples to watch the excitement.


    Yang Jian stood by Gu An, watching the game. He wasn''t interested in Go; he preferred Chinese chess with its more straightforward and intense battles.


    However, he could sense the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s profound aura, indicating that this person was very powerful, prompting him to watch the excitement.


    They yed until dusk, and Xiaochuan was dazed.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stood up contentedly, looked at Gu An, and said, "Alright, I need to go to the main city of the sect. I''lle backter for another game. I think this Go contains the true meaning of Dao. Good game!"


    His gaze fell involuntarily on Yang Jian.


    "Oh?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s eyes changed immediately.


    Although Yang Jian had concealed his cultivation, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord could tell at a nce that Yang Jian''s physique was special.


    Gu An quickly said, "You already took away Chu Jingfeng, don''t even think about taking my disciple. He is with me for life."


    The surrounding disciples looked at Yang Jian withplex expressions.


    Could Yang Jian really be a genius?


    Yang Jian echoed, "That''s right. I will serve my master for life and will never acknowledge another master."


    Next to him, An Xin showed a look of envy, thinking of her own master in her youth.


    If she had extraordinary talent, would her master have been willing to keep her by his side?


    But then she let it go, thinking her senior An Hao had exceptional talent but still couldn''t stay with the master.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord gave Yang Jian a deep look, then turned his gaze to Gu An and said, "Your disciple is indeed extraordinary. Make sure he stays in the Medicine Valley and doesn''t descend the mountain. Otherwise, he might cause you trouble."


    After speaking, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord leaped into the air, like a white crane flying toward the horizon.


    His words made the surrounding disciples look at Yang Jian with even more curiosity, but Yang Jian remained calm and indifferent.


    Cause my master trouble?


    Provoking my master, that would be the real trouble!

 Chapter 252: Chapter 252 The Influence of Sword Venerable Fudao!

    For the Medicine Valley, the matter of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was just a small episode, which did not affect the daily life of the valley. Instead, Yang Jian''s status grew higher, and other disciples began to show him respect.


    If Yang Jian bing Gu An''s disciple might have been due to Gu An''s favoritism, now even the Nine-Finger Divine Lord favored him, indicating that Yang Jian was truly a genius, merely unrecognizable to the ordinary eye.


    Early the next morning, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to Tianya Valley. In theing month, all the medicine valleys would enter a period of harvest, which he looked forward to greatly.


    Time quickly reached the end of summer.


    A piece of news suddenly stirred the entire Immortal Cultivation World, sweeping through the Supreme Sect like a storm. The news came extremely abruptly.


    Gu An had just returned to the Mystic Valley when he heard disciples within the valley discussing.


    This morning, a cultivator swept across the sky above the Mystic Valley, announcing a grand event that shocked the world!


    The demonic tribtion originated in the Holy Land of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, where Sword Venerable Fudao descended to the realm, ying demons and reconstructing the Holy Land!


    The amount of information contained in this event was immense. Even the servant disciples at the bottom of the Immortal Cultivation World were intensely discussing it.


    Seeing Gu An return, Lu Jiujia immediately approached him to inform him of this matter.


    "I never thought the demonic tribtion was secretly orchestrated by the Holy Land. No wonder they did not intervene in previous cmities..." Lu Jiujia said angrily.


    The scandal of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm reminded him of his previous experiences within the Supreme Sect.


    Could it be that there is no absolutely pure righteous path in the world?


    Gu An listened attentively, and when he heard Lu Jiujia praise Sword Venerable Fudao as invincible in the world, he smiled and echoed the sentiment, appearing as a worshiper of the Sword Venerable.


    After chatting for a long time, he hurried to Outer Gate City. Because he had gone to Nianchu Cave Mansionst night, he did not bring the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    On his way to Outer Gate City, Gu An saw the figures of many disciples.


    Recalling a hundred years ago, seeing disciples outside the outer gate was a rare sight, testifying to the current strength of the Supreme Sect.


    Upon reaching Outer Gate City, it was bustling with people. The noise filled Gu An''s ears, and almost everyone was excited, with the name Sword Venerable Fudao on everyone''s lips.


    Gu An made his way to the Heavenly Repair tform, where there were even more people. However, this time, disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall of the Supreme Sect were stationed at the edges of the tform, temporarily forbidding anyone from stepping on it, with even Di Xie being driven off.


    Gu An saw circles of people surrounding the Heaven-Cutting Axe, including Ji Hantian and Gu Zong, with Zuo Yijian, the guardian of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, forced to the back, looking dissatisfied.


    He sensed several familiar auras that he had encountered in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    They were the geniuses he had saved from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, now kneeling before the Heaven-Cutting Axe, apanied by loose immortals who were exining the transformation of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Their sincerity was apparent!


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm had a profound heritage. Destroying the higher echelons was not enough topletely dissolve it, but if the remaining members could rebuild a new Seven Stars Spirit Realm for the benefit of all beings, it would be a good thing.


    Gu An''s gaze involuntarily turned to Di Xie.


    The son of the Demon Emperor had now fully integrated into the Supreme Sect and even became a high-ranking member.


    Sensing his gaze, Di Xie nced back at him, nodding to acknowledge him.


    Gu An nodded in return, feeling somewhat nostalgic, as the two had grown distant over time.


    He wasn''t angry or sad. Some people naturally drifted apart over time, not always from disdain but simply because they had nomon topics after a long period without contact.


    He did not approach further and instead walked away.


    Besides Di Xie, he had many friends in Outer Gate City. Though most were drinking buddies, drinking buddies who could chat, drink, and enjoy an afternoon together were indeed friends.


    Gu An wanted to hear their praises for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    It wasn''t just the Supreme Sect; all sects under heaven were fervently spreading the news.


    Sword Venerable Fudao single-handedly ventured into the Holy Land of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, ying immortals within, a feat that was thrilling and awe-inspiring.


    After this battle, no one dared to question Sword Venerable Fudao anymore. People marveled at his strength, overshadowing discussions of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s sins.


    Most cultivators, upon hearing about the Seven Stars Spirit Realm''s crimes, at most cursed a few times without feeling disillusioned, as they were ustomed to such events. It was merely that the Spirit Realm''s sins were grander.


    But Sword Venerable Fudao was different. Each of his actions shook the cultivators. Every time they thought they had overestimated him, he would achieve another earth-shattering feat.


    Sweeping through a holynd alone, how exaggerated was that?


    Immortal cultivation was not like martial arts; the higher the realm, the harder it was to take on many opponents at the same level. The Seven Stars Spirit Realm, a holynd hiding immortals, could be swept through by one person?


    In the following days, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, Shen Zhen, Gu Yu, Zuo Lin, Wu Jue, and others came to talk to Gu An about this event, each extremely excited. Shen Zhen, unable to contain her excitement, wanted to write a book about Sword Venerable Fudao but was stopped by Gu An, fearing she might offend the Sword Venerable!


    Though he had heard different people praise Sword Venerable Fudao, Gu An still enjoyed it each time, never growing tired of it.


    After the first wave of excitement passed, the Immortal Cultivation World began to discuss the character of Sword Venerable Fudao. Despite annihting the high-ranking members of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, he offered them a chance, showing the true nature of an immortal to the world.


    Mighty and reckless, that was a demon.


    Strong yet benevolent, caring for all beings, that was an immortal!


    As the entire Immortal Cultivation World started worshiping Sword Venerable Fudao, many imitators emerged, some copying his name, others his style.


    One thing was certain, Sword Venerable Fudao was influencing the Immortal Cultivation World with his actions.


    One day, Gu An arrived at the Mountain God Temple on the North Sea Mountains.


    Besides Sage Xuan Miao, there were three other cultivators in the temple, seemingly resting there by chance.


    The four were discussing Sword Venerable Fudao. Sage Xuan Miao, who mostly stayed there and seldom interacted with people, was shocked upon hearing that Sword Venerable Fudao had forced the Seven Stars Spirit Realm to reform.


    That was the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, a behemoth never dared to be provoked or even inquired about by their ancestors of the Three Pure Ones Mountain, almost obliterated by Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Since the event was confirmed by cultivators of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm themselves, many details were revealed, solidifying Sword Venerable Fudao''s strength.


    It was said that Sword Venerable Fudao didn''t even use spells or divine skills, but with one sword, he slew seven immortals of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, even the Seven Stars Mirror, the Spirit Realm''s supreme treasure, couldn''t withstand one of his swords!


    Sage Xuan Miao felt like he was listening to a story.


    Why did he feel that Sword Venerable Fudao was stronger than the Mountain God?


    No, both the Mountain God and Sword Venerable Fudao were mighty beings above all others. Perhaps they even knew each other.


    Sage Xuan Miao''s mind was filled with fantasies.


    Seeing that the three cultivators had no intention of leaving soon, Gu An moved to the edge of the North Sea.


    He stood by theke, gazing at the vast expanse of water, his divine sense probing thekebed.


    Buried at the bottom was the Immortal King Crown, untouched to this day.


    Back then, deeming it dangerous, he buried it. Now, having dealt with the Divine Exotic City and the Seven Stars Mirror, he felt he could understand the Immortal King Crown.


    With a wave of his hand, theke''s surface rippled.


    The Immortal King Crown and the short flute capable of summoning the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil immediately flew out,nding in his hand.


    He put the short flute into his storage bag and held the Immortal King Crown with both hands.


    Under the sunlight, the dark-gold Immortal King Crown shimmered, the grooves on it giving it an ominous appearance.


    Gu An immediately sent his divine sense into the Immortal King Crown.


    Boom!


    A powerful aura burst forth, ruffling Gu An''s robes and stirring waves on theke. It was quite a spectacle.


    Just as expected!


    The internal restrictions of the Immortal King Crown were simr to those of the Seven Stars Mirror, but not asplete. Many restrictions were still recovering, indicating that it was a damaged Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, more damaged than the Divine Exotic City,cking even the formation of a new Immortal Spirit.


    While probing the restrictions, Gu An also learned about the Immortal King Crown.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Besides containing immense power, the Immortal King Crown could also devour qi-blood, elerating its recovery. The Evil Emperor was drained of qi-blood by the Immortal King Crown, leaving only his soul.


    The Evil Emperor was only at the Mahayana Realm, unable to withstand the Immortal King Crown, but now, Gu An at the Ninth Layer of Carefree Primordial Immortal could easily endure it.


    Gu An began to refine the crown''s master recognition restrictions, making it his own dharma treasure.


    The process wasplex, but having dealt with the Divine Exotic City and the Seven Stars Mirror, it was no longer difficult for Gu An.


    An hourter, Gu An sessfully made the Immortal King Crown recognize him as its master.


    He removed the hairband from his head and wore the Immortal King Crown, tying his hair beneath it.


    With a thought, the crown transformed from an emperor''s crown to a Taoist''s crown. Despite having many grooves, its reduced size made it less eerie, enhancing his ethereal aura.


    Gu An took out the Seven Stars Mirror and began to groom his hair.


    The more he looked, the more satisfied he felt.


    As expected, clothes do make the man, and adornments enhance even a Buddha''s appearance. Even with his outstanding looks, fine decorations added to his charm.


    "In the future, pairing it with exquisite robes will enhance my charisma," Gu An thought to himself.


    After all, he was a Core Formation Realm cultivator. Looking good did no harm. Although he aimed to cultivate discreetly, there was no need to live too restrained.


    If anyone targeted him for his refined appearance and refused to reason, Gu An could only reason with them from a Ninth Layer Carefree Primordial Immortal''s perspective!


    He wandered by thekeside, admiring the North Sea scenery until dusk. Read new adventures at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    At dusk, a cultivator flew from the horizon,nding beside him, and asked, "Daoist Friend, may I ask which sect you are from?"


    Gu An cast a life span detection at the other person.


    [Guo Guhong (Core Formation Realm Eighth Layer): 373/500/950]


    A very ordinary cultivator.


    However, a hundred and thirty years ago, such a person would have been a significant figure to Gu An.


    Gu An replied, "I am from the Ancient Sky Sect. What does Daoist Friend require?"


    Guo Guhong, d in gray, wearing a hat and carrying a long box, looked travel-worn. He nced at theke and said, "I heard that the North Sea has shown anomaliestely, with a supreme treasure about to emerge. I wonder if Daoist Friend has heard anything about it."


    Just as Gu An was about to respond, Guo Guhong suddenly raised his hand, forming a w with his right hand, aiming at Gu An''s heart.

 Chapter 253: Chapter 253 The Same Person

    [Guo Guhong developed animosity towards you and harbored killing intent; do you wish to perform life span detection on him?]


    Seeing Guo Guhong make a move against him, Gu An only wanted tough.


    This fellow was truly vicious, striking as soon as the thought of killing arose, indicating that Guo Guhong frequently engaged in such actions.


    Unfortunately, this time he chose the wrong opponent.


    Boom!


    As Guo Guhong''s w touched Gu An''s chest, a force exploded, causing dust and stones to fly under Gu An''s feet and stirring up ripples on theke, while Guo Guhong instantly turned to ashes.


    Gu An raised his hand, brushed his temples, and continued forward, dispersing the ashes that had been Guo Guhong with a step.


    The prompt to seize life span was directly ignored by him because the life span was too short.


    The North Sea shimmered with the light of a setting sun, and arge fish leaped at the end of theke, resembling a crescent moon in midair.


    The sun set and the moon rose.


    Two dayster, Gu An, in the form of a mountain god, arrived at the Mountain God Temple.


    The small figure jumped down from the eaves, and Sage Xuan Miao, upon hearing the movement, opened his eyes. Seeing it was Gu An, he quickly stood up and saluted.


    "How is the cultivation of medicinal herbs going? I need more herbs for my alchemy." Gu Annded on the ground and walked towards the courtyard gate, asking.


    Sage Xuan Miao stood behind him, like a mountain, but the posture was very respectful.


    "Not bad. But I wonder how much you need," Sage Xuan Miao replied.


    Then they left the Mountain God Temple and began to gather medicinal herbs.


    During this time, Sage Xuan Miao narrated the events that had urred recently, even mentioning who had passed by the Mountain God Temple.


    He indeed did not lie. As the Carefree Primordial Immortal, Gu An could see the past events here, and Sage Xuan Miao did not hide anything.


    Gu An was not interested in the matters he talked about, but he was satisfied with his attitude.


    Having guarded this ce for decades, Sage Xuan Miao''s attitude remained devout, and Gu An felt it necessary to reward him.


    After Gu An finished gathering herbal materials, the two arrived at an open space. He still left half of the herbs for Sage Xuan Miao.


    Sage Xuan Miao wanted to discuss Sword Venerable Fudao with the mountain god, but he did not know how to start, so he remained silent for a moment.


    "You have been diligent over the years. I am very pleased. Would you like to learn a sword technique?" Gu An stood on a rock, looked at Sage Xuan Miao, and asked with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Sage Xuan Miao was stupefied for a moment and instinctively replied, "Of course, I would."


    Gu An raised his hand and pointed his index finger at him remotely. In an instant, Sage Xuan Miao fell into a daze.


    He did not know how much time passed.


    Sage Xuan Miao gradually woke up. When he opened his eyes, he no longer saw the mountain god''s figure. The sunset cast dappled shadows of leaves on his face in the forest.


    "Vast Star Suppressing Heaven Boundless Sword..."


    Sage Xuan Miao was shocked. Could such a profound sword technique exist in the world?


    Moreover¡­


    Why did this sword technique seem somewhat simr to his Li Family''s sword technique?


    However, he had been cultivating at Three Pure Ones Mountain since childhood. Although he was rted to the Taicang Imperial Family by blood, he had not delved into the Li Family''s heritage.


    "The mountain god also knows the Sword Dao. I wonder how his swordsmanshippares to Sword Venerable Fudao''s,"


    Sage Xuan Miao couldn''t help but think. After hearing about Sword Venerable Fudao''s prowess, he always spected about Sword Venerable Fudao''s cultivation level unconsciously.


    He had to admit that Sword Venerable Fudao''s personal charm was indeedpelling, making his heart yearn.


    Remorseful, remorseful!


    How could I be disloyal to the mountain god?


    Sage Xuan Miao struggled to suppress his inner turmoil, but another thought arose within him, a thought even he could hardly believe.


    Could the mountain god and Sword Venerable Fudao be the same person?


    Before the overseas cultivators invaded, how could there have been two super-existences above the Seven Stars Spirit Realm simultaneously on the continent?


    ...


    The news of Sword Venerable Fudao vanquishing the immortals of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm continued to spread.


    In the following days, the Supreme Sect and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm announced their friendship, pledging to protect the people of the maind together henceforth, setting an example for the righteous path, which established the Supreme Sect as the foremost sect in the Immortal Cultivation World of the three dynasties.


    This event greatly enhanced the Supreme Sect''s influence, attracting an increasing number of people to join.


    The autumn wind blew through the Supreme Sect yet failed to bring destion there.


    In the mountains and forests.


    Gu An sat on the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, turning his head to look at the group of young boys and girls that had just brushed past them, feeling nostalgic.


    This group of youngsters was led by two adult men, one a vige chief and the other a teacher, on their way to the Supreme Sect to seek the Immortal Path.


    Such a scene was rare, especially in the mountains between Mystic Valley and Tianya Valley.


    Gu An looked forward again, asked casually, "What do you think of the Supreme Sect nowadays?"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint thought for a while, then said, "Pretty good. It seems to be improving, and it indeed qualifies as the righteous path. Whether it be Medicine Valley or the Outer Gate City, the atmosphere is great." Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    He knew that the Supreme Sect''s current prosperity was all due to the one on his back.


    If the Supreme Sect ever displeased Gu An, today''s glory could turn into an illusion at any moment.


    Having been a steed for a long time, the Blood Prison Great Saint developed some feelings for the Supreme Sect. Although there were some unsavory characters in Medicine Valley, most were not bad overall.


    Compared to the Lower Realm sect he came from, the Supreme Sect was more harmonious. Apart from not being strong enough, it matched his ideal ce for immortals.


    He could also feel the Supreme Sect''s rising fortely and believed that in a thousand years, its strength would be immeasurable.


    "Qualifying as the righteous path is good enough," Gu An said with a softugh.


    One man and one ox walked through the mountains, gradually disappearing into the depths of the forest.


    An ancient hourter.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint leisurely into Tianya Valley.


    He sensed the presence of others in the valley.


    Li Xuandao had arrived!


    Gu An remained unhurried, leisurely progressing forward.


    Li Xuandao was in a courtyard, drinking tea, with a young boy practicing swordsmanship behind him. The boy seemed to be only seven or eight, yet his sword movements were fluid and very nimble.


    Luo Hun stood nearby, his eyes fixed on the boy with the sword, worried he might hurt himself.


    When Li Xuandao saw Gu An from afar, a smile appeared on his face.


    "This kid has be quite ostentatious, but he knows how to enjoy life," Li Xuandao said with amused disbelief.


    Gu An rode a majestic demon pet, wearing a luxurious and exquisite blue robe with an extravagant dark gold crown that made him look very much like an Immortal Lord of the mortal world.


    Lv Xian, who was meditating at the mountain peak, also saw Gu An and was dazzled by his attire.


    For some reason, there was an aura about Gu An that made him uneasy, an instinctual unease he couldn''t quite exin.


    Seeing Li Xuandao''s gaze, Gu An patted the bull''s back, making Blood Prison Great Saint quicken its pace.


    Soon, Blood Prison Great Saint reached the courtyard. Gu An dismounted and quickly walked into the yard.


    "Uncle, long time no see." Gu An raised his hand in a salute.


    Out of habit, he cast a life span detection on the young boy.


    [Li Lingtian (Energy Cultivation Realm Fourth Layer): 8/110/8999]


    Hmm?


    A life span limit of 8,999 years?


    That was something!


    Gu An was curious, but his face remained calm.


    "Indeed, it''s been a long time. I''ve been here for two days, waiting specifically to see you before I leave," Li Xuandao said with augh.


    Nowadays, he was in high spirits. The Three Dynasties'' contention continued, but everyone could feel the Taicang Dynasty''s dominance.


    In theing years, Li Xuandao was likely to unify thend, a feat no one had aplished for thousands of years.


    Li Xuandao''s cultivation level also advanced rapidly, nearing the ninthyer of the Unification Realm. This guy could catch up with Lv Baitian within a century.


    The two started to chat. Gu An talked about his Medicine Valley in response to Li Xuandao''s concern, mentioning trivial matters, which Li Xuandao listened to intently.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Aside from Gu An''s rtionship with Li Ya, Li Xuandao was very satisfied with how Gu An managed Tianya Valley over the years.


    After chatting for a while, Li Xuandao started to tease Gu An about his current appearance, which was vastly different from before.


    "One must enjoy life when it''s going well. Unlike you and Senior Brother Li, who can stir the world''s affairs, I can also live a morous life in my small world, can''t I?" Gu Anughed, touching the Immortal King Crown on his head as he spoke.


    Li Xuandaoughed, "It seems your crowncks gems. Need my help? Or shall I send you a better one?"


    A better one?


    I doubt you can afford it.


    Gu An shook his head to decline courteously, and Li Xuandao did not insist. He waved to Li Lingtian, who immediately ran over, curiously watching Gu An.


    Looking at his small face, Gu An couldn''t help but think of fifteen-year-old Li Ya; their brows and eyes were somewhat simr.


    "This is Senior Brother Gu, who has the best rtionship with your brother Li Ya," Li Xuandao introduced to Li Lingtian.


    Li Lingtian immediately saluted Gu An, in a very mature and adorable manner.


    Gu An was about to think of what to give as a meeting gift when Li Lingtian asked, "Senior Brother Gu, I heard you wrote Journey to the West. Have you met Sun Wukong?"


    Gu An was stunned, ncing at Luo Hun, who looked away.


    Li Xuandao kept his smile, obviously knowing this all along.


    It reminded him of the time he had asked Gu An about Investiture of the Gods.


    Gu An suddenly thought, had Li Xuandao known he was Pan An all along and tried to probe him intentionally?


    But that no longer mattered.


    "Yes, in my dream. In reality, I epted an apprentice named Yang Jian," Gu An replied, patting Li Lingtian''s head with a smile.


    "True Lord Eng Yang Jian? Is he powerful? Can I spar with him?" Li Lingtian became excited, clenching his little fists.


    Gu Anughed, "Of course, but you''ll have to grow up first."


    Li Lingtian nodded obediently, then, like a little adult, said, "Senior Brother Gu, you must ensure your apprentice trains hard. My uncle says I have the best life grid in the world, and I fear your apprentice might not be a match for me."


    Li Xuandao gave him a stern look, "Your father always taught you to be modest!"


    Li Lingtianined, "Uncle said so, and mother said everything in this world was created for me, so I can be confident."


    Li Xuandao''s face turned visibly displeased.


    Gu An found it amusing and said, "Alright, Senior Brother Gu will make sure he trains hard. Promise me you''ll train well and not fight with others before sparring with my apprentice. Can you do that?"

 Chapter 254: Chapter 254 True Yang Jian, False Sun Wukong

    Hearing Gu An''s words, Li Lingtian didn''t think too much and directly agreed.


    Li Xuandao was very unhappy, and scolded Li Lingtian. As a result, Li Lingtian got angry and started to talk back.


    Next came the lesson with a p. Li Lingtian was picked up by Li Xuandao, hung over his leg, and his butt was spanked harshly.


    This scene reminded Gu An of scenes from his childhood in his past life. The memories of his past life were hazy, as if they were distant recollections.


    Gu An didn''t expect Li Xuandao to have this side. He wondered whether Li Ya had been educated in this way when he was a child.


    However, he could see that Li Lingtian''s mother seemed very unusual, and Li Xuandao''s words about his mother showed considerable helplessness.


    Gu An looked at Li Lingtian''s karma and peered into his past.


    Soon, Gu An understood some information.


    Li Lingtian''s mother came from the ocean, with the surname Yang, from a great family. For her, Li Xuandao had deposed the former queen and made her the new queen. He also decided to cultivate Li Lingtian as the crown prince.


    After peering into Li Lingtian''s past, Gu An sighed to himself.


    Having a strong background as a mother indeed allowed for recklessness.


    However, Li Lingtian''s life grid was also extraordinary. He was born overseas, and during his birth, there were thunderstorms that attracted the protection of great cultivators in the family.


    After his birth, Li Xuandao officially married Empress Yang, and the Yang family even dispatched special guards to protect Li Lingtian''s growth.


    Currently, there were already two Mahayana cultivators guarding from afar.


    Previously, Mahayana cultivators were rare, but now they continuously flowed into the Immortal Cultivation World of the Three Dynasties.


    Perhaps the Yang family also saw the potential of this continent and made an advance bet, with Li Xuandao, who was about to unify the Three Dynasties, being a good candidate.


    Li Lingtian was indeed extraordinary. No matter how much Li Xuandao hit him, he didn''t cry. Instead, he stubbornly red at Li Xuandao.


    This boy was simply a little demon king, and in the future, Li Xuandao and Li Ya would probably suffer.


    "Uncle, that''s enough. The child can be taught slowly in the future. Right now, he didn''t actually do anything wrong; it was just his way of speaking. I didn''t feel offended." Gu An spoke up, giving Li Xuandao a way out.


    After hearing this, Li Xuandao looked embarrassed. He looked at Gu An and said, "This boy is naturally strong and has a small mind. It''s better not to let himpete with your disciple, lest he really remembers it."


    Li Lingtian climbed down from his father''s leg and hid beside Gu An, grabbing Gu An''s arm and sticking his tongue out at Li Xuandao.


    Gu An could feel Li Lingtian''s strength. This boy was only eight years old, yet it seemed he could easily crush a stone.


    "It''s okay. My disciple is also very strong." Gu An said with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Li Xuandao could only shake his head and not persuade further.


    He thought that in this world, only An Hao could bepared to his youngest son. Even Lv Xian was not as talented as Li Lingtian.


    After that, Li Xuandao changed the topic to talk about Sword Venerable Fudao.


    At the mention of this topic, Gu An became excited and discussed it eagerly with him.


    Li Xuandao thought he was also an admirer of Sword Venerable Fudao, which was quite normal. Even he, the Emperor of Taicang, felt his blood surge upon hearing about Sword Venerable Fudao''s deeds, much less ordinary cultivators with low cultivation levels?


    After chatting for an ancient hour, Li Xuandao left with Li Lingtian.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Before leaving, Li Lingtian waved at Gu An and said, "Senior Brother Gu, don''t let Yang Jian forget this matter. When I grow up, I wille to duel with him." Find your next read at m_v l|e-NovelBin


    Gu An nodded with a smile, secretly looking forward to Li Lingtian''s defeat.


    In terms of ultimate life span, Yang Jian''s was higher. In terms of age, Yang Jian was older. And in terms of teachers, could Li Lingtian find a master like the Carefree Primordial Immortal?


    Given that Li Xuandao treated him well, he would properly guide Li Lingtian to prevent him from straying onto the wrong path.


    After collecting the medicinal herbs, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to leave.


    After traveling a hundred miles away from Tianya Valley, the Blood Prison Great Saint said, "Master, that boy''s qi-blood is not simple."


    He could tell at a nce that Li Lingtian''s bones were extraordinary and his qi fortune was special.


    "Indeed, not simple. But do you think he canpare to Jian''er?" Gu An asked casually.


    "Definitely not. There is no one more monstrous than that boy!"


    Mentioning Yang Jian, the Blood Prison Great Saint sighed deeply.


    He watched Yang Jian transcend the mundane, which made him revere Gu An even more.


    It was Gu An who discovered Yang Jian. Otherwise, Yang Jian might have been as mediocre as other disciples in the valley for a lifetime.


    "The cultivation technique I taught you must be diligently practiced. A thousand yearster, this world might be apletely different ce. Even if Mahayana remains powerful, its status will surely be lower than now."


    "Master, rest assured, I will not disgrace you."


    "It''s not about disgracing me. You cultivate for yourself."


    "Hehe, I n to follow you for life."


    "You, ox-head, are you nning on sticking with me?"


    "I hope Master will show mercy!"


    ...


    The copse of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm caused greater turmoil over the ocean. When Gu An went to Immortal Seeking Ind, many people were discussing it.


    At the private gathering of Sage Tang Hai that he attended, those cultivators were also amazed by Sword Venerable Fudao''s strength.


    After this battle, the name of Sword Venerable Fudao spread across the sea, gaining wider fame than on the continent.


    The turmoil at sea didn''t affect the continent. The Star Sea Congregations and the surrounding major forces did not dare touch the continent where Sword Venerable Fudao resided. Instead, many cultivators rushed to the continent seeking opportunities.


    In this context, the continent weed peace.


    Gu An''s life also became more stable. He focused on nting medicinal herbs, waiting for the Outer World Cave to yield a harvest.


    During the waiting period, he continuously expanded the cave, nting more medicinal herbs.


    Nowadays, he could move the Outer World Cave, so he felt more secure in nting.


    Tianqing and Tian Bai helped Tian Yao''er with many affairs, and there had been no incidents in the Outer World Cave and Nianchu Cave.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Time flew by.


    Ten years passed.


    This year, Xiaochuan released his Primordial Reincarnation Skill, breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. His ultimate lifespan reached two hundred and eighty-six years, far less than Ye Lan''s. This was rted to his attitude towards cultivation; he was not as diligent as Ye Lan.


    No matter what, Xiaochuan could at least live another hundred years.


    After releasing his cultivation level, Xiaochuan bade farewell to Gu An. He nned to return to his hometown and experience the life of an ordinary person again. If possible, he would have children.


    Although Gu An did not see him off, he protected Xiaochuan along the way with his divine sense, fearing any mishap.


    Half a monthter, when Xiaochuan returned to his hometown, Gu An temporarily shifted his attention away from him.


    In the middle of summer, the Third Medicine Valley weed visitors.


    Gu An personally greeted them, and saw a man and woman walking from the valley entrance.


    [Yang Ni (Divinity Transformation Stage Fifth Level): 318/1200/1360]


    [Li Lingtian (Foundation Establishment Realm Ninth Layer): 18/350/8999]


    Gu An''s gaze fell on Yang Ni. She was Li Ya''s mother''s younger sister. When the Ephemera Sect caused trouble back then, she was involved. After protecting Gu An for a while, she left.


    Over the years, Gu An would asionally catch glimpses of her with his divine sense. She wandered all over, cultivating in various ces. She asionally encountered trouble, but on the whole lived fairly well.


    Yang Ni was dressed in red, with a treasure sword at her waist. Her face was still as delicate. She seemed a bit dazed seeing Gu An from afar.


    The boy she once needed to protect had now be a Core Formation Realm cultivator, and his appearance had also greatly changed.


    Following Yang Ni, Li Lingtian nced around, seemingly looking for someone.


    The eighteen-year-old Li Lingtian wore white clothes with gold patterns and a Golden Dragon Pearl Crown on his head. He had an elegant demeanor. Honestly, Gu An thought he was more handsome than Li Ya.


    The arrival of these two attracted many disciples'' attention, but seeing Gu An personally step up to greet them, they did not approach.


    "Yang Ni, long time no see." Gu An said with a smile as he approached the two.


    Yang Ni eyed Gu An and said, "It''s been years, you boy. Your aura has changed greatly; you finally look like a cultivator."


    Gu An smiled and said, "Not too bad."


    He looked at Li Lingtian, pretended to hesitate, and asked, "You are?"


    Li Lingtian also eyed Gu An, thenughed and said, "Senior Brother Gu, it''s me, Li Lingtian! I havee to fulfill my appointment!"


    After saying this, his gaze drifted into the distance, searching for Yang Jian.


    Gu An shook his head and chuckled, then invited Yang Ni and Li Lingtian to sit down and chat. However, Li Lingtian insisted on a duel first.


    Gu An had no choice but to call Yang Jian, then he took them out of the valley to find a secluded ce for the duel.


    Li Lingtian thought Gu An was worried about losing face, so he did not refuse.


    Along the way, Li Lingtian kept staring at Yang Jian with eager eyes, making Yang Jian ufortable.


    Ten years had passed, and Yang Jian''s cultivation level had reached the Eighth Layer of the Core Formation Realm, his apparent cultivation level brought up to the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    Gu An walked in front, chatting with Yang Ni, catching up on old times.


    She had many things to say upon seeing Gu An again.


    She didn''te with Li Lingtian. Li Lingtian had insisted oning when he overheard Li Xuandao arrange for her toe to the Supreme Sect.


    "Empress Yang also has the surname Yang, I wonder..." Gu An suddenly asked.


    Yang Ni red at him and said, "Don''t ask. We can''tpare to the Empress''s Yang family."


    Clearly, although they shared the same surname, they were not rted.


    Li Ya''s mother, Ms. Yang, was the woman Li Xuandao once loved most. He even gave her the Heavenly Residence Sword.


    Now Li Lingtian''s mother also had the surname Yang, making Gu An specte a lot.


    Could it be that Li Xuandao was drawn to Empress Yang because of herst name rather than her background?


    "By the way, that boy Li Lingtian has no sense of control. If he hurts your disciple, don''t mind. Don''t worry, I will be watching carefully and intervene promptly to prevent serious injury." Yang Ni reminded.


    Gu An smiled and said, "It''s fine. They are both in the Foundation Establishment Realm. It''s normal to get hurt during a duel."


    If Li Lingtian was about to be beaten to death, he would also intervene!


    Behind them, Li Lingtian looked at Yang Jian and finally spoke, "You are called Yang Jian? Why this name?"


    Yang Jian replied, "Because I liked reading Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West when I was young."


    "Coincidentally, I also like it. But I prefer Sun Wukong. Is it Yang Jian versus Sun Wukong today? I just don''t know if you are the real Yang Jian." Li Lingtian said with a grin.


    Yang Jian nced at him and said, "I also like Sun Wukong. Whether I''m the real Yang Jian, this fake Sun Wukong will soon know."

 Chapter 255 Vulnerable

    Gu An and Yang Ni, walking in front, could hear the tension in the voices of Yang Jian and Li Lingtian.


    Gu An didn''t mind; after all, it was Li Lingtian who first provoked Yang Jian. While he taught Yang Jian to be humble, he couldn''t allow him to develop a meek personality that got bullied.


    Yang Ni, on the other hand, didn''t expect Gu An''s disciple to have such a tough character. From what she remembered, Gu An had always had a gentle disposition.


    However, against Li Lingtian, being too tough could be a disadvantage.


    Although Yang Ni didn''t like Li Lingtian, she had to admit that his talent was extraordinarily strong, almost like an Immortal descended to the mortal realm.


    After a while, the four of them reached the woods.


    Without waiting for Gu An and Yang Ni to speak, Yang Jian and Li Lingtian had already squared off.


    Li Lingtian asked, "What rules do you need?"


    He could see that Yang Jian''s cultivation level was lower than his, so he wanted Yang Jian to set the rules.


    Li Lingtian never liked bullying others!


    Yang Jian looked at him calmly and said, "Let''s just fight directly. I''ll show mercy."


    Although Yang Jian didn''t know Li Lingtian''s identity, he had to show Gu An respect since Yang Ni and Gu An seemed to be on cordial terms.


    Hearing Yang Jian''s words, Li Lingtian was momentarily stunned.


    This guy really didn''t give in!


    Li Lingtian didn''t think much of it; after all, this was his first battle since he started cultivating, something he had anticipated for ten years.


    "Then let''s fight!"


    Li Lingtian let out a loudugh, moved his feet, and a fierce wind scattered the surrounding leaves. He dashed towards Yang Jian like lightning, his leg sweeping out like a long whip, exceedingly fierce.


    Yang Jian reacted just as quickly, almost instantly lifting his knee to block Li Lingtian''s sweeping leg.


    Li Lingtian''s eyes widened, and his smile became ferocious; Yang Jian''s strength excited him greatly.


    "Such fast reactions," Yang Ni said, standing next to Gu An. Yang Jian surprised her.


    Both Li Lingtian and Yang Jian, with merely their speed and reactions, had already surpassed Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators. Yang Ni even thought she wasn''t this strong when she was in the Core Formation Realm.


    It turned out Gu An really had confidence!


    Li Lingtian leveraged the force to jump back, his body stretching in mid-air. He punched out, and spiritual power formed a golden dragon shadow that charged at Yang Jian.


    A dragon''s roar exploded, echoing through the woods.


    Yang Jian didn''t retreat; instead, he advanced, dispersing the dragon''s shadow with a wave of his hand and stepping up to Li Lingtian.


    Li Lingtian''s pupils contracted suddenly.


    Bang!


    Yang Jian struck Li Lingtian''s abdomen with his elbow, causing Li Lingtian''s eyes to widen and his mouth to open, spitting out blood.


    Immediately, Yang Jian''s fists and kicks followed like a storm, beating Li Lingtian''s body severely, making him feel like a sandbag, unable to stay grounded.


    "This is impossible!"


    Yang Ni''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    She knew Li Lingtian''s strength well; although he hadn''t sparred with others, Li Xuandao had prepared many puppets as grindstones for him.


    In her view, Li Lingtian had already surpassed the Foundation Establishment Realm; if he had not spent so much time practicing spells and divine skills, his cultivation would have reached the Core Formation Realm by now.


    Such a monstrous talent being beaten sopletely? It was unbelievable.


    Yang Jian''s fist and kick speed even made this Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator quite shocked.


    As Yang Jian engaged in battle, she could sense an extremely dangerous aura from him, something she had never felt before. Although Yang Jian''s cultivation level couldn''t threaten her, she felt an inexplicable reverence.


    Seeing that Li Lingtian was about to be beaten to death, Yang Ni was about to intervene but was stopped by Gu An.


    "Don''t worry, Jian''er knows his limits. This is a good opportunity to temper this prince''s character; otherwise, he''ll create too many enemies in the Immortal Cultivation World with his arrogance," Gu An said with a smile.


    Yang Ni nced at him, looking at his profile, and felt somewhat dazed.


    Why was he so calm?


    She suddenly felt that Gu An must have gone through a lot over the years she was away.


    The key question was how such a talented individual could have taken Gu An as his master?


    Yang Ni turned her gaze to Yang Jian. She had to admit, at this moment, Yang Jian looked like the true genius, and Li Lingtian appeared so incapable,pletely unable to disy his talent.


    Soon, Yang Jiannded, raising his right leg to use his foot to catch Li Lingtian''s body.


    At this moment, Li Lingtian''s clothes were torn, his hair disheveled, his face covered in blood, and his body appeared extremely feeble.


    Yang Jian slowly ced Li Lingtian down with one foot. Throughout, his expression didn''t change, as if this battle hadn''t given him any sense of achievement.


    Li Lingtiany on the ground, barely opening his eyes.


    Yang Jian stood in front of him, looking down at him.


    For the first time, Li Lingtian saw someone from this angle, feeling almost crushed inside.


    He hadn''t expected the battle to turn out this way...


    Yang Jian was faster, his fists and feet heavier, and his cultivation level was lower...


    He could feel that Yang Jian didn''t even use spiritual power, relying solely on speed and qi to beat him...


    Why was it like this?


    Could it be that I am not the most talented in the world?


    Li Lingtian''s eyes lost their sparkle, and he buried his face in the ground, his shoulders trembling.


    He cried.


    He couldn''t ept his defeat.


    Gu An walked over, and Yang Jian quickly saluted him.


    Seeing Yang Jian''s respect towards Gu An, Yang Ni''s expression became more peculiar.


    Gu An squatted beside Li Lingtian and said softly, "Your talent is indeed rare, but you must always maintain a reverence for the world. Remember, there are always people stronger than you; if your opponent today had been your enemy, you would be dead."


    Li Lingtian clenched his fists, his body trembling even more violently.


    Yang Ni said nothing. After the initial shock, she even felt somewhat gloating.


    The whole journey, Li Lingtian''s arrogance was unbearable for her, and seeing someone put him in his ce was rather satisfying.


    She didn''t like Li Lingtian, and had even less fondness for Empress Yang.


    Yang Jian remained silent. He felt he wasn''t qualified to teach Li Lingtian; the only reason he was stronger was that he had a master that others didn''t have.


    Gu An took out an elixir and fed it to Li Lingtian.


    Li Lingtian slowly got up, turned towards Yang Jian, and even though his face was bloody, his expression was still stubborn.


    "I won''t ept this. I will win next time," Li Lingtian said through gritted teeth.


    Yang Jian raised his hand, scaring Li Lingtian into retreating behind Gu An. But on closer inspection, Yang Jian was simply saluting him.


    Li Lingtian, both relieved and embarrassed, wished he could find a hole to crawl into.


    Yang Niughed, "With your current state, you still dare to challenge him again? Perhaps you should focus on bing stronger first."


    Li Lingtian took a deep breath and looked at Gu An, "Senior Brother Gu, can I stay in your Medicine Valley?"


    He wanted to see how Yang Jian usually trained.


    All his life, he hadn''t beenzy, and he even had no friends, dedicating himself entirely to cultivation. But thisplete defeat was difficult to ept.


    "No problem, if you have any issues in the valley, go to Jian''er. After all, he''s technically your junior," Gu An said with a smile, causing Li Lingtian to brighten up.


    Yang Jian felt a headacheing on.


    Ten years ago, he had heard Gu An mention Li Lingtian, which gave him pressure. Now, it seemed, Li Lingtian was just like this.


    His real opponent was still that senior brother he had never met.


    So, the four of them left the woods and returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    The disciples in the valley were curious about what had happened when they saw the previously high-spirited Li Lingtian looking so pitiful.


    Yang Ni didn''t stay long. After chatting with Gu An for a while, she flew off to the Inner Sect, seemingly carrying out a mission.


    After handing Li Lingtian over to Yang Jian, Gu An went upstairs to read.


    Until evening.


    Li Lingtian, now dressed in clean clothes, walked out of his courtyard, not seeing Yang Jian, so he wandered around.


    Soon, he was attracted by some disciples ying chess and went over to watch.


    Unfortunately, neither Go nor Chinese chess interested him.


    His eyes were caught by the passing Blood Prison Great Saint.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Blood Prison Great Saint was cursing, frustrated after failing to catch a White Spirit Rat.


    Li Lingtian approached and asked, "You, ox-head, you seem pretty unique. What''s your name?"


    Blood Prison Great Saint red at him and replied, "Bull Demon King, ever heard of it?" Experience new stories on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    After speaking, Blood Prison Great Saint continued on, ignoring Li Lingtian.


    He remembered Li Lingtian; ten years ago, he thought Li Lingtian might be a remarkable figure. Who knew he''d be helpless in front of Yang Jian?


    Useless!


    Li Lingtian stood there, mumbling, "There''s Yang Jian and Bull Demon King. Is Master Puti also here?"


    If there was no Master Puti, how could Yang Jian be so strong?


    But he didn''t think of Gu An as Master Puti because Gu An didn''t seem that strong.


    ...


    On a hot summer day, inside the Imperial Study.


    Li Xuandao sat at the desk, frowning as he read the letters on the desk.


    After a while, a figure walked quickly in, came to the desk, and bowed deeply. This person was d in intricate armor, exuding charisma, with a stern face and fierce eyes.


    This was Ye Yan, a disciple taken by Gu An in the Mystic Valley.


    After a century, Ye Yan was no longer the ordinary youth he once was but a general with a formidable presence.


    Li Xuandao asked, "How much do you know about your master?"


    Ye Yan frowned and asked, "My master? What happened to him?"


    He didn''t answer immediately; although he hadn''t seen Gu An for a long time, he remembered the grace given to him and wanted to protect his master even against Li Xuandao.


    Li Xuandao waved his hand, sending the letters on the desk to Ye Yan. Ye Yan took them and read carefully.


    His expression changed dramatically, showing shock.


    "How is this possible... The Crown Prince''s prowess is by no means simple, yet he was utterly defeated by a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator? Yang Jian... my master''s disciple?" Ye Yan muttered to himself.


    He had met Li Lingtian and even taught him spear techniques.


    Li Lingtian''s talent once made himment the unfairness of the heavens; he even suspected Li Lingtian was an Immortal reincarnate.


    Last year, Li Lingtian had shown powerparable to the Core Formation Realm.


    How could such a talent lose to a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator?


    Li Xuandao pondered, "With Gu An''s abilities, he couldn''t have taught such a disciple alone. Do you think someone more powerful is behind him?"


    Though often troubled by Li Lingtian''s arrogance, Li Xuandao hadn''t expected such a crushing defeat. It left him feeling uneasy.

 Chapter 256: Chapter 256 Former Lord of Divine Exotic City

    In the Imperial Study, upon hearing Li Xuandao''s words, Ye Yan replied, "I am not sure either. When I left that year, I hadn''t seen Master make acquaintances with any Great Cultivator."


    He was also puzzled in his heart.


    He felt that Mystic Valley had extraordinary qi fortune. Su Han, who had disturbed the Taicang Dynasty''s immortal cultivation world decades ago, was his senior brother.


    To this day, whenever he thought of Su Han, he couldn''t help but feel emotional.


    Back then, he, Zhen Qin, and Su Han followed Gu An to the Third Medicine Valley to cultivate. Who could have imagined that they would each achieve such aplishments?


    Although Su Han''s life or death was unknown, themotion he caused had already proven his strength. They were no longer the insignificant minor cultivators they once were.


    After hearing his words, Li Xuandao did not speak further but fell into deep thought.


    For a while, the Imperial Study was engulfed in silence. Each harbored their own thoughts, wondering if there was a powerful figure behind Gu An.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After a long time.


    Li Xuandao spoke, "You may leave now. The negotiations with the Great Jiang Dynasty are nearing conclusion. You need to prepare to go to sea. This matter concerns the thousand-year n of Taicang, and it must not be taken lightly."


    "Yes!"


    Ye Yan epted the order, then saluted and left.


    Li Xuandao gazed out the window, his eyes wandering.


    "I must advance to Mystic Heart soon, or many things cannot proceed." Li Xuandao thought silently.


    Compared to Li Lingtian''s achievements, he cared more about his own.


    To this day, only Lv Xian knew that he had hidden his cultivation level, and now even Lv Xian was unsure of his true level.


    Li Xuandao''s ambitions were grand. He wanted to be an immortal emperor, eternally in power. For this, he needed strength to protect himself.


    Li Lingtian suffering this setback was also good. It would make him more diligent in his cultivation, ensuring he didn''t create trouble for his imperial authority.


    Thinking of this, Li Xuandao smiled.


    "Yang Jian, not bad, I will look forward to your future."


    ...


    Under the blue sky and white clouds.


    Among the mountains, Li Ya was meditating on theke. He was bare-chested, surrounded by mist. His hair floated continuously, and his whole body exuded a powerful aura, causing theke''s surface to shimmer like a sword''s light.


    A figure leaped over the towering mountains, descending from the sky andnding on theke, causing a flurry of ripples. His feet did not touch theke''s surface.


    It was Zhang Buku!


    Zhang Buku wore a robe made of animal pelts, his long hair reaching his waist. His entire demeanor was wild.


    Enjoy new chapters from mvl


    Hands on his hips, heughed and said, "Brother Li, An Hao has caused another bigmotion recently. Do you want to know?"


    Li Ya did not open his eyes, answering, "Go ahead, what has he done now?"


    The three of them joined the Star Sea Congregations together. Although Li Ya held the Divine Exotic City and was renowned within the sect, his growth speed could notpare to An Hao.


    An Hao was the greatest genius in the history of the Supreme Sect, and it was the same in the Star Sea Congregations. He made all other geniuses pale inparison.


    "He has mastered the me Primordial Treasure Body. It is said that this physique could dominate the mortal world in ancient times. Although the Star Sea Congregations have the method of cultivation, he is the first person to seed in tens of thousands of years."


    Zhang Buku sighed. Since ingesting a demon core, his talent had also transformed, making him a genius. Butpared to An Hao, he still fell short.


    When they met, it was always awkward since they both came from the Supreme Sect. They had to be polite, but Zhang Buku disliked An Hao.


    This dislike had no reason. For some reason, looking at An Hao''s face always made him feel annoyed, as if he had seen An Hao somewhere before.


    Li Ya opened his eyes, frowning.


    He had always regarded An Hao as his goal, but the more he chased, the more powerless he felt.


    An Hao seemed to be the protagonist of this world, making everyone else fade into insignificance.


    The me Primordial Treasure Body¡ªhe had heard of it. Once mastered, the person would transform into a radiant sun, invincible in the world.


    Zhang Buku continued, "The sect is nning to explore the Sea Breaking Rift today. I have signed up. Are you going?"


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "I still need to improve my cultivation level, I don''t want to go. Of course, if you want me to apany you, it''s not impossible."


    Zhang Buku snorted, "I don''t want you toe with me. Being with you is too unlucky. I mainly came to tell you this so you wouldn''t be looking for me."


    Li Ya red at him and replied irritably, "Hurry up and go, you''re the unlucky one!"


    The two started bickering again. When Zhang Buku mentioned Gu An, Li Ya conceded.


    Zhang Buku left satisfied.


    Li Ya watched Zhang Buku''s departing figure, cursing silently that when Zhang Buku returned, he would give him a good lesson.


    ...


    Another year of the Spring Festival had arrived.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, the disciples were busy hangingnterns and decorations. Li Lingtian was also bustling with the disciples, mainly following Yang Jian. Seeing Yang Jian busy, he had no choice but to follow.


    In the pavilion.


    Gu An was discussing a peculiar book with Shen Zhen. The two were expressing their views, arguing vehemently, neither convincing the other.


    Suddenly.


    It seemed Gu An sensed something, frowning.


    Shen Zhen noticed the change in his expression, waved her hand in front of him, and asked, "What? Are you angry?"


    Gu An shook his head and said, "No, I just thought of something and got distracted."


    "Thinking about something? You don''t respect me!" Shen Zhen red, angry.


    She stood up, put the book on the table into her storage bag, and then left.


    Gu An did not stop her; he couldn''t be bothered to cater to her whims.


    He sat back in the treasured chair that Shen Zhen had upied earlier,municating with the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit in his heart.


    "Are you sure?" he asked in his heart.


    The voice of the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit sounded, "Sure, it''s definitely his aura. Although I have never seen him, the city retains his aura. I cannot be mistaken. The former master of Divine Exotic City is in that rift!"


    The rift it mentioned was the one that spanned the ocean. Its appearance had even led to rumors of a world-destroying sea tide.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit had just sensed the aura of the former master of Divine Exotic City from that rift.


    Gu An wanted to know the former master''s cultivation level from it, but unfortunately, it did not know.


    In its words, the Divine Exotic City had been born after it left that person''s hands.


    This was true for all immortal spirit treasures; they could only serve one master. Once the master perished, the immortal spirit would also vanish.


    At this moment, Li Ya was still in the Star Sea Congregations, far from the ocean rift. Only the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit sensed that aura.


    When Gu An looked at the rift, he saw many cultivators fleeing from it, as if something terrifying was chasing them.


    When his divine sense approached the rift, he felt a powerful aura that deterred him from recklessly probing further.


    The presence that he could feel was strong. There might be a Carefree Primordial Immortal hidden in the rift.


    Gu An withdrew his divine sense, no longer paying attention to it.


    The world had countless major forces, and there were numerous Great Cultivators. As long as they didn''t threaten him, he was toozy to meddle. After all, that rift was extremely remote from the maind, separated by two continents and countless inds.


    Gu An chatted with the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit for a while longer. Once he was sure that the former master could no longer control Divine Exotic City, he felt relieved.


    He got up and went downstairs. As he walked down the stairs, he saw the busy disciples in the valley, and a smile appeared on his face.


    "The cmities in this world never cease, but if they can be dyed by a few decades, it can grant a generation a stable life."


    Gu An thought this and then walked towards the ce where the most disciples were gathered.


    Under an old tree, dozens of disciples were gathered, discussing fervently. Among them were two people ying go, one of whom was the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    The other was the best go yer in the valley, one of the senior disciples in the valley, respectfully addressed as Elder Lu. He had stayed in the Third Medicine Valley for a hundred years, from youth to old age. Because of his modest cultivation talent, he never thought of leaving the valley.


    At this moment, Elder Lu was frowning deeply, with his right hand holding the go piece trembling, hesitant to y.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s expression was calm, but he was internally sighing in relief.


    This old man''s go skills were too formidable; he almost lost!


    Since ying go in the Third Medicine Valley, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord had be fascinated with the game, feeling that it contained infinite mysteries simr to the essence of the heavenly Dao. Therefore, he frequently came to the Third Medicine Valley to y.


    Go was invented by Gu An and had yet to be widely promoted. Currently, it was only popr in the Medicine Valley.


    Gu An created go merely out of boredom. He did not intend to promote it. Even in his past life, he was simply an enthusiast of the game.


    At this moment, Gu An squeezed through the crowd and saw Elder Lu sweating profusely. He couldn''t help but say, "Xiao Lu, why don''t I y for you?"


    Shameless wandering immortal, bullying my Medicine Valley mortals?


    Intolerable!


    Elder Lu looked up and saw it was Gu An, then quickly stepped aside. The other disciples were excited.


    In their minds, Gu An was the best go yer since he invented the game.


    As Gu An sat down, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord smiled and said, "Little friend, do you think there is still a chance in this game?"


    Gu Anughed, "If you came three movester, there would indeed be no hope."


    The smile on the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s face froze instantly.


    A wandering immortal''s prowess in goy in their ability to simte countless possibilities in an instant, choosing the best moves. From the first move Elder Lu made, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord had already seen the oue.


    Knowing the rules of go, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord could surely win against ordinary folks. However, it was precisely because he could simte countless possibilities that he appreciated the subtleties of the game.


    He did not y go to win but to experience the process andprehend his own Daoist sorcery within the game.


    He did not expect Gu An to see through his strategy.


    Under his gaze, Gu An ced a piece on the board, turning the tides instantly, making him frown.


    He immediately ced a piece, and Gu An followed suit.


    Unlike others who yed slowly, these two yed at lightning speed.


    They werepeting in their ability to simte!


    The disciples around them watched, barely daring to breathe.


    Li Lingtian also squeezed in to join the excitement. Seeing the aura of the two ying, he was interested in go for the first time.


    One piece after another, the sound of pieces being ced formed a melody, exuding a sharp aura.


    Suddenly.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord paused, withdrew his hand hanging in the air, ced the piece down, and said, "I lost."


    As soon as he said this, cheers erupted around them. Elder Lu wiped the sweat off his forehead, revealing a broad smile.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stared at Gu An, as if trying to see through him.


    Though this boy had an extraordinary aura, his cultivation and physique were not impressive. How did he manage to win?

 Chapter 257 Variables

    Night fell, and fireworks rose in the Third Medicine Valley, brilliant and beautiful.


    The pavilion area was filled with dining tables, with over a thousand people toasting and drinking, making for a spectacr scene.


    Gu An ignored the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s gaze and chatted with You Yingying next to him, inquiring about Lu Lingjun''s situation.


    He had actually always been following up on Lu Lingjun. Lu Lingjun''s Ascension Sect had already been established and had joined forces with the Supreme Sect to upy an ind. They were currently busy mining spirit mines. Overall, things were going smoothly.


    You Yingying had always been in correspondence with Lu Lingjun. In the Immortal Cultivation World, letters were either exchanged using spells or dharma treasures or delivered by demon pets. You Yingying came from the Star Sea Congregations and hadmunication means connected with the ocean.


    After chatting for a while, Gu An took the opportunity to leave and went to the Mystic Valley to visit the disciples there.


    It wasn''t untilte at night when the disciples returned to their rooms that he went to the Nianchu Cave to celebrate the festival with Tian Yao''er and the other two girls.


    Unlike others, Tian Yao''er and the two girls no longer had family. They would follow him for their whole lives, so every year during festivals, Gu An would never forget them.


    While enjoying the delicacies, Gu An was also concerned about Tian Yao''er''s cultivation.


    Tian Yao''er had now reached the sixth level of the Divinity Transformation Realm. It was not slow progress at all. She was already talented, and with the continuous consumption of medicinal herbs and elixirs, her cultivation progressed rapidly.


    More than her cultivation level, Gu An was more concerned about her achievements in the Primordial Earth Immortal Skill and the Limitless Freedom Step.


    Cultivation level is the main trunk of the tree, but spells and divine skills are the branches and leaves; both are indispensable.


    Tian Yao''er was very proud of her cultivation achievements, holding her delicate nose high, looking quitecent.


    Gu An was worried she might ck off, so he spoke about the cultivation progress of An Hao and Yang Jian, though he didn''t mention their names, only referring to them as two disciples. Continue reading at mvl


    As she listened, Tian Yao''er''s head gradually lowered.


    Tianqing and Tian Bai, sitting on either side of Gu An, listened as if they were hearing a story, asionally eximing, making Tian Yao''er feel even worse.


    When Gu An finished, Tian Yao''er pouted and said, "What''s so great about them? Sooner orter, I''ll surpass them."


    Gu Anughed and said, "You are also considered my disciple. Why don''t you formally acknowledge me as your master?"


    "No way! Absolutely not!" Tian Yao''er stood up immediately, excitedly speaking with her eyes wide open and her teeth gritting, looking somewhat demonic rather than her usual cute self.


    Gu An helplessly said, "Why are you so agitated? If not, then not. I am unwilling to ept anyway!"


    Tian Yao''er sat down and turned her head away.


    Tianqing chuckled and said, "The youngdy doesn''t want to be a disciple. She wants to be the mistress!"


    Hearing this, Tian Yao''er''s pretty face turned a bright red. She wasn''t angry, and Gu An noticed that she stealthily gave a thumbs-up to Tianqing, a very concealed action hiding under her sleeves.


    Tian Bai joined in the fun, teasing Tian Yao''er. Tian Yao''er tried to clear it up, but the more she exined, the worse it got.


    Gu An watched their staged performance and secretly sighed.


    Looks like I need to help them improve their acting skills in the future, it''s too clumsy. It won''t be reliable to let them handle tasks.


    That night, at their persistent request, Gu An chose to stay overnight.


    Under the tree, Gu An leaned against the trunk, holding a book in his hands.


    Tian Yao''er was reading Journey to the West, but her mind was entirely on him.


    She looked at the mask on Gu An''s face, wanting to take it off but afraid Gu An would get angry.


    Though their rtionship was already close, she always feared losing everything. Even when acting spoiled, she gauged Gu An''s tone, afraid of his displeasure.


    "You want to take off my mask?"


    Gu An suddenly asked. Tian Yao''er instinctively wanted to deny it but couldn''t help nodding upon hearing his gentle tone.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An took off his mask and ced it on Tian Yao''er''s face.


    Tian Yao''er hurriedly pulled off the mask, thinking Gu An was teasing her, only to realize that Gu An hadn''t put on another mask.


    Seeing Gu An''s handsome face, she was stunned.


    Because Gu An always wore a mask, she always thought the worst, imagining he had an ugly or frightening face. She didn''t expect such good looks.


    The reason Gu An was willing to remove his mask was that after so many years of interaction, Tian Yao''er was alreadypletely isted from external causes and effects. Even if she knew his true face, it wouldn''t matter.


    Of course, the most important reason was that he was strong enough. Though not unmatched in the world, he could at least face all causes and effects on thisnd.


    "I know you''ve always wanted to see my face. Tonight, I''m letting you be happy. From tonight onwards, you must work harder in your cultivation. Stop overthinking. Since I''ve epted you, I will not abandon you. You are destined to be the longestpanion with me. Look to the long term. One day, I will take you out to travel and see the world. Like the Green Bull Spirit under Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad in Journey to the West, it could trouble Sun Wukong. I hope you can also stand alone in the future. Your strength is my honor."


    Gu An spoke sincerely. These words were from his heart.


    Be it An Hao or Yang Jian, one day they would eventually leave him.


    Ye Lan also had her own cultivation journey. Regardless of how many years she had left, Tian Yao''er, with a maximum lifespan of eighteen thousand years, was the one who could apany him the longest.


    Tian Yao''er was deeply moved after hearing this. She nodded heavily and said, "Master, don''t worry. I won''t let you down. I will also train Tianqing and Tian Bai well. I am your honor. They are my honor. If they can be top experts in the world, it will make you even prouder."


    Gu Anughed and said, "Just like what''s written in the Supreme Immortal Venerable? In the future, if they offend others and need you to step in, which forces me to step in?"


    Tian Yao''er giggled and said, "Yes, beat the small ones first, then the big ones. You are the older one."


    "Nonsense, your master will always be young."


    "You do look young."


    They started chatting, envisioning the future.


    Gu An also enjoyed talking. He could only talk about the future with Tian Yao''er. It was impossible with others around him because they didn''t know his cultivation level. Even if they knew, how could mortals talk about the future with immortals?


    It''s not that he didn''t want to, but it was hard to connect on the same level.


    ...


    The next morning, Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley.


    As soon as he stepped off the transmission array tform, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord greeted him, trying to pull him, but he quickly withdrew and asked in a deep voice, "Senior, what do you want to do?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord withdrew his hand, coughed, and said, "I want to have another game with you, no, a best of three."


    He also realized he was a bit presumptuous but felt Gu An''s reaction was too excessive.


    If he intended to harm Gu An, Gu An wouldn''t be able to escape.


    Little did he know, Gu An wasn''t afraid of being harmed by him but was afraid of identally shocking him to death.


    In the face of Daoist Gang Primal Energy, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Guo Guhong made no difference!


    "Alright, let''s y!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An said with a stern face. The Nine-Finger Divine Lord didn''t mind and turned to lead the way.


    Today, I''ll defeat you utterly!


    Gu An thought to himself. The Nine-Finger Divine Lord had almost cost him a Wandering Immortal''s life and must be properly punished!


    Half an incense stick''s timeter.


    Gu An stood up and stretched. The disciples around noticed the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s grim face and dispersed, leaving only the two of them under the tree.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stared at the chessboard, his eyes vacant.


    He couldn''t ept this reality.


    In the distance, Li Lingtian stood beside Yang Jian, curiously asking, "Who is that Daoist? He seems quite extraordinary."


    Yang Jian replied, "He is an elder of the Supreme Sect. Do you think his background is significant or not?"


    After speaking, he turned around and continued sweeping the grounds.


    Li Lingtian observed the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and thought to himself that the elders of the Supreme Sect should be quite powerful, shouldn''t they?


    Why not find an opportunity to spar with him?


    Li Lingtian urgently needed a victory to build his confidence. The cultivation of other disciples in the valley was too weak to mention. He couldn''t bypass Yang Jian to challenge Gu An, so he set his sights on the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    This old man liked ying chess with mortals. Maybe he could also spar with him, a junior.


    Hmm, he could ask him to suppress his cultivation realm to the Core Formation Realm. He wanted to see if he could fight across realms.


    Although losing to Yang Jian deeply frustrated him, he didn''t think hecked talent.


    He just chose the wrong opponent!


    He didn''t believe he could choose wrong twice?


    If he couldn''t even beat Senior Brother Gu in chess, then he surely wouldn''t be better inbat!


    Thinking of this, Li Lingtian showed a silly smile on his face.


    Under the tree, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord lifted his head and looked at Gu An, asking in a deep voice, "Impossible. I shouldn''t have lost to you. Who exactly are you?"


    He was a Wandering Immortal. Why did he lose?


    Gu An looked up and smiled smugly, saying, "I am an immortal. What do you say to that?"


    "An immortal?"


    "Exactly, you can call me the Chess Immortal."


    "Get lost!"


    "Tch!"


    Gu An turned and left, his sleeves brushing away.


    Watching his back, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord revealed a bitter smile.


    No matter how he looked at it, Gu An didn''t seem like a disguised great cultivator. Though his cultivation was at the level of a Wandering Immortal, his vision far surpassed that realm.


    He couldn''t help but shift his gaze back to the chessboard.


    Could it be that he hadn''t truly understood the game of Go?


    Even after deducing countless possibilities, so what?


    Go was all about variability.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord furrowed his brows, falling into deep thought.


    ...


    Spring passed and summer came, and the temperature of the world continued to rise.


    On this day, Gu An brought Yang Jian and Li Lingtian to Tianya Valley. He rode on the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint''s bull, slowly moving forward.


    Li Lingtian followed behind, dispirited.


    Obviously, they could fly, but instead, they had to walk. Was Senior Brother Gu intentionally tormenting him?


    But seeing Yang Jian walk calmly, he could only endure. He couldn''t lose to Yang Jian in this regard.


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    Thunder roared in the distance, and Li Lingtian turned back to see storm clouds churning on the horizon.


    Yang Jian seemed to sense something, stopped, turned back to look, and frowned deeply.


    Li Lingtian walked over and asked in confusion, "What''s wrong?"


    Yang Jian ignored him, turned, and followed the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Li Lingtian felt hurt. Yang Jian''s indifference always made him frustrated. He understood that in Yang Jian''s eyes, he wasn''t worth mentioning.


    Yes, if he were Yang Jian, he wouldn''t talk much with someone significantly weaker either.


    Yang Jian came up to Gu An and asked, "Master, I have an uneasy feeling, as if something big is going to happen."


    Gu An replied, "Perhaps indeed a disaster is looming."


    Yang Jian asked in confusion, "Could it be that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm hasn''t given up?"


    Gu An didn''t answer but instructed, "Carefully sense it. I want to know what you can feel."

 Chapter 258: Chapter 258 Immortal Kings True Blood

    After hearing the master''s instructions, Yang Jian calmed his mind and carefully sensed the surroundings. His steps didn''t stop as he followed the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Li Lingtian followed behind, secretly curious. He frequently looked back at the thunder clouds in the sky, but he couldn''t feel anything, which made him very frustrated.


    Could it be that he didn''t even have as much insight as Yang Jian?


    The speed at which the thunder clouds swept across the sky was fast. Before Gu An and the others reached Tianya Valley, the thunder clouds had already swept over their heads, with torrential rain about to pour down.


    Yang Jian looked up at Gu An and said, "Master, I feel the breath of destruction; everything in heaven and earth might be annihted."


    These words made Li Lingtian''s expression strange.


    Is it really that mystical?


    He suddenly thought that Gu An was not simple, profound and unfathomable. Could Gu An be hiding even greater secrets?


    Was it because the emperor and the crown prince knew something that they favored Senior Brother Gu?


    Li Lingtian pondered.


    Gu An didn''t continue the conversation but patted the Blood Prison Great Saint''s ox back, urging him to sprint.


    "Let''s see who gets to Tianya Valley first."


    Gu An left these words, and the Blood Prison Great Saint leapt forward, with the ox hooves creating wind, moving majestically, quickly rushing out of the forest.


    Yang Jian and Li Lingtian hurried to catch up.


    At the mention of apetition, Li Lingtian got excited, but to his dismay, he found himself indeed the slowest!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yang Jian was one thing, but what was the background of this uncouth ox-head, and why was it so fast?


    ...


    Inside Tianya Valley, Gu An dismounted from the Blood Prison Great Saint''s back and led Yang Jian towards the cluster of pavilions.


    Li Lingtian didn''t follow; his gaze was fixed on the Blood Prison Great Saint, his eyes bloodshot.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint raised his ox-head, nced at him disdainfully, and spat out a word that nearly drove him mad.


    "Trash!"


    Li Lingtian was livid, watching the Blood Prison Great Saint''s back, wanting to curse back, but the words were stuck in his throat and wouldn''te out.


    He suddenly started doubting his life.


    Was he really trash?


    Sure, he was stronger than many, surpassing disciples of Medicine Valley and the royal pce, but in the grand scheme of the world, how big were those ces?


    He remembered Gu An''s words: "There is always someone better out there."


    The more Li Lingtian thought about it, the more bewildered he became, standing dazedly in ce.


    This time, Gu An brought Yang Jian because Li Xuandao wanted to meet him.


    He wasn''t afraid of Li Xuandao scheming, having gotten to know him over the years. He respected Li Xuandao''s character, and since they were like-minded individuals, they always believed themselves to be the strongest.


    When Li Xuandao saw Yang Jian, he was amazed by his talent and growing fond of him.


    He was very enthusiastic in his questioning, showing extreme concern, which Gu An thought surpassed his previous treatment of himself.


    When Li Lingtian entered the courtyard and saw this scene, he felt even worse.


    After chatting for over an ancient hour, Li Xuandao decided to give Yang Jian a gift, asking what he wanted.


    Yang Jian instinctively looked at Gu An, which intrigued Li Xuandao.


    What had Gu An done to enamor Yang Jian like this?


    He had always believed that someone more formidable was behind Gu An, and that Gu An was just a guise.


    He had suspected Gu An of hiding his strength, but having known him since the age of fifteen, nothing could have been faked.


    Knowing Li Xuandao''s identity, Yang Jian said, "I would like a weapon I can wieldfortably, heavier but not toorge."


    Li Xuandaoughed, "Are you serious, Yang Jian?"


    Yang Jian, showing an embarrassed look for the first time, nodded in agreement.


    Li Xuandao immediately agreed, promising to give him a satisfactory weapon within three years.


    In the end, Li Xuandao didn''t extend any invitations or try to recruit Yang Jian.


    Gu An, who had earlier considered recruiting Yang Jian for the military, realized he had been overthinking.


    As Gu An prepared to leave, Li Xuandao instructed Li Lingtian to continue following him.


    Gu An didn''t refuse, thinking that in the Third Medicine Valley with so many people, one more mouth wouldn''t matter. Li Xuandao likely didn''t expect him to guide Li Lingtian in anything specific.


    ...


    Cranes flew across the sky in rows, and the sea breeze blew into the Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Gu An walked through the streets with Yang Jian, and Hu Xiaojian led them beside Gu An.


    Today marked Gu An''s first time bringing Yang Jian to Immortal Seeking Ind, where Yang Jian looked around in amazement, finding everything novel.


    He was curious about how far this ind was from the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An instructed Hu Xiaojian to introduce Immortal Seeking Ind to Yang Jian. Hu Xiaojian enthusiasticallyplied, leaving a good impression on Yang Jian.


    The more Yang Jian learned about Immortal Seeking Ind, the more astonished he became.


    Compared to the Supreme Sect, Immortal Seeking Ind seemed like a ce of true immortals, with so many immortalsing and going frequently.


    As Hu Xiaojian introduced the ind, he also guided Gu An to purchase high-rank medicinal herb seeds.


    Two ancient hourster, Gu An brought them to Sage Tang Hai''s residence.


    Over the years, Hu Xiaojian had be one of Gu An''s people. During Gu An''s absences, Sage Tang Hai had taken good care of him, so he was familiar with the residence.


    Today, many immortal path cultivators were in the residence, with more than ten loose immortals and over forty in the Nirvana Realm.


    These cultivators were Sage Tang Hai''s friends, who were all familiar with Gu An. Not only was Gu An a loose immortal, but his wealth was also astonishing. When discussing medicinal herb transactions on Immortal Seeking Ind, Meng Lang''s name often came up, making many specte he had a powerful force behind him. Otherwise, why would he need such a vast amount of medicinal herbs?


    The great cultivators were very enthusiastic toward Gu An''s disciple, offering various meeting gifts.


    Gu An had Yang Jian ept them all, as he was equally generous when these cultivators brought their disciples to visit, reciprocating the gesture.


    Soon, the three of them sat down at their own table.


    Hu Xiaojian whispered, "The Sea Breaking Rift has brought cmity; it is said that a peerless evil demon is hidden within. Countless cultivators have perished in the seabed, and its true identity remains unknown."


    Gu An asked, "Have the great sects taken any action?"


    He could see the situation at the Sea Breaking Rift, where many cultivators and demons were heading right now.


    The Sea Breaking Rift, known as the sign of the World-Destroying Sea Tide, is also believed by many to hold opportunities since heaven and earth had been submerged by the ocean numerous times. Each time, an era''s immortal cultivation civilization sank to the seabed.


    "Yes, there''s action from the Star Sea Congregations and other great sects, but there''s been no sess. Instead, more people are dying..." Hu Xiaojian continued.


    Yang Jian sat on the side, listening attentively.


    After chatting for a while, Hu Xiaojian began discussing the sea''s happenings.


    To Yang Jian''s surprise, he heard a familiar name from his mouth.


    An Hao!


    Having cultivated the me Primordial Treasure Body, An Hao''s reputation soared, with everyone in awe of his incredible talent.


    Yang Jian had heard that An Hao had gone to the Star Sea Congregations to cultivate; he didn''t expect him to be so renowned at sea.


    As a servant disciple of the Third Medicine Valley, Yang Jian knew little about An Hao, only that he was the strongest talent in the Supreme Sect''s history and the Sect Leader''s disciple.


    To Yang Jian, An Hao was always a legendary figure.


    He wondered what An Hao''s elegance was like.


    Yang Jian suddenly felt curious; could it be that his master knew An Hao?


    An Hao was so powerful; it didn''t seem like someone the Supreme Sect could cultivate.


    He had researched the Supreme Sect, and before Sword Venerable Fudao''s rise, there wasn''t even one Mystic Heart Realm member.


    There were rumors about An Hao being Sword Venerable Fudao''s disciple, but they were mostly spections. Such rumors weren''t umon; the immortal cultivation world was full of those suspected to be the sword venerable''s disciples.


    If An Hao was indeed his unseen senior brother, he would be convinced because An Hao was the most brilliant talent he had heard of.


    The master must be extremely fond of the senior brother!


    Yang Jian thought silently as he looked at Gu An .


    Although he had been transformed now, deep down, he still harbored an inferiorityplex. He wasn''t born a genius; his talent was crafted by his master changing his fate against heaven, so he always feared that everything he had could disappear.


    His mentality was quite simr to Tian Yao''er.


    Noticing Yang Jian''s gaze, Gu An didn''t respond.


    After a while, Sage Tang Hai appeared, greeted everyone, and began exining the purpose of the gathering.


    It concerned the Sea Breaking Rift!


    Upon hearing these five words, the cultivators began discussing fervently.


    Sage Tang Hai scanned the room and said in a low voice, "I received information that at the bottom of the Sea Breaking Rift lies a hidden world, dangerous yet containing the cave of an ancient immortal king. In the Deep Sea Spirit Pce, someone obtained the immortal king''s true blood, transforming their body andprehending divine skills, and it was by these skills they fought their way out."


    The cultivators couldn''t help but be moved.


    No one knew the realm of an immortal king, but throughout history, they were always the zenith of the immortal path, with only the greatest of each era qualifying to be immortal kings.


    Such an opportunity, how could they not be tempted?


    The higher the cultivation, the more one needed such opportunities. The loose immortals present may be high and mighty on Immortal Seeking Ind, but when it came to higher realms, they had no direction. Not just breaking major realms, even breaking a minor realm depended on fortune and opportunity.


    "I n to explore it, and those willing to join may sign up. I will share the information when we depart. This is extremely dangerous, and I can''t guarantee safety. Think it over carefully; there is no obligation based on our rtionships." Sage Tang Hai spoke sincerely.


    Over the years, besides holding auctions, he had asionally organized such expeditions. Though not always sessful, there were no bad rumors about him, and his character was trustworthy.


    The cultivators began discussing among themselves.


    Sage Tang Hai did not specifically invite Gu An, as every attendee was personally invited. Once inside, Gu An wasn''t particrly significant; in fact, everyone was equally important.


    Ultimately, Gu An didn''t sign up, while a third of the attendees did, while more chose to avoid the risks due to their long life spans.


    After the gathering concluded, Gu An led Yang Jian back.


    Returning to the Third Medicine Valley, Yang Jian still felt like it was a dream.


    This journey had been too surreal, broadening his horizons. This world was vast, and the Supreme Sect was just a drop in the ocean.


    Gu An began to patrol the Medicine Valley, picking the matured herbs.


    He wondered if he could umte one hundred million years of life span before the cmity struck.


    From his current perspective, the Sea Breaking Rift wasn''t enough to shake the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, which harbored many terrifying forces.

 Chapter 259: Chapter 259 Reincarnation

    What Gu An saw and heard on Immortal Seeking Ind was just a microcosm of the great forces at sea. Although the Sea Breaking Rift had the appearance of fierce demons, it also contained opportunities that countless cultivators and demons pursued eagerly.


    However, as long as this matter didn''t affect Gu An, he was toozy to care.


    Even if people he knew ventured into the Sea Breaking Rift, he would not stop them. Everyone had their own choices, and during the previous cmities on the continent, many people he knew were also involved.


    Opportunities were always obtained through struggle and adventure.


    When the ocean raised storms, the 155-year-old Gu An was still living a farming life.


    asionally, he used his divine sense to look at the Sea Breaking Rift and then at Outer Heaven.


    The influence of this Sea Breaking Rift was great. Gu An saw that recently more and more Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals had returned from Outer Heaven.


    There were also increasing conflicts on the ocean. When someone brought out treasures from the Sea Breaking Rift, the bloodshed had already begun.


    Moreover, Gu An noticed a special situation that added more variables to this catastrophe and made him more wary of the Sea Breaking Rift.


    The time came tote autumn.


    Gu An was chatting with Ye Lan. The two of them stood in front of a wooden fence, watching the disciples sweep away the fallen leaves.


    "Unifying the world is a good thing. As for whether to follow the dynasty northward, that''s up to you," Gu An said.


    The Taicang Dynasty was about to unify the world. Li Xuandao invited the Supreme Sect to send people north to discuss with the Great Jiang Dynasty, firstly to show support, and secondly to go north together and establish a base in the former demonnds.


    Before the Heavenly Ranking Conference, the Supreme Sect''s northern ns were always dyed, with someone secretly sabotaging them. Because of this, the Supreme Sect had sacrificed some disciples. Now no force dared to oppose the Supreme Sect, and the Supreme Sect was also preparing to establish a sub-sect in the north.


    Ye Lan was talking about going to the sub-sect. If she went to the sub-sect, her status and position would be promoted, and she was very tempted.


    If she didn''t go, with her current cultivation level, she could only be an elder in the Inner Sect, but the power she would obtain would be small.


    Ye Lan hesitated: "I really want to go, but I''m afraid I won''t see you as often in the future."


    Gu Anughed and said: "That''s just the early stage. Once the Teleportation Array is built, you''ll be able to see me whenever you want."


    Although Ye Lan liked him, her life was not only about Gu An. She couldn''t revolve around him, and he also hoped that Ye Lan could live more wonderfully.


    The splendor of life, romantic love was just a part of it. Especially after cultivating immortality, the weight of love was even smaller.


    So-called love itself began with desire. Cultivating immortality and cultivating the mind naturally could control physical desires, but spiritual desires would be greater.


    In the early years, Ye Lan had thrived in the Outer Disciple Deacon Hall, and she still had a desire for power in her heart. However, this desire was less importantpared to her regard for Gu An, which made her very hesitant.


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Ye Lan felt reasonable, nodded, and said teasingly: "If I leave, won''t you, senior brother, feel more at ease?"


    Gu An said indignantly: "What are you talking about? I feel at ease whether you are here or not."


    Ye Lan couldn''t help but lightly hit him.


    Gu An reminded her not to ck off in her practice after going to the sub-sect.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The senior brother and sister chatted and began to reminisce about the past.


    As dusk approached, Ye Lan left.


    Gu An had just sat down at his desk and was about to flip through a book when he suddenly sensed something. He directed his divine sense towards the Great Jiang Dynasty.


    The long-hidden Primordial Daoist Talisman had finally made a move!


    It merged into the abdomen of a woman from a Ji Family branch, which surprised Gu An.


    Was this considered reincarnation?


    After reaching the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, Gu An could already spy on the Yin Yang rules of the world, but he still couldn''t see where reincarnation was. Those souls would rise into the sky within seven days after death, disappear after reaching a certain height, and those that did not rise within seven days would turn into vengeful spirits, repelled by the Heaven and Earth Rules. To survive, they had to harm living spirits and absorb their essence energy to enhance their ghostly energy, growing stronger step by step.


    After Ji Xiaoyu''s death, her soul had been hiding in the Primordial Daoist Talisman, unlike other ghosts who persecuted living beings.


    Under Gu An''s watch, the Primordial Daoist Talismanpletely merged with the woman''s aura, as if it had disappeared out of thin air.


    Who knew if this Ji Xiaoyu would have the memories of her past life?


    Gu An remembered that Ji Xiaoyu had seemed mature beyond her years as a child, unlike normal children. Perhaps she had always retained her past life memories but had hidden them well.


    After watching for a while, Gu An withdrew his gaze.


    The moonlight was slightly cool, and the evening breeze blew in through the window, moving Gu An''s sideburns.


    This breezested another ten years.


    Ten years passed, the world changed greatly, and the territories of the three dynasties were unified. Only the Taicang Dynasty remained, and for the people, it was truly peace under heaven.


    Taicang focused on development, exploring the world by sea and mining resources in the north. With the increase in resources, all industries within the dynasty flourished.


    The same was true for the Immortal Cultivation World, with new sects constantly emerging. For example, the Juhua Sect was the most rapidly developing sect in these ten years and was already one of the top nine sects in Taicang, with the Supreme Sect ranked first and the Cangtian Sect second.


    The sub-sect of the Supreme Sect had already been established, and various news kept flowing into the Supreme Sect, making all disciples feel the sect''s rise.


    The treatment of disciples from the Medicine Valley also improved, and the time disciples stayed in the Medicine Valley began to shorten, proving that the Supreme Sect was investing more resources into their cultivation, reducing the time for servant disciples to reach Foundation Establishment.


    One day.


    Gu An had just arrived at the Third Medicine Valley from Mystic Valley. He turned his head and saw a crowd in front of the nearby pavilions, all gathered to watch a Go game.


    He didn''t know when it started, but Go had begun to be popr in the Supreme Sect, and Go masters always came to the Third Medicine Valley. Gu An knew it was because the Nine-Finger Divine Lord liked to y Go here. He had be the biggest promoter of Go. Moreover, with his current cultivation level at the Mahayana Realm, the Hall of Elders couldn''t help but tter him.


    Last month, Lv Baitian had even asked him if he wanted to organize a Go tournament, but he refused.


    Currently, Go was only popr within the Supreme Sect, and it was too early to hold a tournament.


    The most important reason was that the Nine-Finger Divine Lord wanted to hold the tournament in the Third Medicine Valley. How could he agree to that?


    Wouldn''t that affect him nting medicinal herbs?


    Gu An only watched for a while before heading towards his pavilion.


    Now the Nine-Finger Divine Lord seldom asked Gu An to y Go, probably focusing on improving his Go skills.


    The person ying Go with the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was a cultivator at the Unification Realm and also an elder of the sect. Those old cultivators whose cultivation levels had stagnated easily became addicted to Go.


    Gu An suddenly sensed something, piquing his interest. He immediately called for the Blood Prison Great Saint and rode him towards the Outer Gate City.


    Foundation Establishment Realm mounts were not umon in the current Supreme Sect. If one stayed at the Third Medicine Valley for half a day, one would surely see disciples riding mounts flying over the Medicine Valley.


    "Master, why did you suddenly want to go to the Outer Gate City?" the Blood Prison Great Saint asked curiously.


    "Lu Lingjun has returned and is taking people to the Heavenly Repair tform. She probably wants to try the Heaven-Cutting Axe," Gu An replied casually.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was immediately interested.


    He knew Lu Lingjun had founded the Ascension Sect, and those she brought might be ascenders.


    As ascenders, they would naturally want to learn more about each other.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s speed was very fast, and they soon arrived in front of the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Compared to ten years ago, the Heavenly Repair tform was even more bustling, with cultivators of varying cultivation levels, from the Qi Cultivation Realm to Loose Immortal Realm, on the tform.


    Yes, there were Loose Immortals, and not just one.


    They all came from overseas. They first expressed their respect to the Sword Venerable Fudao and then openly ascended to the Heavenly Repair tform toprehend the sword intent of the Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Years ago, Gu An had secretly enhanced the sword intent contained within the words "Righteous Path."


    Gu An dismounted and walked up to the Heavenly Repair tform. The Bull Demon King did not ascend the tform, as mounts and demon pets were not permitted to ascend, for fear of offending the Sword Venerable Fudao.


    At this moment, more and more people were gathering around the Heaven-Cutting Axe. The news had spread that an overseas Loose Immortal hade to challenge the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Over the years, Loose Immortals were no longer a mysterious term within the Supreme Sect. Many people knew that Loose Immortals represented a realm, signifying immortals and the highest realm they currently recognized.


    Why "currently"?


    Because the Immortal Cultivation World''s development speed was too fast, who knew if a higher realm name might emerge in ten years?


    Of course, the Mahayana Realm was still a revered existence.


    Zuo Yijian stood beside the Heaven-Cutting Axe, holding the Investiture of the Gods. Although his eyes were on the book, he was clearly distracted.


    This overseas Loose Immortal was the person Lu Lingjun had brought, her master whom she had worshipped at sea.


    Gu An joined the crowd and used Life Span Detection on that person.


    [Holy Mother of Western Spirit (Loose Immortal Realm Eighth Floor): 18907/24000/150000]


    A maximum life span of 150,000 years meant that the Holy Mother of Western Spirit could reach the Wandering Immortal Realm!


    Even in the sea area where Immortal Seeking Ind was located, Wandering Immortals were exalted beings, rarely seen.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit wore a purple robe, with long white hair tied up under a bejeweled golden crown. A green scarf coiled around her elbow. Standing there, she exuded a vast pressure, inspiring awe.


    Although she had white hair, her appearance was youthful and beautiful, though her imposing presence made it easy to overlook this.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit approached the Heaven-Cutting Axe and examined it closely.


    She came to this continent specifically for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    This was one of the reasons she took Lu Lingjun as her disciple.


    Overseas great cultivators had a deeper understanding of the destruction of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Sword Venerable Fudao was undoubtedly the most powerful cultivator she had heard of so far. How could she not be interested?


    Zuo Yijian, seeing her hesitation, said impatiently: "Hurry up. There are people waiting. When the ancient hour arrives, not even the lord of a Holy Land can make an exception."


    Loose Immortal or whatever immortal, in the Supreme Sect, everyone had to follow the rules!


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit was not angered. She raised her right hand, her snow-white palm reaching out to grasp the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    She could feel that the weight was not from the Heaven-Cutting Axe itself, but from the vast mana within it.


    After two attempts, she gave up and turned to leave.


    This disappointed the spectators. There was littlemotion; they didn''t expect the Holy Mother of Western Spirit to seed, just wanted to see the lofty immortal in a moment of embarrassment.


    Lu Lingjun exchanged a few words with the Holy Mother of Western Spirit and then was about to leave when her eyes suddenly caught Gu An.


    "Gu An, why are you here?" Lu Lingjun transmitted her voice to Gu An while waving to him.

 Chapter 260 Astonishing Heaven and Sea Waves, Terrifying Treasure Body

    Seeing Lu Lingjun wave her hand, Gu An could only walk up to her. He cupped his fists and saluted the Holy Mother of Western Spirit, as basic courtesies should at least be observed with a Loose Immortal.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit slightly nodded, without saying anything.


    Lu Lingjun then pulled Gu An along, and after descending from the Heavenly Repair tform, she took a storage bag from her waistbelt and handed it to him.


    "I won''t be returning to Medicine Valley. This is something I brought for you from overseas," Lu Lingjun said softly.


    Gu An nodded and did not question what she nned to do next. He simply told her if she ever needed his help, she could always find him in the Third Medicine Valley.


    Lu Lingjun smiled, then left with the Holy Mother of Western Spirit.


    Watching Lu Lingjun''s departing figure, Gu An thought that it seemed she was gradually distancing herself from the Third Medicine Valley.


    After all, she was now the Sect Leader, and how could she possibly reside long-term in Medicine Valley, let alone have her Loose Immortal master live with servant disciples?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint walked over, secretly surprised.


    His master imed to be a Loose Immortal, but a Loose Immortal could not possibly lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    He asked no more questions, thinking it was better for Gu An to be stronger, as it meant his current situation was a blessing rather than a curse.


    Gu An turned and left, nning to wander around the Outer Gate City.


    He could feel that the Holy Mother of Western Spirit''s arrival was aimed at Sword Venerable Fudao, and earlier she had tried to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe, intending to connect with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    But he had no desire to meet the Holy Mother of Western Spirit.


    It was easy to guess that it probably had to do with the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Ten years had passed, and the disaster caused by the Sea Breaking Rift had only grown worse. Besides mysterious fierce demons, these years had also seen the appearance of beings called Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts from the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts were immortal and could only be sealed. There were sects that had been massacred by these beings.


    The most fearsome thing was that a Wandering Immortal Great Cultivator from the Star Sea Congregations had ventured into the Sea Breaking Rift, turned into a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, returned to the sea, acted recklessly, and ughtered countless souls, forcing the Star Sea Congregations to use Immortal Path Supreme Treasures to suppress him.


    Various rumors about the Sea Breaking Rift began to spread. Li Ya, who owned Divine Exotic City, was also being pressured, with many wanting to take his Divine Exotic City, but fortunately, the Star Sea Congregations were strong enough to protect him. However, he had lost his freedom and was unable to leave the Star Sea Congregations without permission.


    While the sea was a scene of bloody turmoil, the maind remained tranquil, with everything harmonious, at least within the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An sought out his friends in the Outer Sect for a drink, discussing uing interesting events or the romantic tales of the sect''s aristocracy.


    The Supreme Sect was now very open, unlike the tense atmosphere of the past, and lower-level disciples discussing the Great Cultivators would not face retribution as a result.


    The noble families now cherished their reputations, fearing any scandal that would get them expelled from the Supreme Sect.


    With Sword Venerable Fudao present, the Supreme Sect had to abide by the rules of the Righteous Path.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Of course, this was only within the Supreme Sect. If one offended a sect aristocrat, they might not act within the sect, but outside it, anything could happen.


    Until the night, Gu An finally rode back to the valley on the Blood Prison Great Saint. He held a wine gourd, reciting poetry, which the Blood Prison Great Saint praised as fine verse.


    Gu An thought he had good judgment, daring to praise any lousy poem, which was its own kind of realm.


    ...


    The arrival of the Holy Mother of Western Spirit did not shock the Supreme Sect, whose foundations were also quickly growing. Unless the Holy Mother of Western Spirit wasing to join the Supreme Sect, they would not mobilize for her.


    Another summer arrived.


    Gu Any under the Mystic Pure Tree, staring at his attribute panel.


    His lifespan had reached twenty-five million years. Although it was still far from one hundred million years, the number already gave him a sense of security.


    Nearby, the White Spirit Rat and the Blood Prison Great Saint were ying. Although the White Spirit Rat could not yet speak, its maximum lifespan was continually increasing, and its reflex speed was beyond what the Blood Prison Great Saint of the Foundation Establishment Realm could match.


    Boom!


    A thunderous sound came from afar, rming everyone in Medicine Valley.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint and the White Spirit Rat stopped and looked toward the horizon, their expressions tense.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who had been ying chess, frowned and turned to look, extending his divine sense. His face quickly grew grim.


    Gu An was rather calm; the reason he was checking his attribute panel was that he sensed something significant was happening.


    Before the loud noise, a powerful force had erupted from the bottom of the Sea Breaking Rift, causing immense waves on either side. The waves continued to escte and were now reaching a height of three hundred zhang as they surged toward the maind, growingrger all the time.


    Arge number of cultivators were rushing to the scene, trying to prevent the catastrophe.


    Gu An sensed a massive amount of eerie energy rising from the depths of the Sea Breaking Rift, predicting the emergence of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts were different from the Divine Soul Demons of Divine Exotic City. They had their own spiritual wisdom and even retained memories of their former selves, but their personalities had drastically changed. They killed any living spirits they encountered, which caused the turmoil in the sea-based immortal cultivation world.


    The strength of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts was not the frightening part. The terrory in their retained spiritual wisdom and memories, all of which had now turned against living spirits, hence the widespread fear.


    Having spiritual wisdom meant they could establish rules and even posed the possibility of overturning the Mortal World!


    Gu An rose, realizing he could not appear too indifferent, as the entire valley was in shock and he had to cooperate with the rest.


    He wondered whether ying the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts could extend his lifespan.


    If so, it might be worth intervening early.


    Yang Jian ran over, standing next to him, and whispered: "Master, I just had an illusion of being attacked by many demons and ghosts."


    Fear shed in his eyes. It was not simply an illusion; he had felt as though he had experienced a near-death event.


    Somewhere in the unseen, it seemed as if something terrifying was approaching him.


    Gu An looked at Yang Jian and suddenly noticed that his karma had be blurred. He could no longer glimpse Yang Jian''s past through their karmic connection.


    "Don''t worry; just stay by my side. What could happen? Focus on your cultivation," Gu An reassured him.


    Actually, he himself was unsure of the reason behind it.


    Although he was a Carefree Primordial Immortal, he had only lived for one hundred sixty-six years and did not know much about the world.


    He could see through the Heaven and Earth Rules, but he had not yet reached the point of omniscience.


    He guessed that the visions Yang Jian saw might be rted to his physique. After all, the Immortal Seeking Taoist had said Yang Jian had some kind of ancient treasure body.


    Hearing Gu An''s reassurance, Yang Jian immediately felt at ease.


    Right, with Master around, nothing could happen to him.


    Gu An then walked toward where his disciples were gathered, intending to discuss the matter with everyone and maintain his image as a Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    ...


    At noon.


    Immortal Seeking Ind.


    In a courtyard, the Immortal Seeking Taoist looked at Gu An with a peculiar expression.


    He poured a cup of wine for Gu An and asked: "How did Daoist Friend Meng know I was here?"


    He had been back at Immortal Seeking Ind for many years but had stayed in his residence without going out.


    Gu An replied: "I knew when you first returned. Back then, a lot of people were aware. I came to see you today because my disciple encountered a problem."


    Upon hearing it concerned Yang Jian, the Immortal Seeking Taoist lost interest in questioning how Gu An knew he was on the ind and asked about the issue instead.


    Gu An did not hold anything back.


    After listening, the Immortal Seeking Taoist''s expression becameplicated. He sighed and said: "Ancient treasure bodies have a self-protection instinct. His treasure body must have sensed danger, likely rted to the Sea Breaking Rift. There may be another treasure body hidden there. I have heard that ancient treasure bodies have apetitive and perceptive nature among themselves, especially innate ancient treasure bodies which can sense each other''s existence and will attempt to devour one another."


    "If that treasure body doese from the Sea Breaking Rift, it might be a deceased ancient strongman who has turned into a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost. In that case, it will be a big problem."


    He had returned to Immortal Seeking Ind to avoid catastrophe.


    At this moment, he even considered fleeing Immortal Seeking Ind because he feared Gu An might bring Yang Jian along.


    Admiration aside, the Immortal Seeking Taoist would not die for Yang Jian.


    Not his disciple!


    Even if it were his disciple, he would abandon them!


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist looked at Gu An, hesitating to speak, wanting to persuade Gu An to give up on Yang Jian, but he felt that saying so would be pointless. Gu An would weigh the situation himself, and saying more would only make him unhappy.


    Gu An became thoughtful.


    The tsunami that had erupted yesterday continued to rise. Cultivators tried to stop it but had no sess. The waves contained some powerful force that neutralized all spiritual power and mana along the way.


    One day passed, and the wave''s crest had already surpassed a thousand zhang.


    A thousand-zhang-high wave was incredibly imposing, swallowing countless sea inds along its path.


    Currently, Wandering Immortals of the Star Sea Congregations were still attempting to hold back the waves but without sess.


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist saw Gu An was deep in thought and did not disturb him, leisurely ying with his wine cup.


    After a while, Gu An thanked the Immortal Seeking Taoist and then stood up to leave.


    The Immortal Seeking Taoist did not try to keep him, realizing that Gu An''s visit had provided more information.


    The thought of an ancient treasure body reachingpletion and emerging filled him with dread.


    No, he had to escape!

 Chapter 261 The Unstoppable Catastrophe

    After returning from Immortal Seeking Ind, Gu An did not tell Yang Jian about the mutual devouring of the Ancient Treasure Bodies to avoid worrying him.


    If an Ancient Treasure Body had truly transformed into a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, it would not be something Yang Jian could handle. As his master, Gu An naturally had to step in.


    Since he had to take action, he saw no need to make his disciple worry.


    The Supreme Sect dispatched a Great Cultivator to fly towards the direction of the Sea Breaking Rift, and news of the terrifying sea tide quickly spread.


    Gu An continued his regr routine, pretending to be unaware of this matter.


    While the disciples of the Medicine Valley were busy working and cultivating, the ocean had already entered a cataclysm. If viewed from above, one could see that with the sea tide at the center, cultivators were continuously flocking from all directions, creating a spectacr scene.


    While inspecting the Medicine Garden, Gu An saw several Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals flying by, not just one.


    The sea waves continued to surge. On the boundless ocean, the waves swept across like a mountain range. In front of this mountain range, countless cultivators formed a line, continuously casting spells to block the waves. Unfortunately, their spell and divine skills only caused sshes and could not disperse the waves.


    The number of cultivators continued to increase, but no matter how many there were, they could not shake the momentum of the waves.


    Chi Jiuxiao of the Star Sea Congregations also came with his master Chi Bei to assist. Despite giving his all, he couldn''t resist the wave''s power.


    "Damn it, who on earth is stirring up trouble within these waves?"


    Chi Jiuxiao cursed angrily, but none of the Star Sea Congregations cultivators nearby answered him. They were all very nervous.


    Only those who truly cast spells to block the waves could feel the terrifying power contained within.


    Chi Bei''s voice came from a distance: "It doesn''t matter who is causing trouble. We must stop this. Countless beings with low cultivation levels are on the continent behind us. The Star Sea Congregations must protect them!"


    Chi Jiuxiao understood this principle. He was merelyining, but his hands did not stop moving.


    Suddenly!


    Chi Jiuxiao felt a vast auraing from behind, causing his mana to pause for a moment.


    Whooosh¡ª¡ª


    A gust of fierce wind howled, startling the cultivators to instinctively turn their heads to look.


    Chi Jiuxiao did the same, widening his eyes. He saw thunderclouds unfold in the sky, and at the end of the clouds stood a massive g, ten thousand feet high, as if its top had touched the sky. Any living being appeared insignificant before this g.


    Chi Jiuxiao recognized the origin of this g with just one nce. It was the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure of the Star Sea Congregations.


    The Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The ck g seemed to contain a vast star sea, with starlight twinkling, making anyone who looked at it be deeply immersed, unable to extricate themselves.


    With the appearance of this g, the morale of the Star Sea Congregations'' cultivators soared. Cultivators from other sects also inquired about it. Upon learning that it was the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, every cultivator felt excited.


    "Now we are secure! This is an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!"


    "The legendary Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, just the sight of it strikes fear."


    "With the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure out, we can certainly block these waves!"


    "After the Seven Stars Spirit Realm disbanded, only the Star Sea Congregations are the true rulers of this sea area. Their ability to directly bring out the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure proves their determination to protect the ocean, worthy of the Righteous Path''s reputation."


    The cultivators discussed, their gazes fixated on the towering Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, their eyes filled with hope.


    The Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner suddenly unleashed a terrifying wave of energy, sweeping through the clouds. The sea of stars on its surface lit up with countless streams of celestial light, as if rain of stars crossed the sky, crashing towards the majestic and magnificent sea waves.


    Far away in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An looked up, noticing the appearance of scattered rays in the sky.


    With a nce, he could tell that it was an anomaly caused by the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    As expected of an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure on par with the Seven Stars Mirror!


    Under Gu An''s gaze, the unstoppable waves were dispersed by the power of the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner. Countless cultivators were thrown off, the sshes reaching the sky, and the sea surface was pressed into a spectacr hollow, a stunning sight.


    At this moment, Gu An felt a strange force emerging from the Sea Breaking Rift, surging along the sea, raising waves even higher than before, as if it would drown the celestial Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner.


    Cultivators from all directions were stunned and quickly mobilized their mana to resist.


    Gu An''s divine sense looked farther away. The Sea Breaking Rift raised two wave masses, moving in opposite directions. The waves on the other side were also met with countless cultivators joining forces to block them, but to no avail.


    As the waves advanced, their length continued to grow, forming what indeed could be a world-destroying sea tide.


    Gu An watched for a while before withdrawing his divine sense. The dual waves attracted more and more Great Cultivators, giving him a chance to observe the foundation of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    When he returned to the pavilion, he saw Nine-Finger Divine Lord standing by the wooden railing, staring north in silence.


    Gu An approached and asked what he was thinking about.


    Your next chapter is on mvl


    "Nothing much."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord shook his head. He was naturally focused on the ocean''s cmity.


    Seeing that Nine-Finger Divine Lord did not wish to borate, Gu An did not press further. He simply nodded and walked away.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord suddenly turned to him and asked: "Valley Master, if your loved ones turned into monsters that harm all beings, what would you choose to do?"


    Gu An halted, turned to look at him, and thought for a moment: "If they were truly my loved ones, I wouldn''t shield them, but neither would I be their enemy. If they insist on killing me, I would fight to the death."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord chuckled after hearing this and said: "It''s not that simple. Your answercks struggle."


    "Indeed, it''s not that simple, but why ponder over it? The only thing one can truly control is oneself, right?" Gu An retorted.


    Did Nine-Finger Divine Lord have loved ones that had turned into Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts?


    Judging by Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s lifespan, he certainly had a story.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord sighed: "Yes, one can only control oneself. Even cultivators are the same. The more one tries to control, the more one deviates from the path of immortal cultivation."


    The two chatted casually, with Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s words filled with sorrow yetcking specifics. Soon, they turned their conversation to the game of Go.


    Meanwhile.


    In a residence in the main city of the sect.


    Lu Lingjun and the Holy Mother of Western Spirit sat across from each other in the courtyard. At this moment, the Holy Mother of Western Spirit looked at a copper mirror on the table, frowning deeply.


    In the mirror was a blurry figure, seemingly saying something.


    After the figure in the mirror disappeared, the Holy Mother of Western Spirit put the copper mirror into her sleeve.


    Although Lu Lingjun sat next to her, she did not hear the figure''s words. She couldn''t help asking: "Master, who were you speaking to just now?"


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit took a deep breath and said: "An elder of mine. I asked him about the path of this catastrophe. He advised me to leave early to avoid it."


    Upon hearing this, Lu Lingjun''s brows furrowed.


    In her heart, the Holy Mother of Western Spirit held an exceptional position and cultivation level. Even if she was not as powerful as Sword Venerable Fudao, she was still one of the top Great Cultivators she had ever seen.


    For even the being behind the Holy Mother of Western Spirit to advise them to avoid this cmity, it must be extraordinary.


    "The cause and effect hidden within the Sea Breaking Rift are such that even my elders dare not involve themselves. Perhaps we truly should leave. The world is vast, there will be somewhere to escape the disaster," the Holy Mother of Western Spirit said with a sigh.


    Lu Lingjun replied: "The Supreme Sect has Sword Venerable Fudao. He may be able to ovee this crisis."


    Ever since she joined the Supreme Sect, she had experienced the demon cmity and heard of Sword Venerable Fudao sweeping through the Seven Stars Spirit Realm single-handedly. She had great confidence in Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit, however, was still worried: "It''s hard to say."


    She came to the Supreme Sect intending to rely on the power of Sword Venerable Fudao to avoid the cmity, but she had just learned that the scope of the disaster had changed, with even more powerful variables appearing. Even her sect dared not involve itself rashly.


    Not all sects in this world followed the Righteous Path. More sects aimed only to preserve their own Daoist traditions.


    Not just them, at this moment within the Supreme Sect, those Great Cultivators from the ocean were also discussing this matter. With their cultivation levels surpassing the native disciples of the Supreme Sect, they also had superior intelligence capabilities, understanding more about the approaching threat of the waves directed at their continent. Naturally, they were anxious.


    Their first thought was Sword Venerable Fudao!


    If the ocean cultivators could not block the waves, could Sword Venerable Fudao withstand them when they reached the continent''s edge?


    Some had already chosen to flee the continent, unwilling to gamble on Sword Venerable Fudao''s strength.


    ...


    Rumble¡ª¡ª


    The sky thunder cracked, thunderclouds tumbling, interwoven with boundless lightning. A sea wave over fifteen hundred feet high advanced with the momentum to engulf everything under heaven. It seemed as if the entire sea had risen, unstoppable and imposing. Under this wave, all cultivators and demons appeared small.


    Chi Jiuxiao endured the storm with his armor drenched. He continually retreated, his face full of anxiety.


    Subconsciously, he looked back and could see the outline of the continent.


    At this rate, countless lives would be buried in the sea tides.


    This water was not ordinary seawater. It contained some strange and powerful force. Some cultivators who had been swept into it had already transformed into Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    Thinking that the entire continent''s beings might turn into Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts made Chi Jiuxiao''s scalp tingle.


    He looked ahead, seeing twelve figures in front of the wave. They emitted an aura far surpassing all cultivators behind them. Yet, despite their vast mana, they were being pushed back by the wave.


    All twelve were Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, either the founders of sects or elders of the Star Sea Congregations. Facing the wave, they were all powerless. They could only slow the wave''s advance but could not suppress it.


    The previous dispersal of the wave by the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner had only been temporary. Another wave had formed, and the banner itself had been tainted by the force within the wave, forcing the Star Sea Congregations to retract this Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    At this moment, Chi Jiuxiao''s pupils suddenly dted, his face showing a look of terror.


    In the dim sea wave, he saw a figure, a thousand meters tall, only faintly visible when lightning shed.


    It was not just him; more and more people saw that figure. Anyone who beheld it felt a suffocating pressure in their chest.


    For over a hundred thousand cultivators had gathered to block this wave, with the lowest cultivation level being Mystic Heart Realm, and over ten thousand Immortal Path cultivators. Even such power could not shake the wave''s momentum, how could they not despair?


    More and more cultivators felt beaten down, their will to fight waning. Seeing the mysterious thousand-foot-tall figure in the wave made them even more eager to escape immediately.

 Chapter 262 It is Sword Venerable Fudao!

    As noon approached, Gu An arrived at Mystic Valley. It had been two days since the Sea Breaking Rift had erupted with waves, and now it was the third day.


    Gu An was about to gather medicinal herbs when he suddenly sensed something. He sighed softly, then continued harvesting.


    He had already felt a powerful force approaching from afar!


    Originally, Gu An didn''t want to concern himself with the survival of the two distant continents. The waves would have to pass through these two continents before reaching his own, and they were still very far away.


    But now, a dangerous aura had emerged from within the waves, forcing him to change his strategy.


    He couldn''t wait until the force behind the catastrophe neared his continent before acting; if that happened, it would easily lead to unexpected changes.


    The farther the catastrophe remained from the Supreme Sect, the more room he would have to operate.


    He couldn''t fight on the continent itself, where he would have to consider the well-being of all living things.


    As the catastrophe progressed, the entire ocean had be aware of the existence of the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost. The Sea Breaking Rift was definitely not a natural cmity; deep within ity a force poised to overturn the mortal world. Whether Gu An intervened or not, this would be a disaster the entire ocean needed to face together.


    Gu An continued gathering medicinal herbs while pondering how to act.


    Lu Jiujia, the chief disciple of Mystic Valley, approached and softly asked, "Senior Brother, I''ve heard there is a disaster at sea that could potentially affect our continent. What should Mystic Valley do?"


    From his words, it was clear how much the Supreme Sect had progressed over the years. The disaster at sea had only been ongoing for three days, yet word of it had already spread within the sect. In the past, let alone three days, as long as the disaster didn''t makendfall, inner sect disciples could go their entire lives without knowing.


    "Naturally, we should adhere to our duties, cultivate diligently, and provide the best medicinal herbs. That is the greatest responsibility we can bear," Gu An replied nonchntly.


    Lu Jiujia nodded. In truth, he just wanted to gauge his senior brother''s attitude. After all, his senior brother had connections within the inner sect and would certainly know more than they did.


    Since his senior brother was unperturbed, he saw no reason to worry and could reassure the valley''s disciples.


    After Lu Jiujia left, Gu An continued picking herbs.


    Thirty minutester.


    Gu An arrived at the eastern cliff of Mystic Valley, with the Blood Prison Great Saint following behind.


    "Master, what brings us here?" the Blood Prison Great Saint asked curiously, noticing Gu An ying with a leaf.


    Gu An stood at the edge of the cliff, looking toward the horizon. "To stop the disaster at sea," he replied.


    Upon hearing this, the Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes widened. He took a step forward and asked, "How will you stop it? Didn''t you say the catastrophe was far from us?"


    Gu An grasped the leaf with his left hand and pressed his right hand against the Blood Prison Great Saint''s ox-head. In an instant, the Great Saint''s expression changed drastically, his eyes widening in shock as the image of a terrifying wave appeared in his pupil reflection.


    He saw the scene that Gu An''s divine sense had captured.


    At that moment, in front of the massive waves, countless great cultivators were besieging a terrifying figure a thousand feet tall.


    It was a humanoid monster, wearing only pants and bare-chested. Its entire body was dark, covered with blood-red scars, as if it might split apart at any moment. Its hair was wild, with a fierce and ghostly face full of fangs, holding a bone knife, exuding dominance and arrogance.


    The myriad spells and divine skills cast upon it failed to shake its massive form.


    Its roar drowned out the thunder, turning the sea and sky into a hellishndscape.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint trembled at the sight of the thousand-foot figure.


    The aura alone was terrifying to behold.


    The spells and divine skills of the cultivators were immense, resembling the power of immortals, creating a spectacle rivaling the sun and moon.


    The more powerful the cultivators, the more terrifying the thousand-foot figure seemed.


    Gu An raised his right hand, breaking the Great Saint''s vision, who instinctively looked at Gu An, wanting to see more. However, he saw Gu An lift his left hand and wave it toward the horizon.


    With a casual wave, the leaf in his hand shot out like a flying sword, emitting a cold light before disappearing into the horizon.


    Gu An then turned to leave.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint stood stunned for a moment before hurriedly following him.


    "Master, is that all?"


    "What else?"


    "You just threw a leaf?"


    "Stop fussing."


    "But...what realm have you reached?"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint wasn''t doubting Gu An''s sess; he was just in shock.


    To y such a terrifying being that many cultivators couldn''t handle, with just a leaf from such a distance?


    What level of cultivation would one have to reach to achieve such a feat?


    Gu An didn''t answer the Great Saint''s question, leaving him to ponder endlessly.


    Meanwhile.


    Far over the ocean, the sky was dark, thunder roared, rain poured, and winds howled in all directions.


    Chi Jiuxiao held the Dragon-ying Spear, mes burning around him. The rain evaporated into steam as it approached him. He bit his lip, ring at the terrifying figure in the distance, his eyes full of struggle.


    "Where did that thinge from..." Chi Jiuxiao thought angrily.


    The great cultivators ahead disyed energies far beyond his reach, twelve of whom reminded him of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    So many great cultivators gathered, yet they couldn''t harm the thousand-foot figure one bit.


    How could he not be afraid?


    Some cultivators had already fled in terror, and he too hesitated whether to retreat.


    If the great cultivators ahead retreated, their speed would surely outpace his. Whoever was the slowest would die.


    But he also feared others might choose to fight to the end. If he fled, how could he maintain his standing in the immortal cultivation worldter?


    At that moment, Chi Jiuxiao vaguely heard a whistling sound. He barely had time to react before his vision suddenly brightened, his pupils moving instinctively.


    Time seemed to stand still, everything in the world frozen, the casting cultivators still, the roaring thousand-foot figure halted, its terrifying stance fixed.


    The rain hung suspended in the air, each droplet reflecting a gleam of sword light.


    The churning waves presented the image of countless white flowers, strangely beautiful.


    A streak of sword light swiftly traversed this nearly frozen world, passing by the cultivators, dashing toward the thousand-foot figure.


    The crimson eyes of the figure reflected the sword light.


    Boom¡ª


    The head of the thousand-foot figure was instantly sted apart by the sword light, and the rolling giant wave behind it was dispersed, creating a huge gap, leaving all the cultivators in awe.


    Sunlight streamed down, revealing that the storm clouds had also been torn apart!


    Upon closer inspection, the sea of thunderclouds before them had been split in two, extending to the horizon where the sea met the sky!


    Everything happened so quickly. Not only did Chi Jiuxiao have no time to react, but even the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were stunned in mid-air, maintaining their casting poses.


    Under their gaze, the headless thousand-foot figure turned to ashes, scattering with the wind.


    The Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals immediately turned to look in the direction from which the sword light hade, their expressions astounded but not panicked.


    Given the speed of that sword light, even if they had tried to defend, it would have been useless if the attacker had wanted to kill them.


    "Who made that move?"


    "Such speed, such domineering sword intent!"


    "Could it be someone at the ninth level of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm?"


    "Even a ninth-level cultivator would find it hard to be so overpowering." Explore more at mvl


    "Which major force''s domain is in that direction?"


    The Heaven and Earth Flying Immortalsmunicated through divine sense, while other cultivators, after a brief silence, erupted in thunderous cheers.


    Chi Jiuxiao saw the unstoppable giant wave now reduced to a broken bridge, crumbling at both ends, and his expression was exceedinglyplex.


    It was Sword Venerable Fudao!


    No mistake about it!


    Not only had he felt the Sword Intent from the Heavenly Repair tform, but Sword Venerable Fudao had also saved him. And the direction behind him was exactly that of the Supreme Sect.


    But how far was this ce from the Supreme Sect?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Could it be that Sword Venerable Fudao had already arrived nearby?


    For some reason, an absurd idea suddenly formed in Chi Jiuxiao''s mind.


    Maybe Sword Venerable Fudao never left the Supreme Sect, otherwise, why use a long-distance means to kill the enemy?


    At this moment, someone shouted, "It''s Sword Venerable Fudao! That direction is toward the Supreme Sect. I visited the Supreme Sect a few years ago and felt Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Intent!"


    The mention of Sword Venerable Fudao startled all the cultivators.


    After the Seven Stars Spirit Realm broke apart, Sword Venerable Fudao''s name shook the ocean. Though not universally known, most cultivators who came to aid had high-level cultivation and somewhat knew the truth behind the disbanding of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    If it was Sword Venerable Fudao, they could understand.


    With understanding came shock and excitement.


    Was Sword Venerable Fudao truly this powerful?


    A Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal raised a hand, catching a leaf. He looked at the leaf, his expressionplicated.


    The other Flying Immortals also turned their gaze toward the leaf, feeling the residual Sword Intent from it.


    Before they could speak, the leaf suddenly turned to ashes, as if it had never existed.


    ...


    Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley with the Blood Prison Great Saint, wandering around as the Great Saint''s gaze followed him, eyes full ofplex emotions. The waves within his heart were difficult to calm.


    As Gu An walked, he was puzzled.


    It didn''t yield any life span!


    Could it be that ying the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts provided no life span?


    Did immortality mean having no life span in the first ce?


    Though Gu An felt regret, at least he had stopped a catastrophe.


    However, he had a feeling this was only the beginning. Stronger cmities were likely to emerge from the Sea Breaking Rift. What kind of being woulde next?


    At this moment, You Yingying suddenly approached him and said, "Gu An, I''m preparing to return to the Star Sea Congregations."


    Gu An asked, "Why?"


    "With the great catastrophe approaching, it''s definitely safer back with the Star Sea Congregations. I find you pretty agreeable, so are youing with me? No one else cane," You Yingying said, ring at him.


    Gu An shook his head, "I won''t go. My cultivation level is too low to survive in the Star Sea Congregations. If the Supreme Sect were to fall tomorrow, I would rather disappear with it."


    In the distance, the Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t help but roll his eyes.


    The master fooling a simpleton again!


    You Yingying opened her mouth, but in the end, said nothing. She patted Gu An''s shoulder and turned to pack her things.


    Gu An had no intention of stopping her. It was a good thing for You Yingying to return to the Star Sea Congregations early, as it prevented her from causing him trouble.


    You Yingying had a strange cause and effect within her, suppressing her talent and life span. Gu An couldn''t see through this cause and effect for the time being, so he didn''t want to get too involved with her.


    If he got too emotionally attached, he would have to help her eventually, which would be too troublesome!

 Chapter 263: Chapter 263 Million Years Rarely Seen

    Gu An did not put all his strength into it, but it was enough to disperse the power within the giant wave and restore calm to the sea around the Sea Breaking Rift.


    As for the cmity on the other side of the tidal wave, Gu An was toozy to care. He did not believe that no one over there could stop the waves.


    Even if Gu An did not intervene, he thought that there were powerful beings in the ocean capable of acting. It was just the timing was hard to gauge, perhaps after the Supreme Sect was submerged.


    The facts turned out just as he had guessed.


    Two dayster, Gu An saw a mysterious Great Cultivator cast a spell to scatter the waves on the other side of the Sea Breaking Rift. Although it was not enough to make him apprehensive, he could confirm that person was the Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    After dispersing the waves, that Carefree Primordial Immortal disappeared.


    Thisnd indeed hid many powerful figures. The higher the realm, the more mysterious they were, some like Gu An who had hidden in the city, while others secluded themselves in caves, ignoring worldly affairs.


    Previously, Gu An had explored thisnd, and there were quite a few ces he could not see through at a nce.


    Three dayster, news from the sea reached the Supreme Sect.


    Sword Venerable Fudao acted and killed a powerful Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, resolving the cmity!


    Supreme Sect was instantly in an uproar, the news spreading quickly!


    Gu An was still reading in the pavilion when he heard the disciples discussing it. He did not go downstairs but continued reading.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This intervention did not give him a sense of aplishment. He thought he could be happy when the Sea Breaking Rift disappeared.


    However, near dusk, an event urred that left Gu An helpless.


    It was that You Yingying, who had left a few days ago, had returned.


    Upon her return, she immediately found Gu An and eagerly shared the situation she had learned, her tone full of admiration and respect for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    She understood the situation more clearly. It was said that the Sea Breaking Rift erupted with waves that could sweep through Heaven and Earth, hiding a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost that even the Star Sea Congregations could not deal with.


    She also made a point of exining the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, fearful that Gu An did not know how terrifying this thing was.


    Gu An cooperated with her, showing nervousness when talking about the cmity and Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost. When she mentioned Sword Venerable Fudao, he became excited, greatly satisfying her emotional needs.


    This event had a huge impact on You Yingying, and she had to find someone to talk to, preferably a Supreme Sect disciple.


    She wanted the Supreme Sect disciples to be grateful and to know how strong Sword Venerable Fudao was!


    Receiving Sword Venerable Fudao''s favor, it seemed that Heaven favored the Supreme Sect!


    If such a strong person lived in the Star Sea Congregations, how great would that be?


    As Gu An listened, he felt something was amiss.


    Why was she telling him this?


    Could she have guessed that he was Sword Venerable Fudao?


    For a moment, Gu An felt apprehensive towards You Yingying.


    You Yingying had no idea of Gu An''s thoughts. She just said whatever came to mind and never considered whether Gu An might be Sword Venerable Fudao.


    After a long while, You Yingying, having fully vented her desire to share, left with a pleased heart.


    Gu An watched her back, thinking it a pity he could not use this opportunity to shake her off.


    Considering her great admiration for Sword Venerable Fudao, he decided to let her stay a bit longer.


    In the following days, the entire Supreme Sect revolved around discussions of Sword Venerable Fudao, and with many Ocean Cultivators in the sect, news of the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost also spread.


    Indestructible and immortal, devouring Living Spirits!


    Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts were transformed from Living Spirits!


    Just hearing this was terrifying!


    It is worth mentioning that You Yingying went to the Outer Gate City every day to preach the might of Sword Venerable Fudao. She felt that some things needed to be clearly stated so that the Supreme Sect could more greatly revere Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Every time Sword Venerable Fudao acted, the number of cultivators on the Heavenly Repair tform increased dramatically.


    This made Zuo Yijian, who guarded the Heaven-Cutting Axe, even busier, but he was not tired, rather he became more energetic and proud.


    He now considered himself one of Sword Venerable Fudao''s people.


    Enjoy new stories from mvl


    After all, Sword Venerable Fudao had patted him on the shoulder!


    Who could have such an honor?


    Gu An observed numerous sects gathering above the Sea Breaking Rift, and from a nce, the number of cultivators already exceeded five million and was still growing. It seemed the Sea Breaking Rift had caused widespread panic in the ocean.


    His gaze shifted upward, noticing more and more Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals arriving in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Clearly, the major oceanic powers were calling in reinforcements.


    This was a good thing!


    However, Gu An recalled something: would the increasing number of cultivators providing support lead to a rise in Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts?


    He could only pray those sects could resolve the deep-seated trouble in the Sea Breaking Rift on their own.


    He was not the protagonist of this Heavenly Destiny; he could not be relied upon to solve everything, right?


    He thought it should note to that; thisnd was filled with Immortal Spirit Dynasties, and there was a mysterious continent capable of resisting his Divine Sense with its Qi Fortune.


    Furthermore, Gu An had also seen many transcendent powers before, none of which Star Sea Congregations or Seven Stars Spirit Realm couldpare to.


    Star Sea Congregations were rulers of the ocean, but there were many rulers.


    With Gu An''s realm, he could already glimpse the Qi Fortune of sects and forces, and from the strength of the Qi Fortune, the Supreme Sect was less than one ten-thousandth of the Star Sea Congregations, and the Star Sea Congregations were likewise less than one ten-thousandth of that Immortal Spirit Dynasty.


    Gu An guessed those true first-rate powers of the world also had deployments in Outer Heaven; they could ess more resources, nothing the Star Sea Congregations couldpare to.


    Themotion caused by Sword Venerable Fudao did not affect Gu An.


    However, he began spending more time teaching Yang Jian.


    Ever since he dispersed the waves, Yang Jian had been experiencing more frequent visions, seriously affecting his cultivation.


    Once, while Gu An was instructing Yang Jian in his cultivation, Yang Jian suddenly fell into a daze. Gu An had to shake him awake, drenched in cold sweat. Yang Jian had seen himself being devoured, utterly powerless to resist, and the intense pain was not an illusion but a real sensation to his flesh.


    Unfortunately, Gu An could not deduce the source of the visions through cause and effect.


    Time passed day by day.


    The year-end arrived, winter snow covered thend and mountains.


    In the forest a hundred miles outside Mystic Valley, Gu An was instructing Yang Jian in the Limitless Freedom Step.


    Yang Jian possessed high talent andprehension, but Limitless Freedom Step was equally profound. Mastering it was challenging even for him.


    After a maneuver, Yang Jian almost crashed into a tree, but he stabilized himself just in time.


    He turned to look at Gu An, about to speak, but suddenly frowned.


    He clutched his head with both hands and unexpectedly knelt in the snow.


    Gu An sensed something was wrong and immediately used his mana to iste this section of the forest, preventing any unusual urrences from rming the Supreme Sect.


    He approached Yang Jian and ced his right hand on Yang Jian''s shoulder, using his own mana to assist him.


    In an instant, Gu An felt an unknown force of cause and effect attacking. He could resist, but he hesitated for a moment and pretended to be affected.


    His mind was drawn into a mysterious Illusion Realm, with Yang Jian''s consciousness present as well.


    Yang Jian sighed in relief upon seeing his master''s figure beside him.


    He was about to speak but suddenly felt something and turned his head. Ahead, a pitch-ck shadow appeared, walking out from the expansive snow, seemingly wearing some kind of armor based on its shape.


    "Mystic Gang Dominator Body, a rare sight in a million years."


    A cold voice echoed from the front, filled with greed. Listening closely, it seemed to swallow something, chilling those who heard it to their bones.

 Chapter 264 You Die, or I Perish

    Mystic Gang Dominator Body!


    This was the first time Gu An had heard of Yang Jian''s physique by name, which made him even more interested in the mysterious shadow.


    This person must be the Great Achievement Ancient Treasure Body mentioned by the Immortal Seeking Taoist!


    The illusion was still a world of ice and snow, and the shadow ahead appeared even more terrifying amidst the swirling snowkes.


    Yang Jian gritted his teeth and asked, "Who are you, and why do you keep entangling me?"


    Obviously, he had seen this figure in illusions before.


    Normally, he would be afraid, but with his master by his side, his courage swelled, leaving him only with anger.


    The shadow stopped, opened a pair of cold eyes, and their gazended on Yang Jian, making his heart tremble.


    "You and I are both Treasure Bodies, nurtured by the Qi fortune of heaven and earth. Your Dominator Body is stronger than ordinary Treasure Bodies, which makes this seat quite fond of you. A million years ago, this seat also consumed a Mystic Gang Dominator Body, greatly boosting my Qi-blood, leaving a lingering taste until now," the shadowmented, as if reminiscing about the past.


    His words made Yang Jian shudder with fear.


    Did this guy want to eat him?


    Gu An took a step forward and said, "State your name, and let''s see if your reputation has left any mark in this mortal world."


    The shadow''s gaze shifted to Gu An, smiling, "This seat is named Impermanence Tian, have you ever heard of it?"


    Impermanence Tian?


    Gu An fell into deep thought, having never heard this name before.


    Impermanence Tian continued to stare at Yang Jian and said, "This seat will soon descend upon this mortal world. I will put youst; after I consume the other Treasure Bodies, I wille for you. You have nowhere to run, even if you escape to Outer Heaven, this seat will find you. Your only chance is to cultivate diligently and unleash the mysteries of the Mystic Gang Dominator Body to be stronger."


    "You die, or I perish!"


    Yang Jian gritted his teeth, though panicked inside. With his master nearby, he didn''t want to show fear. He said in a deep voice, "Thene, let me see what you can do!"


    Impermanence Tianughed out loud, turned, and disappeared into the vast snow.


    This illusion created by the Power of Cause and Effect shattered along with it.


    Yang Jian opened his eyes to find his master standing before him.


    Gu An helped him up and said, "He has dered battle upon you, and will likely no longer interfere with you. You can cultivate in peace now."


    In the illusion realm, Gu An couldn''t perform life span detection on Impermanence Tian.


    But the Power of Cause and Effect from the other side didn''t seem unbeatable, so he remained calm.


    Yang Jian asked worriedly, "Master, should I leave Medicine Valley, so as to..."


    "Nonsense! Focus on cultivating. If you say such rubbish again, I will cripple your Dao level!" Gu An said sternly, interrupting him.


    Yang Jian opened his mouth, but eventually held back what he wanted to say.


    He had the deepest feeling of Impermanence Tian''s power, which he couldn''t describe. Though he believed his master wouldn''t lose, he didn''t want his master hurt or caught in bigger troubles, something he never wished to see.


    Gu An didn''t say he could easily handle Impermanence Tian, for he wasn''t sure of Impermanence Tian''s strength either. It was just an opportunity to apply pressure on Yang Jian, hoping to help him grow faster.


    "He said he would first find other Treasure Bodies. Those Treasure Bodies must be guarded by great forces, giving you plenty of time to grow," Gu An consoled.


    "Everyone has their cmities and fates. Only by constantly oveing them can you break the shackles. The path of Immortal Cultivation is inherently against the heavens. You need a heart that is resilient and fearless of anything."


    Yang Jian took a deep breath, his expression firming up.


    Yes, why think so much?


    Soldierse, fight them off; wateres, build barriers!


    As long as he cultivated with all his might, even if he died, what regrets would he have?


    Then, he resumed cultivating the Limitless Freedom Step.


    In the snowy winter, the world became a single color, with Gu An and Yang Jian in the forest appearing very small.


    Days unfolded as Gu An had foreseen; Impermanence Tian didn''te for Yang Jian again, and Yang Jian was no longer tormented by illusions.


    The New Year''s festival arrived, and the Supreme Sect remained lively, unaffected by the ocean cmity.


    This year, the Supreme Sect began preparing for a new convention.


    After the New Year, Lv Baitian came to discuss with Gu An about the uing convention.


    This time, the Supreme Sect intended to hold a Physical Cultivation convention where participants would not use Spiritual Power or Dharma Treasures, relying solely on their bodies and techniques.


    After their discussion, Lv Baitian startedining about the sub-sects.


    The power of the sub-sects was growing, and Lv Baitian could no longer intervene in their matters. This was the decision of the Hall of Elders and the Venerable Pavilion, clearly aimed at weakening his power.


    To this, Gu An simply listened withoutmenting.


    There had always been internal strife in Supreme Sect at every stage, and in fact, it''s the same for any sect or ce. As long as it didn''t jeopardize the entirety of Supreme Sect, Gu An didn''t care.


    If Lv Baitian couldn''tpete with others within the rules, it was merely a testament to hisck of skill, and nothing more needed to be said.


    Speaking of sub-sects, Lv Baitian brought up the Ji Family.


    Since Sword Venerable Fudao ventured into the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the realm still existed, but it wasn''t as dominant as before. Moreover, it had established friendly rtions with the Supreme Sect, forcing the Ji Family to rebuild ties with the Supreme Sect.


    Lv Baitian remained indifferent to the Ji Family, but Vice Sect Leader Ji Hantian still held a position. Therefore, Ji Hantian arranged for the Ji Family to stay in the sub-sects, aiding in their construction. The rapid development of the sub-sects could not disregard the contributions of the Ji Family.


    "Do you remember the Third Miss of the Ji Family, Ji Xiaoyu?" Lv Baitian suddenly asked.


    Gu An nodded, but Lv Baitian''s next words caused his face to change drastically.


    "Ji Xiaoyu had died within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, precisely on the day Sword Venerable Fudao swept through the realm," Lv Baitian sighed, observing Gu An''s reaction.


    Gu An disyed a range of emotions from shock and sorrow to anger, finally turning into a somber expression.


    He fell into silence and began pouring himself a drink.


    Could it be that thisd liked Ji Xiaoyu?


    Indeed, Gu An''s entry into the Supreme Sect was arranged by Ji Xiaoyu, and in terms of appearance, Ji Xiaoyu was undoubtedly a rare beauty.


    Lv Baitian thought as he watched Gu An.


    Gu An secretly praised himself for his acting skills, capable of conveying emotions that could influence others.


    The room fell silent.


    For a long while.


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    Lv Baitian broke the silence, "Old acquaintances have gone; on the path to immortality, you''re bound to experience these matters. By the way, there''s another matter, quite intriguing actually."


    "What is it?" Gu An raised his eyes to look at him and asked.


    Lv Baitian replied, "Another Girl of Heavenly Pride has appeared in the Ji Family, also named Ji Xiaoyu. If I hadn''t seen this girl, I would have thought it was the previous Ji Xiaoyu, but they were born in different branches of the Ji Family, and her talent surpasses that of the former Ji Xiaoyu."


    Curious, Gu An asked, "Both called Ji Xiaoyu and both highly talented, could it be the same person through possession or reincarnation?"


    Lv Baitian shook his head, "I don''t think so. She''s named Ji Xiaoyu because she also possesses a Primordial Daoist Talisman. The Ji Family named her in memory of the former Ji Xiaoyu. Judging by the aura of the talisman, it''s not the same."


    "A Primordial Daoist Talisman is formed by the cultivation level of an Ancient Great Cultivator before they died. It seems an Immortal once emerged from the Ji Family. The Ji Family doesn''t receive the talisman. Instead, they created the Primordial Daoist Talisman."


    Lv Baitian''s tone was filled with emotion, his eyes wandering as if contemting something.


    Gu An sighed without responding.


    Seeing his disinterest in further conversation, Lv Baitian decided not to disturb him any longer and took his leave.


    After Lv Baitian left the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An revealed a smile.


    He hummed a tune and began to read.


    Although Xuan Tianyi was no longer in Supreme Sect, his books were asionally sent back.


    Green Hero Travelogue was still being updated!


    Gu An loved authors like this who stayed true to their roots.


    If Xuan Tianyi wrote for a thousand years, he would read for a thousand years!


    Notably, Green Hero Travelogue was now about overseasnds, which had rapidly boosted its sales. Presently, Supreme Sect disciples increasingly longed for the ocean.


    ...


    Spring faded into summer, bringing another year of splendid scenery.


    Underneath the Mystic Pure Tree, Gu An leaned against its trunk, tenderly stroking the White Spirit Rat napping beside him. He closed his eyes, appearing to doze, but in fact, he was observing Xiaochuan''s life.


    Xiaochuan had established a family and a career, settled in a city, living a rtively happy life, vastly different from his personality and image in Medicine Valley.


    He already had the air of a head of the household.


    Xiaochuan had a son and a daughter, and they''d hired many servants. Seeing that Xiaochuan was doing well, Gu An felt at ease.


    After that, Gu An turned his gaze toward the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Looking into the distance, the Sea Breaking Rift stretched long, spanning the ocean. Around the rift, one could always spot cultivators and demons venturing in and out, as well as living spirits or divine exotic resentful ghosts escaping, presenting a magnificent sight.


    It seemed calm but this peace felt oppressive, like the onset of a storm.


    After watching for a while, Gu An stood up, sensing someone approaching.


    Someone rode the clouds swiftly into Medicine Valley.


    It was Vice Sect Leader Ji Hantian, followed by a finely dressed little girl.


    Gu An hurried to greet them, casting a life span detection.


    [Ji Xiaoyu (Energy Cultivation Realm Ninth Layer): 11/240/9999]


    Goodness, the extreme life span reached 9,999 years!


    The previous Ji Xiaoyu had an extreme life span of 8,900 years; reborn into a new life, her extreme life span had increased. Could this be considered reincarnation cultivation?


    Ji Hantian saw Gu An and smiled. When Gu An approached, he spoke, "I want you to look after her. She is Ji Xiaoyu, from a branch of the Ji Family."


    Hearing this, Gu An feigned a dazed look, gazing at the young Ji Xiaoyu.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ji Xiaoyu was only eleven years old, not yet reaching Ji Hantian''s elbow. Her expression was calm, with eyes carrying a hint of age, reminding Gu An of the previous Ji Xiaoyu''s precocious maturity.


    Seeing Gu An lost in thought, Ji Hantian exined, "She just happens to have this name. Lv Baitian should have mentioned it. Let her cultivate in your Medicine Valley, and I will take her awayter."


    Saying so, Ji Hantian turned and swiftly disappeared into the horizon.


    Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu stood on the grass, speechless, a subtle atmosphere prevailing.


    Just then, a figure appeared in front of Ji Xiaoyu. He squatted down to scrutinize her¡ªit was none other than Nine-Finger Divine Lord.

 Chapter 265: Chapter 265 Supreme Treasure Body, Dream of the Previous Life

    "Such a foundation, rare, rare."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked at Ji Xiaoyu and marveled, clicking his tongue.


    Ji Xiaoyu slightly frowned, circled past the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, and came to Gu An''s side, leaning against him, watching the Nine-Finger Divine Lord with vignce.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Senior, don''t scare the child."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stood up, turned to look at Gu An, and sighed, "Gu An, this girl has extraordinary talent, you must draw her in while she is still young and build a good rtionship. She might save your life in the future."


    Gu An nonchntly said, "I never leave the Supreme Sect, what danger could I encounter?"


    "True."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord smiled and took another nce at Ji Xiaoyu before turning and leaving.


    Gu An looked at Ji Xiaoyu andughed, "I am called Gu An, you can call me Valley Master from now on."


    Ji Xiaoyu gently nodded, her gaze towards Gu An remained calm, as if she really did not remember Gu An.


    This made Gu An slightly regretful; in this life, Ji Xiaoyu was ultimately not the same person as in the past.


    Gu An took Ji Xiaoyu''s little hand and walked towards the group of pavilions.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s expression was slightly uneasy, but she did not break free.


    Afterward, Gu An arranged for Ji Xiaoyu to live with An Xin, asking An Xin to take care of her.


    He had his own motives; Ji Xiaoyu would sooner orter soar to great heights. If she formed a deep bond with An Xin, she could be a significant support for An Xin in the future.


    After all, An Xin was his disciple, and naturally, he would consider her well-being.


    It wasn''t long before Gu An''s door was knocked on, and a childish voice came from outside:


    "Valley Master, can Ie in?"


    Gu An replied, "Come in."


    The door was pushed open, and the young Ji Xiaoyu walked in.


    She wore a white lotus dress, her hair neatlybed, resembling a little celestial maiden who had descended to earth.


    She came to the table, staring at Gu An, and said, "Valley Master, can I live alone?"


    Despite her childish voice, her tone and manner were mature and steady.


    "Why?" Gu An looked at her, smilingly asking.


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "I like living alone, and I don''t want to be disturbed while cultivating."


    Gu An thought for a moment, then said, "How about you live downstairs in my pavilion?"


    The pavilion he resided in had two floors; the first floor was for living quarters, and only he could live there. However, he usually stayed in the study on the second floor.


    Ji Xiaoyu hesitated for a moment, then slightly nodded.


    Gu An kindly smiled, "If you need anything, just let me know. Although my surname is Gu, I was also born into the Ji Family."


    Ji Xiaoyu, curious, asked, "You were born into the Ji Family?"


    "Yes, I used to be a house servant of the Ji Family..." Gu An began to recount his background and how he entered the Supreme Sect.


    However, he did not mention Ji Xiaoyu''s name, only referring to her as the Third Miss of the family.


    He wanted to test if Ji Xiaoyu remembered anything.


    Ji Xiaoyu listened earnestly. When Gu An finished speaking, she asked, "Did you investigate who your parents are? The house servants of the Ji Family are all recorded."


    Gu An was stunned.


    When he reached the Carefree Primordial Immortal level, he returned to the Ji Family to see the past causes and effects and to see what his parents looked like. Unfortunately, he could not see them.


    He didn''t know if it was because too much time had passed or for some other reason, but Gu An couldn''t see the causes and effects of his childhood.


    "No, regardless of their identity, if they missed me, they would naturallye looking for me, wouldn''t they?" Gu An replied.


    To say he had never fantasized about this life''s parents would be a lie, but having lived two lifetimes, he wouldn''t be mncholy over it. Though he had no parents in this life, he had them in hisst one and had already experienced the joy of family.


    Ji Xiaoyu moved a chair in front of the table and sat down. cing her hands on the table, she looked at Gu An and said, "It''s strange, I have very little emotion towards my parents. The other children in the family have a close rtionship with their parents, but every time my mother approaches me, I feel very ufortable..."


    She began to share her inner feelings, and Gu An listened attentively.


    In his childhood, Gu An also heard from other house servants and ves about the Third Miss''s distant rtionship with her parents. It often made her mother sad. However, because the Third Miss was extraordinarily talented, everyone had to tter her, including her parents, who didn''t dare to fuss too much.


    Gu An guessed that although Ji Xiaoyu had no memories of her past life, her disposition remained. Her spiritual wisdom and mind didn''t need to grow; she just needed an adjustment period.


    Listening to Ji Xiaoyu recount her childhood experiences and inner thoughts, Gu An asionally chimed in and analyzed from an outsider''s perspective. Despite the age gap, they enjoyed talking to each other.


    As they chatted, a smile gradually appeared on Ji Xiaoyu''s face, recing her usual cold demeanor.


    They talked until evening, when Ji Xiaoyu stood up and said, "It''s getting dark. I must go cultivate."


    Gu An nodded, smiling.


    This little girl was even chattier than in her past life.


    However, having an asional chat with a child wasn''t bad.


    Ji Xiaoyu suddenly said, "Valley Master, I don''t know why, but the moment I saw you, I felt a sense of familiarity as if I had known you for a long time."


    Gu An replied, "It shows that we are fated. Wee to my Medicine Valley."


    Ji Xiaoyu smiled, then formally bowed to him like a little adult.


    After she closed the door, Gu An picked up the book on the table and continued reading.


    When night fell, he felt the presence of Ji Xiaoyu downstairs starting her Qi Absorption Cultivation.


    He sensed the existence of a Primordial Daoist Talisman.


    The Primordial Daoist Talisman was still filled with incredible power, aiding Ji Xiaoyu in her cultivation.


    Gu An did not continuously observe Ji Xiaoyu and soon focused back on reading.


    ...


    Blue sea and sky, inds floating in the air, birds flying together, cultivatorsing and going.


    On a floating ind, pces were situated, the interior bright with light, the ground as blue as the sea, glistening with light.


    An Hao sat cross-legged in the water pool, surrounded by mist, his ck hair floating slightly, and a faint light emanated from his body, resembling a fire glow.


    A figure appeared out of thin air by the poolside, a man in a long robe, with an immortal aura, holding a horsetail whisk, his white hair tied beneath a lotus crown, with three flying swords of different shapes floating behind him.


    "Disciple, in theing period, you must not leave the Star Sea Congregations. I will be heading to the Sea Breaking Rift and do not know when I will return," the man in the long robe said.


    He had the title of Sage Fuchen, known as Sage Fuchen, An Hao''s master in the Star Sea Congregations.


    An Hao opened his eyes, looked at him, and frowned, "Why can''t I leave? I don''t even have Divine Exotic City."


    Find your next adventure on mvl


    Clearly, he was quite displeased with Li Ya being restricted. After all, he and Li Ya came from the Supreme Sect, practically old acquaintances, and seeing an acquaintance suffer, how could he be happy?


    Sage Fuchen shook his head and said, "Your situation is different; your trouble is greater. There is a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost with an Ancient Treasure Body in the Sea Breaking Rift. It was once a Transcendent Immortal and could traverse Outer Heaven, named Impermanence Tian. Impermanence Tian ns to devour all Treasure Bodies in the world. He will inevitably target you, and his Dao Level is stronger than a Wandering Immortal."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Stronger than a Wandering Immortal!


    An Hao''s face shifted slightly. Although he now understood the levels of the Immortal Path Realm, the highest he could reach was the Wandering Immortal. Beyond that, it was a sect taboo not to be explored lightly.


    Sage Fuchenforted, "If you stay within the Star Sea Congregations, he can''t do anything to you, so do not venture out. Wait until all congregations eliminate the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost at the bottom of the Sea Breaking Rift."


    An Hao nodded. He wouldn''t tempt fate by trying to challenge Impermanence Tian''s might.


    Though he might have great talent, in terms of strength on this ocean, he knew he was still very weak, even considered a bottom-tier cultivator.


    Then, Sage Fuchen gave a few more reminders before leaving.


    An Hao raised his right hand, a wisp of me emerging from his palm, condensing into a small sun. The firelight illuminated his face, which remained indifferent.


    "Impermanence Tian, Supreme Treasure Body, why do I feel like I want to devour you?"


    ...


    The summer heat was intense.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint down from the Transmission Array tform. Today, he had gone to Tianya Valley, harvested some medicinal herbs, and spent nearly an hour in the Mystic Valley.


    Gu An looked up and gazed at the distant Mystic Pure Tree.


    Under the Mystic Pure Tree, Ji Xiaoyu was staring at it, with Li Lingtian standing nearby, saying something.


    Gu An patted the Blood Prison Great Saint, signaling it to head towards the Mystic Pure Tree.


    "Little girl, my swordsmanship is really amazing, are you sure you don''t want to learn?"


    "You should learn it. I see you have extraordinary talent and need an Ultimate Skill to protect yourself."


    "Why don''t you answer me? I am the Crown Prince of the present dynasty!"


    No matter how much Li Lingtian persuaded, Ji Xiaoyu ignored him, making him stomp his feet in frustration.


    At this moment, Gu An''s voice floated over, "First, defeat Jian''er with your swordsmanship before you brag."


    Li Lingtian quickly turned around and awkwardly grinned.


    Gu An dismounted and walked towards Ji Xiaoyu, then said, "Don''t disturb her, or I''ll have Jian''er train you."


    Li Lingtian''s face changed slightly, and he immediately left.


    When Gu An reached Ji Xiaoyu, she was still staring dazedly at the Mystic Pure Tree.


    Behind them, the banter of the Blood Prison Great Saint and Li Lingtian could be heard, with the Blood Prison Great Saint always managing to irritate Li Lingtian.


    Gu An looked at Ji Xiaoyu, secretly amazed.


    Had she begun Path Enlightenment just one month after entering the valley?


    This was too incredible!


    He did not disturb Ji Xiaoyu, just stood beside her to protect her from being bothered by other disciples.


    It wasn''t until twilight that Ji Xiaoyu finally came back to her senses.


    Gu An guessed it was her body''s natural reaction; as night fell, she had to cultivate.


    Ji Xiaoyu turned and saw Gu An, smiling, "Valley Master Brother, why are you here? Finished with your work today?"


    Gu An rubbed her head and said, "I finished long ago. What were you thinking about just now?"


    Ji Xiaoyu called him brother because he arranged it so; initially, she found it awkward, but she got used to it after half a month.


    Recalling, Ji Xiaoyu said, "I seem to have seen some memories, they belong to me, but I have not experienced them."


    "Oh? What exactly did you see?"


    "I saw myself standing in the sky, with many demons and people kneeling before me."


    As she said this, Ji Xiaoyu''s face turned unnatural. She felt like she was dreaming, but she did indeed see it.

 Chapter 266: Chapter 266 Divine Exotic Ghost King, Bitter Sea Buddha Sect

    Gu An asked, "What else did you see?"


    Seeing that Gu An did not doubt her, Ji Xiaoyu continued to recount.


    She saw herself being chased by many people, saw herself diving to the seabed and discovering a pce, and even saw herself flying into the sky to pick stars, among other things.


    After listening, Gu An said, "You cane here often if you''re free."


    But Ji Xiaoyu shook her head and said, "Forget it, my intuition tells me not to touch those memories."


    After speaking, Ji Xiaoyu turned and left.


    Gu An watched her back and suddenly felt that her reincarnation was not just for improving her aptitude.


    Thinking carefully, it''s true, the power contained in Ji Xiaoyu''s Primordial Daoist Talisman was so strong that she did not need to improve her aptitude before Nirvana.


    Could there be another hidden reason, and Ji Xiaoyu''s soul had been wary of awakening her previous life memories?


    Gu An shook his head, not wanting to think too much. After all, Ji Xiaoyu couldn''t stay in the Third Medicine Valley forever.


    ...


    At the end of summer, Gu An arrived at Immortal Seeking Ind.


    His divine sense swept around, but the figure of the Immortal Seeking Taoist was nowhere to be seen. Did he really escape?


    He shook his head, then walked into the streets and began to wander around. This time, he did not call Hu Xiaojian.


    Besides buying seeds, he also wanted to inquire about Impermanence Tian''s whereabouts.


    Now there were battles everywhere on the ocean, even Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal conflicts. More and more Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts were escaping from the Sea Breaking Rift, some in groups and some alone.


    Those Divine Soul Demons acting alone were very strong. Gu An didn''t keep watching the Sea Breaking Rift, so he came to listen for news.


    Sure enough, cultivators all over the streets were discussing the Sea Breaking Rift and the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    It was said that there were nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings in the Sea Breaking Rift, each having the power to rival a Great Sect, and some even holding Immortal Path Supreme Treasures.


    The main forces of the Star Sea Congregations once encountered one Divine Exotic Ghost King, suffering heavy losses and failing to capture it.


    The known Divine Exotic Ghost Kings were three: Impermanence Tian, Defying Jiuyou, and Yin Yang Chaos.


    All three had three-word names, and each had heaven-shaking abilities.


    Impermanence Tian stormed into a forceparable to the Star Sea Congregations, swallowing a great talent alive and leaving leisurely, making a name in battle.


    Defying Jiuyou created the Jiuyou Sea Fog, wreaking havoc on the ocean, turning all marine life into white bones wherever it passed.


    Yin Yang Chaos was even scarier, capturing souls and turning them into ghostly soldiers.


    The three Divine Exotic Ghost Kings did not fight together; each could bring disaster to the ocean.


    There was also good news: it was said that an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure appeared in the Sea Breaking Rift and was seized by a divine monk from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.


    Bitter Sea Buddha Sect came from a far-off ce, not known to the cultivators on Immortal Seeking Ind, only that it was very powerful.


    Gu An wandered around for an hour and then began purchasing medicinal herbs.


    Experience tales with §Þ??


    Before he finished his shopping, dark clouds rolled in, covering Immortal Seeking Ind and darkening the entire ind.


    Although Gu An had detected the crisis on Immortal Seeking Ind, he did not panic and calmly continued buying medicinal herbs.


    When he walked out of the mansion''s gate, Immortal Seeking Ind was already like night.


    His gaze turned to the alleyway corner, where a w emerged from the pitch-ck wall, followed by a hideous ghost crawling out.


    It was entirely ck, with blood-red cracks all over its body, resembling the thousand-foot figure in the previous terrifying sea waves.


    Afternding, it looked around, its face bearing six eyes, and soon locked its gaze on Gu An.


    With a thunderous roar, the whole city echoed with a nerve-wracking howl, as if hundreds of thousands of monsters were howling together.


    The Six-Eyed Resentful Ghost also howled, leaping like lightning and appearing before Gu An in the blink of an eye.


    Boom!


    The Six-Eyed Resentful Ghost instantly turned into ghostly mist, scattering around.


    Gu An walked toward the steps, and the entire city erupted in battle. Numerous cultivators and demons flew into the sky, countless Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts rising like a rain of arrows to chase them.


    Gu An did not receive any life span prompt and abandoned the idea of gaining life span by capturing Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    Since there was no profit, there was no need to stay long.


    Gu An used the Limitless Freedom Step to leave Immortal Seeking Ind.


    After returning to the Supreme Sect, he leisurely walked into Mystic Valley.


    In the summer heat, the disciples were all cultivating inside their rooms. Gu An went upstairs to rest and only came to the Third Medicine Valley in the evening.


    Now he liked wandering around, seeming very busy but actually doing nothing, just enjoying such a lifestyle.


    Upon his return, Gu An saw the Nine-Finger Divine Lord ying chess with none other than Lu Lingjun''s master, the Holy Mother of Western Spirit.


    Lu Lingjun stood by watching the game, which piqued Gu An''s interest, and he walked over to join.


    As he arrived beside Lu Lingjun, he heard the Nine-Finger Divine Lord say with a smile, "Much obliged."


    The disciples all praised him for his skill.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit was calm. She looked at the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and asked, "May I ask your name, senior, and what sect you are from?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord waved his hand, saying, "It''s just a game of chess, no need to pry so much. Has the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect not taught you manners?"


    Upon hearing this, the Holy Mother of Western Spirit''s expression changed slightly, but she said no more. She stood up, saluted the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, and then turned to leave.


    Lu Lingjun did not follow but looked at Gu An beside her, asking curiously, "How did you beat this senior?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s face turned ashen, and he began to call others to sit down and start another game.


    Gu An replied with a smug smile, "I wanted to interact with you as a mortal, but since you asked, I have to reveal it. I am a chess immortal in the world, using ck and white Tai Chi to inquire about the Dao, experiencing worldly tribtions."


    Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but roll her eyes.


    Beside them, Elder Lu widened his eyes and couldn''t help but ask, "Valley Master, are you really a chess immortal?"


    The other disciples also looked at Gu An excitedly. Whether true or not, their expressions made Gu An feel very satisfied.


    "You are teachable!"


    Gu An said with augh, "Just teasing you all. If I were a chess immortal, would I still be here doing chores?"


    The disciplesughed along, continuously ttering him.


    Seeing Gu An enjoying the disciples'' adtion, Lu Lingjun shook her head and smiled.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord found Gu An very contradictory. Sometimes he was very worldly, sometimes he saw through the mundane. Perhaps it was this contradiction in his character that made his chess moves unpredictable and hard to capture.


    Afterward, Lu Lingjun pulled Gu An away, and they came to a secluded ce.


    "Can you let the girl downstairse to me? I want to take her as my disciple," Lu Lingjun asked eagerly.


    Gu An, hearing this, shook his head and said, "She is the Girl of Heavenly Pride from the Ji Family, only temporarily staying with me. If you want to take her as a disciple, you must ask the vice sect leader."


    Lu Lingjun pouted and said, "Ji Hantian? He definitely won''t agree. He opposed my founding of the Ascension Sect before, fearing I would undermine the Supreme Sect."


    Gu Anughed and said, "So what are you doing now?"


    "I just can''t bear to see good talents buried."


    "So if you can''t bear to see good talents from the Supreme Sect being buried, do you want to take all the good talents away?"


    "You brat, do you think of me like that?"


    As they bickered, Lu Lingjun started hitting Gu An, who was really afraid of hurting her.


    Sigh.


    He suddenly missed the days when Lu Lingjun used to bribe him.


    Back then, Lu Lingjun''s attitude was as good as could be.


    Women are indeed changeable.


    Gu An suddenly asked, "Your master is from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect? What kind of sect is that, and where is it?"


    He was curious because he had also heard this name mentioned today on Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Lu Lingjun replied, "Yes, the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect is very far from the Supreme Sect. Not even Ji Hantian could find it in a lifetime."


    "So far away, you won''t be a nun at the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, will you?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense, let''s not discuss this."


    Lu Lingjun gave Gu An a stern look and then changed the topic, seemingly afraid of offending the Holy Mother of Western Spirit.


    After chatting for a while, Lu Lingjun left.


    Gu An then walked towards his loft.


    Upon reaching the loft, Ji Xiaoyu suddenly ran out of the house, saying she had something to tell him.


    So, they went upstairs together.


    After sitting down, Gu An looked at Ji Xiaoyu sitting opposite and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "Wait a moment, Valley Master Brother, read a book first."


    Seeing her nervousness, Gu An found it amusing and didn''t press for an answer, instead picking up Investiture of the Gods to read.


    "Valley Master Brother, why are you reading Investiture of the Gods? They all say you like reading Green Hero Travelogue," Ji Xiaoyu asked curiously.


    Gu An''s face changed instantly, and he sternly asked, "Who said that?"


    "Tang Yu, Peng Chang, Chen Jie, they all said so."


    "Don''t listen to their nonsense. Tomorrow I''ll educate them properly. How dare they nder their master!"


    "nder? Isn''t Green Hero Travelogue a good book?"


    "Don''t ask, just read a book yourself."


    Gu An threw Journey to the West on the table to Ji Xiaoyu and then focused on reading.


    An hourter, Ji Xiaoyu put down Journey to the West, let out a sigh of relief, and said, "They finally left. Two people came to the valley today, making me feel very ufortable. One of them even wanted to take me as a disciple, but I refused."


    Gu An sensed that the Holy Mother of Western Spirit and Lu Lingjun had already flown away and was secretly surprised.


    Ji Xiaoyu, who was only at the ninthyer of the Energy Cultivation Realm, could sense the Holy Mother of Western Spirit''s presence?


    She could even judge when the Holy Mother of Western Spirit left, extraordinary indeed.


    Gu An asked, "Why did they make you feel ufortable? Have you seen them before?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "No, but when I was in a trance under the Mystic Pure Tree, I saw some images of people with simr auras to them, and those people wanted to capture me."


    Hmm?


    Could it be that Ji Xiaoyu was an enemy of the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect in her previous life?


    It seemed that he needed to pay more attention to the Holy Mother of Western Spirit. If she recognized Ji Xiaoyu, he had to be cautious to avoid implicating the disciples in the valley.


    "Valley Master Brother, you''d better stay away from them. I feel that nothing good wille from getting close to them," Ji Xiaoyu said seriously.


    Gu An nodded and said, "Don''t mention this to anyone else to avoid trouble."


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "Don''t worry, I''ll only tell you. Besides you, I feel that no one else in this world would harm me. It''s a strange feeling, but that''s truly how I feel."

 Chapter 267 Stronger Physique

    Hearing Ji Xiaoyu''s words, Gu An couldn''t help but feel curious.


    Why did she have such thoughts?


    In her past life, before her death, Gu An did indeed help her, but that was in the guise of the Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Could it be that Ji Xiaoyu had already seen through his true identity at that time?


    That was impossible. The Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body could shield against probing and causal deduction. To see through his identity, the other party''s cultivation level would have to be far higher than his.


    Could it be because of Gu An''s identity?


    Gu An suddenly recalled when they were children, Ji Xiaoyu once spoke up to save him. Thinking carefully, it seemed Ji Xiaoyu had only saved him and not shown such kindness to other house servants, or perhaps she didn''t meddle in their affairs.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Since you trust me so much, I must treat you well. As long as you''re in Medicine Valley, you can cultivate at ease. No one can harm you."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded, then started talking about Journey to the West again.


    Recently, in addition to her cultivation, she had also begun reading like Gu An, bing more and more fascinated with Journey to the West as she read.


    The two chatted for an hour before Ji Xiaoyu left.


    ...


    Autumn arrived.


    Gu An returned to Immortal Seeking Ind. After the attack by the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, the ind had be somewhat deste, but overall it had not declined.


    The strength of Immortal Seeking Ind was still formidable. Without an attack from a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost that surpassed the Loose Immortal Realm, it was difficult to shake the foundation of Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Gu An sent a message to Hu Xiaojian, who quickly appeared before him.


    After the salute, Hu Xiaojian began recounting the attack on Immortal Seeking Ind. When he mentioned the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, his face was full of fear and dread.


    "Those fes reformed in less than five breaths after being scattered. They were too troublesome. Fortunately, the Ind Master used divine skills to move them all away. Unable to break through, they eventually dispersed..."


    Hu Xiaojian shivered as he spoke.


    Gu Anforted him after hearing, "It''s okay, it''s over now. Don''t worry. Immortal Seeking Ind has stood here for so many years; it won''t be easily destroyed."


    "Just afraid of a Divine Exotic Ghost King descending..." Hu Xiaojian sighed.


    "What does Immortal Seeking Ind have that would attract a Divine Exotic Ghost King?"


    "Indeed, the Divine Exotic Ghost King doesn''t seek heavenly treasures, only wishing to ughter the strong and use them for their own purposes."


    Your next journey awaits at §Þ??


    Hu Xiaojian nodded, his mood lifting.


    Afterward, he led Gu An to continue their procurement, while also talking about the Sea Breaking Rift and the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts'' news.


    Gu An listened. Currently, various parts of the ocean were under attack from the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts. Their numbers were increasing, causing the maritime sects to take action. Many sects that Hu Xiaojian had never even heard of before disyed their power, astounding him.


    Deep Sea Spirit Pce, Mortal World Peak, Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, Purple Pill Pce, Immortal Fall Gorge, Vast Energy Daoist Sect, Time Divine Pavilion...


    This vast world left Hu Xiaojian deeply moved.


    Gu An, however, wasn''t much affected. He had previously used his divine sense to probe and found that this world was on par with the Star Sea Congregations, with over a hundred sects at the same level, demonstrating the world''s immense strength.


    Some sects could already travel to Outer Heaven, yet they remained here. Perhaps there were unimaginable dangers in Outer Heaven for mortal spirits.


    Gu An was curious about the power that enveloped the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, forbidding beings below the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm from leaving. What exactly was it?


    Was it the constraints of the world or the work of some higher force?


    In any case, Gu An didn''t n to venture to Outer Heaven lightly.


    Since only Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals could leave the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, he needed to surpass that level by at least two major realms before exploring. It would be too frustrating to die out there.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    When Hu Xiaojian mentioned medicinal herbs, Gu An''s thoughts returned to reality.


    Compared to the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, he was more concerned with extending his lifespan.


    The years flowed on; since ancient times, the mortal world had been full of hardships, but those who could live long lives were few.


    Longevity and immortality, that was what Gu An cared about most.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, five years passed.


    Gu An''s life span had already exceeded twenty-eight million years, nearing thirty million years.


    In these five years, the ocean faced endless cmities, and Immortal Seeking Ind experienced two more attacks. However, the maind where Supreme Sect resided remained peaceful, unaffected by the ocean''s tribtions.


    In the forest.


    Gu An sat on the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, watching with a smile as Yang Jian and Li Lingtian sparred.


    Though Li Lingtian had reached the secondyer of the Core Formation Realm, he was still suppressed by Yang Jian, who appeared to be only in the Foundation Establishment Realm. In reality, Yang Jian had already formed his Nascent Soul. Even if he suppressed his cultivation to the Foundation Establishment Realm, his physical strength was not something a Core Formation Realm cultivator could withstand.


    Bang!


    Li Lingtian crashed into a tree trunk, causing the thousand-year-old tree to tremble, leaves falling.


    Ten zhang away, Yang Jian retracted his leg, patting his robe. His sharp aura subsided, and the oppressive feeling he exuded disappeared.


    Li Lingtian sat on the ground, clutching his chest in pain.


    The voice of the Blood Prison Great Saint came, "Li Lingtian, your cultivation results are too weak. Like this, you still dare to call yourself Lingtian?"


    Hearing this, Li Lingtian grew anxious, but with Gu An and Yang Jian there, he could only suppress it.


    "Damn it... What kind of monster is this guy..."


    Li Lingtian struggled to stand, looking at Yang Jian with fear.


    Fortunately, it was just a spar. If it were a life-and-death fight, he wouldn''t just die; he would die horribly.


    He felt that over the years, Yang Jian''s ferocity had grown, and even someone as fearless as him was terrified, afraid of provoking him.


    "Jian''er, you were too heavy-handed. Apologize." Gu An''s voice came, and Yang Jian looked at Li Lingtian, noticing his serious internal injuries, he immediately felt guilty and hurried forward.


    "Sorry, I was distracted just now." Yang Jian stood before Li Lingtian, his face full of regret.


    Seeing his expression, Li Lingtian didn''t feel better; in fact, he felt worse.


    He forced a smile, saying, "It''s fine, I''m just not skilled enough."


    He suddenly wanted to leave the Third Medicine Valley.


    He thought staying by Yang Jian would help him learn more, but why did the gap feel like it was widening?


    He almost forgot what it felt like to win. To be precise, he had never won.


    Since bing an adult, he only sparred with Yang Jian and wouldn''t bully other disciples in the valley.


    Gu An called them back to the valley, simultaneously scanning the ocean with his divine sense.


    Five years had passed, and the seas around the continent had started to show signs of the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts. Though few in number, it was not a good omen.


    For having once struck down a thousand-zhang tall figure and dispersed giant waves, he surely left a profound impression on the mysterious existence within the Sea Breaking Rift. But all these years, no danger had arrived, which was definitely not a stroke of luck. The mysterious entity under the Sea Breaking Rift must be plotting something.


    The desire for a breakthrough grew stronger in Gu An''s heart.


    With a cultivation level of the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, he would remain unafraid of cmities. Even if he couldn''t win, he could escape. But if he could escape, what about Medicine Valley and those he cared about?


    Escaping with them all would be inconvenient and could expose his true cultivation level.


    "Damn Heavenly Dao, obstructing my pursuit of one hundred million years of life span," Gu An thought to himself, frustrated.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint beneath him couldn''t fathom his thoughts; it was busy teasing Li Lingtian, making Li Lingtian''s face turnpletely red, feeling like exploding.


    As they approached the valley entrance of the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An noticed a figure. He lightly patted the ox''s back, signaling the Blood Prison Great Saint to speed up.


    In the end, Li Lingtian ran faster, rushing over like a gust of wind.


    "Sister Yu, why are you here?" Li Lingtian asked with a ttering smile.


    Sixteen-year-old Ji Xiaoyu stood at the valley entrance, tall and slender, dressed in a belted blue dress, with beautiful makeup, her long hair coiled under a purple crown, looking like a fairy in a painting. Even some passing disciples from the valley couldn''t help but frequently nce at her.


    Compared to her past life, she had grown more beautiful and not as cold in temperament.


    Originally smiling, Ji Xiaoyu''s smile faded as soon as Li Lingtian appeared, and she took a step to the side.


    This step made the already hurt Li Lingtian feel even worse.


    When the Blood Prison Great Saint got closer, Ji Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Brother Valley Master, are you done?"


    Gu An nodded and asked, "Do you have something to discuss?"


    "Let''s talk inside." Ji Xiaoyu said, heading toward Gu An''s pavilion.


    Li Lingtian looked at her back, hesitating to speak.


    Riding the Blood Prison Great Saint, Gu An followed her back. Yang Jian also left alone to continue his cultivation. He still wasn''t strong enough to contend with Impermanence Tian.


    Only Li Lingtian remained at the valley entrance, looking around, feeling very depressed.


    "You beat up Laozi, and you''re all happy and dispersed?"


    On the other hand.


    Gu An led Ji Xiaoyu to the second floor of the pavilion. After sitting down, he stretchedzily and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Ji Xiaoyu sat down and took the paper and pen beside her, beginning to write.


    Gu An picked up a book, reading while waiting.


    He pondered whether to enhance his physique and cultivation technique if he broke through early.


    His Mystic Holy Body was stronger than the Treasure Body, having upgraded from the Five Elements Treasure Body to the Innate Taoist Body, then transformed into the Mystic Holy Body.


    But the Mystic Holy Body could still improve. After all, the path to bing stronger was endless.


    After a long time.


    Ji Xiaoyu stopped writing. She looked up at Gu An and pouted, "Why don''t you care at all about what I''m writing?"


    Gu An put down his book and smiled, "Aren''t I waiting for you to finish? I''ve lived one hundred fifty years longer than you; it''s not easy to get curious so quickly."


    Ji Xiaoyu pushed the dozen sheets of paper she had written toward Gu An. "This is a cultivation technique Iprehendedst night. Have a look."


    Gu An picked them up and read them one by one.


    After he finished, he was astonished and said, "What a marvelous technique. Did you reallyprehend this?"


    This technique was indeed excellent, though not as good as his own. However, within the Supreme Sect, it would definitely be highly valuable, not something an Inner Sect Disciple could buy.


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "Yes, sort of. This technique can cleanse the muscles and marrow. You alwaysin about your poor aptitude. You can try this technique. It doesn''t affect your Energy Absorption Skill, so you can cultivate it with peace of mind."


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and asked, "Can I teach it to others?"


    Ji Xiaoyu furrowed her brows slightly at that.


    Gu An chuckled, "If it''s not allowed, then forget it. Thank you very much."

 Chapter 268 The Catastrophe of the Star Sea Congregations

    "You can teach it to others too, but whether they can master it is hard to say. This cultivation technique requires arge amount of medicinal herbs to temper the body. I only taught it to you because you happen to have the Medicine Valley."


    Ji Xiaoyu spoke, then she stood up and turned to leave.


    "Just leaving like that?" Gu An couldn''t help but ask.


    "Got to go cultivate."


    Ji Xiaoyu replied without turning her head. This time, after walking out of the room, she didn''t close the door.


    Gu An smiled to himself, muttering, "Still has the heart of a girl."


    He didn''t mind and put away the cultivation technique Ji Xiaoyu had written.


    In fact, he had simr cultivation techniques. He had just asked casually just now.


    The techniques that change one''s physique often require arge umtion of rare and precious items; having just the method isn''t enough.


    Gu An began to scan the entire Mortal World with his Divine Sense, looking for a suitable ce to break through.


    He couldn''t imagine how much disturbance the uing breakthrough would cause, so he wanted to choose a ce far away from living beings.


    Referring to themotion caused by hisst breakthrough, Gu An was troubled.


    He felt that wherever he chose to break through, it would rm the surrounding forces and affect living beings.


    His gaze suddenly fell on the Sea Breaking Rift, sensing the vast and dense spiritual energy within.


    How about breaking through inside the Sea Breaking Rift?


    This idea grew on him, and Gu An felt it might be worth trying.


    Once I reach a lifespan of thirty million years, I''ll go for the breakthrough!


    ...


    In the grand hall, An Hao was meditating in a pool, his brows furrowed, feeling restless.


    Suddenly, he opened his eyes, his vision filled with blood vessels, and everything around him was shaking violently, causing his mind to be hazy.


    He vaguely saw a mass of ck air rushing into the hall, quickly approaching him.


    The ck airnded by the pool and condensed into a human figure. An Hao wanted to stand up but found himself unable to.


    "me Primordial Treasure Body, although cultivatedter, surpasses the innate, remarkable."


    A voice rang out. If Gu An and Yang Jian were here, they would surely recognize it as the voice of Impermanence Tian.


    An Hao stared intently at Impermanence Tian. Despite being immobile, he showed no trace of fear.


    The ck air surged, revealing Impermanence Tian''s handsome yet sinister face. He looked down at An Hao with a greedy smile.


    "Supreme Treasure Body, you too were cultivatedter," An Hao said calmly.


    Impermanence Tian''s pupils suddenly contracted. His eyes were filled with meaning as he coldlyughed, "It seems you are not simple. Perfect, I''ll consume you, then go after the Mystic Gang Dominator Body."


    An Hao sat in the pool, staring at him without making a sound.


    "Make sure the Star Sea Congregations are ready. I want to see if today''s Star Sea Congregations still have the might of their former days."


    Impermanence Tian said this and then vanished like smoke.


    An Hao suddenly awoke, gasping for air, his body regaining its senses.


    He braced himself on the edge of the pool, his face drenched in cold sweat, but his eyes were full of ferocity.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Supreme Treasure Body, why..."


    An Hao muttered softly, his voice like the growl of a beast.


    ...


    Two years passed by swiftly.


    Gu An returned to the pavilion with freshly picked medicinal herbs. He checked his Attribute Panel and saw that he was just a hundred thousand years away from reaching a lifespan of thirty million years. He smiled.


    Once I reach thirty million years, I''ll break through!


    Gu An sat down at his desk, starting to imagine what realmy beyond Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    After a while, a figure walked in briskly, and a fragrance filled Gu An''s nose, pulling his Divine Sense back.


    Shen Zhen approached the desk, took out a book, and ced it on the desk with a proud smile, "Take a look!"


    Gu An immediately picked up the book on the desk and began to read through it.


    The more he read, the more his brows furrowed.


    Seeing this, Shen Zhen became nervous and asked, "Is it very bad?"


    This book was a novel, clearly imitating **Journey to the West**. The protagonist was also a demon, needing to take risks and travel far to find the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure that could fulfill wishes.


    Objectively, it was pretty good.


    Gu An just felt regretful.


    Shen Zhen had reformed!


    Gu An suddenly felt that he was being unreasonable. When Shen Zhen was writing, he found it annoying; now that she wasn''t, he felt regretful.


    "It''s pretty good, keep it up." Gu An closed the book and returned it to Shen Zhen, speaking casually.


    Shen Zhen, seeing his dismissive attitude, clenched the book tightly in her hand.


    At this moment, the sound of footsteps came.


    Ji Xiaoyu, dressed in white, walked up. At eighteen, her temperament was even more outstanding. Her features had fully matured, her eyes captivating, and a red thin line on her forehead made her even more stunning.


    Shen Zhen looked back and was also captivated by Ji Xiaoyu''s appearance.


    Although Ji Xiaoyu had been in the Third Medicine Valley for years, the two women had never met. Shen Zhen had note back for many years.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze fell on Shen Zhen, appraising her carefully.


    Suddenly, Shen Zhenughed, turned to Gu An, and asked, "Gu An, do you not like this kind of book and only like to read the Supreme Secret Records?"


    Gu An''s expression changed drastically, he quickly said, "How could that be? I like this kind of book. What Supreme Secret Records, I haven''t read those!"


    He shot Shen Zhen a meaningful look.


    Shen Zhen immediately ced the book in her hand on the desk, saying, "Then can you read it carefully? I''ll quiz you next time."


    "Of course, I like it a lot. I''ll definitely be able to recite it backward," Gu An said seriously.


    Shen Zhen gave Gu An a look that said "smart move" and then left.


    As she passed Ji Xiaoyu, she nodded with a smile, making Ji Xiaoyu frown.


    Ji Xiaoyu walked to the desk and softly asked, "Is she threatening you? Tell me, I can help you settle it."


    At eighteen, she had already reached the eighth floor of the Foundation Establishment Realm. She was very confident in her abilities.


    Gu Anughed and said, "Not at all. I''ve known her for over a hundred years. She just likes to bicker with me. Let''s not talk about her. Why are you here?"


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at Gu An and said, "I''m nning to leave for a while. I have some matters to attend to back at the Ji Family."


    "Go ahead. Do you need me to take you to see the Vice Sect Leader?"


    "Yes."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded, and Gu An immediately stood up.


    He had been to the main city of the sect and knew where Ji Hantian lived.


    Now he could go anywhere in the Supreme Sect, but he preferred to wander around the Outer Gate City.


    The disciples of the Outer Gate City were easier to get along with. Inner Sect disciples had a bit of a distance, and the disciples of the main city were all filled with arrogance. As a Core Formation Realm disciple, most people in the main city looked at him with a strange gaze.


    Along the way, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu chatted casually. Although their words were not very frequent, they said whatever came to mind. Even if there was silence, it didn''t feel awkward.


    An hourter.


    Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu arrived at the gate of the Ji Mansion. Gu An stopped and said, "Go ahead."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded and walked toward the gate.


    Gu An turned and left. Ji Xiaoyu stopped and watched him leave, her brows furrowed, lost in thought.


    Gu An could naturally feel her gaze. He didn''t dare to look back, fearing she would inquire about the Supreme Secret Records.


    In this life, Ji Xiaoyu was more suspicious than in his previous life, especially after their rtionship grew closer. Whatever she was curious about, she would find a way to understand.


    After arriving at the Inner Sect City via the Transmission Array tform from the main city of the sect, Gu An suddenly sensed strong battle energy to the south, with an aura surpassing most Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    Near Carefree Primordial Immortal, but still a bit short!


    His Divine Sense quickly probed, his expression bing peculiar.


    Why is it him?


    Gu An suddenly thought of something and instantly understood. He didn''t stop and continued walking.


    He walked along the street, looking at the disciplesing and going.


    Many years had passed, and there were now quite a few demons among the Inner Sect disciples, marking the initial integration of the Human Race and the Demon n.


    Gu An continuously performed life span detection, incidentally checking the disciples'' karma along the way. This was his habit, and also his enjoyment.


    ...


    Boom¡ª¡ª Experience new stories on §Þ??


    Deafening explosions sounded outside the hall. An Hao was meditating in the pool, his brows furrowed.


    There were more than a dozen great cultivators standing in the hall, both men and women, each with an extraordinary presence. Chi Bei, who brought An Hao into the Star Sea Congregations, and Chi Jiuxiao were also there.


    "How is this guy so strong? Can he really break into the Star Sea Congregations?"


    "After all, he is the Divine Exotic Ghost King. If he had no true ability, he would have been killed long ago."


    "It''s really outrageous, daring toe to our Star Sea Congregations to capture someone!"


    "Hmph, fortunately, the Sect Hierarch is here. We don''t need to worry."


    "Even so, his momentum is a bit exaggerated..."


    Listening to the discussions of the sect''s elders, An Hao''s face looked grim.


    He didn''t expect Impermanence Tian to be so arrogant, actually daring to forcefully break into the Star Sea Congregations!


    He could feel the pressure from Impermanence Tian growing stronger, indicating that the enemy was getting closer and had already locked onto him.


    At the same time, outside the pce.


    The blue sky whipped up a strong wind, stirring the sea of clouds into a massive vortex in the sky. The floating inds below seemed insignificant like specks of dust.


    The cultivators of each floating ind flew out, bringing out their magic artifacts, ready for battle.


    The doors of An Hao''s pce opened, and everyone walked out, including An Hao.


    "The Sect Hierarch is here!" A female cultivator said excitedly.


    The other great cultivators breathed a sigh of relief.


    From the swirling clouds in the sky emerged glimpses of a g. A streak of light fell from it, swiftlynding at the cliff''s edge in front of An Hao''s pce.


    As the light dispersed, a man in a wide white robe appeared, draped in flowing clouds, with various jade pendants of different shapes hanging from his belt that swayed in the wind. His broad back exuded an imposing aura, even though he had his back to An Hao and the others, his aura that reached the sky astounded them.


    Great Mingtian, the Sect Hierarch of the Star Sea Congregations, Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm!


    His countenance was stern, his long beard fluttering, and his eyes carried a fierce light. His long hair was tied under a crown adorned with small gs. He raised his right hand, and one of the gs flew out, quickly erging as itnded in his hand.


    This g was none other than the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner!


    Stars glimmered on the banner, emanating a vast and majestic aura.


    "Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, it has been a long time!"


    Impermanence Tian''s coldughter filled the air. As his voice echoed, a massive ck rift suddenly tore through the sky, stretching hundreds of miles as if the sky had been cleaved by a sword, spectacr yet terrifying.

 Chapter 269 Waiting for Death? Who Said That?

    All the cultivators in the Minor Heaven and Earth looked towards the ck rift hanging on the horizon; everyone was tense, as if confronting a formidable enemy.


    These people hid in the deepest part of the Star Sea Congregations'' Minor Heaven and Earth, and the fact that Impermanence Tian could force his way in proved that many Star Sea Congregations'' cultivators had already perished at his hands.


    A figure flew out from the ck rift; it was Impermanence Tian!


    Impermanence Tian was bare-chested, his hair was disheveled, and a giant python coiled around his waist, its body covered in ck scales, the snake''s head wrapped around his back, emerging from behind his left shoulder to look forward with him, constantly flicking its tongue.


    His upper body disyed a bizarre ck pattern, as if some kind of emblem, making him look even more terrifying.


    From afar, his gaze locked onto An Hao.


    An Hao couldn''t help but frown.


    Impermanence Tian''s mouth corner lifted in a fearsome smile.


    "Hurry up and form your formation; let me see if today''s Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner is as formidable as it was back then."


    Impermanence Tian''s voice echoed as he swung his palm, unleashing a terrifying gale that ravaged thousands of miles.


    One floating ind after another activated their protective formations, forming circles of light, yet all the inds trembled.


    Great Mingtian stood at the edge of a cliff, holding the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner in one hand, facing the wind.


    He snorted coldly, raised the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner in his hand, and the ck g soared upward, quickly growingrger, reaching a height of ten thousand feet in the blink of an eye, casting the entire floating ind into darkness.


    Moreover, the small gs on Great Mingtian''s headband also soared into the sky, standing alongside the ten-thousand-foot ck g, rapidly erging.


    There were actually twelve Star Sea Primordial Unity Banners!


    "Twelve banners, your capabilities are decent, but this is far from enough."


    Impermanence Tian sneered, swinging his hand once again. This time, a dreadful blood wind surged out from the ck rift behind him like a flood, unstoppable.


    In an instant, the terrifying blood wind collided with the twelve Star Sea Primordial Unity Banners!


    The twelve ten-thousand-foot banners trembled, countless stars on the g surfaces burst into light, and the ocean below surged, forming a gigantic hand reaching towards Impermanence Tian.


    Impermanence Tian stepped forward, his right footnding with such force that it shattered the oceanic giant hand below.


    Great Mingtian''s brow furrowed, his eyes filled with dread.


    "Eighth Level of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm. Your cultivation level is very high, but it seems you''ve spent most of your time on improving your cultivation level; your mana is a bit weak."


    Impermanence Tian''sughter echoed through the heavens and earth, causing the faces of all Star Sea Congregations'' cultivators to change dramatically.


    Could this Divine Exotic Ghost King be stronger than their Sect Hierarch?


    "Hmph! Defeat me first, then talk!"


    Great Mingtian''s voice rang out as he leaped up, spreading his arms and casting spells swiftly. The twelve Star Sea Primordial Unity Banners whipped up fierce winds, the g surfaces pping loudly, and countless meteorites flew out, their momentum immense and endless, all crashing towards Impermanence Tian.


    In a blink, the entire ocean darkened, countless meteorites covered the sky, some crushing towards Impermanence Tian head-on, others encircling, seemingly forming a formation.


    Impermanence Tian stepped forward, his momentum dispersing all the iing meteorites.


    With each step he took, his presence grew stronger, the strengthed energy swirling visible around him.


    His gaze fixed once more on An Hao, even sending his voice transmission:


    "me Primordial Treasure Body, are you ready to be devoured by me? You better resist; the stronger you are, the happier I will be. The happier I am, the less pain you will endure."


    Hearing his voice, An Hao clenched his fists.


    Even though An Hao was unafraid of Impermanence Tian, he knew he was no match for him. Continue your adventure at §Þ??


    He feared that he might drag the Star Sea Congregations into this.


    Since he embarked on the path of immortal cultivation, though everyone acknowledged his talent, he always needed assistance from others, just like at the Supreme Sect before and now at the Star Sea Congregations.


    He felt full of unwillingness.


    Why wouldn''t the heavens give him time?


    As long as he had a thousand years, no, just another five hundred years, he was confident he could be an immortal, no longer needing anyone''s protection!


    Having the best talent, yet needing others'' protection; to him, it was such an ironic matter.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A strong wind swept towards An Hao; the intense light reflected in his eyes, as the Sect Hierarch Great Mingtian and Impermanence Tian had already begun their fierce battle, with all kinds of terrifying spells and divine skills shaking the floating ind.


    Impermanence Tian fought without using a dharma treasure, relying solely on the might of his physical body tobat the spells and divine skills of the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, breaking them with sheer power.


    Chi Jiuxiao looked back at An Hao, saying, "Hurry back, don''te out!"


    An Hao bit his teeth, not turning around.


    Chi Bei spoke up, "The enemy has alreadye here; hiding in the hall is useless for him. Let him watch the battle."


    He turned his head, ncing at An Hao with the corner of his eye.


    "An Hao, watch carefully and remember the power of the Ancient Treasure Body. Today, although many disciples died because of you, we don''t regret it. We''ll wait for you to grow strong. You have the talent to dominate an era, and our Star Sea Congregations are willing to assist you along your path."


    Hearing this, An Hao felt even more guilt.


    He was willing to repay the Star Sea Congregations in the future, but he feared he wouldn''t have the chance.


    At this moment, he thought of his master.


    Impermanence Tian could break into the Star Sea Congregations, invincible; in his understanding, only his master could match him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His master had once swept across the Seven Stars Spirit Realm; even if unable to kill Impermanence Tian, he could certainly block his assault.


    But he couldn''t summon his master; he didn''t have the face to.


    His master hated trouble, yet he had already troubled his master more than once...


    An Hao stared intently at Impermanence Tian, mes igniting on his body; his hair also transformed into mes, his entire being radiating divinity like the Deity of the Sun.


    Meanwhile.


    In another part of the Minor Heaven and Earth of the Star Sea Congregations.


    Li Ya, d in ck, stood at the edge of a cliff, gazing intently at the heavens, where the sky disyed a myriad of hues, ever-changing.


    He frowned, mumbling, "An Hao."


    The news of Impermanence Tianing to seize the me Primordial Treasure Body had spread long ago, and he had heard it too, so he could immediately guess that today''smotion was directed at An Hao.


    Although he always lost to An Hao, he didn''t want An Hao to die.


    Such a genius as An Hao, if he couldn''t grow up, it would be a great pity; at least, that was how Li Ya thought.


    He could lose, but he couldn''t live without a goal to chase.


    A figure appeared beside Li Ya, it was Xuan Tianyi.


    Xuan Tianyi, seeing Li Ya still there, sighed in relief, and said seriously: "Don''t think about helping An Hao. Though your Divine Exotic City is powerful, you can''t yet utilize its full potential. The Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost is not only targeting An Hao but also you."


    Li Ya gazed at the horizon and asked, "Senior, how do you think the cmity brought by the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost should be resolved? It''s more terrifying than the demon catastrophe we faced on the maind; any one Ghost King can force through our Star Sea Congregations..."


    Xuan Tianyi was silent for a moment, then said, "Great powers will intervene; this is not for you and me to worry about."


    "Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost... Divine Exotic City..."


    Li Ya''s eyes shimmered, making it hard to fathom what he was thinking.


    He suddenly asked, "Senior Xuan, is there still no news of Zhang Buku?"


    Xuan Tianyi shook his head, then also looked towards the horizon, his heart equally filled with worry.


    But what was the use of worrying?


    This wasn''t the maind; his status as a Mahayana Cultivator meant nothing here.


    ...


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Ocean waves surged to heights of ten thousand feet, floating inds shattered, the sky filled with thunder and mes, ck holes constantly appeared in all directions, and Star Sea Congregations'' great cultivators continuously arrived to aid Great Mingtian.


    Great Mingtian held the gs with both hands; his body was covered in blood, still fighting fiercely with Impermanence Tian.


    Impermanence Tian punched, and Great Mingtian crossed the gs to block, but the overpowering force still sent him retreating hundreds of miles, his hands trembling as he held the Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, bleeding from the palms.


    The ten Star Sea Primordial Unity Banners in the sky burst into countless lightning bolts, intertwining around Impermanence Tian.


    "Hahaha! What joy! What joy!"


    Impermanence Tianughed wildly, the pain from his physical body only making him more frenzied, even boosting his momentum continuously.


    The ferocity in his eyes almost became tangible!


    His gaze once again fixed on the wrathful An Hao, taunting, "Be furious, be hopeless, you can only watch as I tear them apart!"


    Hisughter echoed across the heavens and earth, drowning out all other noises.


    An Hao was utterly enraged, wanting to rush up, but the surrounding cultivators stopped him.


    "You going up would only inconvenience the Sect Hierarch!" Chi Jiuxiao said sternly, holding the Dragon-ying Spear, the spearhead blocking An Hao''s chest.


    He was secretly shocked; was this kid''s life fire really so intense?


    An Hao grabbed the Dragon-ying Spear with both hands, his gaze fixed on Impermanence Tian, gritting his teeth, "But..."


    "But what! If death ising, let us die first!" an old cultivator snorted coldly.


    Other great cultivators around also spoke harshly, fearless of death; no one med An Hao, making him feel even worse.


    "Are we really just waiting to die..." An Hao''s face showed intense unwillingness, anger boiling in his heart, causing the mes on his body to burn more vigorously.


    "Waiting to die? Who said that?"


    A voice reached An Hao''s ears, making him instinctively feel irritated.


    Before he could respond, the surrounding cultivators turned around, as if all were startled.


    Chi Jiuxiao looked behind An Hao, eximing in surprise, "Fu... Senior! Why are you here?"


    An Hao''s body trembled upon hearing this, the mes on his body rapidly dimming.


    He turned his head cautiously, seeing a familiar figure walking past him and stopping ahead of him.


    It was none other than Gu An, who had cast the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body!


    The dark purple demonic shadow struck the cultivators'' eyes, except Chi Jiuxiao and Chi Bei; others were secretly frightened.


    Where did this persone from?


    Why had they not noticed at all!


    An Hao came back to his senses, hurriedly said, "Master, he is one of the nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings, possessing the Supreme Treasure Body of Impermanence Tian, he..."


    "Enough. Just an ant; why bother introducing it to your master?" Gu An said, causing all the surrounding faces to change drastically.


    An Hao was stunned, then relieved, a smile appearing on his face.


    "An ant? Such arrogant words, and who might you be?" Impermanence Tian''s icy voice came, full of killing intent.


    Clearly, Gu An had angered him!

 Chapter 270: Chapter 270 Desperate Impermanence Tian!

    Impermanence Tian''s voice made the entire world feel as if it were in an icy wastnd, and all the cultivators of the Star Sea Congregations felt chills down their spines.


    Gu An ignored Impermanence Tian and stepped forward.


    Under the towering Star Sea Primordial Unity Banner, the blood-soaked Great Mingtian turned his head, eyes full of shock.


    Who is this person?


    Impermanence Tian also stopped. Gu An''s dismissive attitude irritated him, and he roared angrily, suddenly transforming into a blood wind, sweeping toward Gu An.


    In the horrifying blood wind, the head of a sea dragon emerged, giant as a mountain, seemingly capable of swallowing Gu An, An Hao, and the others on the floating ind in one bite.


    Everyone on the ind''s hearts pounded wildly, not daring to blink.


    Boom!


    The moment the blood wind and sea dragon collided with Gu An, it dissipated instantly, and Impermanence Tian was shaken still, losing his bnce, disbelief on his face.


    "This... no..."


    Impermanence Tian said, his voice trembling. Before he could finish his words, a hand suddenly pressed on his shoulder, causing the giant python on his body to turn into blood mist with a p.


    With that p, Impermanence Tian''s heart jumped fiercely, unprecedented panic engulfing him.


    He was horrified to find that his mana could not be mobilized, and he had lost hisbat strength.


    "No matter where you are, I will find you and crush you to death again."


    Gu An''s voice entered Impermanence Tian''s ears. As his words fell, his right hand squeezed, directly crushing Impermanence Tian''s physical body.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    A sudden gale arose, raging across the world, blowing numerous cultivators away into the distance.


    Gu An was not just of higher cultivation; his physique was also stronger. His whole body''s qi power was far beyond that of Impermanence Tian''s Supreme Treasure Body.


    In the instant he crushed Impermanence Tian, Gu An could feel the bizarre power belonging to the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost quickly retreating from the Star Sea Congregations.


    It was this elusive power that continuously helped the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost to resurrect.


    It retreated in a manner beyond the rules, quickly shrinking back into the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Gu An followed and disappeared from where he was.


    The small Minor Heaven and Earth fell into silence, even the wind sounded oppressive.


    Great Mingtian floated in the air, a look of astonishment on his face, unable to recover for a long time.


    If even he was like this, let alone everyone else.


    "Impermanence Tian is dead!"


    Chi Jiuxiao eximed excitedly, his hand shaking as he held the Dragon-ying Spear.


    As he opened his mouth, other cultivators began to exim.


    "How is this possible? What just happened?"


    "Who was that person? To easily crush the Divine Exotic Ghost King..."


    "He seemed toe for An Hao."


    "With such strength, how high must his cultivation level be?"


    "His aurapletely disappeared. The restrictions and formations of our Star Sea Congregations were like nothing to him..."


    More and more cultivators flew toward An Hao, including the Hierarch Great Mingtian.


    Great Mingtian disregarded his own disheveled state. He stared at An Hao and asked, "What is your rtionship with that person just now?"


    Under everyone''s gaze, An Hao took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, he was my first master. When I was a child, he saved me from the ws of a demon and taught me immortal cultivation, leading me into the Supreme Sect. He is revered as Sword Venerable Fudao by the Supreme Sect."


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Everyone''s faces changed once again. They had heard of the name Sword Venerable Fudao, a presence that swept through the Seven Stars Spirit Realm Cave Masters.


    If it was him, then it made sense...


    But who would have thought An Hao had such a significant background?


    Seeing the prowess of Sword Venerable Fudao today, they realized the destruction of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was not unjust. If Sword Venerable Fudao wanted, it was not just those Cave Masters who would die but also the billions of congregants of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    On the other side, Gu An had already returned to the Supreme Sect, wandering within the Outer Gate City, pondering the power behind Impermanence Tian.


    Earlier, when he used Life Span Detection on Impermanence Tian, he could only see the cultivation level, Nine Layers of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, with the remaining three values being zero.


    The Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, seeming immortal, was not truly so. At least, the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost was not.


    Gu An had already in two Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts and could sense the same power within them. If he could cut off the source of this power, these entities would no longer be able to resurrect.


    He was prepared to go to the Sea Breaking Rift and thoroughly resolve Impermanence Tian.


    Gu An brought up the Attribute Panel, looking at his life span, feeling a surge of confidence.


    Although the Sea Breaking Rift was dangerous, it was not an impassable ce!


    Gu An began to anticipate the realm above Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    ...


    Under the blood-colored firmament, the world dimmed. Seawater continually washed over the wastnd, as if some kind of demon was reaching out its hand.


    On the wastnd stood a stele, asionally sshed by waves, which then turned into steam and dissipated.


    A figure appeared out of thin air in front of the stele, then fell to the ground. It was Impermanence Tian, whoy gasping for breath with terror and panic on his face.


    "What happened to you?" A cold voice came from within the stele, indistinguishable in gender and emotion.


    Impermanence Tian struggled to calm himself and gritted his teeth: "I encountered someone... his realm is definitely higher than the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm. He also said he woulde find me... he wants to kill me..."


    At the thought of what Gu An had said, he shivered uncontrobly.


    He was arrogant to others because he was not only strong but also seemingly immortal.


    He felt that man could really find him. How could he not panic? How could he not be afraid?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Higher than the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal?" The voice inside the stele sounded again, as if in thought.


    Impermanence Tian stood up, gritting his teeth: "What should I do? That guy will definitelye!"


    At this moment, he was more frantic than An Hao had been.


    The longer you live, the less you want to die.


    "First, calm down and recover. I will summon the other Ghost Kings. Then we''ll see what he can do to eliminate you under my watchful eye."


    Upon hearing these words, Impermanence Tian''s heart calmed slightly.


    But just thinking of Gu An''s figure made him tremble.


    The sensation of Gu An pressing his shoulder was so despairing that he couldn''t even muster the slightest anger. He only wanted to rid himself of this karma soon.


    ...


    News of Sword Venerable Fudao annihting Impermanence Tian, the Divine Exotic Ghost King, spread quickly. It was deliberately done by the Star Sea Congregations, partly to make people think there was a connection between them and Sword Venerable Fudao, and partly to dampen the spirits of the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, giving hope to the ocean.


    Though the cmity caused by the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts was terrifying, there were always powerful beings on the ocean who could resolve it!


    When Gu An arrived at Immortal Seeking Ind, it had been only half a month since that battle.


    The cultivators on the ind were all discussing Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The vast majority of cultivators were unclear about realms above Loose Immortal. It was precisely because they didn''t understand that they worshiped Sword Venerable Fudao even more.


    First annihting the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, then the Divine Exotic Ghost King. From their understanding, Sword Venerable Fudao already had the strongest record.


    Gu An didn''t expect his fame to spread so fast, feeling secretly pleased as he listened.


    Because of this, he even stayed an extra ancient hour that day.


    Returning to Mystic Valley, he was in a very good mood. In these seven days, he had gathered another batch of medicinal herbs, getting closer to a thirty million year life span.


    Estimating that he would reach it in no more than three months, and that was without deliberately harvesting in advance.


    He wasn''t worried about Impermanence Tian making preparations early, as he would break through before heading to the Sea Breaking Rift.


    He nned to eliminate Impermanence Tian with an even higher realm.


    Gu An walked into the valley in high spirits. When he encountered disciples, he would chat with them with a smile, allowing them to feel his good mood.


    Time passed quickly.


    Two months flew by.


    The deeds of Sword Venerable Fudao on the sea eventually reached the Supreme Sect, sparking intense discussions among the disciples.


    The disciples felt honored yet worried. Why had Sword Venerable Fudao gone to the sea?


    Gu An also heard simr discussions, but he didn''t mind. Putting some pressure on the Supreme Sect was a good thing. If any presumptuous individuals tried to probe, he could only ept their unexpected lives.


    That day at noon, Gu An was ying Go with Nine-Finger Divine Lord, surrounded by dozens of disciples and senior cultivators of the Supreme Sect.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s forehead began to sweat.


    Gu An held the Seven Stars Mirror, fanning himself. No one recognized that this mirror was the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    The Seven Stars Mirror appeared slightly different from before in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and its power aura waspletely suppressed by Gu An''s Path of Returning Primordial Spirit, even Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s divine sense couldn''t detect anything unusual.


    Standing behind Gu An, You Yingying couldn''t help but say: "Stop fanning, it''s like a woman ying with a mirror. What is a big man doing with a mirror?"


    Hearing this, Gu An immediately raised the mirror and smoothed his sideburns. You Yingying was so angry that she wanted to grab him.


    While the two were fooling around, Nine-Finger Divine Lord felt immense pressure.


    Having yed Go for many years, he still couldn''t surpass the mountain that was Gu An!


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord began to be dazed, doubting himself.


    He had checked Gu An''s cultivation level several times and investigated his background secretly. Because he couldn''t find out how Gu An concealed great cultivation, he could only doubt himself.


    A figure approached, gently tapping a female disciple on the shoulder. The disciple turned and hurriedly saluted, then gave way.


    The visitor was Ji Xiaoyu.


    She wore a white dress, holding a treasure sword, exuding the demeanor of a female sword fairy.


    She stepped into the crowd, looking at Gu An''s yful behavior, and couldn''t help but smile slightly.


    Seeing her arrival, Gu An lowered the Seven Stars Mirror and greeted, "Xiaoyu, why are you back so soon?"


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "I came home to fetch something, so naturally, I returned quickly."


    Gu An nodded without asking further questions.


    He stood up, saying: "Elder, you ponder on it slowly."


    He pushed away You Yingying and walked out.


    You Yingying, fuming, wanted to kick him, but he skillfully dodged.


    How could a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivatorpete with a Core Formation Realm cultivator?


    Ji Xiaoyu followed Gu An''s pace, chatting as they walked.


    An elder smilingly stroked his beard: "Elder, how do you feel? You seem helpless."


    He often lost to Nine-Finger Divine Lord, so seeing him defeated today, he was naturally pleased. At the same time, he was secretly amazed, wondering how his valley master''s Go skill could be so high.


    No wonder, it was the creator of Go!


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord remained silent, staring intently at the board, continuously analyzing and studying Gu An''s strategy.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An nced at Ji Xiaoyu walking beside him and asked: "Do you have something on your mind?"


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu''s faint smile disappeared, bing calm. She said: "I brought back a treasure from my family. It can detect the soul of living beings, and can also discern demons. Do you want to see what your soul looks like?"

 Chapter 271 Primordial Karmic Body, Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill

    Hearing Ji Xiaoyu''s words, Gu An was stunned for a moment, then asked, "You came back just for this thing?"


    Want to inspect my soul?


    Do you think I''m a demon?


    Gu An felt strange inside, not knowing how to evaluate Ji Xiaoyu''s idea.


    Ji Xiaoyu seemed to understand his expression. She exined, "Of course, it''s not just this capability. If a cultivator can glimpse their own soul, they might enhance theirprehension."


    "I don''t believe it, so I won''t try," Gu An waved his hand.


    Ji Xiaoyu moved closer and whispered, "Just try it, it won''t hurt."


    "I''m not afraid of pain, but asking me to inspect my own soul feels invasive. You don''t think I''m a demon, right?"


    "How could that be? Even if you were a demon, it wouldn''t matter, after all¡­ "


    "Still saying you''re not?"


    Gu An feigned anger and left with a flick of his sleeve.


    Although he didn''t understand the origin of that treasure, Gu An decided to stay away, just in case his soul turned out to be something extraordinary.


    Of course, rationally speaking, there shouldn''t be such a powerful treasure.


    Ji Xiaoyu stood where she was, watching him leave thoughtfully.


    Back in his room, Gu An closed the door and took out a strange book he had just acquired from the Outer Gate City and started reading it.


    In this life, although Ji Xiaoyu was stubborn, she wasn''t the type to pester, so after being refused by Gu An, she just went back to her room to cultivate.


    In the following days, Gu An avoided Ji Xiaoyu.


    As autumn approached, Gu An returned from Tianya Valley, and his life span finally broke through to thirty million years today.


    He walked through the mountains and forests, his divine sense extending to the sea, locking onto the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Looking at the entire line of the Sea Breaking Rift, the number of cultivators and demons gathered around exceeded ten million, not to mention how many creatures had gathered at the bottom of the rift.


    Soon, Gu An decided where to enter the bottom of the Sea Breaking Rift.


    As his right foot took another step, his entire aura suddenly changed, and he directly entered the special state of the Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    He stepped into the Limitless Freedom Step, quickly leaping out of the continent. After a few steps, he dove into the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Upon entering the Sea Breaking Rift, he felt as if he had entered an abyss. The surroundings were dark, with only the deafening sound of water falling on either side.


    During his descent, he encountered cultivators, demons, and Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts flying out. Some brushed past him, and some passed directly through his body, none of them noticing his presence.


    The Sea Breaking Rift was deeper than Gu An had anticipated, seemingly leading to another world.


    After descending tens of millions of miles, a dim blue light appeared below, shimmering. He felt a unique aura, like the power of some Heaven and Earth rule.


    He passed through thisyer of dim blue light, clearly feeling like he had entered another world.


    The aura of this world felt familiar to him, giving him a sense of being inside Divine Exotic City.


    This ce also contained many heavens and earths. He flew towards the world with the richest spiritual energy, which was also the most vast, several hundred times the size of the Supreme Sect''s continent.


    During his flight, Gu An saw many cultivators and demons traversing, the lowest cultivation level being the Wandering Immortal Realm.


    Only those who had reached the Wandering Immortal Realm could freely traverse these heavens and earths.


    Creatures with lower cultivation levels needed to use different heavens'' and earths'' teleportation arrays or space rifts for traversal.


    He also saw the figures of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, wandering in the void, watching the passing creatures and ready to pounce at any moment.


    Gu An did not look much, his right foot stepping out again, arriving at a cliff.


    The sky here was blood-red, with dark clouds, and faintly visible outlines of several moons.


    Gu An sat down cross-legged, directly activating the Life Span Barrier.


    The spiritual energy here was incredibly abundant, even denser than the Third Medicine Valley filled with medicinal herbs, no wonder so many cultivators and demons rushed in recklessly.


    Gu An did not immediately break through, instead admiring the scenery in all directions.


    The vastness of heaven and earth made it hard to see flowers or nts. Tornadoes roamed the mountains in the distance, stirring up many resentful souls that wailed and howled like ghosts.


    Deste, bleak.


    That was Gu An''s feeling, hard to imagine what had happened to thisnd to end up in such a state.


    If everything in this world were flourishing, what level of spiritual energy could be reached?


    Gu An withdrew his gaze and then called up the attribute panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 174/30004901]


    [Physique: Mystic Holy Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Ninth Layer of Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm]


    ...


    Looking at his life span, Gu An''s face showed a smile.


    He rubbed his hands together as if about to do something big.


    He decided to enhance his physique first and invest a million years of life span to see the effect.


    From the Innate Taoist Body to Mystic Holy Body, he had spent five hundred twenty thousand years of life span back then; he wondered if a million years would be enough for a transformation.


    Investing life span!


    Rows of prompts continued to pop up, all indicating that his bones were getting stronger.


    Ultimately, a million years were not enough for a sessful promotion.


    Gu An felt a bit distressed and changed his mind, deciding to try again.


    So he began to invest his life span year by year, a thousand years at a time.


    The prompts came continuously, making his expression increasingly unnatural.


    Finally!


    [You haveprehended the true meaning of heaven and earth for ten thousand years, subjected your body to the tempering of the true meaning of heaven and earth, and your bones have transformed; your Mystic Holy Body has upgraded to Primordial Karmic Body]


    Boom¡ª


    Heaven and earth''s spiritual energy suddenly surged toward his body, and a sea of spiritual energy mist appeared on the ground, magnificent and beautiful.


    Gu An''s face showed a smile.


    Breaking through his physique cost one million six hundred seventy thousand years!


    Who could bear that cost!


    Gu An hesitated, wondering whether to enhance his cultivation technique.


    He feared that enhancing both would leave insufficient life span to break through his realm.


    As his realm advanced, the difficulty of breaking through kept increasing. If his next breakthrough consumed as much life span as thest time, it would indicate that his power was leaping forward. Reducing the required life span would be almost impossible. He could only try to minimize the life span consumed in breakthrough without causing the number to multiply.


    The ground kept shaking, and the spiritual energy in heaven and earth kept sinking, startling countless Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    On the other side of the world, by the sea, Impermanence Tian suddenly stood up, looking around in panic.


    The beach under his feet trembled, causing the waves to surge, and the sinking of spiritual energy stirred up strong winds.


    "Could it be him?" Impermanence Tian gritted his teeth.


    Although more than two months had passed, he had been on edge, fearing that person woulde to kill him any moment.


    "The sinking of spiritual energy might be rted to the riot of this world''s rules, not rted to any person."


    The cold voice from the tablet emerged, and upon hearing it, Impermanence Tian breathed a sigh of relief and sat down again.


    Impermanence Tianined, "Realm Master, when will you regain your cultivation level and control the order of the Divine Exotic Realm? More and more cultivators are breaking in; this will cause trouble sooner orter."


    The voice in the tablet did not answer him.


    Impermanence Tian waited a while, but he could only close his eyes and continue practicing.


    ...


    On the cliff, within the Life Span Barrier.


    Gu An endured the pain of his body''s transformation, feeling conflicted.


    Back then, it took seven hundred thousand years of life span for the Five Elements Taoist Skill to transform into Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill.


    Enhancing it again would probably consume at least two million years of life span!


    Do it!


    He should enhance his cultivation technique since he had already passed Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill onto Yang Jian and An Hao.


    As a master, one must hold back something, how could he practice the same level cultivation technique as his disciples?


    Gu An immediately invested one million years of life span!


    As expected, it was not sessful.


    He invested another one million years of life span!


    Failed!


    Five hundred thousand years of life span!


    Failed!


    Two hundred thousand years of life span!


    Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill sessfully promoted to Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill, but the cultivation technique level just reached a slight achievement.


    Two million seven hundred thousand years of life span!


    Gu An felt heartache, and not only that, the Life Span Barrier consumed life span quickly. In this short time, it had already consumed several thousand years of life span.


    If he didn''t leave himself a million years of life span, Gu An feared either the Life Span Barrier would consume him to death, or he would have to shut it down before the breakthrough ended, exposing himself.


    Gu An had intended to enhance the All Things Form and Energy Art, which was crucial for hiding his cultivation level and was a body cultivation method.


    But now, it seemed to have to be set aside.


    He thought to himself that after breaking through his cultivation level, he would save five million years of life span to enhance the All Things Form and Energy Art.


    Gu An silently thought about it. The memory of the cultivation technique did not flood into his mind. It seemed the Primordial Karmic Body contained mysterious memories that needed to be passed on first before the cultivation technique memories.


    He waited patiently.


    An ancient hourter, his physiquepletely transformed into the Primordial Karmic Body.


    The Primordial Karmic Body was extremely powerful, capable of isting all power of cause and effect, even using the power of cause and effect to harm enemies.


    Everything was tied to cause and effect; an enemy''s cultivation technique and divine skills all had cause and effect. He could peer into the cause and effect of their cultivation technique and divine skills to find weaknesses. If his cultivation level were strong enough, he could even directly destroy their Dao level.


    The Primordial Karmic Body would also generate the Primordial Divine Eye, containing numerous mysteries he would need time to study.


    Next was receiving the memory inheritance of Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill!


    The continuous influx of earth spirit energy into Gu An''s body gave him only a few seconds of clear consciousness before he was plunged into the vast memory.


    Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill contained five-element attributes, evolving into a chaotic spirit sea, refining stronger mana, Origin Dharma Power!


    Origin Dharma Power was a robust and vast power!


    With the cultivation technique''s enhancement, the speed of generating spiritual energy within his body was swift, almost reaching the point of a continuous mana supply. Of course, this would require heaven and earth''s spiritual energy and elixirs to match his mana consumption speed.


    Simultaneously, this cultivation technique included a divine skill, known as the Origin Heaven-Capturing Hand!


    As its name suggested, the Origin Heaven-Capturing Hand could capture the sky, act both offensively and defensively, and even had sealing effects!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Another ancient hour passed, and Gu An slowly opened his eyes.


    A golden thread appeared between his eyebrows, glowing with a golden rainbow, making him appear illusory.


    Gu An raised his right hand, condensing Origin Dharma Power in his palm, transforming his hand into the Origin Heaven-Capturing Hand.


    He could capture the sky, quell the earth, and even massacre all living beings!


    Gu An restrained his urge to strike, dissipating the Origin Dharma Power in his hand, then called up the attribute panel again.


    Seeing his rapidly declining life span, he instantly became alert.


    He patted his face with both hands and thought, "The next step is the most crucial moment!"


    Breaking through his cultivation level!


    Attempting to surpass the Carefree Primordial Immortal!

 Chapter 272 Breaking Through the Ninth Layer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm!

    Gu An looked at his more than 25 million years of lifespan and began to take deep breaths.


    Ancestors of Huaxia, please bless me!


    Gu An directly invested 10 million years of lifespan in one go. He had never been so generous before.


    [You cultivated Qi Absorption for sixty thousand years, and with great aplishment in Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill, you forcibly attempted a breakthrough to the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, started the tribtion crossing, but failed to endure the Six Paths of Illusion Ultimate Law Tribtion, resulting in failure]


    [You cultivated Qi Absorption for one hundred and twenty thousand years, and with great aplishment in Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill, you forcibly attempted a breakthrough to the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, started the tribtion crossing, but failed to endure the Six Paths of Illusion Ultimate Law Tribtion, resulting in failure]


    ...


    Sixty thousand years per tribtion crossing!


    It was still eptable, after all, the breakthrough to the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm required fifty thousand years per tribtion. A higher realm only consumed an additional ten thousand years per attempt, proving that the Primordial Karmic Body and Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill were indeed exerting their power.


    Would ten million years of lifespan bring any surprise?


    Gu An''s mind was filled with chaotic thoughts, and endless prompts frantically appeared before his eyes, more than he had ever seen before.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Still failure!


    Gu An resumed his previous habit of checking the length of the prompt bar, verifying if there were any changes. If not, it meant no sess.


    Eventually, ten million years of lifespan were wasted.


    Breaking through physique and cultivation techniques, even in failure, could at least enhance his understanding of spiritual energy and rules. However, when it came to cultivation level breakthroughs, failure was simply failure.


    This ten million years of lifespan was essentially evaporated.


    Gu An looked at his remaining more than fifteen million years of lifespan, feeling somewhat panicked.


    Ten million years of lifespan, he would need to farm for twenty years to achieve that.


    Gu An could onlypare it to the ages of those in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm; they need tens of thousands or even more years to break through a small realm. Why should he feel distressed?


    Invest heavily!


    Investing heavily would eventually lead to sess!


    This time, he would not use ten million years again, but invest five million years.


    Gu An silently thought, then focused on the cultivation level column, and invested his lifespan.


    Failure prompts continued to flood the screen!


    In the end, even after spending five million years of lifespan, the breakthrough was unsessful.


    Another five million years of lifespan!


    Gu An''s lifespan suddenly dropped to over five million years, making him feel extremely short-lived, as if he might die the next day.


    s, it was hard to transition from extravagance to frugality!


    Gu An sighed inwardly, closing his eyes. Yet even with his eyes shut, he could still see the prompts.


    Another failure.


    This time, he evaporated twenty million years of lifespan!


    This was after enhancing his physique and cultivation techniques. If he had not enhanced them, would he have needed over thirty million years of lifespan to seed in a breakthrough?


    Gu An gritted his teeth and invested another million years of lifespan.


    [You cultivated Qi Absorption for seven hundred and thirty thousand years, and with great aplishment in Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill, you forcibly attempted a breakthrough to the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, started the tribtion crossing, endured the Six Paths of Illusion Ultimate Law Tribtion, seeded in the tribtion crossing, and your cultivation level broke through to the firstyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm]


    [You cultivated Qi Absorption for eight hundred and thirty thousand years, and your cultivation level broke through to the secondyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm]


    [You cultivated Qi Absorption for nine hundred and thirty thousand years, and your cultivation level broke through to the thirdyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm]


    [You cultivated Qi Absorption for one million years, and your cultivation level increased]


    He finally seeded!


    Before the breakthrough, the recovery time after failing the tribtion crossing was shortened, which was somewhat peculiar.


    Gu An let out a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face.


    After twenty-one million years of lifespan, he finally seeded in the breakthrough!


    Ten thousand years per small realm, Gu An felt it was somewhat small.


    He continued to invest his lifespan, raising his realm to the ninthyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm in one go, consuming another one million and thirty thousand years of lifespan!


    Reaching the fifthyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm required twenty thousand years for a breakthrough, and from the eighthyer to the ninthyer, it took thirty thousand years of lifespan!


    Twenty-two million and thirty thousand years!


    Gu An wanted to see how many years it would take for a real Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma to break through a small realm in reality!


    If it was less than his, he could ept it, as the cost of lifespan evolution exceeded reality. But it couldn''t be much less, or he would find it hard to ept.


    However, he did not want to deal with Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma for now.


    He was not even two hundred years old and did not want to interact with those tens of thousands or even millions of years old monsters.


    Hmm, there was a generation gap.


    As he thought, he endured the violent surge of Earth Spirit Energy flowing into his body.


    This disturbance far exceeded the one caused by the enhancement of physique and cultivation techniques, and the whole heaven and earth was trembling.


    Endless Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts flew out, covering the sky and earth, fleeing everywhere, wailing everywhere, making even Gu An feel annoyed.


    But for the sake of the breakthrough, he could only wait in peace.


    This disturbance began to radiate to other heavens and earths, as every piece of heaven and earth was connected by rules of power.


    In a small piece of heaven and earth.


    A figure flew out from the mountains and forests. This was a woman in a purple dress with a small ghost lying on her shoulder, precisely the Second Cave Master of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    She frowned tightly, her divine sense spreading, covering the whole minor heaven and earth, failing to find the cause of the cmity.


    "Mother, earlier the Spiritual Energy sank in the sea, why is it happening in the Divine Exotic Realm? Is it man-made or some kind of omen?" the small ghost asked cautiously, scanning the surroundings in fear as if some terrible power in the darkness had set its sights on him.


    After a long time, the Second Cave Master finally spoke: "I am not sure either, but it is not just the spiritual energy of this heaven and earth that is sinking, it is happening in other heavens and earths as well. This indicates that this anomaly is not directed at us."


    The small ghost continued: "I heard that Divine Strange Ghost King Heaven Unpredictable was crushed by Sword Venerable Fudao. Mother, do you think Sword Venerable Fudao infiltrated here?"


    The Second Cave Master''s face changed slightly and immediately disappeared from the spot.


    ...


    By the seaside.


    Heaven Unpredictable stood before a stele, trembling all over with nervousness.


    He turned his head toward the stone tablet and asked through gritted teeth: "Realm Master, is it really alright?"


    As his words fell, phantom figures appeared out of thin air around the stele, each exuding an aura no weaker than Heaven Unpredictable. There were eight figures in total.


    The Nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings gathered!


    Each of their faces was incredibly solemn.


    A woman with a human head and a snake body spoke up: "Realm Master, the spiritual energy of all heavens and earths is sinking, unknown forces are siphoning it off, it is impossible to trace."


    Her enchanting face frowned, and her eyes were filled with fierce hostility.


    Other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings started speaking, all expressing unease.


    "Is it possible that it is the transcendental beings from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect?"


    "The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect is manageable, but I fear it might be the doing of the Immortal Path Holy Court..."


    "That cannot be, except for those who have transcended the rules of the heavens, who could cause such amotion?"


    "What should we do if they do not follow the rules?"


    "Let''s wait for the Realm Master''s instruction, he surely knows more than we do."


    The Divine Exotic Ghost Kings debated and then all looked at the stele.


    Blood began to seep out of the stele''s surface, and a pale hand reached out from within, its nails sharp like a ghost''s ws.


    Soon after, a head emerged, sparse white hair hanging down; it was a naked man with ck runes crawling all over his bloodless body, squirming like fiendish worms, making one''s skin crawl.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm!


    As soon as he appeared, all nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings knelt halfway down, bowing to him.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realmnded, and ck armor covered his body, looking like a myriad of snake scales tightly packed together, even forming a dark red crown with two dragon souls writhing within, seemingly trying to escape their confinement.


    He opened his eyes, and there were no pupils, only a blood-red color.


    "All of you sit down, I will carefully investigate."


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm said, his tone indifferent.


    Upon hearing his words, the Divine Exotic Ghost Kings sighed in relief and sat down one after another.


    As soon as they sat, they felt a terrifying divine sense sweep past their ghost bodies, rming them.


    Could it be that the Realm Master had restored his cultivation?


    Each of them was at the ninthyer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, with one foot in the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm. Yet, in front of the divine sense of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, they felt themselves weak and insignificant.


    Elsewhere.


    Within the Life Span Barrier.


    Gu An opened his eyes and looked toward the skyline, puzzled.


    Despite the barrier of lifespan, he still sensed the divine sense of a Carefree Primordial Immortal sweeping over the entire heaven and earth.


    That person was not an ordinary Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    No wonder so many sects could not do anything about the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Achieving the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm meant going beyond heaven. How much more so for a Carefree Primordial Immortal? At least until today, Gu An had not encountered a true Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    Gu An calmed down, waiting for his breakthrough.


    Endless spiritual energy surged into his body as the mental method of Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill started to operate, continuously impacting higher realms.


    He could clearly feel his soul undergoing transformation.


    What was a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma?


    Gu An was filled with anticipation.


    The cliff beneath his feet trembled violently, even beginning to crack. He was not, however, worried. At worst, he would fall. After all, the Life Span Barrier followed him.


    In the meantime, countless Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts flew around, seemingly patrolling the heaven and earth, asionally passing over his head.


    He really feared a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost might break in.


    If discovered by that Carefree Primordial Immortal, it would be disastrous.


    In that case, Gu An could only kill the intruder.


    But Gu An always suspected that the other party might have a background.


    The Sea Breaking Rift affected countless sea regions and sects, some of which even had array restrictions to prevent Carefree Primordial Immortal''s peeping.


    Even so, so far only Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals had stepped forward to fight the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts of the Sea Breaking Rift, which spoke volumes.


    Perhaps there was some force in the dark bncing the Carefree Primordial Immortals, preventing them from interfering.


    Gu An pondered as he awaited breakthrough sess.


    Time ticked by slowly.


    After nearly an ancient hour, he finally seeded!


    From the ninthyer of the Carefree Immortal Realm to the firstyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm!


    The surge of spiritual energy into his body soared, and his soul instantly leapt out of his flesh.


    The abundant spiritual energy tempered his body, while the power of heaven and earth rules within the energy converged on his soul, putting it in a wondrous state of creation.


    The "spiritual" in the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma referred to the soul!


    An uninterrupted stream of created memories flooded into Gu An''s mind, giving him the feeling of swimming in a vast ocean.


    It was an ocean formed by the power of heaven and earth rules!


    Creation!


    True meaning!


    Gu An immersed himself deeply, unable to escape, only feeling his soul was about to break free and be reborn!


    His divine sense was transforming as well, witnessing too many illusions!

 Chapter 273: Chapter 273 Please Forgive Me, Senior!

    Gu An saw visions of all manner of life, witnessing infants being born, witnessingmon folk marrying and starting families, watching demon creatures kill for survival, and seeing people weeping in front of altars.


    And so on.


    There were joys, and there were sorrows.


    It was as if he were observing the lives of all beings, countless images passing before his eyes, an overwhelming sea of scenes that would drive an ordinary immortal to insanity.


    Gu An was different; he was undergoing a transformation into a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma. At first, he felt some difort, but gradually he adapted, even beginning to catch glimpses of destiny within the endless visions.


    The Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma could perceive destiny, and destiny could form fate, which meant the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma could see the fate of most beings.


    Destiny was based on cause and effect, yet it independently formed rules.


    A person''s life intersected with their surrounding environment; different choices created different life paths. Choices were cause and effect, and the paths they formed were destiny. However, unlike cause and effect, destiny also involved factors beyond cause and effect, such as natural disasters.


    Destiny was based on the rules of heaven and earth, the choices of cause and effect in a person''s life.


    Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal and Carefree Primordial Immortal delved into the Way of Cause and Effect, while Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma studied the Dao of Destiny.


    Observing the fate of all beings,prehending the true essence of destiny!


    Gu An''s consciousness immersed itself in this, his soul constantly transforming, his cultivation level continuously increasing.


    Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm Second Layer!


    Third Layer!


    Fourth Layer!


    The cliff beneath Gu An copsed, and he fell along with it, disappearing into the swirling dust.


    Under the blood-colored sky, the figures of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts flitted by, thunderclouds roiling, and in the clouds, faintly visible, were the massive forms of evil ghosts asrge as mountain ranges.


    After a full two ancient hours, the area finally calmed down, but the spiritual energy between heaven and earth had also be thin.


    By the sea, the nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings around the stele all breathed a sigh of relief.


    The anomalies were finally over, and during this process, they had not encountered any attacks.


    Perhaps it was truly a disturbance in the rules of heaven and earth, rather than an attack from a strong enemy.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm meditated in mid-air, eyes closed, brow furrowed.


    His divine sense continually scanned the various parts of the Divine Exotic Realm, inspecting every inch ofnd, but he could not detect any anomalies, and even he, the Realm Master, did not know where the spiritual energy had descended.


    This made him very uneasy, feeling he was losing control over the Divine Exotic Realm.


    Even if it was just a disturbance in the rules of heaven and earth, there must be a reason behind it, and he did not know what it was.


    He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings below, his eyes flickering.


    Could it be that these fellows had offended someone, and the other party was warning him?


    ...


    Amidst the vast dust, Gu An sat cross-legged on the ground, the Life Span Barrier did not iste the dust, but the dust could not approach him. His entire being emitted seven-colored radiance, and the golden pattern on his forehead shone with golden light, like an eye floating before his forehead.


    His cultivation had already reached the Ninth Layer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm!


    The reason he did not open his eyes was because he was carefullyprehending the mysteries of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    His soul had already transformed into the Immortal Soul of Wondrous Dharma; as long as the soul existed, the physical body could perish and still be restored. This was the powerful aspect of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    However, the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma still had a Heavenly Destiny, meaning its life span had limits, something he could clearly sense through his insights into the Dao of Destiny.


    After a long time.


    He slowly opened his eyes, and the golden pattern on his forehead flickered, then absorbed the illusory Primordial Divine Eye into the golden pattern.


    This golden pattern made him appear more divine.


    He could not yet absorb it into his body unless he used a spell to conceal it.


    After some thought, he decided to leave it as it was. After all, with the All Things Form and Energy Art, no one would be able to see through his Primordial Divine Eye.


    Gu An called up the attribute panel, and his life span was only a little more than two million two hundred thousand years left.


    The Life Span Barrier consumed too much!


    Gu An took a deep breath, stood up, and turned his head to look.


    He had already spotted Impermanence Tian, so he immediately used the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, transforming into a dark purple shadow. He canceled the Life Span Barrier.


    With one step, he appeared behind Impermanence Tian.


    At this moment, Impermanence Tian was still discussing the recent anomalies with the other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings, when the Ghost Kings in front of him suddenly widened their eyes.


    He had just noticed this, and a hand fell upon his shoulder.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Smack!


    This p sent his heart plummeting into an abyss, an unstoppable feeling of terror surging through him.


    The other eight Divine Exotic Ghost Kings immediately jumped aside, keeping their distance from Gu An.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm also looked at Gu An, frowning, his divine sense unable to prate the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body, increasing his wariness of Gu An to the peak.


    Gu An cast a Life Span Detection at the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, only able to see his realm.


    Carefree Immortal Realm Fifth Layer!


    This realm was already very strong!


    Before breaking through, Gu An matched against him would have only a ny percent chance of instant kill, very dangerous.


    Fortunately, he had broken through!


    Gu An secretly rejoiced, his peripheral vision ncing at the nearby stele.


    All Divine Soul Demons had connections of cause and effect with this stele; their power would converge within it.


    "Who are you? What do you want?" A Divine Exotic Ghost King asked in a deep voice, his tone tense.


    Gu An appeared too suddenly, they had no prior notice, and they could not see through Gu An''s cultivation level, so how could they not be afraid?


    The most important thing was that Gu An seemed to be looking at the Divine Exotic Life Tablet!


    Gu An did not answer him, instead opening his mouth to ask, "Extract Impermanence Tian''s power, or you will all be utterly annihted together."


    As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the Divine Exotic Ghost Kings changed drastically, looking at him with expressions full of shock and anger.


    But no one dared to refute, much less make a move, they could only turn their gazes to the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.


    Impermanence Tian trembled all over, unable to speak, only looking up at the Master of Divine Exotic Realm with pleading eyes.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm''s face was grim, staring intently at Gu An.


    Gu An was not in a hurry, waiting for him to make a decision, letting Impermanence Tian feel the despair.


    This guy had oppressed two of Gu An''s disciples so greatly before, killing him directly would be too easy on him.


    After reaching the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, Gu An became more certain there was a transcendent presence behind the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, as the stele contained the aura of several Carefree Primordial Immortals, suggesting there might be a faction behind the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.


    For now, he did not want to alert this presence unless the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts threatened the continent where the Supreme Sect resided.


    Moreover, within thisnd, he had sensed a familiar aura, so he could not simply destroy the stele.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm took a deep breath, raised his right hand, and made a grabbing motion toward the Divine Exotic Life Tablet from afar. A soul flew out, unexpectedly, it was the soul of Impermanence Tian, but this soul was curled up, lifeless, like a soul shell.


    Impermanence Tian''s eyes were filled with despair and even a hint of resentment, not toward Gu An, but toward the Master of Divine Exotic Realm!


    If he could speak now, he would certainly curse the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.


    The other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings could understand the look in his eyes, feeling equally distressed, sharing the feeling of the death of a kindred spirit.


    Gu An squeezed his right hand, and Impermanence Tian in his hand instantly turned to ash. He waved his sleeve, dispersing Impermanence Tian''s true soul.


    No prompt for gaining life span, but Impermanence Tian was no more.


    Gu An sent a voice transmission to the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, said a sentence, and then turned to leave.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm squinted his eyes, then called out, "Wait!"


    Gu An stopped, his back still facing him.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm looked down at him, saying, "In front of many Ghost Kings, I let you eliminate one of my Ghost Kings, the other Ghost Kings do not understand. Why not take my palm, and let them feel your power."


    As soon as he said this, the wind between heaven and earth ceased, and the waves of the sea stood still.


    The eight Divine Exotic Ghost Kings looked at Gu An, hardly daring to breathe.


    They cursed inwardly, they did not want to feel anything.


    They had already seen the disy of power, how could they doubt it?


    They understood the Master of Divine Exotic Realm was unwilling, using them as an excuse.


    "Feel my power?" Gu An''s voice rang out.


    He slowly turned around, and in an instant, his entire being grew enormously, standing between heaven and earth.


    Divine Skill, Great and Minor Ruyi!


    The eight Divine Exotic Ghost Kings looked up, dumbfounded.


    Gu An grew to a towering height of ten thousand zhang, his head against the blood-colored sky, his feet on the ground, with dark purple demonic qi surging around him like an ocean, magnificent and unparalleled.


    In front of Gu An, the Ghost Kings could not help but feel a sense of fear.


    A vast pressure enveloped them, rendering them motionless.


    The face of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm also changed dramatically. As a Carefree Primordial Immortal, he could more acutely sense Gu An''s terrifying power.


    Gu An raised his right hand, and in the palm asrge as a mountain, threads of rainbow light burst forth.


    Origin Heaven-Capturing Hand!


    As the Divine Skill condensed, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm and the Ghost Kings felt as if the sky were falling!


    "Once my palm is raised, it must fall. Master of Divine Exotic Realm, how will you have me withdraw my palm now?"


    Gu An''s voice echoed throughout heaven and earth, his tone indifferent, as if imbued with celestial might.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm abruptly fell, crashing into the ground, causing countless cracks to spread across the barrennd by the sea.


    He trembled all over, struggling to resist Gu An''s pressure.


    The other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings were simrly pressed to the ground, unable to stand, looking at the Master of Divine Exotic Realm in despair.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm gritted his teeth, his legs bending until he kneeled on the ground.


    He supported himself with both hands on the ground, speaking slowly, "Please forgive me, senior!"


    His voice echoed through the heavens, heard by countless Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    The Ghost Kings looked at him lowering his proud head, feeling both relieved and distressed.


    They were strong, capable of stirring the seas, but before the mightiest of the heavens, they were still like ants.


    ...


    Supreme Sect, Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An stepped off the Transmission Array tform, humming a little tune.


    "Hey, why so happy?" Passing by, You Yingying couldn''t help teasing.


    Gu An nced at her and said, "It''s alright."


    You Yingying giggled, "If you were born overseas, you wouldn''t be in such a good mood now."


    Gu An replied, "There are no ifs, are there? Cherish the present, enjoy life, junior."


    As he finished, he walked towards the chess area in the distance, ready to defeat Nine-Finger Divine Lord in three more games.


    Let Nine-Finger Divine Lord feel the terrifying deductive abilities of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    You Yingying watched Gu An''s back, pouting slightly, reflecting that sometimes being in the lower ranks might not be a bad thing, at least you don''t have to worry about world-ending catastrophes.

 Chapter 274 Outer Heaven, Energy Movement Treasure Position

    As dusk approached, the sun set in the west.


    Gu An sat on the stone bench, ying with the Seven Stars Mirror in his hand, his face full of impatience.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord who sat opposite him wore a gloomy expression, and the onlookers around them also frowned deeply, their eyes fixed on the chessboard.


    "Still haven''t figured it out? Admit defeat!"


    Gu An couldn''t help but speak out, which sounded absurd. He had been ying chess with the Nine-Finger Divine Lord all afternoon, and this was still the first game, with the Nine-Finger Divine Lord having only ced thirty-seven pieces.


    This guy couldn''t beat him, so he wanted to wear him down?


    Gu An saw through the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s intention, so he ced each chess piece in the position the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was thinking of ying, causing him great torment.


    Being seen through felt extremely ufortable!


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord couldn''t understand it. He had simted countless scenarios and thought his chess strategies were varied, yet Gu An always managed to y where he intended, interrupting his thoughts.


    Little did he know, Gu An could see through his strategies by using his ability to peer into fate.


    Gu An could foresee what the Nine-Finger Divine Lord would do next. Although the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s cultivation level was high, preventing Gu An from seeing too far into his future, he could easily see through the next hour.


    The slower the Nine-Finger Divine Lord yed, the faster Gu An yed¡ªquick, precise, and ruthless, constantly attacking his psychological defenses.


    Hearing Gu An''s words, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord cursed inwardly.


    If they were at sea, who would dare treat him like this?


    The key issue was that he indeed had a scheme, so he was both angry and embarrassed.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord took a deep breath and made another move.


    Click!


    The sound of the chess piecending was as loud as a thunderp, startling the onlookers to shrink their necks.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord was also startled and couldn''t help but touch the chess piece.


    Gu An''s lips curved upward, and he used the Seven Stars Mirror as a fan, pretending to be profound and mysterious.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked at him and suddenly felt like hitting someone.


    "No more! No more!"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord shouted angrily. Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately stood up and left.


    Watching his back, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord opened his mouth but only felt a heavy weight on his chest.


    Gu An decided to take a walk and personally see every inch of the Third Medicine Valley.


    He wanted to use his perception as the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma to feel the ce he had lived in for so many years.


    Just as he hadn''t walked far, Yang Jian came up to him and told Gu An that he didn''t know why, but he suddenly felt enlightened and relieved today.


    Gu An smiled andforted him, saying it was because his cultivation had shown results.


    Receiving praise from his master, Yang Jian was instantly invigorated and left happily, prepared to spar with Li Lingtian. He knew Li Lingtian had always wanted to spar with him.


    As soon as Yang Jian left, An Xin came and said the White Spirit Rat was missing again.


    Gu An began tofort her.


    After sending An Xin away, Tang Yu came.


    There were quite a few trivial matters today, unlike usual. Gu An did not feel irritated but rather found it amusing.


    What about being the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma?


    He still cared about these low-level old friends around him and wanted to maintain his life.


    The path to immortality was long, and the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path, the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma was merely the Sixth Layer Heaven!


    What kind of realmy beyond the Nine Heavens?


    He was very much looking forward to it and was full of fighting spirit.


    An hourter.


    Night fell, and Gu An leisurely walked back to the pavilion.


    From afar, he saw a graceful figure standing under the pavilion¡ªit was Ji Xiaoyu.


    Gu An saw that Ji Xiaoyu was holding an object in her hand. He did not mind, as he had already seen through the causes and effects of that treasure.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint lying on the ground saw Gu An, and his ox-like eyes lit up. He felt that his master had changed a bit again.


    Could it be that his master had be stronger again?


    This was definitely a good thing for him¡ªthe stronger the master, the greater his face, and he could also gain more benefits.


    Gu An came to Ji Xiaoyu and asked with a smile, "Isn''t this your time for cultivation at night? Why are you waiting here?"


    Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes fell on Gu An''s forehead, where a golden pattern faintly glowed under the night sky.


    She couldn''t help but raise her hand and touch her own forehead. There was a red pattern on her forehead, finer than Gu An''s Dao pattern.


    She smiled and said softly, "Nothing, just came out to look at the moonlight."


    The item she was holding in her other hand disappeared.


    Gu An turned around and stood shoulder to shoulder with her, looking at the bright moon in the night sky. He smiled and said, "Xiaoyu, what do you think the scene beyond the sky is like?"


    Ji Xiaoyu, hearing this, looked up at the night sky and replied, "Perhaps there are many other worlds. I have heard the elders in my n say that every star in the sky is a world. The Dao is simple, and all things follow the same principles. Life on earth is as tiny as dust, and the heavens and earth in the Dao are as small as stars."


    Gu An couldn''t help but turn his head to look at her, surprised she could speak such profound words.


    Unknowingly, this girl had already grown so tall.


    "If one cultivates to immortality, they can eventually fly beyond the sky." Ji Xiaoyu finished speaking and looked at Gu An.


    Gu An met her gaze and found that her eyes were still very beautiful.


    The two of them started chatting about the world beyond the sky, imagining various scenarios.


    They spoke slowly, feeling like a gently flowing stream.


    Half an hourter, Gu An bid farewell to her and went to his room on the second floor.


    Sitting at the desk, Gu An looked at the starry sky outside the window and murmured, "Cultivating to immortality and flying beyond the sky?"


    Why not go and see the world beyond tonight!


    When he reached the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, he went to Immortal Seeking Ind. Now, having reached the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma, he could once again explore a broader world.


    Gu An''s lips curved upward, and his Immortal Soul of Wonderous Dharma directly jumped out of his body, out of this world.


    In an instant, he was in the starry sky, overlooking the Great Heavenly Spirit Land below.


    Gu An suppressed his aura to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, and the seven-colored glow belonging to the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma was concealed into his Primordial Spirit.


    From the cosmos, the Great Heavenly Spirit Land appeared as a vast continent, covered in ayer of golden light, with seven suns beyond the gold, floating in the sky and operating in some ever-changing and mystical pattern.


    The mysterious beings within the seven suns still existed. Observing them from the cosmos, one could sense their immense aura even more.


    They were all Carefree Primordial Immortals!


    In this sense, they seemed more like the guardians of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Gu An turned around and headed deeper into the cosmos.


    The stars in the cosmos were indeed worlds, some weres, while others were continents¡ªnot all worlds contained life, and some worlds were inhabited only by wandering spirits.


    These worlds were also covered in ayer of golden light, isting beings below the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    Gu An''s flying speed was swift, but he stayed within the speed range of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    The cosmos was vast. Even at the speed of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, it would be difficult to encounter other Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal beings in a short time, let alone stronger existences.


    However, during his flight, Gu An sensed several unusual auras from various directions, far away.


    The outer heavens also held dangers!


    Eventually, Gu An locked his Divine Sense onto a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal and quickly flew towards him.


    Besides the worlds constrained by mysterious forces, there were also some meteorites of various sizes roaming aimlessly in the cosmos.


    On one of these meteorites, which was asrge as a continent, hid a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    It was a cultivator of the Human Race!


    This person was meditating in front of a mountain wall, his Daoist robe as white as feathers, and his face handsome, looking no more than twenty years old, with an otherworldly aura.


    When Gu An approached him, he used his Life Span Detection on him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Bai Ziya (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, thirdyer): 124,902/350,000/400,000]


    Bai Ziya sensed Gu An''s aura and opened his eyes, his pupils a clear blue, like two crystal stones.


    He stood up and watched Gu An approach.


    As Gu Annded, he cupped his fists in greeting and said, "I am Meng Lang, new to the outer heavens. It must be fate to meet a Daoist friend. Would you like to be friends?"


    After hearing this, Bai Ziya smiled and said, "So it is your first time in the outer heavens. No wonder you are so reckless. Consider yourself lucky to have met me. My name is Bai Ziya. In the future, you should be more careful; encountering a cultivator here is more dangerous than encountering a demon."


    Feigning puzzlement, Gu An asked, "Is the outer heavens so dangerous?"


    Bai Ziya resumed his meditative position and rolled up his sleeve, motioning for Gu An to sit down as well.


    Gu An sat down, and Bai Ziya first introduced himself before telling him about the situation in the outer heavens.


    Bai Ziya also came from the Great Heavenly Spirit Land and was one of the peak masters of Mortal World Peak. He had been in the outer heavens for twenty thousand years and was recently preparing to return to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land for a visit.


    ording to him, within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, the Immortal Path Holy Court restrained the Great Cultivators, but there were no rules in the outer heavens. If you died here, the cause and effect were hard to trace back to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, so the Great Cultivators were even more reckless in the outer heavens.


    There were many worlds in the outer heavens, but the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was the main one, while the other worlds were minor.


    As for whether there were worldsparable to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, Bai Ziya didn''t say much. In any case, this starry sky was dominated by the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Aside from the struggles among cultivators, the cosmos was also home to Heavenly Demons. These demons had existed since ancient times, were endless, and had formed their own forces. They were very hostile towards cultivators and demons, killing them on sight.


    Bai Ziya had encountered the most terrifying Heavenly Demon, one that swallowed a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal in one gulp. He only escaped because he was faster than the other Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals. To this day, thinking about it still gave him chills.


    "If you are curious about the outer heavens, don''t go too deep into the cosmos. Once you step into the Silent Destruction Domain, it is swarming with Heavenly Demons, and also filled with various terrifying and strange curses. Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals who enter have a slim chance of survival. Of course, if you see no hope for a breakthrough, you may as well try your luck. Some have managed to defy fate in the Silent Destruction Domain. It''s said that the Silent Destruction Domain was once a prosperousrge world, more glorious than the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. In fact, the Great Heavenly Spirit Land is just a fragment of that world."


    Bai Ziya spoke at length, and Gu An listened carefully.


    He didn''t feel any hostility from Bai Ziya, which indicated this person was enthusiastic and kind-hearted.


    Of course, Gu An was not afraid of a sneak attack.


    Bai Ziya looked at Gu An and asked, "Daoist friend Meng Lang, which sect are you from?"


    The Great Heavenly Spirit Land was vast, but for Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, it wasn''t very big.


    Gu An replied, "To be honest, I am just a loose cultivator with no sect. Years ago, my sect caused trouble and was exterminated. I escaped and have been cultivating in seclusion ever since."


    Intrigued, Bai Ziya asked, "You managed to reach the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm just by cultivating on your own? Daoist friend, it seems you have great talent. Why not join our Mortal World Peak? I can make you a peak master, and you can also gain an Energy Movement Treasure Position in the Holy Court. With the Holy Court''s Qi Fortune, perceiving the Heaven and Earth Rules will be easier."

 Chapter 275: Chapter 275 The Status of Mortal World Peak

    "Daoist Friend, can you introduce me to the Holy Court?" Gu An didn''t immediately ept Bai Ziya''s invitation but instead asked this question.


    Is there an entire dynasty of Immortal Spirits within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land? Could it be the Holy Court?


    No, that dynasty, though powerful, was definitely not the most powerful in the world. In the Mortal World, there was an incredibly vast continent, and even the divine sense of the Carefree Primordial Immortal faced resistance just by nearing its edge.


    That continent should be the location of the Holy Court!


    Bai Ziya gave Gu An a suspicious look. How could this person not know about the Holy Court? How long has he been in seclusion?


    Although puzzled, Bai Ziya still introduced it as was appropriate.


    The Holy Court is the absolute ruler of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land and the origin of the Immortal Path, located in the Daoist Divine Continent of Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    The Daoist Divine Continent is thergest continent within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, and the Human Race also originated from the Daoist Divine Continent, eventually spreading throughout the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    The Holy Court does not interfere with affairs across thend but ensures the safety of the Great Heaven and Earth. If there is a world-ending catastrophe or an invasion by Outer Heaven Demons, they would take action. They also oversee various Qi Fortune sects across the world. If any sect brings disaster to the world, the Holy Court would send someone to punish them.


    Within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, the cultivators of the Holy Court represent immortals.


    Not all Qi Fortune sects can obtain the Qi Fortune Treasure Position of the Holy Court. The Qi Fortune Treasure Position enhances one''s understanding of Heaven and Earth Rules and extends lifespan, making it a pursuit for countless cultivators.


    "Mortal World Peak may not be as powerful as it was in ancient times, but it has a profound foundation. Many of our ancestors are venturing in the Outer Heaven. If they encounter each other, they can offer mutual assistance. The Peak Master''s authority is vast, not only holding office in the Holy Court but also overseeing tens of thousands of disciples on the peak." Bai Ziya''s tone was filled with pride, as if Mortal World Peak was the most formidable Qi Fortune sect in the world.


    Gu An curiously asked, "How does Mortal World Peakpare to the Star Sea Congregations, Seven Stars Spirit Realm, Deep Sea Spirit Pce, and the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect?"


    Bai Ziya red and said, "How can Star Sea Congregations, Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and Deep Sea Spirit Pcepare to our Mortal World Peak? The founder of Star Sea Congregations once cultivated at our Mortal World Peak and generations of their disciples remember our kindness. As for Seven Stars Spirit Realm and Deep Sea Spirit Pce, they are just third-rate sects. Bitter Sea Buddha Sect is somewhat formidable but that''s only because Shengtian has been interested in Buddhism for thest million years."


    "Once Shengtian''s favor passes, who knows if they can even stand their ground?"


    Shengtian is the lord of the Holy Court, named after Heaven, and whose true name cannot be spoken.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Bai Ziya''s tone was filled with disdain, which fueled Gu An''s imagination about Mortal World Peak.


    He stared at Gu An and said, "What do you think, Daoist Friend Meng? Join Mortal World Peak. Although there is no restriction from the Holy Court in the Outer Heaven, background still matters. Mortal World Peak has a significant reputation."


    Gu An hesitated and said, "To be honest, I have some reservations about going to the Holy Court for the Qi Fortune Treasure Position."


    The Qi Fortune Treasure Position sounded great, but there were too many intricacies involved. The Holy Court could potentially control all Qi Fortune Treasure Positions through Qi Fortune, which concerned his principles.


    "What kind of nonsense is that? If you don''t want it, I won''t force you. I can leave the spot for someone else. Many people would fight tooth and nail for a Qi Fortune Treasure Position. If you possess a Qi Fortune Treasure Position, any sect in the world would have to respect you. As long as you don''t exploit others, you''ll be a weed guest anywhere. Not every cultivator in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm can obtain a Qi Fortune Treasure Position." Bai Ziya shook his head,ughing.


    Gu An curiously asked, "It''s so rare. Why would you give it to me? We''ve just met, and you''re inviting me..."


    Bai Ziya coughed and said, "It''s precisely because I see your exceptional talent andck of background. Within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, unaligned cultivators in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm are extremely rare. Mortal World Peak is powerful, but not invincible. Of course, after joining Mortal World Peak, if you misbehave, Mortal World Peak won''t go easy on you. Our Mortal World Peak has beings that surpass those in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm."


    Reaching the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm meant breaking through minor realms was incredibly difficult. It had been ten thousand years since he had a breakthrough in a minor realm.


    Gu An wasn''t surprised; he had long guessed that the Mortal World Peak hid some Carefree Primordial Immortals.


    He continued to ask, "Why don''t you try to recruit Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals from other sects? For example, there are Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals in the Star Sea Congregations."


    Bai Ziya shook his head and said, "How could it be so easy to recruit them? Not speaking of karma and rtionships, those Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals wield great power within their sects and regions, monopolizing cultivation resources. Even if you join Mortal World Peak and hold a higher status than them, obtaining the same level of resources as them is difficult. Of course, joining their sects now would make it hard to surpass them since they have been established for tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years."


    Gu An found it reasonable.


    After thinking for a moment, he said, "If that''s the case, I''ll join Mortal World Peak. However, I can''t go to Mortal World Peak right now."


    "No problem. Mortal World Peak won''t confine you. In fact, your disciples would be more than happy if you''re not at the peak, allowing them to be carefree. My disciples and grandchildren probably have already forgotten me." Bai Ziyaughed self-deprecatingly.


    He then took out a piece of green jade, carved with a mountain peak.


    "This is Mortal Jade, symbolizing the identity of the Peak Master. When you encounter disciples or affiliated sects of Mortal World Peak, you can show it. Of course, with your cultivation level, you can stand boldly in the mortal world." Bai Ziyaughed.


    Gu An epted the Mortal Jade, examining it closely.


    He asked, "Aren''t you afraid I''ll act recklessly after receiving the jade and then escape?"


    Bai Ziyaughed, "If you misbehave, the Holy Court will deal with you. As long as it''s investigated that you didn''t stay at Mortal World Peak, the Holy Court won''t me Mortal World Peak. In fact, when you show the Mortal Jade, you also add strength to Mortal World Peak, making the world know Mortal World Peak has another Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal."


    This made Gu An more cautious of the Holy Court.


    No wonder the Seven Stars Spirit Realm didn''t openly harm the continent''s beings; they were afraid of the Holy Court.


    At that time, the Star Sea Congregations also sent many disciples to gather evidence against the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, seemingly to use them.


    The Holy Court protected the beings of the world but not the sects. The world was vast, and the Holy Court couldn''t care for every being, so there would always be ces where beings suffered.


    Gu An continued to inquire about the power dynamics of Mortal World Peak, and Bai Ziya didn''t hold back, informing him of the allies and affiliated sects of Mortal World Peak, as well as their enemies.


    Overall, Mortal World Peak had more allies than enemies, which was why it could stand strong in the mortal world.


    As they continued talking, the conversation shifted to the Outer Heaven. Gu An intentionally hinted at his desire to explore the Outer Heaven to prevent Bai Ziya from investigating him in the mortal world.


    After chatting for a long time, Gu An finally took his leave. He didn''t head towards the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, but instead flew into the depths of the universe.


    Bai Ziya watched Gu An''s departure direction, deep in thought.


    "He mentioned the Star Sea Congregations, Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and Deep Sea Spirit Pce. These three forces are adjacent to each other. Could hee from that region? I need to check it out. How could such a ce produce a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal without a sect background? Strange, strange."


    ...


    After parting ways with Bai Ziya, Gu An only pretended to head towards the Silent Destruction Domain. Once he escaped the divine sense range of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, he used the Limitless Freedom Step to return to the mortal world.


    Gu An''s soul re-entered his body, and he stretched with a yawn. It was still not yet dawn.


    He could sense Ji Xiaoyu''s Energy Absorption aura downstairs.


    "The Outer Heaven is vast, but the mortal world gives me more peace." Gu An smiled as he thought this.


    He had no need for adventures; he would not wander the Silent Destruction Domain, battling with Heavenly Demons.


    One step at a time!


    With the annual lifespan ie, he couldn''t imagine how powerful he would be in ten thousand years.


    Ten thousand years was not long for a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, let alone for a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    Gu An picked up a travelogue and started reading.


    The moon set, and the sun rose.


    Another morning dawned over the Medicine Valley.


    Gu An got up to organize his clothes, then went downstairs to lead the disciples in their exercises.


    Nearly a thousand people exercising together was quite a sight.


    Ji Xiaoyu walked out of the house. She didn''t join the exercises, merely watching the disciples practice. It had be her habit.


    After the exercises, Li Lingtian ran over excitedly and said, "Sister Yu, I recently learned a spell that''s quite powerful. Do you want to see it?"


    Ji Xiaoyu didn''t even look at him, her eyes fixed on Gu An.


    Li Lingtian noticed her gaze and felt a pang of jealousy. He said softly, "Sister Yu, my Senior Brother Gu is quite the charmer. He has a junior sister and the Daotian Sect''s Holy Daughter has feelings for him. Also, Senior Lu, who left earlier, wants him as her Daoist Friend as well."


    Ji Xiaoyu slightly frowned and nced at him, asking, "Why are you telling me this?"


    Li Lingtian fake-coughed and said, "I was afraid you didn''t know."


    Ji Xiaoyu responded coldly, "Do you know why you''re not as good as Yang Jian?"


    "Why?"


    "Because your mind is impure. As a cultivator, you''re thinking about romantic affairs. It''s ridiculous and unworthy. I do have feelings for him, but I haven''t thought of bing Daoist Friends. My goal is to pursue the Immortal Path, and so is his. That''s why, despite having many romantic interests, he has no Daoist Friend."


    Ji Xiaoyu said calmly. After speaking, she walked past Li Lingtian towards Gu An.


    Li Lingtian stood there, his face awkward, but he wasn''t angry. Instead, he reflected on Ji Xiaoyu''s words.


    Indeed.


    He was still swayed by emotions. What kind of cultivator was he?


    Thinking closely, Yang Jian was practically a cultivation fanatic. Besides cultivation and chores, he did nothing else.


    Li Lingtian rubbed his chest, still sore from sparring with Yang Jianst night.


    Gu An didn''t pay attention to the conversation between Li Lingtian and Ji Xiaoyu. After chatting briefly with Ji Xiaoyu, he rode off on the Blood Prison Great Saint, apanied by Yang Jian.


    Today was another day to harvest!


    And so it went.


    A month passed quickly.


    On this day, Gu An arrived at Heavenly Phoenix Mountain, Nianchu Cave.


    Tian Yao''er saw him and excitedly rushed forward, saying, "Master, there''s activity in the Outer World Cave. Some Immortal Herbs have matured!"


    Gu An''s interest piqued, and he called for Tianqing and Tian Bai to head to the Outer World Cave.


    Tianqing and Tian Bai immediately clung to his arms, making it difficult for Tian Yao''er to get close to Gu An.

 Chapter 276 Ji Number Life Span, Wandering Immortals Arrival

    After arriving at the Outer World Cave, Gu An indeed saw a Seventh-Order Medicinal Grass maturing. However, he felt it could still be left to grow, as the roots at the bottom of the nt kept growing, generating more seeds in the surrounding soil.


    Gu An watched for a while. He didn''t pick it, looking forward to it producing more seeds for better sustainable development.


    Having already reached the Ninth Layer of the Mystic Law Spirit Immortal Realm, Gu An no longer needed to rush to harvest thousands or even tens of thousands of years of life span.


    His goal was a hundred million years of life span!


    As long as the overall time taken was shorter, that was fine.


    If the high-rank medicinal herbs in the Outer World Cave reached maturity, he might be able to harvest tens of millions of years of life span in one go. Just thinking about it made him a little excited.


    "I''m nning to expand this cave. Later, you can move in. If you get bored, you can also raise some demons, but they must know the rules and not damage my medicinal herbs."


    Gu An looked at the boundless medicinal garden and smiled softly.


    Hearing his words, Tian Yao''er and the other two women were very excited and began to imagine things together.


    Compared to raising demons, they were more eager to go out and explore.


    Gu An promised them that once they reached the Mahayana Realm, they could go out and y, which was also for their own good.


    Upon hearing about the Mahayana Realm, the three women''s faces all fell.


    How long would they have to cultivate to reach that level?


    "The world outside is dangerous. If you get caught, being bullied would be the least of your worries. You might be skinned alive, have your flesh turned into elixirs, and your bones made into ornaments..." Gu An shook his head, scaring the three women in just a few sentences, making them not dare to think about going out anymore.


    Before meeting Gu An, they had all faced hardships. Tian Yao''er had been kept in captivity by the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother, while Tianqing and Tian Bai were orphans who roamed everywhere after their parents died. During that time, their wounds had never healed.


    Tianqing sighed, "It''s better to focus on cultivation and not raise any more demons to avoid distractions."


    Tian Bai hugged Gu An''s arm and nodded, swaying her body. Seeing this, Tian Yao''er quickly pushed her away and then took Gu An''s arm herself.


    "There''s a cmity brewing outside right now." Gu An''s heart fluttered, but his face remained serious as he began to talk about the cmity on the ocean. The three women were quickly intrigued and listened attentively.


    The Sea Breaking Rift, Divine Exotic Realm, Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, and other details made them tremble with fear.


    Immortal and indestructible ghosts, they didn''t know how to deal with them.


    "Master, will this cmity affect you? Should you hide in the cave?"


    "If the forces on the sea can''t handle it, it will eventually spread to the continent where we are."


    "How could there be such terrifying ghosts in the world?"


    The three women started chattering again.


    After staying in the Outer World Cave for an hour, Gu An finally returned to the Supreme Sect.


    He went to the Third Medicine Valley, habitually going to watch Nine-Finger Divine Lord y Go, but was stopped by You Yingying on the way.


    "Why do you smell so fragrant? And it''s not just one type. You didn''t visit a brothel, did you?" You Yingying looked at him, perplexed.


    Gu An''s mouth twitched. He said irritably, "Nonsense. Can''t you talk more decently?"


    "Fine, did you go to the Pleasant Fragrance Pavilion?"


    "That would be cleaner than you."


    You Yingying wasn''t angry at his retort and instead smiled, "Indeed, no man is any good."


    Gu An couldn''t be bothered with her and walked past her.


    "Wait, the Star Sea Congregations are giving the Supreme Sect a thousand cultivation spots for five years. If you want to go, I can help you get one." You Yingying caught up and said.


    Gu An didn''t turn his head, "With my rtionship with the sect leader, do I need your help?"


    You Yingying responded, "The Supreme Sect will surely choose the thousand most talented disciples. Even if you go, considering your cultivation level, you''ll only feel pressured. If I put in a word for you, you''ll have a better experience and greater gains. You might even go into closed-door cultivation upon returning and break through to the Nascent Soul Realm."


    Gu An stopped and looked at her.


    This girl only had a Foundation Establishment cultivation level, but her tone was so grand, indicating her high status within the Star Sea Congregations.


    Gu An suddenly became interested and began probing the mysterious power of cause and effect within You Yingying''s body.


    He had long noticed that You Yingying''s cultivation level was suppressed by this mysterious power of cause and effect, but he didn''t want to cause trouble before, so he had been toozy to investigate.


    Now, with his higher cultivation level, he could take a look.


    Because of this power of cause and effect, Gu An couldn''t directly deduce her fate.


    Suddenly!


    Gu An saw a grotesque face bursting out from You Yingying''s body, lunging at him, then dissipating into smoke.


    This was just an illusion, without any real destructive power.


    Seeing through this illusion, Gu An felt puzzled.


    "What''s wrong? Why aren''t you saying anything? Are you thinking about how to thank me? It''s simple. Just write another Journey to the West, focusing on the story after Sun Wukong bes the Victorious Fighting Buddha. Stop wandering around aimlessly without any proper work," You Yingying said with her hands on her hips.


    Gu Anughed, "No way, this stops here. Some stories don''t need to be written to the end. Leaving space for imagination makes them continually intriguing."


    You Yingying gave him a re and asked, "Are you going or not?"


    "I''m not going. Thanks for your goodwill, but I''d rather spend my life peacefully in the Medicine Valley. If I go and your Star Sea Holy Daughter falls for me, what then?"


    "Pah, shameless. Our Star Sea Congregations don''t have any Holy Daughter."


    "Being entangled by a female genius is also quite stressful, just like now."


    "You..."


    You Yingying started to make a move, and Gu An quickly jumped away and slipped away.


    This guy really didn''t know what was good for him!


    Gu An was afraid he might kill her with a single shock.


    Life continued quietly. After going to Outer Heaven once, Gu An didn''t go back. Having roughly understood the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, he felt no need to go again.


    The first snow of winter quietly arrived, and the Third Medicine Valley gradually turned white.


    Gu An went downstairs and stood in front of the pavilion, raising his right hand to touch the falling snow.


    Feeling the slight chill in his palm, Gu An''s mood became joyful.


    His gaze turned to the entrance of the valley, where a vague figure was walking through the white, snowyndscape.


    A Wandering Immortal, and at the Ninth Layer.


    It was because of this person''s arrival that Gu An hade downstairs.


    Why would a Wandering Immortal arrive for no apparent reason?


    Gu An watched quietly as that person entered the valley.


    The person was a handsome monk draped in a cassock, holding prayer beads, advancing with his eyes closed. The falling snow formed a white cape on his shoulders.


    [Shen Xinzi (Wandering Immortal Realm Ninth Layer): 45865/190000/999999]


    Hmm?


    A lifespan of nine hundred ny-nine thousand nine hundred ny-nine years?


    Gu An had never seen such an extreme lifespan before.


    This was definitely the highest lifespan beyond Nirvana he had ever seen.


    Nine was the highest number. He wondered if An Hao and Yang Jian, after their Nirvana, could reach such a lifespan.


    Gu An pondered thoughtfully, watching as Shen Xinzi walked toward the Go area in the Medicine Valley, evidently heading for Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    Many disciples in the valley noticed Shen Xinzi''s arrival. So not only was Gu An watching him, Shen Xinzi did not draw much of his attention, and he did not even open his eyes.


    After arriving among the crowd, Shen Xinzi heard Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s urging voice.


    "Can you y faster? Your slow pace makes you an indecisive yer!"


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked impatient, with his arms crossed.


    Across from him, Elder Lu muttered, "You were even slower than me when you yed against my master."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord red and replied, "I wanted to drag it out and win against your master. Do you think you can drag it out and win against me? Even if youy in a coffin, I could leisurely sit here and wait for your next move. Does it have any meaning?"


    Hearing this, Elder Lu''s face turned green. The surrounding disciples, displeased, began to criticize Nine-Finger Divine Lord for speaking excessively.


    Of course, they dared to speak out because they knew Nine-Finger Divine Lord well and knew he wouldn''t be genuinely angry.


    Unbeknownst to when, Nine-Finger Divine Lord, within the Third Medicine Valley, could show his true self without pretenses, and he enjoyed this feeling.


    Even in the midst of verbally jousting with everyone, Nine-Finger Divine Lord nced at Shen Xinzi in the crowd.


    He only took a look before withdrawing his gaze.


    Shen Xinzi opened his eyes and began observing the game.


    After an hour, Elder Lu conceded the match. Others took turns ying, while Shen Xinzi stood by and watched. Although they were curious about him, no one questioned him further. By now, they were used to Great Cultivatorsing to the Medicine Valley to observe Go games, all for Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    Gu An did not continue to watch Shen Xinzi. He rode the Blood Prison Great Saint and began to patrol the Medicine Valley.


    After noon, Nine-Finger Divine Lord won another game. He looked at Shen Xinzi and said, "Little monk, want to y a round?"


    Shen Xinzi responded, "Amitabha, then I humbly seek your guidance."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The disciples, seeing his exceptional aura, made way.


    After taking a seat, Shen Xinzi made the first move.


    Having observed three games, he already knew the rules.


    With a smirk, Nine-Finger Divine Lord adopted Gu An''s aura and yed each move faster than thest.


    In just thirty minutes, Shen Xinzi lost.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord asked proudly, "How was it? How do you find this game?"


    Shen Xinzi pondered, "It truly contains profound principles. The small board epasses myriad phenomena. ck and white swallowing each other resembles thepetition of all things in heaven and earth, ever-changing. It can turn despair into hope and hide traps to kill, very intriguing."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord stood up, "Let''s go somewhere else to chat. We shouldn''t disturb the others ying Go."


    Shen Xinzi nodded and stood up.


    The disciples sighed in relief. With Nine-Finger Divine Lord gone, they could enjoy the fun of Go without his constant guidance.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord wasn''t only formidable at ying but also loved to instruct them, making their game experience quite torturous.


    The two walked along the path in the Medicine Valley. Nine-Finger Divine Lord, gazing at the boundless sky, asked, "Little monk, why are you here? Just passing by, or directed by the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect?"


    With hands pressed together, Shen Xinzi replied, "I ammanded to go to the Sea Breaking Rift. Passing by here, I sensed your presence, so I came to visit. I didn''t expect to find other disciples of my sect in this Supreme Sect. Observing the Qi fortune of this sect, perhaps you intend to support it?"


    Nine-Finger Divine Lordughed, "Supporting them? You haven''t heard of Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    As Shen Xinzi was about to inquire, his attention suddenly shifted to You Yingying, who was passing by at a distance. His brows immediately furrowed.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord noticed his gaze and asked, "You saw her too. What will you do about it?"


    His tone was intriguing, as if eager for a spectacle.


    Taking a deep breath, Shen Xinzi replied, "A demon should naturally be eradicated."

 Chapter 277: Chapter 277 Reincarnation of the Heavenly Demon, Shen Xinzis Terror

    As Shen Xinzi finished speaking, his eyes sharpened, and he actually stepped towards You Yingying.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord quickly grabbed him, scolding: "Do you really dare to act recklessly? This girl is from the Star Sea Congregations, and besides, this ce belongs to Sword Venerable Fudao, you better not cause trouble!"


    Shen Xinzi sternly said: "Exorcising demons is the duty of us disciples of the Buddhism Sect, how can we neglect it out of fear of the strong?"


    He immediately shook off the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s hand, trying to break free.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord said in a deep voice: "There are countless demons in the world, this demon has not yet done any evil, how can you act directly? Don''t forget your mission, there are greater cmities that require your intervention."


    He felt a headacheing on, how could thisd be even more stubborn than ten thousand years ago?


    Although he knew that You Yingying had no rtion to Sword Venerable Fudao, causing trouble here would inevitably break the peace of Medicine Valley, something he did not wish to see happen.


    Shen Xinzi frowned, his gaze fixed on You Yingying.


    You Yingying seemed to sense something and turned her head to look at Shen Xinzi.


    Their gazes pierced through the endless white snow, colliding in midair.


    For some reason, upon seeing him, You Yingying inexplicably felt ufortable and a bit scared.


    She instinctively avoided Shen Xinzi''s gaze and ran away.


    After walking some distance, her panic did not subside, and she looked back instinctively, only to find Shen Xinzi still staring at her, scaring her into quickening her pace.


    She hurriedly walked away, in a daze, until she bumped into someone, waking her up.


    She took a closer look and found that she had bumped into Gu An.


    Amidst the falling snow, Gu An stood in his blue robe, drifting with the wind; he held a mirror in his hand, like a folding fan. The hair crown on his head reflected the light, and along with the gold pattern on his forehead, it made You Yingying stare in awe.


    For the first time, You Yingying felt that Gu An had such an air of elegance. If there were truly Immortals in this world, they would probably look like this.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Gu An asked. Of course, he knew what was going on, but he had to pretend to be oblivious.


    You Yingying snapped out of her daze and, for some reason, felt calmer in front of Gu An.


    "Just now, a monk kept staring at me..." You Yingying said aggrievedly.


    Gu Anughed: "Aren''t you the one who''s fearless, how can you be afraid of a mere monk?"


    You Yingying red: "I don''t know why, I just felt uneasy under his gaze."


    "Uneasy? Did you do something guilty, stealing his cassock?"


    "Pah, do you take me for a ck bear spirit?"


    With Gu An''s teasing, You Yingyingpletely rxed.


    Gu An walked towards his pavilion, followed closely by the Blood Prison Great Saint, who threw a disdainful nce at You Yingying.


    You Yingying instantly became furious and started cursing the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    The man and the ox began to argue, while Gu An, used to it, couldn''t be bothered to intervene.


    In the following days, Shen Xinzi stayed at the Supreme Sect, investigating the disciples'' impressions of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Three days passed quickly.


    Shen Xinzi returned to Medicine Valley, having understood that Sword Venerable Fudao was righteous and cared for themon people, and would not prevent him from exorcising demons.


    Upon arriving at Medicine Valley, he encountered Yang Jian and Li Lingtian.


    Yang Jian was pulling Li Lingtian out, looking for a ce to spar. Li Lingtian was very reluctant, but did not back down verbally.


    Seeing the two, Shen Xinzi''s gaze was fixed.


    He moved to block Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian looked at him, his brows slightly furrowed. Even now, suppressing his cultivation level, Yang Jian couldn''t hide his extraordinary presence, showing the demeanor of a prodigy.


    Standing beside him, Li Lingtian appearedpletely overshadowed.


    ring at Shen Xinzi, Li Lingtian said disgruntledly: "Monk, what do you want?"


    Shen Xinzi spoke: "Amitabha, this poor monk sees that you both have remarkable auras and unique bones. Why not join our Bitter Sea Buddha Sect and cultivate the Great Dao?"


    Bitter Sea Buddha Sect?


    Before Yang Jian could speak, Li Lingtian was already flustered: "You want us to be monks? Impossible!"


    He was the Crown Prince; how could he be a monk?


    "Monk is just a worldly term; bing a Buddha is the Great Dao, which is eternal." Shen Xinzi said calmly.


    Scratching his head, Li Lingtian thought that this guy was either crazy or genuinely capable of something. Suddenly, he didn''t dare to provoke him.


    In Medicine Valley, he always encountered Great Cultivators, so he couldn''t remain arrogant.


    Yang Jian said softly: "Thank you for your kind offer, but I already have a master, and I don''t wish to take another. Farewell."


    He bypassed Shen Xinzi and walked out of the valley.


    Li Lingtian quickly followed.


    Shen Xinzi watched their departing figures, contemting something.


    Meanwhile.


    In the distance, beneath a pavilion, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu stood side by side, appreciating the snowy scenery.


    Ji Xiaoyu noticed Shen Xinzi and said: "That monk seems unusual. I wonder if he will cause trouble for Yang Jian."


    Although she had never sparred with Yang Jian, she felt he was extraordinary.


    Curious about how Gu An had made Yang Jian so loyal, she learned that Yang Jian had been nurtured by Gu An''s elixir, gradually unlocking his talent, which made her admire Gu An even more.


    Perhaps Gu An''s cultivation talent was ordinary, but his character deeply impressed her.


    Gu An turned back: "He is a high monk; how could he trouble Jian''er? If anything, he would bring blessings, wouldn''t he?"


    Ji Xiaoyu nced at him, seeing the genuine smile on his face, she believed his words.


    They continued chatting casually.


    Eventually, Shen Xinzi still found You Yingying. At first, she was very afraid of him, but he only asked her about some matters, which gradually made her lower her guard.


    Although Gu An''s gaze wasn''t fixed on Shen Xinzi, his attention was always on him.


    If You Yingying were outside and got caught by Shen Xinzi, he wouldn''t intervene, but not in Medicine Valley.


    Gu An thought Shen Xinzi wouldn''t harm You Yingying, but he was wrong.


    Late at night.


    You Yingying was meditating and cultivating in her room. The candlelight reflected her shadow on the wall, swaying slightly.


    Suddenly sensing something, she opened her eyes to see a figure entering her sight, startling her so much she instinctively crawled backward, hitting the wall.


    "What do you want?" You Yingying asked nervously, her voice loud, clearly trying to alert others.


    Standing by the bed, Shen Xinzi looked down at You Yingying with a serious expression.


    "Don''t waste your efforts. I have set up a barrier; no one can hear your cries, nor can you escape." Shen Xinzi''s gaze was oppressive, and his tone was cold.


    You Yingying gritted her teeth and asked: "Who are you? What grudge do you have with me?"


    "Amitabha, we have no personal grudge. This poor monk can let you die knowing the reason; you are the reincarnation of a Heavenly Demon. Once your cultivation reaches the Primordial Spirit stage, you will regain memories of your past life and bring cmity to the world." Shen Xinzi replied.


    Upon hearing this, You Yingying''s expression changed dramatically, but instead of arguing, she sat dazedly on the bed, looking deste.


    "I see..."


    She murmured, a bitter smile appearing on her face.


    She closed her eyes, preparing to ept her fate.


    Shen Xinzi closed his eyes and raised his right hand, ready to end You Yingying''s life.


    Thud!


    Suddenly, a hand pressed on Shen Xinzi''s shoulder, causing his eyes to snap open, his Buddha heart trembling.


    This indescribable feeling made him inexplicably fearful.


    Having faced countless formidable demons, even in defeat, he had never felt this way.


    He was shocked to find himself unable to move, his mana suppressed and inactive.


    He immediately thought of someone.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Legend had it that in a book, it was written that Sword Venerable Fudao would lightly tap the shoulder before killing someone...


    He had thought it was just a tale, but it turned out to be true.


    "Outsiders are not permitted to kill within the Supreme Sect."


    Gu An''s voice reached Shen Xinzi''s ears, hoarse and indifferent, carrying an undeniable authority.


    Next, Shen Xinzi felt the hand on his shoulder disappear, an immense relief flooding over him.


    He exhaled deeply, his forehead drenched in cold sweat, unable to remain calm.


    In that brief moment, he truly thought he would die.


    Looking again at You Yingying, his eyes wereplex.


    "Amitabha..."


    Shen Xinzi''s voice rang out, followed by the sound of the door opening.


    You Yingying opened her eyes to see that Shen Xinzi had vanished.


    Thinking about his earlier tone, it seemed he was sighing?


    However...


    You Yingying felt no relief from the brush with death; instead, she remained despondent.


    The reincarnation of a Heavenly Demon...


    Having grown up in the Star Sea Congregations, she had heard tales of the Heavenly Demon. No wonder her father was reluctant to teach her cultivation. When he heard she wasing to the Supreme Sect, he was pleased, fearing she might implicate him.


    That night, You Yingying leaned against the wall, lost in thought.


    The next morning, she tidied herself up before leaving the house.


    Seeing the disciples of Medicine Valley exercising, their faces brimming with smiles, she felt as though she were in a different world, suddenly somewhat envious.


    These people might not have natural talent or prominent origins, but at least they could look forward to their future.


    And what about her?


    Born unlucky, unloved by her father, shunned by her mother, everyone saw her as a curse.


    She spotted Shen Xinzi. He stood under a tree, watching the disciples exercise, deep in thought. He didn''t turn his head despite her gaze.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Does he pity me, or is he afraid of dirtying his hands?" You Yingying stood there, stunned.


    After the morning exercises ended and the disciples dispersed, she still stood at the entrance.


    Time passed unknowingly.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint past her yard and shouted: "Ms. You, what are you daydreaming about? If you have nothing to do, go shovel the snow with them. Since you live in my Medicine Valley, you should at least help out, right?"


    You Yingying snapped out of it, and seeing Gu An''s slightly displeased face, she instinctively nodded in agreement.


    Gu An showed a satisfied expression, tossed her a look that said "good thinking," and continued on his way with the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    At that moment, You Yingying came to her senses, recalling Gu An''s arrogant expression, she couldn''t help but stomp her feet, muttering: "Making me do the chores!"


    Although she cursed, her heart wasn''t angry.


    She suddenly thought, there''s no ce for her in the world, but this Medicine Valley epted her, she''s not that miserable after all.


    The worst-case scenario, she would never cultivate, live a few hundred years like Gu An, and then die. As for where she''d go in the next life, she didn''t care anymore.


    In the next life, she wouldn''t be her.

 Chapter 278: Chapter 278 Lord of All Realms, Head of Immortals

    Shen Xinzi stood under the tree, also lost in thought.


    Unlike You Yingying who had alreadye to terms with things, he was still puzzled.


    He was shocked by Sword Venerable Fudao''s power, and doubted his own thoughts.


    Based on his investigation these past few days, Sword Venerable Fudao absolutely was a great power who cared for themon people, capable of correcting a sect''s behavior and reaching out to save the world.


    With Sword Venerable Fudao''s cultivation level, he surely could see through You Yingying''s karmic ties.


    Did he really not want anyone causing ughter in the Supreme Sect, or did he think You Yingying shouldn''t be killed?


    Shen Xinzi''s mind was in turmoil until Nine-Finger Divine Lord came to Medicine Valley to y Go, and only then was he awakened by him.


    "Why are you in such a state? Did you encounter Sword Venerable Fudao?" Nine-Finger Divine Lord asked with a smile, standing before Shen Xinzi.


    Shen Xinzi closed his eyes and uttered a "Amitabha".


    The smile faded from Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s face. He frowned, his expression serious, and said in a deep voice, "You really dared to act? Are you courting death? I''ve heard that Divine Strange Ghost King Heaven Unpredictable was directly crushed by Sword Venerable Fudao, and it is said that Heaven Unpredictable had already reached the pinnacle of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal realm!"


    Shen Xinzi still kept his eyes closed, seemingly indifferent.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord noticed his left hand trembling within his sleeve.


    This kid wasn''t scared half to death, was he?


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord thought to himself, and suddenly found it amusing.


    It was rare to see him this frightened.


    "Come, let''s y Go. There is wisdom in ck and white that can help you understand."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord pulled Shen Xinzi along, chattering as they walked.


    "I have to say, Gu An does have a certain divine nature. To create such a profound game of Go, either he has an extraordinary master behind him, or he was guided in his dreams by an immortal."


    Shen Xinzi, in a daze, did not really listen.


    However, in the following days, through ying Go, the anxiety and confusion in his mind began to dissipate, and he also came to understand Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s words.


    This game of Go was indeed extraordinary!


    ...


    The cold winter finally passed, and the Spring Festival of the Supreme Sect came around once more.


    It was worth mentioning that, through the promotion of Li Xuandao, people across the world had begun to celebrate the Spring Festival.


    In the Third Medicine Valley,


    Li Lingtian stood beside Yang Jian, his hands on his hips, as he looked at Shen Xinzi under the distant tree, frowning, "Why hasn''t that monk left yet? Is he nning to stay here?"


    Yang Jian was makingnterns beside him and replied nonchntly, "He can stay if he wants, it''s none of your business. My master hasn''t chased you away either."


    Li Lingtian red and said, "I''m different. I am your master''s junior brother, and your master has the best rtionship with my brother, the emperor."


    Yang Jian suddenly looked at him and asked, "By the way, have you heard from your emperor brother? He is cultivating among the Star Sea Congregations and should be acquainted with An Hao, right?"


    "No contact yet, but he does have a good rtionship with An Hao. Both are already legendary geniuses in the Supreme Sect. Speaking of which, I haven''t seen them in person. Perhaps my emperor brother doesn''t even know of my existence." Li Lingtian replied.


    When he mentioned Li Ya, a trace of envy entered his tone.


    "You could follow in your emperor brother''s footsteps. I''ve heard that the Taicang Dynasty and the Star Sea Congregations have also established a friendly cooperation. Your father, the emperor, must have some way."


    "Forget it, it''s better to cultivate with you. To be honest, I think you are the strongest genius in the world. My emperor brother and An Hao are nothingpared to you."


    Li Lingtian looked at Yang Jian seriously and said, expressing his genuine thoughts.


    In this lifetime, he admired Yang Jian the most.


    Not only was his talent unparalleled, but he also had the patience to cultivate diligently, avoiding the pursuit of empty fame.


    "There''s no way I''m the strongest, and I also have a goal to pursue." Yang Jian shook his head andughed.


    A goal to pursue?


    Li Lingtian was immediately intrigued and began to ask, but unfortunately, Yang Jian would not say.


    Elsewhere,


    Gu An approached Shen Xinzi. At this moment, Shen Xinzi was sitting on the ground, engrossed in "Journey to the West".


    "Daoist Friend, the festival is approaching. Would you like to join us?" Gu An asked with a smile.


    Shen Xinzi came to his senses, quickly got up, and saluted Gu An, saying, "Amitabha, thank you for the invitation. As a humble monk, I dare not refuse. What can I do to help?"


    Gu An waved his hand with a smile, "You are a guest, there''s no need for you to do anything. Of course, if you are in the mood and have time to guide the disciples in the valley, I would be grateful."


    Shen Xinzi couldn''t help but ask out of curiosity, "Benefactor, what do you wish to learn?"


    "Not for me, but for the disciples in the valley."


    "Doesn''t the benefactor seek the Mahayana Buddhist teachings and the immortal destiny?"


    "Me? Forget it. My current life is pretty good. I don''t want to go out fighting and killing. I have a senior brother named Li Ya, who holds an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure. He''s incredibly powerful, but unfortunately, only I know the hardships he faces behind the glory. I''m timid by nature and dare not kill people, so it''s best for me to stay in Medicine Valley."


    Gu Anughed freely, causing Shen Xinzi to look at him with admiration.


    They chatted for a while before Gu An took his leave.


    Shen Xinzi watched his departing figure, filled with deep emotions.


    This Medicine Valley, though small, was truly fascinating.


    There were great cultivators who had achieved unparalleled heights, extraordinarily talented juniors, ill-fated disaster stars, and a valley master who had seen through life.


    If he were to cultivate Buddhist teachings here, it might bring him greater enlightenment.


    However, unfortunately, he still had to head to the Sea Breaking Rift.


    If he could survive and return, he could cultivate here for hundreds of years.


    Shen Xinzi silently thought, no longer caring about eliminating You Yingying.


    With a great power like Sword Venerable Fudao watching over her, she shouldn''t cause any trouble.


    ...


    In the pce, An Hao stood up and saluted his master, Sage Fuchen.


    Sage Fuchen looked at An Hao with a sigh, "Hao''er, I didn''t expect you to have such a formidable master. As your teacher, I am basking in your glory."


    He had already learned about the incident where Heaven Unpredictable attacked the Star Sea Congregations, and he was shocked. He didn''t expect An Hao to have such a significant background.


    "Master, you have taught me to cultivate and taken care of me. I will always remember your kindness." An Hao replied seriously.


    Ever since Sword Venerable Fudao intervened, An Hao''s status within the Star Sea Congregations hadpletely changed. Often, great cultivators visited him, showing care and concern, and even some noble families sought to introduce female disciples to him as Daoist friends, though he politely declined.


    An Hao already had someone in his heart, but to him, nothingpared to the immortal cultivation path, so he had severed that rtionship.


    His master saved him from the jaws of a monster, not to let him indulge in love. He must reach the pinnacle of the immortal path and not let his master down!


    Sage Fuchen smiled with satisfaction and then began to talk about the Sea Breaking Rift.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    In the Sea Breaking Rift, more Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts were appearing, and the nine Divine Exotic Ghost Kings were gathering. The great sects were preparing tounch a joint attack on the Divine Exotic Realm, and he had returned for this reason.


    As he listened to his master describe the various bizarre and wonderful sights within the Divine Exotic Realm, An Hao became interested, wanting to explore it himself.


    However, he ultimately suppressed the urge, knowing that time was precious and he had to devote all his time to cultivation to be capable as soon as possible.


    "If this great battle goes smoothly, the World-Destroying Sea Tide will not erupt, which is an immense achievement!" Sage Fuchen said with burning eyes.


    Achievement? But what use was that?


    Sage Fuchen began to introduce the Holy Court, which broadened An Hao''s horizons, as he learned there was a ruling power in the mortal world.


    The Land of Ten Thousand Immortals, it sounded imposing.


    When Sage Fuchen spoke of the Lord of the Holy Court, Shengtian, An Hao fell into endless imagination.


    The Lord of the Holy Court, ruling the mortal world, how powerful must that be.


    Wouldn''t that be akin to the Heavenly Emperor in the "Investiture of the Gods" or the Jade Emperor in "Journey to the West"?


    An Hao''s name also had "Hao" in it. Could he not be the Lord of All Realms, the Head of Immortals one day?


    A me of unparalleled ambition ignited in An Hao''s heart.


    Since he was on the path of immortal cultivation, how could he not strive for the supreme throne?


    ...


    Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, twelve years had passed.


    In the summer,


    In a city, Gu An walked on the street in a green robe, apanied by a woman d in white, with a hat and veil concealing her face.


    This woman was Ji Xiaoyu.


    "Whye to this city?" Ji Xiaoyu curiously asked.


    At the beginning of the year, she had told Gu An she wanted to go out and see the mortal world andprehend the Dao, hoping Gu An could apany her. Initially, Gu An did not agree, but she kept bringing it up, and he eventually gave in.


    "One of my junior brothers lives in this city." Gu An answered, then recounted his acquaintance with Xiaochuan.


    Ji Xiaoyu listened attentively, her heart touched.


    Indeed.


    Not everyone had her extraordinary talent. Most people''s spirit root qualifications were average, just like those in the Third Medicine Valley. Chapter Enjoy:


    Xiaochuan''s decision to give up the immortal path deeply moved her.


    Of course, she only admired Xiaochuan''s determination. She would never give up on immortal cultivation.


    They chatted as they walked.


    They entered an inn and went to a window seat on the second floor.


    Ji Xiaoyu asked, "If Xiaochuan passes away first, will you be sad?"


    Gu An was already a Core Formation Realm cultivator, certain to outlive Xiaochuan.


    Gu An smiled, "If he leaves without regret, I won''t be sad. Even if he passes, I will always hold a ce for him in my heart."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded.


    Gu An teased, "If I pass away, will you be sad?"


    Ji Xiaoyu didn''t console him but thought through the question seriously and replied, "I will feel sad, but it won''t affect my emotions. I too will eventually reach the end. We will both enter reincarnation, it''s just a matter of who goes first."


    "You have a clear perspective, not disappointing my teachings over the years."


    "What have you taught me?"


    "My words, my actions, they influence you."


    "True."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded in agreement, making Gu An smile more broadly.


    This girl was so easily tricked; she was even more fun than in their past lives.


    Just as Gu An was about to speak, a sound of breaking through the air came from the sky.


    "Make way! Make way!"


    A rude voice echoed above the city, drawing Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu''s attention. They turned to see a sea dragon flying low, stirring up debris along its path.


    On the sea dragon''s head stood a young boy!

 Chapter 279 The Remarkable Pan An

    Looking at the Sea Dragon, Gu An felt that its aura was somewhat familiar, so he paid closer attention.


    "Ah?"


    "Isn''t this the same aura as that of Sky Dragon?"


    "But it certainly isn''t Sky Dragon."


    Sky Dragon is currently serving as the Holy Beast of Ancient Sky Sect, and ording to Gu An''s Divine Sense, that fellow is still snoozing.


    Gu An began to probe the Sea Dragon''s causality and quickly understood its origins.


    It turned out to be a Snake Demon that had acquired the True Blood of Sky Dragon and had just shed its old skin to transform into a Sea Dragon, leaping forward in talent.


    Gu An''s eyes shifted to the youth sitting atop the Sea Dragon''s head and executed a Life Span Detection.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Xu Jin (Foundation Establishment Realm, Nine Layers): 32/350/3080]


    A life span limited to three thousand and eighty years, in the past, would surely be considered a rare talent, but in the present world, it could only be said to be talented, though not top-tier.


    Xu Jin, dressed in white robes, splendid and regal, donning an intricate hair crown, looked vibrant and energetic, appearing to be only sixteen or seventeen years old.


    The Sea Dragon beneath his feet, ten Zhang long, stirred up a strong wind as it flew low, lifting tiles off buildings, pces, and evennterns and sunshades off the streets, causing much chaos wherever it passed.


    Ji Xiaoyu frowned as she watched, raising her cup, preparing to take action.


    Chapter Enjoy:


    Gu An held her hand, smiling, "Don''t be hasty."


    Ji Xiaoyu turned to him and said, "This is a city of mortals, though there are some Cultivators, they are few and far between, how could they stop that..."


    Before she could finish, the sound of a sword being drawn echoed throughout the city. Immediately after, the Sea Dragon let out a piercing scream as blood gushed from its spine, plummeting towards the street.


    Themoners on the street scurried away in panic, while Xu Jin, atop the Sea Dragon''s head, was flustered. He quickly leaped off,nding on a nearby rooftop.


    He had justnded when a sword was ced against his neck, causing his pupils to dte in terror, and beads of cold sweat to stream down his face.


    "Who... are you? What do you want?"


    Xu Jin asked tremulously, followed by a voice behind him, "So brazen and reckless, are you trying to disregard Taicang''sws?"


    Inside the inn.


    Gu An withdrew his gaze and looked at Ji Xiaoyu, smiling, "See?"


    The one who had taken action was a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator who practiced the art of concealing their aura, which is why Ji Xiaoyu had not noticed.


    Ji Xiaoyu took a deep look at the Sword Cultivator and then turned to Gu An, "Today''s emperor truly acts decisively. I thought hisws aimed at Cultivators were just for show, but I was wrong; they are indeed enforced. That Sword Cultivator''s aura is not simple; the moment he drew his sword, the Sword Intent was strong."


    Gu An said, "Nowadays, the Taicang Dynasty could be described as a ce where dragons hide and tigers lie dormant; anywhere you could find a Great Cultivator."


    "But we both have Core Formation Realm cultivation, why could you sense his presence and I could not?"


    "How could you ask that? Shall I tell you that you are not as good as me? Please, I am at least a hundred and fifty-six years older than you."


    "I heard you used to be a Golden List Genius but always said your talents werecking. It seems now that you might have been ying the fool."


    "You''re right about that, I truly am, in fact, an Immortal living incognito in the mortal world."


    "Hehe."


    Ji Xiaoyu gave Gu An a nce but she was also amused by him.


    The two continued to drink and chat, no longer paying attention to Xu Jin and the Sea Dragon.


    In the end, both Xu Jin and the Sea Dragon were taken away by the Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator, to the cheers of themoners.


    Over the following days, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu strolled through the city. They even visited Xiaochuan''s residence but only stood on the rooftop to look without disturbing Xiaochuan.


    Now that Xiaochuan had settled down with a family and children, his life wasplete.


    After two days in the city, they left to visit other ces.


    Because Gu An was concerned about medicinal herbs, this journey onlysted half a month, which was quite fulfilling for Ji Xiaoyu.


    With Gu An''spany, she witnessed the vicissitudes of life. Gu An shared his life experiences to resolve her doubts, benefiting her greatly.


    Time flew by.


    At the end of summer.


    Gu An brought Yang Jian to Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Ever since his visit to the Divine Exotic Realm, Immortal Seeking Ind was no longer invaded by Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts. There were still many at sea, but not as numerous as before, and mostly acted alone.


    Just on entering the city, Gu An and Yang Jian heard the Cultivators discussing the battle at the Sea Breaking Rift.


    This battle had been raging for more than a year; Shen Xinzi, who sought to kill You Yingying before, also joined the battle, representing the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.


    "Those Divine Exotic Ghost Kings are truly troublesome, immortal and indestructible."


    "Indeed, it''s said that more than a thousand Loose Immortals have fallen in the Sea Breaking Rift over the years, and heaven knows how many Cultivators below the Loose Immortal Realm have perished."


    "Falling is not to be feared, but to be a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost after falling and then turn against us, that''s the true horror."


    "Who knows how we''ll ever resolve this cataclysm."


    "The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect is indeed capable of delivering the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, but they are too few in number. The most formidable Divine Monk is Shen Xinzi, who has encountered a curse and is fate is unknown."


    Upon hearing Shen Xinzi''s name, Yang Jian looked towards Gu An.


    Gu An conveyed through psychic transmission, "Yes, that''s the Monk who visited Medicine Valley before."


    Yang Jian had sensed that Shen Xinzi was extraordinary, but he did not expect the Monk to be so well-known.


    Soon, Hu Xiaojian arrived and greeted them as usual, leading them to purchase medicinal herbs.


    "Predecessor, I heard that Tang Hai and others encountered danger in the Sea Breaking Rift and their fate is unclear¡­" Hu Xiaojian said cautiously.


    Gu An replied calmly, "Everyone has their own destiny. Different choices lead to different fates. As Immortal Cultivators, they would have been prepared."


    Hu Xiaojian nodded, contemting the might of the Divine Exotic Ghost King.


    Currently, aside from Sword Venerable Fudao, no second individual or demon has been able to suppress a Divine Exotic Ghost King alone.


    The longer the disaster caused by the Sea Breaking Riftsts, the more it confirms the strength of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Although Sword Venerable Fudao has not joined in the battle within the Sea Breaking Rift, many believe that the reduction in the number of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts at sea and the retreat of Divine Exotic Ghost Kings back into the rift is rted to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An remained silent while Yang Jian engaged in brisk conversation with Hu Xiaojian.


    "By the way, there''s a popr book at sea called Journey to the West. Have you read it?" Hu Xiaojian suddenly recalled and asked.


    Yang Jian nodded, "I have, what about it?"


    He was moved, feeling proud that his Master was not only profound in cultivation but also preeminent in talent, for his book to spread so far.


    Gu An was also surprised as he secretly calcted. It turned out that the Star Sea Congregations yed a significant role, and another person was also helping to promote Journey to the West, who was none other than Shen Xinzi.


    Interesting.


    Gu An wasn''t afraid of trouble; now, he had the power to protect himself.


    Of course, it would be better if no one disturbed him.


    As Hu Xiaojian brought up Journey to the West, he began to enthusiastically exin that the book had spread throughout the seas, praised by many Sects.


    Besides those Cultivators who were always in seclusion, most of those active at sea had read it.


    Some felt that the Immortal Divine World depicted in the book was fascinating, others thought the book reflected reality, and some even considered it a history book.


    Investiture of the Gods wasn''t as popr as Journey to the West, but some, like Hu Xiaojian, would read Investiture of the Gods after learning about Journey to the West.


    Through Journey to the West, Hu Xiaojian also mentioned the great sects and Cultivators of the seas, leaving Yang Jian in awe.


    How vast was this world, really?


    Two Ancient Hourster, the Master and disciple duo returned to the Supreme Sect.


    Walking through the woods, Yang Jian became more talkative.


    "Master, between Impermanence Tian and the Divine Exotic Ghost King, who is stronger?" Yang Jian curiously asked.


    He had heard from Hu Xiaojian about Sword Venerable Fudao appearing within the Star Sea Congregations to confront a Divine Exotic Ghost King, so he was intrigued.


    Hu Xiaojian didn''t know the details due to his lower status. He did not know the name of that Divine Exotic Ghost King nor why Sword Venerable Fudao acted, but he was aware of the event.


    Although Yang Jian was no longer disturbed by Impermanence Tian, he still felt an inherent pressure, thinking that he would inevitably face him one day.


    Gu An casually replied, "As your Master, I am also unclear. When you face him in the future, you will know."


    "I hope heester rather than sooner."


    "With his level of cultivation, what he calls soon might be in hundreds or thousands of years, so don''t worry too much."


    "Right, I will definitely not ck off."


    Yang Jian was full of fighting spirit, and he actually had another question he wanted to ask.


    That was, what realm had his Master reached?


    His Master imed to be a Loose Immortal, but from what Hu Xiaojian said, Sword Venerable Fudao obviously seemed much stronger than a Loose Immortal.


    He also wanted to ask about the cultivation realm of that fellow Senior Brother.


    But he dared not ask; if the Master did not say it, there must be a reason.


    ...


    Inside the pce, An Hao slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath of foul air.


    A figure suddenly appeared beside the pool, none other than Chi Jiuxiao.


    Chi Jiuxiao looked at An Hao and marveled, "Void Crossing Realm, Nine Layers. Impressive, young man. To have such cultivation at just over a hundred years old is indeed terrifying. Although my Sect has invested a lot in you, you have absorbed it all so quickly, truly proving your talent is unmatched in the world."


    An Hao looked at him and said, "Above the Void Crossing Realm are the Unification and Mystic Heart. To reach the Mahayana Realm by five hundred would not be considered quick."


    Chi Jiuxiao rolled his eyes and said, "With your current pace, reaching the Mahayana Realm by five hundred would be a breeze. I even suspect that you could achieve Nirvana before five hundred. Your innate talent is unimaginable."


    As he said this, his tone also revealed a hint of envy.


    An Hao shook his head, "My Master has taken another disciple. He says his talent is not inferior to mine, and honestly, I fear he might catch up with me."


    Mentioning Sword Venerable Fudao, Chi Jiuxiao immediately sat cross-legged, curious, "Who exactly is your Master, and which Sect is he from? Don''t tell me he''s from the Supreme Sect. With such cultivation, if he''s not from the Holy Court, he must be from one of the Mortal World''s leading Qi Fortune Sects."


    "I truly don''t know," An Hao admitted helplessly.


    Even if he did know, he wouldn''t reveal it.


    Chi Jiuxiao nced at him and then pulled out several books from within his robes, offering, "Take a look at Journey to the West, it''s also from the Supreme Sect. This book has be wildly popr at sea, and it''s even made me consider another trip to the Supreme Sect."


    Journey to the West?


    An Hao looked at the book in Chi Jiuxiao''s hands. He had already heard about the book, written by Pan An of the Supreme Sect.


    He knew who Pan An was, his junior sister was even under Pan An''s mentorship.


    An Hao couldn''t help but recall his first encounter with Gu An when they witnessed Lv Baitian returning to peak form, exhibiting a formidable cultivation level.


    But Gu An''s cultivation and talents seemed so ordinary, and such an ordinary person had managed to spread his fame all the way to the seas. Truly remarkable.

 Chapter 280: Chapter 280 Destiny

    After returning to the Third Medicine Valley with Yang Jian, Gu An did not immediately go upstairs but instead found An Xin to inquire after her health with particr concern for her cultivation practice.


    An Xin''s maximum lifespan was two hundred and thirty years; she could still wait for several decades before lifting the restrictions on her cultivation level.


    Over the years, Gu An had also given her a number of elixirs; she might even surpass Ye Lan.


    "Master, have you heard any news of my elder disciple brother An Hao recently?" An Xin suddenly asked.


    Although it had been a long time since she hadst seen An Hao, their rtionship had not be estranged, after all, they had grown up together since childhood and even experienced life and death.


    She knew that she and An Hao belonged to two different worlds in the future, but asionally she could not help but be concerned for him; knowing he was safe was enough.


    Gu An picked up a teacup from the table and replied, "He''s doing quite well; he has now be the foremost talent of the Star Sea Congregations and has cultivated the awe-inspiring me Primordial Treasure Body..."


    This intelligence had been mentioned to him by Lv Baitian before, so now when he spoke of it, he wouldn''t reveal his true cultivation level.


    An Xin listened intently, her face brimming with smiles.


    She didn''t feel the slightest envy for An Hao''s achievements, even though both had started immortal cultivation on the same day; the gap in their talents was simply toorge. Sometimes she even doubted whether she truly knew An Hao, and so she would not mention knowing An Hao in her daily interactions with others.


    Now things were going well; she lived carefree within Medicine Valley. Though there was no hope of pursuing the Immortal Path, at least her days were fulfilling and interesting.


    After Gu An finished speaking, An Xin propped her cheeks with both hands andughed, "My elder disciple brother is truly impressive; it''s hard to imagine what kind of great figure he will be in the future."


    Gu An smiled and said, "Then practice hard and strive to see a further future."


    An Xin nodded and then brought up the White Spirit Rat, her face filled with indignation.


    As the White Spirit Rat grew stronger in cultivation, it became increasingly difficult for her to control, and now it would only listen to Gu An. Inside Medicine Valley, it was practically a tyrant, often ying tricks on the disciples.


    Of course, the White Spirit Rat was just mischievous and wouldn''t harm the disciples, which was also the reason Gu An couldn''t be bothered to discipline it.


    There was one time when the White Spirit Rat identally injured An Xin and was severely beaten by Gu An; it never dared to hurt people again.


    Gu An chatted with An Xin about the trivial matters of Medicine Valley; after spending the first half of the day concerned with the significant affairs of the world, he now talked about the small matters of the valley, a contrast he found quite amusing.


    Days passed one by one.


    Autumn winds blew into Medicine Valley.


    Inside the house.


    Gu An leaned on a chair, holding a book in his hands. It was about Talismans. Now and then, he would read some books on Daoist sorcery; with his current state, most of the Daoist sorcery techniques of the Mortal World seemed simple to him.


    The reason geniuses enjoy reading is that being able to understand brings enjoyment.


    Suddenly, Gu An''s brow furrowed.


    Li Ya was tapping into the power of Divine Exotic City!


    Wasn''t Li Ya in retreat, cultivating with the Star Sea Congregations?


    Immediately, Gu An closed his eyes, discovering that Li Ya was in fact in the Sea Breaking Rift, currently being suppressed by a Divine Exotic Ghost King.


    Li Ya was not alone; surrounding him were many cultivators from diverse sects.


    Even if Li Ya possessed the power of Divine Exotic City, he could not possibly defeat the Divine Exotic Ghost King. The power of an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure was indeed formidable but corrted with the cultivation level of the user. The stronger the realm, the more prominently the Supreme Treasure''s power would disy.


    Gu An had no intention of intervening; as long as Li Ya did not die, it was normal for him to suffer a bit. Traversing the Immortal Cultivation World, who could expect smooth sailing?


    Yet, he sensed another presence and could not help butment the terrifying power of fate.


    ...


    In the Divine Exotic Realm, within a realm of Minor Heaven and Earth.


    Beneath a crimson sky, dust flew across thend like dragons and phoenixes contorting while innumerable Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts swirled like moths, densely packed, enough to make one''s scalp tingle.


    A Divine Exotic Ghost King stood proudly in the sky, his countenance fierce with symmetrical bloodstains on his cheeks and his long white hair fluttering like mes. With six arms brandishing different weapons, he stood atop a thousand-meter-high Ghost Beast, suspended in mid-air.


    This beast too floated in the air, its lion-tiger body, leopard-like head, and three tails stirring clouds and mist with every sway.


    Looking along the direction of the Divine Exotic Ghost King''s gaze, one could see beneath the swirling dust a massive city¡ªit was Divine Exotic City. The city spanned a hundred miles, standing against the relentless tide of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts. Inside, thousands of cultivators gazed up at the sky with expressions of anger, fear, and hatred.


    Atop the tallest spire in the city, Li Ya in ck stood on the summit, with a pitch-ck figure atop his shoulder¡ªthe Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit.


    Li Ya had furrowed brows, his expression stern.


    "Divine Exotic City has actually fallen into the hands of a minor Immortal cultivation of the Divinity Transformation Realm. Boy, aren''t you feeling overwhelmed? Strong as Divine Exotic City is, how can your frail body exert its divine power?"


    The Divine Exotic Ghost King sneered. His name was Zhen Liudao, and with his cultivation of the Nine Layers of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, he viewed Li Ya as no different from an ant.


    Hearing his words, Li Ya remained silent. Arguing was meaningless; how to survive this cmity was his concern.


    His hands hidden within his sleeves clenched tightly, and he began to bleed from his nose.


    Several cultivators in the city noticed this scene, as did Shen Xinzi, who was meditating on a street. His brows furrowed at the sight.


    Shen Xinzi looked off into the distance at Zhen Liudao, struggle flickering in his eyes.


    After taunting for a while and receiving no response from Li Ya, Zhen Liudao became annoyed. Lifting an arm, in his hand he held a ck mirror which swirled with dark mist.


    A figure leapt from the mirror, quickly growing to nearly Zhen Liudao''s size.


    It was a white-haired man!


    Li Ya''s pupils dted at the sight, his face shifting with various emotions, ultimately contorting in rage, eyes filled with fury.


    "You dare to turn him into..."


    Li Ya said through gritted teeth. His aura erupted suddenly, with wisps of blood seeping from his pores.


    "Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, mobilize the mightiest power of Divine Exotic City; I will kill him!"


    Li Ya roared inwardly, unable to contain his rage.


    The white-haired man was none other than Zhang Buku!


    At this moment, Zhang Buku had transformed into a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost. His clothes tattered, his expression cold; he looked down upon Li Ya, without the slightest emotional fluctuation in his eyes.


    As Zhen Liudao watched Li Ya rage, he burst intoughter, saying, "I merely caught a snippet of karma from you all. I hadn''t realized he meant so much to you. How about it, care to keep himpany? This is the chance of immortality!"


    Li Ya didn''t answer. Instead, he turned to look at the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit on his shoulder and shouted, "Didn''t you hear me? I want you to kill him!"


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit shuddered with fright and hastily invoked even stronger power.


    A thunderous rumbling¡ª


    Divine Exotic City trembled; the protective light that enveloped the entire city burst forth with countless rainbows of light, all aimed at Zhen Liudao.


    The Three-tailed Ghost Beast let out a ferocious roar, the very firmament shook, and it forcibly blocked the power from Divine Exotic City.


    Li Ya spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes bleeding. He clenched his teeth and said, "Continue!"


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit hesitated for a moment and then gestured, the power of those light rainbows surged, overbearing the howls of the Three-tailed Ghost Beast, drawing ever closer to it.


    Zhen Liudao was taken aback and became interested.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Li Ya bled from his seven orifices, his spine began to bend, but his gaze remained fixated above, wishing he could tear Zhen Liudao to pieces.


    "Omitofo! Layman Li, there''s no need for further effort, striving in vain is useless!"


    The voice of Shen Xinzi suddenly rang through the heavens, serious in tone.


    A golden light rose from within the city, piercing through the protective light and going straight through the neck of the Three-tailed Ghost Beast, which, despite struggling instinctively, could not dissipate the golden light.


    Shen Xinzi looked at Zhen Liudao, his eyes flickering with interest.


    The golden light unveiled a long golden staircase with Shen Xinzi ascending from the bottom. His body radiated with Buddhist light, and the prayer beads in his hand were ame.


    Li Ya couldn''t help but look at him, surprised.


    "Layman Li, you are still young; let this humble monk be the one to sacrifice. As the saying goes in the Journey to the West by the Womb of the Earth Bodhisattva, ''If I don''t enter hell, who will?'' Do not lose your sanity over the passing of an old friend; keep this rage in your heart and let it fuel your fighting spirit."


    Shen Xinzi spoke firmly.


    As his words fell, he stepped out from the light of Divine Exotic City.


    His Buddhist light surged wildly, engulfing Zhen Liudao and the Three-tailed Ghost Beast like a tidal wave.


    In the eyes of Li Ya and the cultivators in the city, a giant golden prayer bead phantom appeared in the sky, trapping Zhen Liudao and his mount within with an inconceivable method.


    The giant prayer bead phantom suddenly vanished, and with it the figures of Zhen Liudao and the Three-tailed Ghost Beast.


    Around the world, the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts came to a halt, and after a moment of silence, they quickly dispersed, like fish scattering invisibly into the void.


    Li Ya then knelt on the summit, slowly bowing his head, murmuring: "Zhang... no..."


    Before he could finish, he copsed.


    ...


    The world grew dim; by the seashore.


    Zhen Liudao dragged Shen Xinzi''s head, pulling his body across the sand. He journeyed to the Divine Exotic Life Tablet and tossed Shen Xinzi to the ground.


    Heined, "Realm Master, why won''t you let me eat him? Just because he''s from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect? Do you really need to be so cautious?"


    The voice of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm came out from the Divine Exotic Life Tablet: "He has significant karma; you must not kill him. Also, you may not kill anyone with close karma to Zhang Buku."


    Zhen Liudao''s demeanor changed, a sudden re of anger emerging as he red, "Why?"


    "The being called Destroyer of Heavens has personally requested that I protect Zhang Buku."


    Hearing this, Zhen Liudao paused, then sank into silence.


    Taking a deep breath, he said no more and turned to leave.


    Once he disappeared, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm emerged from the Life Tablet, approached Shen Xinzi, and looked down, murmuring, "A reincarnation of a Heavenly Demon? What exactly is the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect scheming?"


    He lifted his right hand and began healing Shen Xinzi with his own divine power.


    Meanwhile.


    Back in Medicine Valley, Gu An withdrew his attention. The Master of Divine Exotic Realm was sensible; if he dared to cause trouble, risk or not, Gu An would have had to intervene.


    But the thought of Zhang Buku bing a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost made Gu An sigh.


    He couldn''t constantly watch over Zhang Buku; thest time he detected Zhang Buku in the Divine Exotic Realm, Zhang Buku had already transformed into a Resentful Ghost, fortunately retaining a sliver of will.


    If the Master of Divine Exotic Realm were to be obliterated, then all the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts would vanish as well. That meant Zhang Buku was now tied to the fate of the Realm Master.

 Chapter 281 The Enlightened Master, Gu An

    Two years had passed since Li Ya and Zhang Buku had met.


    In those two years, the seas continued to surge with activity, countless cultivators and demons rushed into the Sea Breaking Rift. Such strife never ceased; some found their fateful breakthroughs while others fell with regret.


    The Supreme Sect had been peaceful, with the majority of its disciples diligently pursuing their cultivation.


    Days in Medicine Valley were even more serene.


    On this day, Gu An arrived early in Mystic Valley, waiting for someone who was soon to appear.


    Near noontime, dressed in ck, Li Ya descended from the sky,nding below the pavilion. This time, he didn''t enter through the window but stood beneath it, gazing at Gu An''s windowsill, silent for a long time without taking a step forward.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint, lying on the ground, watched him with a peculiar look in its eyes.


    It could feel that his mood was very low, and his entire being seemed dispirited and lost.


    "Senior Brother Li, why have youe?" Lu Jiujia hurried over, asking excitedly.


    Li Ya snapped out of his trance and looked towards him, managing a strained smile, "I came to see your Senior Brother Gu."


    "He''s upstairs. Usually, he doesn''t spend much time in Mystic Valley, but today he''s been here all morning. So he was waiting for you, after all," Lu Jiujia remarked with a sigh.


    He could obviously tell something was off with Li Ya, hence his words.


    Li Ya nodded at him, then ascended the stairs.


    Upon reaching the second floor, he pushed open the door and entered.


    Gu An, who was seated in a chair, put down the Supreme Secret Records book he had been reading and looked at Li Ya, eximing with surprise, "Senior Brother Li, what brings you here?"


    Looking at Gu An, Li Ya''s eyes suddenly reddened. He closed the door behind him, then walked over to the desk, clenching his fists tightly and gritting his teeth.


    Gu An''s smile faded as he asked anxiously, "What''s wrong? What happened?"


    Li Ya dared not meet Gu An''s gaze because Zhang Buku had once said that Gu An was his only senior rtive.


    "Zhang Buku..." Li Ya started with difficulty.


    "What happened to him?" Gu An stood up abruptly.


    Li Ya took a deep breath and recounted what had happened to Zhang Buku.


    After listening, Gu An copsed in his chair, looking just as dispirited, deepening Li Ya''s distress.


    "Wait, you said he became a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, which means he''s still here, isn''t he?" Gu An asked urgently, as if grasping at a thought.


    Li Ya turned his head and replied, "He''s still here, but bing a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost means he''s no longer who he was. He''s be a monster that devours living spirits, never to know freedom..."


    Gu An countered, "Did you see him do that?"


    Li Ya froze for a moment, then looked at him.


    Gu An''s expression became calm as he said, "Buku has always had a tough life, carrying the burden of half of the Demon n''s bloodline, but he has managed to survive till now. Why can''t he turn misfortune into safety this time?"


    "But..." Li Ya stammered.


    "Senior Brother, this incident isn''t your fault. He chose to venture into the Sea Breaking Rift himself. Don''t carry too much burden. Besides, I truly believe he can turn danger into safety."


    "Junior Brother Gu, I..." Li Ya began.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Look at you. If Buku saw you like this, he would surelyugh at you. Aren''t you brothers who have gone through life and death together? Do you intend to join him in death? You must have faith in him. He will definitely be able to turn danger into safety. If you don''t cultivate diligently, you might even fall behind him. After every great adversityes great fortune. Don''t underestimate him."


    Gu An said with a smile, a look of anticipation on his face.


    Li Ya knew Gu An wasforting him, but he couldn''t help but think, what if Zhang Buku truly could ovee this peril?


    Gu An invited him to sit down and inquired about his experiences over the years.


    Li Ya began to share his life in the past years, and Gu An interjected with questions from time to time. The more he did so, the more ashamed Li Ya felt.


    Zhang Buku was gone. The pain in Junior Brother Gu''s heart must have been no less intense than his, considering Junior Brother Gu also carried the emotional weight of Zhang Chunqiu.


    And yet, Junior Brother Gu stillforted him.


    A Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit appeared on Li Ya''s shoulder without him noticing. It looked at Gu An, blinked slyly, but Li Ya missed this moment.


    The two brothers talked for a long time.


    Until dusk, Li Ya stood up. He looked at Gu An and said, "I''vee back this time just to tell you about this. Thank you, Junior Brother Gu. I won''t give up hope. I''ll cultivate even harder and will save Zhang Buku sooner orter!"


    Determination colored his face, and his eyes zed with fighting spirit.


    Gu An naturally encouraged him.


    And so, Li Ya left. He didn''t exit through the window but walked down the stairs. Gu An did not apany him.


    Li Ya stopped in front of the Blood Prison Great Saint, turned to look at it, and said, "Ox-Head, I swear I won''t let anyone I care about end up in danger again. And your master, I will protect him too!"


    With those words, he leaped into the sky and vanished into the horizon.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint rolled its eyes and muttered, "Crazy in the head. Who''s protecting who? And why are you telling me? Am I your father?"


    ...


    A month after Li Ya''s departure, another person returned.


    It was the monk Shen Xinzi. He made his way to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He paused at the entrance to the valley, somewhat dazed by the sight of its inhabitants sweeping, watering the soil, ying Go, painting, and yfully chasing each other.


    Everything seemed so harmonious.


    For some reason, the moment he returned here, Shen Xinzi inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief; the gloom in his heart began to dissipate.


    Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the valley.


    Soon after, he saw You Yingying. She saw him too and instinctively wanted to avoid him, but he sent her a message asking her to halt.


    Shen Xinzi approached her with a serious expression.


    You Yingying nervously asked, "What do you want? I haven''t harmed anyone!"


    Shen Xinzi closed his eyes and said, "Amitabha, benefactor, the monk hase to apologize. I was indeed rash and overly stubborn and judgmental before. It''s true that everyone in the world may use you, but this monk cannot. I apologize. Henceforth, I will not bother you again."


    He put his palms together and bowed in apology.


    You Yingying was stunned and rather perplexed.


    Before she could ask any questions, Shen Xinzi turned and left.


    Watching his retreating figure, You Yingying muttered to herself, "What has he been through these years? It feels like he''s been struck down."


    She had always been quite afraid of Shen Xinzi, but after hearing his words just now, she strangely felt sympathy for him, rather than joy for her own sake.


    Shaking her head, she decided not to dwell on it any further.


    Whatever the case, she had to stay away from that monk; what if he went crazy again one day?


    Shen Xinzi arrived at the Go-ying area, where still dozens of people gathered. He saw the Valley Master Gu An approaching and nodded to each other as a greeting.


    Then they stood behind the crowd to watch the game.


    Suddenly, Shen Xinzi had a notion and looked towards Gu An. Stepping towards him, he whispered, "Valley Master, might I have a word in private?"


    Gu An nced at him, then nodded.


    "Let''s talk in my room," Gu An said.


    Shen Xinzi had sacrificed himself to save Li Ya and the whole town, which improved Gu An''s opinion of him.


    Although the monk was stubborn, when it came to action, he dared to face danger, genuinely caring for the lives of others, not just paying lip service.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was ying Go, noticed their figures. He smirked, withdrew his gaze, and continued his game, eximing, "You really y a lousy game of Go. Even the country children outside the Supreme Sect could outy this mess. No, let that cow y; it would do better than you!"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint, who heard this from afar, was infuriated, but he held back.


    After all, Gu An had once said the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was an Immortal who had just concealed his cultivation level.


    "Just keep ying. Better you don''t cultivate anymore. Once I release my cultivation level, I''ll make you my mount and turn you into a toad!" The Blood Prison Great Saint thought to himself, and this brought him pleasure. He immediately cheered up.


    Elsewhere, Gu An led Shen Xinzi upstairs.


    Shen Xinzi took the initiative to close the door.


    After inviting him to sit down, Gu An began making tea.


    While waiting, Shen Xinzi looked around at the multitude of books in the room, even noticing his favorite "Journey to the West."


    Having "Journey to the West" there made him feel even more favorably towards Gu An.


    Gu An ced the hot tea in front of him, then sat down, smiling and asked, "What brings Daoist Friend to seek a discussion?"


    Shen Xinzi took a deep breath and said, "Benefactor, it''s like this. I have a good friend who has spent his life detesting evil and seeking to vanquish demons to save the suffering masses. However, he suddenly discovered he was a reincarnation of a demon. What should he do?"


    ssic "I have a friend" scenario.


    Gu An pondered and said, "Is the rtionship between past and present lives so important? What sin cannot be washed away even through reincarnation? Why should he fret, why not just continue walking the path he believes in?"


    "But he truly is a demon..." Shen Xinzi began.


    "So what? Are demons absolutely bad, and are humans definitely good? Do you really think you should distance yourself from this friend? Daoist Friend, if that''s the case, then I have to speak up. It''s disappointing that monks who have supposedly transcended worldly matters are so caught up in appearances."


    Gu An began an impassioned critique of Shen Xinzi.


    His inclination to give advice had been thoroughly roused!


    Shen Xinzi did not get angry and listened intently.


    Gu An, who had invented the game of Go, must have extraordinary insight, and Shen Xinzi had previously felt that Gu An''s perspective on life was truly open-minded; his moral standing was undoubtedly higher than his own.


    Cultivation isn''t all about increasing one''s cultivation level!


    Gu An talked for a while, feeling refreshed once he had finished. It didn''t matter to him whether Shen Xinzi took the advice to heart, he simply felt good about having aired his views.


    Shen Xinzi, deep in thought, asked, "If oneys down the butcher''s knife, can they truly be a Buddha on the spot?"


    Gu An replied, not without irritation, "How can that be possible? That''s just being unreasonable. Sins need to be washed away by good deeds. Besides, your friend has not done anything evil in this life and has even saved many people, right?"


    Shen Xinzi nodded, his previously furrowed brows finally rxing.


    He began to ponder.


    Gu An did not disturb him and simply picked up a book to read.


    The room fell into silence.


    After a full half of an ancient hour, Shen Xinzi stood up, bowed to Gu An, and said, "Amitabha. Thank you, benefactor, for resolving my doubts."


    Gu An waved his hand and said, "What''s there to thank for? If you really want to express gratitude, find time to guide the disciples of my valley in their cultivation."


    Shen Xinzi did not refuse, and inwardly he felt moved. Gu An was truly a profound being, always considering others.


    He asked, "Benefactor, I see you have many books in your room. May I take a look at one?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An began looking around.


    Shen Xinzi suggested, "How about the book in your hands lend it to this monk to study?"


    Gu An''s expression changed instantly, and he closed the Supreme Secret Records and said, "Not this one!"

 Chapter 282: Chapter 282 Reincarnation of the Great Fortune of Energy Movement

    Out of respect for social interaction, Shen Xinzi had refrained from using his divine sense, so he was unaware of the content of the book in Gu An''s hands. Even when Gu An refused him, he did not entertain any impolite thoughts.


    He inquired why, and Gu An replied that Buddhism Sect did not deem it suitable to read secr books, and then he handed Shen Xinzi a copy of "Righteous Path and Demon Path."


    "Righteous Path and Demon Path" told the story of how Sword Venerable Fudao inscribed the characters for ''righteous path'' at the Heavenly Repair tform, revealing the dark secrets of the Supreme Sect. Instead of tarnishing the Supreme Sect''s reputation, the book made more people aware of the Sect''s pursuit of righteousness, encouraging them to actively correct their errors.


    Although the book was not as popr as "Journey to the West" or "Investiture of the Gods," many within the sects still favored it, studying it repeatedly.


    Shen Xinzi took the book, and upon seeing the title on the cover, his interest was piqued. He thanked Gu An and left.


    After he left, Gu An finally took out the "Supreme Secret Records" and continued reading.


    He found it difficult to concern himself with the troubles of others'' lives. When asked, he would speak his true thoughts without imposing.


    He had his own life to live; why worry more than necessary?


    Gu An liked to consider himself an observer in others'' lives, acting as he pleased, but without bing overly fixated, lest it turn into regret.


    ...


    After arriving at the Third Medicine Valley, Shen Xinzi decided not to leave, and Gu An did not turn away this Nine Layers Wandering Immortal Realm Great Cultivator.


    Today''s Third Medicine Valley was undoubtedly the strongest ce in the Supreme Sect, even on the continent, with Shen Xinzi and Nine-Finger Divine Lord there, Gu An was not concerned for the safety of Medicine Valley and was more at ease when venturing out.


    Five years passed quickly.


    That year''s summer was not as hot as previous ones. Gu An descended the stairs and saw many cultivators flying across the sky.


    This year, the Supreme Sect was preparing to host another Alchemy Conference, and it promised to be lively.


    Gu An also nned to go and enjoy the bustle. After descending the stairs, he rode off on the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Just as the Blood Prison Great Saint stood up, Ji Xiaoyu caught up.


    Seeing this, Gu An had no choice but to dismount and pat the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, saying, "You''re free to roam around today."


    With Ji Xiaoyu present, it wasn''t appropriate for Gu An to ride a mount. Both of them riding together? What would that look like?


    Gu An valued his reputation and integrity.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint left with a joyful expression, and Ji Xiaoyu asked, "Why not continue to ride?"


    Gu An rolled his eyes at her and said, "I was already riding it, and you came to find me, obviously wanting to follow. If that''s the case, I can only bring you along."


    This girl was ying coy, just trying to gauge his thoughts.


    Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Ji Xiaoyu''s lips curved into a slight smile, and a charming smile brightened her face.


    "Let''s go. Let''s take a stroll around the Outer Gate City."


    "Okay."


    The two of them leapt up and flew towards the Outer Gate City.


    30 minutester, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu arrived below the Heavenly Repair tform. Looking up, the tform was swarming with people, a magnificent sight.


    Gu An felt the presence of many in the Immortal Path Realm, and although his days passed year by year in sameness, the Supreme Sect was growing stronger each year.


    It was said that the Hall of Elders in the Sect had changed a lot of members, and the overall Cultivation Realm had elevated.


    n families within the gate would recruit cultivators from overseas, so those who stepped down were not suppressed. Instead, they became stronger and gained greater benefits.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As Gu An surveyed the scene, he employed Life Span Detection; he liked to see the maximum life spans of people, something even Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma could not detect.


    Ji Xiaoyu initiated, "I heard you know another Ji Xiaoyu?"


    Gu An responded, "Yes, the Third Miss I mentioned before."


    "Is she me?" Ji Xiaoyu suddenly asked.


    Gu An looked at her in surprise. Had the girl already awakened past life memories?


    Ji Xiaoyu exined, "I''ve had my name since birth, and I feel a strong identification with it, unlike a habit acquiredter in life. Plus, not long after that Ji Xiaoyu died, I was born."


    "The first time I met you, I felt a closeness to you, and coincidentally, you knew the other Ji Xiaoyu. I don''t think it''s a coincidence."


    With a steady gaze, she looked at Gu An, waiting for his answer.


    Gu An couldn''t help but raise his hand to touch her forehead, then retracted it and spoke softly, "You don''t have a fever, do you?"


    Ji Xiaoyu red at him and said, "I''m serious!"


    Gu An spread his hands helplessly, "Why are you asking me? I''m just a Core Formation Realm Cultivator. Can I see through reincarnation?"


    "But since I''ve known you, you don''t seem curious about my name."


    "That''s because I was shocked before you arrived. You can ask the Vice Sect Leader."


    "Is that so?"


    "What else, Miss? Even if it''s true, I don''t want to delve into it. If you truly are the same person as her, just thinking about it is frightening. What kind of conspiracies and vortices lie behind it? Me, with my Core Formation Cultivation Level dabbling in it, am likely to turn to dust."


    Gu An spoke with a face full of fear, and as he did, he even stepped to the side.


    After listening, Ji Xiaoyu found his reasoning sound, but seeing his expressions and gestures, she couldn''t help but feel both aggravated and amused.


    "Brother Gu, you''ve arrived."


    A figure descended from the Heavenly Repair tform, it was Wu Jue.


    Wu Jue, now at the secondyer of the Divinity Transformation Realm, was a renowned prodigy of the Supreme Sect, cultivated with vast resources from the Sect, exuding an air of confidence and vigor, a far cry from his timid past.


    Gu An greeted him with a smile.


    Wu Jue looked at Ji Xiaoyu with a puzzled expression.


    Why has Brother Gu changed his femalepanion again?


    That''s a bit too...


    Gu An immediately introduced Ji Xiaoyu to Wu Jue, who suddenly realized, "You are the Ji Xiaoyu with the strongest talent from the Ji Family in recent years?"


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded slightly, and once Gu An finished introducing him, she wasn''t too surprised.


    Wu Jue was merely a famous prodigy, but the Third Medicine Valley hid many Great Cultivators, and even the Sect Leader asionally visited.


    Afterwards, Wu Jue exchanged pleasantries with Gu An and then left. They had made previous ns to drink together after some time.


    But Gu An knew they would probably miss that appointment.


    He indeed had time, but Wu Jue did not; he was either busy cultivating or on missions.


    For a talent like Wu Jue, cultivation couldst for years.


    Gu An watched Wu Jue''s departing figure, reflecting inwardly that too much leisure was not a good thing.


    Wu Jue''s maximum life span remained unchanged, just as it had been decades ago.


    Of course, with his current maximum life span of 7,600 years, surpassing the Mahayana Realm shouldn''t be a problem. Gu An simply felt a bit regretful because he initially believed Wu Jue couldpete with An Hao.


    Ji Xiaoyu noticed the regret in his eyes and couldn''t help asking, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu An replied with a smile, "I feel a bit sorry for him. I think his achievements could have been even higher."


    "His achievements are not high enough? Without An Hao returning, he is already the Supreme Sect''s number one prodigy," Ji Xiaoyu said, confused.


    "Hahaha, indeed."


    Gu An said no more, leading Ji Xiaoyu to the Heavenly Repair tform.


    "Miss Third once attempted to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe; you can also try when your Cultivation Level is higher," Gu An casually mentioned.


    Ji Xiaoyu became interested in the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    They made their way through the crowds, arriving near the Axe.


    Zuo Yijian was reprimanding someone at the moment due to the crowd; someone had stepped into the Axe''s ceremonial area.


    The so-called ceremonial area was marked by Zuo Yijian. Aside from challengers, no one was allowed to enter a certain range to show respect towards Sword Venerable Fudao, and his proposal was acknowledged by the Supreme Sect, necessitating careful consideration in their treatment of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An''s gazended on someone in the crowd.


    [Stealing the Five Elements (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm Nine Layers): 0/0/0]


    Divine Exotic Ghost King!


    This guy was something else, with a very mysterious method of concealing his aura. Had Gu An not used his divine sense to scan the Outer Gate City upon arriving, he would not have noticed him.


    Stealing the Five Elements appeared as a schr, wearing a schr''s hat, holding a folding fan, indistinct among the crowd, disying curiosity while watching others challenge the Heaven-Cutting Axe, without stepping forward himself.


    Gu An only nced at him before passing by, so as not to draw his attention.


    Back in the Divine Exotic Realm, he had seen Stealing the Five Elements, who certainly did not have the subdued aura he had now. This fellow daring toe to his turf, Gu An wondered about his motives.


    Was he here to investigate him?


    Gu An was curious to see what he would do next.


    Before long, the Alchemy Conference was about to begin in the city, prompting many to descend from the Heavenly Repair tform and head for the excitement.


    The Alchemy Conference was held in various cities, like a regional contest, with the finalpetition being held elsewhere, using formations to disy the event to disciples and cultivators in all cities.


    Seeing Gu An, Zuo Yijian cheerfully greeted him; his son Zuo Lin was a good friend of Gu An''s. Gu An was known for his thoughtful conduct, leaving a good impression.


    "Care to try? Test how your cultivation has progressed recently," Zuo Yijian invited with a jovial tone.


    Gu An looked at Ji Xiaoyu and said, "Any day is as good as today, and it''s not a one-time opportunity. You go ahead."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded, stepping forward toward the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Stealing the Five Elements'' gaze fell on Ji Xiaoyu, and all of a sudden, his expression changed, revealing some excitement, which he quickly suppressed.


    His fluctuating demeanor didn''t escape Gu An''s divine sense, but Gu An pretended not to notice.


    In the end, Ji Xiaoyu failed, but no oneughed at her; after all, over the many years, no one had ever seeded with the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    After exchanging a few words with Zuo Yijian, Gu An left.


    As they stepped out of the crowd and into a more open space, Stealing the Five Elements approached them rapidly.


    "Wait, both of you!"


    Stealing the Five Elements called out, prompting Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu to stop and turn to look at him, their eyes questioning.


    He stopped in front of them and greeted them with a salute, saying, "My name is Wu Xing, and I have traveled here from overseas; I''ve seen quite a bit and can say I''m rather worldly. I noticed that this youngdy carries exceptional qi fortune, no doubt the incarnation of someone with Great Fortune of Energy Movement. If you''re interested, perhaps we could find a ce to talk further."


    Hearing the word incarnation, Ji Xiaoyu frowned.


    She instinctively looked at Gu An, eager to hear what Stealing the Five Elements had to say, but wary of displeasing Gu An.

 Chapter 283: Chapter 283 Reincarnation Path Emperor

    Facing Ji Xiaoyu''s questioning gaze, Gu An naturally agreed.


    Then, the three of them found an inn and sat down, with Gu An choosing a spot on the second floor by the window. He liked to chat in this spot while watching the bustle of the streets below.


    Stealing the Five Elements nced at Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu, then pinched his teacup, looked at the surface of the tea, and said, "Although we are meeting for the first time, this youngdy must have an Innate Daoist Talisman hidden within her. Speaking of which, you and I are old acquaintances; in one of your past lives, you had formed ties with me."


    After he finished speaking, he first nced at Gu An and then at Ji Xiaoyu. He was uncertain of the rtionship between the two, so he spoke very cautiously.


    Gu An understood his concerns and said, "Daoist Friend, feel free to speak; she is very curious about her past life."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded and asked, "How long ago was that?"


    Stealing the Five Elements revealed a smile and said with feeling, "It must have been nearly twenty thousand years ago."


    Twenty thousand years?


    The faces of both Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu changed drastically, Gu An''s expression was feigned while Ji Xiaoyu was genuinely shocked since the known history of the Ji Family didn''t even span twenty thousand years.


    "Who were you twenty thousand years ago, and why did youe to the Supreme Sect?" Ji Xiaoyu asked cautiously.


    Gu An could feel that Stealing the Five Elements had already imposed a restriction, making it impossible for other diners to hear their conversation.


    Stealing the Five Elements answered, "To be honest, this trip to the Supreme Sect was specifically for you; I can sense that you have reincarnated again. In terms of status, I should respectfully call you a senior. If not for your intervention back then, I would have ceased to exist long ago."


    Talking about the past, his face was full of nostalgia, his gaze unfocused as if his thoughts had drifted back to the distant past.


    Ji Xiaoyu furrowed her brows and asked, "Why did I reincarnate?"


    Stealing the Five Elements said, "I only know you experienced cmities. You weren''t forced into reincarnation due to hatred, and you can rest assured about this. No one in this world can do anything to you; I even consider you the strongest person I have ever seen."


    This genuinely surprised Gu An because he had been to Divine Exotic City and seen Stealing the Five Elements demonstrate his power. Knowing this, Stealing the Five Elements still believed that one of Ji Xiaoyu''s past lives was stronger.


    It seemed like thest time, in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the Innate Daoist Talisman had not yet disyed its true power, but at that time, it had already been enough for Ji Xiaoyu to seek revenge.


    Stealing the Five Elements continued to speak about Ji Xiaoyu''s strength at the time.


    In that lifetime, Ji Xiaoyu had called herself Reincarnation Path Emperor. The two had met only once, but due to Reincarnation Path Emperor''s kindness, Stealing the Five Elements had always wanted to repay her, only to find his freedom in recent years.


    He did not reveal his real identity, and the name Divine Exotic Ghost King was already known throughout the world; he also knew his reputation was not good.


    From Stealing the Five Elements''s story, Ji Xiaoyu could only understand how strong her previous self was, and it didn''t unravel the secrets of reincarnation.


    She looked at Stealing the Five Elements and asked, "What exactly do you need from me now? I can''t help you with anything in my current state."


    She was very cautious, worried that Stealing the Five Elements might want to kill her and force her previous life to emerge.


    Gu An had been listening silently, noting down the name Reincarnation Path Emperor, nning to investigate further the next time he visited Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Twenty thousand years might seem an eternity to mortals, but for Great Cultivators such as Wandering Immortals and Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, it wasn''t much, having lived through epochs preceding the fall of the Reincarnation Path Emperor.


    After a moment of hesitation, Stealing the Five Elements said, "A catastrophe that will affect all beings is soon to erupt. When it does, many seas and continents will be destroyed, including the continent you are currently on, and I too am deeply trapped, unable to escape. The Reincarnation Path Emperor had a divine skill that could free me, even if it meant undergoing reincarnation, I would be willing."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An was somewhat surprised.


    From what Stealing the Five Elements said, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm was likely to die. Why would an adversary of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm want to annihte all living beings?


    He had previously felt that the appearance of the Divine Exotic Realm was not a coincidence, and clearly, the Master was wary of something. Otherwise, with the Master''s strength, he could have swept away any invaders.


    "But I am not the Reincarnation Path Emperor..." Ji Xiaoyu hesitated.


    Stealing the Five Elements waved his hand and said, "You needn''t worry. I am not here to force you to help me now. When the catastrophe falls, no one will be able to save themselves. At that time, you will undoubtedly awaken your primal consciousness, just remember me then."


    After hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu''s brows furrowed even tighter.


    Stealing the Five Elements looked at Gu An and said, "It is best not to spread the word about this, not even the Supreme Sect or any major powers overseas can prepare for it in advance; it''s better if the cultivators here enjoy their current lives unaware, lest the spreading news precipitate the catastrophe."


    Gu An nodded and said, "I understand that principle. I just want to know how long until the catastrophe erupts? If it''s a few hundred yearster, then I am relieved."


    Stealing the Five Elementsughed, suddenly finding this Core Formation Realm Minor Cultivator quite amusing.


    Ji Xiaoyu couldn''t help but shoot Gu An a look, but she had to admit, after Gu An asked that question, a lot of her tension was relieved.


    "It could be as soon as a few decades or as long as a few centuries. There are unimaginable powers at y behind the scenes. I can only say, when the oceans begin to rise, that will represent the arrival of cmity."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Stealing the Five Elements''s answer caused Ji Xiaoyu to frown again.


    After speaking, he stood up and said, "Well, that''s all I have to say. I won''t disturb you any further."


    He raised his hand in a salutation and then left.


    Once he left the floor, the invisible restriction vanished.


    Gu An turned to Ji Xiaoyu and chuckled, "You certainly have an impressive background. I might have to think twice before joking with you in the future."


    Ji Xiaoyu huffed, "Aren''t you joking now?"


    "After hearing his words, what do you think?"


    "I am not pleased. Although I had already guessed that I and the Third Miss you spoke of are the same person, I actually hoped my guess would be incorrect. Now, learning even more identities has only increased my displeasure." Ji Xiaoyu spoke calmly, her tone devoid of any emotional fluctuation.


    Gu An looked at her, his gaze turning thoughtful.


    Normally, he subconsciously considered this life''s Ji Xiaoyu and her previous life as the same person, even if their characters differed. In his heart, they were the same.


    However, different memories and experiences had shaped a different person, even though the soul remained the same.


    The essence of being human is more than just the soul.


    Gu An tried tofort her, "If you are unhappy, then focus on cultivating, making your life in this incarnationst longer, or perhaps even achieving enlightenment."


    Ji Xiaoyu shook her head, "I can''t achieve enlightenment. I will eventually die. The reason I cultivate is merely to make this lifest longer and experience more. I often bother you just to enrich this life''s experiences."


    She paused, then smiled and added, "Besides, you can only live for a few hundred years yourself, so whyfort me? Don''t worry, even if I am unhappy, I am willing to ept this reality."


    eptance, huh?


    Gu An chose not to probe further. He then called for the waiter and ordered a table full of exquisite food and drinks, shifting the conversation to the alchemy conference.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s attention shifted as well, and it was as if the conversation with Stealing the Five Elements had never happened.


    ...


    The Alchemy Conference eventually ended, and the cultivator who won first ce was from overseas, a disciple of the Purple Pill Pce. It was the first time the disciples of the Supreme Sect had learned about Purple Pill Pce, an ancient Alchemy Sect that brought many alchemy techniques through this conference.


    Purple Pill Pce also offered to take a group of Supreme Sect disciples to their pce to cultivate the Alchemy Dao, stirring excitement throughout the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An was mainly concerned about Stealing the Five Elements, who remained at the Supreme Sect and even formally became an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Except for Gu An, no one knew his true cultivation level.


    Even Shen Xinzi and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord could not see through him. By the end of summer, Stealing the Five Elements had be a regr at the chess area of the Third Medicine Valley.


    One day.


    Gu An had just returned from the North Sea Mountain and was discussing the affairs of Mystic Valley with Lu Jiujia.


    He suddenly felt a strong aura of battleing from afar.


    From within the Sea Breaking Rift!


    This pressure had surpassed that of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal!


    That meant the Master of Divine Exotic Realm might have made a move.


    It seemed that Stealing the Five Elements''s words might indeed be true.


    "Alright, I agree. I''ll discuss with the Sect next time to expand Mystic Valley," Gu An nodded.


    Lu Jiujia immediately showed a smile. Gu An shared the profits of Mystic Valley with him every year. The bigger the Mystic Valley, the more he would gain.


    Since he had begun cultivating the Daoist Expansion Skill, Lu Jiujia had rekindled his fighting spirit. For this skill, he needed a lot of medicinal herbs.


    Gu An suddenly remembered something and said, "Let''s release your cultivation level by the end of this year. Take all the elixirs you have."


    Lu Jiujia frowned and asked, "Why? Can''t we wait a bit longer?"


    Why?


    Because you only live to be 190 years old!


    Gu An did not reveal this fact; instead, he said, "I have obtained a higher-level mental method. I will pass it on to youter, and then you can release your cultivation level multiple times."


    Upon hearing this, Lu Jiujia was instantly overjoyed and quickly agreed.


    Gu An patted his shoulder and then left.


    Lu Jiujia had begun to fantasize about what kind of transformation he would undergo after lifting the restrictions on his cultivation.


    Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley and went to the chess area.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord had encountered an opponent again: it was Stealing the Five Elements.


    Stealing the Five Elements mastered the rules of Go and swiftly dominated the chess scene of the Supreme Sect. The Nine-Finger Divine Lord, unable to see through his hidden cultivation, was quite frustrated.


    Of course, in the heart of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Stealing the Five Elements was definitely not an ordinary person. Gu An''s background was easier to investigate, having entered the Supreme Sect at the age of fifteen and being a house servant of the Ji Family when he was young; his age could not be hidden. But Stealing the Five Elements was different; he came from overseas.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked up at Stealing the Five Elements, feeling annoyed.


    Who exactly is this guy?


    Stealing the Five Elements, smiling, waved his fan. He was not afraid of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s suspicions. With his cultivation level, it was impossible for the Divine Lord to see through him.


    In the entire Supreme Sect, there was only one person he feared: Sword Venerable Fudao, who seemed to have epted him as long as he did not cause trouble.


    "I lost," the Nine-Finger Divine Lord inhaled deeply and dered gravely.


    He had lost to Stealing the Five Elements six times and felt utterly humiliated.


    The surrounding crowd cheered, exacerbating his depression.


    Stealing the Five Elements stood up andughed, "To celebrate this victory, how about I teach everyone a spell for closebat?"


    The disciples were even more delighted, their cheers drawing the attention of other disciples from afar.

 Chapter 284 Zhang Buku Becomes a Disciple

    Seeing that Stealing the Five Elements was willing to teach the disciples sorcery, Gu An was secretly pleased. This guy knew his way around people, far more so than the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    As the number of Medicine Valley disciples increased, Gu An''s distance from them grew everrger. Despite being called master and disciple in name, they didn''t share that true rtionship. Even so, Gu An still hoped they would have a better life ande across more opportunities for Immortal Cultivation.


    Stealing the Five Elements immediately took action, and seeing Gu An on the way, he greeted him.


    After they left, Gu An went to the chess table and looked at the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, smiling, "Shall we y a game?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord snorted, "No, find him to y if you dare."


    "Then forget it. He seems very powerful; I''m not sure I''d win, so I can''t start a game so carelessly."


    "What do you mean, you are sure with me?"


    "Have I ever lost to you?"


    "You¡­"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord was so angry he wanted to m the table and stand up. Seeing the smile on Gu An''s face, he understood that Gu An was deliberately provoking him.


    Gu An then asked, "By the way, it''s been a while since you returned, where is Chu Jingfeng? Aren''t you taking care of him?"


    "Don''t worry, he''s doing well. He''s in seclusion. When he returns, you''ll have to look up to him."


    The thought of Gu An being surpassed by his own disciple, even bing a figure from another world, made him quite cheerful again.


    Gu An sighed, "If that''s true, that would be wonderful. I have no hope of bing an Immortal. If he can achieve immortality, then I would also know an Immortal, and my life would be without regrets."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord really wanted to say that he himself was an Immortal, but looking at Gu An''s expression, he felt ashamed.


    What was wrong with himself?


    Why was he being so petty?


    Gu An noticed the change in his expression and cursed inwardly: the old man still wants to rile me up, watch me retreat to advance.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord began speaking about the sect where Chu Jingfeng was located. He had sent Chu Jingfeng to an overseas branch of a sect, which, although not as powerful as the Star Sea Congregations, was still stronger than the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An listened intently to his tale of the overseas realm.


    It was nearly evening when Gu An returned to his attic.


    In recent days, he had seen more and more Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals return, mostly near the Sea Breaking Rift. Clearly, a great battle was brewing.


    He sat in his chair, concentrated his mind, and his Primordial Spirit Emerged.


    The Carefree Primordial Immortal could remain undetected and untouchable by all beings, and even the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma could not perceive it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu An quickly snuck into the Sea Breaking Rift, where he saw more fighting figures along the way than before, with nearly every heaven and earth engaged in battle.


    He stepped into thergest heaven and earth, which was where the Master of Divine Exotic Realm resided.


    At the moment, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm wasn''t fighting, but there was still the aura of another Carefree Primordial Immortal lingering, a sign that someone else had recently left the area.


    Gu Annded in front of a cave, dark with a faint sound of wind.


    He stepped into the cave silently, the wind passing through his Immortal Soul of Wonderous Dharma without any obstacle.


    Walking through the winding cave, he arrived at a chamber where Zhang Buku, now a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost, was sitting cross-legged on the ground. Lying across his legs was an axe, formed not from a Dharma Treasure but from condensed divine exotic force.


    Zhang Buku''s eyes were closed, his brow furrowed as if he was enduring torment.


    Although he retained his Original Soul Consciousness, he was constantly enduring the erosion of divine exotic force, as it autonomously devoured the soul. This was a process that even the Master of Divine Exotic Realm could not reverse.


    Gu An sighed at the sight of his painful demeanor.


    How distressed would Senior Brother Zhang be if he saw this?


    Gu An transformed into a sparrow and perched on a nearby rock.


    He chirped softly, and Zhang Buku opened his eyes instinctively. Upon seeing the sparrow, he was stunned.


    "Is that¡­"


    Zhang Buku''s face lit up with joy. Just as he was about to speak, the sparrow pped its wings humanly, signaling him to keep silent.


    Zhang Buku immediately understood but remained excited.


    Though unclear about the origin of the sparrow, he was grateful to it.


    When he had been close to death, it led him to a cave where he found a Demon Core and learned a World-Dominating Axe Method.


    He had always harbored dreams about the sparrow, but never did he imagine he would see it here.


    At this moment, Zhang Buku felt incredibly fortunate. No matter the origin of the sparrow, there was someone looking out for him in the dark ¨C how could he not be happy?


    The sparrow suddenly flew toward him, but he didn''t dodge.


    Then he felt a peck on his forehead, and a flood of memories poured into his mind, leaving him in a daze.


    Time was lost to him.


    When Zhang Buku regained consciousness, his mind was filled with the memory of cultivating a Divine Skill.


    "Limitless Freedom Step¡­"


    Murmuring to himself, even reflecting on the Divine Skill let him sense its profound and inscrutable nature.


    Perfect, now he could practice the Divine Skill to divert the pain in his body.


    To use the words of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, he had to get used to the erosion of divine exotic force, or he would truly be a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost.


    Perhaps, the sparrow wanted to help him in this way.


    Warmth filled Zhang Buku''s heart, and he suddenly felt that his pain was bearable.


    How many perished in the Divine Exotic Realm, turning directly into Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, while he still had a chance ¨C how could he not be joyous?


    "I must practice diligently, get out of here early, so Li Ya won''t worry. And Martial Uncle Gu... if I were to stay here for hundreds or even thousands of years, wouldn''t I lose the chance to ever see Martial Uncle Gu again?" Zhang Buku felt a sense of urgency at the thought.


    He always felt that Martial Uncle Gu wasn''t simple, possibly concealing Cultivation Level. But no matter how much Gu concealed, he was younger than Li Ya and couldn''t possibly be much stronger, especially since Li Ya had an opportunity like Divine Exotic City.


    Zhang Buku stood up and started practicing the Limitless Freedom Step.


    He moved around the chamber, changing his Step Technique, gradually losing track of time and forgetting his pain. However, because he was in cultivation, his will became exceptionally clear.


    In the blink of an eye, two years went by rapidly.


    Zhang Buku was still in the cave, practicing the Limitless Freedom Step without rest. For him, practicing the Divine Skill was not exhausting; he even began to find a way to resist the divine exotic force.


    Footsteps echoed from the tunnel, jolting him from his focus.


    He turned to see the Master of Divine Exotic Realm slowly entering the chamber.


    Zhang Buku had seen him before, so he wasn''t afraid, just vignt.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm looked at him and said, "The Divine Skill you''re practicing is exceptional, with great potential. Practice well, for your future achievements will certainly be extraordinary."


    Hearing this, Zhang Buku was surprised.


    Knowing the nature of his Divine Skill, the other didn''t inquire further about it.


    Did that guy recognize the sparrow?


    Zhang Buku was about to ask when the Master of Divine Exotic Realm said, "Although your friend obtained Divine Exotic City, he has not truly mastered its power; another is its master. Would you like to take me as your teacher and inherit my mantle? In the future, you could im Divine Exotic City as your own. Of course, if you are unwilling, you''ve received my teachings; conquering an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in the future would not be difficult."


    Take him as a teacher?


    Zhang Buku was a bit slow to process this. He could feel the suppressive force from the Master of Divine Exotic Realm; he was utterly incapable of resisting him, even unable to lie.


    In such a situation, if the Master of Divine Exotic Realm wanted to calcte against him, why would he need to beat around the bush?


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm saw through his thoughts and exined, "What interests me is not you, but the entity behind you. Now your fate is linked with mine; if I perish, you must die. At least we are now on the same side. If I can be on good terms with your backing, it''s all benefits and no harm."


    "My backing? Who is it?" Zhang Buku asked in surprise.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm showed no astonishment; he had already delved into Zhang Buku''s memories, but some parts were not clear, obscured by a force preventing his probing. He dared not investigate further, as he had already witnessed the power behind Zhang Buku.


    "If you don''t know, then don''t ask too much. Knowing too much isn''t always good. You just need to understand that whether it''s him or me, if we wanted to harm you, we wouldn''t need such methods. Your worth isn''t that high," the Master of Divine Exotic Realm said slowly.


    After listening, Zhang Buku fell silent. He wasn''t angered; in fact, he was even more grateful to the sparrow.


    Even if it was maniption, he epted it ¨C he would definitely repay the sparrow in the future.


    As for the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, strictly speaking, they had no direct enmity. If he died in the Divine Exotic Realm, he couldn''t me anyone; after all, it was his own path that he had chosen, and nobody had forced him toe.


    Zhang Buku took a deep breath and said, "Alright!"


    He then knelt halfway and saluted with a fist, "Honorable master above, please ept your disciple''s bow!"


    And with that, he bowed his head.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm''s face revealed a smile, "It''s been many years since anyone called me master. Myst disciple is now high above, seemingly afraid of any association with me."


    His tone was full of self-derision.


    Zhang Buku looked up and asked, "Who is your disciple?"


    The smile on the Master of Divine Exotic Realm''s face faded, and he scoffed, "Him? Just a dog of the Holy Court!"

 Chapter 285: Chapter 285 Life-Seizing Immortal, Calming the Seas Fury

    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 195/12708862]


    [Physique: Primordial Karmic Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm Nine Layers]


    ...


    Under the tree, Gu An was lying back to rest, he pulled up his attribute panel to check, and seeing his life span, he smiled.


    Twenty-one years had passed since hisst breakthrough, he had already umted over twelve million years of life span. Gu An was very satisfied, it proved he had not been neglecting his efforts.


    As long as he maintained this pace, a billion years of life span would not be too far off.


    After viewing, Gu An sent his divine sense towards the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Recently, Zhang Buku had be a disciple of the Divine Exotic Realm Master, and Gu An could feel the goodwill released by the Divine Exotic Realm Master. Moreover, the Realm Master was not just talk; he had already begun earnestly imparting knowledge to Zhang Buku and had not left the cave where Zhang resided since.


    However, from this development, it was clear that the Divine Exotic Realm Master felt an urgency, it seemed that the catastrophe predicted by Stealing the Five Elements was drawing closer.


    Gu An, however, was not in a hurry. Surely the Realm Master had other powers; otherwise, why would he dare create such a huge rift in the sea?


    Let them fight first, he would consider intervening if Zhang Buku got involved.


    After all, Gu An would not directly involve himself in the conflict unless he was certain he could eliminate the source of trouble.


    Zhang Buku seemed to be in a good condition, and Gu An was relieved.


    "Everything is quite good, everyone is busy, being busy is good."


    Gu An scanned everyone he was on good terms with his divine sense, and seeing everyone was safe, he smiled.


    He sat up, stretchedzily, and then got up to leave the ce.


    Along the way, the disciples he encountered greeted him, and he smiled and nodded back warmly, showing no airs.


    He arrived under the turret and saw Yang Jian discussing physical cultivation issues with the Blood Prison Great Saint. The Blood Prison Great Saint was also a Physique Cultivator, otherwise, he would not have obtained the Divine Beast True Blood.


    Seeing Gu An approaching, Yang Jian hurriedly got up to pay respects.


    Gu An thought for a moment and said, "Rest well, in a while, I''ll take you to someone to spar and test your real strength."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian''s eyes immediately lit up. Normally, he could only spar with Li Lingtian, which was truly boring. Hearing that he could actually engage in a real battle, how could he not be pleased?


    Without waiting for his response, Gu An stepped upstairs.


    At a distance, Stealing the Five Elements, who was ying Go with someone, stared at Yang Jian thoughtfully. He could tell Yang Jian was of some Ancient Treasure Body, making him more curious about Gu An. No wonder this person could establish a close rtionship with the Reincarnation Path Emperor''s reincarnation; his background must be extraordinary.


    He did not n to investigate Gu An but instead prepared to form a good rtionship with Yang Jian afterward.


    After all, if Yang Jian could survive to ten thousand years, he would surely be a world-renowned figure. It was naturally good to establish ties with such beings.


    Stealing the Five Elements began pondering what spells and divine skills to teach Yang Jian.


    Gu An did not mind him instructing other disciples in their cultivation, and certainly, he would not stop him from teaching Yang Jian.


    That evening, Stealing the Five Elements found Yang Jian.


    "Young friend, I''ve observed you for a long time, and you possess exceptional talent andprehension. I have a hand technique, would you like to learn?" Stealing the Five Elements asked with a smile.


    Yang Jian knew he was a Great Cultivator, after all, he could win against the Nine-Finger Divine Lord in Go.


    "Thank you for your kind offer, senior, but no need," Yang Jian bowed politely in refusal.


    Stealing the Five Elements was taken aback and asked, "Do you think I''m not formidable enough?"


    Yang Jian shook his head and said, "To tell the truth, I''m not interested in hand techniques, and physical spells and divine skills are not as powerful as enhancing physical strength."


    Stealing the Five Elements became intrigued and curiously asked, "Then what do you want to learn?"


    Since he was persistent, Yang Jian asked, "Senior, have you ever read Investiture of the Gods or Journey to the West?"


    Stealing the Five Elements nodded, saying, "Of course I have. You are named Yang Jian, do you wish to be a being like that? But those are fictional books; the techniques and divine skills described are not real."


    Hearing this, Yang Jian could only shake his head and turn away.


    "Wait, what if I teach you a set of Spear Techniques? This is the most formidable long weapon technique I possess; mastering it can dominate the world and is hard to find an enemy. It suits your physique very well," Stealing the Five Elements quickly called out to Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian stopped, looked at him, his eyes filled with slight expectation.


    Stealing the Five Elements smiled and said, "This spear technique is called Heaven-Extinguishing Dao-Annihting Thirty-Six Spear Techniques. It''s very difficult to practice this spear technique. Nobody in the current world has inherited it."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Jian said, "Is that so? Then I want to try it. Thanks in advance, senior."


    "Find a secluded ce to practice."


    "Okay!"


    The two headed deep into Medicine Valley, the Blood Prison Great Saint became interested and followed them. Stealing the Five Elements did not shoo him away because he felt he could not master it.


    Yang Jian, however, was of the Ancient Treasure Body, a physique rare in this world.


    In the turret, Gu An also noticed this scene; he was not concerned, assuming Stealing the Five Elements would not act recklessly, for doing so would be courting death.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He was also very interested in the Heaven-Extinguishing Dao-Annihting Thirty-Six Spear Techniques and wondered if they were really that powerful.


    Night passed.


    At dawn, the disciples gathered together to practice drills.


    Gu An watched as Yang Jian walked briskly over, followed by Stealing the Five Elements.


    Stealing the Five Elements looked dazed, no longer asposed as usual, as if he had been frightened.


    Gu An found it amusing; Stealing the Five Elements'' reaction was due to being startled by Yang Jian''sprehension and physique.


    In just one night, Yang Jian had preliminarily mastered the Heaven-Extinguishing Dao-Annihting Thirty-Six Spear Techniques. Although he had not yet unleashed the true power of this spear technique, it was already enough to shock Stealing the Five Elements.


    He suspected Yang Jian''s physique was among the strongest in the Ancient Treasure Bodies. It was a pity that Impermanence Tian had already perished; otherwise, he could have asked him, as that guy knew the most about Ancient Treasure Bodies.


    "What have you been doing?" Li Lingtian looked at Yang Jian in surprise.


    Yang Jian''s breath was disordered, clearly not having rested the previous night.


    Yang Jian perfunctorily said, "Just cultivating, do not ask more."


    Li Lingtian''s gaze involuntarily shifted to the distant Stealing the Five Elements, understanding what might have happened.


    After the practice ended, Li Lingtian approached Stealing the Five Elements, asking if he had taught Yang Jian any Daoist sorcery. Stealing the Five Elements did not hide it and nodded in response.


    "Can you teach me too? My talent isn''t bad either!" Li Lingtian immediately inquired.


    Stealing the Five Elements sized him up and said, "Your talent is indeed good, but not enough to motivate me. Just improve your cultivation level for now, and when I find you pleasing to the eye one day, I shall teach you."


    "Pleasing to the eye?"


    Li Lingtian was infuriated. He had always been held in high regard by others, rarely ever rejected.


    Evening to Third Medicine Valley, Gu An had not refused him!


    Li Lingtian clenched his teeth and left in a huff.


    Stealing the Five Elements did not care at all. The karma surrounding Li Lingtian was notplicated, and his background posed no threat to him.


    He was even somewhat looking forward to the forces behind Li Lingtian causing him trouble, adding a bit of fun to his life.


    As Stealing the Five Elements was about to go y Go, he was stopped by Shen Xinzi.


    "Amitabha, benefactor, may we talk?" Shen Xinzi stared at Stealing the Five Elements with a serious expression.


    Stealing the Five Elements smiled and nodded, then the two left Third Medicine Valley.


    ...


    Autumn arrived, and the Third Medicine Valley gradually adopted shades of russet; disciples could be seen clearing fallen leaves everywhere.


    In the turret, Ms. Shen was excitedly talking to Gu An about her new creation.


    Gu An was not interested in her written "Journey South", his divine sense was looking towards the sea.


    Above the Sea Breaking Rift, a momentous battle was taking ce, one man against three Divine Exotic Ghost Kings, ÌرðÊÇ_heads prevailing.


    Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal!


    The Divine Exotic Ghost Kings were already of the Nine Layers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, yet there were other beings of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who could suppress them alone, which intrigued Gu An immensely.


    "Are you listening seriously?" Ms. Shen asked discontentedly.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Of course, I''m listening. I''m more curious about your cultivation than your book."


    [Ms. Shen (Nascent Soul Realm Seven Layers): 231/880/4400]


    Ms. Shen''s maximal life span had actually increased!


    This surprised Gu An, as her maximal life span had previously been just over twenty-five hundred years.


    Poor him, his fellow disciples had been tirelessly cultivating, unable to find the opportunity for enlightenment, yet Ms. Shen spent her days writing and painting,zy in her cultivation, but her maximal life span just kept increasing¡ªhow could one reason with that?


    Perhaps writing and painting were also paths of cultivation.


    Ms. Shen coughed subtly, her countenance slightly unnatural, and she responded, "It''s alright, I''ve been working hard."


    Gu An could not bring himself to burst her bubble, as over the years, every time he used his divine sense to check on her, she was either reading, writing, painting, or ying music in the cave dwelling alone, never seeming tired.


    Of course, as it appeared now, her actions were not without meaning.


    From the look on Ms. Shen''s face, she seemed unaware that her talent andprehension had increased.


    Gu An did not remind her. After all, she was still young and need not rush her cultivation. If he mentioned it, perhaps she would never find that feeling again.


    "How about you? Why does it feel like your cultivation has not progressed?" Ms. Shen raised her eyebrows.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An''s expression dimmed, and he sighed deeply.


    Ms. Shen frowned and asked, "What''s wrong? Something troubling you?"


    "It''s nothing, just increasingly feeling the Heavenly Destiny. Even with medicinal herbs and alchemy, I find it difficult to break through. You wouldn''t understand this feeling. I can''t see the future of cultivating immortality; perhaps this is already my future," Gu An sighed.


    Hearing this, Ms. Shen opened her mouth to offer somefort but did not know how to start.


    Talent was reality. Gu An''s friend Wu Jue had already soared to great heights, and Li Ya, even more so, had be the face of the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An forced a smile and said, "Ms. Shen, my life may be short, but not yours..."


    He was about to continue when suddenly, an immense oppressive force enveloped the earth and heaven, interrupting him, followed by an overbearingly powerful voice echoing through the heavens and earth:


    "I am the Life-Seizing Immortal of the Great Cold Demon Sect. Today, I descend in the Sea Breaking Rift; within a hundred years, if no one can defeat me, I will exterminate all beings who have heard my words, to quell the sea''s wrath!"


    Great Cold Demon Sect!


    Gu An had heard of this sect; it was a Demon Sectparable to the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect and, ording to Bai Ziya, was one of the few demon sects recognized by the Holy Court. Although it was a demon sect, all the ces they ughtered had been abandoned by the Holy Court.


    Could it be that their continent and surrounding seas had already been abandoned by the Holy Court?

 Chapter 286 The Background of Connecting to Heaven

    "Great Cold Demon Sect? Life-Seizing Immortal? Where did they spring from?"


    Shen Zhen furrowed his brows, muttering to himself, a hint of unease flickering in his eyes.


    Gu An replied, "I''m not sure, but judging from that voice, it must be some enormous creature from the sea. s, just when things had quieted down for several decades, another major event urs."


    Shen Zhen offered some constion, "Don''t worry too much, the Sea Breaking Rift is so enormously far from us. There are many capable people in this world; evil will never prevail over good, and we''ll eventually get through this."


    Gu An nodded, but in his heart, he held a contrary opinion.


    The forces behind the Great Cold Demon Sect already reached to the heavens.


    ording to Bai Ziya''s words, since ancient times, the Great Cold Demon Sect and other major Demon Path sects with simr Qi Fortune have always acted as the Holy Court''s knife, dealing with matters the Holy Court couldn''t handle directly.


    Of course, the Holy Court wasn''t inherently malevolent, but they looked at the bigger picture of the entire Great Heaven and Earth, and sometimes they had to sacrifice certain creatures or wipe out an entire region''s popce.


    If the Holy Court truly had abandoned this ce, what could be the reason?


    Surely it couldn''t be because of the Divine Exotic Realm?


    The Divine Exotic Realm was irrelevant to them; it was something they could eradicate separately.


    Gu An suspected there were deeper reasons that he was unaware of.


    His Divine Sense reached out, and the Life-Seizing Immortal was not the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who fought alone against those three Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts; rather, it was a Carefree Primordial Immortal. The arrival of this individual had interrupted that great battle.


    Gu An watched as the Life-Seizing Immortal ced down a pagoda at the edge of the Sea Breaking Rift. The pagoda kept rising, breaking through the clouds, reaching a magnificent height of at least a hundred thousand zhang. Meanwhile, the Life-Seizing Immortal flew into the pagoda, and the three Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts fled into the Sea Breaking Rift, with the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who had fought them also entering the pagoda, clearly in league with the Life-Seizing Immortal.


    Gu An was curious to see if any other Carefree Primordial Immortals would take action within the next hundred years.


    He continued discussing worldly matters with Shen Zhen; both of them were Minor Cultivators in the Immortal Cultivation World, and their talks about the world''s major events were mostly filled with envy.


    After not too long, Shen Zhen bid farewell. Gu An also rose to leave the building, preparing to discuss the Great Cold Demon Sect with the other disciples and cultivators in Medicine Valley.


    The promation of the Life-Seizing Immortal had set the world abuzz, and everywhere that living beings congregated was abuzz with discussion of this matter.


    When Gu An reached the chess ying area, Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Stealing the Five Elements were discussing the Great Cold Demon Sect with Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect. The other disciples were looking on with tense interest.


    Shen Xinzi was also sitting among the crowd; although he was often silent, he listened intently.


    Ever since Shen Xinzi had spoken with Stealing the Five Elements, no conflict had arisen between them; they seemed to have reached some sort of agreement. At the time, Gu An had not listened in, as he did not think these two individuals capable of causing any significant ripples.


    "The Great Cold Demon Sect has a history of a million years, and that Life-Seizing Immortal is a figure of legend; I never expected he would still be alive. We''re in big trouble now," the Nine-Finger Divine Lord eximed. He didn''t mention the Holy Court, clearly very wary of it.


    A million years!


    The gathered disciples'' eyelids twitched at the thought; they could hardly imagine how long a million years was.


    The younger disciples, however, harbored dreams of grandeur. They had not yet resigned themselves to their fates, feeling that there was still hope. The Third Medicine Valley was only the first stage on their path into the world of Immortal Cultivation.


    There were countless tales within the Immortal Cultivation World of those with mediocre talent encountering great opportunities and defying fate to alter their destinies.


    Gu An listened intently as if hearing a story, asionally eximing with the surrounding disciples or disying an incredulous expression.


    Meanwhile, within the Main City of Sect.


    In a residence, Lu Lingjun visited the courtyard of the Holy Mother of Western Spirit for a chat between master and disciple.


    "The Great Cold Demon Sect rivals the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect in stature, and in terms of heritage, they''re potentially even stronger. If the Great Cold Demon Sect''s shadow looms behind the Sea Breaking Rift, we''re in trouble¡­" the Holy Mother of Western Spirit sighed, revealing the existence of the Holy Court.


    Lu Lingjun was hearing about the Holy Court for the first time, and she was astounded.


    How vast was this world, after all?


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit also doubted that the region had been forsaken by the Holy Court; otherwise, the Great Cold Demon Sect would not dare to be so brazen, even giving a hundred years'' notice, a clear sign they wanted other major sects to promptly evacuate.


    Upon hearing this, Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but ask, "A hundred years... Only the Immortal Cultivation Sects can evacuate in that time, but will all the myriad living beings who remain truly perish?"


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit spoke somberly, "The Great Cold Demon Sect has ughtered countless beings. Adding up all the continents and maritime areas affected by the Sea Breaking Riftprises but a small region of the entire Great Heaven and Earth. To the Great Cold Demon Sect, it''s nothing significant, and the Holy Court will care even less. The fall of the life within this region wouldn''t cause ripples across the world."


    Lu Lingjun frowned deeply.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit continued, "I have to return and ascertain the true reason behind the Great Cold Demon Sect''s actions."


    Lu Lingjun nodded, her thoughts drifting to the worst-case scenario.


    As an Ascender, fleeing presented no issue for her, but having stayed in the Supreme Sect for so long, she had many concerns. She pondered how she might help those with whom she had rtionships.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit began toment theplexity of the world''s affairs.


    Initially, she truly believed the Divine Exotic Realm meant to harm this region, but now it seemed the emergence of the Divine Exotic Realm was not so simple, surely backed by unimaginable forces in contention.


    ¡­


    Dark clouds hung heavy, and a fine drizzle fell over Immortal Seeking Ind.


    In a courtyard, Gu An, Yang Jian, and Hu Xiaojian sat together, with Gu An listening to Hu Xiaojian ry information about the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    Three days had passed since the Life-Seizing Immortal''s deration. During these three days, various sects across the seas revealed information about the Great Cold Demon Sect, with all sorts of messages reaching Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Yang Jian listened intently, his expression changing as the discourse progressed. The Great Cold Demon Sect described by Hu Xiaojian seemed even more terrifying, a veritable number one Demon Path in the world. Its innumerable Demon Immortals made it seem invincible, stirring a sense of dread within anyone who heard of it.


    A real catastrophe had descended.


    After a while, once Hu Xiaojian had finished speaking and moistened his throat with a sip of tea, Gu An asked, "Regarding the Reincarnation Path Emperor, have you managed to delve into that?"


    The Reincarnation Path Emperor was a past life of Ji Xiaoyu, and Gu An always remembered this.


    Hu Xiaojian shook his head and said, "I''ve found nothing. I even wonder if such a person exists at all. But since you''ve asked, there surely must be one. It''s just that I''m of too humble a station to know of such high matters. At least, there''s not a trace of information on Immortal Seeking Ind."


    Gu An was not upset, lightly glossing over the subject.


    Hu Xiaojian put down his teacup, nced at Gu An, and hesitated.


    After a moment''s pause, he rose and knelt to the side, bowing his head to Gu An.


    "What is the meaning of this?" Gu An asked, a frown etching his face.


    Hu Xiaojian looked up with a pleading expression, "I beg you to take me with you. The Great Cold Demon Sect is too powerful, and the higher-ups of Immortal Seeking Ind are preparing to evacuate. As a mere Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, I won''t be able to escape the area the Great Cold Demon Sect intends to destroy within a hundred years. Even if by some fluke I do escape, who knows if I''ll be able to survive elsewhere. Senior, you are a Loose Immortal, able toe and go as you please... Could you take me with you? I''m willing to work like an ox or horse for you!"


    Yang Jian sat to the side, his feelingsplex.


    A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, nheless!


    Such a presence would be admired by Servant Disciples within the Supreme Sect, yet here he was bereft of even the confidence to survive at sea.


    Gu An pondered for a moment and said, "Don''t be hasty. Stay calm and remain on Immortal Seeking Ind for the time being. If the sea''s forces truly can''t withstand the Great Cold Demon Sect, I''ll take you with me. But until then, keep an eye on Sea Protection Mansion for me. If they''re really prepared to abandon Immortal Seeking Ind, I''ll take over."


    Hu Xiaojian was taken aback, not expecting Gu An to still be concerned about Immortal Seeking Ind at such a critical juncture.


    Yang Jian looked at his master.


    Why did his master not fear the Great Cold Demon Sect?


    His master imed to be a Loose Immortal; could it be that Loose Immortal was not his realm, but his identity?


    Hu Xiaojian wanted to persuade Gu An but feared offending him, so he simply agreed.


    Gu An saw his hesitation and reassured him, "Don''t underestimate this world, otherwise, the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts from within the Sea Breaking Rift would have already swept across the oceans, wouldn''t they?"


    Consoled by these words, Hu Xiaojian nodded his gratitude to Gu An.


    Gu An waved his hand, helping him to rise, and invited him to sit and talk.


    Hu Xiaojian continued to describe the Great Cold Demon Sect. He knew much about the sect, but when it came to the Life-Seizing Immortal, he knew nothing at all.


    Gu An, however, began contemting how to take control of Immortal Seeking Ind.


    First and foremost, he needed to ce a puppet in power; he had to remain behind the scenes.


    Leveraging the various channels of Immortal Seeking Ind, he would be able to collect more medicinal herbs, and the prospect seemed quite interesting.


    He felt as if he was about to y a management game and was quite looking forward to it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    To suppress Immortal Seeking Ind, he would need at least a Wandering Immortal.


    This choice required careful consideration.


    As time swiftly passed, the rain grew heavier.


    Two Ancient Hourster, Gu An left with Yang Jian, returning to the forested hills of the Supreme Sect.


    This was not the first time Yang Jian had experienced the marvel of the Limitless Freedom Step, but as his Cultivation Level grew, the more in awe he became of his master''s Divine Skills.


    "Master, is there really anyone who can stand against the Great Cold Demon Sect?" Yang Jian ventured, his inquiryced with careful thought.


    He dared not directly question his master''s prowess, so he opted for an indirect approach.


    Gu An replied as they moved forward, "Who can be certain? At any rate, your master, I, am not confident."


    Just not confident?


    Yang Jian was secretly shocked. What was the true stature of his master?


    Gu An was unaware of Yang Jian''s thoughts. His intentional modesty only served to deepen Yang Jian''s astonishment.


    After listening to Hu Xiaojian, the Great Cold Demon Sect loomed as a nearly invincible and evil entity in Yang Jian''s mind, the sort of final antagonist one would encounter in stories. Knowing that Gu An had the confidence to challenge the Great Cold Demon Sect, how could he not be amazed?


    "Jian''er, cultivate diligently. Even if we survive this cmity, the trials toe will not be few. Since ancient times, every Great Cultivator has emerged through countless ordeals. The more peril there is, the more we must strive in our cultivation," Gu An spoke with heartfelt gravity.


    Yang Jian nodded, replying, "Disciple always remembers your words, and I will cultivate as diligently as you."


    He silently wondered how many years it had taken his master to reach his current height. Likely tens of thousands of years, or perhaps his master had existed even longer than the Great Cold Demon Sect, merely ying amongst mortals for amusement.


    He trusted that his master would not deceive him, that his master too had persevered through countless hardships and dedicated cultivation to attain his present Cultivation Level.


    Gu An continued to instruct Yang Jian. After all, part of the fun in having a disciple was the asional lesson.


    Unaware of his master''s inner thoughts, Yang Jian nheless sensed his master''s earnest intentions.

 Chapter 287: Chapter 287 The Longevity Pact

    As the year ended, snowkes danced in the air.


    Inside the attic, Gu An was pouring tea for Ye Lan, who was recounting her experiences in the sub-sect.


    Having not seen each other for many years, Ye Lan now more than ever exhibited the demeanor of a Great Cultivator. Cultivators at the Divinity Transformation Realm could be leaders everywhere on the continent, and naturally, her aura grew stronger with each passing day.


    This made Gu An find her even more charming.


    Back then, she was always hanging around him, the little girl who always followed him around. Now, she had be an existence that stood above tens of thousands, which made him feel not only nostalgic but also immensely proud.


    Her experiences in the sub-sect mainly involved power struggles and gaining profit. With Lv Baitian having paved the way, she always managed to secure victories in various conflicts, and overall, she had a smooth journey.


    After discussing her own experiences, she asked Gu An how he had been over the years.


    "Growing various nts, ying chess, and asionally teasing the disciples for fun. I''m quite content," Gu An said, looking at Ye Lan with a smile.


    Ye Lan raised her eyebrows and asked, "Who is the girl downstairs?"


    You''ve been wanting to ask that, haven''t you?


    That''s what Gu An thought to himself, but he said aloud, "Her identity is not simple. I will only tell you, and you mustn''t let it slip!"


    The attic had a protective restriction, strong enough to ward off the probing of any Cultivator below the Divinity Transformation Realm, so Gu An was not afraid of being overheard by Ji Xiaoyu.


    Ye Lan nodded expressionlessly.


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "Her name is Ji Xiaoyu. You understand, right?"


    Ye Lan frowned and asked, "Isn''t Ji Xiaoyu already deceased?"


    Ji Xiaoyu had once been a renowned genius, famed for her beauty across the world. Her death had sparked much discussion within the Supreme Sect, and Ye Lan too had heard about it.


    "She did die, but she has also reincarnated..." Gu An shared the information he got from Stealing the Five Elements, his face full of emotion.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Lan too was taken aback. Such oddities existed in the world, and the background of Ji Xiaoyu was far beyond her expectations, even shattering her previous perceptions.


    Gu An cautiously said, "Junior Sister, this matter must not be disclosed. Otherwise, it might bring us great trouble involving reincarnation, and the enemies we would attract are extremely formidable. Faced with such entities, the Supreme Sect would have to either submit or be annihted."


    Ye Lan nodded, then eximed with emotion, "Honestly, I was just feeling jealous of her, but not anymore. The gap between her and us is too vast, not to mention whether she would take a fancy to you, Senior Brother. Even if she did, I think it would be a good thing. Haven''t you always said that your talents are mediocre? And since your rtionship with that senior has been severed, you must cherish her. Perhaps she could change your destiny."


    As she spoke, her expression grew very serious.


    Gu An was moved by her attitude.


    Truth be told, due to his experiences in his previous life, Gu An felt that it was impossible for someone to consider otherspletely selflessly¡ªeven love started from individual needs.


    He had rejected Ye Lan many times, but she had remained consistent, and he didn''t want her to suffer losses. Thus, he had always helped her. Of course, he was moved by this; at least Ye Lan had an irreceable position in his heart.


    But he hadn''t expected Ye Lan to hope for his future to the extent of wanting him to cozy up to another woman.


    This silly girl...


    Gu An red at Ye Lan and said irritably, "Cherish what? She and I don''t have that kind of rtionship. At most, we are just Daoist friends, and in her heart, there isn''t a ce for romantic feelings¡ªonly the Immortal Path."


    That was the truth; he could feel Ji Xiaoyu''s ambition.


    Whether in her past life or now, Ji Xiaoyu was not a woman obsessed with romantic love; otherwise, she wouldn''t have chosen death to resist a marriage arranged by her family in her previous life.


    Ye Lan rolled her eyes at Gu An and said, "Senior Brother, a woman staying in your building must have a significant background. How could she not have feelings for you? Even if you can''t really pursue her, establishing a better rtionship with her would still be beneficial for you."


    Although she had reached the Divinity Transformation Cultivation Level, she still felt that her path to immortality hade to an end. At least she no longer dared to hope for longevity, but she hoped Gu An could have that chance.


    The reason? She couldn''t really say; she just hoped for Gu An to have a better life, and she felt he deserved it.


    From a young age, she always believed that her Senior Brother was worthy of all the good fortune in the world. Even when Gu An rejected her, she wasn''t angry. She liked her Senior Brother¡ªwhy should he have toply with her wishes?


    "Forget it, Senior Brother. I rather prefer a peaceful life. If she wishes to stay in the Third Medicine Valley, I will not treat her badly, and if she wants to leave, I won''t keep her. She and I are ultimately not people of the same world; we should not hinder each other''s paths," Gu An shook his head and said.


    This too was his heartfelt truth.


    His goal was longevity, not marriage and children.


    Ye Lan blinked, unsure whether to feel happy or to sigh.


    "Senior Brother, if you don''t achieve longevity in this lifetime, would you ept me?" Ye Lan asked.


    Gu An thought for a moment, then said, "If neither you nor I achieve longevity, then let''s just live out a mortal''s life in thest hundred years. A mortal''s life spans only a century, and before that, let both of us strive for the Immortal Path¡ªwho knows what might be possible? Although I seek a stable life, I have not given up on cultivation."


    Ye Lan smiled upon hearing this, gazing at Gu An and said dreamily, "Senior Brother, with you saying this, I suddenly feel like the life limit isn''t so scary."


    Gu An raised his hand to ruffle her hair, messing it up under her scolding gaze before he finally stopped.


    Later, Ye Lan brought up the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    She had also learned quite a lot about the Great Cold Demon Sect, which made her very anxious.


    She feared that the continent might not survive this cmity, so she hade back early to see Gu An, to avoid regrets.


    Of course, she still held hope, that being Sword Venerable Fudao.


    This was also the reason why most disciples of the Supreme Sect hadn''t panicked. Over the years, the protection of Sword Venerable Fudao gave them faith and confidence to fantasize about and tackle all adversities.


    As long as Sword Venerable Fudao didn''t abandon them, or be defeated, they would surely be able to ovee the cmity.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    In the end, Gu An invited Ye Lan to stay, and naturally, she did not refuse.


    After night fell, Gu An took Ye Lan around the valley and even took her to watch others y chess.


    He also called Yang Jian over and had Yang Jian pay respects to Ye Lan.


    Yang Jian''s attitude was very respectful, sensing that his Master treated Ye Lan differently. His Master calling him over must have a profound meaning.


    Could she be not a Martial Aunt but the Mistress?


    Thinking this, Yang Jian also felt joyful, suddenly sensing that his Master wasn''t as unapproachable and even had a human side.


    That night, Ye Lan stayed at the Third Medicine Valley, upying Gu An''s room. While Gu An read, she practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation.


    Byte night, when Ye Lan opened her eyes, she saw Gu An still engrossed in his book, the candlelight illuminating his face, and a blissful smile appeared on her face.


    Actually, this was quite nice.


    Ye Lan watched Gu An for a while before closing her eyes.


    As dawn neared, the situation changed.


    "Senior Brother, you must be tired, let me give you a shoulder rub."


    "Why would I be tired? You''re the one who''s been cultivating all this time."


    "It''s fine; I''m at a higher cultivation level, I''m not tired."


    "Is this a shoulder rub?"


    "I''m just checking your body, afraid you might''ve developed some problems from your usual routines."


    "Wait, don''t touch any lower!"


    "Senior Brother! How could your Junior Sister harbour any inappropriate thoughts towards you! I have a unique sorcery that can nurture your Qi-Blood."


    "That''s not okay, not there¡­"


    ¡­


    At dawn, Gu An descended the stairs with aplex expression, and Ye Lan followed behind, her face radiant with a brilliant smile.


    Ji Xiaoyu emerged from the room, her gaze shifting toward the two, her brows slightly knitted.


    After descending, Gu An introduced the two women to each other but didn''t talk much. Ye Lan then followed Gu An to practice exercises.


    Ji Xiaoyu stood still, watching. After a while, her brows rxed.


    Ye Lan nned to leave after the Spring Festival. Gu An would take her with him to the Outer Gate City and the Mystic Valley, but not to Tianya Valley or other ces. She didn''t ask much, thinking that it was good for her Senior Brother to have secrets, indicating that he still concealed his identity.


    Naturally, she hoped her Senior Brother would be even more formidable.

 Chapter 288 Nine Profound True Fire, Calamity from the Sky

    This year''s Spring Festival felt warmer than in previous years for Gu An, thanks to thepany of Ye Lan. The day after the festival ended, Ye Lan left. She did not wish to be lost in the presence of her senior brother, as cultivating her immortal path was a major life event for her. At this stage, her main task was to diligently practice her cultivation.


    Despite the derations of the Life-Seizing Immortal from the Great Cold Demon Sect casting a shadow over thends, it had not impacted the overall structure of the world. By the following year, the Immortal Cultivation World had returned to its former state, though various sects had begun dispatching more disciples to explore overseas.


    Years passed one after another, sunsets followed by moonrises, Third Medicine Valley saw disciples advancing each year, with new disciples joining, constantly increasing in number. This was because the Supreme Sect itself was growing stronger, which led to an increase in the number of servant disciples. These servant disciples needed positions to earn Spirit Stones.


    In the blink of an eye, ten years had passed.


    Gu An stood by the window, using his Divine Sense to survey a distant great battle.


    A Great Cultivator had gone to challenge the Life-Seizing Immortal, even a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, s, he did not even get to see the face of the Life-Seizing Immortal, being suppressed by his disciple.


    This battle was watched by countless cultivators and demons. Not all beings wished to flee this region of the Mortal World, especially sects that followed the Righteous Path, shouldering the responsibility to protect all living beings.


    Over the past decade, more than once had Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals challenged the Life-Seizing Immortal, each time without exception being overwhelmed by the Life-Seizing Immortal''s disciple. Advancing to the tower had be a mere wishful thinking.


    The name of Life-Seizing Immortal''s pagoda spread far and wide, known as the Soul Calming Pagoda, it was also an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Gu An shook his head as he watched, the defeat of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal obvious, proving that he was not the Savior of this region of the Mortal World.


    He turned and went downstairs, feeling a presence entering the valley.


    It was the Holy Mother of Western Spirit from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.


    The Holy Mother had found Shen Xinzi, taking him to a secluded corner to speak, for which Shen Xinzi had even set up a Restriction.


    Inside the Supreme Sect, no one''s Divine Sense could prate the Barrier created by Shen Xinzi''s Restriction, except for Gu An.


    "Did you get that clear?" Shen Xinzi asked, referring to matters concerning the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    The Holy Mother of Western Spirit took a deep breath and said, "This matter involves a Holy King from the Holy Court, and though he cannot represent the entire decision of the Holy Court, this Holy King has far-reaching connections and even the Buddhism Sect does not wish to offend. After all, no one knows when Shengtian will emerge from seclusion."


    Holy King!


    Shen Xinzi frowned and then asked, "What in this region of the Mortal World could be of interest to a being like the Holy King?"


    The Holy Mother responded, "I am not entirely sure myself; I only found out that it has something to do with the reincarnation of a Great Power from the Holy Court, that Great Power might be a rival of the Holy King, reincarnated here in this region of the Mortal World."


    Shen Xinzi''s frown deepened.


    Looking at him, the Holy Mother continued, "The situation has gone beyond redeeming. The Buddhism Sect does not wish to risk involvement. Let''s head back soon."


    Shen Xinzi scoffed, "The Buddhism Sect doesn''t want to risk involvement? What a joke, whatever happened to universal salvation?"


    The Holy Mother was taken aback by Shen Xinzi''s tone, clearly detecting the sarcasm in it.


    Something was off.


    Shen Xinzi, who used to take pride in being part of the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, had never spoken this way before.


    "You go back, I am staying at the Supreme Sect," Shen Xinzi stated seriously.


    The Holy Mother wanted to persuade him otherwise, but Shen Xinzi took his leave with determined steps.


    "What as actually happened?" The Holy Mother stared at Shen Xinzi''s departing figure, filled with confusion.


    Her cultivation level was lower than Shen Xinzi''s, and her status was not as prominent, so she couldn''t forcefully take Shen Xinzi back. Thus, she refrained from further persuasion and could only take the news back to the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An, walking towards a certain garden area, was also pondering the intelligence brought by the Holy Mother of Western Spirit.


    Holy King, reincarnation of a Great Power...


    Upon hearing about the reincarnation of a Great Power, his first thought was Ji Xiaoyu.


    However, upon reflection, it might not be Ji Xiaoyu; Ji Xiaoyu had reincarnated countless times, and if it truly were the rival of that Holy King, why hadn''t the Holy King acted sooner?


    Moreover, he was curious about which role the Master of Divine Exotic Realm yed in this feud.


    Perhaps he needed to seek an opportunity to discuss this with the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.


    ...


    Inside a dimly lit chamber, Zhang Buku put down his great axe. The Strength Energy around him began to dissipate, and his constantly swirling white hair gradually settled.


    He exhaled deeply, eyeing the great axe in his hand, his brow slightly furrowed.


    At that moment, footsteps approached. Zhang Buku clenched the axe tightly, causing it to vanish as he turned to look toward the entrance of the cave.


    He saw the Master of Divine Exotic Realm approaching slowly, and perhaps it was Zhang Buku''s illusion, but he felt the Master seemed weaker than before.


    "Master!" Zhang Buku raised his hand in greeting and spoke.


    Throughout these years, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm had been conscientious in teaching him. At least Zhang Buku believed the Master truly treated him like a Direct Disciple, not only instructing him in cultivation but asionally also bringing him heavenly materials and treasures to enhance his Ghost Body and resist the bacsh of exotic forces.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm stopped before him, sizing him up, and nodded slightly, saying, "Not bad, you are mastering the exotic powers."


    Zhang Buku couldn''t help but ask, "Master, are you alright?"


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm revealed a smile, though it was a chilling one, as he said, "Master is naturally fine, but there is something I need to ask of you, may I?"


    "What is it?" Zhang Buku did not agree immediately but asked instead, his mind alert as he feared the Master of Divine Exotic Realm might be plotting against the mysterious being that had been helping him in secret.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm lifted his right hand, within which a golden me appeared, the light brightening the chamber.


    Zhang Buku''s expression shifted slightly as he stared at the golden me, unable to look away.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm spoke, "This is the Nine Profound True Fire, a me of an extraordinary being. After inheriting it, you will possess a Divine Skill that will help you survive better. When you encounter the reincarnation of that being, the Nine Profound True Fire will act uniquely, letting you know at that time."


    "Who is that being?" Zhang Buku couldn''t help but ask.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm responded, "He is a being whose cultivation far surpasses mine, and his status in the Mortal World is beyond your imagination. I am passing this me to you, hoping that you will find him in the future and protect him as much as possible. He will be the chance for us to overturn our fate."


    Zhang Buku was stunned.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm looked at the me in his hand, his gaze wandering, then said, "The truth is, my existence is also for dealing with this being. But now that my backing is prepared to forsake me, I have no choice but to turn against it."


    Zhang Buku frowned and asked, "Master, who is your backing?"


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm sighed, "It is an existence that can manipte beings at will, akin to an Immortal God in the hearts of the masses. Not only me but many forces serve him, including the continent youe from. The Holy Land of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm also serves him and helped me break the heaven and earth barriers, opening up the Sea Breaking Rift."


    The Seven Stars Spirit Realm!


    Zhang Buku naturally knew of this power; he hadn''t imagined that the long-destroyed Seven Stars Spirit Realm was still connected to the Sea Breaking Rift.


    "Well, I can''t tell you too much, lest you invoke temporarily insurmountable karma. Just remember, when you encounter someone that causes the Nine Profound True Fire to act unusually, you must support him. He will be the greatest opportunity you will ever encounter, and the only hope for you to be free of exotic forces," the Master of Divine Exotic Realm said, squinting at Zhang Buku with a serious look.


    Zhang Buku frowned and asked, "And what about you, Master?"


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm ced his palm on Zhang Buku''s chest, injecting the Nine Profound True Fire into his body.


    The true fire wafted, numerous sparks shing across the Master of Divine Exotic Realm''s face, making his expression look even more terrifying. He spoke in a sinister tone, "I have be a discarded piece, and fate has already presented itself before my eyes."


    Zhang Buku opened his mouth to say something, but the raging Nine Profound True Fire surged through his body, rendering him speechless. Soon, his consciousness drifted into confusion.


    ...


    In a grand hall flickering with firelight, an old man in a ck robe sat on a lotus pedestal, which was a ck lotus swirling with dark red mes. He had a powerful presence, his unbound hair adding to his imposing aura.


    Looking up at the ceiling of the grand hall, one could see dark red mes churning like an inverted ocean, constantly surging.


    This was inside the Soul Calming Pagoda!


    And this ck-robed old man was the Life-Seizing Immortal of the Great Cold Demon Sect!


    Suddenly, the Life-Seizing Immortal spoke, "Disciple, put some pressure on them."


    His voice echoed within the hall, as if many people were shouting in unison.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Soon a voice came from outside the hall, "Yes!"


    Simultaneously.


    At the top of the Soul Calming Pagoda, a white-robed Daoist who had been meditating slowly stood up. Holding a horsetail whisk, he was tall and emaciated with white hair arranged under a Daoist hat.


    He looked down at the vast sea, his expression indifferent.


    The Soul Calming Pagoda was located directly above the Sea Breaking Rift, a massive rift that stretched dozens of miles wide, with no visible ends.


    The white-robed Daoist looked into the distance, raised his left hand to his mouth, and began to chant softly. As he chanted, visible ripples spread out in the space around him.


    Secondster, his right hand suddenly waved the whisk.


    With this motion, the seas on either side of the Sea Breaking Rift abruptly rose, forming towering waves with the potential to engulf the heavens.


    He waved the whisk again, and the terrifying waves on both sides swept uncontrobly toward the distance.


    After doing all of this, the white-robed Daoist paused, then looked up at the sky and waved his whisk toward the heavens three times.


    ...


    At dusk.


    Gu An rode on the Blood Prison Great Saint into the entrance of the Third Medicine Valley, followed by Yang Jian and Li Lingtian, who walked behind with a bruised face, resembling a defeated rooster.


    "Master, won''t thisd be ruined?" the Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t help but ask. His tone was not one of concern, but rather filled with mockery.


    Li Lingtian, hearing this, red at him.


    Gu An spoke, "If he can''t endure, he can leave on his own."


    Years ago, when he had visited Tianya Valley, Luo Hun had even asked him to bring a message, hoping Li Lingtian would return to the pce. However, Li Lingtian did not wish to go back.


    Although he often got beaten, he was indeed getting stronger.


    Defeating Yang Jian had be his obsession.


    Just as Li Lingtian was about to speak, he suddenly sensed something and looked up, his eyes widening in shock.


    Gu An, Yang Jian, and the Blood Prison Great Saint all looked up, and the disciples in the valley did the same, their expressions increasingly changing, as if they were witnessing something terrifying.

 Chapter 289 Unbelievable Methods

    At dusk, the sky was a fiery red as meteors from outer space streaked across, creating a magnificent scene. As these meteors fell, a vast heavenly fire descended, giving all beings the feeling that the sky was copsing.


    "What is that?"


    "How can there be such a huge fire in the sky?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Will it affect us?"


    "Don''t worry, we are within the Supreme Sect, protected by the Sect Protecting Formation."


    "Could it be the demon cultivators from the Great Cold Demon Sect causing trouble?"


    The disciples within the Third Medicine Valley engaged in a heated discussion, and the Great Cultivators, who had been ying chess, stood up and vanished from their spots.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked up, frowning.


    Sitting opposite him, Stealing the Five Elements remarked, "This divine power is no ordinary feat."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked at Stealing the Five Elements and asked, "You''ve been traveling a lot these years, what exactly have you been searching for?"


    Facing his inquiry, Stealing the Five Elements did not respond but simply pointed upwards towards the sky.


    Meanwhile, at the entrance of the valley...


    Gu An was riding on the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, also looking at the sky. He could feel that the meteors and the sea of fire in the sky were transformations of mana, deployed by someone possessing Great Divine Power at the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal level, affecting a vast area.


    It seemed that the century-old agreement was merely an ultimatum; during this period, the Great Cold Demon Sect would continue to attack, forcing themon people to flee.


    Of course, there was another possibility that they sought to force out a specific individual they were searching for.


    Due to personal vengeance, themoners suffered, giving Gu An a different understanding of the Holy Court.


    The Holy Court overall had good intentions, but inevitably had its corrupt members.


    Perhaps their way of thinking differed from Gu An''s.


    They could protect themon people but also ignore them.


    Yang Jian nced at Gu An, and seeing his calm demeanor, he felt reassured.


    With his master around, even if the sky fell, he wouldn''t be afraid!


    Li Lingtian approached Yang Jian and discussed the strange phenomenon in the sky with him.


    Gu An patted the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, signaling him to move forward.


    As the Blood Prison Great Saint took a step, a light curtain rose in the horizon, visible in all directions; it was the Supreme Sect''s Sect Protecting Great Formation.


    That was quick!


    Gu An was secretly pleased; the Supreme Sect had not faced tribtions in many years, yet remaining vignt indicated that the high ranks weren''t overly dependent on Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Soon, the entire Supreme Sect was enveloped by the light curtain of the Sect Protecting Great Formation, providing relief to all the cultivators within.


    Various sects and cities across the world activated theirrge formations, but inevitably, there were ces that remained unprotected, and many beings in those ces were vulnerable.


    In the North Sea Mountains...


    At the Mountain God Temple...


    Sage Xuan Miao sat on the ground, gazing at the strange phenomenon in the sky, furrowing his brows.


    His concern was not for his safety, but rather for the well-being of themon people across the world.


    How could mere mortals withstand this sweeping ze?


    Sage Xuan Miao turned to look at a stone statue in the courtyard, one he had carved himself depicting the Mountain God. Although he saw the Mountain God once a month, in his heart, he always felt a great distance from the divine.


    He turned back and began to kowtow to the Divine Statue of the Mountain God.


    As meteorites continued plunging towards the earth, the fire enveloping the sky drew closer, intensifying the fiery hue between heaven and earth.


    Just then...


    All the flowers, nts, and trees across the continent emitted flickers of green light, swiftly rising upward like sparks growing stronger rapidly.


    A farmer clutching a hoe in the mountains was surrounded by the green lighting from all directions, causing him to panic.


    In the cities, terrified civilians saw trees within their courtyards trembling and releasing green light orbs that floated up towards the sky.


    Within the pce...


    Li Xuandao stood at the entrance of the Imperial Study, observing the unusual appearance of the flora, his expression subtle.


    At that moment, beings across the continent, including demons, were startled by the surrounding phenomena, as flowers, nts, and trees were ubiquitous.


    In the Third Medicine Valley...


    Gu An dismounted and looked around; the vegetation within the Supreme Sect hadn''t emitted green light, so the disciples were all puzzled by the phenomenon in the sky, unaware of another spectacr sight beyond the Supreme Sect.


    However, as the green light from nts everywhere rose to a certain height, even the cultivators inside the Supreme Sect could see it.


    Various discussions erupted among them.


    Gu An stood under a pavilion, watching this scenario unfold; Xiaoyu also emerged from the house and joined him.


    "It seems someone is protecting this continent," Xiaoyu said, her eyes reflecting the green light rising to meet the massive inferno falling from the sky, as if two worlds were about to collide in a mesmerizing disy.


    The upper half of Gu An''s face was illuminated by the fire, while the lower half was tinged with green. He asked in astonishment, "You mean to say a cultivator is behind this? How high must their cultivation level be?"


    Xiaoyu gave Gu An a look, although she didn''t think Gu An had a vast cultivation. But this guy couldn''t be this clueless.


    Gu An often brought Yang Jian out, who was growing rapidly, showing that Gu An was not simple. Regardless of what Gu An concealed, his knowledge was not something ordinary cultivators could match.


    "Perhaps it was Sword Venerable Fudao who made a move," Xiaoyu said softly, her gaze returning to the horizon.


    Good guess!


    Gu An mentally gave Xiaoyu a thumbs up, his eyes still fixed on the sky.


    Under the gaze of all beings on the continent, the vast green light collided with the sea of fire, and following a brief somber moment, the sky radiated intensely bright light, like endless fireworks exploding.


    After the brief silence, the earth trembled, and strong winds fell from the sky, though not enough to threaten thend and mountains.


    The creatures across thend all sighed in relief, now understanding that the mysterious green light was there to protect them, to block the descending heavenly fire.


    However, they didn''t know that not all continents and inds had protectors.


    Gu An protected only the continent he was on, and while the beings there were excited and grateful, countless others perished in despair.


    At the Soul Calming Pagoda, atop the pagoda...


    A white-robed Daoist suddenly opened his eyes, expressing surprise with a grunt; he attempted to divine the situation but couldn''t make any urate predictions, his expression growing increasingly bizarre.


    He suddenly became interested and then vanished from the spot.


    Far away in the Supreme Sect, Gu An was chatting with Xiaoyu when he suddenly sensed a rapidly approaching presence, sighing involuntarily.


    Why must someone always be looking for death?


    "I''m going to check on Mystic Valley, we''ll talkter," Gu An said, heading towards the Transmission Array tform.


    Xiaoyu was not puzzled and looked up at the sky alone, admiring the powerful divine skills of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Underneath a nearby tree, Stealing the Five Elements and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, sitting opposite each other at a chessboard, also looked up at the sky, paying no attention to Gu An.


    Stealing the Five Elements spoke, "The trouble has ultimately been drawn here; the guy has arrived."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord turned to him, asking, "Who is this guy?"


    "A pupil of Life-Seizing Immortal, the real person Bai Hong, a renowned genius from the Great Cold Demon Sect, with unfathomable cultivation," Stealing the Five Elements responded.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s face subtly changed, clearly, he had heard of Bai Hong''s name.


    Stealing the Five Elements chuckled, "There''s going to be a show to watch. Geniuses all have one w: excess Confidence!"


    Not far off, Shen Xinzi, while staring at the sky, was also listening to Stealing the Five Elements'' conversation.


    He couldn''t help but think of the hand that had been ced on his shoulder that night and began to sympathize with Bai Hong.


    There were many hidden great powers in the world, no matter the cultivation level, one should never underestimate this world!


    This was the greatest realization Shen Xinzi had after leaving the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.


    In another ce...


    Under the Red Dawn Sky, Bai Hong rapidly flew through, unfazed by the sweeping fire, as he passed over vast expanses of water without looking down.


    His gaze had fixed on a distant continent.


    Within his divine range, many Great Cultivators were resisting his divine power to protect various beings. Yet, that particr continent was special, its methods piqued his interest, and moreover, he was unable to deduce the cause and effect of its mana.


    Perhaps the individual behind it was rted to the person his master sought.


    Thinking of this, Bai Hong''s eyes gleamed with anticipation.


    He was acting not only on behalf of his master but also to seize an opportunity for himself.


    Snap!


    A hand suddenly pressed onto his shoulder, bringing his full-speed flight to an immediate halt, causing his mana and Qi-blood to surge chaotically, and he even felt a strong difort as if his primordial spirit was about to leave his body.


    When he tried to break free, he was horrified to discover that he had lost control over his body and soul.


    He couldn''t even achieve Primordial Spirit Emergence, which made him widen his eyes and instinctively panic.


    In an instant, Bai Hong theorized many possibilities.


    Bai Hong, a 150,908-year-old Nine Layers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, ismentable to die here!


    Gu An looked at Bai Hong''s life span and thought so.


    Gu An didn''t employ his Soul Capturing Skill but prepared to directly annihte Bai Hong.


    He intentionally allowed Bai Hong to wait for a few moments to fully experience this despair, which also served as a punishment for his crimes.


    Bai Hong felt the pressure on his shoulder lessen and was about to speak when the hand suddenly tightened.


    With a squeeze from Gu An, Bai Hong instantly turned to ash, his soul dispersing without a sound.


    He then disappeared from the spot.


    Back in the forest around Mystic Valley, Gu An pretended to inspect medicinal herbs, and a notification popped up before his eyes.


    He sessfully seized 38,000 years of lifespan!


    Not too bad!


    Gu An wasn''t worried about Life-Seizing Immortaling for revenge, if he came, Gu An would kill him.


    Could the Carefree Primordial Immortal threaten the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma?


    If a stronger presence appeared and he was uncertain of his chances, he would flee.


    So far, it seemed unlikely that the Holy King would make a move, as it would hurt his image; otherwise, why wouldn''t he personally search for his enemy''s reincarnation?


    Being able to summon the Great Cold Demon Sect showed that the Holy King had his reservations.


    The sea of fire in the skysted for 30 minutes beforepletely dissipating. The green light enveloping the continent transformed into a sea of clouds, dispersing with the wind, and night fell.


    Although the world had darkened, the spirits of all beings remained unsettled for a long time.


    When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, Xiaoyu had already returned to her house. He could only join a group of disciples gathered in the chess-ying area, who were discussing the earlier phenomena. With Stealing the Five Elements and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord present, the disciples could greatly expand their knowledge and also learn about the incredible methods of Sword Venerable Fudao.

 Chapter 290 The Identity of the Senior

    Inside the Soul Calming Pagoda.


    Life-Seizing Immortal opened his eyes, a frown creasing his brow, his eyes filled with doubt and suspicion.


    "Why has his aura ceased?"


    Life-Seizing Immortal began to cast spells and calcte¡ªhe did not consider the possibility that Bai Hong had really died; after all, he knew how high his disciple''s Cultivation Level was. Within the same realm, Bai Hong had the power to suppress three Divine Exotic Ghost Kings single-handedly, which showed how terrifying his strength was; even if he encountered a Carefree Primordial Immortal, he would not die without a trace.


    However, no matter how he calcted, he could not deduce Bai Hong''s whereabouts.


    Bai Hong''s karmic ties were still fading away.


    This indicated that Bai Hong had most likely fallen, and moreover, had been scattered to the winds, with the Heaven and Earth Rules erasing the marks of his existence.


    Life-Seizing Immortal''s eyebrows knitted tightly together, his heart filled with shock and anger.


    Had a Carefree Primordial Immortal made a move?


    To achieve such a feat, it would certainly not be a low-level Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    The first thing Life-Seizing Immortal thought of was a being from the Holy Court; how could such a formidable existence hide in this Mortal World region?


    In Life-Seizing Immortal''s mind, the strongest beings in this Mortal World region were at most in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm; the sects here merely touched upon powers from Outer Heaven.


    A Master of Divine Exotic Realm was sufficient to suppress this Mortal World region for so many years; how could a Carefree Primordial Immortal possibly be lurking here?


    Wait.


    Life-Seizing Immortal suddenly thought of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Although his impression of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was mediocre, he had some recollection; the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had always curried favor with the Holy King he supported. The Holy King disdained the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, but some under the Holy King had received benefits from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm; to some extent, one could say the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was a force on the same side as him.


    He remembered a Daoist Friend mentioning that the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had sought help before; however, the Daoist Friend thought the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was not significant enough to warrant his intervention, so he assigned them a task. Consequently, just as the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had assisted the Divine Exotic Realm''s emergence, it was dismantled because some residual forces still existed, so his Daoist Friend didn''t think much of it, assuming it was just a local power struggle.


    Now it urred to him¡ªcould it be that this Mortal World region was hiding something?


    Could it have something to do with that reincarnated being?


    Life-Seizing Immortal''s eyes flickered, not with fear, but with a hint of delight.


    The massacre of themon people was not his main goal; all of this was to force out the reincarnated being. Now that signs had begun to show, how could he not be pleased?


    Immediately, he took out an ancient bronze oilmp and cast spells towards the wick.


    It''s time to call the old fogeys together!


    ...


    The catastrophe triggered by Bai Hong had consequences far and wide, its extent immeasurable. The continent where the Supreme Sect resided was spared from catastrophe, leading many sects to specte that it was Sword Venerable Fudao''s doing, causing his name to spread like wildfire across the continent once again.


    When the beings of the continent were excited and in awe, the sea was deadly silent; numerous inds andndmasses had been turned into seas of fire.


    Could ordinary Immortal Cultivation Sects withstand divine powers unleashed by Bai Hong?


    Even if the sects formed their formations in time, they could not hold back the sky-high mes; this was one of the reasons Gu An had taken action.


    This heavenly fire caused a third of all creatures in the Mortal World region to die¡ªa staggeringlyrge number.


    After the disaster had passed, on the seventh day.


    Gu An came alone to Immortal Seeking Ind, where the atmosphere within was grave, with significantly fewer Cultivatorsing and going, and a tense mood pervading the streets.


    Judging by the buildings within the city, it had not suffered from the heavenly fire''s onught, but the surrounding seascape was littered with countless dead fish and demonic creatures, showing that Immortal Seeking Ind was within the reach of the heavenly fire as well.


    The divine skills of a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal were enough to obliterate all beings!


    Gu An called over Hu Xiaojian, who heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing him.


    "Elder, I''m so d you''vee!"


    Hu Xiaojian''s tone held a hint of resentment; seven days earlier, he truly thought he was going to die on Immortal Seeking Ind. Though he had a narrow escape, he trembled with fear every day, dreading the sudden arrival of another catastrophe.


    Gu An teased, "That scared?"


    Hu Xiaojian nodded, "How could I not be? Did you see that great fire? It was terrifying, blotting out the sky¡ªjust imagining the Cultivation Level of the person behind it scares me."


    He wanted to say it might far surpass that of a Loose Immortal¡ªfor there were many Loose Immortals on Immortal Seeking Ind, and he had asionally witnessed Loose Immortals in Combat, which allowed him to makeparisons.


    But then he thought of Gu An being a Loose Immortal and immediately held his tongue.


    "Don''t worry," Gu An consoled, "evil has never triumphed over good; the person behind the scenes will definitely face retribution."


    In fact, the orchestrator of this catastrophe, Bai Hong, was already dead.


    The reason Gu An hade sote was to guard against a sudden assault from Life-Seizing Immortal on the Supreme Sect.


    Life-Seizing Immortal had not shown up, and, given his capabilities, he must have known of Bai Hong''s demise. His absence likely meant he was plotting something.


    Gu An felt there was a good chance he was shaking the tree to see what falls.


    The Great Cold Demon Sect, after all, was a colossal force in the world, with countless Cultivators whose numbers were difficult to estimate.


    Later, Gu An followed Hu Xiaojian around to learn the situation on Immortal Seeking Ind.


    ording to Hu Xiaojian, after experiencing this cmity, the Ind Master was clearly nning to abandon Immortal Seeking Ind; he had already instructed people to transport part of his property and disciples away, and within the Sea Protection Mansion, everyone was in a state of panic, with Cultivators like Hu Xiaojian unsure of where to go.


    Previously, Immortal Seeking Ind was their home and their greatest support. The Sea Protection Mansion would not take them with them.


    After hearing this, Gu An did not offer an opinion but asked Hu Xiaojian to take him to purchase medicinal herbs, which made Hu Xiaojian even more nervous.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He feared this was Gu An''sst visit to Immortal Seeking Ind.


    An hourter.


    The two arrived at Hu Xiaojian''s courtyard, and after Gu An sat down, Hu Xiaojian immediately poured wine for him.


    Gu An did not refuse, and his attitude made Hu Xiaojian feel somewhat more at ease.


    Only after Hu Xiaojian had poured the wine did Gu An speak, "Rest assured, I truly wish to obtain Immortal Seeking Ind. Soon, I will send a Wandering Immortal to take over Immortal Seeking Ind, and then your standing within the Sea Protection Mansion will rise. You, on the other hand, should diligently cultivate, so in the future you can be worthy of a high position."


    Wandering Immortal?


    Hu Xiaojian trembled slightly, tentatively asking, "Elder, might I know who you truly are?"


    Gu An being only with a Loose Immortal Cultivation Level but able to invite a Wandering Immortal suggested that Gu An had the backing of a great power.


    This was a pleasant surprise for Hu Xiaojian.


    No matter how strong one person was, they could notpete with a vast force!


    Gu An replied, "It''s better for you not to inquire about my identity. Knowing too much is of no benefit to you. Even if we truly can''t withstand an attack from Life-Seizing Immortal in the future, I will take you away. I have a ce where you can live in peace. However, before that happens, I want to take a gamble. What if a Great Power manifests from the sea to crush that Life-Seizing Immortal?"


    Hu Xiaojian nodded vigorously; whatever the case, his job was to cling to Gu An''s coattails.


    Of course, deep down, he believed Life-Seizing Immortal was unbeatable.


    The previous heavenly fire had left too deep of a scar on his psyche, and thinking about it still frightened him.


    "Elder, what do you need me to do now?" Hu Xiaojian asked respectfully.

 Chapter 291 Do You Want to Join the Great Cold Demon Sect?

    Gu An had stayed in Hu Xiaojian''s residence for an ancient hour. After he left, Hu Xiaojian was brimming with excitement, and his face was a bouquet of smiles.


    The predecessor had entrusted him with so many matters, which assuredly meant he wouldn''t easily forsake Immortal Seeking Ind. He hadn''t deceived him.


    Moreover, what need had the predecessor to deceive him?


    He was just a Minor Cultivator at the Nascent Soul Realm. If the predecessor wished not to take him, a single stern nce would have sufficed to silence any further pleas from him.


    Meanwhile.


    Gu An had returned to the premises of the Supreme Sect, pondering, as he walked into the Third Medicine Valley, which Wandering Immortal should assist him.


    Wandering Immortals were not Minor Cultivators; how could one easily control them?


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord was not an option, for Gu An feared exposing himself, given that the Nine-Finger Divine Lord had been to Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Neither Shen Xinzi nor "Stealing the Five Elements" were reliable.


    Gu An was not in a rush. There was still time. If need be, he could use the Mortal Jade to sway someone, asking Mortal World Peak to dispatch a Wandering Immortal to Immortal Seeking Ind to assist him.


    Now as the Peak Master of Mortal World Peak, which was rivaled only by Great Cold Demon Sect in strength, and surpassed it in heritage, he felt Mortal World Peak would not fear the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    The Great Cold Demon Sect needed to do the Holy Court''s dirty work to survive, whereas Mortal World Peak was different; it could hold office in the Holy Court. Over the long years, Mortal World Peak had sent how many Immortals to the Holy Court? Gu An believed Mortal World Peak would not fear the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    Of course, Mortal World Peak would not oppose Great Cold Demon Sect unless sufficient benefits tempted them to dare offend both the sect and its backing, the Holy King.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Reflecting on this, Gu An suddenly felt sentimental. No matter how high one''s Cultivation Realm, one could not escape the web of rtionships and favors.


    Only those strong enough to disregard the entire Immortal Path could act recklessly and willfully.


    The karmic ties of the world were tooplex, with the karma of all beings interlinked in a tangled mesh. Even the weakest beings, when followed through their karmic associations, were connected to immensely powerful entities.


    Gu An surveyed Medicine Valley and did not spot Nine-Finger Divine Lord or "Stealing the Five Elements," but found Shen Xinzi, who was engrossed in studying "Journey to the West."


    He could not understand Shen Xinzi''s fascination with "Journey to the West" and felt that he had grown increasingly distant from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, barely mentioning Buddhism these days.


    Gu An did not disturb Shen Xinzi but instead headed towards his loft.


    Compared to worrying about the affairs of the world, what to read next concerned him more.


    With strange urrences beingmonce in books through the ages.


    Recently, Gu An took pleasure in reading histories.


    ...


    Five yearster.


    Two hundred and ten-year-old Gu An practiced his exercises in Mystic Valley and nced at his Attribute Panel, realizing he was short just under six hundred thousand years from a two billion-year Life Span.


    Compared to others'' understanding of their own Cultivation Level, Gu An felt a greater sense of achievement watching those numbers of Life Span.


    But was it really just Life Span? These numbers were clearly his Cultivation!


    After morning practice, Lu Jiujia approached Gu An, seeking guidance on the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    Since lifting his cultivation restriction, his maximum Life Span had broken through to four hundred and ten years. Consequently, Gu An taught him a more potent Primordial Reincarnation Skill. Despite his diligent practice over the many years, he still had much to learn about the technique.


    Gu An listened and then patiently guided him, enlightening Lu Jiujia with a few words, which left him thrilled.


    Through the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, he was sure his senior brother was no ordinary person and clearly also practiced this Cultivation Technique. With the ess to Medicinal Herbs his senior brother had, he was bound to far surpass him.


    After imparting his advice, Gu An turned and departed. Lu Jiujia didn''t follow, instead standing still and savoring his words.


    Gu An walked into the forest and followed the path leading to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    By now, the Eight Scenic Caves were no longer a secret needing concealment, with Lu Jiujia aware of his secret abode beneath Mystic Valley. Given the chance, Lu Jiujia would watch over the disciples entering the forest, anxious lest any covet his senior brother''s cave.


    Mystic Valley was never short of spies!


    Gu An arrived within the Eight Scenic Caves, first picking ripe Medicinal Herbs, then directing the Poison Corpse to nt anew.


    The origins of Myriad Poison Mystic Skill left by Jiang Qiong had started to bear fruit. Although he couldn''t exploit the Poison Corpse to seize life from the herbs, sowing was straightforward without too much concern.


    Hey down under a Green Vine Tree, and quickly two tendrils stretched over his shoulders and began massaging them.


    The Green Vine Tree possessed Spiritual Wisdom but on ordinary days, it preferred silence. Gu An didn''t press it, rather he relished the tranquility of life in the Eight Scenic Caves.


    ustomed to life in Medicine Valley, taking the time to be alone in the Eight Scenic Caves was also enjoyable.


    He nned to stay overnight, as someone would visit him that evening.


    After finding afortable position, he pulled out a history book purchased from Immortal Seeking Ind, recording the rise and fall of a powerful force.


    Time swiftly passed.


    Untilte at night, footsteps echoed in the corridor. Gu An remained seated and did not even cast a nce that way.


    Soon,


    A figure approached him, apanied by a faint fragrance.


    The visitor stood with her hands on her hips, d in an exquisite purple robe, ornate with jade beads on her belt. Her long hair casually tied and two wooden hairpins inserted, her celestial beauty cloaked behind errant strands of ck hair, a subtle smile adorning her face, and her eyes sparkling with mischievous delight.


    Gu An lifted his head to look at her, appraising her, then chuckled, "Long time no see. How is it you seem younger? Did you practice some forbidden art?"


    The person standing before him was none other than Jiang Qiong, the creator of the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Juhua Sect, founded by Jiang Qiong, was now a top Sect in the Immortal Cultivation World, even coborating with the Supreme Sect. Of course, Juhua Sect''s overall strength didn''t yet match the Supreme Sect.


    "What nonsense, your Martial Master already appears youthful,"


    Jiang Qiong red at Gu An, then slid off her shoes, cing her bare feet on the grass.


    She stretchednguidly and sighed, "This ce still feelsfortable after so many years. Just like home."


    Gu An stood up and chuckled, "I''ve kept that coffin of yours. Want to lie inside for a while?"


    "Looking for a beating?"


    Jiang Qiong raised her hand to strike Gu An, who promptly dodged.


    She huffed and then inquired, "Little brat, feeling anxioustely?"


    Gu An asked curiously, "Why would you think so?"


    "The Life-Seizing Immortal from the Great Cold Demon Sect dered he would wipe out all life; how can you not be anxious? You''re the one who fears death the most."


    "Well, sure, it is worrying, but what use is angst? When the sky falls, there are tall ones like you to hold it up."


    Gu An spread his hands and spoke, eliciting a chuckle from Jiang Qiong, seeing him still as lighthearted as ever.


    Jiang Qiong took a step closer and whispered, "Would you like to join the Great Cold Demon Sect?"


    Gu An gave her a peculiar look.


    He didn''t always keep an eye on Jiang Qiong, only sending his Divine Sense her way asionally when she came to mind. Upon sensing no danger, he would swiftly retract his focus.


    He hadn''t expected Jiang Qiong to establish ties with the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    How did she manage that?


    Gu An began to explore Jiang Qiong''s karmic ties while asking, "You know someone from the Great Cold Demon Sect?"


    A flood of karmic images entered Gu An''s vision as he saw her past.


    It turned out, the continent from which the Ephemera Sect hailed was under the thumb of the Great Cold Demon Sect, which was why the Seven Stars Spirit Realm dared not use Nine Nether Road to reach the other worlds.


    There, the Great Cold Demon Sect was sovereign while the Ephemera Sect was merely a regional sect¡ªnoparison between the two could be made.


    ording to the Ghost Mother of Ephemera''s words to Jiang Qiong, the decline of the Ephemera Sect was influenced by the Great Cold Demon Sect. Long ago, that continent did not belong to the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    Following the unification, Juhua Sect, like other sects, shared ess to the Nine Nether Road, which allowed the Ghost Mother to return to her roots, with Jiang Qiong bridging connections through her to the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    The Ghost Mother knew a Great Cultivator within the Great Cold Demon Sect¡ªa Great Cultivator with only Mahayana Realm cultivation, likely a lowly figure within the sect.


    "Although Sword Venerable Fudao has recently protected the continent, how can his sole strength contend with the Great Cold Demon Sect? He did not charge me with any tasks, so I deliberately returned to take you to the Great Cold Demon Sect. What harm in cultivating Medicinal Herbs there? By joining the Great Cold Demon Sect, that too could be arranged," Jiang Qiong earnestly suggested.


    Gu An felt moved yet amused.


    Why did she always flip sides so easily?


    Gu An shook his head, "No, thanks. Howfortable could I be, tending herbs in the powerful Great Cold Demon Sect? Perhaps no sooner than joining would I be refined into an Elixir¡ªthat''s a Demon Sect!"


    Jiang Qiong red at him, annoyed, "With me around, who could dare to bully you?"


    "Are you highly cultivated?"


    "Surely not among the highest in the Great Cold Demon Sect. But to protect you? More than enough. Just calmly stay with me then."


    "So I''d have to wait on you, curry favor with you?"


    "Exactly, how about that? Right now, my feet are a bit sore,e give me a rub."


    "Spit, shameless!"


    Gu An would never agree. A man might be in, but not insulted.


    Looking down, his face betraying disgust, he noted that Jiang Qiong''s feet, which she had only bared moments ago, were already stained with mud and grass.


    Jiang Qiong watched Gu An''s stubborn reaction, amused and keen to tease further, but she first needed to address serious matters.


    She spoke gravely, "Gu An, this time it''s different. The Great Cold Demon Sect has sent vast numbers of Cultivators here, their might unmatched by Seven Stars Spirit Realm or Star Sea Congregations. Even Star Sea Congregations contemtes retreat. Not to mention them, do you know about Nine Nether Road? Almost every sect on this continent has members desiring to flee through Nine Nether Road, including your Supreme Sect!"


    Gu An fell silent.


    Jiang Qiong continued, "Actually, joining the Great Cold Demon Sect might not be ill-fated; perhaps you''d even discover great opportunities. While innate aptitude is fated, there are plenty in this world who turned their lives around withter-day fortunes. Don''t you desire the pursuit of eternal life?"


    Gu An gazed at her, replying, "Thanks for your kindness, but I truly don''t want to go. There are too many things and people here that I cannot abandon. As for fortunes you mentioned, when has this world ever offered fortune free from danger? Even venturing into the Eight Scenic Caves once nearly brought me peril."


    Hearing this, Jiang Qiong grew frustrated. Why was this boy so stubborn?


    Gu An added, "Moreover, I feel this catastrophe might not be insurmountable. I believe in Sword Venerable Fudao, believe in the triumph of good over evil. Surely, there are many Great Powers in this world who can stand against the Great Cold Demon Sect."


    "I often read books, and don''t they all say, ''If man will strive, then heaven will thrive''? The Great Cold Demon Sect, which treats life so wantonly, no matter how powerful, will eventually meet its reckoning. Aligning with them is not a righteous path."


    With that, he raised the book in his hand with a determined expression.

 Chapter 292: Chapter 292 The World Has Changed

    Hearing Gu An''s words, Jiang Qiong fell into silence.


    She felt somewhat lost inside. She had always been faced with choices: she had escaped from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion to the Supreme Sect, then from the Supreme Sect to the Nine Nether Road, and even after establishing the Juhua Sect, she still had to flee to the Great Cold Demon Sect?


    Could it be that all her choices had been wrong?


    It seemed that no matter when she returned, Gu An never changed.


    Gu An saw the mood she was in; he was afraid of saying too much, after all, she didn''t have the confidence he did - how could he judge everyone by his own standards?


    "My nature dictates that I cannot travel far and wide; you are much stronger than I am. You can go on adventures, but you must never fully trust anyone, especially the Demon Sect," Gu An said.


    Jiang Qiong snapped to attention upon hearing this.


    What was she thinking?


    If she hadn''t fled, she''d already be dead!


    Evenpared with Gu An, her cultivation level was rising rapidly. Although the path seemed difficult and bitter, her cultivation was her achievement.


    She was now at the seventh floor of the Divinity Transformation Realm!


    Thinking of this, Jiang Qiong smiled. She red at Gu An and said, "You''ve refused me time and again. Be careful, or I might stop caring about you. When you run into trouble and think of me, it will be toote."


    Gu An solemnly said, "As long as you are safe, it doesn''t matter if you forget about me. Meeting and knowing each other in this life is a destiny forged over a hundred lifetimes."


    Touched by his words, Jiang Qiong thought to herself, this brat knows how to talk. If his cultivation were higher, how many girls of heavenly pride would he lead astray?


    Of course, she believed that Gu An truly thought this way and wasn''t just trying to please her.


    After knowing him for so many years, she never heard Gu An ask her for anything.


    Jiang Qiong looked at Gu An, wanting to tease him, but no words could pass her throat.


    That''s because this time, the situation was truly different!


    She felt that Gu An had underestimated the power of the Great Cold Demon Sect. Indeed, in the past few years, when the Heavenly Fire cmity that covered the skies was blocked by Sword Venerable Fudao, themon beings on the maind did not see the tragic scenes over the seas, where many creatures died in agony.


    The one who had acted was only a Cultivator from the Great Cold Demon Sect, and now, arge group of Cultivators from the Great Cold Demon Sect was on their way. Just the thought filled her with despair, seeing no glimmer of hope for victory.


    Who in the world could stand against the colossal presence of the Great Cold Demon Sect like this?


    Jiang Qiong looked at Gu An''s gentle smiling face and suddenly felt a pang of heartache.


    Silly boy, what is written in books is not necessarily true.


    Indeed, since ancient times, good has triumphed over evil, but if evil wins, it can be the new good.


    ...


    Jiang Qiong did not immediately leave after returning but stayed within the Eight Scenic Caves. Gu An would visit her every other day, each time trying various ways to persuade him, whether by tempting him with legends of the Great Cold Demon Sect or by teaching him spells.


    Gu An steadfastly refused, but since he didn''t want to confront her directly, they were at a stalemate.


    Half a month passed.


    The weather was still scorching hot.


    As Gu An came down from the loft, he was confronted by Ji Xiaoyu at the foot of the stairs.


    "Who is that woman?" Ji Xiaoyu asked, staring at Gu An. Her expression was calm, but her eyes seemed rather sharp.


    Gu An was surprised and asked, "What woman?"


    "There''s a scent of another woman on you."


    "So what if there is? What about it?"


    Gu An didn''t seem to care, chuckling. After all, in this world, it''s the exnations that are suspect; the less you care, the less significant it seems.


    In fact, nothing had happened between him and Jiang Qiong, but he couldn''t betray her by revealing her n to defect to the Great Cold Demon Sect!


    Gu An hadn''t urged Jiang Qiong to give up on joining the Great Cold Demon Sect because he wasn''t sure of the sect''s strength himself. If the Great Cold Demon Sect turned out to be powerful enough that even he couldn''t deal with it, he''d have to flee too.


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at Gu An and said, "Haven''t you noticed a change in the atmosphere of the Mortal World?"


    Gu An looked around and said, "How has it changed? Those who should be sweeping are sweeping, those who want to y chess are still ying chess. Look, there''s even a rat leading an ox."


    Ji Xiaoyu followed his gaze and couldn''t help but shake her head and chuckle.


    "Nevermind, it''s just as well. In life, cherishing the present is enough," she said softly before turning back to her room to continue her cultivation.


    Gu An didn''t try to retain her. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on Medicine Valley.


    He saw much more than Ji Xiaoyu did, and much clearer too!


    Ever since the Real Bai Hong disyed Heavenly Fire, the entire sea had been engulfed by a frenzy of escape, which gradually affected the maind. Many noble families began to venture across the seas or rush to the Nine Nether Road.


    Moreover, many were spreading rumors that the Great Cold Demon Sect was about tounch a massive invasion, all of which Gu An knew were minions hastily recruited by the Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators, intended to sow panic in this part of the Mortal World.


    At the Sea-Breaking Rift, the Soul Calming Pagoda was already crammed with countless Cultivators from the Great Cold Demon Sect, the least of whom were at the Nirvana Realm, with the number of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals surpassing a hundred. Besides the Life-Seizing Immortal, there were even three Carefree Primordial Immortals!


    A total of four Carefree Primordial Immortals!


    This force was absolutely overwhelming in this part of the Mortal World, unstoppable.


    The key was that the Great Cold Demon Sect was still sending reinforcements!


    Gu An hadn''t made a move yet because he didn''t know the full extent of the Great Cold Demon Sect''s resources. However, he wasn''t just waiting idly; he had already used his Divine Sense to scan the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, looking for a safe ce far from this part of the Mortal World. If he really couldn''t stand against them, he would take everyone he cared about with him and leave, ready to start life anew.


    Of course, this was ast resort.


    It all depended on whether the Great Cold Demon Sect had a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    So far, the highest level among the Carefree Primordial Immortals was only the fifth floor.


    Before a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma appeared, Gu An, who was at the ninth floor of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, wouldn''t panic.


    After watching for a while, Gu An turned and left.


    An ancient hourter.


    Riding on the Blood Prison Great Saint, he arrived at Tianya Valley with Yang Jian and Li Lingtian following behind. Li Lingtian wore an impatient expression; it was clear he was not keen oning to Tianya Valley.


    Li Xuandao was waiting inside the valley.


    Gu An, apanied by the two men, entered the courtyard where Li Xuandao was.


    By now, Li Lingtian''s cultivation had reached the eighth floor of the Core Formation Realm, pleasing Li Xuandao, whoplimented him for not neglecting his cultivation.


    "Let''s get one thing straight; I don''t want to go back. Besides, Father Emperor, you''re still in good spirits, so there''s no need for me to act as the Crown Prince!" Li Lingtian said immediately.


    Li Xuandao shook his head with a smile, while Gu An actually found this quite amusing.


    Li Xuandao nned to reign as Emperor for eternity. Naturally, the Crown Prince was the most feared threat; the only reason Li Lingtian became the Crown Prince was on behalf of Empress Yang and the Yang Family.


    Li Lingtian''s words made Gu An look at him with newfound respect.


    This youngster seemed to have the wisdom of ying the fool.


    Li Xuandao became serious, "It''s not about you returning to the pce, but to your mother''s family to sail with them. There''s no room for discussion; your mother has given a strict order."


    Li Lingtian was taken aback; he instinctively wanted to ask why, but he quickly understood.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    For a time, the atmosphere in the courtyard fell silent.


    Li Xuandao turned to Gu An and asked, "The Supreme Sect has yet to formte a strategy, do you want to join Lingtian in leaving?"


    The reason the Supreme Sect had no strategy was something Gu An had heard from Lv Baitian; the Hall of Elders had debated multiple times about whether to evacuate, fearing that it might offend Sword Venerable Fudao, who had been willing to protect them. How could they run away now?


    Sword Venerable Fudao took action not for himself, but to save them, the Mortal Spirits.


    Lv Baitian also consulted Gu An, asking his opinion on whether they should evacuate.


    This time, Gu An offered no advice.


    He wanted the Supreme Sect to make their own decision.


    If the Supreme Sect chose to flee, he certainly wouldn''t follow them but would find a ce to hide instead. From then on, his connection with the Supreme Sect would be severed.


    Gu An had no burdens regarding the Supreme Sect; he owed them nothing, quite the contrary, the sect owed him a lot.


    "I''ll pass. Let the Supreme Sect decide. I can''t leave the Supreme Sect," Gu An answered.


    Upon hearing this, Li Lingtian quickly said, "Father Emperor, I can also..."


    "Shut up!"


    Li Xuandao barked, his eyes sharply intimidating.


    For a moment, Li Lingtian felt afraid.


    Yang Jian and the Blood Prison Great Saint looked at Li Xuandao in shock.


    Why did this Emperor seem no ordinary man?


    "This situation is different from before. If you follow the Supreme Sect to evacuate, chances are you will never see your mother again in this life. You must go back!" Li Xuandao took a deep breath and said coldly.


    His mood had been bad all this time; he''d merely been suppressing it.


    He had worked hard for many years to secure his empire, and now a cmity threatened to destroy it. How could he not feel indignant?


    Yet,pared to the immense depth of the Great Cold Demon Sect, Taicang Dynasty had no intention to resist.


    Gu An looked at Li Xuandao and asked, "Uncle, what about you?"


    Li Lingtian turned his gaze angrily to Li Xuandao.


    Li Xuandao looked at his own teacup on the table and said softly, "Everyone can escape, except me. Even if I have to die, let me die alongside my subjects."


    With so many people in the Taicang Dynasty, not all could escape; if he thought of leaving, the Dynasty would surely descend into chaos.


    Li Lingtian froze, his eyes softening as he looked at Li Xuandao.


    Yang Jian also grew solemn out of respect for the Emperor who had gifted him a divine weapon.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint hadn''t expected Li Xuandao to be so resolute, and he rose from his crouch in surprise.


    Gu An addressed Li Xuandao, "Uncle, have you forgotten the goal you once sought?"


    Li Xuandao replied, "Without my subjects, what is an Emperor''s throne worth? An Emperor who cannot protect his empire is bound to fail. Even if the empire were to be rebuilt, it would be meaningless."


    His words inspired admiration in everyone present.


    Luo Hun even knelt down, expressing with a heavy voice, "Your Highness, I am willing to follow and serve you unto death without regret."


    Li Xuandao merely waved his hand, not saying much more.


    Sure, he spoke sincerely, but he hadn''t resigned himself to fate.


    He was gambling!


    He was betting on the Sword Venerable Fudao to overturn the Great Cold Demon Sect!


    He couldn''t forget the shock Sword Venerable Fudao had brought him during past cmities.


    He couldn''t forget that day when the skies were filled with fierce mes pressuring the living beings, and countless green lights rose up, giving him hope.


    He felt Sword Venerable Fudao was different, a difference that perhaps even transcended cultivation levels. Despite many Great Cultivators in the world, he just felt that Sword Venerable Fudao was the most special.


    From Sword Venerable Fudao, he sensed an aura.


    That was the aura of invincibility!


    Should Sword Venerable Fudao''s heart be kind, then peace would reign throughout thend!

 Chapter 293 How About I Slice That Continent in Half with One Sword?

    After staying in Tianya Valley for an ancient hour, Gu An left with Blood Prison Great Saint and Yang Jian, while Li Lingtian stayed behind in Tianya Valley, as he was about to head south and venture out to sea.


    If nothing unexpected happened, at least in Li Lingtian''s view, it would be very difficult for him to see Gu An and Yang Jian again in his lifetime.


    When they parted, Li Lingtian asked Gu An to convey a message to Ji Xiaoyu, speaking words of blessings.


    "Master, is there really no power in the world willing toe out and stop the Great Cold Demon Sect?"


    Blood Prison Great Saint asked with a tone full of emotion.


    In his world, there existed no force as formidable.


    Yang Jian also looked towards Gu An, unworried as long as his martial master was calm.


    Gu An responded, "How can there not be? Many led the charge towards the Soul Calming Pagoda, only to fall due tock of strength."


    He spoke the truth; every now and then, a group of cultivators and demons would assault the Soul Calming Pagoda, and even if they perished, others would follow their will.


    Whether the world was good or evil, it was hard to say, but one thing was certain¡ªthere existed real justice, and some cultivators deemed it more important than eternal life.


    Gu An looked into the distance.


    Great Cold Demon Sect, you''d better have something worth my fear, or even the Holy King can''t protect you.


    What would the Holy Court do if angered? Kill if necessary, or simply flee to Outer Heaven!


    If no trouble came knocking, Gu An naturally preferred to stay low in the Supreme Sect.


    But when trouble came knocking uninvited, he wouldn''t swallow his pride!


    Along the way, having killed numerous madmen, Gu An was always aware of how terrifying his ability to seize life was; in anyone else''s hands, it would have caused catastrophe across the world.


    He managed restraint because that was who he was; everyone had their path, and he only wished to walk his without guilt.


    However, the more chaotic the world became, the more he desired to unleash ughter.


    He wanted to kill the people of the Great Cold Demon Sect!


    ¡­


    Across the tumultuous seasy the Sea Breaking Rift, splitting the ocean in two, beside which stood the towering Soul Calming Pagoda, its top seeming to touch the sky.


    The sky brimmed with stifling thunderclouds, with asional muffled thunder.


    At the first level of the Soul Calming Pagoda,


    the Life-Seizing Immortal sat on a lotus throne, nked by three individuals, none inferior in presence, while hundreds of Great Cold Demon Sect cultivators stood in the hall, creating a cheerful ambiance withughter, looking nothing like demon cultivators, adorned in splendid garments and dignified demeanors, some even appearing ethereal and wise.


    A woman in red next to the Life-Seizing Immortal opened her eyes, turned to him, and asked, "Brother, how much longer must we wait? Are there still beings in this mortal region that the four of us cannot subdue?"


    The other two Carefree Primordial Immortals opened their eyes, their expressions indifferent, eyes fixed on the Life-Seizing Immortal.


    Life-Seizing Immortal slowly opened his eyes, saying, "Caution is the parent of safety. Bai Hong''s death was too peculiar, we must not be careless, remember what thisnd hides."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The three Carefree Primordial Immortals fell silent; having lived for hundreds of thousands of years and weathered many storms, they shed their arrogance upon hearing Life-Seizing Immortal''s words.


    Indeed, the greater the power, the greater the caution required.


    At this moment, someone in the hall stepped forward and loudly said, "Venerable Masters, why not ignite another disaster to test the limits of that mysterious being and drive more people away, lest they hinder us?"


    With these words, the hall erupted with agreement and cries for revenge for Bai Hong.


    Life-Seizing Immortal''s gaze turned to the first speaker, a blue-robed Daoist with a treasure sword at his waist and a folding fan in hand, his inherent sword intent formidable even just standing there.


    "Qingxin, what would you like to do?" asked the Life-Seizing Immortal.


    Silence followed in the hall.


    With a smirk, Qingxin the Daoist replied, "I wield a sword capable of slicing oceans and moons alike. How about I cleave that continent in half with a single strike?"


    After speaking, he raised his arms, turned to face the crowd, prompting apuse and cheers in the hall.


    The majority of cultivators present felt no pressure but rather a yful curiosity to see who would dare oppose the Great Cold Demon Sect!


    Were it another mortal region, they might have worried, but here, like tigers among chickens, where was the reason to fear?


    Watching Qingxin disy such vigor, the other three Carefree Primordial Immortals smiled, having watched him grow up and master Daoist sorcery, now capable of standing on his own, they were naturally pleased.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Life-Seizing Immortal slowly nodded.


    Seeing this, Qingxin''s smile grewrger, dering, "In that case, I will go now. Fellow disciples,e and enjoy the spectacle with me."


    The Life-Seizing Immortal added, "Do not stray far."


    "Master, rest assured!"


    Qingxin saluted with his hands, turned, and left, followed by a throng.


    The woman in red turned to the Life-Seizing Immortal, saying, "Now''s a good time for you to speak up and elerate the process, after all, dy could lead to problems."


    Life-Seizing Immortal hesitated again, then slowly nodded.


    ¡­


    In Supreme Sect, within a bright hall,


    all Elders gathered, including Lu Lingjun and Nine-Finger Divine Lord, most frowning in concern.


    Lv Baitian, sitting in the Sect Leader''s seat and nked by five Supreme Elders, appeared equally at a loss.


    Vice Sect Leader Ji Hantian spoke out, "Sect Leader, just say what you''re thinking so we can prepare in advance. We can''t possibly wait until a catastrophe is upon us to start considering our response."


    At this, other Elders also spoke up, urging Lv Baitian.


    Lv Baitian took a deep breath and said, "I fear that once we retreat, our connection with Sword Venerable Fudao will be irreversibly severed."


    A few agreed with him.


    An Elder stood up and argued, "Survival is the most important thing. So far, none of us have even seen Sword Venerable Fudao, let alone understand his views on the matter. Moreover, we simply cannotpare ourselves to Sword Venerable Fudao¡ªif he wants to flee, he can, his Dao level is beyond ours."


    This sentiment was echoed by others, considering not only themselves but also their disciples and descendants, each backed by influential families or intricateworks.


    The current Supreme Sectprised millions of disciples, and the number scattered across various ces was immeasurable!


    Gu Zong also sighed, unusually not supporting Lv Baitian this time.


    Lu Lingjun also wished for the Supreme Sect to evacuate; her reluctance to leave Supreme Sect stemmed from concern for the people of the Third Medicine Valley, hoping they wouldn''t perish in this impending catastrophe.


    Lv Baitian''s expression turned extremely grim as he took another deep breath and dered, "If so, those who want to leave may do so. However, Supreme Sect must remain on this continent, empty or not. This is our stance, without Sword Venerable Fudao, there would be no Supreme Sect today!"


    As he spoke these words, he rxed.


    A smile appeared on his face, the decision lifting the burden from his shoulders.


    It would be death at worst.


    His statement caused an uproar in the hall.


    "Sect Leader, think again!"


    "If it reallyes to it, why not ask the elder in front of the Heaven-Cutting Axe for advice? You can''t make such arbitrary decisions."


    "Yes, what does it mean to say the Sect can be empty but not leave? Where does that leave our dignity?"


    "The Sect is a whole; we must advance or retreat together!"


    "Sect Leader, let''s leave together. We can ask Sword Venerable Fudao to join us."


    Lv Baitian, listening to their words, felt their hypocrisy.


    A bunch of cowards afraid to take responsibility and scared to die!


    As he was about to speak, a voice suddenly echoed through the heavens and earth:


    "From today, my disciple, Qingxin the Daoist, will annihte one region each day. Worldly beings, your time is running out. Today, let''s see which region''s creatures are most pitiable, unfortunate enough to be the first annihted."


    As the Life-Seizing Immortal''s voice faded, a chill ran through everyone in the hall.


    They were not frightened by his words, but felt a terrifying sword intent targeting them.


    More precisely, every sentient being on the continent was terrified by this sword intent.

 Chapter 294 Deadline of Death

    Inside the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An and An Xin stood in a garden area, with Gu An instructing what to nt next. An Xin listened attentively.


    Just then, the voice of the Life-Seizing Immortal suddenly echoed.


    He was actually nning to exterminate one region of Heaven and Earth every day!


    An Xin had no time to think further when a terrifying Sword Intent descended, causing a drastic change in herplexion.


    The previously bustling Medicine Valley fell silent in an instant.


    An Xin felt as if she were being crushed by a mountain, almost unable to breathe, which turned herplexion even paler.


    Suddenly, a handnded on her shoulder, making her heart tremble. Before she could think further, the pressure on her body abruptly vanished.


    She turned her head instinctively and, seeing it was her master''s hand, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Master, could it be that they''ve chosen the continent we''re on?" An Xin asked cautiously.


    Even though she was carefree on normal days, she feared death when faced with it.


    The words of the Life-Seizing Immortal, coupled with the sudden Sword Intent, made it clear that the first chosen continent was the one they were on.


    Gu An took a deep breath and feignedposure, "Unclear, let''s go back inside first. Within the confines of the Supreme Sect, such cmities are not our concern. Whether we live or die, we leave it to fate."


    An Xin wanted to speak again, but Gu An pulled her away.


    Another voice rang out in Medicine Valley:


    "Amitabha!"


    With Shen Xinzi''s words, everyone in Medicine Valley felt relieved, and disciples ran towards the pavilions.


    Rumble¡ª


    The earth trembled as the Supreme Sect activated its great protective Formation. Golden barriers rose up from all directions.


    By the time Gu An and hispanion reached the pavilion, Ji Xiaoyu had already stepped outside. She gazed at the sky, the red Dao Patterns on her forehead starting to flicker with tiny mes.


    Seeing this, Gu An quickly approached her and asked, "You weren''t frightened just now, were you?"


    Ji Xiaoyu''s Dao Patterns returned to normal as Gu An blocked her view. Her expression calmed down, and she nodded, "No, it seems the Life-Seizing Immortal is targeting the continent. It''s probably rted to the actions of Sword Venerable Fudao years ago."


    Gu Anforted her, "Don''t overthink it. If the enemy is acting this way, it means Sword Venerable Fudao is still around. Take care of the valley for me, I need to make a trip to Mystic Valley."


    With that, Gu An quickly headed towards the Transmission Array tform.


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at his receding figure, wanting to say something, but she couldn''t find the words. Somehow, this scene felt familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere.


    Gu An swiftly arrived in Mystic Valley and saw Lu Jiujia already calling disciples to take cover. He nodded to himself in approval.


    Taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, he quickly walked into the woods pretending to inspect medicinal herbs.


    "Are you courting death? Caring about your flowers and nts at a time like this, you must be insane."


    The voice of Jiang Qiong came from behind, and Gu An turned to look, seeing her with an ugly expression walking towards him.


    She looked at Gu An and said with resentment, "Now I can''t even escape if I want to. Let''s wait for death together."


    She could feel the Sword Intent approaching rapidly. Even if she tried to escape now, she was afraid it would be toote to reach the Nine Nether Road.


    Gu An, squatting on the ground, couldn''t help but punch the grass, picking up a handful of fallen leaves before standing up, his face filled with unwillingness.


    Jiang Qiong looked at his expression and suddenlyughed, teasing, "What''s wrong? Scared?"


    Gu An tossed the leaves in his hand forward as if venting his anger. He then turned to look at Jiang Qiong and said, "I''m not afraid. I just find this disdain for life detestable."


    Jiang Qiong fell silent, then said, "Come with me to the Eight Scenic Caves."


    Gu An nodded and followed her up the mountain.


    Jiang Qiong didn''t notice the leaves that Gu An had thrown floated up again, each leaf trembling.


    Only after they entered the entrance of the Eight Scenic Caves did the leaves disappear into the forest.


    ...


    In front of the Soul Calming Pagoda, tens of thousands of Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators floated in the air, their eyes focused on Qingxin Zhenren, who was holding a sword.


    "Such exquisite Sword Intent, Elder Brother Qingxin''s Supreme Mysterious Sword Dao has reached the Transformation Realm."


    "Indeed powerful, enough to sweep across the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm."


    "I heard that Elder Brother Bai Hong was defeated by Elder Brother Qingxin a thousand years ago."


    "The founder of the Supreme Mysterious Sword Dao, the Supreme Mysterious Ancestor, went to the Holy Land long ago. In ten thousand years, the only one who has reached such a level with the Supreme Mysterious Sword Dao is Elder Qingxin."


    "This sword strike, everyone should watch carefully, it is a rare sight."


    The Great Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect discussed animatedly, mostly in a lighthearted tone.


    Even though they already knew about the fall of Bai Hong, they were not panicked. They had the numerical advantage this time, and with four Carefree Primordial Immortals as their support, how could they possibly die?


    Qingxin Zhenren positioned his treasure sword in front of him, the de perfectly aligning with his eyes.


    Suddenly, he opened his eyes, which astonishingly turned green.


    As soon as he opened his eyes, his Sword Intent fully erupted, silencing the surrounding noise.


    All eyes fell on Qingxin Zhenren, and with a stern look, he immediately shed with his sword.


    Sword light gleamed, chilling the Heaven and Sea, and even the rolling thunderclouds above were illuminated.


    As Qingxin Zhenren swung his sword, his Sword Intent transformed into terrifying Sword Qi, shooting forward as his pupils suddenly contracted.


    In the reflection of his pupils, numerous green dots grew rapidly.


    From the onlookers'' perspective, Qingxin Zhenren''s sword shed out a terrifying Sword Qi tens of thousands of miles long, like a crescent moon sweeping across the sky.


    At that moment, a series of green light beams shot from the edge of the sky with even greater speed, too fast for anyone to react.


    Boom!


    The Sword Qi scattered, and Qingxin Zhenren''s eyes widened in disbelief as a green light reached him in a blink of an eye.


    As if time stood still, he saw a falling leaf amidst the green light!


    The leaf, carrying terrifying Sword Qi, directly shattered Qingxin Zhenren''s physical body and extinguished his soul.


    It wasn''t just one leaf. Dozens more did the same, annihting Great Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect, the Soul Calming Pagoda trembling violently.


    The Life-Seizing Immortal and his four Carefree Primordial Immortalpanions appeared out of thin air, casting spells swiftly to form a vast Barrier, protecting all the disciples around them.


    Silence!


    The world rapidly fell into quietness, and all the disciples of the Great Cold Demon Sect trembled, disying fear no longer masked by their previous nonchnt demeanor.


    The Life-Seizing Immortal turned his head, noticing the leaves embedded all over the surface of the Soul Calming Pagoda, his pupils narrowing.


    It was leaves...


    The attack was too fast, so fast that by the time they realized it, more than a dozen disciples had died, all Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals.


    Even the red-clothed woman who had been urging the Life-Seizing Immortal to speed up the process couldn''t speak now. As powerful as the Carefree Primordial Immortals were, they were filled with dread.


    The enemy had struck too fast, killing disciples right under their noses!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It was as if someone had pped them across the face, leaving a burning sensation.


    ...


    Gu An followed Jiang Qiong into the Eight Scenic Caves, with prompts of Life Span continuously appearing before him.


    This strike seized forty-three hundred thousand years of Life Span!


    Gu An hadn''t used his full strength, but it was enough to terrify the Life-Seizing Immortal and his associates. If they could summon even stronger beings, then they should call them sooner. If not, even if they gave up on exterminating this region of the Mortal World, Gu An would not let them go.


    The one hundred-year mandate set by the Life-Seizing Immortal had already be his death sentence in Gu An''s mind.


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Qiong let out a sound of surprise, feeling the terrifying Sword Intent suddenly disappear.


    Gu An then asked, "Could it be that we''ve escaped this disaster?"


    Without looking back, Jiang Qiong replied, "Can''t say for sure."


    The two made their way to the Green Vine Tree, with Jiang Qiong starting to set up the Formation. Gu An asked her what she was doing.


    "The smaller the range of the Formation, the stronger its protection. I want to see if we can escape this disaster. Let''s take a gamble. If it doesn''t work, we''re dead anyway, so worrying then would be pointless," Jiang Qiong casually answered, making Gu An want to cry andugh at the same time.


    Meanwhile, the entire continent was in a state of tension.


    Even though the Sword Intent had vanished, the tightly wound nerves of all beings on the continent could not immediately rx.


    Many beings began to flee, and Gu An even felt many presences flying out of the Supreme Sect, all in groups, which were noble families in flight.


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley.


    Ji Hantiannded swiftly and found Ji Xiaoyu. The two conversed inside the house.


    "I''m not leaving," Ji Xiaoyu stated, expressionless.


    Upon hearing this, Ji Hantian became angry but, for some reason, looking at Ji Xiaoyu, he thought of a fellow descendant with the same name and surname.


    Although they looked different, their expressions at this moment made them seem like the same person.


    Ji Hantian''s anger dissipated somewhat, and he said solemnly, "Regardless of whether the Life-Seizing Immortal has chosen this continent, there will only be more dangers ahead. The Ji Family must preserve its lineage. Why do you insist on staying?"


    Ji Xiaoyu looked at him, "Someone must stay. I can give my spot to someone else. Besides, where can we flee to?"


    Ji Hantian felt suffocated with frustration. Years ago, he had tried to forcibly keep another Ji Xiaoyu, without sess. Now he wanted this Ji Xiaoyu to leave, but it was still not possible.


    He couldn''t understand why these descendants always opposed him.


    He was always looking out for their best interest.


    "There''s no time left. You''d better go and persuade the other n members," Ji Xiaoyu reminded.


    Ji Hantian red at her and left immediately.


    Ji Xiaoyu was not his direct descendant, so he could only advise, without the right to forcibly take her away.


    Once Ji Hantian had departed, Ji Xiaoyu thought for a moment and then walked out of her house.


    She went outside the courtyard, looking up at the sky, only to see numerous Cultivators flying over Medicine Valley. It was unclear whether they were fleeing or preparing for battle.


    "The Great Cold Demon Sect..."


    Ji Xiaoyu murmured to herself, the Dao Patterns between her eyebrows once more emitting thin mes.


    Time passed amidst the panic of beings below.


    The people were trapped in agony and anxiety.


    Until an Ancient Hourter, the atmosphere began to ease.


    Elder Lu looked at Shen Xinzi and asked, "Senior, were we not chosen?"


    The other disciples looked at Shen Xinzi as well. Shen Xinzi''s background was very mysterious, but the higher-ups of the Supreme Sect held him in high regard. Such an existence would certainly see further than they could.


    Shen Xinzi frowned deeply, looking towards the sky, and said, "Indeed, we were not chosen..."


    At his words, all the disciples rejoiced.

 Chapter 295 The Great Cold Demon Sect Attacks!

    Upon hearing Shen Xinzi''s words, the disciples of Medicine Valley all cheered, yet Shen Xinzi hesitated as if he wanted to say more.


    He intended to say one thing, that it seemed no continent had been chosen.


    To obliterate a continent, what immense power it must require, he, being from the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, could surely sense it.


    However, he could not openly mention this, for fear that these mortals would be terrified.


    Even if they knew what would happen next, what could they do?


    Better to enjoy this surprise and live the remaining days as carefree as possible.


    Time continued to pass.


    With the moon setting and the sun rising, only when the next day''s sunlight swept across the Great Heaven and Earth did the creatures of the continent finally breathe a sigh of relief, for the Life-Seizing Immortal had said that each day, one continent would be chosen, and they had survived the first day.


    The situation at the Supreme Sect also settled down; although many noble families began to retreat, the core foundation remained unshaken.


    When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, normalcy had returned to Medicine Valley. After Xiaochuan left and An Xin began to manage Medicine Valley, and because of her gentle nature, most disciples liked her, so there had been no issues under her management.


    Shen Zhen found him soon after he returned.


    "Do you want a ce to hide?" Shen Zhen asked with a smug smile, her eyes gleaming behind her veil.


    While walking toward a distant garden, Gu An casually asked, "How would we hide?"


    Following his steps, Shen Zhen exined, "I can hide you inside a painting or scroll, and then keep it hidden. Wouldn''t that be a refuge?"


    "People are trying to obliterate continents; where could you hide?"


    "Underground, of course. He said he would obliterate continents, sure he meant to demolish the mortals and shatter thend, not obliterate the earthpletely."


    "That makes sense. Are you a genius by any chance?"


    Gu An suddenly realized, looking at Shen Zhen with amazed eyes.


    A twitch appeared at the corner of Shen Zhen''s veiled mouth, clearly perceiving the sarcasm in Gu An''s tone.


    Gu An continued, "Don''t overthink it. I always feel that yesterday our continent was not excluded. That mysterious pressure was no lie. Also, haven''t you noticed how calm today has been?"


    Upon hearing this, Shen Zhen narrowed her eyes, "Are you suggesting that the Great Cold Demon Sect''s offensive was thwarted?"


    "Very likely. After all, I trust that the heavens are just. There must be Great Cultivators out there with a heart for the mortals. A heretical path like the Great Cold Demon Sect cannotst forever!"


    Gu An dered with conviction, his face full of determination.


    Shen Zhen suddenly found it hard to judge him; calling him foolish wouldn''t exin his current stature, and calling him naive wouldn''t exin how he could write something as unique as ''Journey to the West.''


    "You say the heavens are just. Tell me, do you believe that real Immortals exist, beyond those with great cultivation levels?" Shen Zhen suddenly asked, curious.


    She had always believed that ''Investiture of the Gods'' and ''Journey to the West'' were not fabricated but were inspired by something Gu An had seen, borated with decorative imagination and fantasy.


    Perhaps, as Gu An imed, an Immortal guided him in his dreams.


    Gu An and Shen Zhen chatted casually, a microcosm of the wider world, where everywhere people discussed the Life-Seizing Immortal.


    Without his demise, the catastrophe would not end.


    Two dayster.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Stealing the Five Elements returned to the Third Medicine Valley, almost as if they had nned it.


    Sitting before a chessboard, they exchanged a look, their eyes heavy with gravity.


    "Did you feel it too?" Stealing the Five Elements asked.


    The Divine Lord made his move, saying, "A of heaven and earth, no escape."


    Stealing the Five Elements then yed his piece, "Howe you have no escape? I''m the one who''s bound by fate."


    Continuing to nce towards a distant pavilion.


    Ji Xiaoyu was his hope.


    The Divine Lord fell silent, sighing deeply.


    Stealing the Five Elements looked at him, curiously asking, "Speaking of which, I''ve always wondered, what exactly are you looking for?"


    The Divine Lord didn''t respond, leaving Stealing the Five Elements contemtive, a subtle look crossing his face.


    ...


    In the Divine Exotic Realm.


    By the sea.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm stood before the Divine Exotic Life Tablet, surrounded by seven Divine Exotic Ghost Kings, all of them looking up into the sky.


    Beneath the blood-red sky hung a swirling horsetail whisk.


    Compared to the calm demeanor of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, the other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings looked uneasy, knowing whom they faced.


    "Master of Divine Exotic Realm, prepare to join us in an expedition."


    A cold voice resounded, echoing through the entire Great Heaven and Earth.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In a distant cave, Zhang Buku also heard this voice and inadvertently opened his eyes, his brow furrowed in worry for the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.


    With an expressionless face, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm asked, "An expedition to where?"


    "To avenge Divine Exotic Impermanence."


    The cold voice spoke again, causing the faces of the Divine Exotic Ghost Kings and the Realm Master to shift.


    The Great Cold Demon Sect and that entity were indeed going to sh!


    This battle might determine the fate of this Mortal World region!


    ...


    In the Star Sea Congregations, a small Heaven and Earth.


    An Hao stood before the pce gates, observing disciples constantly entering and exiting the floating inds, his brows deeply furrowed.


    A figure appeared beside him, his Master, Sage Fuchen.


    An Hao quickly said, "Master, it''s good you''re here, I need to speak with you..."


    "Let''s talk while on the way. Prepare for retreat, we must withdraw today!" Sage Fuchen said in a grave tone.


    "Why?" An Hao couldn''t help but ask.


    "The Great Cold Demon Sect is making a major descent, targeting the continent where the Sword Venerable Fudao resides. They appear to be intent on sieging your master," Sage Fuchen exined.


    On hearing this, An Hao became anxious.


    Before he could reply, Sage Fuchen continued, "Your cultivation level won''t assist your master. It''s best to leave early. Your master, although strong, can''t withstand the full assault of the Great Cold Demon Sect, otherwise, he wouldn''t be on the defensive."


    An Hao gritted his teeth, "My concern isn''t for my master. I must go back!"


    An Xin was still within the Supreme Sect; how could he abandon her?


    He immediately leaped up, intending to forcefully break out of the Star Sea Congregation''s realm. Suddenly, long hair wrapped around him, surprisingly Sage Fuchen''s horsetail whisk.


    "Master!" An Hao cried out in anguish, startling the other disciples.


    Sage Fuchen held the horsetail whisk, chanting incantations. The whisk''s hairs quickly extended, gagging An Hao.


    "I''m sorry, disciple!"


    Sage Fuchen''s eyes became resolute.


    This scene left the other disciples silent; without discussion, they all understood and felt the heaviness in their hearts, likewise having people they couldn''t leave behind.


    The Star Sea Congregations were about to flee!


    In another realm.


    Li Ya, leveraging Divine Exotic City, forcefully broke free, unobstructed by anyone.


    He quickly flew out over the Star Sea, heading towards the horizon.


    "Disciple, think carefully, once you go, there is no turning back."


    An old voice sounded, and as Li Ya turned his head, he didn''t see his master''s figure.


    He did not answer but instructed the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit on his shoulder to move forward.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit howled, and the Divine Exotic City immediately disyed extraordinary speed, streaking towards the horizon.


    After flying for a while and seeing no one pursued, Li Ya rxed, his gaze hardened.


    "Junior Brother Gu, wait for me!"


    "And the old ancestor, I wonder if you''re still thinking of me!"


    Li Ya thought silently, his face heavy.


    Initially, his emotions weren''t profoundly impacted, fueled only by fury as Zhang Buku became a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost. However, the moment the Star Sea Congregations announced their departure, he panicked.


    The Star Sea Congregations were a major force at sea; if there was any chance of victory, they wouldn''t be abandoning their domain.


    Hearing that the Great Cold Demon Sect aimed to target the Sword Venerable Fudao, he couldn''t contain himself.


    The Sword Venerable Fudao was his Primordial Ancestor; he was less worried about him, as the ancestor could escape if he couldn''t fight, but he feared for the others who might not escape.


    He had to be quick.


    Li Ya clenched his teeth, fearing the continent had already fallen.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, however, was not panicked, leaping joyfully in the air, which both irritated and envied Li Ya.


    This creature seemed to fear nothing, its confidence was unknown.


    Time rapidly passed.


    Two Ancient Hourster.


    Li Ya, sitting atop the tower meditating, suddenly sensed something, opening his eyes to find the Divine Exotic City enveloped in darkness. Instinctively, he looked up, then his eyes widened in disbelief.


    "How... how... possible..."


    Li Ya murmured to himself, his voice trembling, his eyes full of despair.


    ...


    In the Third Medicine Valley.


    At the garden fence, Gu An was stretching his muscles.


    Passing by, You Yingying curiously asked, "What are you doing? Isn''t there exercise in the morning?"


    Gu An replied, "Just felt like moving. Is that not allowed?"


    What followed was sure to be a great battle!


    It must be said, the Great Cold Demon Sect was indeed frightening!


    The dense auras attacking from all directions were overwhelmingly oppressive, and once they arrived, if seen by the denizens of the continent, it would surely cause legs to tremble.


    You Yingying looked at him, unable to resist asking, "Everyone is worried about the cmity, why aren''t you afraid?"


    "Because I''m not afraid, so I''m not frightened," Gu An responded casually, his words leading You Yingying to re, feeling the urge to punch him.


    She couldn''t understand Gu An at all; out for experience, he feared death, yet, with cmity impending, he seemed not to fear it.


    Truly a baffling person.


    Yet, somehow, the more anxious she felt, the more she wanted to talk to Gu An, perhaps it was his fearless demeanor.


    Gu An guessed her thoughts and smiled, "Whether you worry or fear, it won''t change anything, will it?"


    You Yingying opened her mouth, unsure how to respond.


    Gu An drew his Heavenly Residence Sword, suddenly unsheathing it.


    The sword''s light gleamed in You Yingying''s face, snapping her out of her trance.


    Looking at Gu An holding the sword, You Yingying''s earlier illusion reemerged, his forehead marked with golden patterns, appearing extraordinary as if an Immortal Lord on Earth.


    She had to admit, although Gu An''s cultivation level wasn''t impressive, his appearance and bearing were truly out of this world, unlike a mortal.


    Gu An raised his sword towards You Yingying, the de''s tip reflecting in her pupils, causing her to shiver.


    "If only this sword could sh away the fear in your hearts, how wonderful would that be?" Gu An said wistfully.


    You Yingying was left in a daze.

 Chapter 296 The Strongest Sword!

    Sunlight shone on Gu An, and You Yingying felt as if he were draped in ayer of rosy clouds, his whole being radiating with splendor.


    She actually believed that Gu An was speaking the truth.


    Gu An''s gaze fell on her, and he raised an eyebrow asking, "What? Are you intimidated by my aura of righteousness?"


    You Yingying snapped back to reality and red, "Who can''t say things like that? If your sword is really that powerful, would you still be holed up here?"


    "Heh heh, what do you know! Hurry up and leave, don''t disturb my cultivation!"


    Gu An smiled, then sheathed his sword smoothly, believing himself to look quite dashing, sadly You Yingying was blind to it.


    You Yingying snorted and turned to leave.


    As she turned around, a smile appeared on her face.


    Talking with this silly boy had indeed had an effect; her heart felt much better.


    At the same moment, under the tree, Shen Xinzi opened his eyes, his gaze profound. His hand clutching the prayer beads moved faster, clearly anxious.


    Next to him, Wu Xing and Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who were ying chess, stood up.


    "Let''s call this game a draw," dered Nine-Finger Divine Lord without room for doubt.


    Wu Xing''s eyes widened in disbelief, "You''re almost wiped out by me, and you dare call it a draw?"


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord said nonchntly with a straight face and unwavering confidence, "The oue is uncertain until the end!"


    Wu Xing shook his head with a smile but said nothing more, disappearing into thin air.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s gaze swept over Medicine Valley,nding on the distant figure of Gu An.


    "What a pity, I haven''t won a single game against you yet."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord muttered to himself before he, too, disappeared on the spot.


    Gu An, who was stretching his limbs, felt numerous cultivators and demons taking flight across the continent, rushing towards its edges.


    Before the cataclysm, some wished to flee while others wished to fight.


    Those wishing to fight were driven by courage, righteousness, orpulsion, but at this moment, they had all made their decision.


    The question was whether they could maintain that courage once they witnessed the true might of the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    Gu An turned and walked toward the Transmission Array tform. Along the way, the number of disciples who greeted him diminished, everyone preupied with their thoughts.


    After reaching Mystic Valley, Gu An made his way toward the outskirts of Medicine Valley.


    Entering the woods, he drew out the Heavenly Residence Sword in one hand while unsheathing the Qinghong Sword with the other.


    The Qinghong Sword buzzed faintly as Gu An used his own mana to sever its connection with the White Spirit Sword.


    He could sense his junior sister''s unease.


    "Do not fear, junior sister; it will soon pass," Gu An murmured to himself, and as his words dropped, he was shrouded in a dark purple Demonic Qi that quickly engulfed his body, zing furiously.


    His figure vanished into the depths of the forest, leaving no trace behind.


    ...


    At the edge of the continent, towering waves crashed against the shore.


    Above the mountains, Great Cultivators hovered in the air, with the vastndscape behind them and the endless ocean ahead.


    They hailed from different sects¡ªSupreme Sect, Three Pure Ones Mountain, Cangtian Sect, Daotian Sect, Sword Sect, Candle Sky Peak, me Sect, Juhua Sect, and more.


    Sects across the world continuously dispatched cultivators to different edges of the continent. They were just one group gathering rapidly beyond a hundred, with more cultivators on their way.


    As their numbers grew, a newfound confidence began to swell inside them.


    Qiao Dai, a cultivator from Supreme Sect with a Cultivation Level of the Ninth Layer of the Mahayana Realm, became the leader, calming the surrounding cultivators and beginning to give battle instructions.


    Just then, an overwhelmingly terrifying pressure descended, prompting them to turn their heads in shock. In the next second, their faces paled, and even the ever-confident Qiao Dai gaped in despair.


    A vast ck fog rolled in from the horizon like a wave of darkness, unstoppable and devouring the skies and earth.


    Before the ck fog, inds and demon beasts appeared insignificantly small, like dust. Even flying beasts were engulfed by the fog from behind, their fates uncertain.


    Looking up, shadows of different figures hovered above the ck fog¡ªclothed distinctly, wielding different Dharma Treasures. Some had glowing artifacts floating behind them, some rode fierce mounts, and others stood proudly atop Sword Qi with their hands behind their backs. Each one was shadowed by a towering phantom a thousand feet high, appearing like Demon Gods, their silhouettes a mirror of themselves.


    At first nce, there were endless towering demon phantoms of a thousand feet high that could not be counted, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression.


    At this moment, the Continent Cultivators were plunged into dead silence, everyone stunned as if struck by lightning, frozen in midair.


    Qiao Dai saw behind these thousand-foot demon phantoms an even more terrifying presence, with legs walking forward, the phantoms unable to reach even the ankles of this mysterious existence. It was impossible to imagine the true size.


    Some tried to look sideways¡ªwherever the ocean spread, there stood demon phantoms, casting them into despair not only by the disparity in Cultivation Levels but also the sheer numerical difference between friends and foes.


    "How can we win..." someone said with a bitterugh.


    No one responded; their courage faltered.


    Above the clouds, Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Wu Xing stood shoulder to shoulder, witnessing the entire continent surrounded by the Great Cold Demon Sect cultivators from all directions.


    "There are so many; even the Divine Exotic Realm is here..."


    Wu Xing clicked his tongue, sensing that the number of Demon Sect cultivators was no less than the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts. Most importantly, these demon cultivators''bined aura was astonishing, with many individual auras strong enough to make him wary.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord took a deep breath and scanned the continent as if searching for something.


    "With suchmotion, could the Saint World Holy King truly have reincarnated in thisnd?" Wu Xing couldn''t help but ask.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked into the distance and replied, "If the Holy Heart awakens, with the Holy King''s capabilities, rising to power won''t be difficult. But the Great Cold Demon Sect fears that the Holy Court might detect the aura of the Saint World Holy King."


    After hearing this, Wu Xing found it to make sense, and he stepped forward.


    "What are you nning to do?" inquired Nine-Finger Divine Lord hastily.


    Without turning back, Wu Xing strode forward through the air, raising his hand with augh, "Forgot to tell you, I am the Divine Exotic Ghost King Wu Xing; ''Wu Xing'' is just a pseudonym!"


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord frowned but didn''t get angry, just watched as Wu Xing advanced.


    "Wu Xing, return to your ce at once!"


    The voice of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm rang out, loud and clear.


    Wu Xing elerated immediately, but suddenly, his face darkened. He looked up only to see an immenselyrge hand reaching out from behind the demon army, covering the sky and aiming to seize him.


    The size of this hand was beyond what words could describe.


    Wu Xing was horrified to discover that he was frozen in ce!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This is bad!


    Despair filled Wu Xing''s eyes.


    At that moment, a powerful sword light forcefully entered his field of vision, and immediately after, the terrifying giant hand disintegrated before him.


    Subconsciously ncing over, his eyes widened in shock.


    He saw a figure, a figure he would never forget for all eternity.


    It was Gu An, who had utilized the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body back in the Divine Exotic Realm!


    Gu An, holding two swords covered in dark purple Demonic Qi, brushed past Wu Xing. As his words hung in the air, Gu An turned into a fleeting shadow, and in a sh, a streak of sword light appeared, boldly piercing through the distant ck fog.


    Before Wu Xing could react, a terrifying wave of energy struck.


    His mouth agape, he looked on in disbelief.


    As he watched, a streak of Sword Qi burst from within the demon army, cutting a swath through the thousand-foot demon phantoms at the waist. The light of the Sword Qi stripped the entire world of color in an instant.


    The Continent Cultivators were dazzled into closing their eyes, the Mortal Spirits unable to glimpse this sword light.


    Above the clouds, Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s face also transformed, his soul shaken by the impact.


    In his eyes, the demon phantoms perished, the ck fog churned, and a sword light rapidly stretched, as if intent on splitting the very heavens and earth in two.


    In that moment, Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who had lived for a hundred and seventy thousand years, witnessed the strongest sword strike of his life!


    "Who... are you?"


    A voice full of both shock and rage erupted, the toneced with fear.

 Chapter 297 Gu An Takes Action

    The sword light between heaven and earth began to fade, and the voice of the mysterious Great Cultivator from the Great Cold Demon Sect still echoed over the ocean, awakening the Continent Cultivators who had not seen Gu An''s figure just now, only Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Stealing the Five Elements had seen clearly.


    But the immense Sword Intent made them think of one person.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    "It''s Sword Venerable Fudao! There''s no mistake! It must be him!"


    A Mystic Heart Realm Cultivator from the Supreme Sect eximed excitedly, he had also been to the Heavenly Repair tform and had experienced the Sword Intent within the words "Righteous Path."


    Qiao Dai was equally excited, his eyes filled with frenzied anticipation.


    At this moment, he remembered the scene when Sword Venerable Fudao descended upon the Seven Stars Spirit Realm.


    Stealing the Five Elements, who had narrowly escaped cmity, let out a sigh of relief, immediately retreated, and dared not approach the encroaching army of demonic shadows again.


    Gu An stood atop the demon mist, sword in hand, with thousand-zhang demonic shadows dissipating in all directions, but even more demonic shadows approached, encircling him; he even saw some demonic shadows standing tens of thousands of zhang tall and giant demons of indeterminate size.


    [You have sessfully seized 10,298 years of Life Span from Meng Chenng (Wandering Immortal Realm Seventh Floor)]


    [You have sessfully seized 1,459 years of Life Span from Xu Linxin (Loose Immortal Realm Second Floor)]


    [You have sessfully seized 12,080 years of Life Span from True Man Wuyun (Wandering Immortal Realm Sixth Floor)]


    ...


    Notification after notification continuously popped up before Gu An''s eyes, but Gu An didn''t rush to make another move; instead, he looked around.


    One had to say, the Great Cold Demon Sect''s response was truly swift. As soon as he made a move, the remaining Cultivators did not panic but instead immediately arranged a Formation. Their Formation was highly profound, not only capable of being formed in an extremely short amount of time but also containing powerful and mysterious forces.


    After the sword light vanished, in less than three breaths'' time, the world suddenly changed, and in an instant, Gu An found himself in the cosmic starscape, with rolling ck mist under his feet, and still encircled by demonic shadows, the demonic shadows'' feet held the Dharma Treasures of the Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators.


    Apanied by Gu An''s arrival in the cosmic starscape, those titanic figures and evenrger beings revealed their true forms.


    There were beasts as mighty as creation''s god mountains, female Cultivators who resembled fairies constantly scattering strange petals, and enormous birds with wingspans of ten thousand li circling overhead.


    The demon mist under Gu An''s feet churned violently, like surging waves.


    "Who are you exactly? If you do not reveal your identity, do not me us for showing no mercy!"


    The previous voice sounded again; this time, its tone was iparably cold. After the Formation was set up, he seemed to have regained his confidence.


    Gu An looked up and saw, within theyers of encirclement above, in absolute darkness, a pair of gigantic eyes lurked, as if an unimaginable existence outside the universe was peering at him, filled with an oppressive feeling.


    [Sword Venerable Jiezun (Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm Eighth Floor): 780,450/830,000/880,000]


    An old monster who had lived for seven hundred and eighty thousand years!


    However, killing this individual would only yield a little over five thousand years of Life Span, which was too disappointing for Gu An.


    As Sword Venerable Jiezun opened his eyes, four Life-Seizing Immortals from the Carefree Primordial Immortal concurrently appeared, fortunately, they had abundant Life Span, which improved Gu An''s mood.


    "This is the Great Cold Demon Sect''s Luo Tian Stars Immortal-Capturing Formation. Once this Formation ispleted, no matter how great your Divine Skills, it will be impossible for you to escape!"


    The voice of Sword Venerable Jiezun rang out, majestic to the extreme.


    The other four Carefree Primordial Immortals took out their supreme treasures and dispersed in all directions. Once they stopped, the entire cosmic starscape rippled, numerous rainbow lights emerged, these lights were not mere illusions, but were also condensing a mysterious force.


    Gu An looked up at Sword Venerable Jiezun and asked, "Does the Great Cold Demon Sect have anyone stronger?"


    As these words were spoken, Sword Venerable Jiezun''s gaze immediately changed, and all the Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect were scared, their eyes filled with fear when they looked at him.


    Someone stronger?


    How could this person be so arrogant?


    However, due to Gu An''s previous sword strike, no one dared to challenge him at this moment, all of them were on high alert.


    The face of Life-Seizing Immortal turned extremely ugly, intuition telling him that the other party was not being arrogantly presumptuous.


    At this moment, he was filled with dread.


    Luckily he wasn''t rash but instead gathered the strength of the Great Cold Demon Sect, otherwise he might have ended up with his soul scattered like his disciple Bai Hong.


    For a time, silence fell within the Luo Tian Stars Immortal-Capturing Formation.


    "It seems there''s no one stronger? Truly disappointing. You''re acting so recklessly; I thought you''d have more to back it up."


    Gu An spoke again, and suddenly, he threw the Heavenly Residence Sword out.


    Boom!


    With this sword strike, he swept above the ck mist, annihting the Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators one by one, and when the sword de arrived in front of them, ayer of light burst forth around their bodies, but it was shattered as soon as it appeared, utterly failing to protect them.


    One sword pierced thousands of li, directly prating the Luo Tian Stars Immortal-Capturing Formation and returning to reality.


    The Continent Cultivators hovering in the air only saw a sword light cutting through the vast expanse of ck mist in front of them, making them even more nervous, unclear about the state of the battle within that ck mist.


    After Gu An made his strike, Sword Venerable Jiezun immediately gave themand: "Kill!"


    The Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators from all directions cast their spells; various spells and Divine Skills formed a stream of rainbow colors charging towards Gu An.


    Gu An raised his hand to grab, then retracted it, revealing an individual in his palm.


    Origin Heaven-Capturing Hand!


    This was the inherent Divine Skill of the Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill!


    Today was the first time Gu An had used it!


    The person in his hand was Sword Venerable Jiezun, a white-robed elder. At this moment, Sword Venerable Jiezun''s face was filled with fear and despair.


    Gu An directly crushed him to dust; then, taking up the Qinghong Sword, he began the ughter!


    ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Within the Continent, an endless stream of Cultivators rushed to the edge. When they saw the ocean, they all changed color.


    The fearsome ck mist seemed as if it could devour everything between heaven and earth, giving one the feeling of an impending disaster. Anyone who saw it would be afraid.


    The ck mist surged violently, as if countless demons were raging within.


    The morale on the side of the Continent copsedpletely, with no one willing to fight.


    What they didn''t know was that within the ck mist, arge number of Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators were rushing in the same direction.


    The Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect had received the message¡ªsomeone hadunched an assault on one side. All warriors were to immediately reinforce the Luo Tian Stars Immortal-Capturing Formation!


    Rolling thunderclouds covered the sky, enveloping the entire Continent; the sound of thunder was oppressively heavy.


    In the Demon Land, within a sub-sect of the Supreme Sect.


    Ye Lan stood on a pavilion, looking up at the sky, tightly clutching the White Spirit Sword in her hand, she felt no anomaly from within the White Spirit Sword, but her heart would not be at peace.


    "I hope we can safely get through this cmity¡­"


    Ye Lan muttered to herself, praying secretly.


    Although she saw no hope of longevity, she didn''t want life to end like this; she had so many things unfinished, so many ces unvisited, she had yet to fulfil her promise with her senior brother; how could she be resigned to death?


    ...


    Beneath the thunderclouds, Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Stealing the Five Elements stood shoulder to shoulder, unable to maintainposure, both unconsciously agape with faces full of shock.


    Not just them, but the Continent Cultivators felt the same; neers slowed their flight speed due to the sights before them.


    Within the vast ck mist, countless enormous demonic shadows were snuffed out, leaping out, and countless Cultivators hovered, all attacking in the same direction, which glinted with sword light.


    Even though separated by a great distance, unable to see the specifics of the battle, everyone could sense a powerful Sword Intent.


    This was not a battle of evenly matched strength, but a massacre with a great disparity in power!


    The number of Cultivators from the Great Cold Demon Sect was vast, forming an ocean of people, and within their encirclement, Gu An wielded dual swords casually, yet each sword could kill arge number of Cultivators and demons.


    His strength deeply struck the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    "No good! We are not his match!"


    "Damn! He''s doing it on purpose, deliberately not using Divine Skills, and relying solely on Sword Qi to ughter us¡­"


    "Even the Luo Tian Stars Immortal-Capturing Formation has been broken by him, how could we have any chance of winning?"


    "Be careful! His sword is swinging this way!"


    "Retreat! Quick, retreat!"


    The world plunged into mor and chaos, each of Gu An''s sword strikes took not just life but also the overall morale of the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    Life-Seizing Immortal dared not approach Gu An, only able to use long-range Divine Skills, giant hands resembling the sping of fingers descended from the sky, pressing towards Gu An, but were instantly shattered upon contact with him, having no effect.


    Gu An strolled leisurely, walking above the ck mist, each step followed by a sword swing as casually as if taking a walk, with no swordsmanship to speak of.


    Every time the Great Cold Demon Sect tried to form the Luo Tian Stars Immortal-Capturing Formation, it would be dispersed by Gu An''s Sword Qi.


    Gu An looked at the notifications before him, struggling to contain the emotions in his heart; he was not killing for the sake of killing, he was enacting justice on behalf of the heavens!


    Suddenly!


    Gu An stopped in his tracks, and as he did, all the Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivators retreated, leaving a hundred-li radius around Gu An where no one dared to tread.


    The Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect fell silent, all staring dead ahead at Gu An.


    Life-Seizing Immortal gritted his teeth and said, "The Sect Leader will arrive soon, don''t panic, everyone!"


    His voice reached the ears of every Great Cold Demon Sect Cultivator, yet these words did not boost their morale.


    "Don''t panic?"


    Gu An''s voice rose, filled with sarcasm, as if he had heard the world''s biggest joke.


    Before Life-Seizing Immortal could speak, Gu An suddenly vanished from the spot, frightening the Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    "Up there¡­"


    A voice rose,den with despair.


    Countless Cultivators and demons all looked up, their eyes wide with astonishment.


    What they saw was a colossal figure whose height could not be judged by the naked eye, standing proudly above the clouds, showing only its upper body, an almost illusory sight; even the ten-thousand-zhang demonic shadows appeared tiny in front of this figure, who was none other than Gu An himself.


    At that moment, all the Cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect felt an overpowering suppression that rendered them immobile.


    Some of the highly Cultivated Cultivators of the Demon Sect unconsciously looked down, only to see the billowing ck mist below give rise to and aze with dark purple mes, rushing towards them.


    Life-Seizing Immortal lowered his gaze and hisplexion drastically changed.


    What was that? And on fire?


    No, it was unmistakably a hand!


    A handrge enough to grasp all of them!


    In the distance, Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Stealing the Five Elements, and the Continent Cultivators were all dumbfounded.


    At the edge of the ocean, a city was rapidly approaching, and it was none other than Divine Exotic City.


    Li Ya, standing atop a tower in the city, had his eyes wide open, trembling all over, as he watched an immensely huge hand rise from within the infinite expanse of ck mist. Even with his eyesight, he couldn''t take in the entire hand.


    He had never imagined such arge hand could exist in this world; if there were hands of heaven and earth, surely it would be this one!

 Chapter 298 Breaking Through a Life Span of 100 Million Years!

    "I''m not dreaming, am I?"


    Li Ya muttered to himself, questioning the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit perched on his shoulder.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit also widened its eyes in shock, its mouth agape.


    From their perspective, the huge hand at the horizon of the sea seemed asrge as the ocean itself. If not for the curved fingers, they could hardly tell it was a hand.


    It felt like it could grab an entire continent with ease!


    Li Ya recognized the Demonic Qi emanating from the gigantic hand as somewhat familiar.


    Wait!


    Wasn''t this the hand of the Primordial Ancestor?


    At that thought, a surge of blood rushed through Li Ya''s body uncontrobly, exciting him to the extreme.


    At the same time,


    the entire continent''s popce could see Gu An''s figure, whose massive presence shook mountains and clouds on his path, a sight that overturned their understanding and imagination.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, thousands of disciples watched with their mouths agape.


    Ji Xiaoyu also stepped out of his house,pletely dumbfounded when he saw Gu An''s towering figure.


    It was as if they were beholding the descent of a deity!


    "What is that?"


    "It''s Sword Venerable Fudao! It''s the silhouette of Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    "Really? How can it be sorge? Is it not an illusion?"


    "Many texts record that Sword Venerable Fudao perceives others using the Demon Shadow Divine Skill."


    "I knew Sword Venerable Fudao wouldn''t abandon us!"


    A roar of cheers erupted across the continent. Though the Demon Shadow Divine Skill was terrifying, the thought of it representing Sword Venerable Fudao uplifted their spirits rather than causing fear.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Since the fame of Sword Venerable Fudao, which righteous deed hadn''t he done, and which person he killed wasn''t among the evil?


    If it were a normalpetition among Sects, Sword Venerable Fudao wouldn''t have intervened, otherwise, Supreme Sect would have long be the foremost under heaven.


    Because of this, other Sects respected Sword Venerable Fudao, acknowledging Supreme Sect''s luck. In confrontations with Supreme Sect, they were wary of Sword Venerable Fudao, but they weren''t afraid he''d harm them, as long as they didn''tmit heinous acts.


    Since Sword Venerable Fudao appeared, many disciples had perished during Supreme Sect''s expansion, yet Sword Venerable Fudao hadn''t sought vengeance.


    The Sects and ns that decided to stay were bustling with excitement, as if the Spring Festival hade early.


    While the continent was invigorated, the cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect fell into despair.


    They watched as Gu An''s fingers slowly rose, appearing like ancient colossal peaks ascending, creating an overwhelmingly impactful scene, even Immortal Path Realm cultivators watched in awe.


    The Life-Seizing Immortal desperately mobilized his mana, but he couldn''t move an inch, feeling as insignificant as an ant.


    How many years had it been?


    Ever since he entered the Nirvana Realm, not to mention the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, he hadn''t been so embarrassed.


    The other three Carefree Primordial Immortals were in the same state, utterly immobile despite their full efforts, despair beyondmon understanding.


    If they were so affected, not to mention cultivators of other realms, despair shrouded every heart.


    This hand had captured millions of the Great Cold Demon Sect''s cultivators and demons. Those arriving cultivators from the Great Cold Demon Sect, upon seeing this gigantic hand, fled in panic, throwing aside all their rules and consequences.


    Gu An looked down at the Great Cold Demon Sect cultivators and the demons they brought within his palm.


    He also hesitated.


    Killing too many would weigh on his conscience and he worried it might bring greater troubles.


    But remembering the countless lives Bai Hong had ughtered, his heart hardened.


    Such a wicked Sect, if it''s to be extinguished, so be it. If even this act brought divine retribution, then Gu An would question what heaven really stood for.


    Once Gu An''s thoughts cleared, he suddenly clenched his hand.


    His palm was so huge that a simple clench stirred up a terrifying storm, unleashing waves sweeping toward the horizon.


    The fierce winds assaulted Divine Exotic City, forcing it to activate its City Protection Array immediately.


    Li Ya watched as the protective barrier around Divine Exotic City violently distorted; he couldn''t concern himself with the safety of the city as he looked into the distance, trembling.


    The sight of that mighty clenched fist was simply too magnificent!


    He even doubted whether Immortal Cultivation could really reach such a mighty level.


    He wondered whether the Primordial Ancestor was born an Immortal, a true Immortal, not merely a mortal who had cultivated into one.


    As Gu An clenched, the heaven and earth fell silent, the terrifying oppression that had engulfed the continent and the surrounding seas was gone.


    Despite the rolling thunderclouds above, the masses felt as though they had emerged from the clouds into clear skies.


    [You sessfully seized 1,228 years of lifespan from Bi Lie (Loose Immortal Realm, Seventh Layer)]


    [You sessfully seized 493 years of lifespan from Qin Suxin (Nirvana Realm, Ninth Layer)]


    [You sessfully seized 58 years of lifespan from the Sea-Crossing Old Immortal (Nirvana Realm, Eighth Layer)]


    [You sessfully seized 2,780 years of lifespan from Yunhai Tianjun (Wandering Immortal Realm, Fifth Layer)]


    ...


    Alerts continuously popped up before Gu An''s eyes, and then he vanished, but his remaining image in the sky left the beings in awe.


    The ck fog enveloping the sea swiftly dissipated, signifying the end of a massive cmity.


    Li Ya recovered his senses and quickly urged the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit to head towards the maind.


    In the distance, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm stood atop the thunderclouds, infinite Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts behind him, all disying faces of fear, many visibly trembling.


    Even degraded to Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, they still felt terror from the formidable being they had just witnessed.


    How could such an existence be defeated?


    Their fear was palpable, dreading the Realm Master might order an attack.


    Fortunately, as the formidable presence disappeared, the Realm Master did not issue themand.


    The Realm Master turned and said, "Back to the Divine Exotic Realm."


    Gu An''s strength filled him with ecstatic relief, though he restrained his emotions vigorously.


    Aligning with Zhang Buku was a move well yed!


    As he turned, an unprecedented hope filled his heart.


    ...


    Gu An returned to Mystic Valley, feeling Jiang Qiong''s restless presence in the Eight Scenic Caves; her steps were brisk. He immediately headed towards the Eight Scenic Caves.


    As Gu An entered the cave pathway, Jiang Qiong''s footsteps abruptly stopped.


    Meanwhile, the lifespan alerts continued to appear before Gu An''s eyes.


    Not yet reaching the cave entrance, Gu An halted, his attention captured by two alerts.


    [For the first time, your lifespan has breached one billion years, unlocking the Lifespan Samsara feature]


    [Lifespan Samsara: Every hundred years, execute once, undergoing Reincarnation Evolution, the evolution will reflect into reality, each use consuming ten million years of lifespan, all memories acquired during the reincarnation will be transferred into your mind as if you experienced them personally, the duration of the Reincarnation Evolution is limitless, entirely dependent on your karmic choices during the evolution, integration of real-world memories requires only an Ancient Hour]


    [You sessfully seized 487 years of lifespan from Zhu Changming (Mahayana Realm, Ninth Layer)]


    ...


    Lifespan Samsara!


    Seeing the ten million-year lifespan cost made Gu An feel it was a rip-off.


    But after reading the exnation, he suddenly thought it might not be so bad.


    If during the Reincarnation Evolution he lived long enough, the Daoist Sorcery, Divine Skills, and understanding of the Dao achieved in one lifetime could potentially be worth more than ten million years of lifespan.


    Of course, he might also not survive past a hundred years, a huge loss of ten million years of lifespan.


    This was a massive gamble!


    As Gu An pondered, Jiang Qiong''s voice floated over, "What are you standing there for? Come in already!"


    On hearing this, Gu An immediately strode forward.


    Tips indicating lifespan seizures continued; this series was a massive win!


    Gu An had originally nned to use high-rank medical herbs from an Outer World Cave to push his lifespan over a billion years, but inevitably, some would push their luck too far.


    Folks get cocky, but if the heavens don''t act, then he would!


    As Gu An reached the base of the Green Vine Tree, he couldn''t help butugh and cry.


    Jiang Qiong had dug a hole and ced a coffin inside.


    What was this, nning to bury himself?


    Jiang Qiong pointed at the coffin, "Lie down here with me, it might help us avoid disaster."


    Gu An pretended to be reluctant, "Is this really necessary?"


    Jiang Qiong red, swiftly came forward, and pushed him, if he hadn''t suppressed his Daoist Gang Primal Energy, Jiang Qiong might have been obliterated.


    Gu An had no choice but to lie down in the coffin, Jiang Qiong jumped in after him, forcibly pressing him down. Lying in the coffin, she swung her right hand, and the lid immediately covered them, plunging their vision into darkness.


    From the outside, the coffin began sinking into the earth, soon vanishing from sight.


    Confined in the cramped space of the coffin, Gu An and Jiang Qiong squeezed together.


    In that moment, Gu An''s heart calmed.


    Massacring so many, even if all evil, his heart couldn''t stay tranquil easily; excessive killing bred malevolent energy, even a thrilling emotion of breaking free from moral shackles. He needed time to adjust.


    Now, lying in this darkness, his mood inexplicably steadied.


    Despite being in the dark, Gu An could still see his lifespan alerts.


    Jiang Qiong''s body began to squirm; her arm was soft, she seemed to feel too squeezed, constantly pressing against Gu An.


    Gu An couldn''t help asking, "If the cmity doesn''t strike, how long must we hide here before we can leave?"


    Being squeezed in the coffin with Jiang Qiong, he actually found it quite amusing, apletely novel experience for him.


    "Hide for a few decades, at least until we get past the Life-Seizing Immortal''s hundred-year mark."


    "That long? No, I need to go back, there are disciples in the valley, I can''t abandon them."


    "Humph, don''t even think about it. Now that you''ve alreadyin down, don''t think about leaving!"


    As her words fell, Gu An felt his left hand grasped by hers.


    Her hand was cold, like a corpse''s.


    Gu An tried to break free, but she held on tightly.


    Only after all the lifespan alerts had settled did Gu Ane back to his senses. He hadn''t checked his lifespan yet, nning toter enjoy the moment of unveiling his lifespan.


    He spoke up, "It''s a bit ufortable squeezing like this, don''t you think? Squeezing like this for decades, I''m afraid I might die."


    Jiang Qiong didn''t respond but began to shift her body.


    Gu An stiffened instantly.


    Jiang Qiong actuallyy on top of him, face to face.


    In the darkness, Gu An distinctly felt her breath was a bit agitated, though faint, not escaping his senses.


    Suddenly, Jiang Qiong''s face pressed against Gu An''s chest, and he could feel one of her legs rubbing against his shin.


    This is bad!


    Things have gone too far!


    Gu An fake coughed, "Why are you so heavy?"


    Jiang Qiong''s breathing hitched, then Gu An felt a handnd on his waist, fingers pinching his flesh.

 Chapter 299 Terrifying Life Span!

    "Kid, do you truly not know how to speak, or are you purposely trying to irritate me?"


    In the darkness, Jiang Qiong''s voice resounded, somewhat grinding her teeth in frustration, but her hand did not forcefully pinch Gu An, it was merely a warning.


    Gu An, of course, had intentionally disrupted the atmosphere. He feigned a cough and began asking Jiang Qiong what she would like to do after the disaster was over.


    Jiang Qiong fell into silence, her limbs ceasing to move as she started to contemte the question seriously.


    In truth, she had always been unclear about what she really wanted to do. She had done many things to be stronger, but when the apocalyptic disaster arrived, she felt that her actions were meaningless.


    Gu An did not disturb her, allowing her to think it over.


    However, the moment the silence settled, his mind began to wander.


    Pinned down by Jiang Qiong, Gu An could feel every part of her body pressing against him. How could he remain calm?


    At that moment, the plots of "Green Hero Travelogue", "Supreme Secret Records", "ck Hero''s Travelogue", and many others shed through his mind.


    Suddenly, he felt Jiang Qiong tremble slightly. He hurriedly shifted his thoughts to ponder what exactly Lifespan Samsara was.


    As his thoughts shifted, Jiang Qiong calmed down.


    She spoke up, "If we truly can survive this catastrophe, then I''ll focus on developing the Juhua Sect. I won''t wander around anymore. I feel like all these years of running about haven''t really counted for much."


    "That''s good," Gu An replied, "to avoid any dangers."


    Jiang Qiong suddenly stretched out her hand, hugged Gu An tightly, and whispered softly, "The cmity of the Ephemera Sect left me without any rtives. You are now the only person I care about. Back when you first entered the Eight Scenic Caves, I was considering whether to kill you or not. Who would have thought that after so many years, you would be so important to me?"


    Hearing this, Gu An stiffened slightly and replied helplessly, "Is it that serious? I haven''t been all that good to you. On the contrary, you''ve taught me quite a few spells."


    Setting aside the matter of Sword Venerable Fudao supporting Jiang Qiong, Gu An genuinely felt that his outward contributions to Jiang Qiong paled inparison to what she had offered him.


    Many spells Jiang Qiong taught him, he still used to this day. She had also given him magic artifacts and heavenly treasures.


    "How can you say you haven''t been good to me? You''ve managed the Eight Scenic Caves very well, and you''ve never betrayed me. Every time I''vee back, you''ve taken good care of me. Affection isn''t entirely about contributions. If you were stronger, you would definitely treat me even better, I understand that. And I felt right from our first meeting that you had the ability to kill me. You hid it well, but I knew not only that you didn''t kill me, but also that you were obedient to me..."


    Listening to Jiang Qiong, Gu An suddenly didn''t know what to say.


    "Of course, you rascal, you are good to everyone. Everyone in the valley praises you," Jiang Qiong suddenly snorted.


    Hearing this, Gu An immediately said, "That''s what makes me a scary talent, being good to everybody, making it hard to interpret my thoughts."


    "Yes, but you never ask others for returns, which means you genuinely care for those around you and aren''t aiming for anything. Stop undermining yourself. I can feel whether you are genuine or not. Pretense cannotst long," Jiang Qiong said softly.


    Gu An, seemingly startled, said, "You''re not thinking of exchanging vows, are you? That won''t work! My junior sister and I n to get married in thest hundred years of our lives."


    Jiang Qiongughed and said, "Thest hundred years? What if one of you lives longer?"


    "Whoever lives longer, it''s still the same path to go down. The pursuit of immortal cultivation isn''t about enduring love, but about eternal life."


    "You certainly see it clearly."


    "Yes, so don''t harbor any improper thoughts about me."


    "Why can''t I? At the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, it''smon for one person to have multiple daoist friends, and female cultivators can have many daoist friends too, as long as she is strong enough. Now I am stronger than you, and you can''t escape my grasp unless one day your cultivation surpasses mine."


    Jiang Qiong said proudly, her hand catching Gu An''s face as she spoke.


    She suddenly began her offensive.


    "You demon cultivator, faking refuge from the cmity and actually abusing me?"


    "You can scream all you want now, it''s useless!"


    "Be careful, I won''t be nice!"


    "Come on, seeing your cultivation, I''m toozy to immobilize you. I just like seeing you struggle. Don''t worry, I''ll be gentle."


    Jiang Qiongughed very proudly, grabbing Gu An''s wrists with her hands, pinning him down. Then, Gu An felt something soft press on his face, beginning to explore around.


    Not good!


    This guy''s gone wild!


    A thought crossed Gu An''s mind, and the earth suddenly trembled.


    Jiang Qiong immediately stopped, not daring to move.


    Gu An breathed a sigh of relief, but just then, Jiang Qiong suddenlyunched a sneak attack, catching him off guard.


    "Wait, it seems the disaster is over!" Gu An suddenly said.


    "How can you be sure?" Jiang Qiong questioned.


    "Before finding you, I saw Sword Venerable Fudao make a move."


    "Oh? Then you still came, it seems you also expected something to happen between us."


    "I just saw you were prepared and didn''t want to waste our time, let''s go out and see."


    "Is that so?"


    "Really, let''s go up."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ll think about it."


    ...


    Boom!


    Beneath the Green Vine Tree, the earth stirred, and a coffin rose, its lid popping open, and Gu An immediately leaped out, then straightened his clothes.


    Nearly lost my virginity!


    I can''t let the over two hundred years'' worth of my preserved virginity be breached!


    Gu An secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    Mouth is okay, but can''t leak vital energy!


    Jiang Qiong slowly climbed out of the coffin; her hair slightly disheveled, her clothes not neat. She raised her eyes to look at Gu An, giving him a seductive smile that caused him to quickly turn his head.


    "We should stop calling me Martial Master. After all, I forcefully took Cheng Xuandan as a disciple, and Cheng Xuandan took you with ulterior motives, so it''s not a real lineage. No, you brat never even called me Martial Master, really, all men are the same, it''s just that you, kid, are reluctant yetpliant, guarding against something," Jiang Qiong said, ring at Gu An.


    Gu An dropped a sentence and left: "I''m going to check the situation."


    He immediately slipped away.


    Jiang Qiong went to the edge of the pit, watching his retreating back, she licked her lips as if savoring something.


    ...


    When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, the valley was still bustling with activity. Stealing the Five Elements and Nine-Finger Divine Lord had alsoe back, standing together with Shen Xinzi, separated by a restriction, discussing the formidable power of Sword Venerable Fudao, unable to contain their emotions.


    To suppress the entire Great Cold Demon Sect with one hand was too exaggerated!


    It subverted everyone''s understanding!


    For decades, the power of the Great Cold Demon Sect had been deeply rooted in people''s hearts; only because of understanding the terror of the Great Cold Demon Sect did everyone realize how incredibly powerful Sword Venerable Fudao was.


    Gu An looked up and saw a figure hovering above the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, watching the continent where Gu An was.


    The ninthyer of the Carefree Immortal Realm!


    Although only one small realm higher than the Sword Venerable, the presence far surpassed the Sword Venerable, the gap enormous.


    Presumably, he was the master of the Great Cold Demon Sect!


    At this moment, this master only dared to watch from a distance, not daring toe down.


    Gu An also saw those fleeing cultivators of the Great Cold Demon Sect disperse like monkeys scattering from a fallen tree, alreadypletely devoid of will to fight.


    He did not continue to pursue the kill, one reason being that the remaining cultivators were not as powerful as those he had suppressed, and another being he felt many presences approaching, even the presence of Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    Yes, definitely the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    However, the person did note with malice, and the direction was exactly where the Holy Land of Holy Court was located.


    Now that the Holy Court had appeared, it would not be appropriate for him to continue the chase.


    Next, it would be seen what stance the Holy Court took.


    Gu An brought up his Attribute Panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Lifespan: 210/790, 407, 832]


    [Physique: Primordial Karmic Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, ninthyer]


    ...


    Seven hundred ny million years of lifespan!


    Gu An suddenly felt like cursing.


    That was too awesome!


    The guilt from the killing faded instantly. Besides, he had not killed indiscriminately; he was executing justice on heaven''s behalf, ultimately for the people!


    Finally, he could fully upgrade!


    Gu An grinned.


    Very close to a billion now, should he wait a bit longer?


    Forget it, damn it, just one hundred million years, he had to wait a long time, how much longer for the remaining two hundred million years?


    Look for a chance to break through!


    And it was aprehensive upgrade!


    Heart surging with excitement, Gu An even felt like trying out a ten-million-year Lifespan Samsara just to see what it was.


    He walked towards the pavilion clusters, shouting with mana: "Today, to thank Sword Venerable Fudao for resolving the cmity, let''s celebrate tonight, consider it a holiday, Deacons get moving!"


    His voice spread throughout Medicine Valley, achieving this feat with Core Formation Realm cultivation was not difficult, and soon, various cheers rose within the valley.


    When Gu An reached his own pavilion, Ji Xiaoyu came up to him indicating with her eyes.


    They both went upstairs and closed the door.


    "I think Sword Venerable Fudao''s silhouette seemed familiar!" Ji Xiaoyu said seriously, causing Gu An''s heart to tremble.


    What did that mean?


    Could she have linked it to me?


    Gu An immediately became uneasy, a Supreme Power who suppressed the Great Cold Demon Sect spooked by a Core Formation Realm cultivator.


    He asked with a frown, "Could it be that Sword Venerable Fudao originates from the Ji Family?"


    Ji Xiaoyu shook her head, "No, I saw him in a dream, it must have been a scene from a past life."


    Hearing this, Gu An breathed a sigh of relief, but his brows furrowed even deeper.


    "Today''s battle was an eye-opener, I suddenly feel that I can''t die too early in this life, I need to follow in the footsteps of Sword Venerable Fudao," Ji Xiaoyu spoke again, her face full of admiration.


    Chase after Sword Venerable Fudao?


    He was Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, ninthyer!


    Gu An didn''t discourage Ji Xiaoyu; what if she really could achieve it?


    He started motivating Ji Xiaoyu.


    They chatted for a while before Ji Xiaoyu finally left, but when she reached the door, she stopped, turned back to look at Gu An, and said, "The scent of a woman on you is stronger now. It''s still the same woman asst time. You two must have entangled a bit, although you don''t seem to have leaked any essence."


    After that, she pushed the door open and left without closing it.


    Gu An stood there puzzled.


    How did she figure that out?


    What kind of divine skill was that, or was it a talent?


    Gu An didn''t dwell on it, living another life, he nned to be carefree and at ease, why worry too much, just follow his heart.


    He started waiting for that Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma to leave, as long as the person didn''t mess around, and once they left, he would find a ce to break through.

 Chapter 300 Seven Divine Golden Bodies, Primordial Ultimate Body

    The mysterious Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma wandered in this Mortal World region, never stepping onto the continent where Gu An was located.


    A day and a nightter, he left.


    Starting from the second day, rumors about the Great Cold Demon Sect being annihted single-handedly by Sword Venerable Fudao spread like a hurricane across the seas, shocking the countless beings that were fleeing. Their first reaction was disbelief, as the news sounded too preposterous!


    The world was in an uproar, and within the Supreme Sect, it was a time of celebration, with dazzling lights and decoration everywhere. Everyone was singing praises of Sword Venerable Fudao''s magnificent feats and mighty power.


    This time, Sword Venerable Fudao''s rescue efforts had a wider reach than ever before. How could they not be proud?


    They were unclear if there truly were Immortals who cared for themon folk in this world, but at least in their hearts, Sword Venerable Fudao was an Immortal who brought salvation to all living beings.


    The day after the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma left, Gu An quietly departed from the continent.


    He headed south, moving away from the Mortal World region where the Supreme Sect was located.


    Eventually, he arrived at a deste sea, where the number of beings was extremely sparse. Whether deep within the sea or above its surface, numerous lost souls and Wild Ghosts floated about. The sky above this ce was covered with dense, oppressive clouds, but the Spiritual Energy here was quite abundant.


    After surveying the area with his Divine Sense, Gu An discovered an ind deep within the ocean guarded by powerful Restrictions. If he were to break through forcefully, he would undoubtedly alert the entity within.


    He spected that a Carefree Primordial Immortal might be hiding inside because, although the Restrictions were strong, he felt it wouldn''t be difficult to break through if he wanted.


    No wonder the Spiritual Energy was so abundant here, yet there were so few beings. It turns out a malevolent deity was hidden within.


    Gu Annded on an uninhabited isted ind and immediately activated the Life Span Barrier.


    Seven hundred and ny million years of life span, the more he looked at it, the more invigorating it felt!


    He had never been so affluent before!


    Gu An sat cross-legged in front of a withered tree, looking at his Attribute Panel, chuckling to himself.


    First, he would enjoy the moment for a while longer!


    After a good while, Gu An then reigned in his emotions and decided to give Lifespan Samsara a try.


    He would test the waters with ten million years. If this function turned out to be ineffective, he would dismiss it forever, just like the Life Span Deduction he had initiated before.


    [You have spent ten million years of life span to trigger one Reincarnation Evolution]


    [Beginning connection to Tao Rules]


    [Searching for Reincarnation Heaven and Earth]


    [You have the following Heaven and Earth options, choose any one]


    [One, Great Heavenly Spirit Land]


    [Two, Dark Great Heaven and Earth]


    [Three, the Great Multiverse]


    Hm?


    There''s even a Great Heavenly Spirit Land?


    Gu An thought if the Reincarnation Evolution reflected reality, could it be that it''s not just memory fusion, but it could also affect reality itself?


    He wasn''t sure, so after some thought, he decided not to choose the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, to avoid any potential issues.


    He was drawn to the Dark Great Heaven and Earth. The name sounded well suited for his Life Stealing Ability. Since it was Reincarnation Evolution, perhaps he would still possess his current Golden Finger.


    That''s the one!


    Dark Great Heaven and Earth!


    [You choose to reincarnate into the Dark Great Heaven and Earth]


    [Considering that the Tao Rules of this world cannot conceal your Talent, you will retain the Life Stealing Ability, but cannot unlock stage-specific functions]


    [Reincarnation Evolution begins]


    [In the first year, you were born in a vige in the East Profound Domain, and your parents named you Chu Lu]


    [At the age of seven, you identally pulled up a Spirit Grass in the mountains, stealing eight years of lifespan, marking a turning point in your destiny]


    [At the age of eight, you took an Immortal Cultivator as a master and traveled the world with him]


    [At fifteen, you encountered a Cultivator robbery. To protect you, your master died. You harbored a grudge, hid in the mountains, and began to umte life span]


    [By eighteen, you evolved your Cultivation Level to the Nascent Soul Realm through Lifespan Evolution, and you began your revenge]


    [At neen, you infiltrated the residence of your enemies, killing everyone until only one person remained¡ªa girl. Seeing her fearful demeanor, you felt some reluctance and struggled internally]


    [Do you choose to execute her?]


    The prompt stopped here. Gu An paused for a moment, choosing not to execute her¡ªjoking aside, with his Life Stealing Ability, he certainly wouldn''t be hunted by this girl.


    [You spared the girl, Cheng Jin, and resumed your path of Immortal Cultivation]


    Seeing this prompt, Gu An smiled. This girl, like his junior sister, also had "Lan" in her name.


    The previous prompts had no names; it seemed the deceased don''t get named unless they survive.


    Hold on, his parents and master were initially alive as well, but they were not named.


    He suddenly had a bad feeling. Could it be that this Cheng Jin would live a long time?


    [At twenty, you joined the Taiyi Sect, and with your exceptional Cultivation Level and Talent, you became a Direct Disciple, making a name for yourself within the Sect]


    [At twenty-one, you utilized the Life Span Deduction Cultivation Technique to master the Seven Hearts Technique]


    [At twenty-two, jealous of you, the Sect Leader''s son ambushed you while you were on a mission, surrounding you with his people. You executed all his followers, leaving only the Sect Leader''s son alive. He knelt before you, begging for mercy, and you hesitated]


    [Do you choose to execute him?]


    Kill!


    Gu An didn''t hesitate, and the prompt continued to appear.


    Killing men and sparing women? Seems like there''s something wrong with the standard, huh?


    Gu An criticized himself internally.


    Subsequently, the him in the reincarnation returned to the Taiyi Sect, faced continuous strife and enmity, and he always chose to kill, since it was others who provoked him.


    Killing led to the unveiling of secrets, and he was pursued by the Taiyi Sect and even ced on a wanted list.


    After that, almost every year, he was embroiled in battles; sometimes several times within a year.


    Once, Gu An chose to save a wounded Cultivator he encountered by chance, only for that person to summon arge group of Cultivators to ambush him, intending to seize the Magic Artifact in his possession.


    Angered, Gu An''s killing intent intensified.


    One betrayal after another, jealousy, and feuds kept unfolding.


    What an impressive turn of events!


    Indeed, this was the Dark Great Heaven and Earth, and the world seemed excessively grim.


    Over the first fifty years, Gu An encountered not a single kind-hearted Cultivator; he was fighting alone the entire time.


    The most distressing part for him was that, in order to get back at him, his enemies extracted the souls of his family still in the mountain vige and refined them into Resentful Ghosts to be embedded in Ghost Devices.


    Furious, Gu An became even more ruthless in his subsequent choices, always responding to killing with killing.


    His life span umted rapidly, and by fifty, he had reached the Cultivation Level of Loose Immortal Realm, bing the East Profound Domain''s killing god.


    [At the age of sixty-five, you encountered the girl you once spared, Cheng Jin. She had now be a disciple of the Blue Sky Holy Sect, a renowned genius. She recognized you and was very grateful. You were moved by her attitude]


    [At sixty-six, pursued by Cheng Jin, you both became Daoist Friends]


    [At sixty-seven, Cheng Jin gave birth to a son and a daughter for you, and you cherished her even more]


    [At sixty-eight, while you were cultivating, a wandering Carefree Primordial Immortal from the Blue Sky Holy Sect descended. He was known as the ck Profound Emperor and crushed you to death]


    [Reincarnation ends]


    What?


    It''s over already?


    Gu An nearly spit blood¡ªfor ten million years of life span, he only got sixty-eight years of life?


    ck Profound Emperor!


    Okay, very good!


    Without giving Gu An time to ponder more, a vast array of memories flooded his mind, the life of Chu Lu, as if he had experienced it himself.


    However, since it was Reincarnation Evolution, he didn''t feel the length during the assimtion process. It was like recalling past memories, recalling some experiences, a rather peculiar sensation.


    Although he only lived for sixty-eight years in this life, Chu Lu improved a Cultivation Technique over his lifetime, and even evolved it into a Divine Skill that caused a sensation in both the past and the present.


    Developed from the Seven Hearts Technique after numerous enhancements, it is now known as the Seven Divine Gold Bodies!


    Seven Divine Gold Bodies, with an inherent Cultivation Technique. Once mastered, it forms seven souls, each equipped with Divine Skills, allowing him to resurrect even if killed.


    In memory, getting crushed by the ck Profound Emperor wasn''t as straightforward; he resurrected six times in the ck Profound Emperor''s hands, but the result was the same¡­N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The gap in Cultivation Level was too vast; his Teleportation Divine Power was unable to let him escape.


    After assimting the Seven Divine Gold Bodies, Gu An felt somewhat cated.


    It is hard to say if the value of the Seven Divine Gold Bodies could match ten million years of life span, but it certainly was not something to be gained with just one or two million years of life span. The skill was extremely powerful, allowing Nascent Soul Realm Chu Lu to severely injure enemies of the second level of Wandering Immortal Realm, proving its strength.


    Sigh, it was not enough perseverance.


    Gu An realized that in Reincarnation Evolution, he could only make decisions at destiny''s turning points and couldn''t control his reincarnated self.


    Thinking about it, didn''t this mean that all other worlds of Reincarnation also had their own thought processes?


    Isn''t this also the case with Reincarnation in reality?


    Ji Xiaoyu in this life waspletely different from her previous life.


    Gu An withdrew his thoughts, noticing that the ground was full of Spiritual Energy. This showed that Reincarnation Evolution also consumed real-world Spiritual Energy. Fortunately, he had changed locations to avoid affecting the Supreme Sect and the continent.


    Time to get down to real business!


    Today, he would break through a major realm!


    Gu An essed the Attribute Panel and poured twenty million years of life span into Physique.


    Primordial Karmic Body advanced to Primordial Chaos Body, then ascended to Primordial Ultimate Body!


    Awakening the Great Divine Power, the Primordial Chaos Grand Disc!


    This Divine Skill was an amalgamation of attack, defense, and sealing abilities,rger and more formidable than regr Heaven and Earth Rules, possessing the might to crush Heaven and Earth Rules!


    Gu An immediately trained this Divine Skill to Mastery Realm.


    Vast Spiritual Energy surged into Gu An''s mind, and his consciousness entered a state of sudden enlightenment.


    Primordial Ultimate Body and Primordial Karmic Body, although both named after ''Primordial,'' had a huge disparity. By reaching Ultimate Body, one could easily see through Heaven and Earth Rules as well as cause and effect, exerting absolute suppression over the Primordial body type.


    Although Gu An had not yet encountered a Primordial body type, he felt that Primordial must exist. After all, it was achieved through the elevation of his own body type, indicating that if the mortals of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land traced back their ancestry, they might very well be linked to ''Primordial.''


    He just did not know where Primordial was located.


    As Gu An devoured the Spiritual Energy, the silent and gloomy sea stirred into a tempest, as a powerful Divine Sense swept across the sea.


    Unfortunately, no matter how much it searched, it could not find Gu An.


    An Ancient Hourter, Gu An finally opened his eyes, and his physique waspletely transformed into a Primordial Ultimate Body.


    His current strength had reached a terrifying level, and the sensation of power was exceedingly delightful.


    He even wanted to find someone to test his newfound strength against.


    Fortunately, he resisted the urge.


    Cannot drift away!


    Chu Lu was too overconfident, killing throughout his path, only to be crushed to death by a Cultivator several major realms above...


    Gu An looked at the Cultivation Technique section.


    Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill and All Things Form and Energy Art were each worth twenty million years of life span.


    The reason he only used twenty million years of life span was that he started to covet the function that would unlock with a billion years of life span.

 Chapter 301 Breakthrough to the Ninth Layer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm!

    In the next ancient hour, Gu An enhanced the Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill to the Great Aplishment of Infinite Primordial Creation, and yet, twenty million years of life span only advanced him by one level, luckily reaching the peak of perfection.


    At the same time, he awakened the Divine Skill, Unlimited Avatars!


    Every element of the Five Elements Spiritual Energy could turn into an avatar. This Divine Skill''sbat power wasn''t particrly outstanding as it manifested in quantity, since the Five Elements Spiritual Energy existed everywhere.


    He continued to advance!


    The All Things Form and Energy Art was elevated to the Chaotic Myriad Forms Freedom Technique and then further to the Dao Void Mysterious Divine Thought Skill.


    Simrly costing twenty million years of life span, no new Divine Skills were awakened, but the technique itself was a Divine Skill.


    The Dao Void Mysterious Divine Thought Skill, once mastered, would not be restricted by rules. With a mere thought, he could suppress cultivation level, breath, appearance, and everything else, making them unperceivable to others.


    With this technique, there was no need for Gu An to use transformation techniques.


    Of course, what he valued most was its marvelous effect in hiding cultivation level and breath.


    In the Reincarnation Evolution, Chu Lu died quickly exactly because hecked this technique. Of course, trusting Cheng Jin also yed a part.


    After Gu An passed on the Dao Void Mysterious Divine Thought Skill, another ancient hour had passed.


    Next was the promotion of the Boundless Heaven-Constricting Sword to the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword.


    The Limitless Freedom Step was finally elevated to the Stepping Path of Ages Step, a technique that allowed time reversal within a specific range of each footstep, transforming all things from death to life, from life to null.


    Of course, this stepping technique couldn''t aid in achieving immortality since it had limitations and was primarily used forbat.


    The Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body was finally advanced to the Dao of Transcending Void Body.


    Gu An also enhanced the Soul Capturing Skill, promoting it to the Great Imprison Soul Immortal Technique, consuming five million years of life span.


    The previous three ultimate skills and Divine Skills each consumed twenty million years of life span, totaling sixty-five million years of life span!


    Adding the physique and cultivation technique, Gu An had already spent a hundred and five million years of life span!


    The consumption from the Life Span Barrier was also a significant figure.


    Even without breaking through, he felt invincible at this moment.


    But he needed to be cautious.


    He must break through!


    Gu An reopened the Attribute Panel, focusing his gaze on the cultivation level column.


    At this moment, the entire ocean was experiencing a violent storm, with endless towering waves, as the Divine Sense of a Carefree Primordial Immortal frantically scanned the area.


    Gu An didn''t mind since the area was mostly inhabited by lost souls and wild ghosts who wandered the Mortal World, suffering from the rejection of the Heaven and Earth Rules.


    He hesitated for a moment, then decided to invest five million years of his life span.


    It was uncertain whether the early investment of a hundred million years of life span could erase the gap in the difficulty of cultivation between the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma and higher realms.


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for thirty thousand years, forcefully attempting to assault the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm with the Great Aplishment of Infinite Primordial Creation, starting the Tribtion Crossing. You didn''t endure the Six Realms Destiny Ultimate Void Tribtion, failing the Tribtion]


    Thirty thousand years for one Tribtion Crossing!


    Gu An was thrilled, knowing that previously, when he attempted to reach the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, it took sixty thousand years for one chance to cross the tribtion!


    However, even more surprising events urred.


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for three hundred thousand years, you endured the Six Realms Destiny Ultimate Void Tribtion with the forceful use of the Great Aplishment of Infinite Primordial Creation, and seeded in the Tribtion Crossing, advancing your cultivation level to the firstyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm]


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for five hundred thousand years, advancing your cultivation level to the secondyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm]


    Ten sessful crossings!


    I''m really fucking strong!


    Gu An was ecstatic, but as he looked further, his smile gradually faded.


    The time required for each level in the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm kept increasing.


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for four million years, advancing your cultivation level to the eighthyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm]


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for four point seven million years, advancing your cultivation level to the ninthyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm]


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for five million years, forcefully assailing the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm with the Great Aplishment of Infinite Primordial Creation, starting the Tribtion Crossing. You didn''t endure the Heavenly Dao Forty-Nine Mysterious Void Tribtion, failing the Tribtion]


    That''s good!


    Reaching the ninthyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm in five million years was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise.


    But what''s after was shocking¡ªan attempt of tribtion every three hundred thousand years. If following the old pattern, failing a hundred times would mean thirty million years of life span?


    Failing two hundred times would mean sixty million years of life span.


    That''s ridiculously exaggerated.


    Is the Divine Thought True Immortal that mighty?


    It''s a big leap!


    Gu An didn''t question it much, given he hadn''t even heard of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, let alone the higher Divine Thought True Immortal.


    Once again, nature''s spiritual energy surged towards him, the entire ocean''s spiritual energy abruptly sank, and its range rapidly expanded.


    Damn!


    Thismotion is a bit excessive!


    Gu An was secretly rmed, feeling he might once again bring about a cmity to the Mortal World!


    The vast amounts of spiritual energy required to transition from the ninthyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma to the ninthyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal far exceeded Gu An''s imagination. However, he could judge the resources of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land through this disturbance.


    If his breakthrough affected the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land, it would indicate that the Dao Void Mysterious Realm cultivators in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land were few and far between.


    While feeling the transformation within himself, Gu An observed the surroundings.


    The range of spiritual energy extraction grewrger, and in less than 30 minutes, it exceeded the size of the area the Great Cold Demon Sect nned to annihte and was still rapidly increasing.


    Time swiftly passed.


    An hourter, Gu An forcefully achieved the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    Regardless of the realm, the evolutionary cultivation would alwayspress the breakthrough into one hour.


    The mysteries of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal flooded into his mind.


    A Dao Void Mysterious Immortal could transcend universal rules and travel through the Great Thousand World.


    The so-called Great Thousand World consists of countless realms like the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, and only reaching this level would one touch the barriers of the universe. Of course, not all universes can be easily traversed, as there are also differences in strength among them.


    The power of a Mysterious Immortal is even greater, capable of transforming all things into living beings.


    Reaching this level means starting to condense one''s own Dao. The so-called Dao is the condensation of the overall path of Immortal Cultivation, manifesting as will, capable of condensing a Dao Form and using it to battle and suppress everything.


    Gu An was immersed in the transformation brought by the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, unable to extricate himself.


    Only when his cultivation level broke through to the secondyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm did his consciousness awaken.


    He looked up, the universe no longer looked so distant to him. His gaze and Divine Sense reached perfect unity, allowing him even to peer into the ends of the universe.


    He saw the Silent Destruction Domain described by Bai Ziya, a ce of utter darkness emitting a terrifying aura that made it difficult for him to infiltrate lightly.


    For he sensed auras within that made him wary, not just one, but several.


    Time continued to move forward.


    Gu An began to detect the approach of various cultivators'' aura. Looking up, he saw a massive number of cultivators flying out of the Holy Land where the Holy Court was located, quickly approaching, the numbers even surpassing those of the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    His breakthrough had indeed rmed the Holy Court!


    It must be said,pared to the Holy Court, the Great Cold Demon Sect was utterly iparable.


    The cultivators who flew out were of Loose Immortal Realm at the lowest, numbering over five million and still increasing.


    More than five million Loose Immortals, what an exaggeration!


    He even sensed the aura of Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma and Carefree Primordial Immortals, with more than ten Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma among them.


    The cultivators of the Holy Court dispersed to protect various continents and inds.


    The ocean stirred up world-shocking waves, the speed of the sinking spiritual energy causing many continents to shatter.


    Seeing the Holy Courting out to protect themon people, Gu An breathed a sigh of relief, holding the Holy Court in much higher regard.


    He didn''t want his breakthrough to result in the extinction of countless beings.


    It seems the support of the Great Cold Demon Sect by the Holy Court was only the will of that Holy King.


    If the Holy Court became his enemy in the future, regardless of the animosity, simply for today''s actions of the Holy Court, he wouldn''t thoroughly exterminate them.


    Of course, it would be even better if he could establish friendly rtions with the Holy Court.


    Cultivation doesn''t have to be all about fighting and killing.


    The benefits derived from ughtering the Great Cold Demon Sect were indeed massive, but it also attracted much wariness. Look now, the battle just ended, and Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma have shown up, a realm previously unheard of.


    If he became too arrogant and a more terrifying existence than the Divine Thought True Immortal appeared and pped him to death with one palm, what could he do?


    The experience of Chu Lu was a lesson!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Of course, more of Chu Lu''s death was due to trusting the wrong person.


    Gu An couldn''t help but curse at him, how dare you marry into the family of someone you killed?


    Although initially, Chu Lu was the victim, he should have stayed away from Cheng Jin.


    With the Holy Court taking action, Gu An felt even more at ease.


    He began to focus on enjoying the transformation of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    Reaching the ninthyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm, what could the Holy King behind the Great Cold Demon Sect do to him?


    If that Holy King was also a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, then Gu An would fight with all his might to achieve another breakthrough!

 Chapter 302 Absolutely Not Intoxicating!

    Under the cloak of night, the vast ocean was riddled with shadows of Great Cultivators flitting by, and many sea monsters leaped out of the water, making the night all the more terrifying.


    The isted ind where Gu An was situated was surrounded by terrifying waves, which could engulf it at any moment.


    Yet, he was still waiting for the breakthrough to conclude. The amount of Spiritual Energy needed for each minor realm within the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal realm far exceeded that for breakthroughs in previous major realms.


    Gu An had been observing the outside world, for he wanted to know the impact of this breakthrough on the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    By now, the range of the descending Spiritual Energy had be enormously exaggerated. However, inparison to the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land, it was still not sufficient to shake the whole.


    The Great Heavenly Spirit Land was far too vast!


    Even though Gu An could now see beyond the heavens, he could not overlook the vastness within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    As time psed, more and more Great Cultivators arrived to protect the oceans from all corners, and even sects that Gu An previously dared not spy upon sent out Great Cultivators. Even the dynasty popted entirely by Heavenly Spirit life forms had sent people out.


    Gu An suddenly discovered an interesting point: the Immortal Spirit Dynasty and the Holy Court were situated on opposite sides of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, as distant from each other as possible, giving a clear demarcation.


    He would have to find an opportunity to learn about the Immortal Spirit Dynasty from Bai Ziya next time.


    Gu An saw that apart from this stretch of the ocean, the continents and inds in other seas were all protected by Great Cultivators, even floating in the air near the continent where the Supreme Sect was located, holding back the waves.


    The Holy Court''s efficiency was truly formidable; it could offer swift protection to themon people within a short period of time, truly worthy of its name.


    It is worth mentioning that the Carefree Primordial Immortal of this ocean region had been the target of a manhunt. He was besieged by several other Carefree Primordial Immortals and had already fled to Outer Heaven.


    Gu An couldn''t help but mourn him silently.


    My sin, my sin.


    Although the other party became involved because of him, Gu An had no choice¡ªhe had to break through. Going anywhere would attract attention; going to Outer Heaven would attract at least those at the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, which would be far too dangerous.


    However, considering the currentmotion, Gu An''s next breakthrough would have to take ce outside of heaven.


    Although Outer Heaven was dangerous, Dao Void Mysterious Immortal was not weak.


    Gu An had already seen the words "Divine Thought True Immortal" and had a vast Life Span. He couldn''t feel at ease without reaching the ninthyer of Divine Thought True Immortal.


    He would have to control his next breakthrough a bit more; reaching the ninthyer, he would have to restrain himself and not prematurely peer into the name of the next realm, lest his heart itch with curiosity.


    Gu An thought silently to himself.


    The anomalies above the ocean had not affected Outer Heaven.


    The moon set and the sun rose.


    When morning arrived, the turmoil of Spiritual Energy over the ocean gradually returned to calm.


    Gu An had finally reached the ninth level of Dao Void Mysterious Immortal!


    He slowly opened his eyes, and the golden patterns on his forehead shone with an illusory vertical golden eye.


    The pupil of the Primordial Divine Eye was gradually turning ck, then deep gray, making this vertical eye all the more terrifying and oppressive.


    With a thought, Gu An caused the Primordial Divine Eye to disappear.


    He slowly stood up. Without taking a step, his figure vanished on the spot from the ind.


    Almost instantaneously, he arrived within the Nianchu Cave of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain.


    Tian Yao''er, Tianqing, and Tian Bai were all immersed in cultivation. The cave was quiet, save for the sound of dripping water, exuding a profound serenity.


    Gu An pped his hands, and the three demons awoke. They quickly came out of the house and upon seeing Gu An, were overjoyed and rushed to meet him.


    "Master, what exactly happened outside these past two days?"


    "Yes indeed, such a terrifying aura came through."


    "Master, are you alright?"


    The three demons chattered excitedly, their questions buzzing with enthusiasm.


    Gu An felt a pang of guilt. He should have visited sooner; instead, he had let them worry for so long.


    "Come on, let''s go to the Outer World Cave," Gu An called out, then took the three demons away with him.


    Along the way, the three demons talked incessantly, and Gu An did not hide anything from them, recounting the cmities they encountered outside.


    Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, Divine Exotic Ghost Kings, the Great Cold Demon Sect, the Heavenly Fire Catastrophe, and more¡ªall of these stories made them tremble with fear.


    But hearing from Gu An that the cmity had passed, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    They began to wonder who had resolved the cmity; Gu An said even he wasn''t sure.


    When they arrived at the Outer World Cave, Gu An raised his hand. Countless Storage Bags, Storage Rings, and Storage Dharma Artifacts flew out of his sleeves and piled up on the open ground.


    The three demons were stunned.


    Tian Yao''er couldn''t help but ask, "Why are there so many?"


    Gu An didn''t answer. After piling the collected Storage Dharma Artifacts into a mountain, he swept over them with his Divine Sense, dispelling all Restrictions. In an instant, he obliterated anything that might be harmful.


    "I entrust these to you. On ordinary days, refrain from touching them to avoid attracting powerful beings," Gu An warned them.


    In truth, no matter how much they handled them, they wouldn''t attract other Cultivators. He was only worried they might identally harm themselves.


    The three demons nodded nkly, still not fully grasping the situation.


    Gu An didn''t exin further and disappeared on the spot.


    Tian Bai came to her senses and tentatively asked, "Could the mysterious Great Power who saved us from the cmity be our master?"


    Tian Yao''er had a strange expression. Long suspecting that Gu An downyed his own strength when he said he was no match for the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother, she became even more certain now.


    She just didn''t understand why Gu An would hide his true Cultivation Level.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An returned to the Supreme Sect.


    The continent where the Supreme Sect resided had not been affected by the disturbances of the previous night, though the winds between the heavens and the earth were a bit stronger.


    He first returned to the Eight Scenic Caves to inform Jiang Qiong that the Great Cold Demon Sect had been eradicated. Jiang Qiong was shocked and immediately left.


    Gu An didn''t follow her; instead, he used the Teleportation Array in the valley to return to the Third Medicine Valley.


    Even after two days had passed, the atmosphere in the valley was still lively. Most people were discussing the Great Cold Demon Sect.


    Stealing the Five Elements and Nine-Finger Divine Lord resumed their chess game, asionally shouting, drawingughter from the surrounding Disciples.


    The Servant Disciples, who wereboring, were also spirited, and even the White Spirit Rat under the Mystic Pure Tree was unusually awake, lying at An Xin''s feet, enjoying her petting.


    Everything seemed so harmonious, bringing a smile to Gu An''s face.


    He had taken the risk to intervene so that he could see such a scene every day.


    Gu An walked towards his own loft; his Divine Sense turned towards Outer Heaven.


    His next breakthrough had to take ce in Outer Heaven.


    He wondered if it was because ofst night''s anomaly, but there were many Great Cultivators patrolling above the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. Although their Cultivation Levels were not as high as his, he still didn''t want to appear at this critical juncture.


    He would wait for those Great Cultivators to disperse before he went to Outer Heaven for the breakthrough.


    With his remaining Life Span, breaking through to Divine Thought True Immortal should not be difficult.


    Thinking of this, Gu An''s mood became even more pleasant.


    He hummed a tune as he ascended to his loft, where the Blood Prison Great Saint, lying in wait, watched his master, deep in thought.


    After Gu An entered and closed the door, Blood Prison Great Saint finally thought: "The master seems to have be stronger again. How high is his realm?"


    On the day the Great Cold Demon Sect attacked, the colossal figure that stood taller than heaven and earth fell into the eyes of Blood Prison Great Saint, and he immediately knew that it was his master.


    He felt more than ever that ending up in Gu An''s hands was an incredible stroke of fate.


    Others couldn''t get such a chance even if they wanted it!


    Thinking this, he wore a proud smile.


    Considering the millennium term, it now seemed like nothing inparison!


    When the millennium came, he would choose to stay and continue to serve Gu An, whether as an ox or a horse.


    He had already set his sights on the position of the head Disciple of the Third Medicine Valley. Considering An Xin''s talent, he was sure she would be buried by then, so who couldpete with him?


    As for Yang Jian, he would definitely want to venture out. The boy also had such ambition.


    At the same time.


    Inside the loft, Gu An sat in a chair andy down in the position he found mostfortable.


    Looking at his remaining Life Span of over six hundred million years, the corners of his mouth just couldn''t help but turn up.


    He must not becent!


    He would have to continue cultivating Medicinal herbs in the future. Dao Void Mysterious Immortal was not his final destination, nor would Divine Thought True Immortal be. He had to keep growing stronger.


    Right now, he was indeed powerful, but there were still things in the world he could not see through, and thus needed to keep cultivating diligently.


    For the next few days, Gu An began moving between the various Medicine Valleys, returning to his usual life.


    During this time, Sage Xuan Miao of the North Sea Mountain inquired about his opinion of Sword Venerable Fudao. Gu An casually praised him without borating much.


    Five dayster.


    Gu An noticed a group of Cultivators with strong Cultivation Levels sneaking into the continent, investigating the public opinion about Sword Venerable Fudao.


    These Cultivators were all from the Holy Court!


    It was not just this continent; Cultivators from the Holy Court were also investigating the Great Cold Demon Sect and the surrounding seas.


    Gu An did not intervene. The Holy Court beginning to investigate the Great Cold Demon Sect suggested that the matter had rmed the upper echelons of the Holy Court, and the Holy King could no longer act unterally.


    After harvesting all the mature Medicinal herbs in the various Medicine Valleys, Gu An began to rx and rest.


    He found Nine-Finger Divine Lord and yed a game of chess, winning three rounds in a row.


    Stealing the Five Elements became interested and wanted to y as well.


    Starting from Gu An''s first move, an hourter, Gu An stood up, holding the Seven Stars Mirror as a fan, strutting off in a superior manner.


    Stealing the Five Elements sat stunned on the stone stool, gazing at the chessboard, utterly lost in thought.


    The surrounding Disciples were thrilled, all praising Gu An.


    Stealing the Five Elements had always been winning, quite arrogantly at that. Seeing their master defeat him, how could the Disciples not be exhrated?


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord was amused. It turned out it wasn''t that he was inadequate; rather, Gu An truly possessed extraordinaryprehension in the ways of chess.


    Gu An left amid the cheers of the Disciples, his face wearing a smug smile.


    y against me?


    You''ll need another hundred million years of practice!


    Gu An admitted that those at the ninthyer of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm were powerful, just twenty-seven small realms below him.


    Returning to the loft, Gu An sat down and opened his Attribute Panel.


    He felt regret over the previous Lifespan Samsara and wished to start another game. After all, there were still plenty of Holy Court Great Cultivators patrolling outside heaven, so there was no rush to break through.


    Just one game, and definitely not getting carried away!


    "You consume ten million years of Life Span to initiate one Reincarnation Evolution."


    "Connecting with Tao Rules."


    "Searching for Reincarnation Worlds."


    "You can choose one of the following worlds:"


    "One, Great Heavenly Spirit Land."


    "Two, Nine Extreme Great Heaven and Earth."


    "Three, Dark Great Heaven and Earth."


    Gu An hesitated for a moment before deciding he would still choose the Dark Great Heaven and Earth. Where one falls, there one shall rise.


    This time, he would not repeat the same mistakes!


    "You have chosen to reincarnate into the Dark Great Heaven and Earth."


    "Considering that the Tao Rules of this world cannot conceal your Talent, you shall retain your ability to seize lifespan, but you will not be able to unlock stage-wise functions."


    "Reincarnation Evolution begins."


    "In the first year, you are born into a noble household within the Beiqian Domain''s Great Xia Holy Dynasty, blessed by your parents with the name Xiao Shengtian."


    "At the age of five, while you are fast asleep, you fall victim to poisoning by a concubine of your father''s third wife. Before you lose consciousness, you glimpse her figure. Fortunately, your mother discovers you in time, allowing for your rescue. Once your strength returns, your grandfather gathers the family in the great hall. Faced with your grandfather''s query, will you choose to expose that you were poisoned by the third wife''s concubine?"

 Chapter 303: Chapter 303 Fighting Will, Gu Ans Hostility

    Seeing the prompt of Reincarnation Evolution, Gu An hesitated.


    If it had been earlier, he would have definitely chosen to expose the crimes of the third concubine to seek justice for himself, but Chu Lu''s short life had left him with a psychological shadow.


    Although Lifespan Samsara was just an evolution and would not harm his original self, he was toying with ten million years of lifespan.


    Moreover, the prompt was brief, and he couldn''t analyze the specifics of the situation or understand the background of the third concubine; what if exposing her would bring about a deadly disaster?


    Forget it, he should endure it for now. Although it was aggrieving, it wasn''t something he personally experienced.


    [You choose to reveal you were poisoned by the third concubine, a turmoil in the Xiao Kingdom''s mansion thus resolved.]


    [At the age of eight, you began to practice swordsmanship, and identally cut a spirit grass during the process, iming eight years of lifespan and marking a turning point in your life of immortal cultivation.]


    [At twelve, thanks to lifespan evolution, your cultivation level broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm.]


    [At seventeen, the Great Ming Dynasty was besieged by three dynasties, thends shattered, and you followed the Xiao family''s southward migration, continuously encountering attacks and fierce battles, and your lifespan grew quickly.]


    [At eighteen, during the escape, you encountered two severely injured cultivators, one male and one female, each begging you to save them and kill the other, plunging you into hesitation.]


    [You choose to save the male or the female, to kill the male or the female.]


    Neither save nor kill!


    Gu An made his choice without hesitation.


    [You didn''t make a move, you watched the two die, and after their death, you took their storage bags.]


    Seeing this line of prompt, Gu An almost cursed loudly.


    Why so impulsive?


    The following years were filled with various escapes and battles.


    Until¡­


    [At twenty-seven, an elder of the Great Dayan Sect from the Mahayana Realm suspected you of ughtering his descendants since you possessed their descendant''s storage bag, you vehemently denied it, yet he still tried to kill you, and finally, both of you were heavily injured, and you got separated from your family.]


    Fighting a Mahayan realm cultivator at the age of 27, Xiao Shengtian indeed had some substance.


    It seems his path was quite wild.


    Gu Anmented in his heart, he could only see a general description and didn''t know how many enemies Xiao Shengtian had killed during this process.


    [At thirty, you entered the Luoqing Sect to focus on cultivation.]


    [At forty-five, the Xiao family was ughtered, deeply grieving upon learning this, you began to investigate who the enemy was.]


    [At fifty, after five years of investigation, you found that the power that ughtered the Xiao family was the Li Family from the East Profound Domain, you left the Luoqing Sect alone to rush to the East Profound Domain.]


    Seeing the words East Profound Domain, Gu An secretly felt that something was amiss.


    Why, out of nowhere, was his family destroyed again?


    Speaking of which, Gu An in this life also had no rtives, living alone in the Ji Family mansion; could this be fate?


    [At sixty, you stormed the secret realm assessment of the East Profound Saint Mansion, swept through the geniuses of East Profound Domain, and became renowned throughout the world.]


    [At seventy, you cultivated the Heavenly Gang Holy Body in the East Profound Saint Mansion, the mansion master favored you greatly, wishing to betroth his youngest daughter to you, whether you ept.]


    Do not ept!


    [You refused the mansion master''s goodwill, he then took you as a disciple, and you received great cultivation resources from the East Profound Saint Mansion.]


    Gu An smiled when he saw this.


    That''s more like it!


    The following life was filled with various cultivations, Xiao Shengtian continually enhanced his physique, cultivation technique, and divine skills, his choices were limited, focusing on only one method of each type.


    Years swiftly passed.


    [At one hundred and thirty-seven, you participated in the Holy Competitions of the Five Domains, with an overwhelmingly dominant appearance, you imed the title of the strongest prodigy of the era, and the name of the Heavenly Gang Holy Body spread across the Great Heaven and Earth.]


    [At one hundred and thirty-eight, you encountered a cultivator from the Li Family during an externship, due to a deep-seated hatred, you erupted into conflict with the Li Family, encountering a mysterious Carefree Primordial Immortal who intervened and nearly killed you, fortunately, a cultivator named Hanging Pot saved you when you were severely injured.]


    [At one hundred and thirty-nine, before your injuries fully healed, the Li Family attacked again, vowing to annihte you, Hanging Pot consumed his True Yuan, using a Great Divine Power to shift you and his children into a space-time rift, the three of you fell into the Dark Continent.]


    [At one hundred and forty, Hanging Pot''s son couldn''t withstand the invasion of dark powers, ultimately perishing, his soul turning into a Dark Undead and disappearing, and you took his sister to search for him.]


    [At one hundred and forty-two, the two of you failed to escape the Dark Continent, Hanging Pot''s daughter also turned into a Dark Undead, you enraged, began ughtering the Dark Undead of the Dark Continent.]


    [At one hundred and forty-three, you encountered the ck Profound Emperor from the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm, who extinguished your soul.]


    [Reincarnation ends.]


    What?


    Damn ck Profound Emperor again!


    How did he reach the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm this time?


    Gu An''s eyes widened, his anger uncontainable.


    If the ck Profound Emperor had the ability to anticipate life span, he would have already sensed the intense hostility from Gu An.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This guy had been squatting on him for two lifetimes, how could he bear it?


    Gu An immediately vanished inside the room and teleported to the ocean floor of another world, then he activated the Lifespan Barrier.


    A surge of vast memories rushed into his mind.


    An hourter.


    Gu An opened his eyes, his face showingplex emotions.


    Xiao Shengtian''s life was more splendid than Chu Lu''s, advancing triumphantly, enjoying life fiercely with gratitude and resentment, possessing the fame of the strongest talent of the contemporary era, and he also encountered many beautiful women.


    Regrettably, he still died.


    In his memories, Gu An learned about the horrors of the Dark Continent, which was evenrger than the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land, impossible to fly to the Outer Heaven, the world dim and vast, as if never able to escape, and a mysterious power called dark force devouring him.


    If not for the sufficiently powerful Heavenly Gang Holy Body, Xiao Shengtian might not havested until the day he met the ck Profound Emperor.


    It must be said, the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm ck Profound Emperor was truly terrifying, Gu An not only possessed memories but could also deeply experience the feelings of the time.


    When the ck Profound Emperor killed him, he seemed to deliberately preserve his flesh.


    The thought of his body being used by the ck Profound Emperor really irked Gu An.


    He also did not know where the Dark Continent was, whether the timing could match up, and if they met, if the opponent''s cultivation was not as good as his, he must make the ck Profound Emperor truly feel despair.


    The second reincarnation evolution ended at only one hundred and forty-three years old, which was quite annoying.


    However, the gain was greater thanst time, although the Heavenly Gang Holy Body was not as good as his Primordial Ultimate Body, he could pass it on to his disciples in the future.


    The real gain was Xiao Shengtian''s will.


    Xiao Shengtian cultivated a kind of Fighting Will; the more severe the injury, the stronger the burst of strength, capable of sweeping all opponents of the same realm, and even had a chance to counterkill higher realm opponents.


    Of course, for Gu An, the main use of the Fighting Will was manifested in crossing the tribtion.


    With this will, would his evolutionary practice in crossing the tribtion be easier?


    Gu An felt deeply and pondered whether he in the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm was stronger than the ck Profound Emperor.


    With his whole body''s ultimate skills, he really wanted to try challenging the ck Profound Emperor.


    He then disappeared from the seabed, returning to the attic of the Third Medicine Valley.


    Although merging memories caused some disturbance, it wasn''t as significant as his previous breakthrough.


    Gu An sat on a chair, suddenly feeling like trying again.


    He couldn''t pick the Dark Continent next time; there was no need to stubbornly confront the ck Profound Emperor.


    Forget it.


    Bad luck!


    In the reincarnation evolution, Gu An could only make significant choices; he couldn''t control how his evolving self specifically acted, meaning, reincarnation evolution was unknown.


    Since it was unknown, it needed to be mystical!


    Moreover, Gu An still needed to break through; he couldn''t get overexcited and dy his breakthrough.


    Gu An took out the Green Hero Travelogue and flipped through a few pages,pletely shifting his thoughts.


    This book is truly incredible!


    Even if Xuan Tianyi died now, with this book, in Gu An''s heart, he was a saint.


    ¡­


    The news of the Great Cold Demon Sect being wiped out by Sword Venerable Fudao spread wildly for a long time, making Sword Venerable Fudao''s fame spread even wider.


    In the blink of an eye, half a year passed, and time came to the end of the year.


    Winter snow covered the vast heaven and earth.


    Gu An was writing a book in the attic, recording all the Daoist sorcery and ultimate skills practiced by Chu Lu and Xiao Shengtian in his lifetime into a secret book, not wishing to immediately disseminate it but just writing for fun. If it could prove usefulter, he could directly bring it out.


    He suddenly sensed something, raised an eyebrow, then put down his pen and vanished inside the room.


    Far away on the ocean.


    Bai Ziyay on arge gourd, the gourd soaring among the clouds, his legs crossed, looking very stylish.


    He sensed an aura and immediately opened his eyes, leaping up.


    Then, he saw a figure swiftly approaching, his face breaking into a surprised smile.


    It was Meng Lang, whom he wanted to see!


    Gu An quickly flew in front of Bai Ziya and greeted with a fist and palm salute, "Daoist Friend Bai, didn''t expect to meet you here."


    Bai Ziya frankly stated his purpose, then greeted him back, smiling, "Daoist Friend Meng, long time no see, are you well? Have you been affected by the Great Cold Demon Sect?"


    He had already flown into the area endangered by the Great Cold Demon Sect, of course, this was just the peripheral region, so Gu An dared to meet him.


    "No, I wasn''t here at the time, I only came back after hearing that the Great Cold Demon Sect was extinguished," Gu An shook his head.


    Doing well?


    Quite good, just broke through to the ninthyer of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm!


    Bai Ziya invited Gu An onto the gourd, and he unceremoniously joined, the two began discussing the Great Cold Demon Sect and Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Bai Ziya was shocked by this matter; he didn''t expect such a big event to ur within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Although the Great Cold Demon Sect wasn''tparable to Mortal World Peak, it wouldn''t be far off; to wipe out the Great Cold Demon Sect with one''s own power, its Daoist level was unimaginable.


    There were still survivors from the Great Cold Demon Sect, but they were like scattered monkeys after a tree falls, many enemies kicking them while down.


    Bai Ziya was very curious about Sword Venerable Fudao, asking Gu An when this person had emerged, Gu An then said he was in seclusion before, also unsure when Sword Venerable Fudao appeared.


    The two talked for a long time, and the conversation was mostly Gu An asking questions and Bai Ziya patiently answering.


    An hourter.


    Gu An suddenly asked, "Daoist Friend Bai, have you ever heard of the Dark Continent?"


    Bai Ziya frowned, surprised he asked, "The Dark Continent? Never heard of it, is it powerful? Where is it?"


    Hearing this, Gu An could only say, "I''m not clear either, just heard a senior mention this name, so I was curious."


    Afterward, he bid farewell to Bai Ziya.


    Bai Ziya hurriedly said, "Mortal World Peak will soon hold a ten thousand year summit, you muste, officially taking over as Peak Master."


    Gu An nodded, then flew toward the direction away from the Supreme Sect.


    As he flew far away, Bai Ziya muttered, "Dark Continent... why does it feel like I''ve heard it somewhere..."

 Chapter 304 Breakthrough to the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm Nine Layers!

    After bidding farewell to Bai Ziya, Gu An took a detour, only then returning to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He finished writing the current secret book, then went downstairs to join the disciples in shoveling snow.


    During the process of shoveling snow, his thoughts were constantly in Outer Heaven.


    When would those wandering cultivators of the Holy Court disperse?


    They couldn''t stop Gu An, he was just worried that the noise from his breakthrough would be too loud and attract them near the Life Span Barrier. What if someone intruded?


    Gu An didn''t want to make unnecessary enemies with the Holy Court, nor did he want anyone to discover his true cultivation level.


    He could only wait.


    As winter passed and spring arrived, the years went by.


    The news of Sword Venerable Fudao''s world-saving feats spread widely across this region of the Mortal World, earning more and more praises, and his fame spread throughout the Great Heaven and Earth.


    Rtive to the tumultuous seas, the continent quickly calmed down since they had heard of Sword Venerable Fudao''s feats not for the first time.


    However, a change in the dynamics urred in the Human Race''s world. The forces that had fled returned but could no longer maintain their former dominance, while those who stayed behind gained more support and developed rapidly.


    The other continent on the Nine Nether Road was even more dangerous. The sects and families of the Taicang Dynasty couldn''t secure a footing there, and the fleeing forces returned in disgrace within a few years.


    Jiang Qiong also returned to the Juhua Sect, beginning to develop the sect peacefully.


    Gu An''s days returned to being leisurely.


    Before he knew it, ten years had passed.


    The wandering cultivators of the Holy Court outside heaven finally dispersed, and Gu An was waiting for this day.


    He immediately set off, leaving quietly.


    In just one step, he reached the depths of the universe, flying towards a location he had chosen long ago.


    It was a gigantic meteorite, evenrger than the continent where the Supreme Sect was located.


    Gu Annded on the meteorite. Looking around, the Great Heavenly Spirit Land seemed very distant. Reckoned for a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, it would also be impossible to spy with the naked eye.


    Turning around, the universe''s depths behind him were extremely dark. From here to the Silent Destruction Domain was closer than to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    This was also intentional on his part, to make the Holy Court think that the anomalies were caused by a Heavenly Demon.


    He sat down on the spot, activating the Life Span Barrier.


    He then pulled up his Attribute Panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 220/639,660,342]


    [Physique: Primordial Ultimate Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm Ninth Layer]


    ...


    This life span was truly a delight to behold.


    He had to be more careful about this breakthrough; thest time he crossed the Life Span Barrier he had consumed tens of millions of years of life span, a figure that could not be ignored.


    Gu An took a deep breath, deciding to directly aim for a breakthrough in cultivation level.


    Tribtion every three hundred thousand years, still quite frightening.


    One billion, get on board!


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for three hundred thousand years. With the Great Aplishment of the Infinitive Creation Dharma, you forcefully struck at the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, began facing the tribtion. You failed to endure forty-nine Heavenly Dao Mysterious Void Tribtions, and the tribtion failed]


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for six hundred thousand years. With the Great Aplishment of the Infinitive Creation Dharma, you forcefully struck at the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, began facing the tribtion. You failed to endure forty-nine Heavenly Dao Mysterious Void Tribtions, and the tribtion failed]


    ...


    Gu An remained expressionless, already used to failure.


    No matter, he still had five billion years; he didn''t believe they could drain himpletely!


    However, something terrible happened.


    When his tribtion failures exceeded a hundred times, his expression became grave.


    When his tribtion failures exceeded two hundred times, his expression became ugly.


    When one billion years were all used up, he was on the verge of a breakdown.


    What was this Heavenly Dao forty-nine Mysterious Void Tribtion?


    Was it this absurd?


    Once Gu An sessfully broke through, he must investigate the origin of this heavenly tribtion.


    Even within the same realm, heavenly tribtions are not fixed. Taking Mortal World Peak, for instance, their recorded types of heavenly tribtions exceeded ten thousand.


    The rule summarized by the Immortal Cultivation World is that the more powerful you are within the same realm, the more terrifying the heavenly tribtion. However, those cultivators, despite an increased difficulty in their tribtion, could rely on formations, Dharma treasures, and Sect teachings for support.


    Gu An could only rely on himself, owning no Dharma treasures.


    After a full aspect promotion, he himself was terrifyingly strong; how could such a him fail more than three hundred times?


    Gu An gritted his teeth, choosing tomit thirty million years of life span!


    From one billion to thirty million, it wasn''t that he was frightened; he just felt he was close to seeding and didn''t want to waste life span.


    However...


    All failed again!


    Gu An''s eyes began to redden; he couldn''t believe it!


    Another thirty million years!


    Dare to consume five hundred million years!


    When Gu An''s thoughts settled, he still failed.


    Another thirty million years!


    Failed!


    Failed!


    Failed!


    Just as Gu An was preparing to continue investing, the prompt finally changed its length.


    He seeded!


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for two billion three hundred thirty million years, with the Great Aplishment of the Infinitive Creation Dharma you forcefully struck at the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, began facing the tribtion, and you endured the forty-nine Heavenly Dao Mysterious Void Tribtions, tribtion seeded, and your cultivation level broke through to the firstyer of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm]


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for two hundred sixty million years, your cultivation level rose to the secondyer of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm]


    [You practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for three hundred million years, your cultivation level was enhanced]


    Four million years to not break through a minor realm?


    Is Divine Thought True Immortal that exaggerated?


    Feeling spiritual energy flowing into his body, Gu An hurriedly continued to invest life span.


    Thirdyer!


    Fourthyer!


    He must reach the ninthyer to feel at ease!


    Eventually, he spent another fifty-four million years of life span and finally reached the ninthyer of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm.


    The mighty spiritual energy surged into his body, its scale far surpassing that when breaking through the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm. Not only that, he found himself also absorbing the universalws pervading the cosmos!


    He immediately closed his eyes to meticulously experience it.


    As he closed his eyes, the universalws became clear, thosews falling and then vanishing into thin air, finally appearing imperceptibly inside the Life Span Barrier.


    Soon, Gu An noticed a divine sense sweeping over from the Silent Destruction Domain.


    It was the Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    As time passed, the noise from the breakthrough grew louder, attracting more and more divine senses, with the lowest being at the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    After 30 minutes, Gu An sensed the divine sense of a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    Fortunately, those guys didn''t dare show themselves yet, only daring to hide and use divine sense to spy!


    About half an Ancient Hour passed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An suddenly sensed something, subconsciously opened his eyes, and then his eyes widened.


    He saw a pair of eyes appearing in the cosmic darkness, ordinary human race eyes, just like a mortal''s, except the gaze was very detached.


    These eyes wererge, with the stars and continents of the universepletely tiny like dust before them.


    Gu An felt as though he was being watched by the other, which made him feel uneasy.


    Could the Life Span Barrier have been seen through?


    After a while, the pupils of those eyes finally shifted away.


    Gu An breathed a sigh of relief, daring to y such a dirty trick?


    Thinking I would be scared to jump out and beg for mercy?


    Unbearable!


    Just then, he finally seeded in his breakthrough, and a stream of memories began flowing into his mind, all about Divine Thought True Immortal!


    Divine Thought True Immortal, divine sense transformed into divine thought, with immensely powerful thoughts that could kill enemies or cast spells through thought alone!


    True Immortal, then, is a true Immortal!


    His flesh and spirit underwent another transformation, and oncepleted, he would be an Immortal conforming to the heavenly creation, not one just enhanced through cultivation.


    Gu An''s consciousness immersed in the legacy memories, he saw many images.


    He could peer into the past lives of any beings that had a karmic connection with him, a very peculiar feeling.


    However, he couldn''t see Ji Xiaoyu''s past life; he could only start from where Ji Xiaoyu was born in this life.


    The most surprising thing for him was that he could even peek into the lives of beings with karmic ties established with Chu Lu and Xiao Shengtian.


    If so, doesn''t this prove that Reincarnation Evolution could really turn into reality?


    This led Gu An into endless conjecture.


    He was immersed in the karmic images, unable to extricate himself, not feeling the slightest difort but rather a kind of indescribable ease.


    Peering into karma, his mind was filled with countless images, yet it felt as exhrating as Qi Absorption Cultivation, making him even more invigorated.


    By the time Gu An sessfully broke through to the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, he was still in those images.


    Cultivation continued to break through!


    From the firstyer to the secondyer!


    From the secondyer to the thirdyer!


    Gradually, powerful beings began passing by this area, sweeping over the meteorite where he was located!

 Chapter 305 Absolute Order

    After Gu An reached the ninthyer of the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, the spiritual energy and rules within the universe that had been violently disturbed returned to tranquility.


    Looking around, powerful figures were darting in all directions, while the pair of eyes that had been spying on the universe had already disappeared.


    Gu An slowly opened his eyes, his gaze indifferent.


    Having seen so many lives, his Daoist Heart had been elevated, and in the unknown reaches, he had even touched upon a Dao that belonged to himself.


    The Dao is long and profound, necessitating umtion over lengthy eons.


    Currently, Gu An possessed only cultivation level, wishing to strengthen his Dao, he needed to traverse real time in reality.


    Of course, this did not mean Gu An was weakerpared to others at the same realm. The Dao was merely the direction for his future cultivation.


    Nine Heavens of Immortal Path, Divine Thought True Immortal was already the eighth heaven!


    Qi Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Divinity Transformation, Void Crossing, Unification, Mystic Heart, Mahayana, Nirvana, Loose Immortal, Wandering Immortal, Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, Carefree Primordial Immortal, Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma, Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, Divine Thought True Immortal!


    Unknowingly, Gu An had transcended so many major realms.


    He was only two hundred and twenty years old now; his future achievements were limitless.


    What realm lies above the Nine Heavens?


    Gu An fell into endless reverie, uncaring about the figures moving in various directions.


    Let alone other Divine Thought True Immortals, currently no Dao Void Mysterious Immortal had appeared, likely hidden in the shadows.


    Considering the mysterious giant eye he had encountered before, he now recalled and still could not see through the opponent''s cultivation level.


    Gu An looked at the consumption of the Life Span Barrier and frowned.


    This breakthrough alone had consumed over fifty million years of life span.


    Now he had only three hundred forty million years left, this breakthrough exhausting nearly three hundred million years made it hard to imagine how many years the next breakthrough would require.


    Nevertheless, the cultivation of the ninthyer of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm was enough for him to protect himself!


    Gu An stood up, thinking of the scene inside the Third Medicine Valley Pavilion.


    Just as the thought arose, he returned indoors.


    This was the prowess of a Divine Thought True Immortal!


    Thinking of a ce, moving at will, he had already achieved the ability to be omnipresent to an initial extent.


    The whole heaven and earth appeared different to Gu An; he saw more rules, and the universe became clearer.


    He once again spied on the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, his Divine Sense far surpassing his previous Divine Perception, allowing him to prate the formations and restrictions of those great powers without being noticed.


    This Great Heaven and Earth indeed harbored Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma, though few in number, all were in seclusion, detached from worldly affairs.


    Gu An''s gaze turned to the Immortal Spirit Dynasty, which was located on a continent muchrger than the one beneath his feet, with newborns starting at the Nirvana Realm. There, too, were Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma, even Dao Void Mysterious Immortals as well as ces too profound to probe.


    In his eyes, the standard for being unprovable was silence.


    His Divine Thought could forcefully intrude, but it would surely disturb the beings inside.


    This Immortal Spirit Dynasty is strong!


    If it weren''t for the Holy Court, it would not be difficult for this dynasty to unify the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. However, they seemed not to desire hegemony but were isted from the world. Gu An saw no Immortalsing in and out.


    He then turned his Divine Thoughts towards the Holy Court at the other end of heaven and earth.


    The baseline of the Holy Court was not as high as that of the Immortal Spirit Dynasty, but the number of beings in the Holy Court was extremelyrge, iparable to the Immortal Spirit Dynasty, and the number of beings at the same realm was also greater than that of the Immortal Spirit Dynasty.


    If the Immortal Spirit Dynasty was taking an elite route, the Holy Court was developing in all aspects, and it held absolute control over the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    There were also ces in the Holy Court that Gu An would not offend lightly, but after roughly spying around, Gu An felt that the Holy Court was still stronger than the Immortal Spirit Dynasty.


    During his observation, Gu An saw the Carefree Primordial Immortals moving in and out of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land in ways that beings could not perceive.


    He secretly rejoiced.


    Fortunately, after reaching the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, he had not acted recklessly; otherwise, when the Carefree Primordial Immortal arrived in front of him, he would not even have been aware.


    After reaching the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, Gu An was better able to sense the foundation of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land and of course, he also had his own confidence, not so fearful of the Holy Court.


    Gu An vaguely saw the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court forming an invisible passage, leading deep into the universe, entering the Annihtion Zone.


    His gaze involuntarily turned towards the Annihtion Zone.


    The universe was vast and boundless, and the Annihtion Zone was not just in one direction but surrounded the cosmic region where the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was located, although the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was closer to one side. Thus, the beings of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land who flew out mistook that the Silent Destruction Domain was only in one direction.


    Even for a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, flying to the Annihtion Zone from another direction would take many years, enough to see how vast the universe is.


    Gu An retracted his Divine Thoughts, filled with emotion.


    This world was different from what he had anticipated.


    Due to the influence of past life culture, he felt that if there was the Immortal Path, there would be order, with Immortals governing all things under heaven and reincarnation constraining Yin Yang. Yet, in reality, there was none.


    There were realms of Immortal Path but no Immortals governing the Heavenly Dao.


    There were reincarnation and Yin Yang, yet no order like that of the underworld.


    Now, having observed the universe, Gu An had only one feeling.


    It was chaos.


    There was no absolute order!


    Gu An thought that there might be an even vaster world on the other end of the universe, with the Silent Destruction Domain impeding the steps of the beings of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, especially since he had learned through Reincarnation Evolution about the existence of other Great Lands.


    Speaking of the Dark Great Land alone, he felt that the Dark Great Land was stronger andrger than the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    This was normal; Bai Ziya had mentioned that the current Great Heavenly Spirit Land was just a fragment¡ªhow vast the true Great Heavenly Spirit Land was hard to imagine.


    Gu An couldn''t help but think of his juniors, his disciples.


    His pride faded along.


    Though a Divine Thought True Immortal was indeed powerful, he had not yet reached a stage where he couldmand reincarnation, at least he could not make those around him immortal.


    He was nning to visit Ye Lan after some time to see if he could help extend her ultimate life span.


    Gu An raised his hand, tapping the desktop with a finger.


    This action was transmitting mana; he was enhancing the mana within the Heaven-Cutting Axe while also strengthening the words "Righteous Path" on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Since the prestige of Sword Venerable Fudao had already been established, he would just have to maintain it!


    ¡­


    At the end of summer.


    The weather was gradually cooling.


    In the woods, Gu An was guiding Yang Jian in his cultivation.


    Yang Jian wielded a trident and de, his attacks swift and powerful, yet unable to harm Gu An, who with just two fingers could block all his attacks.


    This trident and de were forged by order of Li Xuandao and had already been given to Yang Jian, but typically, inside Medicine Valley, Yang Jian would not bring out this divine weapon.


    The making of this divine weapon was simr to that of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, weighing a million jin, and it contained special restrictions inside that enhanced its strike force.


    Yang Jian grew more and more astonished in battle; he had gone all out, not to threaten his master, but under his master''s suppression, even the force he swung could not damage the woods.


    At first nce, he seemed like a martial artist who was just faster and more forceful in his movements.


    Blood Prison Great Sainty on the side watching; he was not surprised, feeling that it should be so.


    What he cared about was Yang Jian''s state.


    This young man''s aura was getting stronger, and he could not imagine what posture Yang Jian would have once he reached the Mahayana Realm.


    Yang Jian leaped up, shing down furiously. Gu An raised his right hand, pinning the de between his fingers, preventing it from pressing downward, which made Yang Jian tremble.


    "Alright, let''s stop for today."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An spoke, his tone calm, thereafter setting Yang Jian down.


    Yang Jian sheathed his de and hurriedly bowed, his heart uneasy, unsure if he had satisfied his master.


    His actual cultivation had reached the seventhyer of Divinity Transformation Realm, other than his own efforts, he received many elixirs from Gu An. As for cultivation speed, it quite satisfied Gu An.


    "Let''s go back, a major figure is visiting today."


    Gu An revealed a smile, softly speaking.


    Yang Jian couldn''t help but be curious. What major figure?


    They walked towards the outside of the woods, along the way, Blood Prison Great Saint started to evaluate Yang Jian''s battle, imparting practical fighting experience, and Yang Jian, knowing his true cultivation, listened very attentively.


    An ancient hourter.


    Gu An was ying chess with Stealing the Five Elements, watched by Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Shen Xinzi, and a crowd of cultivators.


    Stealing the Five Elements was frowning deeply, hesitating to make a move.


    Just then, a sonorous voice echoed through Supreme Sect, reverberating across the continent.


    "Holy Minister decrees, Sword Venerable Fudao''s merit in saving beings is notable, and he may enter the Holy Court to receive the Qi Fortune fruit position!"


    Upon these words, everyone in Medicine Valley looked up, and Gu An also pretended to look.


    After a brief silence, uproars broke out in Medicine Valley.


    "The Holy Court?"


    "A reward for Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    "What''s the matter? What power is this Holy Court?"


    "What is Qi Fortune fruit position, it sounds quite powerful."


    "Who is this Holy Minister, daring to recruit Sword Venerable Fudao? Too arrogant!"


    Most disciples felt dissatisfied with the Holy Court after hearing this, feeling that the Holy Court did not respect Sword Venerable Fudao, at least from these words, it seemed the Holy Court considered itself stronger than Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Gu An could not help but shake his head in amusement.


    Recruit me?


    But this plot point somewhat resembles Journey to the West.


    Luckily, it''s not recruiting me to be Horses'' Fortune.


    A disciple couldn''t help but inquire about the background of the Holy Court from Nine-Finger Divine Lord who did not conceal anything and began to introduce the Holy Court.


    Hearing that the Holy Court was the overlord of the entire world, the disciples'' dissatisfaction quickly dissipated, immediately after, they started to worry about Sword Venerable Fudao leaving.


    Without Sword Venerable Fudao, what would they do in case of another crisis in the future?


    Meanwhile, Gu An sensed that the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who had transmitted the message had already stepped onto the Heavenly Repair tform.


    He immediately stood up to go watch the excitement.


    Inside the Outer Gate City, the crowd was buzzing.


    People on the Heavenly Repair tform were discussing the Holy Court, many also believing that the Holy Court was undervaluing Sword Venerable Fudao.


    A man in white walked among the crowd, his pace not quick, his long sleeves fluttering, his appearance handsome, holding a folding fan in his hand.


    He wore a smile on his face, his heart scornful.


    "A group of mortals dares to question the Holy Court?"


    The man in white was not angry, he would not bother with mortals over this, and since this was Sword Venerable Fudao''s territory, it would not be good to offend Sword Venerable Fudao.


    A Great Power capable of eradicating the Great Cold Demon Sect was not someone he could provoke.


    After delivering the Holy Minister''s message, he did not care whether Sword Venerable Fudao agreed or not; he now wanted to try out that Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Beforeing to Supreme Sect, he had heard about the legend of the Heaven-Cutting Axe while traveling in the Taicang Dynasty.

 Chapter 306 I am Sword Venerable Fudao

    The man in white walked for a while, slowly arriving in front of the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    Zuo Yijian saw his extraordinary bearing and couldn''t help but scrutinize him with curiosity.


    The man in white asked with a smile, "I am Lu Xianyi, may I try my hand at the Heaven-Cutting Axe?"


    The creatures of this continent are too weak; naturally, it would be impossible for them to receive the inheritance of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    If he could achieve that, it would also be a fortuitous opportunity for him.


    Leaving aside his identity, for him as a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, Great Cold Demon Sect is certainly an immovable behemoth that he could easily sweep away. The man in white spected that Sword Venerable Fudao might possess abilitiesparable to a Holy King.


    "Go ahead, but you can only pull once per day," said Zuo Yijian, neither haughty nor humble. Over the years, he had seen too many Great Cultivators, and the pride in his heart had also been growing. In his eyes, the honor of Sword Venerable Fudao was even higher than the prosperity of the Supreme Sect.


    The man in white nodded and turned his gaze to the Heaven-Cutting Axe.


    At the same time, Gu An stood among the crowd, watching the man in white from afar and sending out a Life Span Detection.


    [Lu Xianyi (Nine Layers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm): 67980/500000/890000]


    An extreme life span of eight hundred and ny thousand years!


    It was unknown what realm he could reach in his lifetime.


    Gu An suspected that a certain realm might once again bring a transformation of extreme life span, but since his breakthroughs did not increase his life span, he was not clear about which realm would bring about such a transformation.


    Furthermore, in his view, the previous great realms all had the feeling of being reborn from the ashes.


    Under Gu An''s watchful gaze, Lu Xianyi grasped the handle of the Heaven-Cutting Axe and his expression changed slightly.


    The gaze of more and more onlookers fell upon them¡ªanyone looking at Lu Xianyi would think that he came from an extraordinary background.


    Lu Xianyi began to exert force, and for a moment, the Heavenly Repair tform trembled slightly, but the Heaven-Cutting Axe did not budge an inch.


    Zuo Yijian''s look changed when he saw Lu Xianyi shake the Heavenly Repair tform. It indicated that Lu Xianyi''s cultivation level was extremely profound; it was too normal to not be able to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe, after all, Sword Venerable Fudao was unmatched in the world.


    At least, in Zuo Yijian''s heart, Sword Venerable Fudao was invincible!


    Wait a minute!


    This guy''s voice is very simr to the one who shouted just now!


    It''s not just simr¡ªit''s the exact same voice, just quieter, and the oppressive feeling is also restrained.


    Having realized this, Zuo Yijian''s gaze towards Lu Xianyi was filled with hostility.


    How dare this scoundrel try to poach the Sword Venerable? Outrageous!


    Themotion caused by Lu Xianyi attracted the attention of everyone on the Heavenly Repair tform, but he didn''t pull for too long. After a few breaths, he released his hand.


    He let out a long sigh, stepped back, and said with a smile, "Sword Venerable Fudao is indeed as reputed, I am impressed!"


    After that, he raised his hand in salute to the Heaven-Cutting Axe, then turned and left.


    The cultivators along the way made way for him, afraid of offending him¡ªjust from themotion earlier, they felt they were not in a position to provoke him.


    Gu An stood among the crowd and also gazed at Lu Xianyi.


    Soon, Lu Xianyi disappeared from the tform, prompting discussion among the cultivators there.


    Gu An then headed down the tform. Since he was here, he might as well take a stroll; otherwise, Stealing the Five Elements and Nine-Finger Divine Lord would suspect why he specifically came to watch Lu Xianyi.


    Of course, the most important reason was that Gu An did not want to y Go with Stealing the Five Elements.


    These guys were ying slower and slower games; Gu An certainly understood their malicious intentions.


    Indeed, at this moment, Stealing the Five Elements was still iming thest game was a draw. Although the others didn''t believe it, Stealing the Five Elements was dead set on it, and no one else wanted to pursue the matter further, as the cultivation levels were quite deterring.


    Gu An paid a visit to the Elixir Hall, where almost everyone recognized him, except for the disciples who had just started this year. His ie from Medicine Valley was one of the highest in the entire Supreme Sect, not to mention he was also a Core Formation realm cultivator.


    Even having reached the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, Gu An still liked to chat with others.


    As for the invitation from the Holy Court, he didn''t want to pay it any mind.


    Going to the Holy Court was likely to cause trouble, and he certainly didn''t want any of that. What if, in the process, he ended up making enemies with the Holy Court?


    Although Gu An had wiped out the Ephemera Sect, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and the Great Cold Demon Sect, he was inherently kind-hearted and peace-loving.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Well, if it''s possible to avoid making enemies, then it''s better not to.


    Not until dusk did Gu An return to his valley, and by then, Stealing the Five Elements had long since disappeared.


    In the days that followed, Gu An noticed that Lu Xianyi had no intention of leaving the Supreme Sect. Gu An couldn''t help praying, hoping the man wouldn''t enter his Medicine Valley.


    The Third Medicine Valley had already hidden too many monsters and devils¡ªit couldn''t house any more.


    ...


    Summer passed, and autumn arrived.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, under an old tree, Gu An held the Seven Stars Mirror, using it like a fan, rxing blissfully.


    Sitting opposite him, Lu Xianyi''splexion was ugly, his hand holding the Go stones unable to make a move for a long time.


    Stealing the Five Elements and Nine-Finger Divine Lord sat aside, both revealing sincere smiles.


    A being in the Nine Layers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm and still less than seventy thousand years old was definitely a top-notch genius of the current era. Even Stealing the Five Elements, who was also in the Nine Layers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, felt a dangerous aura from Lu Xianyi. After learning to y Go, Lu Xianyi was able to beat Stealing the Five Elements on the same day.


    After losing the position of the second-best Go yer in the world, Stealing the Five Elements had always been displeased with Lu Xianyi.


    Today, he finally got to see Lu Xianyi get put in his ce!


    Suddenly, Lu Xianyi raised his eyes to look at Gu An and asked in a deep voice, "Impossible! Who exactly are you?"


    While Go is indeed exquisite, he felt that the reason the other party could win was because they anticipated his next move. This suggests what? That the opponent''s deductive abilities were stronger than his own!


    His talent andprehension might not be considered top-notch in the Holy Court, but he still believed he was a genius.


    He refused to believe that Gu An''sprehension exceeded his own.


    There''s only one possibility!


    This person is hiding their true cultivation level!


    After hearing this, Gu An said with a proud smile, "I''ll tell you, I am Sword Venerable Fudao, do you believe that?"


    Kid, you can''t even recognize the Immortal Path Supreme Treasures in my hand and on my head, yet you aim to see through my cultivation level?


    On hearing Gu An''s words, Lu Xianyi suddenly stood up, and quickly bowed with sped hands towards Gu An.


    Stealing the Five Elements, Nine-Finger Divine Lord, and those around them, were taken aback for a moment, then burst intoughter.


    Lu Xianyi looked up, confused. What was so funny about that?


    Weren''t these people afraid of offending Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord could not help butugh and say, "Young brother, you can inquire around if you wish. Thisd is only in his two hundreds, how could he possibly be Sword Venerable Fudao? Sword Venerable Fudao became famous over a hundred years ago."


    On hearing this, Lu Xianyi looked at Gu An in disbelief.


    Now he naturally didn''t believe that Gu An was Sword Venerable Fudao. What can be aplished in two hundred years?


    With talent like his, he could at most cultivate to the Mystic Heart Realm.


    What is a realm before Nirvana worth?


    No different from ants!


    Even if they said Sword Venerable Fudao was two hundred years old, he wouldn''t believe it.


    Sword Venerable Fudao must definitely be an existence that transcends the Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    "You¡­" Lu Xianyi stared at Gu An, quite angry.


    Gu An stood up and said, "Someone is looking for me, you guys continue ying."


    Having said that, he slipped away.


    Lu Xianyi watched his retreating figure, unable to let go for a long time.


    Luckily, this guy didn''t harbor enmity toward Gu An, otherwise, he would''ve been extinguished this evening.


    Stealing the Five Elements immediately took the seat that Gu An had vacated and said, "Let''s continue, I think I have figured out your game!"


    Lu Xianyi took a deep breath and could only sit down.


    He knew that Gu An, being the Valley Master, couldn''t escape, and he refused to believe that he couldn''t beat a mere mortal in a game!


    Gu An was not using an excuse; someone was indeed looking for him.


    He waited at the base of his own attic.


    After a while, a figure flew into the valley¡ªit was Xuan Tianyi.


    "Big brother, long time no see!" Gu An eximed with joy.


    Xuan Tianyi was as spirited as ever. He patted Gu An on the shoulder and observed him closely, praising, "You learned to dress up, you have a bit of my aura. But your cultivation hasn''t increased, you''re disgracing me."


    Lu Xianyi, who was ying Go downstairs, heard this and immediately dismissed his doubts.


    Someone who could greet a junior cultivator of the Mahayana Realm as a brother, could that be some profound master?


    It seems thisd''s invention of Go really is based on unique insights.


    Gu An took Xuan Tianyi upstairs to catch up.


    Once inside, Xuan Tianyi began to recount his experiences over the years¡ªhe too had dealt with Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts and had a wealth of experiences.


    Gu An listened intently, sometimes shocked, which pleased Xuan Tianyi.


    He liked chatting with this younger brother¡ªso invigorating!


    Xuan Tianyi mentioned Li Ya and An Hao, especially An Hao, whose tone was filled with envy.


    He truly understood what an unmatched genius was. Compared to An Hao, his own talent seemed mediocre.


    And he had also learned that An Hao''s master was Sword Venerable Fudao.


    "What? His master is... no wonder, no wonder!" Gu An marveled.


    The attic was protected by Xuan Tianyi''s restrictions, so they didn''t worry about the disciples overhearing. As for the likes of Stealing the Five Elements, even if they did hear, what of it? If they dared to plot against An Hao, Gu An wouldn''t consider their friendship over Go.


    "After Great Cold Demon Sect withdrew, the sea became chaotic since quite a number of forces had escaped previously, freeing up a lot of maritime andnd resources, and the Star Sea Congregations are also vying with others over them," Xuan Tianyi reflected.


    Although many years had passed, bringing up that event still excited him.


    Sword Venerable Fudao truly gave the Supreme Sect glory!


    While Xuan Tianyi''s hearty with the Supreme Sect, he belonged to the Star Sea Congregations.


    The two thus chatted passionately.


    Meanwhile, after beating Stealing the Five Elements, Lu Xianyi stood up and left, ignoring Stealing the Five Elements'' requests for another match.


    He wandered around the valley, and his attention was captured by Shen Xinzi.


    "The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect huh..." Lu Xianyi seemed to have an idea, but he quickly shifted his gaze, with no intention of approaching Shen Xinzi.


    He observed everyone in the valley.


    This Medicine Valley was too peculiar; the inhabitants were either terrifyingly weak or concealed Immortals, with an enormous disparity.


    Suddenly.


    His gaze was again drawn to one person, and this time, his eyestched on.


    Following his line of sight, it was Yang Jian who was weeding.


    Due to the vast gulf in their cultivation, Yang Jian, who had his back to Lu Xianyi, did not detect anything unusual.


    Until a voice came from behind him:


    "What is your name?"


    Yang Jian subconsciously stood up and turned around.


    He had seen Lu Xianyi from a distance before and knew that the other party had an important status and was not a simple cultivator.


    "My name is Yang Jian. May I know what matter brings you here, senior?" Yang Jian bowed with sped hands, striking a bnce between respect and noting across as obsequious.


    "Yang Jian?" Lu Xianyi mused, recalling having heard this name before.


    It was mentioned by two Supreme Sect disciples in conversation, with one iming that True Lord Eng, Yang Jian, was more formidable than the Great Sage Equalling Heaven. The two even quarreled about it in the end.

 Chapter 307 Chapter 307 Millennium Summit

    Yang Jian knew from Lu Xianyi''s expression that he had heard of "Journey to the West" but hadn''t read it, plus his demeanor suggested he most likely came from overseas.


    He immediately took out a book from his pocket and handed it to Lu Xianyi.


    "This is my favorite book, the most extraordinary book ever, a gift for you, my elder."


    Upon hearing this, Lu Xianyi quickly reached out to ept it, even bowing gratefully, which made Yang Jian feel vignt.


    What''s going on?


    Did this fellow realize he was concealing his cultivation level?


    Seeing the change in Yang Jian''s eyes, Lu Xianyi spoke, "Thanks, I''ll go read this book now since I have nothing else to do."


    With that, he turned and left.


    Yang Jian watched him walk away, thought for a moment, and continued weeding.


    It wasn''t until the evening that Xuan Tianyi finally left.


    Gu An looked at the book on the table, his face full of anticipation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Thetest Green Hero Travelogue!


    Xuan Tianyi truly was a saint in his eyes; despite the chaos in recent years, that youngster still managed to write a book.


    You should know the Green Hero Travelogue is adapted from real experiences and focuses on romantic plots, implying that these years Xuan Tianyi had incurred more romantic debts.


    Gu An took a deep breath and then picked up the Green Hero Travelogue with both hands.


    The moon outside the window was full, and the valley was filled with the continuous sound of insects, making the atmosphere more enjoyable for reading.


    It wasn''t just him reading in the valley, Lu Xianyi was also in his guest room reading.


    Lu Xianyi held "Journey to the West" in one hand, his brow furrowed, and his other hand was calcting something.


    ...


    Seven dayster.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to Tianya Valley to pick medicinal herbs, only Luo Hun, Lv Xian, and three monkey demons were there, Yi Liuyun, Ji Rui, and Li Lingtian hadn''t returned.


    Above the clouds, Lu Xianyi looked down at Tianya Valley, his brow tightly knit.


    Listening to the exchange between Gu An and Luo Hun, he finally let down his guard.


    This youngster providing the Supreme Sect with grass and serving the dynasty as aborer, with hardly a grand background, was exactly why he was so humble.


    Lu Xianyi turned and left, nning to visit the Supreme Sect. He had heard that Investiture of the Gods could be linked with "Journey to the West", and he wanted to see what Investiture of the Gods was about.


    As Gu An continued weeding, the corner of his mouth curled upward.


    Beside him, Luo Hun continued asking, "What have you considered?" Read new chapters at empire


    "Let''s not, I really don''t want to leave the Supreme Sect. Thank the Emperor and the Crown Prince for their kindness on my behalf, but I won''t be going to the Imperial City," Gu An replied.


    Luo Hun smiled and said, "The Crown Prince always talks about defeating Yang Jian, he''s been cultivating hard these years. He even received pointers from a Great Cultivator from the ocean. You better prepare Yang Jian."


    Gu An nodded, "Sure, Old Luo, you''ve aged."


    "Aged? Why would you say that?"


    "You''ve be more and more long-winded, you used to talk less when you borrowed the Green Hero Travelogue."


    "You dare mention that, without a new volume of Green Hero Travelogue, the Supreme Secret Records you asked me to find still haven''t appeared."


    "Read more of the ''Journey to the West'' and cultivate your mind."


    Gu An kept weeding while bantering with Luo Hun.


    Days continued to pass.


    Autumn left, and winter arrived, snow began to fly.


    One day, while reading in the Eight Scenic Caves, Gu An suddenly sensed something and immediately took out a green jade, the Mortal Jade of the Mortal World Peak, a symbol of a Peak Master and also a magic artifact.


    He sent his divine thought into it and soon learned that the Millennium Peak Meeting was about to start.


    He thought for a moment, stood up, and disappeared from the spot.


    The Mortal Jade had a directional guide inside, but Gu An didn''t need it; he had already found the location of Mortal World Peak.


    Mortal World Peak was very distant from the Supreme Sect, situated over an ocean covered in thick fog. There were no inds or continents, only towering peaks rising straight from the ocean floor into the clouds.


    Gu An appeared at the edge of Mortal World Peak and then proceeded forward through the clouds.


    It wasn''t long before he saw the figures of cultivators, more and more of them all heading in the same direction.


    Gu An didn''t speed up, flying at a leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery along the way.


    He was considering, now as a Peak Master, whether to nt medicinal herbs on his own peak.


    Arriving at Mortal World Peak, he couldn''t rely entirely on picking his own herbs, as that would be too suspicious, after all, here, he was a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    "Daoist Friend, please wait!"


    A voice came from behind, and Gu An stopped and turned to look.


    He saw two cultivators approaching on swords, a man and a woman, both at the Nirvana Realm.


    Gu An performed a Life Span Detection; the man was named Xu Ruohai and the woman Xu Xi, their ultimate life spans were not outstanding, but also not mediocre.


    The two approached Gu An, and Xu Ruohai took the initiative to raise his hand in greeting, "I am Xu Ruohai, this is my sister, Xu Xi. May I ask for your honored name, Daoist Friend?"


    Gu An returned the greeting, "I am Meng Lang. May I know what brings the two of you here?"


    Xu Ruohai smiled, "Daoist Friend, are you also here to pay respects at Mortal World Peak? We are siblings too, why don''t we keep each otherpany?"


    Although he couldn''t see through Gu An''s cultivation level, Gu An didn''t appear dangerous to him and he observed Gu An flying leisurely, looking around as if it were his first visit.


    Xu Xi, examining Gu An, quickly averted her gaze when Gu An looked at her, her earlobes turning slightly red.


    Interesting, embarrassed after living over eight thousand years?


    Gu An thought to himself and then nodded.


    Xu Ruohai became even more enthusiastic, and the three chatted as they flew.


    Gu An asked them about their understanding of Mortal World Peak, reassuring Xu Ruohai that it was indeed Gu An''s first visit.


    Xu Xi didn''t talk much, mostly Xu Ruohai spoke, with her asionally interjecting.


    Through them, Gu An gained a clearer understanding of Mortal World Peak.


    At the same time, he thought about the siblings he had met towards the end of Xiao Shengtian''s life, recalling their adventures, which made him feel somewhat regretful and endearing Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi to him.


    An hourter.


    The three passed through dense fog, and their eyes were drawn to a gigantic peak ahead, an incredibly majestic peak evenrger than any they had encountered along the way, its diameter at the base was at least a thousand miles, shooting straight into the sky, its top invisible.


    The surface of this mountain was densely wooded, full of vitality, and cultivators from all directions were flying toward this mountain.


    Upon arriving here, the surroundings became noisy, with roars of demon pets and mounts in the distance.


    Xu Ruohai looked up, feeling moved, "Truly worthy of Mortal World Peak, one of the oldest schools in the world. I''ve wanted to join Mortal World Peak since I was young, I wonder if I''ll pass smoothly."


    Gu Anughed, "With your cultivation level, you should be fine, no need to worry."


    Xu Ruohaiughed bitterly, "Brother Meng, you don''t understand, the requirements of Mortal World Peak for aptitude..."


    "Ha ha ha, Daoist Friend Meng, you finally arrived!"


    A hearty, heartyugh interrupted Xu Ruohai.


    Gu An knew without looking up that it was Bai Ziya who hade; he had intentionally leaked a hint of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal aura earlier. Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi might not have noticed, but Bai Ziya, who had been waiting for him, picked it up quickly.


    Bai Ziya descended from the sky, grabbing Gu An''s hand, eager to move on.


    "If you hadn''te, your position as Peak Master would have been taken!" Bai Ziya huffed.


    Gu An quickly said, "I''d like to bring them along."


    Bai Ziya nced at Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi, nodding slightly.


    Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi were stunned.


    Peak Master''s position?


    Had they heard right?

 Chapter 308 Chapter 308 Unable to Contact

    Gu An saw that Xu Ruohai and his sibling were still in a daze, so he immediately rolled up his sleeves, took them into his palm, and followed Bai Ziya to fly upwards.


    That scene caused Bai Ziya to raise an eyebrow andugh, "Daoist Friend Meng, you have impressive divine skills!"


    In the eyes of Xu Ruohai and his sibling, it was not that they had be smaller, but Gu An and Xu Ruohai had be gigantic, a visual impact so shocking that it left the siblings speechless and wide-eyed.


    Listening to Gu An and Bai Ziya chatting andughing, Xu Xi came back to her senses and looked at Xu Ruohai, asking carefully, "Brother, just now the senior mentioned Meng Dao... is he a Peak Master?"


    She naturally knew what being a Peak Master meant. In Mortal World Peak, a Peak Master wielded immense power and symbolized the status of a strong individual, someone of legendary status.


    Turbulent waves rose in Xu Ruohai''s heart as he tried to maintain hisposure, slightly nodding his head without making a sound.


    He carefully recalled the previous interactions and realized he hadn''t offended the other party, who had evenforted him about sessfully entering Mortal World Peak.


    A light shone in Xu Ruohai''s eyes, his heart beginning to race with excitement, his hands clenched into fists inside his sleeves.


    At the same time, Bai Ziya began to exin the situation of the millennium summit.


    Although it was called the millennium summit, it was not actually fixed at an interval of ten thousand years. It had been twenty thousand years since thest summit, and Bai Ziya, having returned rarely, discussed holding it with the other Peak Masters.


    The opening of the millennium summit would not only recruit new disciples but also invite other friendly forces.


    Before the opening of the millennium summit, Bai Ziya would take Gu An to choose an unimed Divine Peak.


    Mortal World Peak had many peaks, divided by rank from low to high: Sea Peak, Immortal Peak, Divine Peak, and Main Peak, thetter being the highest level with only one. There were twenty-five Divine Peaks, and the hard standard for a Master of a Divine Peak was the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    Gu An was curious, how could there be a shortage of Divine Peak Masters?


    Bai Ziya replied that many Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals wanted to adventure beyond the Outer Heaven, so they would make room if they wanted to leave.


    After hearing this, Gu An didn''t react too strongly, making Bai Ziya sigh in relief.


    It looked like he had sessfully bluffed Gu An.


    He had made Outer Heaven seem so dangerous because he wanted Gu An to stay in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Besides, someone like Gu An, who had no powerful backing and could cultivate to the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm in solitude, was undoubtedly an unimaginable talent. Even without going to Outer Heaven, he could still advance.


    The two kept flying upwards until the azure sky vanished, reced by the dazzling starry sky.


    Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi, standing in the palm of Gu An''s hand, looked up, immersed in the vastness of the universe.


    Gu An followed Bai Ziya into a grand hall, cing Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi on the ground, asking them to follow behind him.


    The grand hall was spacious, with giant, majestic statues lined up on both sides, and the ceiling was engraved with various grand scenes. Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi proceeded cautiously, not daring to make a sound, staying close behind Gu An.


    Moving forward, Gu An saw twenty-five bluish-purple crystal columns, with the power of rules surging within, containing countless restrictions. It seemed that Mortal World Peak might be hiding a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    Even a Carefree Primordial Immortal would find it difficult to construct such crystal columns.


    Bai Ziya stopped walking and pointed to two adjacent crystal columns, "These two Divine Peaks are open for choice, known as Chengtian Peak and Dingtian Peak..."


    He began to introduce Chengtian Peak and Dingtian Peak.


    Experience exclusive tales on empire


    Chengtian Peak had over a million disciples, and its height was moderate since it had a long history, so the disciples'' cultivation levels were generally strong.


    The height of Dingtian Peak was second among the Divine Peaks. Because it had experienced internal strife, there was a gap in the disciples'' cultivation, with most of them below the level of Loose Immortals, and resources were also scarce, with many areas left idle.


    Currently, the number of disciples on Dingtian Peak was just over two hundred thousand.


    Gu An immediately spoke up, "Then Dingtian Peak it shall be; I will see to its improvement and contribute to Mortal World Peak."


    Upon hearing this, Bai Ziya looked at Gu An with newfound respect.


    Afterward, Bai Ziya asked Gu An to bring out the Mortal Jade and ce it on the crystal column.


    Having done all this, they proceeded to other pces for a tedious process to unlock Gu An''s rights on Dingtian Peak.


    Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi also registered in the process, bing disciples of Dingtian Peak.


    An hourter, Bai Ziya took Gu An and the siblings to Dingtian Peak, then left.


    He didn''t support Gu An''s position; jokingly, did a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal even need someone to stand up for them?


    Who would dare to stir up trouble? That would be courting death!


    In Mortal World Peak, disciples were not allowed to defile the Peak Master!


    Xu Ruohai and Xu Xi looked with excitement at the majestic Dingtian Peak.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An looked at them and asked with a smile, "From now on, how should you address me?"


    Xu Ruohai quickly bowed and offered his respects, "This disciple, Xu Ruohai, greets Master!"


    Xu Xi recovered her senses and followed suit, greeting him as Master.


    Gu An smiled, then revealed the aura of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, enveloping Dingtian Peak.


    Only at this moment did Xu Ruohai and his sibling truly feel the strength of Gu An.


    The three flew to the summit; shortly after, nine Wandering Immortals came to greet them. Gu An, without a second word, disyed his Mortal Jade.


    The nine Wandering Immortals showed delight and paid their respects, referring to Gu An as Master respectfully.


    Gu An threw a Life Span Detection at them; their life spans were healthy, able to work for him for many years.


    The eldest disciple of Dingtian Peak was named Zhu Xinn, possessing the ninthyer of the Wandering Immortal Realm cultivation, seemingly only a step away from the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, but it was an insurmountable gap for most Wandering Immortals.


    Gu An dismissed the other disciples and had Zhu Xinn apany him alone, while he already had someone arrange the Xu siblings.


    Zhu Xinn was refined in appearance, looking to be in his forties, dressed in a green robe, with a ck-and-white beard, his demeanor calm and imposing as he stroked his beard.


    Gu An asked him to give him a tour around Dingtian Peak.


    Before long, two hours had passed.


    After settling into his new residence, Gu An prepared to leave. Before departing, he gave Zhu Xinn arge amount of Crystal Stones to buy medicinal herbs to cultivate on Dingtian Peak, making Zhu Xinn extremely excited, feeling the arrival of a magnificent Peak Master.


    Returning to Third Medicine Valley, Gu An transformed from the high and mighty Peak Master of Mortal World Peak to an ordinary Valley Master of Supreme Sect.


    In the evening, Gu An found Stealing the Five Elements and Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who were still ying chess, truly a waste of time.


    Gu An curiously asked, "Where did Shen Xinzi go?"


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord casually responded, "I heard he went to the millennium summit of Mortal World Peak, he just left not long ago."


    "Mortal World Peak?"


    "Mhm, an ancient Qi Fortune Sect. Don''t bother poking your nose into it. You won''t encounter it in this lifetime; it''s a Sect much more powerful than the Great Cold Demon Sect."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord casually replied, prompting Gu An to stare at him, then he turned and walked away.


    Stealing the Five Elements then said with a smile, "That''s not necessarily true; if he could invent this game, I think he might encounter great opportunities in the future."


    "Who knows? You''re so powerful, yet I haven''t seen you help him."


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord replied, and although he had grown familiar with Gu An, he had no intention of changing Gu An''s destiny.


    With Gu An''s talent, even if he was taken to a Great Sect, it might not be for the best.


    At least here, Gu An could live effortlessly, live happily.


    Gu An, hearing their conversation, thought to himself with a hint of amusement.


    If I revealed my realm, you might have never even heard of it!


    Gu An hummed and went to chat with Ji Xiaoyu.


    With some time left before the millennium summit, Gu An was in no rush to head there.


    Dayster.


    Gu An came to Immortal Seeking Ind and made his final deal with the Ind Master; henceforth, Immortal Seeking Ind would belong to him.


    Due to the cmity brought by the Great Cold Demon Sect, the forces behind the Ind Master had already withdrawn, not willing to look back, and could only sell it off to gain as much as possible.


    Before leaving, the Ind Master said to Gu An, "You had better have your backing force send a Wandering Immortal here; otherwise, you won''t be able to keep order."


    Gu An nodded with a smile.


    After the Ind Master and his people had left, Gu An turned to Hu Xiaojian and said with a smile, "From now on, Immortal Seeking Ind is mine, and I won''t treat you unfairly."


    Hu Xiaojian immediately knelt down, banging his head on the ground in excitement.


    Afterward, Gu An summoned the elders of Sea Protection Mansion, briefly instructed them, and upon hearing that Gu An would arrange for a Wandering Immortal toeter, all the elders'' expressions became respectful, no longer daring to underestimate him.


    Gu An wasn''t just boasting; there were Wandering Immortals on Dingtian Peak, and he could easily arrange for one.


    After all, he was using the identity of Meng Lang on Immortal Seeking Ind.


    Time flew swiftly by.


    Until the spring festival had passed, the millennium summit of Mortal World Peak was finally about to begin.


    Above the sea of clouds, Holy Mother of Western Spirit stood on a lotus throne, moving swiftly, with Lu Lingjun standing beside her, and a small snake lying on her shoulder, the White Spirit Demon Emperor who had ascended with her.


    Lu Lingjun''s beautiful eyes widened as she saw the peaks through the clouds, feeling as though she was witnessing the Immortal Realm of mortals.


    The White Spirit Demon Emperor flicked its tongue curiously and asked, "How does Mortal World Peakpare to the Great Cold Demon Sect in terms of strength?"


    Upon hearing this, Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but look toward Holy Mother of Western Spirit, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.


    She could not forget the sight of the Great Cold Demon Sect surrounding the continent.


    At that time, it felt like the Great Cold Demon Sect was invincible.


    "In terms of historical heritage, Mortal World Peak is stronger, and Mortal World Peak also has considerable power within the Holy Court. Even we, the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, cannotpare," Holy Mother of Western Spirit replied, her face calm.


    Lu Lingjun and the White Spirit Demon Emperor could feel the might of Mortal World Peak even more.


    Holy Mother of Western Spirit continued speaking of Mortal World Peak''s past.


    While listening, Lu Lingjun gazed into the distance, her anticipation for the uing millennium summit growing.


    Passing throughyers of clouds, they observed the peaks along the way, their eyes never resting.


    Gradually, more figures of cultivators appeared in their view, all invited monks or demons from Great Sects, each with extraordinary presence.


    Neither Lu Lingjun nor the White Spirit Demon Emperor had reached the Mahayana Realm, yet the cultivators and demons they encountered along the way were much stronger than them, causing an instinctive feeling of nervousness and difort.


    But they were Ascenders, certainly not cowards!


    Ambition grew within them; one day, they too would arrive invited, rather than relying on others.


    Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but think of Gu An. The young man who had written the Immortal God Book, if he could see this spectacle, would certainly be inspired even more.


    Too bad, with Gu An''s talent and temperament, he probably would never reach such a ce in his lifetime.

 Chapter 309 The Invincible Heavenly Demon Great Emperor

    At the summit of Mortal World Peak, in a courtyard at the mountain''s top, Gu An gathered with a group of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals. Everyone present was either a Peak Master or Main Peak Elder of Mortal World Peak.


    The courtyard was simple and not very expansive, filled with various flowers and trees, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. Gu An was exchanging pleasantries with everyone.


    No matter how high one''s realm might be, social interaction is inevitable.


    Gu An did not resist it. After all, he intended to stay at Mortal World Peak for the long term; this ce was destined to be an important source of life span for him.


    Overall, the atmosphere was harmonious, with no apparent scheming or rivalry in sight.


    The Master of the Main Peak, just as Gu An had guessed, was none other than a Carefree Primordial Immortal, and not of a low realm at that.


    [Eternal Daoist Lord (Carefree Primordial Immortal Level 6): 267907/780000/1500000]


    A maximum life span of one million five hundred thousand years!


    Exceeding Shen Xinzi''s 999999 years suggested reaching the Carefree Primordial Immortal realm heralded a transformation in the limit of one''s life span.


    With just Level 6 of Carefree Immortal achieving seven hundred eighty thousand years of life span, the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma must certainly surpass one million years, and the higher Dao Void Mysterious Immortals would have life spans of several million years, or even more.


    Gu An was unable to even estimate how long the Divine Thought True Immortals had lived; they were ancient beings to him.


    Compared with them, Gu An was like an infant.


    After rotating through interactions with each person, Gu An became a listener.


    The Millennial Peak Meeting would host a banquet to exchange insights with the higher echelons of various sects and also conduct peakbatpetitions. The first aim was to promote healthy internalpetition, and the second was to demonstrate Mortal World Peak''s strength to the world. As for recruiting disciples, that was just a side matter; with Mortal World Peak''s current foundations, they hardly cared about the number of new disciples.


    After a while, the high-level meeting of Mortal World Peak adjourned, and Gu An flew off alone toward Dingtian Peak.


    He spread his divine thought and already caught sight of Lu Lingjun and Shen Xinzi.


    Shen Xinzi was not a concern, for with his Ninth Layer Wandering Immortal realm cultivation, he was treated well wherever he went. However, Lu Lingjun, who was only at the Mystic Heart Realm, couldn''t enjoy the same treatment. Without the Holy Mother of Western Spirit apanying her, Lu Lingjun had to stay inside her temporary residence.


    She was living atop a mountain peak with a broad view. Many cultivators and demons who passed by cast surprised nces at her, which made the color of her cheeks unpleasant.


    Gu An nced at the situation briefly before taking his gaze back, not taking much interest in it.


    Upon returning to Dingtian Peak, Gu An wandered around leisurely as no disciples recognized him along the way.


    There were many winding mountain paths on Dingtian Peak. Along the way, he saw courtyards of disciples¡ªsome growing flowers and nts, some with empty yards, and others raising demon beasts and insects, providing an entertaining stroll for him.


    Dingtian Peak had several mountain cities, akin to the fortresses of the Supreme Sect, where nearly anything one wished for could be purchased, except that these cities weren''t as crowded as those of the Supreme Sect.


    As Gu An passed by a mountain city, a voice reached him, its tone filled with surprise.


    "Master!"


    Gu An turned his head to see Xu Xi approaching briskly.


    Upon seeing Gu An, her ears reddened and she shyly lowered her head, reminding Gu An of An Xin.


    But An Xin was not shy, she was gentle.


    Gu An smiled and asked, "Where''s your brother? Why are you here alone?"


    Xu Xi, still keeping her head down and holding her sleeves, softly answered, "He went to Debating Peak. He wants to see if he can meet any acquaintances or nsmen."


    Debating Peak was specially prepared for receiving Mortal World Peak''s guests, and the current Millennial Peak Meeting had brought the quiet Debating Peak to life.


    Gu An, seeing her in this state, smiled broader. He then took out a secret book and handed it to Xu Xi, saying, "Meeting is destiny; consider this spell book a wee gift. You may pass it on to Xu Ruohai as well."


    Xu Xi looked up, instinctively stepping back and waved her hand, saying, "If not for master, we might not have been able to join Mortal World Peak. How can we ept another spell book? We will train diligently and earn spell books with our efforts."


    Gu An gave her a stern look and said, "Then what kind of master am I? Take it!"


    Xu Xi had no choice but to ept.


    Seeing her at a loss, Gu An then chuckled and said, "If you feel bad, how about doing me a favor? Have you been busytely?"


    Xu Xi quickly shook her head, replying, "Not busy, not busy at all."


    "Go to Debating Peak, to the dwelling of the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect. Look for a person named Lu Lingjun. Keep herpany wherever she wants to go these days. If she asks, just say it''s arranged by your master. Do not reveal my name. If she has any requests that you can fulfill, help her out. Your master won''t let you suffer for it," Gu An instructed, then raised his hand to project the image of Lu Lingjun into Xu Xi''s mind.


    Xu Xi hesitated for a moment before epting the task.


    With a wave from Gu An, she bowed respectfully and took her leave.


    Watching Xu Xi leave, Gu An smiled to himself.


    Arranging this was partly to help Lu Lingjun broaden her horizons, and also to train Xu Xi a bit¡ªthis had been a spur-of-the-moment decision for him.


    Gu An continued his descent down the mountain, enjoying the scenery along the way.


    ...


    In the courtyard,


    Lu Lingjun sat in front of a stone table, idly flipping through a book. Beside her, the White Spirit Demon Emperory sprawled across the table.


    A figure descended from the sky, and Lu Lingjun instinctively looked up, then rose to her feet.


    "Lu Lingjun?" Xu Xi asked.


    Lu Lingjun subconsciously nodded, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    Xu Xi was wearing the daoist robe of Mortal World Peak, her face beautiful, her posture dignified, and exuding an aura of immortality. In her presence, Lu Lingjun couldn''t help but feel intimidated.


    The difference between them was like that between immortals and mortals!


    Although Xu Xi was shy in front of Gu An, she was at ease facing Lu Lingjun. Precisely because of this serenity, the aura of Nirvana Realm manifested, overwhelming Lu Lingjun of the Mystic Realm with pressure.


    Lu Lingjun''s mind raced, wondering if she had offended someone.


    "My master sent me to you. Do you have any ces you''d like to go? I can apany you. If you have any needs, you can ask me, until the end of the Millennial Peak Meeting," Xu Xi continued.


    She was puzzled inwardly about why her master would take care of such a minor cultivator.


    She then thought, weren''t she and her brother simr to this girl in her master''s eyes?


    Perhaps this girl had also met her master on the road and caught his eye.


    "May I ask who is the master of senior?" Lu Lingjun asked cautiously.


    Xu Xi responded, "My master is the Peak Master of Dingtian Peak."


    The Peak Master of Dingtian Peak!


    As an Ascender, Lu Lingjun couldn''t keep herposure at this revtion, and the White Spirit Demon Emperor''s eyes widened as well.


    Having been told by the Holy Mother of Western Spirit that the Peak Masters of Mortal World Peak were extraordinary beings, especially those of divine peaks, of which Dingtian Peak was one, Lu Lingjun couldn''t fathom how such an exalted being would know of her.


    For a moment, Lu Lingjun felt nervous and unsettled.


    ...


    At dusk, Gu An returned to Third Medicine Valley.


    Ji Xiaoyu came to greet him, curiously asking, "Where have you been these past two days?"


    Gu An replied, "A Daoist friend of mine is hosting a banquet, and I have to attend as a guest."


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded, then said, "I had another dream while cultivating today. Shall we talk about it?"


    I don''t want to get involved with your great karma! Gu An thought helplessly, but he immediately said aloud, "Of course, no problem."


    They both ascended to the upper floor.


    After Ji Xiaoyu set up restrictions, only then did she sit down at the desk, frowning slightly as she said, "I dreamed that I was in a dimly lit space surrounded by stars, some of them immensely vast. I was surrounded by many demons and fighting..."


    Outer Heaven?


    Having never been to Outer Heaven, the mortal spirits of this world couldn''t imagine what it looked like, so Ji Xiaoyu could only describe it as a dimly lit space.


    Listening attentively, Gu An quickly determined that Ji Xiaoyu''s dream involved Heavenly Demons.


    Had she been to the Silent Destruction Domain in a past life?


    He wasn''t surprised; he had known for a long time that Ji Xiaoyu was no ordinary person. What puzzled him was not only that Ji Xiaoyu''s previous lifetimes had battled with the Heavenly Demon Army, but she also mentioned a terrifying being.


    This beingmanded the Heavenly Demons.


    "He said that no matter how many times I reincarnate, he would be waiting for me to challenge him..." Ji Xiaoyu took a deep breath and said, the memory of the fierce battles in her dreams causing her to grip the teacup in her hands tightly.


    After a moment of thought, Gu Anforted her, "Don''t worry, you won''t be able to challenge him for many years, maybe not even in this lifetime. Anyway, I can''t imagine how to sh a star sorge with a single sword stroke."


    Although his words were a bit harsh, they indeedforted Ji Xiaoyu.


    Just then, a voice came:


    "That is the Heavenly Demon Emperor, who once single-handedly suppressed the Great Heavenly Spirit Land."


    The voice of Stealing the Five Elements!


    As he spoke, he appeared out of nowhere inside the room.


    Ji Xiaoyu frowned but did not speak out.


    The identity of Reincarnation Path Emperor was revealed to them by Stealing the Five Elements, so Gu An did not stop him from entering.


    "Suppressed the Great Heavenly Spirit Land? How strong must that be?" Gu An cautiously asked.


    With a grave expression, Stealing the Five Elements replied, "Very strong, unimaginably so. Even the Reincarnation Path Emperor once mentioned to me that her destiny was to challenge the Heavenly Demon Emperor, but she soon reincarnated, and her fate entered the cycle of reincarnation."


    Gu An pressed on, "You mean the Heavenly Demon Emperor won''t attack our realm actively?"


    "Correct, the establishment of the Holy Court has kept the Heavenly Demons'' ravages at bay. As long as the Dao Level of Shengtian remains intact, there''s no way for the Heavenly Demon Emperor to reach us. The being behind me has also been to thend of the Heavenly Demons and was cursed as a result. It''s a ce of utter horror, beyond myprehension. However, seeing her growth rate in this life, it will be hard to encounter Heavenly Demons without thirty thousand years," said Stealing the Five Elements, casting a nce at Ji Xiaoyu.


    Gu An did not speak further, but adopted a shocked expression.


    It was entirely normal for a mortal to be shocked upon hearing of the existence of Heavenly Demons, or so Stealing the Five Elements thought Gu An should seem.


    After hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu returned to calm.


    Stealing the Five Elements continued to describe the might of the Heavenly Demons.


    A good whileter, he left.


    The room fell silent.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu An sighed and said, "He said that not even the Sword Venerable Fudao could defeat the Heavenly Demon Emperor. This is a good thing; at least you don''t have to worry for now."


    Looking at him, Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze was serene as she said, "I had hoped to lead a peaceful life and pass away peacefully, but after what he said, I suddenly don''t want to die. I want to cultivate to the level where I can meet that Heavenly Demon Emperor."


    Taken aback, Gu An replied, "Having arger goal is certainly a good thing."


    Ji Xiaoyu rose from her seat and turned to leave.


    Just as she reached the door, she turned her head back and said, "Why don''t you give up either? I''ve dreamed of many people. Some started from nothing and ended up shining brilliantly. If you could be by my side to fight the Heavenly Demon Emperor, wouldn''t that be wonderful?"


    With that, she turned her head and pushed the door to leave.

 Chapter 310 Chapter 310 Why Dont You Give Your Place to Me

    Heavenly Demon Great Emperor?


    Gu An looked at the moon outside the window, his lips curving into a smile.


    If Ji Xiaoyu really could achieve it, ording to Stealing the Five Elements, she would need to cultivate for thirty thousand years.


    Thirty thousand years.


    I wouldn''t even know how terrifying I would be by then.


    The mere Heavenly Demon Great Emperor, easily squashed!


    By then, I''ll pretend to be weaker than Ji Xiaoyu, let her fight strenuously, and step in when she almost can''t hold on.


    Hmm?


    The thought is quite exhrating!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An evenughed at the thought, choosing not to get up and close the door but instead pulling out a book to read.


    The millennium peak conference had begun with cultivators of various rankspeting near the Debating Peak, making it a lively ce.


    During these days, with Xu Xi''spany, Lu Lingjun explored Mortal World Peak, greatly broadening his horizons, and their rtionship had also grown closer, though Lu Lingjun still addressed Xu Xi as his senior.


    Thepetitions between peaks continued for half a month, with Gu An''s Dingtian Peak ranking third fromst among the Divine Peaks, which he didn''t feel too strongly about since the disciples of Dingtian Peak were used to it.


    That day, the grand banquet of the millennium peak conference began, with tables set up all around the Debating Peak.


    Gu An then attended the banquet under the starlit sky, the banquet located above a sea of clouds equipped with a powerful formation, only essible to those at least in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.


    Shen Xinzi of the Wandering Immortal Realm couldn''t participate, which actually relieved Gu An.


    If Shen Xinzi hade, he wouldn''t have attended.


    There were hundreds of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals and over ten Carefree Primordial Immortals at the Cloud Banquet, with Gu An standing beside Bai Ziya listening to him introduce the guests.


    The participating forces numbered over twenty, including even cultivators from the Holy Court.


    The atmosphere was harmonious, and Gu An was enjoying the feast.


    The exquisite delicacies here were truly exceptional, with just one bite enough to save mortals decades of hard cultivation.


    With Bai Ziya''s help, Gu An got acquainted with quite a few Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals.


    An ancient hourter.


    A Carefree Primordial Immortal suddenly walked to the middle of the Cloud Banquet,ughing as he spoke, "Daoist Lord, I wish to join Mortal World Peak, may I ask if that''s permissible?"


    Upon these words, everyone turned to look at him.


    The peak master of Mortal World Peak''s Main Peak, Evesting Daoist Lord, looked towards him andughed, "Mo Hen, although you''ve left the Great Cold Demon Sect for tens of thousands of years, can you really sever all ties given your sect''s current crisis?"


    Other Carefree Primordial Immortals followed with light jabs at Mo Hen.


    Mentioning the Great Cold Demon Sect invariably brought up Sword Venerable Fudao, but Mo Hen wasn''t upset, he looked at Evesting Daoist Lord and cheerfully said, "I''ve long severed those ties; it''s normal for that group of useless people to be annihted. Don''t provoke me, Sword Venerable Fudao isn''t someone I can afford to antagonize. I advise you all to speak well and avoid substantial karmic retribution."


    Hearing this, other Carefree Primordial Immortals stopped making fun of him.


    Even they did so, not to mention the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals.


    Though all were present at the banquet, the division of hierarchy was clear, and Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were definitely not the protagonists.


    Evesting Daoist Lord pondered and said, "The position of the Peak Master of Chengtian Peak is still vacant, would you ept that?"


    Mo Hen shook his head and said, "I set my sights on Dingtian Peak."


    He then turned and looked towards Gu An in the crowd, smiling, "Dingtian Peak''s Peak Master, how about you cede your position to me?"


    All eyes were now on Gu An.


    Before Gu An could speak, Bai Ziya angrily said, "What do you mean by this? Bullying the weak?"


    Gu An looked at Bai Ziya, not expecting him to be so aggressive.


    He''s got quite the backing!


    Mo Hen wasn''t upset, and chuckled, "There was internal strife on Dingtian Peak back then, and a good friend of mine died there; I''m just being nostalgic."


    Yet his tone obviously left no room for negotiation.


    Suddenly, the banquet fell silent.


    Bai Ziya looked towards Evesting Daoist Lord, Carefree Primordial Immortals seemed amused by the situation, while the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals looked at Gu An sympathetically.


    They all knew Gu An had just be the Peak Master of Dingtian Peak, and now, just dayster, he was being asked to vacate his position, which must be hard to ept.


    Gu An remained silent, while everyone thought he was weighing his options; in reality, he was feeling sentimental.


    My ties with the Great Cold Demon Sect are truly cursed!


    Is this to continue the karma?


    To make mepletely annihte the Great Cold Demon Sect?


    Gu An felt no pressure, being the strongest person present with a cultivation level two major realms higher than anyone else, what was there to fear?


    He wanted to see the attitude of Evesting Daoist Lord; if Evesting Daoist Lord didn''t defend him, then there was no reason to stay in Mortal World Peak.


    As for Mo Hen, a bad ending was inevitable.


    Evesting Daoist Lord slowly said, "That won''t do, choose another one."


    His tone was unquestionable and very firm, giving the great cultivators of Mortal World Peak a sense of backbone.


    Regardless, Mo Hen was an outsider, and although thebat power of a Carefree Primordial Immortal was important, it didn''t give him the right to do whatever he pleased.


    If Meng Lang were kicked out today, tomorrow it could be any of them!


    Mo Hen shook his head, "Don''t be hasty, what if this young friend agrees?"


    The term ''young friend'' was filled with disdain.


    His gaze turned to Gu An, "Young friend, if you cede your position to me, I won''t let you suffer losses. You can ask for anything."


    Gu An replied, "Thanks for your kind offer, senior, but no need. I''m not the type who likes to change nests."


    Everyone''s expression changed slightly, none expecting Gu An to defy Mo Hen, Evesting Daoist Lord included.


    At this level of cultivation, recklessness was impossible unless facing a lower-level cultivator.


    Mo Hen''s smile disappeared instantly, his face darkening as he said, "I can give Daoist Lord face, but have you considered the consequences of offending me?"


    Evesting Daoist Lord frowned, appearing suddenly in front of Gu An, looked at Mo Hen, and said coldly, "Daoist Friend, you are going too far!"


    Mo Hen stared at Gu An with a cruel smile, tantly threatening him.


    [Mo Hen harbors hostility towards you, despising you deeply, would you like to conduct a Life Span Detection on him?]


    This constitutes deep hatred?


    Typical of a demon cultivator, heartless and ruthless!


    "Sigh."


    Gu An sighed deeply, attracting everyone''s attention, he walked past Evesting Daoist Lord towards Mo Hen.


    "What are you doing?" Bai Ziya hastily grabbed Gu An.


    Since Bai Ziya had brought Gu An into Mortal World Peak, he felt dishonored and angry over Gu An being bullied.


    Evesting Daoist Lord spoke, "Meng Lang, in Mortal World Peak, no one can harm you, and should anyone cause you harm outside, Mortal World Peak will not simply let it go."


    Gu An smiled at Bai Ziya, then broke free from his grip, turning towards Evesting Daoist Lord to bow respectfully, before continuing towards Mo Hen.


    Mo Henughed, not expecting this young man to actually walk towards him.


    "You called me Mo Hen, right? Why must you force me?"


    Gu An shrugged and spread his hands, his expression one of helplessness.


    His steps didn''t stop, suddenly erupting with a terrifying aura, causing everyone''splexion to change drastically, including Mo Hen''s.


    With each step Gu An took, his aura surged, quickly surpassing the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm and continuing to rise.


    "How is this possible¡­" a Carefree Primordial Immortal widened his eyes in disbelief.


    Others were simrly shocked, and Bai Ziya was dumbfounded.


    When Gu An reached Mo Hen, his aura had reached the ninthyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, with the strongest present only at the sixthyer, and Mo Hen himself only at the fourthyer.


    Gu An lifted his chin, looking down at Mo Hen, asking, "How did you address me just now?"


    Mo Hen''s face looked extremely unpleasant as Gu An''s aurapletely overwhelmed him.


    The banquet fell into silence, you could hear a pin drop!


    The most rming incident then urred¡ªGu An actually reached out and patted Mo Hen''s wrinkled face. Though the gesture was gentle, to everyone watching, this was the making of a deadly feud!

 Chapter 311 A Million Years is Far from Enough

    After Gu An pped him, Mo Hen''s face showed disbelief; he had not expected Gu An to be so audacious.


    Despite the gap in their cultivation levels, they both existed as Carefree Primordial Immortals!


    Mo Hen clenched his teeth and asked, "Who exactly are you, and from which sect do youe?"


    Everyone else stared at Gu An, waiting for his response.


    A Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal who had just joined Mortal World Peak was a Carefree Primordial Immortal?


    Everyone felt it was absurd and even suspected Gu An had ulterior motives.


    At this moment, Bai Ziya could not help but entertain doubts, but upon rethinking, he recalled that it was he who had persuaded the individual to join Mortal World Peak, and it did not seem like a setup at that time.


    Gu An fixed his gaze on Mo Hen and said, "Does that really matter? If I were merely an ordinary Peak Master of Mortal World Peak, how would you seek revenge on me?"


    As soon as Mo Hen exhibited hostility toward him, Gu An had already marked him as a dead man in his heart.


    Gu An''s statement made Daoist Lord Yongnian narrow his eyes.


    After hearing this, Mo Hen''s expression grew uglier, and for a moment, he did not know how to respond.


    "Could he also be aiming for Dingtian Peak?"


    Mo Hen thought angrily in his heart, not considering it a coincidence.


    How could it be that a randomly chosen person turned out to be a Great Cultivator concealing his power?


    Now, he found himself in a dilemma; bowing his head in submission would not erase the karma, but refusing to do so would only worsen his situation.


    Suddenly, Mo Hen revealed a smile and said with a sped fist, "If that''s the case, I am even more convinced to join Mortal World Peak. As for Dingtian Peak, I no longer want it; Chengtian Peak is also fine."


    Upon hearing these words, most of the people present heaved a sigh of relief.


    Daoist Lord Yongnian spoke, "Forget it, Daoist Friend, please go to another sect."


    Everyone was taken aback by his rapid change in attitude, and Mo Hen''s face turned even uglier.


    Gu An turned around to look at Daoist Lord Yongnian, saw him slightly nodding, and he couldn''t help but smile.


    Very sensible, huh.


    "Hmph!"


    Mo Hen let out a cold snort and left with a flick of his sleeves.


    Everyone urged him to stop, fearing he would stay and escte the conflict.


    Gu An raised his right hand, causing everyone to look at him, not understanding what he intended to do.


    Three breathster, Gu An suddenly clenched his hand, then quickly put whatever it was into his sleeve, the movement so swift that no one saw what he had in his hand.


    [You have sessfully seized 8709 years of life span from Mo Hen (Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, fourthyer)].


    Looking at the prompt before him, Gu An remained indifferent, feeling no sense of aplishment.


    The surrounding Carefree Primordial Immortals suddenly changed their demeanor; they looked at Gu An with fear, realizing that Mo Hen''s aura had suddenly vanished.


    The Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were curious about what Gu An had just grabbed.


    Gu An moved next to Bai Ziya, and Daoist Lord Yongnian looked deeply at Gu An and then signalled for the Cloud Banquet to continue.


    Bai Ziya looked at Gu An, wanting to say something but hesitated.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Bai Daoist Friend, shall things remain as they were before?"


    Bai Ziya subconsciously nodded, his demeanor bing reserved.


    How could things be the same?


    Damn, that was frightening!


    Bai Ziya felt somewhat apprehensive in his heart, wondering if he would have been killed had he acted arrogantly in the beginning.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He couldn''t voice this question, but the answer was quite clear.


    At the subsequent banquet, Gu An became the focus, with everyone enthusiastically interacting with him, a stark contrast to the earlier scene, even the Carefree Primordial Immortals addressing him as a senior.


    ...


    At Debating Peak, a yard filled with tables where Lu Lingjun, the Holy Mother of the Western Spirit, and Xu Xi sat together, Shen Xinzi was at another table, engaging in a discussion on the principles of Buddhism.


    The Holy Mother of the Western Spirit looked at Xu Xi, curiously asking, "Ms. Xu, I wonder if we might have the honor of visiting your master? I would like to thank him in person for taking care of Spirit Lord Lu."


    Lu Lingjun also looked toward Xu Xi. In the past few days, Xu Xi had shown her around, enriching her understanding of many Immortal Cultivation concepts.


    Whenever she wanted something, Xu Xi had purchased it before she even asked, and despite some reservations about the motives of the Dingtian Peak Master, she still held a good impression of Xu Xi.


    Xu Xi shook her head and said, "My master hasn''t mentioned wanting to meet you, nor has he said he is keeping Ms. Lu. After the peak conference, you may return without any burden."


    This statement caused the Holy Mother of the Western Spirit and Lu Lingjun to exchange puzzled nces.


    Just then, a cultivatornded in the yard.


    "The Elder from the Great Cold Demon Sect offended the Dingtian Peak Master and perished just after leaving Mortal World Peak!"


    The person spoke excitedly, capturing everyone''s attention.


    Upon hearing it concerned the Dingtian Peak Master, the trio showed curious expressions.


    The person began to recount the events at the Cloud Banquet, a scenario that was spreading quickly among all peaks of the Mortal World Peak.


    Mo Hen had once been an Elder of the Great Cold Demon Sect, which was nearly dissolved, so Mortal World Peak had no hesitation in making his demise known to demonstrate its strength.


    From Mo Hen forcing the Dingtian Peak Master to relinquish his position to the Dingtian Peak Master showing stronger cultivation than Mo Hen and publicly pping him, forcing Mo Hen to leave disgracefully¡ªthe whole process fired up everyone who heard it.


    Mo Hen had just flown out of Mortal World Peak when he fell, making the Dingtian Peak Master seem even more formidable in the eyes of the listeners.


    The news spread within Dingtian Peak, motivating all disciples and clearing the gloom of their low ranking.


    After understanding this, Lu Lingjun felt even more uneasy.


    Explore more at empire


    Such a strong-willed Dingtian Peak Master!


    To have such a person assisting her was a mixed blessing.


    Due to the conflict between the Dingtian Peak Master and Mo Hen, this Wanli Peak Conference became much more discussive. As Mo Hen''s identity and deeds were unearthed, all guests could feel the strength of Mortal World Peak.


    After the Cloud Banquet ended, Gu An returned to the Supreme Sect.


    He had also heard the noise from Mortal World Peak; how could news spread so fast? In reality, it was Mortal World Peak deliberately promoting it, thankfully without mentioning Meng Lang''s name, showing him respect.


    Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley and happened to meet An Xin, and they chatted for a bit.


    Master §Ú disciple discussed ordinary matters in the valley, and Gu An found talking about life''s minor details more interesting than discussing major worldly affairs.


    Those Carefree Primordial Immortals always talked of grand principles and the world''s popce, floating aloft.


    ...


    In the Divine Exotic Realm under the blood-red firmament, Zhang Buku stood by the seashore practicing his Divine Skills.


    Behind him, the Divine Exotic Realm Master sat before the Divine Exotic Life Tablet, looking up at the heavens, lost in thought with a vacant gaze.


    Zhang Buku finished his maneuver and turned to face his master, asking, "Master, the great cmity has ended, and you have reached agreements with various sects across the sea; why do you still look so troubled?"


    Thinking about how Sword_exempt_TITLE_converted the Great Cold Demon Sect stirred his blood.


    Since he began walking the path of Immortal Cultivation, he had often heard of the deeds of Sword Venerable Fudao; he never imagined that wherever he went, Sword Venerable Fudao would still be revered by all as a supreme Great Power.


    Divine Exotic Realm Master slowly retracted his gaze and said, "Just like Master, the Great Cold Demon Sect is but a pawn. This matter cannot end so quickly. Themotion is toorge, and the Holy Court will surely investigate. When the storm settles, more trouble wille."


    Zhang Buku disagreed and said, "If there were an existence behind the Great Cold Demon Sect capable of contending with Sword Venerable Fudao, wouldn''t they have acted long ago?"


    "Perhaps they are investigating Sword Venerable Fudao''s identity and cultivation level."


    "Master, don''t worry. Wouldn''t it be better for you to focus on cultivating and strive to break free from destiny on your own?"


    Zhang Buku advised. Since his father''s death, he had faced continuous tribtions and developed a firm heart; he knew worrying about the future was futile, and seizing the moment to cultivate diligently was key.


    The Divine Exotic Realm Master shook his head, smiling, "Master is not like you; I cannot strengthen through cultivation. The more Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts there are, the stronger Master bes."


    Zhang Buku frowned upon hearing this and asked, "Now that the world is at peace, won''t you be unable to expand the number of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts?"


    The Divine Exotic Realm Master nodded, then looked up again and said, "It just means I can''t grow stronger in this realm. My disciple, would you like to venture to other Great Heaven and Earths?"


    "Where?"


    "A very dark realm."


    The words of the Divine Exotic Realm Master puzzled Zhang Buku; what did ''very dark'' mean?


    Was there a ce darker than the Divine Exotic Realm?


    ...


    Time flew by, and seven years passed in the blink of an eye.


    On this day, Lu Lingjun returned.


    She saw Gu An ying Go with someone and couldn''t help but shake her head andugh. Was Go really that engaging?


    Her gaze fell on Shen Xinzi. Why had this prominent figure from the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect stayed here all this time?


    She couldn''t figure out what charm the Third Medicine Valley held to attract such a Great Cultivator.


    Shemunicated with Gu An telepathically. Upon hearing her, he immediately asked Yang Jian, who was standing beside him, to help with the game.


    Seeing Yang Jian prepare to y, Lu Xianyi from the Holy Court approached; over the years, he always tried to tter Yang Jian, a demeanor that led Gu An to specte, but Gu An had kept his thoughts to himself, pretending not to know.


    Gu An squeezed through the crowd to greet Lu Lingjun.


    "Let''s talk in your room," Lu Lingjun nodded.


    Gu An had no objections, and the two made small talk as they walked toward the building.


    Once inside, Lu Lingjun casually sat down, scanning the surroundings. When her eyesnded on certain books on the shelf, she couldn''t help but grimace.


    Some things never change.


    Gu An brewed tea for her as she began recounting her experiences over the years.


    "I attended the Wanli Peak Meeting at Mortal World Peak. It was an eye-opener. Are you aware of Mortal World Peak?" Lu Lingjun asked.


    Gu An nodded and replied, "I''ve heard of it. Shen Xinzi was there too, but I don''t understand much about it. Those Great Cultivators said I''m not qualified to know."


    Lu Lingjun smiled and said, "Indeed, you''re not qualified. But I was fortunate to attend, and I can tell you about it. Want to hear?"


    Gu An, carrying the hot tea, ced the cup in front of her and said, "Of course, I want to hear. Go on."


    Let''s see if you will try to impress me!


    Lu Lingjun began from where she first learned about the Wanli Peak Meeting, and Gu An sat down to listen attentively.


    She didn''t hide the Dingtian Peak Master''s protectiveness toward her, even hernguage seemed to steer, seemingly eager to see Gu An''s reaction.


    Gu An kept a normal expression, silently criticizing in his mind.


    Are all women like this?


    Previously, Jiang Qiong also used Sword Venerable Fudao to pressure him.


    After some time.


    Lu Lingjun remarked reflectively, "The strength of the Dingtian Peak Master is unimaginable. The Elder from the Great Cold Demon Sect was killed just like that; I wonder when I could reach such a realm."


    Gu An joked, "Practice cultivation for a hundred and eighty thousand years."


    Lu Lingjun red at him and retorted, "Easy for you to say? A million years might not be enough; you have no idea about the vastness of the Immortal Path Realm!"

 Chapter 312 The Shock of Hu Xiaojian

    Appreciation flickered in Gu An''s eyes; he hadn''t expected Lu Lingjun to have such a keen self-awareness.


    Lu Lingjun, seeing Gu An''s expression, felt rather helpless. Was this guy always so calm?


    She red at Gu An and said unenthusiastically, "Don''t you long for it after hearing all that?"


    Gu An replied, "Of course I yearn for it, but over the years I''ve heard too many tales of immortals. At best, I take them as entertainment. Could a great man like myself even dream of such things?"


    Lu Lingjun felt his words were somewhat odd, but she was toozy to argue and continued to talk about her observations from Mortal World Peak.


    Although Gu An had been there at the time, hearing it from Lu Lingjun''s perspective offered a different view of the scene.


    The two chatted for over an ancient hour, and Lu Lingjun expressed her desire to stay temporarily in the Third Medicine Valley, to which Gu An agreed.


    Gu An stretched in anguid manner as he looked out the window.


    Tomorrow he could go to Dingtian Peak to pick medicinal herbs.


    He had ordered Zhu Xinn to establish a medicine garden, and the first batch of medicinal herbs was already ripe.


    Regarding the Medicine Garden on Dingtian Peak, Gu An had no intention of prohibiting other disciples from picking the herbs so as not to arouse suspicion; after all, Mortal World Peak was now a first-ss sect with close ties to the Holy Court, and he had to be careful.


    And after all, Dingtian Peak was vast; even with disciples helping, he could collect many herbs himself.


    Thinking of this, a look of anticipation appeared in Gu An''s eyes.


    ¡­


    The following afternoon.


    On Dingtian Peak, Gu An walked up the mountain path to the summit, followed by Zhu Xinn, who disyed great respect as the Peak''s foremost disciple.


    He now knew that Gu An was a Great Power who surpassed the Carefree Primordial Immortal. Such a major figure was critical to cling to, and so he was eager to assist in any way possible.


    "I need a Wandering Immortal disciple to take charge of an ind for me," Gu An said casually. "Ask around for me. I won''t treat him unfairly."


    Today had brought him over three hundred thousand years of lifespan, a decent haul.


    Zhu Xinn immediately responded, "Master, if you wish to leave today, I will arrange it now."


    "Go ahead."


    With Gu An''s consent, Zhu Xinn vanished on the spot.


    Gu An walked to the courtyard and sat on a bench, looking up.


    Ever since hisst breakthrough, cosmic wars had erupted from time to time outside, with increasing numbers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortalsing and going.


    Gu An also caught sight of the visage of a Heavenly Demon.


    The Heavenly Demons appeared no different from living beings, and included many of the Human Race. The most distinct feature of the Heavenly Demons was their Demonic Qi, which was different from that of the Demon Cultivators and demons within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land¡ªit was more sinister and instinctively repelling.


    At the periphery of the Silent Destruction Domain, two Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were engaged inbat, fighting over a treasure. Carefree Primordial Immortals were observing in the shadows.


    Half an incense stick of timeter.


    Zhu Xinn returned, bringing someone with him.


    [Xun Hanfeng (Wandering Immortal Realm, Fourth Layer): 89034/140000/280000]


    Gu An sized up Xun Hanfeng, who wore a ck robe with a slightly sinister face, unkempt hair, and an aura that gave off an impression of great scheming.


    Feeling Gu An''s gaze, Xun Hanfeng lowered his head, not daring to make eye contact.


    He was nervous because he''d heard how powerful and domineering this new master was, but he didn''t want to miss such an opportunity.


    "Disciple Xun Hanfeng, greets Master!" Xun Hanfeng said respectfully with a bow.


    Zhu Xinn followed with an introduction of his background: Xun Hanfeng had been born on Mortal World Peak and had a very good rtionship with Zhu Xinn.


    "Let''s be off then."


    Gu An stood up and, with a sweep of his sleeve, whisked Xun Hanfeng away.


    Zhu Xinn was momentarily stunned, admiring how impressive the Master''s Divine Skills were.


    Many privately discussed just how powerful the Master of Dingtian Peak really was. Zhu Xinn received an important piece of information: Sect Leader Yongnian Daojun believed that the Master of Dingtian Peak possessed a higher cultivation level than he did.


    Such an assessment left him with boundless imagination.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An arrived at Immortal Seeking Ind with Xun Hanfeng in tow.


    As they alighted, Xun Hanfeng stumbled, nearly falling, but Gu An caught his arm in time.


    "Are you all right?" Gu An asked.


    Xun Hanfeng, his face flushed with embarrassment, quickly replied, "I''m fine, Master. Sorry for theugh."


    Gu An nodded and began walking towards the buildings ahead, with Xun Hanfeng hastily following.


    Gu An started to brief him on Immortal Seeking Ind. After understanding the strength of the ind, Xun Hanfeng breathed a sigh of relief.


    A ce where a Wandering Immortal alone could be a deterrent? What pressure could there possibly be?


    "You and the ind both share the ''Xun'' surname; that''s quite a coincidence," Gu An joked, with Xun Hanfeng offering only an embarrassed smile and not the least bit of dissatisfaction.


    Soon, Hu Xiaojian and several Elders of the Sea Protection Mansion were introduced, and Gu An had Xun Hanfeng introduce himself.


    "From Mortal World Peak, I am Xun Hanfeng. I look forward to working with all of you and hope for your fullest support," Xun Hanfeng said and then exhibited the aura of a Wandering Immortal, which caused everyone in the hall to breathe rapidly.


    Having spent years doubting whether Gu An''s ims were true, they were all shocked to finally witness a Wandering Immortal.


    Hu Xiaojian was especially excited, looking at Gu An with eyes full of admiration.


    "That''s settled then. From now on, Xun Hanfeng is in charge of Immortal Seeking Ind. You all talk."


    With those words, Gu An left.


    Everyone turned their attention to Xun Hanfeng, all quite nervous since he didn''t seem easy to approach.


    After Gu An left, Xun Hanfeng sat down with an assertive posture, no longer as restrained as before.


    "May I ask, Elder, does the Ind Master also hail from Mortal World Peak?" one of the Loose Immortals asked cautiously.


    The reputation of Mortal World Peak was significant, and even if they were unfamiliar with it, they had heard of it.


    "Naturally," Xun Hanfeng said.


    Everyone smiled, now believing Xun Hanfeng had a favorable rtionship with the Ind Master, or at least that he was not an outsider.


    "The Ind Master is my Master. You can rest assured. What''s most important is that we all work together to run Immortal Seeking Ind well. We cannot disappoint him. Moreover, I can tell you, his Cultivation Level is exceedingly high, stronger than anything you have heard of. Serving him is the greatest fortune of your lives."


    Xun Hanfeng''s words widened everyone''s eyes.


    Hu Xiaojian was bewildered.


    The Elder was of such a grand origin?


    Was he not a Loose Immortal?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Wait, Loose Immortal was what he had imed himself...


    Hu Xiaojian felt overwhelmed by immense joy, his mind buzzing, failing to pay attention to the ensuing discussions from the Elders.


    Xun Hanfeng also noticed his distraction but did not mind, as Gu An had instructed to take good care of thed.


    ¡­


    Seasons changed, and another year passed.


    After the new spring, Gu An visited the branch of the Supreme Sect.


    It was his first time at the branch, which he reached through the Teleportation Array in the Main City of Sect. The Supreme Sect grew stronger every year, and its ties with the branch became tighter.


    Gu An observed the branch''s city, feeling the spiritual energy there, which was almost on par with the Main City of Sect. No wonder so many disciples wished toe here.


    Not only was the spiritual energy abundant here, but disciples could also go out to train at any time, hunting demons and searching for heavenly and earthly treasures.


    The Taicang Dynasty had yet to im the whole continent, and the same was true for the Immortal Cultivation Sects, as they had not yet traversed every mountain and river on the continent.


    Gu An didn''t rush to find Ye Lan and began to wander around.


    As he wandered, he came across an acquaintance, a friend he had made in the Outer Gate City, with whom he exchanged pleasantries for quite some time.


    Moving on to the next street, he encountered a disciple from the Third Medicine Valley who had achieved Foundation Establishment.


    This was the sediment of a 227-year life.


    Gu An enjoyed chatting with old friends, feeling no distance had grown between them.


    In the next ancient hour, he encountered two more old acquaintances, indicating that the branch had be the preferred destination for many average disciples, all in search of opportunities in the Demon Land.


    Gu An was briefly contemtive but did not interfere with others'' lives, unless he cared deeply for them.


    Like his junior sister, Ye Lan.


    By the time Gu An arrived at Ye Lan''s residence, she appeared out of nowhere with a joyful cry, "Big brother, what brings you here?"


    As she spoke, she rushed over to hug Gu An.


    "In public, you must behave yourself!" Gu An quickly raised his hand and protested.


    Ye Lan reluctantly stopped, then pulled him toward the residence, all the while giving him a rundown of the current state of the branch.


    Inside the residence were numerous female disciples looking after the estate, and as they saw Ye Lan with Gu An, curious eyes followed.


    After they walked away, Gu An could hear the maids start to gossip about them.


    Eventually, Ye Lan led Gu An into her room, then closed the door.


    As the two sat down to chat, Ye Lan finished sharing her experiences and began to inquire about how Gu An had spent his years.


    Gu An recounted his life, and although it was mundane, Ye Lan''s face remained lit with a smile.


    Who would have thought, they thought back then, that two hundred yearster, they would be able to sit together once more.


    Gradually, Ye Lan''s mind wandered as she fell into a strange state.


    She experienced this because Gu An was guiding her toward enlightenment.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought covered the room, helping Ye Lan perceive the Heaven and Earth Rules, a method beyond the imagination of mortal spirits. Even facing Gu An herself, Ye Lan didn''t notice anything amiss.


    It was as though Ye Lan had entered a dream state, her eyes distant and unfocused.


    Gu An stood up, carried her to the bed, and guided her into meditation.


    Then he retreated to the table, sitting down to watch her practice.


    And so he watched Ye Lan meditate, his heart full of expectation.


    If he could help Ye Lan extend her maximum lifespan, he would arrange for her to train at Mortal World Peak.


    If not, sending Ye Lan with her few centuries of life to Mortal World Peak would only add to her troubles.


    Once one''s horizons expand, it''s easy to develop more expectations, leading to anxiety and pressure.


    Even Divine Skills from a True Immortal cannot grant eternal life; there seems to be a force in the shadows resisting life''s expansion.


    What that could be, Gu An was also curious to know.


    Time flew swiftly by.


    Gu An suddenly felt a bit bored and whimsically considered another option.


    Why not open another round of Reincarnation Evolution?


    This time, he would not select the Dark Great Heaven and Earth. He was curious to see how long he could survive; perhaps if he lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years and mastered formidable Divine Skills, it might increase his chances of surviving the next Tribtion Crossing.


    Moreover, the memories passed down from Reincarnation Evolution could benefit his Daoist Heart cultivation.


    Gu An felt reaching a certain level might require Reincarnation Cultivation; otherwise, he wouldn''t have unlocked this feature.


    Let''s give it a shot then! Discover hidden content at empire


    Just one shot, no greediness!


    After all, it would cost ten million years of lifespan, and even if he wanted to y more, it was not possible!


    Gu An looked at Ye Lan, thinking to himself: "Little sister, please bless me with a good birth!"

 Chapter 313 Battle Court, Emperor of Heavenly Dragon

    ```


    [You spent ten million years of life span to initiate a Reincarnation Evolution.]


    [Beginning to connect with the Tao Rules.]


    [Searching for a Reincarnation destination.]


    [You have the following destinations to choose from, select one.]


    [1. Da Hong Realm.]


    [2. Dark Great Heaven and Earth.]


    [3. Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth.]


    Hmm?


    There''s a Dark Great Heaven and Earth again?


    Gu An looked at the prompt before his eyes, immediately feeling aggravated.


    ck Profound Emperor, you wait for me, our blood feud from two lifetimes cannot be resolved!


    Gu An hummed in his heart and then chose Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth.


    He always felt that Great Heaven and Earth seemed more advanced, something like a realm, simr to where Lu Lingjun and Blood Prison Great Saint came from, the Lower Realm.


    As Gu An was thinking, prompts began to appear in front of him.


    [You''ve chosen to reincarnate into the Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth.]


    [Due to the strength of the Tao Rules in this realm, you temporarily can''t initiate the Life Stealing Ability, nor can you activate phased features.]


    [Reincarnation Evolution begins.]


    [In the first year, you were born into the Dragon Family of the Divine Continent, and your parents bestowed upon you the name Long Zhan.]


    [At the age of three, you awakened the true bloodline of the Dragon Family and, with the help of your n, you tempered the Dragon Blood true body.]


    [At the age of eight, your family arranged for an Immortal Master for you, and you officially stepped onto the path of Immortal Cultivation.]


    [At the age of nine, your father took you to court to meet the Emperor of Divine Dynasty, who wished to betroth the Seventh Princess to you. Your father thought to let you decide; do you ept?]


    The prompt stopped there. Gu An had just been wondering how he had turned into a dragon¡ªhe preferred being a human.


    The appearance of Divine Dynasty signified that Dragon was only a surname.


    Gu An hesitated for a moment and decided to ept, wanting to tread carefully in this life.


    [You epted the arrangement of the Emperor of Divine Dynasty, and you shall marry the Seventh Princess, Han Jiao''er, when you turn sixteen. The Emperor of Divine Dynasty was overjoyed, generously rewarding you and making a decree to announce this to the world.]


    [At the age of thirteen, while apanied by your n for training outside, you tore apart a fourth-order Demon King with your bare hands, shocking your n.]


    [At the age of sixteen, you and Han Jiao''er got married in a ceremony, officially bing the Prince Consort of the Divine Dynasty. The Emperor of Divine Dynasty conferred upon you the title of Mighty Holy Duke, granting you the Divine Dynasty''s Qi Fortune. You became famous throughout the world, entering the ranks of the top-tier talents.]


    [At the age of eighteen, you decided to venture into the world to grow stronger. You left with Han Jiao''er''s reluctant farewell, and in the same year, she gave birth to your son, named Long Xin.]


    [At the age of twenty, you reached the edge of the Divine Continent and saw an Evil Dragon ravaging the city. You stepped in, subdued it, and unexpectedly discovered you could absorb Dragon Blood, making your Qi-Blood even stronger.]


    [At the age of twenty-one, you encountered an old Daoist who wanted to read your fate; do you ept?]


    It stopped again, suggesting the old Daoist was no ordinary person.


    Gu An hesitated for a moment and chose to ept.


    [You agreed to let the old Daoist read your fate. He pinched your muscles and bones and began to calcte. He was soon shocked, proiming you possess an innate Divine Emperor fate, destined to dominate all creatures of heaven and earth, bing the Lord of Great Heaven and Earth. Immediately afterward, the old Daoist exploded into a burst of blood, covering you.]


    [At twenty-five, you identally entered the Grotto Heaven of an Ancient Great Cultivator and learned the Ancient Strange Skill ¨C Divine Destion Technique.]


    ...


    Gu An''s lips twitched when he saw the part about the old Daoist''s explosive demise.


    After that, he picked the more cautious options whenever possible.


    Year after year passed!


    Gu An was on tenterhooks, fearing an early death.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When he made it past two hundred years, he smiled, finally setting a new record.


    However, without the Life Stealing Ability, Long Zhan''s growth was surely not as fast as Chu Lu, Xiao Shengtian, and without a disyed realm in the prompts.


    Take it slow!


    Gu An then became even more earnest, determined to strive to survive this life.


    As time ticked by, Ye Lan was meditating on the bed while Gu An sat at the desk, the room engulfed in silence.


    Birdsong asionally rang out from outside the window, adding a serene atmosphere of passing years.


    After an Ancient Hour.


    Gu An let out a sigh, his expression grave, mired in struggle.


    [At the age of 187,632, you met with the Dragon Family Ancestor, who said he could fully awaken your bloodline, allowing it to fuse with your Qi Fortune and create an unprecedented Physique. Do you ept his help?]


    Gu An had achieved the status of War God of the Divine Continent and was now venturing through the cosmos when he encountered the Ancestor.


    He always felt the Ancestor was up to no good. Discover hidden content at empire


    He did not want to die aftering this far.


    If the Ancestor was benevolent, he wouldn''t make things difficult for a descendant who refused him; if malevolent, not trusting him might lead to disaster, but trusting him could lead to plummeting into the Abyss.


    Do not ept!


    [You refused the help of the Dragon Family Ancestor. The Ancestor was enraged and attacked you, intending to suppress you. After a great battle, you escaped with severe injuries.]


    [At the age of 187,633, you met with Fairy Zi Yuan, who fortunately saved you. Your injuries were healed thanks to her.]


    Next came adventure!


    Fairy Zi Yuan began to follow him on adventures, making him less lonely.


    As for his wife, Han Jiao''er, he had gone to bid her farewell when he was one hundred thousand years old. They had been parted by Yin and Yang. It was because of this that he left his descendants behind and ventured alone into the cosmos.


    Gu An became more rxed in his subsequent choices, as Long Zhan grew stronger and always managed to escape from death.


    Half an Ancient Hourter.


    [At the age of 350,896, you unified a small universe, established the Battle Court, and married Fairy Zi Yuan. You self-proimed as the Emperor of Heavenly Dragon and crowned Fairy Zi Yuan as the Heavenly Empress.]


    Quite impressive!


    Gu An suddenly felt a sense of achievement, as if unlocking an epic achievement in a game.


    He could persevere further!


    Gu An rubbed his hands together and continued to read on.


    One ten-thousand-year span followed another.


    After tens of thousands of years.


    [At the age of 360,000, you broke through your own shackles, achieving the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm, shocking the cosmos. You regained your Life Grid; do you activate the Life Stealing Ability?]


    Here ites!


    It''s here!


    Gu An chose to seize without hesitation!


    [You activated the Life Stealing Ability. You sacrificed a universe of living beings, resulting in a massive surge in life span.]


    Sacrificed?


    Gu An''s face turned pale.


    How could he be so reckless?


    [At the age of 360,001, just as you transcended the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path and became one with the Immortals and Gods, a terrifying hand reached across the river of time and snuffed you out.]


    [You were executed by the Annihtion God Emperor.]


    [Reincarnation ends.]


    What the hell!


    It ended so abruptly?


    After he activated the Life Stealing Ability, Gu An hadn''t even made a choice.


    Gu An immediately vanished from the room and appeared on an ind overseas, initiating the Life Span Barrier.


    He then sat down and looked at thest few prompts, grinding his teeth.


    Good!


    Very good!


    Annihtion God Emperor!


    Another name was added to Gu An''s list of grievances.


    Following that, a huge influx of memories flooded into his mind!


    It was the entire life of the Emperor of Heavenly Dragon, Long Zhan!


    It was only after truly receiving the memories that Gu An realized how extraordinary Long Zhan''s talent was, being unique from birth, inspiring great expectations from his family.


    The love between him and Han Jiao''er also left Gu An deeply moved.


    Once Long Zhan ventured into the cosmos, his life became even more extraordinary, his story deeply touching!


    Within the memories, Gu An also saw Fairy Zi Yuan, iparably beautiful and with a grace none in the world could match.


    ```

 Chapter 314 Heavenly Dragon and the Ji Family

    As Gu An continued to assimte Long Zhan''s memories, his hostility towards the Annihtion God Emperor also began to weaken.


    "This Long Zhan is too arrogant!"


    Before his wife Han Jiao''er''s death, he still exercised some restraint in his actions, but since he went to Outer Heaven, hepletely unleashed himself and acted recklessly.


    The Battle Court he established was also tyrannical, rewarding those who followed him and annihting those who opposed!


    The piece of heaven and earth sacrificed by Long Zhan waspletely innocent and involved, and the creatures of that realm didn''t even have time to react before they died; the whole world turned to dust in an instant.


    Before, Gu An felt that Xiao Shengtian was already arrogant enough, butpared to Long Zhan, he was nothing.


    If Gu An had been in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land and also possessed the ability to y Long Zhan, he would definitely have made a move. Your journey continues at empire


    After Gu An finished integrating the memories, it was as if he had lived through Long Zhan''s life himself, bing the Emperor of Heavenly Dragon¡ªyet when he looked back, he was filled with regret and remorse.


    Before Long Zhan transcended the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path, Fairy Zi Yuan had advised him not to pursue enlightenment at the expense of harming other beings. Long Zhan didn''t listen, and the two even broke ties over this.


    After the inheritance of memories ended, Gu An was still immersed in them.


    He was Gu An, but also Long Zhan.


    This feeling left Gu An with an indescribable sense.


    Perhaps this is what it felt like to remember a past life in one''s current life.


    Clearly the same person, but with different personalities.


    After inheriting the memories of Long Zhan''s life, Gu An also gained a lot, including insights into the Daoist Heart and the ability to inherit Long Zhan''s most powerful Divine Skills.


    Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect!


    This Divine Skill could condense the ultimate Dharma Aspect of one''s Daoist Sorcery, and could even condense the Dharma Aspect of a past life to fight alongside oneself.


    After creating this Divine Skill, Long Zhan had intended to cultivate through Reincarnation Evolution to create Dharma Aspects for tens of thousands of generations, but an ident unlocked the Life Stealing Ability, and he no longer researched this Divine Skill, instead continually using life span evolution to enhance his Divine Skill.


    Gu An slowly opened his eyes and then disappeared inside the ind retreat, returning to Ye Lan''s estate.


    At this moment, Ye Lan was still in a state of Path Enlightenment.


    Gu An sat down and continued to reflect on Long Zhan''s life.


    The Long Zhan who had transcended the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path was truly powerful; the feeling of controlling life and casually manipting rules fascinated Gu An even now.


    At the same time, he was also filled with dread at the power of the Annihtion God Emperor.


    He had truly been crushed to death by the Annihtion God Emperor with a single hand; he hadn''t even seen the true form of the Annihtion God Emperor.


    It was a means that transcended time and space and was superior to the cosmic rules.


    After understanding Long Zhan''s life, Gu An no longer harbored intense hostility towards the Annihtion God Emperor. Unlike Chu Lu and Xiao Shengtian, Long Zhan had brought death upon himself.


    Gu An felt somewhat confused.


    If Reincarnation Evolution could be realized, he might also create a peerless evil being.


    Fundamentally, he did not want to, but he couldn''t control the personality in the cycle of Reincarnation.


    Yet Reincarnation Evolution had many benefits, allowing him to remember countless Spells and Divine Skills, adding to hisbat experience, and even enhancing his understanding of Reincarnation, making it very difficult for him to give up.


    After much thought, Gu An felt he was trapping himself in his own web of thoughts. Why overthink so much?


    The path to bing stronger couldn''t possibly be achieved without harming the innocent; many moral judgments are based on perspective, just like in war¡ªare not the civilians of the enemy''s country innocent?


    At most, the next time he encounters a situation like Long Zhan''s, he could choose not to activate the Life Stealing Ability and rely on his own efforts to Cultivate.


    In fact, even without the Life Stealing Ability, Long Zhan''s talent was very strong.


    Gu An began to review the Cultivation Technique of the Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He felt this Dharma Aspect seemed familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.


    He soon remembered.


    The Ji Family''s Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form had some simrities.


    He nned to ask Ji Xiaoyu about itter. Ji Xiaoyu had already inherited Divine Skills when she returned to the Ji Family and might be able to perform the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form.


    The sun set, and the moon rose.


    A night passed.


    Ye Lan gradually woke up and felt as if she had had a dream, one she couldn''t remember clearly after waking up.


    When she opened her eyes, she felt the entire world had changed.


    Her gaze fell on the table, and she saw Gu An reading a book.


    Gu An turned his head to look at her and smiled, asking, "Awake?"


    [Ye Lan (Divinity Transformation Realm Level 5): 222/600/800]


    Her Life Span limit had increased by two hundred years!


    Gu An let out a sigh of relief, his face showing a smile.


    As long as there were results!


    But the effect was somewhat weak; he was, after all, a Divine Thought True Immortal.


    Gu An carefully examined Ye Lan and noticed a subtle breath dissipating from her body, like the Heaven and Earth Rules, but even more difficult to detect.


    "How did I fall asleep?" Ye Lan asked, puzzled.


    Gu An rolled his eyes and said, "You''re asking me? It''s not like I drugged you, is it? I''m not even ming you¡ªI came all this way, and while we were talking, you fell asleep, leaving me hanging."


    Ye Lan showed an embarrassed expression and couldn''t help asking, "Then why didn''t you wake me up?"


    "You were cultivating even in your sleep; it was clearly not ordinary sleep, so how could I dare to interrupt you?" Gu An replied, standing up.


    "I''m leaving, I''lle to see you again next time."


    "Sister, why not stay a couple more days?"


    "No can do, Medicine Valley can''t do without me."


    "Really? Howe I heard you''re always hands-off as a manager?"


    "How could that be?"


    The two bickered for a while, but in the end, Gu An firmly decided to leave.


    Ye Lan walked him to the estate''s front door.


    Gu An suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned to look at her, and asked, "In your heart, which is more important, good and evil or affection?"


    He asked this because he was reminded of the scene where Long Zhan and Fairy Zi Yuan broke ties; although Long Zhan brought it upon himself, the end result of his loneliness still left him sighing.


    Long Zhan might have been overbearing, but towards the people by his side, he was quite good; he just didn''t tolerate any dissent from them.


    Ye Lan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled gracefully and said, "If you were evil, I myself would not be evil, but I would always follow you, as long as you don''t abandon me."


    Gu An showed a smile and said, "Don''t overthink it; I was just thinking about the plot in a book. I don''t have the courage to do evil."


    With that, he waved his hand and walked away.


    Ye Lan watched his retreating figure, thoughtful.


    ...


    As summer approached, the weather cooled.


    In the woods.


    Gu An watched Ji Xiaoyu step onto the clearing with anticipation in his eyes.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s forehead was etched with a red Dao Pattern that burst into light. Her whole aura suddenly changed; she raised her right hand, and the Spiritual Power inside her activated in a sophisticated manner, quickly coalescing behind her into a golden wheel that resembled a round glowing door with intricate and profound patterns.


    As the golden wheel opened, golden dragons surged out from the intense light.


    Her Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form differed from her past life, but Gu An saw through it at a nce. The essence of the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form shared the same origin as the Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect but was weaker and far less sophisticated than thetter.


    This discovery made Gu An''s heart tremble.


    The Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect was created by Long Zhan himself; could the Ji Family be rted to Long Zhan?


    In Long Zhan''s memories, he only passed the Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect onto his son Long Xin, which implies that Long Xin passed it down?


    From the life experiences of Chu Lu and Xiao Shengtian, their timelines might differ from Gu An''s.


    Could it be that Reincarnation Evolution might project into the past?


    Ji Xiaoyu dismissed the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form, then approached Gu An and asked, "How was it?"


    Although she wasn''t sure why Gu An wanted to see the Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form, it was renowned throughout the world, and showing it to outsiders did not vite n rules.


    "Truly formidable, it fills me with awe. The person who created this Divine Skill must truly be a godly being. Does the Ji Family have a record of who created it?" Gu An eximed.


    Ji Xiaoyu thought for a moment and said, "This Divine Skill has an ancient origin, created by an ancestor. Who exactly created it, I am unsure, but if you care, I can look into it when I return."


    Gu An nodded, "I''m indeed curious; I want to write a book, inspired by the Ji Family''s history."


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu smiled and said, "The Vice Sect Leader is looking forward to you writing about the Ji Family."


    The two continued their conversation, with Ji Xiaoyu nning to introduce other Divine Skills, but Gu An showed no interest, so she gave up.


    Both of them headed towards Medicine Valley.


    "The Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form was created by the Reincarnation Path Emperor, or perhaps, I have seen her perform it."


    A voice came from the forest ahead, and Stealing the Five Elements appeared.


    Ji Xiaoyu frowned, her expression full of displeasure.


    Gu An had already noticed Stealing the Five Elements eavesdropping, and he too was specting whether it was rted to the Reincarnation Path Emperor, so he didn''t mind Stealing the Five Elements'' presence.


    Currently, only the Reincarnation Path Emperor in the Ji Family could travel to Outer Heaven.


    Stealing the Five Elements, seeing the look in Ji Xiaoyu''s eyes,ughed and said, "She once said that at the other end of the universe, there exists a more vast expanse of heaven and earth that I can''t even fathom."


    After hearing this, Gu An suddenly suspected that the dragon race or the Battle Court might still exist.


    Of course, it was just a guess.


    Although he integrated Long Zhan''s memories and became Long Zhan, he had no intention of seeking out the dragon race or the Battle Court.


    Staying honestly in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was the Righteous Path!


    Even the strong could be crushed by others.


    "Why do you always eavesdrop on our conversation?" Ji Xiaoyu said discontentedly, the Dao Patterns on her forehead emitting strange radiance once again.


    Stealing the Five Elements raised his hand, "I mean no harm. Am I not helping you clear up your doubts? If you could transform into the Reincarnation Path Emperor, I would only be pleased."


    With that, he vanished on the spot.


    Gu An consoled, "Don''t worry about him, watch how I''ll crush him on the chessboard in the future."


    Ji Xiaoyu retracted her Dao Patterns and nodded slightly.


    For Gu An, this was just a minor interlude, understanding was enough; he didn''t need to investigate thoroughly.


    Long Zhan''s karma was too significant; he didn''t want to get involved.


    But this incident stirred his imagination.


    If Reincarnation Evolution projected into the past, how strong would the ck Profound Emperor be now?


    What about that Annihtion God Emperor and Great Heavenly Spirit Land, would they also be in his field of view?


    Gu An felt he needed to be even more cautious in the future and must not let others know he could steal life span.


    A flock of birds flew out from the forest, heading toward the distance, their figures obscured by the sunlight.


    Five years quickly passed.


    This year, news spread throughout the world, causing a sensation.


    The establishment of the Broken Sea Domain!


    Created by the Holy Court, covering the region that the Great Cold Demon Sect previously sought to ughter in the Mortal World, with the Sea Breaking Rift at the center.


    The news spread rapidly, prating the continent, with the Emperor Li Xuandao following with an edict to the world, dering the continent be renamed Taicang Continent!

 Chapter 315 Destined Fate

    Broken Sea Domain!


    Inside An Xin''s house, Gu An sat at the table, lost in thought.


    Why hadn''t they set up the domain before?


    If it was for the sake of guarding against the Great Cold Demon Sect, it was hardly necessary¡ªafter all, the Great Cold Demon Sect was no different from being disbanded.


    Gu An felt that the other party hade specifically for him, especially since the Great Cold Demon Sect had a Holy King standing behind them.


    He could see arge number of cultivators building a floating ind in the sky at the edge of the Sea Breaking Rift.


    He watched for a while before withdrawing his gaze and looking back at An Xin.


    At the moment, An Xin was immersed in Path Enlightenment, and with Gu An''s help, she had also entered that state and had been there for several ancient hours.


    Gu An kept checking An Xin''s life span limit.


    Finally, An Xin''s life span limit began to grow, albeit weakly, but it was indeed increasing.


    Gu An stared intently at An Xin, probing everything within her body.


    Soon, he caught a glimpse of that mysterious force moreplicated than causality, just like the situation with Ye Lan before.


    As the life span limit increased, this mysterious force began to separate from her body.


    It seemed likely that all beings were bound by this force, and increasing the life span limit would weaken it.


    Could this be fate?


    Gu An fell into contemtion.


    Even Divine Monarchs with powerful divine thoughts could not see through the force that manipted the lives of all beings.


    Regardless, having started to be able to catch it was a good beginning.


    Afterward, Gu An got up and left.


    After all, this was the Third Medicine Valley, and it wasn''t appropriate for a man and a woman to be alone in the same room, especially with their mentor-disciple rtionship.


    Moreover, in Medicine Valley, with him around, no one could disturb An Xin''s Path Enlightenment.


    The night passed.


    The next morning, An Xin walked out of her house and followed the disciples in their exercises. She felt somewhat dazed, looking around her; she could feel that the world had changed.


    From afar, Gu An saw her life span limit had grown to three hundred years; she hadn''t yet released her cultivation level suppression, and the Primordial Reincarnation Skill could still increase her life span limit.


    Gu An didn''t greet An Xin, pretending to know nothing about it.


    In the following days, the establishment of the Broken Sea Domain and the renaming of the continent became hot topics among all.


    As summer approached,


    Gu An was teaching Yang Jian cultivation in the woods, aware of Lu Xianyi watching in secret, but unconcerned.


    As long as Lu Xianyi didn''t be hostile to him.


    Lu Xianyi, sitting above the clouds, looked down thoughtfully.


    "This person''s cultivation isn''t very impressive, but he''s very talented at teaching disciples. Could it be that he really encountered an Immortal in a dream?" Lu Xianyi wondered curiously.


    He had joined the Supreme Sect and even entered the Hall of Elders, aware of Gu An''s identity as an author. Beyond that, he could only confirm Gu An was indeed only over two hundred years old, as many could attest, so he didn''t feel wary of Gu An.


    Even if Gu An was the reincarnation of a great power, he posed no threat to a divinity of the Nine Layers of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm!


    Because of this, Lu Xianyi''s curiosity about Gu An was even greater than his expectations for Yang Jian.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "That''s enough for today,"


    Gu An said. Hearing this, Yang Jian stopped his movements and saluted Gu An with a fist.


    Today, Gu An imparted a great deal ofbat experience; with memories of Long Zhan''s battles, Gu An''sbat experience had surpassed most in the world. A single afternoon had benefitted Yang Jian immensely.


    On the way back to the valley, Yang Jian was very excited; he had not expected his master''s closebat abilities to be so extraordinary.


    "A genius has returned today. I''ll take you to see himter."


    Gu An mentioned casually, noting Lu Xianyi, seeing their training conclude, left¡ªnot to leave the Supreme Sect, but to y chess.


    "A genius? Who? That Wu Jue, Uncle-Master?" Yang Jian asked curiously.


    Wu Jue had visited Gu An years before, and Yang Jian had only seen him from afar, learning afterward of Wu Jue''s famed reputation.


    "Not him; you''ll knowter," Gu An said mysteriously, piquing Yang Jian''s curiosity further.


    When the master and disciple returned to Medicine Valley, they heard other disciples discussing.


    "An Hao is here? Really?"


    "True, An Xin, our Sister Apprentice, is actually An Hao''s sister! They both have the samest name; could they be blood siblings?"


    Continue reading on empire


    "No, they''re just from the same vige and once had the same master, whoter renamed them."


    "My goodness! An Hao is so handsome, almost like an Immortal."


    "Haha, always the romantic, aren''t you? The Supreme Sect has seen so many geniuses over the years, yet those great figures still think An Hao is the greatest genius the Supreme Sect has ever had."


    Yang Jian''s expression changed slightly, his fists clenched unconsciously.


    It was An Hao!


    He nced at Gu An covertly, noticing no reaction, and so he suppressed the excitement in his heart.


    His current cultivation had already reached the Ninth Layer of the Divinity Transformation Realm, a result of focusing on his physical cultivation.


    He wanted to be acknowledged as the number one genius too!


    He had also suspected that An Hao was that mysterious senior disciple; today, he hoped to unravel the mystery.


    Gu An led him to An Xin''s courtyard.


    Gu An noticed Stealing the Five Elements and Lu Xianyi observing An Hao with their divine senses. An Hao, with the vast gulf in their realms, was unaware.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord didn''te today, and Shen Xinzi was immersed in studying the Journey to the West under a tree, much like Zuo Yijian in his absorption.


    Gu An looked at the imposing An Hao and was very pleased; the current An Hao had already reached the Eighth Layer of the Unification Realm, still cultivating at an impressive speed.


    Yang Jian was a major realm behind him, not yetparable, but once they entered the Immortal Path Realm, the gap would be trivial.


    When master and disciple arrived outside An Xin''s courtyard, she turned around, smiling, and then pulled An Hao out of the house.


    An Hao stood tall, head crowned with an imposing Golden Dragon Crown, dressed in a waist-bound white robe with sleeves long like flowing clouds. His handsome face bore sharp, proud brows, and just standing there, he possessed a lofty spirit thatmanded the world, without losing the transcendent demeanor of a cultivator.


    Compared to him, Yang Jian seemed ordinary. Usually, Yang Jian stood out among his fellow disciples, but next to An Hao, he was easily overlooked.


    "Sister, over the years, Master has been extremely kind to me. I haven''t suffered at all," An Xin said happily.


    An Hao stood in front of Gu An and suddenly didn''t know how to address him.


    "Brother An Hao, have you forgotten me?" Gu An asked with a smile, his demeanor warm as the spring breeze, instantly easing An Hao''s awkwardness.


    "How could I forget? We''ve been through life and death together. Thank you for taking care of my Sister over the years, which has eased many of my worries."


    An Hao smiled, then took out a brocade box to present to Gu An.


    Gu An quickly declined, but under the joint persuasion of An Xin and An Hao, he could only reluctantly ept it¡ªthe box contained Eighth Rank medicinal herbs.


    The young man was thoughtful.


    An Hao''s gaze inevitablynded on Yang Jian, who had been unabashedly staring at him since earlier. How could he not have noticed?


    Intuition told him Yang Jian was not simple.


    He felt like he was facing Impermanence Tian; of course, while Yang Jian was far from as strong, An Hao suspected he might also possess an Ancient Treasure Body.


    "Who is this?" An Hao asked proactively.


    "My disciple, Yang Jian," Gu An replied with a smile, finding the rivalry between the two disciples interesting.


    "Yang Jian? True Lord Eng?" An Haoughed.


    Yang Jian, serious, said, "I want to spar with you."


    He could see now that An Hao was definitely not the mysterious senior disciple, which diminished his awe for An Hao somewhat.


    In his mind, only that senior brother could surpass him, as the master said his talent was stronger at the moment.


    An Hao''s smile vanished as he began to size up Yang Jian.


    An Xin wanted to interject but hesitated, looking at Gu An to find him smiling without interruption.


    An Hao spoke, "You''re not strong enough, but I acknowledge your talent and courage. How about we agree to settle it at the Heaven List Tournament in the future? What do you think?"


    Hearing this, Yang Jian felt it was reasonable. A duel like this should be witnessed by the world, so he nodded in agreement.


    "Don''t forget to thank him; he''s been cultivating for many more years than you. He could easily pick on you, but instead, he''s willing to give you time to grow," Gu An said.


    At those words, Yang Jian immediately bowed to express his gratitude.


    An Hao looked at Gu An in astonishment. That such a talent was so obedient?


    Intuition told him that not even among the Star Sea Congregations could one find such a genius.


    "You two keep talking; I won''t disturb you any longer."


    Gu An dropped these words and left with Yang Jian.


    An Hao didn''t ponder any further and took An Xin back into the house.


    Not far away, the Blood Prison Great Saint watched An Hao and inwardly marveled. This youth shouldn''t be underestimated¡ªhe seemed even stronger than Yang Jian.


    Gu An returned alone to his loft and opened the brocade box, examining the medicinal herbs gifted by An Hao.


    Not long after,


    Ji Xiaoyu came to find him.


    "That An Hao is rather remarkable; I''ve seen such a presence in my dreams, always dominating an entire realm," Ji Xiaoyu remarked.


    "You''re not bad yourself!" Gu An replied with a smile.


    Among those he had encountered, below the state of Nirvana, those with a life span reaching nine thousand nine hundred ny-nine years were few: currently, only An Hao, Yang Jian, Blood Prison Great Saint, and Ji Xiaoyu.


    Li Lingtian was short by a thousand years.


    Ji Xiaoyu had not only great talent but also a significant background. For now, Gu An felt that An Hao''s foundation fell short of hers.


    Of course, when it came to cultivation speed, An Hao was unrivaled.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat down and asked, "Why is it that your Medicine Valley always attracts so many peerless geniuses and powerful cultivators?"


    Gu An helplessly replied, "You''re asking me? But who am I to ask? Besides, they''re noting for me."


    Ji Xiaoyu shook her head, "Even if not for you, you''ve established good karma with each one. You''re not simple, like the Great Fortune of Energy Movement I''ve seen in my dreams¡ªnot necessarily the strongest in talent, but always breaking through and stirring the winds of change in the world."


    Gu An blinked and asked, "What are you trying to say?"


    Ji Xiaoyu took a deep breath, "I''m nning to go somewhere¡ªa ce with a great opportunity. Come with me!"


    Hearing this, Gu An felt a headache. Many had said simr things to him.


    "You go ahead; the Supreme Sect can''t be without me," Gu An declined, to Ji Xiaoyu''s astonishment at his resolute refusal.

 Chapter 316 Mysterious Heavenly Demon

    "You think you''re Sword Venerable Fudao? The Sect can''t go on without you?" Ji Xiaoyu couldn''t help but say, her angry re was actually quite charming.


    Gu An thought as much, but said, "Making contributions, does it really have to be divided by Cultivation Levels? Guarding the Sect outside is merit, as is guarding Medicine Valley. I cultivate medicinal herbs for the Supreme Sect with all my might, isn''t that also aborious and meritorious deed?"


    Ji Xiaoyu tried to calm her emotions and began to speak of the great advantage of that opportunity.


    Despite Ji Xiaoyu''s persuasion, Gu An just wouldn''t agree, which infuriated her.


    Another person was just as infuriated, and that was An Hao. No matter how he persuaded, An Xin simply refused to follow him to the Star Sea Congregations.


    That day, Ji Xiaoyu left the Third Medicine Valley.


    Less than an hour after her departure, An Hao also stormed off, though he was not leaving the Supreme Sect; he still needed to return to the Main City of Sect to have a talk with the higher-ups.


    Dusk descended.


    Gu An and An Xin stood in front of the wooden railings, their shadows elongating with the setting sun.


    Gu An, admiring the deste beauty of the sunset, softly asked, "Don''t you regret it?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    An Xin turned her head, looked at Gu An''s profile, and asked, "Master, do you have any regrets?"


    "Ha-ha, we''re different. Ji Xiaoyu has the Ji Family behind her, but An Hao only has you," Gu An shook his head with a bitter smile.


    An Xin looked to the horizon and said, "He has more than just me, and his heart holds the entire Mortal World. He''s long since not the senior brother I knew. I can''t be the stumbling block in his path."


    For some reason, Gu An suddenly felt the impulse to focus on cultivating An Xin.


    It would be interesting to have An Xin surpass An Hao.


    Unfortunately, for now he could only contemte it, as reversing the gap between the two was not so easy.


    The master and disciple began to discuss matters overseas, imagining how powerful the Star Sea Congregations were and how awe-inspiring the Sea Breaking Rift would be.


    In life, one always wishes to see the whole world, to measure mountains and rivers.


    ¡­


    Above the Sea of Clouds, Blood Prison Great Saint carried Gu An as they flew, feeling the vibrant Spiritual Energy of the region, and couldn''t help but take a deep breath.


    "Master, where exactly is this ce?" Blood Prison Great Saint couldn''t resist asking.


    Gu An replied, "Another sect I''ve joined; you must not reveal this to anyone, including Jian''er."


    Upon hearing this, Blood Prison Great Saint''s body shivered, feeling a surge of excitement rush to the top of his skull, unable to contain his exhration.


    A secret only he knew?


    Perfect!


    Didn''t this mean he had surpassed Yang Jian in the heart of his master?


    Serves that kid right for wanting to go out and make a name for himself.


    Blood Prison Great Saint thought gleefully. Since meeting An Hao, Yang Jian had been practicing even harder, saying that in the future he wanted to go out and make a name even more renowned than An Hao''s.


    That kid really didn''t understand the heart of the master.


    The master with his unfathomable Dao Level was a hermit in the bustling world, clearly disliking the high-profile life!


    Yang Jian was truly drifting away.


    Gu An could feel Blood Prison Great Saint''s excitement, his bovine body trembling as if this fellow was simply overwhelmed by the rare opportunity to travel far.


    This ce was none other than Mortal World Peak.


    Gu An disliked the slow pace of Blood Prison Great Saint and used his Divine Thought to help speed him up.


    After they entered the peaks of the Mortal World Peak, Blood Prison Great Saint looked around curiously, his bovine eyes wide open, as if  a countryman had entered the city for the first time.


    And so, they arrived at Dingtian Peak.


    Ever since Gu An extinguished Mo Hen the old man, Dingtian Peak had seen a surge in poprity, with an increase in the number of disciples, and studentsing and going from all directions.


    Blood Prison Great Saint could feel the aura of those along the way and was secretly shocked¡ªhow did it feel like any random person was stronger than he was before the seal?


    Gu An, leading him, went all the way to the mountain top.


    Your journey continues at empire


    As soon as theynded, Zhu Xinn appeared, bowing respectfully towards Gu An.


    Blood Prison Great Saint sized up Zhu Xinn with curious eyes.


    "Master, a mysterious cave was discovered within Dingtian Peak, containing powerful Restrictions. Would you like to take a look?" Zhu Xinn asked.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An nodded and asked him to lead the way.


    Along the way, Zhu Xinn briefed him on the cave at the foot of the mountain, nearly submerged under the sea surface, discovered by two disciples during a Combat practice.


    Zhu Xinn suspected it was rted to the previous insurrection, which had been a while ago, but ording to him, terrible demons had emerged at that time, nearly destroying Dingtian Peak to the ground, to the extent that the Peak Master had fallen.


    Gu An couldn''t help but think of Mo Hen the old man.


    Considering Chengtian Peak was a better choice, but Mo Hen the old man chose Dingtian Peak¡ªcould it be because of that cave?


    Blood Prison Great Saint was even more excited, not expecting to encounter something so thrilling upon arrival.


    They flew downward and quickly reached the entrance of the cave, where two Wandering Immortals stood guard. Upon seeing Gu An, they quickly stood up and saluted.


    Gu An nodded, then asked Blood Prison Great Saint to follow Zhu Xinn into the cave.


    With Zhu Xinn leading the way, he could not help but wonder why his master was riding a mere mortal ox.


    Such a fortunate ox head!


    Gu An had just entered the cave and felt a subtle aura.


    Hmm?


    The aura of a Heavenly Demon?


    He asked, "Has this been reported to the Main Peak?"


    Zhu Xinn shook his head, "No, the Main Peak''s master has been in seclusion, and Mortal World Peak has always managed its own affairs."


    He paused, then added, "You are the Peak Master. As long as you do not abdicate, everything about Dingtian Peak is yours."


    These words made Gu An feelfortable in his heart, and he became increasingly satisfied with Zhu Xinn.


    The guy was simply the perfect Hu Xiaojian, so easy to use.


    Bypassing the long cave tunnel, they arrived at a spacious chamber. Gu An could sense the thick space Restriction here, almost like an Exotic World''s dimension, making the ce look extremely vast.


    The chamber wasn''t too dark, floating with countless bright lights, like fireflies, which were actually Spiritual Energy condensed into form.


    They stood on an Array tform, where a Stone Pir stood erect, pitch-ck, with a rough surface, reflecting a cold light.


    Gu An got off Blood Prison Great Saint''s back and approached the stone pir.


    With his hand on the Stone Pir, a powerful force erupted, startling Zhu Xinn into immediately deploying his Mana to defend, not forgetting to protect Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Zhu Xinn''s eyes widened as he saw Gu An''s hand actually prate the Stone Pir, the point of contact glowing eerily as if it were the mouth of an Exotic World.


    A gale followed from that mysterious mouth, the wind ck as midnight, like countless sinister Dao Patterns, sending shivers down the spine of both Zhu Xinn and Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Gu An withdrew his hand, holding a Soul in his grasp¡ªa Soul Body of an old man, about asrge as a baby. He was held by Gu An, unable to break free, his face full of fear.


    [Dark Soul Ancestor (Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm Level Three): 1209894/1300000/1900000]


    Gu An looked at the other''s age and raised an eyebrow.


    Zhu Xinn couldn''t help but caution, "Master, be careful!"


    Gu An''s right hand clenched, and the Dark Soul Ancestor disintegrated.


    Zhu Xinn, seeing this, sighed in relief and asked, "Master, what realm was he at?"


    He could feel that the Dark Soul Ancestor was very sinister, but what realm he was from, he couldn''t tell.

 Chapter 317 Demon Fetus

    [You have sessfully acquired 9,670 years of life span from the Dark Soul Ancestor (Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, third level)]


    Looking at the prompt before him, Gu An remained indifferent. If it were not for the other party charging at him directly, he would not have bothered to kill him.


    The reason he did not perform the Soul Search was because the space within the stone pir still concealed other Heavenly Demons!


    Gu An casually responded, "It''s just a demon soul. Its realm, high or low, doesn''t matter."


    Doesn''t matter?


    Zhu Xinn opened his mouth but didn''t know what to say.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought locked onto the space inside the stone pir, where, within that pitch-ck space, there existed yet another aura of a Heavenly Demon that was even more terrifying.


    His Divine Thought captured the location of that Heavenly Demon.


    It turned out to be a demon egg!


    The demon egg, formed from Demonic Qi and about a zhang tall, emitted a faint glow, like the weak starlight in the dark universe.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought prated the demon egg and saw a Demon Infant.


    He saw the Demon Infant entwined with heavy andplex karma, even making him feel uneasy, his intuition telling him that eradicating the Demon Infant would bring greater trouble.


    He withdrew his Divine Thought and also stopped his actions, restoring the Restriction on the stone pir.


    He turned and said to Zhu Xinn, "From now on, no one must enter this ce, and you must not disturb this stone pir. There is a fearsome Heavenly Demon inside, difficult to handle, and it has yet to awaken."


    Hearing this, Zhu Xinn immediately became nervous and muttered, "Heavenly Demon... Sure enough, the previous problem has not beenpletely resolved."


    Gu An couldn''t help but ask, "Did the previous internal upheaval on Dingtian Peak have to do with the Heavenly Demon?"


    "That''s right, that terrible evil demon was a Heavenly Demon. It''s said that the former Peak Master was transformed by the Heavenly Demon. The Sect feared that spreading the word would stir up greater turmoil, so they concealed the fact¡­" Zhu Xinn nodded, his face full of worry.


    The greater turmoil he referred to was the Holy Court, which has the deepest apprehension for Heavenly Demons.


    Gu An suddenly thought of You Yingying and Shen Xinzi. Could there be other Heavenly Demon reincarnations in the world?


    He felt it was very likely.


    He sensed he had triggered an extraordinary side plot.


    He did not want to get involved, so he prepared to seal this ce, especially since the Demon Fetus was still in slumber.


    "As such, it''s even more crucial not to speak of this, understood?" Gu An cautioned.


    As for informing the Holy Court, he had considered it, but the matter of him casually killing a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma could likely be exposed due to that, and Mortal World Peak does not trust the Holy Court either, otherwise they would not have concealed the matter of the Heavenly Demon.


    After all, he came here to nt herbs; the well-being of Mortal World Peak has nothing to do with him.


    Of course, when he bes strong enough to ignore the karma of the Demon Fetus, he could then erase the being, giving himself greater peace of mind.


    Zhu Xinn nodded, but the deep furrows in his brow did not smooth out.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint looked thoughtfully at the stone pir.


    Afterward, they left the cave, Zhu Xinn began to seal the entrance and Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint back to the mountaintop.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint had many questions he wanted to ask, but he was afraid of being overheard by the Great Cultivator, so he had to swallow his words.


    In the following time, Gu An began picking medicinal herbs at Mortal World Peak. Zhu Xinn had already set up arge Medicine Garden, which was guarded by disciples on regr days.


    When Gu An personally came to pick herbs, the disciples were initially taken aback by the honor butter got used to it. Of course, no matter how approachable Gu An seemed to be, they always remained reserved.


    After half a day''s stay on Dingtian Peak, Gu An left with several hundreds of thousands of years of life span.


    He came to pick herbs once a month, and the life span ie from Dingtian Peakst year had already broken a million years, surpassing his foundation on the Taicang Continent.


    After returning to the Supreme Sect, just as the Blood Prison Great Saint was about to speak, Gu An stopped him.


    "Remember what I said when we left, don''t ask, you will see through everything eventually," Gu An''s words made the Blood Prison Great Saint grow respectful.


    He felt that his master was instructing him.


    His nature was too impulsive, which is why he ended up like this, indeed needing to cultivate his Daoist Heart.


    In Mortal World Peak, Gu An was the revered Peak Master, and in the Supreme Sect, he was just an ordinary Valley Master.


    Watching Gu An chatting andughing with the Servant Disciples, the Blood Prison Great Saint was incredibly impressed. He felt the master wasn''t pretending; in the master''s heart, all sentient beings truly are equal.


    The distinction of strength lies in one''s Cultivation Level, but the life of every creature is equal.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint increasingly felt there was much to learn from his master, such as this way of interacting with others which surely would lead to many good connections. If someone could defy the heavens and change their fate, these tales might spread far and wide in the future.


    However, his realization was quickly shattered.


    Because that detestable fat mouse came to harass him again.


    What made him most exasperated was that the fat mouse became even faster!


    How could he feel that this mouse also possessed peerless talent?


    This was too absurd!


    Gu An then started to inspect the different sectors within Medicine Valley. Although the Third Medicine Valley seldom had trouble, he still had to perform his duties on the surface, to prevent the disciples from cking.


    Summer passed, and autumn arrived.


    In the early autumn season, within the Outer World Cave...


    Tian Yao''er, Tianqing, and Tian Bai were attacking Gu An together. The three demons constantly changed their movement techniques, their Demon Energy rolling like a dragon, surrounding Gu An.


    Facing their offensive, Gu An seemed quite at ease, with just a wave of his hand, he could resolve their Spells.


    Tian Yao''er stepped on the Nine Extremes Freedom Steps and appeared behind Gu An. She struck with her palm, from which fire surged, rapidly expanding into the shape of a Phoenix and swallowing him whole.


    The next second, the fire Phoenix immediately scattered, causing Tian Yao''er to be shaken and fly backward.


    Gu An then raised his leg, and countless shadows burst forth, causing Tianqing and Tian Bai to lose theirposure, unable to defend in time. They were hit by the leg shadows one after another and were knocked flying,nding clumsily far away.


    The three demons struggled to get up, looking at Gu An with aggrieved expressions on their faces.


    "If this were a real fight to the death, you would be dead by now. There aren''t many people out there who will indulge you like I do," Gu Anmented nonchntly while withdrawing his leg.


    Tian Yao''er widened her eyes and asked, "Is every creature out there as powerful as you?"


    "There are always people beyond you, heavens beyond heavens," Gu An casually answered. He had already restrained himself enough not to injure them.


    "Is that so?" Tian Yao''er was skeptical; she always felt that whenever Gu An mentioned fearing this and that, it was all to scare them, while he himself seemed forever calm andposed.


    Gu An snorted, "Anyway, you still need more practice."


    Tianqing and Tian Bai immediately approached, clinging to Gu An''s arms and sweetly agreeing with master.


    This made Tian Yao''er grit her teeth with irritation. Why did it seem as though the other two had been spoiled rotten?


    After Gu An gave a few more pieces of advice, he took his leave.


    Tian Yao''er immediately pounced on Tianqing and Tian Bai, and the second battlemenced.


    Explore new worlds at empire


    ...


    The autumn wind swept through, blowing a leaf into the courtyard where an elderly man in rich attire was sweeping the floor.


    It was none other than the aged Xiaochuan.


    Xiaochuan held the broom with both hands and swept slowly, as if his sweeping was not just cleaning the ground, but also a gesture of refinement.


    A young boy ran into the yard, spotting Xiaochuan and couldn''t help but exim, "Grandfather, why are you sweeping again? Is sweeping that fun? It''s not like we have no servants in the house."


    The young man wore blue clothes, had a fair face, and appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, with his hair tied up high, exuding youthful vigor.


    Xiaochuan didn''t stop his sweeping but replied with a kindly smile, "It''s not about fun; it''s a habit. Sweeping helps me reminisce about the past. When you get old like me, you too will love to look back. You''re young and don''t understand."


    The boy stepped forward, hands on his hips, discontentedly saying, "Grandpa, I heard you once practiced in the Immortal Sect. Why don''t you rmend us to enter the Supreme Sect and cultivate? Cultivation is not forbidden to ordinary people. Over the years, cultivators have appeared in the city from time to time, and the Magistrate''s grandson has even gone for cultivation."


    "Grandpa, although our family has money, it''s not enough. We must think long-term."


    He rambled continuously, while Xiaochuan watched himin without getting angry.


    Once he finished, Xiaochuan suddenly asked, "What if you go to the Immortal Sect and discover your cultivation talent to be very ordinary, inferior to anyone around you, being left behind by them continuously, what would you do?"


    The boy nced with disbelief, "How could I be that bad?"


    "Your Grandfather I was just that bad."


    "But people are different, right? If someone with exceptional talent emerged from our family, wouldn''t that be a blessing for generations, and even you would benefit."


    "Heh, your uncle once went to an Immortal Cultivation Sect. His talent was mediocre, and he nearly died in a conflict with cultivators. Whether someone is extraordinarily talented or not, these eyes of mine can see," Xiaochuan shook his head and said, as each descendant grew up, they woulde and ask him these questions. He had also sent children to practice, but the results were always unsatisfying.


    Of course, he didn''t send them to the Supreme Sect; he didn''t want to cause more trouble for his senior brother.


    If they couldn''t seed in other sects, how could they go to the Supreme Sect?


    "But can you really see that clearly?" the boy asked with wide eyes, his face turning red with urgency.


    Just as Xiaochuan was about to respond, his eyes suddenly widened.


    Gu An walked into the courtyard, looking around as if searching for something.


    When Gu An spotted Xiaochuan, he too broke into a smile.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Noticing his grandfather''s expression, the boy turned his head to look and then frowned, sizing up Gu An and asking, "Who are you? I haven''t seen you before?"


    Thwack!


    Xiaochuan smacked the back of his head, not too harshly, and scolded with a smile, "Do you remember everyone in the house, apart from the maids? Beat it!"


    The boy pouted but had to leave, sizing up Gu An as he went.


    [Chuanyue (Qi Cultivation Realm, first level): 15/80/180]


    Gu An gestured yfully at Chuanyue, causing Chuanyue to re at him.


    Once the boy left, Xiaochuan stepped forward and hugged Gu An excitedly.


    "Senior Brother, howe you''re here?" Xiaochuan was ecstatic.


    Gu An was slightly annoyed, "When your grandson was here, why didn''t you call me Senior Brother?"


    Xiaochuan grinned, "That was to prevent him from clinging to you once he realized your identity. You are a high cultivator of the Supreme Sect, at least in his eyes."


    Looking at the signs of aging on Xiaochuan''s face, Gu An felt a sense of nostalgia.


    "Why stop the children from seeking the Immortal path?"


    "I''m not stopping them; they just want to use my connections to get in. If they truly possess the talent, they will rise even without my intervention," Xiaochuan shook his head. His words seemed to make sense to Gu An.


    Decades had passed, and Xiaochuan had be more mature, with the sediment of years evident on him, no longer the silent youth who once followed Gu An.

 Chapter 318 Peering into Life, the So-Called Will of Heaven

    Gu An and Xiaochuan sat in the courtyard chatting with great enthusiasm about the past.


    When they spoke of those olden times, they both harbored many sighs, and when it came to those long-departed friends, they would fall into brief silences.


    "I sent you out of the valley, these many decades, have you been satisfied with your life?" Gu An asked.


    Xiaochuan smiled and said, "Of course, I''m satisfied. At least I have no regrets in life. I''ve even glimpsed the Immortal Path. How can a mortal who achieves my level not be content? Those who aren''t satisfied are probably oppressed their whole life. With that state of mind, no matter how high their cultivation level is, they''ll never be content."


    Gu An couldn''t help but raise his teacup to toast him; such openness was truly rare.


    Gu An had harbored resentments towards Xiaochuan before for not cultivating diligently. Now he thought about it; even if Xiaochuan didn''t achieve much in immortal cultivation, he has at least lived a life more joyous than worrisome.


    However, the thought that Xiaochuan wouldn''t live for many more years made Gu An somewhat reluctant to part.


    He had experienced this feeling many times during the Reincarnation Evolution, especially in the life of Long Zhan. Long Zhan''s drastic change in temperament was because he had lived through too many such events, particrly the death of his beloved wife, which deeply traumatized him.


    The powerful Long Zhan realized that even with his strength, he would have regrets, which was why he ventured alone into the universe.


    Xiaochuan seemed to understand Gu An''s mood and said tofort him, "Senior brother, although you haven''t started a family, there are many who care about you. You won''t be alone."


    Gu An suddenly asked, "What if they were all like you, what should I do then?"


    Xiaochuan was stunned, he looked deep into Gu An''s eyes and said, "Senior brother, anyone else might worry about this question, but you needn''t. You treat people kindly, always making friends. Besides, solitude isn''t necessarily torture; isn''t the choice of what life you want to lead based on your heart?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I can be so open-minded because I learned it from you. Ever since I was little, I''ve admired you the most. No matter how powerful Li Ya senior brother is, in my eyes, he doesn''tpare to you, because you live freely and can protect the people you want to care for."


    Upon saying this, Xiaochuan smiled again.


    Gu An suddenly felt an impulse.


    This time he wouldn''t just go along with Xiaochuan''s wishes!


    Gu An took out a secret book and threw it on the table; Xiaochuan instinctively looked at it, surprised he asked, "What is this?"


    "This records a kind of spell¡­" Gu An began to introduce, and with just a sentence, Xiaochuan became entranced.


    Gu An took this chance to enlighten Xiaochuan, immersing his thoughts in the Heaven and Earth Rules, allowing him to momentarily forget about outside matters.


    Autumn winds swept up the fallen leaves in the courtyard, as if fate refused to let them settle on the ground.


    ...


    Above the sea, dressed in ck, Li Ya stood on a ck eagle''s back, his gaze fixed on the distance. Above the Sea Breaking Rift, hung a majestic and mighty Floating Ind, on which stood a city emanating an awe-inspiring aura thatmanded respect from all living beings.


    "Broken Sea Domain Master City..."


    Li Ya muttered to himself, frowning.


    A Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit appeared on his shoulder and said softly, "There are terrifying things hidden there, that will eat me, don''t go near."


    Hearing this, Li Ya''s frown deepened as it was the first time he heard the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit say such a thing.


    He took a deep breath, then stamped his foot, and the ck eagle pped its wings harder, speeding up like an arrow, quickly diving into the Sea Breaking Rift.


    Once inside the dark rift, Li Ya breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze looking down with determination.


    "Zhang Buku, wait for me, I haven''t given up on you!"


    Li Ya''s hands tightened into fists within his sleeves, and he drew his Heavy Sword, ready for battle.


    Meanwhile.


    Far away in Mystic Valley, Gu An was picking medicinal herbs. He couldn''t help but stand up and look into the distance.


    It had been ten years since he had lectured Xiaochuan. Over those years, he hadn''t seen Xiaochuan again and had immersed himself back into his life.


    In those ten years, he had extended his lifespan by more than eighteen million years, and so he''d been happy every year.


    It was not until today that the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit told him, it sensed a dangerous presence.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit imed to feel the presence of a natural enemy within the Broken Sea Domain Master City¡ªan extremely sinister presence.


    Gu An probed with Divine Thought and discovered a Heavenly Demon within the Broken Sea Domain Master City.


    Another Heavenly Demon!


    This Heavenly Demon also possessed the cultivation level of a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma, unlike the Dark Soul Ancestor before; this one was a Living Spirit.


    There he was, hidden in a dark pce, separated by many Restrictions. No matter how Gu An saw it, he didn''t look like a prisoner.


    Could it be that the Holy King behind the Great Cold Demon Sect had a connection with the Heavenly Demon?


    Gu An didn''t rm them; exterminating demons was easy, but severing causality was difficult. It was better for both sides to wait, even though he did not know what the other side was waiting for, but he knew he was growing stronger every year.


    Nirvana, Loose Immortal, Wandering Immortal, Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, Carefree Primordial Immortal, Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma, Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, and Divine Thought True Immortal!


    In this world where even Carefree Primordial Immortals were rare, Gu An, in the realm of Divine Thought True Immortal, had the confidence to face all trials.


    Gu An watched for a while longer, then withdrew his Divine Thought.


    He wasn''t panicked by the calctions of that Holy King; he felt that the Holy King might be a pawn of the Heavenly Demon.


    Inviting the hostility of the Heavenly Demon for personal grievances, though not afraid, was unnecessary.


    Gu An continued picking medicinal herbs, humming a little tune.


    Once he finished picking the medicinal herbs, he left Mystic Valley.


    He arrived on the eaves of a building at the Chuan residence, his gaze on Xiaochuan, who was cultivating in the courtyard.


    After that enlightenment, Xiaochuan devoted more time to cultivation, a subject he had mentioned to no one.


    Gu An saw that Xiaochuan''s ultimate lifespan had increased to four hundred fifteen years.


    Not too bad!


    He then peeked into Xiaochuan''s causality.


    On a typical day, Gu An wouldn''t only be ying around; he cultivated too. What he studied the most was the causality of life.


    He could now probe the entire lives of mortals. Even if a three-year-old child stood before him, he could see the end of their life in an instant.


    As expected, Xiaochuan''s life had changed.


    Previously, Gu An saw Xiaochuan passing away with a peaceful and regret-free departure. This time he saw Xiaochuan surviving past his original lifespan''s end, with the Chuan house also producing a generation with stronger talent for cultivation.


    But as he watched, Gu An''s brows furrowed.


    Xiaochuan died at age four hundred thirteen, not living out his full ultimate lifespan because his descendants offended a powerful Cultivation Family. Worn out from too much exertion, he died of depression in the end.


    Gu An suddenly felt that his enlightenment of Xiaochuan might not have been such a good thing.


    But on second thought, he''d simply take action when the time came.


    He was the biggest variable in Xiaochuan''s life causality.


    Explore stories at empire


    With that in mind, Gu An looked towards the other members of the Chuan family, peering into their lives.


    A mortal''s life seems long to them but is short in his eyes. Their decades of experience would just sh by him, causing no burden and not affecting him in the slightest. That was the strength of a Divine Thought True Immortal.


    Not to say Divine Thought True Immortal, even a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal could reach this degree.


    It wasn''t long before Gu An''s gazended on a boy called Chuan Qi.


    [Chuan Qi (Untrained in Qi Cultivation): 3/120/1050]


    Such talent was definitely the strongest among Xiaochuan''s descendants.


    Gu An began to probe into Chuan Qi''s life.


    It wasn''t Chuan Qi who offended the Cultivation Family, but another member of the Chuan house. After Xiaochuan''s death, Chuan Qi left the family and ventured alone into the Immortal Cultivation World.


    This youngster actually lived past the years of his ultimate lifespan, meaning he would encounter great fortunes in the future, the specifics of which, Gu An could not determine from causality.


    Until Chuan Qi met a girl. After that, the causality broke, and his future became unfathomable.


    When Gu An saw the girl, he could instantly tell she harbored a Heavenly Demon''s soul.


    Another Heavenly Demon!


    Exactly how many Heavenly Demons had infiltrated the Great Heavenly Spirit Land?


    Gu An frowned and continued to scan the others.


    He stood proudly on the eaves, unseen by those passing through the courtyard below.


    After thirty minutes, Gu An finally returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He stepped down from the Transmission Array tform, pondering over causality and fate.


    "Gu An,e over for a game of Go!"


    A voice called out, and as Gu An turned his head, the caller was none other than the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    In recent years, Lu Xianyi and Stealing the Five Elements had left. There were only two Great Cultivators left in the valley¡ªShen Xinzi and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord. Shen Xinzi was not very interested in Go, preferring to study Journey to the West and Investiture of the Gods.


    Gu An didn''t understand why Shen Xinzi could keep on reading those two books over and over, but he chose to respect his choices.


    Gu An walked towards the Nine-Finger Divine Lord while simultaneously probing his causality and fate.


    The higher the opponent''s cultivation level, the shorter the lifespan Gu An could see.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s lifespan and causality were extremelyplex, staying consistent for decades, but Gu An could no longer see beyond fifty years into the future.


    Gu An settled down before the Go board as he opened the Go box, he asked, "Predecessor, you have lived for a long time. Tell me, should cultivators intervene in the lives of mortals, even with good intentions?"


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked at him in surprise upon hearing this question, never expecting him to ask such a thing.


    "You''ve asked the right person. I think one shouldn''t. Cultivation itself is a path against nature. Intervening in a mortal''s life will only bring them cmity. There is a will of heaven inherent within the universe. Once, I faced a trial; that ordeal left me gravely injured, losing a finger, but it also confirmed for me the existence of the will of heaven."


    "There is certainly a force beyond the reach and touch of cultivators that mayck consciousness, but it controls the fate of all beings. The higher my cultivation, the more I feel its vastness."


    As he spoke, a hint of fear even appeared in the eyes of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    Gu An curiously asked, "Is it from Holy Court?"


    Ever since the establishment of the Broken Sea Domain, Holy Court had entered the collective consciousness of the beings on the continent, bing an institution representing the divine forces amidst mortal beings.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord shook his head and said, "No, Holy Court is also at the mercy of this force. From what I know, between this world and the universe lies a barrier of power that prevents Mortal Spirits from flying out. It is like a set of rules, and even the Holy Court must obey."


    Gu An looked up, indeed aware of such rules. It was ayer of light enveloping the Great Heavenly Spirit Land that forced living beings to reach the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm before they could fly to the universe.


    Even as a Divine Thought True Immortal, Gu An could not see through these rules.


    The Divine Origin realm where Long Zhan was, was not restricted by such rules.


    Gu An looked up at the sky and ced a stone onto the center of the Go board, making the Nine-Finger Divine Lord''s mouth twitch as if he felt humiliated.

 Chapter 319 Fighting Against the Heavens

    After a fierce and exhrating battle, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked extremely displeased.


    He lifted his eyes to look at Gu An and asked through gritted teeth, "Where exactly is the problem?"


    Gu An shrugged and said, "I don''t know."


    "Why can you always guess my next move?"


    "Intuition tells me where you''ll y next, and as long as I guess right, you seem to get flustered and keep changing your strategy, eventually exposing your weaknesses."


    Gu An''s response infuriated the Nine-Finger Divine Lord so much that he nearly coughed up blood.


    Gu An''s smile faded as he said, "However, this game of chess has indeed made me understand that change can indeed bring disaster. Thank you for your teachings, senior."


    With that, he stood up, gave a formal bow, and took his leave.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord watched Gu An''s retreating figure and opened his mouth, but ultimately, his gaze fell back on the chessboard.


    Gu An walked towards his loft with a smile on his face. In fact, there was one more thing he didn''t say.


    Change can indeed lead to disaster, but whether it''s for better or worse depends on the yer himself.


    Life is like a game of chess, and Gu An intends to be a yer who always wins!


    Even if his opponent is what they call "fate!"


    To struggle against destiny is a joy, isn''t it?


    Havinge to this realization, Gu An no longer felt burdened. He didn''t intend to casually change others'' lives, only the lives of those he cared about.


    Xiaochuan was indeed open-minded, but his wish to be reborn into a good life in the next life also showed his longing for Immortal Cultivation, justcking in innate talent.


    Gu An also realized that as long as he kept getting stronger, he could keep pushing the limits of those around him.


    What cannot be achieved now does not mean it cannot be done in the future!


    Reincarnation might exist, but he only wished to strive for the present.


    This Ji Xiaoyu was not the same person from his past life, and Gu An was not Long Zhan, Xiao Shengtian, or Chu Lu!


    ...


    In the Divine Exotic Realm, beneath the blood-red sky and above the sea of clouds, Zhang Buku stood shoulder to shoulder with the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, overlooking the battle below.


    Endless waves of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts besieged Li Ya,ing at him like relentless waves, never ceasing.


    Without the Divine Exotic City, Li Ya was embroiled in a difficult fight.


    "The Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts are undying. With his capabilities, at most he can hold on for one Ancient Hour," said the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, expressionless.


    Zhang Buku turned to him and asked, "Why won''t you let me meet him? I can make things clear."


    "What things clear? Say that someone is backing you, forcing me to not restrict you? And even taking you as a disciple?" The Master of Divine Exotic Realm nced at him coldly and asked.


    Zhang Buku frowned, not understanding his meaning.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm scoffed, "Do you think the city in the sky was built to suppress us? If so, why don''t they invade?"


    "If not for you, then for whom was it established?" asked Zhang Buku in confusion, his eyes widening with surprise.


    "Could it be for Sword Venerable Fudao? Wait, could the person who saved me be Sword Venerable Fudao?" Zhang Buku was utterly shocked.


    So the sparrow had Sword Venerable Fudao backing it...


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm gazed down at Li Ya and said, "After all these years, he''s the only one to have broken in. Might this person have some karmic connection with Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    Zhang Buku hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "He received the legacy of Sword Venerable Fudao and learned his swordsmanship."


    He left unsaid the im that Li Ya had made, that Sword Venerable Fudao was his Primordial Ancestor.


    He now understood that it must have been arranged by Sword Venerable Fudao for them to meet.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But he still couldn''t figure out why Sword Venerable Fudao had taken an interest in him.


    "So that''s how it is. It seems they have reached far and wide," the Master of Divine Exotic Realm said somberly.


    Zhang Buku couldn''t help but ask, "Master, isn''t Holy Court supposed to be good? You''ve said before that the Holy King doesn''t represent Holy Court."


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm took a deep breath and said, "He didn''t represent it before, but now it''s not certain. The Holy Court tried to recruit Sword Venerable Fudao, but he didn''t ept the Qi Fortune oue. That''s enough for the Holy Court to be wary."


    "In fact, there is a certain power in this world that the Holy Court fears. We are the evolution of that power. It''s precisely because of this that the Holy King has kept me, wanting to use me to identify that power."


    Zhang Buku quickly asked about the nature of that power.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm uttered two words: "Heavenly Demon!"


    Zhang Buku frowned; this was the first time he had heard of the Heavenly Demon.


    "Can you spare him?" Zhang Buku asked through gritted teeth.


    He didn''t understand what a Heavenly Demon was; all he wanted was for his brother to live.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm said somberly, "I''ve already dyed the time, but if Sword Venerable Fudao doesn''t appear and I let him go, then it''s you and me who will die."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Buku looked around.


    He increasingly felt as if there were eyes watching him from the shadows.


    He noticed the Master of Divine Exotic Realm''s hand on his waist casting a spell.


    He looked back down and his eyes hardened; he was about to rush to help, but as he leaned forward, a hand pressed down on him.


    He turned to look, and the person holding his shoulder was the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm''s expression was indifferent; at this moment, his look made Zhang Buku feel alienated and cold.


    The thought of Li Ya possibly dying was the thing Zhang Buku couldn''t ept the most.


    He wanted to speak, but he couldn''t utter a sound.


    In the vast sea of ghosts, Li Ya wielded his Heavy Sword, sweeping powerfully in all directions, but no matter how many Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts he vanquished, more swarmed in.


    "Damn it! Do you really acknowledge me as your master, why won''t you listen to me?"


    Li Ya cursed in his heart; he was unable to harness the power of the Divine Exotic City, which frustrated him greatly.


    "No! It will devour me!"


    The voice of the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit rang out, filled with fear.


    Li Ya was infuriated by this¡ªhow had this creature be so gutless?


    Damn it!


    Was he to die here before even seeing Zhang Buku?


    If Junior Brother Gu knew of his death, would he grieve?


    No, that''s wrong. Having been gone for so long and so far away, would Junior Brother Gu reach the end of his life still thinking I''m out conquering the world?


    Perhaps that''s for the best...


    Li Ya''s sword swings began to slow; shes of memories from his youth passed before his eyes.


    When he and Meng Lang and Li Ya had all entered the Mystic Valley, with Meng Lang gone missing, and now him about to die here, who would have thought the least talented Gu An would be thest one alive?


    What a twist of fate!


    A Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost suddenly lunged at Li Ya, holding a Soul Sword whose cold light shattered all the visions before his eyes and filled his pupils.


    Am I going to die?


    Li Ya''s pupils dted.


    Just then, his body burst into golden light, like unstoppable waves wiping out all the surrounding Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts.


    Li Ya was taken aback by the sudden change in the scenery as a golden city''s phantom emerged from within him, rapidly erging to envelope him.


    The Divine Exotic City!


    Li Ya was overjoyed, ready to ask why the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit had suddenly chosen to defy, when a terrifying and unmatched pressure descended, enveloping the whole world.


    "Have you finally decided toe forth, Sword Venerable Fudao? To entrust such an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure to a mere mortal child for amusement, what a grand gesture!"


    An ancient and majestic voice sounded, causing Li Ya to be stunned.


    The Primordial Ancestor?


    Was the Divine Exotic City belonging to the Primordial Ancestor?

 Chapter 320 Great Nether Saint King

    Divine Exotic City appeared, and the entire dim world was illuminated by dazzling golden light; among it, Li Ya stared dumbfoundedly at his surroundings.


    He could feel that the power of Divine Exotic City was stronger than when he had used it, and it was iparable.


    This meant that the voice from earlier was telling the truth!


    Thinking about it, he had never truly mastered the power of Divine Exotic City; it was alwaysmanded by Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit.


    Above the clouds, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm looked at the ever-expanding Divine Exotic City, his eyes flickering, unsure of his thoughts.


    Zhang Buku, however, felt a surge of relief¡ªshould Sword Venerable Fudao truly arrive, then Li Ya would be saved.


    In his heart, Sword Venerable Fudao was an invincible existence, a belief shared by all creatures from the Taicang Continent.


    A figure materialized next to Li Ya; he nced over, his pupils suddenly dting.


    It was that familiar demonic shadow!


    The dark purple Demonic Qi did not seem evil in his eyes but rather appeared endearing.


    Gu An tilted his head, ncing towards Li Ya.


    Li Ya quickly raised his hand in salute and said, "Primordial Ancestor¡­"


    Words jammed in his throat, unable to be spoken.


    Boom¡ª


    Rolling thunderclouds quickly covered the blood-red heavens, countless thunderbolts twirling like dragons and snakes, immensely spectacr, plunging thend into oppression.


    The sea of clouds formed a giant face, upying most of the sky, making everything between heaven and earth seem insignificant.


    Zhang Buku looked up at this giant face, speechless with shock, feeling an extremely terrifying pressure that he had never experienced before.


    Even the Master of Divine Exotic Realm looked solemn.


    The strength of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm wasparable to that of a Carefree Primordial Immortal, yet he did not possess thefort of a Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    This giant face was truly the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    An existence surpassing the Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm couldn''t help but turn his gaze towards Gu An inside Divine Exotic City, thinking expectantly, "Sword Venerable Fudao, how will you face this?"


    Even the powerful Great Cold Demon Sect that besieged the continent in the past couldn''t achieve such a presence!


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, why have you not epted the rewards from the Holy Court?"


    An aged voice sounded again, stern in tone.


    Gu An slightly lifted his head, his voice reverberating across the heaven and earth, "Why must I ept? Am I considered a demon if I do not join the Holy Court?"


    If the Holy Court truly thought this way, Gu An couldn''t help but be more wary of the Qi Fortune.


    Is Qi Fortune not a form of bondage?


    "None of such, but refusing to join the Holy Court surely has some dubious reason. Sword Venerable Fudao, why do you refuse to show yourself? What exactly are you apprehensive about?" The aged voice boomed like thunder, echoing unceasingly.


    Gu An, hearing this, lost all interest in conversing.


    "Three breaths'' time; if you don''t leave, don''t me me forcking respect for the Holy Court," Gu An''s voice was chilling, putting the entire heaven and earth on edge for a killing spree.


    The giant face above clearly changed, but it did not respond.


    Three breaths'' time seemed so prolonged at this moment.


    Zhang Buku and Li Ya dared not even breathe, and the Master of Divine Exotic Realm likewise awaited the decision of that mysterious existence.


    Such a formidable being, and even Sword Venerable Fudao could disregard it; the Master of Divine Exotic Realm was profoundly moved, believing his choice was right.


    He could easily kill Li Ya, but the reason he hadn''t was purely out of respect for Sword Venerable Fudao!


    After three breaths.


    Gu An raised his right hand, his palm facing the giant face in the sky.


    "Sword Venerable¡­"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As he began to speak, the giant face in the sky suddenly vanished, and Gu An withdrew his hand.


    The world instantly fell into silence.


    Li Ya''s eyes widened; he saw the rolling thunderclouds silently torn open, creating a giant hole exactly where the mysterious giant face had been.


    He instinctively looked towards Gu An, seeing an old man enveloped in mist in Gu An''s palm, the elder full of panic, unable to struggle or escape.


    Even though the old man was speaking, Li Ya couldn''t hear a word.


    Gu An then disappeared from the spot.


    Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit appeared on Li Ya''s shoulder, tiny hands patting her small chest, looking extremely relieved.


    Zhang Buku and the Master of Divine Exotic Realm were also stunned. What they had thought would be an unprecedented great war, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm had even prepared for the world to shatter, yet the mysterious Great Power from the Holy Court was just taken away like this?


    How high could Sword Venerable Fudao''s realm be?


    The Master of Divine Exotic Realm was filled with fear, a terrifying thought suddenly urring to him.


    Could it be that Sword Venerable Fudao was truly a Heavenly Demon, and from the beginning, he stood in opposition to the Holy Court?


    ¡­


    The waves crashed against the shore, Gu An sat on the rock, having already activated the Life Span Barrier, his right hand opened, containing the old man sitting cross-legged inside, who was indeed the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma stationed at the Domain Master city of the Broken Sea Domain.


    Gu An was performing the Great Imprison Soul Immortal Technique, searching the other''s memories.


    This person, named Luo Xuzi, was a reincarnation of the Heavenly Demon, holding a Third Grade Heavenly Position in the Holy Court, one of the confidants of the Great Nether Saint King.


    Luo Xuzi''s many memories were protected by a mystery spell, which would shatter and dissipate automatically if invaded, all rted to the Great Nether Saint King.


    Unfortunately, such methods were akin to child''s y before Gu An''s Divine Sense; he easily deciphered them and glimpsed into Luo Xuzi''s dealings with the Great Nether Saint King.


    The creation of the Broken Sea Domain was indeed set by the Great Nether Saint King, within it was his arch-nemesis, the Candle World Saint King. Initially, the Great Nether Saint King merely wanted to exterminate the Candle World Saint King, keeping him eternally in Reincarnation; many under hismand took this opportunity for their gain, leading to the cmity in the Broken Sea Domain.


    After Gu An made his move, the Great Nether Saint King regarded him as an enemy. Now, the Great Nether Saint King suspected Gu An might also be a reincarnation of the Heavenly Demon, hence he sent Luo Xuzi over.


    ording to Luo Xuzi''s memories, the Great Nether Saint King was not a Heavenly Demon, but he was fervently searching for the reincarnation of the Heavenly Demon, his intentions unknown to anyone.


    It appears it wasn''t the Holy Court aiming for Sword Venerable Fudao but the Great Nether Saint King''s intent.


    The Holy Court had profound depth and numerous factions; viewing the Broken Sea Domain, it seemed vast, but in the eyes of the Greater Heavenly Spirit Land, it was but trivial, not even reaching the eyes of the Standard First Rank Heavenly Position.


    The Third Grade Heavenly Position, also known as the Holy King, was not short of position holders in the Holy Court; ascending further were the Second Grade Heavenly Position''s Holy Minister and the First Grade Heavenly Position''s Holy God.


    After searching Luo Xuzi''s soul, Gu An extinguished his soul.


    He wasn''t concerned about further tricks from the Great Nether Saint King; in fact, he was looking forward to seeing what the Great Nether Saint King would do next.


    Facing an unknown adversary, regardless of how powerful his minions were, they would fall discreetly; wouldn''t the Great Nether Saint King feel pressured?


    Although the Holy Court didn''t care about the Broken Sea Domain, the epic battle between Gu An and the Great Cold Demon Sect from years ago did reach the Holy Court. The Holy Court''s ability to recruit Sword Venerable Fudao also showed that most of the upper echelons in the Holy Court were favorable towards Sword Venerable Fudao''s actions, which is why the Great Nether Saint King only dared to operate from the shadows.


    A prompt appeared before Gu An; he had seized over twenty thousand years of Luo Xuzi''s life span.


    Tsk tsk, these Great Powers really are brash, acting so recklessly.


    Of course, facing an existence like Gu An, even if they hide their true forms, Gu An would find a way to locate them.


    Back in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, the Thousand-Faced Divine Lord who escaped from Gu An''s clutches could also be located by him now; but seeing him behave, Gu An didn''t pursue him.


    Immortal cultivation was never easy; if one could recognize the situation and act ordingly, Gu An would still admire that.


    To date, regarding the Thousand-Faced Divine Lord escaping from his hands, frankly, he was somewhat looking forward to seeing how far the Thousand-Faced Divine Lord could go.


    Gu An stood up and vanished from the rock.


    ¡­


    In the main city of the Broken Sea Domain, inside a dim grand hall.


    Domain Master Qing Songzi stood on the steps, hands sped behind his back, his eyebrows deeply furrowed.


    "Howe it suddenly went quiet? Could it be that even Elder Luo Xuzi is not a match for Sword Venerable Fudao? Even if he is not, there shouldn''t be silence¡­" Qing Songzi thought, frowning.


    Dressed in a green robe, he exuded a calm demeanor, appearing in his forties, with the oppressive aura of someone in power.


    He possessed the cultivation level of the seventhyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm and was recognized by the Holy Court as the Domain Master of Broken Sea Domain. He had never felt as anxious as he did today.


    The Sea Breaking Rift was just below; if there were any battles, he would definitely detect them immediately.


    He now dared not extend his Divine Sense into the Rift for fear of provoking trouble.


    Even if Luo Xuzi failed, Sword Venerable Fudao likely wouldn''t dare confront the Holy Court directly; he just needed to pretend ignorance.


    Just then, a series of footsteps approached.


    Lu Xianyi came walking briskly, leaving a trail of afterimages.


    He stopped before the steps, raising his hand in salute to Qing Songzi and smiling, "I wonder why the elder has summoned me; what is the matter?"


    Qing Songzi turned to look at him, revealing a smile as he said, "I and your father are fellow disciples; what elder are you speaking to? That''s too formal; call me your teacher-uncle from now on."


    "Teacher-uncle."


    Lu Xianyi responded, his mind already calcting¡ªthe other clearly needed him, which was why he showed such an attitude.


    As for the Great Nether Saint King behind Qing Songzi, he was also aware.


    Could it be that the main city of the Broken Sea Domain was thwarted by Sword Venerable Fudao?


    Lu Xianyi inwardly chuckled, knowing that over the years, many of the Holy Court''s pieces infiltrated the Taicang Continent and even the Supreme Sect to investigate Sword Venerable Fudao; he could guess that the Great Nether Saint King was somewhat unrelenting.


    The Great Cold Demon Sect was a powerful weapon in the hands of the Great Nether Saint King, gaining considerable power and authority by performing numerous dirty tasks for the Holy Court; hence, his power continued to grow, and the errors he made weren''t likely to shake his position.


    Indeed, the cmity in the Broken Sea Domain was seen as a mistake by the Great Nether Saint King by the Holy Court, but such a mistake wasn''t considered significant. Even several could deduce the Great Nether Saint King''s ns against the Candle World Saint King, many choosing to turn a blind eye.


    Weighing the ruling Holy King against the Reincarnated Holy King was an easy choice.


    Qing Songzi looked at Lu Xianyi and asked with a smile, "Sword Venerable Fudao refuses to ept the Qi Fortune from the Holy Court; having stayed in the Supreme Sect for so many years, what do you think should be done? Should he be left to his own devices, or should his background be investigated?"


    Lu Xianyi thought to himself, as expected, and after pondering, he said, "Teacher-uncle, do you think Sword Venerable Fudao is formidable?"


    "Of course, he''s formidable, beyond myparison," Qing Songzi answered without hesitation.


    Lu Xianyi continued, "Since that is the case, why bother to offend him? Wouldn''t it be sufficient to just manage the Broken Sea Domain well?"


    Qing Songzi frowned.


    Lu Xianyi meaningfully said, "Sword Venerable Fudao appeared in thend of the reincarnation of the Candle World Saint King; these two very likely have a connection. Why Sword Venerable Fudao hides his identity is worth considering. Teacher-uncle, my father once said, surviving in the Holy Court is like walking on thin ice, no matter how high one''s cultivation level is; staying alive is the most important."

 Chapter 321 Evil Tree

    The events that took ce within the Sea Breaking Rift did not spread, and just like that, a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma disappeared without a trace.


    Since then, Gu An distinctly felt that the number of people on the continent probing for the Sword Venerable Fudao had sharply decreased; it seemed that the master of the Broken Sea Domain had already made a choice.


    If the Holy Court truly stopped scheming against Gu An, he naturally didn''t bother to hold a grudge.


    Living in peace was what he hoped for!


    A period of peace came to the Broken Sea Domain, and despite great talents and powers continuously emerging in the world, Gu An hid within the Supreme Sect and observed the world''s vicissitudes with a smile.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Fifty years swiftly passed.


    Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, and looking at his Attribute Panel, a smile spread across his face.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 293/470,569,402]


    ...


    Today''s harvest from the Outer World Cave had allowed him to gain nearly forty million years of life span in one go!


    It was so exhrating!


    This was still the firstrge-scale herbal harvest from the Outer World Cave. Every year, he would nt high-rank medicinal herbs in the Outer World Cave, and the ie from life span would only increase more and more!


    Fifty years had gone by, and the Supreme Sect was flourishing. Nowadays, in terms of paper strength, it was one of the top Great Sects on the continent, with only the Seven Stars Spirit Realmparable.


    The Servant Disciples within the Third Medicine Valley had also beenrgely reced; some left, and others came. The scene in the Medicine Valley was much the same as it was fifty years ago.


    Along the way, Gu An greeted his disciples non-stop.


    This scene left Ji Xiaoyu standing before the pavilion feeling somewhat dazed.


    After being away for so many years, the fact that the valley remained unchanged made her feel incredibly moved.


    Gu An made his way to the pavilion, sizing up Ji Xiaoyu, and smiled, "Many years have passed, yet your aura is even more impressive."


    Ji Xiaoyu, dressed in green garments, still had an elegant charm. Her flowing clothes resembled a skirt, creating illusions of drifting clouds as they billowed in the wind.


    She fixed Gu An with her gaze and said, "So many years have passed, and you are still at the Core Formation Realm, while I have be a Divinity Transformation Cultivator. Do you regret it?"


    Regret?


    How could that be possible!


    Following you out, always encountering danger?


    Gu An mentallyined. Over the years, he had often used his Divine Thought to keep watch over Ji Xiaoyu, and he even acted a few times to ensure she always escaped danger by a hair''s breadth. He knew all too well what she had been through.


    "I don''t regret it at all. I''ve had a good time these years. As for cultivation level, slow and steady wins the race. I will condense the Nascent Soul sooner orter," Gu An replied casually.


    Ji Xiaoyu scrutinized him closely, and upon confirming that he wasn''t lying, a smile appeared on her face.


    What she admired most was Gu An''s temperament; she had never seen him angry or envious, as he always seemed to be smiling.


    "Shall we talk upstairs?" Gu An asked with a smile, knowing Ji Xiaoyu had a lot to say.


    For Gu An, the journeys Ji Xiaoyu had embarked upon these past years couldn''tpare to the distance of a single step for him, but for her, these decades were lengthy, and he would asionally hear her murmuring to a campfire when alone.


    The Stealing the Five Elements, who had been tailing Ji Xiaoyu, had never shown up, merely escorting her in secret for a part of her journey.


    Once they were upstairs in the house, Ji Xiaoyu began recounting her experiences throughout the years. Her stories were rich, with demon-ying, thrilling adventures, and even encounters with old grudges.


    Find your next read on empire


    Gu An listened intently, chiming in from time to time, keeping Ji Xiaoyu''s desire to share stories high.


    After more than an ancient hour, Ji Xiaoyu finally finished telling her tales.


    Gu An eximed, "How exciting, just like the stories narrated by storytellers."


    Ji Xiaoyuughed, "I obtained the inheritance left by someone from a previous life; the journey was worthwhile, but it''s unknown how far I can go."


    It should be the secondyer of the Immortal Path.


    Gu An had seen that secret realm, created by a Loose Immortal, which meant that Ji Xiaoyu''s predecessor''s highest cultivation realm reached the Loose Immortal Realm.


    For the current Ji Xiaoyu, how formidable a Loose Immortal was, practically out of reach.


    Gu An asked with a smile, "What are your ns going forward?"


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "Settle for a few decades before considering another journey."


    "The rankingpetition is about to begin, which is a good opportunity to enjoy the excitement. The Supreme Sect is not what it used to be, and this rankingpetition will surely be lively. It''s said that a Loose Immortal joined the Supreme Sect in thest couple of years; have you heard about the Loose Immortal?" As Gu An spoke of thepetition, he became more talkative.


    Ji Xiaoyu watched him with a slight smile on her lips.


    This guy still loved to see the world bustling.


    Listening to Gu An talk about the highlights of the rankingpetition, along with the sounds of insects and voices from outside the window, Ji Xiaoyu''s heart fell into tranquility.


    Having witnessed the world''s turmoil, she now felt a sense of peace inside, free of any pressure or concern.


    After spending the afternoon with Ji Xiaoyu, Gu An finally left the Third Medicine Valley and headed to the Mystic Valley''s Eight Scenic Caves underground.


    He arrived in front of the Green Vine Tree, where arge cauldron was set up, surrounded by various instruments.


    Over the past thirty years, he had been studying the art of Artifact Refining. He wasn''t after creating any phenomenal Dharma Treasures, but rather, sought realizations through the process of forging.


    The Dharma Treasures he had forged by now were coveted by the Supreme Sect, but he didn''t hand them over to the sect, instead tossing them to the Immortal Seeking Ind for sale, exchanging the Spirit Stones received for seeds and refining materials.


    With a cultivation of Divine Thought Immortal status, it wasn''t difficult for Gu An to forge Immortal Treasures, but creating Supreme Immortal Path Treasures was still out of reach.


    Supreme Immortal Path Treasures could only be created by immensely powerful beings standing at the peak of the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path, the crystallization of a lifetime''s Dao from a major Immortal Path power.


    In the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land, forces that owned Supreme Immortal Path Treasures were territorial overlords, and those who could fully wield the power of such treasures were few and far between ¨C at least Gu An had yet to see such individuals.


    Long Zhan had one such treasure; when he reached the pinnacle of the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path, he could suppress an entire universe with just one treasure, incredibly formidable.


    Gu An had just approached the cauldron when it, along with the surrounding instruments, began to ze with fire.


    Two vines stretched from behind, beginning to massage Gu An''s shoulders.


    "Master, that guy, are you really not going to intervene?" The voice of the Green Vine Tree sounded, still simr to Jiang Qiong, but weaker.


    Gu An replied, "It''s fine; it''s impossible for the other party to step foot here."


    Because of the influence of Sword Venerable Fudao, the reputation of the Supreme Sect had far outshone its actual strength; thus, the uing rankingpetition also attracted a multitude of Overseas Cultivators and Demons.


    Among them was a presence that made the Green Vine Tree afraid, and Gu An had already located that presence.


    It was a Shape-Shifting Tree Demon, its cultivation having reached the Wandering Immortal stage, who was currently hiding its cultivation level and joining the rankingpetition as a Mahayana Cultivator.


    A Wandering Immortal posed no threat to Gu An, and therefore, he didn''t care.


    What he did care about was another individual ¨C someone from the Immortal Spirit Dynasty had arrived at the Supreme Sect, whose cultivation level was that of a Carefree Primordial Immortal, but had hidden it, presenting themselves merely as an ordinary Loose Immortal.


    Of course, even a Loose Immortal was enough to be treated as an honored guest by the Supreme Sect.


    Gu An was curious about the purpose of the Immortal Spirit Dynasty''s visit.


    There would be quite a show at this rankingpetition.


    "Master, can you subdue him?" The Green Vine Tree cautiously asked.


    Gu An, thinking it was worried, grunted in affirmation.


    He felt the vines on his shoulders tremble, followed by the voice of Green Vine Tree, "Then can you capture him and let me eat him?"


    Gu An was taken aback and turned to look at the Green Vine Tree in surprise. It had been so afraid moments ago, and now it wanted to eat someone?


    He had almost forgotten that the Green Vine Tree came from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, a Demon Path sect, so naturally, it could be an Evil Tree.


    "Don''t get any funny ideas, or watch out, I might eat you instead!" Gu An said, in no good mood.


    The Green Vine Tree used to love eatingmb; if its murderous nature wasn''t restrained, Gu An feared for his disciples'' safety.


    He kept the Green Vine Tree mainly for the production of the Green Vine Fruit; to him now, the Green Vine Tree was not indispensable.


    Seemingly sensing Gu An''s displeasure, the Green Vine Tree fell silent, and the two vines massaging his shoulders became even more careful.


    The next day at noon, Gu An arrived at the Outer Gate City riding the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    The city was overcrowded, and even the air was bustling with a multitude of Cultivators and Demons.


    Fifty years had passed, and Gu An had even more acquaintances in the city; wherever he went, people greeted him.


    He also encountered the son of Zuo Yijian, Zuo Lin, who was also Li Ya''s childhood friend. Not practicing the Sword Dao, he was a genuine prodigy.


    Now, Zuo Lin hadpletely abandoned the Sword Dao and be a modestly famous talent.


    The two would meet every year, and their rtionship remained strong. Zuo Lin began toin about his father straight away.


    It was once again because of Sword Venerable Fudao that he''d offended a Great Cultivator.


    Day and night, he guarded the Heaven-Cutting Axe; despite this, Zuo Yijian had offended quite a few, resulting in frequent intrusions and investigations into the Zuo Family. Luckily with Sword Venerable Fudao around, no one dared make a move. Still, the Zuo Family lived in constant fear of a catastrophe befalling them.


    Suddenly, Gu An thought he should probably give Zuo Yijian some advice. To be honest, he clearly saw the devotion in Zuo Yijian''s attitude and felt it deserved recognition.


    Hmm, he should take the opportunity to guide him, not letting Zuo Yijian''s efforts go to waste.


    After chatting for a while, they parted ways. Gu An, using his mind,municated with the Blood Prison Great Saint, who changed direction.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The crowd surged, vendors on both sides shouted continuously, and Gu An rode on the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, looking curiously at everything along the way.


    This feeling was much like attending a fair.


    Unlike other meetings, the rankingpetition was held every hundred years, making it the most important event for the Supreme Sect and even the entire Taicang Continent, with a liveliness that couldn''t bepared to any other time. The arrival of many sects also brought many new items.


    After 30 minutes, the Blood Prison Great Saint stopped in front of a pavilion, and Gu An dismounted, entering a store named the Pavilion of Wonders.


    Once inside the hall, his vision was filled with numerous treasures, and his gaze fell upon an individual.


    [Zhang Xianwang (Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, Level 7): 359098/700000/2500000]


    Two and a half million years of ultimate life span!


    Gu An estimated he had the potential to reach the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal level.


    This person was the Carefree Primordial Immortal from the Immortal Spirit Dynasty, standing in front of a shelf, toying with a broken flute.


    Gu An stepped forward, passing by his side.


    Zhang Xianwang didn''t pay him any mind, and both stood in front of the same shelf, admiring treasures.


    After a while, Zhang Xianwang nced at Gu An, and at that nce, his eyebrows suddenly raised.


    "Young man, where do those gold patterns on your foreheade from?" Zhang Xianwang asked, his tone gentle and devoid of any Great Cultivator''s assertiveness.


    Gu An touched his forehead and smiled, "One night, when I woke up, this gold pattern had appeared. Does Daoist Friend know its origin?"

 Chapter 322 The Guidance of the Dao

    "This is a Dao Pattern, representing the initial manifestation of the Dao. Some are born with it, while others acquire itter in life through cultivation. Sudden gains like yours are not unheard of. Regardless, possessing a Dao Pattern means that you will eventually transcend the mortal realm and be an Immortal. I offer you my early congrattions."


    Zhang Xianwang said with a smile, admiration apparent in his eyes.


    Gu An immediately sped his fists, saying, "My name is Gu An. May I ask for your esteemed name, Daoist Friend?"


    He could feel Zhang Xianwang deducing his karma. He was unconcerned, for he had already altered the appearance of his karma. Unless someone was of a higher realm than his, looking at his true self would only reveal a life typical of a servant disciple, mundane and unremarkable.


    "I am Zhang Xianwang, from a distant ce. Meeting you is fate. Why not show me around? I would like to learn about the Supreme Sect and the Heavenly Ranking Conference."


    Faced with Zhang Xianwang''s proposal, Gu An naturally wouldn''t refuse, as he had specificallye for him.


    The two walked out of the Treasure Pavilion. Upon seeing Gu An''s mount, Zhang Xianwang did not think much of it as he could not see through the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit.


    Along the way, Gu An introduced the details of the Supreme Sect. When he mentioned Sword Venerable Fudao, Zhang Xianwang immediately inquired about the specifics regarding him.


    Talking about Sword Venerable Fudao, Gu An showed a fervent look, praising him extravagantly.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint kept hisposure but inwardly felt moved.


    He admired this demeanor of his master.


    If he had been Zhang Xianwang, he couldn''t have associated Gu An with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Not only did Zhang Xianwang find the Blood Prison Great Saint in, the Great Saint thought little of Zhang Xianwang as well. Both were great cultivators concealing their cultivation levels, naturally carrying some arrogance in their hearts.


    Unknowingly, the two arrived near the Heavenly Repair tform.


    Gu An, with a smile, asked, "The Heaven-Cutting Axe is up there. Do you want to try challenging it?"


    Zhang Xianwang looked towards the distance, shook his head slightly, and said, "I surely can''t pull it out; no need."


    He turned back to Gu An and said, "I will be staying at the Supreme Sect for a long time. Next time we meet, I''ll treat you to a drink. If someone tries to persuade you to leave the Supreme Sect, you had better refuse. Possessing a Dao Pattern is innate fortune, but it can also attract cmities. Within the Supreme Sect, at least you have the protection of Sword Venerable Fudao, and others will not dare to meddle."


    With these words, he turned and left.


    Gu An watched his figure receding, thinking to himself that this man was quite pleasant.


    He had thought the people of the Immortal Spirit Dynasty were all arrogantly detached since they rarely interacted with the outside world, but meeting him today changed Gu An''s opinion about the Immortal Spirit Dynasty.


    From afar, Gu An looked towards the Heaven-Cutting Axe, where Zuo Yijian stood beside it, vigntly guarding it day in, day out.


    Now when discussing the Heaven-Cutting Axe, it was hard to avoid mentioning Zuo Yijian.


    Gu An''s mind stirred, and his divine thought, mixed with powerful sword intent, aggressively entered Zuo Yijian''s eyes, causing him to be dazed.


    Immediately thereafter, Gu An rode off on the Blood Prison Great Saint in another direction, not ascending the tform.


    Zhang Xianwang, not yet far away, stopped walking, turned around, and stared in astonishment.


    At the same time, a soaring sword intent erupted from Zuo Yijian, prompting the nearby cultivators to retreat as figures suddenly appeared around the Heaven-Cutting Axe, isting Zuo Yijian.


    Zuo Yijian''s eyes became void of spirit, his whole person in a daze, the sword intent moving from below upwards, fluttering his long hair and robes.


    Feeling the sword intent belonging to Sword Venerable Fudao, the great cultivators of the Supreme Sect breathed a sigh of relief.


    "What happened to him?"


    "It''s Sword Venerable Fudao''s sword intent. Feel it carefully; Zuo Yijian''s sword qi is growing stronger."


    "Is Sword Venerable Fudao guiding him?"


    "If it''s him, I can understand, since he has guarded here for so many years."


    "So he wasn''t lying. Did Sword Venerable Fudao really pat his shoulder back then?"


    The cultivators discussed animatedly, while Zuo Yijian was engrossed in the sword intent, unable to extricate himself.


    Far below the Heavenly Repair tform, Zhang Xianwang felt the sword intent emanating from Zuo Yijian, and his mind was shocked.


    He was, after all, a Carefree Primordial Immortal, yet he hadn''t noticed Sword Venerable Fudao''s intervention; he couldn''t evenprehend how Sword Venerable Fudao''s sword intent could induce Zuo Yijian into a state of enlightenment.


    At that moment, he realized his own insignificance.


    The Carefree Primordial Immortal was only carefree, not yet at the stage ofprehending the great Dao!


    In the corner of his vision remained the retreating figure of Gu An, yet he did not attract his attention.


    He could not fathom that Gu An, who had walked in the opposite direction, was the Sword Venerable Fudao who had just shocked him.


    Gu An did not look back, deeply concealing both his abilities and fame.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint heard the hustle in the distance and also did not turn back, for he knew the legendary Sword Venerable Fudao was right on his back.


    When Immortals act, mortals always react with rm, how dull!


    After meeting Zhang Xianwang, Gu An continued wandering around the city, buying many things and then headed back to the Third Medicine Valley.


    Upon returning to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An found An Xin and handed over his purchases to him.


    The valley also stored a variety of medicinal herbs, elixirs, secret books, and magic artifacts that the servant disciples could buy directly at prices even lower than in the city, a benefit provided by Gu An; afterparing it, the disciples felt even more gratitude towards him. Because of such actions, even after the servant disciples reached Foundation Establishment andter met Gu An, they would still call him Master.


    After arranging all this, Gu An prepared to go upstairs to read.


    Coincidentally, Shen Zhen flew in.


    Gu An had no choice but to wait for her.


    Over the years, Shen Zhen had not been idle, sharing her insights with the Supreme Sect and helping to create many Transmission Jade Slips. These allowed the disciples to cultivate not only by understanding the words but by seeing the cultivation scenarios, earning her real respect from the Supreme Sect.


    "Hurry upstairs; there''s something good!"


    Shen Zhen eagerly said before taking the lead upstairs, leaving Gu An to follow.


    After entering the room and closing the door, Gu An sensed a weak presence downstairs, clearly Ji Xiaoyu trying to eavesdrop again.


    Shen Zhen went to the table and pulled out a set of scrolls, swiftly spreading one out.


    Gu An walked over and saw that it depicted an ancient scene where many unclothed people knelt on the ground, waving at the sky where a group of cloud-riding figures, dressed magnificently like Immortals, hovered.


    "I acquired an iplete ancient tome previously, and I''ve been studying it daily, then visualizing itsplete scene. Perhaps, the Dao is guiding me," Shen Zhen boasted proudly.


    Was it really visualized?


    With Gu An''s keen vision, he noticed the environmental contours of the drawing held the subtleties of the Heaven and Earth rules. Your next chapter awaits on empire


    Could the Dao really be guiding Shen Zhen?


    Something wasn''t right.


    Why Shen Zhen?


    Gu An suddenly doubted whether Shen Zhen could truly attain the Dao through music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.


    He had previously shocked Zhang Xianwang, and now it was Shen Zhen''s turn to shock him.


    Could oneprehend the Heaven and Earth rules without reaching the Immortal Path Realm?


    That was too absurd!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Could she be an Immortal reincarnated?


    That shouldn''t be, either. If she were the reincarnation of a Great Power, Gu An could have noticed some hints, just like with Ji Xiaoyu, Yang Jian.


    However Shen Zhen appeared, shecked any significant background.

 Chapter 323 The Path of Destiny

    Gu An couldn''t help but use Life Span Detection on Shen Zhen.


    [Shen Zhen (Divinity Transformation Realm, secondyer): 329/1200/5800]


    Her maximum life span had increased by more than a thousand years!


    Could it be that she also possessed an Innate Enlightenment Saint Body?


    Filled with curiosity, Gu An decided to observe Shen Zhen more in the future.


    As Shen Zhen began to narrate the process of her painting, Gu An carefully looked at the scroll before him.


    It seemed to depict a mortal pleading for thepassion of an Immortal, but the execution was quite strange; the person kneeling on the ground was smiling, while the high and mighty Immortal had a frown.


    The outline of the clouds, the lines of the mountains, the currents in the rivers, etc.¡ªall were manifestations of the rules of Heaven and Earth. Once this scroll was unfurled, the actual rules of Heaven and Earth subtly drew closer to it. In the eyes of a Divine Thought True Immortal, the world became both bizarre and splendid.


    Shen Zhen, immersed in it, couldn''t feel the changes in the rules of Heaven and Earth and continued to excitedly share her creative process.


    Gu An began to probe into the causality surrounding Shen Zhen and saw all of the experiences of her life.


    He suddenly realized that, without being aware of it, he had be the person most closely tied to the causality of Shen Zhen''s life.


    The rtionship between Shen Zhen and the Daotian Sect grew increasingly distant. Although she was the daughter of the Sect Hierarch, her father had many children. Without regr contact, the bond between father and daughter became ever more distant, with her mother having passed away long ago.


    Gu An suddenly had a bold thought.


    Could it be that Shen Zhen was influenced by him?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After all, he was a Divine Thought True Immortal. Even though he concealed his Cultivation Level, his essence of life was still different from the surrounding disciples.


    Over the years, the time it took for disciples to enter Medicine Valley andplete their apprenticeship had be increasingly short, which could also be due to his influence.


    The degree to which Shen Zhen had reached was not to be underestimated; her innateprehension was remarkable. But without Gu An, it might have been very difficult for her to achieve this step.


    Gradually, Gu An''s understanding of the Way of Cause and Effect deepened.


    On reflection, Gu An had influenced the entire Supreme Sect. Regardless of the reason, the Supreme Sect indeed had entered an unprecedented phase of rapid development.


    After a while.


    Shen Zhen''s voice brought Gu An''s thoughts back to the present, "Hey, are you listening?"


    Gu An turned to look at Shen Zhen, who had a gritted teeth expression that didn''t look fierce, but rather made Gu An want to reach out and pinch her.


    "I''m listening, you are really incredible. I can''t understand how you did it. If what you say is true, you might really have the talent for enlightenment," Gu An praised.


    Upon hearing this, a broad smile broke across Shen Zhen''s face. She chuckled proudly and said, "This painting is for you then. I''ll continue to meditate!"


    With that, she turned and left.


    Gu An didn''t see her off, but instead turned his gaze back to the scroll on the table.


    He felt the energy from below returning to normal, Ji Xiaoyu was once again immersed in her cultivation, but he didn''t care.


    He sat on the chair, looking at the scroll, lost in thought.


    The influence he had on his surroundings wasn''t just active from his side but also aided by the momentum of Heaven and Earth, which gave him a deeper understanding of the ways of Heaven and Earth.


    He had this inexplicable feeling that he wanted to hide, but the way of Heaven and Earth did not want him to hide, hence it influenced the environment around him.


    The great momentum of Heaven and Earth was like a surging tide, thes of Cause and Effect were like heaven-trapping webs; all beings could neither resist them nor escape.


    Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. While helping the environment around him, he would also be drawn into more webs of causality.


    In that moment, Gu An suddenly understood why many Great Powers retreated into seclusion indefinitely¡ªit might not be merely because enlightenment took so much time.


    Just like the Great Cold Demon Sect, there must be many Great Cultivators hidden away in seclusion, who had evaded disaster precisely because they withdrew from the world. Is this not a way of surviving?


    Gu An was not fearful because of this revtion; rather, he was contemting how Heaven and Earth operated thews of causality and destiny, creating a set of rules that most beings fear.


    Destiny!


    Gu An never believed in an irresistible destiny; that which is irresistible is only so because it still lies within the rules. If one''s strength surpasses the rules, how can one be manipted?


    As for how to transcend destiny and surpass the ways of Heaven and Earth, that was the real direction Gu An needed to think about.


    He sat in his room without moving all night, and early the next day, he rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Outer Gate City to watch the excitement.


    A night had passed, and Zuo Yijian was still in deep enlightenment, with over a hundred Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect protecting him and temporarily suspending the inheritance assessment of the Heaven-Cutting Axe, not allowing anyone to approach Zuo Yijian.


    Zuo Yijian''s Cultivation Level was not worth mentioning in the current Supreme Sect, but as he received the Sword Intent inheritance of the Sword Venerable Fudao, it had apletely different significance. The Supreme Sect ced great importance on it, as a way to show respect to the Sword Venerable Fudao.


    As Gu An arrived at the Outer Gate City not long after, he encountered a man¡ªa middle-aged man apanied by several young men and women. They were walking among the crowd, looking around curiously, finding everything new and amazing.


    "Chuanyue, long time no see."


    A voice reached Chuanyue''s ears, prompting him to turn his head instinctively, only to see the Blood Prison Great Saint standing next to Gu An.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was as tall as an adult and had a domineering presence, but Chuanyue had seenrger demon pets and mounts, so he was not flustered.


    Chuanyue looked at Gu An with doubt and asked, "You are...?"


    The fact that the other person was riding a mount meant he must be a Cultivator, and Chuanyue had to approach him cautiously.


    The descendants of the Chuanyue family following behind were just as curious, sizing up Gu An, surprised to find that someone in the Supreme Sect knew their grandfather.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Have you forgotten? I met you in your home, when you were only fifteen years old. You kept nagging your grandfather to take you on the path of Immortal Cultivation."


    Chuanyue was stunned, then his eyes widened in astonishment and he asked, "You''re the person who visited my grandfather back then, howe you..."


    So young!


    Gu An asked, "How is your grandfather?"


    Chuanyue hurriedly replied, "He''s quite well, spends his days cultivating and drinking tea, with no need to worry about anything..."


    The descendants of the Chuanyue family looked at one another in confusion. Their grandfather''s grandfather was the Primordial Ancestor of their family, wasn''t he?


    They had only seen Xiaochuan once or twice, and in their minds, Xiaochuan was amiable, but with a status far beyond theirs, they could only feel reverence.


    After a conversation, Gu An learned that Chuanyue hade to bring his descendants to broaden their horizons, while also seeking opportunities.


    Gu An took out a Token from his sleeve and tossed it to Chuanyue, "If their aptitude is not exceptionally outstanding and there are no other connections, they can seek to be Servant Disciples at the Chores Hall. With this Token of mine, you can enter the Third Medicine Valley."


    Chuanyue instinctively caught the Token and was about to inquire further when the Blood Prison Great Saint took a step forward and brushed past him.


    Chuanyue turned to look at Gu An''s retreating figure and asked, "Senior, how should I address you?"


    Gu An simply raised his hand and made no sound.


    Chuanyue couldn''t help but stare at the Token in his hand, deeply puzzled.


    At that moment, another male Cultivator came over andughed, "Brother, you''re in luck to be connected to the Third Medicine Valley. With such good fortune, Foundation Establishment is as good as certain, making a solid foundation for your path of Immortal Cultivation."


    Foundation Establishment!


    The descendants of the Chuanyue family immediately brightened up, their breathing quickening.


    Chuanyue quickly saluted the male Cultivator and inquired about the situation in the Third Medicine Valley.


    The male Cultivator gave a rough introduction, mentioning thousands of Servant Disciples, countless medicinal herbs, and the high-ranking members of the Supreme Sect that could be seen in the valley every day, among others. The information left Chuanyue dumbstruck.


    Just who was the person they had just met to have such influence!


    Unable to contain himself, Chuanyue asked, "Do you know the person we just met?"


    The male Cultivator shook his head with a smile, pped Chuanyue on the shoulder, and walked away, leaving Chuanyue even more curious and in awe of Gu An.


    The now distant Gu An couldn''t help but smile wryly to himself. That kid has always loved ying these little tricks back in Medicine Valley.


    The Cultivator who had introduced Chuanyue to the Third Medicine Valley was precisely a disciple who had graduated from there.


    By now, the number of disciples who had graduated from the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley had reached tens of thousands, which is why Gu An often encountered familiar faces.


    Gu An''s reputation had also spread far and wide, and considering the number of Foundation Establishment Pills needed by these disciples, who else within the Inner and Outer Sects could supply them?


    Moreover, over the years, Gu An had indeed made no additional demands of the Servant Disciples, which is what made him admirable.


    Gu An soon arrived at the Book Collection Hall, ready to chat with the book enthusiasts there for a while.


    Seven dayster.


    The Golden List Grand Tournament officiallymenced!


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord also represented the Supreme Sect in the battle. With Li Ya unable to return, the Supreme Sect needed thebat strength of a Wandering Immortal. How the Supreme Sect persuaded the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Gu An did not know; he had not watched at that time and wasn''t interested in finding out now.


    That day, Lv Baitian came to find Gu An, pulling him who was watching the Golden List Combat into the attic. Aside from the new disciples who were curious, many people ignored it asmonce.


    Once seated inside the house, Lv Baitian, unusually, did not discuss official matters but instead talked about his son, Lv Xian.


    "That kid really is blindly loyal to Li Xuandao. I have no idea what he''s thinking. No matter how the Taicang Dynasty develops, it remains the world of the Li Family. What could he possibly gain?" Lv Baitianined indignantly.


    Gu An was reluctant toment on their father-son matters.


    It must be said that Lv Baitian and Li Xuandao were simr, both in their actions and their rtionships with their sons.


    Originally, Li Ya also despised Li Xuandao, while Lv Xian still seeks the life of Lv Baitian to this day.


    Gu An had no interest in untangling their causality; an outsider''s rity was useless on family matters.


    "Recently, Li Xuandao arranged for him to go to the Domain Master City of Broken Sea Domain. I''m not sure if it''s a blessing or a curse. The establishment of the Broken Sea Domain Master City makes me feel like it''s targeted against the Sword Venerable Fudao," Lv Baitian said with concern.


    Gu An inquired, "Why do you think so?"


    "The Great Cold Demon Sect appeared long before this Domain was established, which means that even though the Holy Court sets the order, it does not manage specific locales. When I put myself in the ce of the Holy Court, no matter how I specte, establishing the Broken Sea Domain seems to be a means of defense, while also investigating the Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "In that case, why don''t you go to the Heaven-Cutting Axe and ask the Sword Venerable Fudao to leave?"


    "Nonsense! Don''t spout such things in the future!"


    Lv Baitian red and spoke sternly.


    Gu An smiled helplessly; this man was prone to irritation.


    Lv Baitian, following that, brought up Li Lingtian. Over the years, Li Lingtian had gained a great reputation, having previously participated in and topped the Golden List Grand Tournament and the Hundred ns Grand Meeting, creating a bigger sensation than An Hao and Lv Xian of years past.


    To this, Gu An had no particr stance. With Li Lingtian''s return to the Taicang Continent, it was obvious he was targeting Yang Jian. Gu An found it hard to take an interest in the squabbles of the younger generations.


    What he cared more about was the identity of the mysterious Great Cultivator who had arrived at the Supreme Sect that day.

 Chapter 324 Heaven Sect, Immortal King Legend

    After Lv Baitian left, Gu An followed down the staircase, continuing to watch the excitement.


    Now, the Mystic Heart Realm Combat was underway; its spectacle reflected upon the sky, inciting copious discussions among the disciples in the valley.


    "How formidable! Is this what the Mystic Heart Realm is like?"


    "What''s this? Just wait until you see the Mahayana Realm Combat. That is truly thrilling, not to mention the Immortal Combat. Even here within the valley, you can feel a sense of oppression."


    "It''s an eye-opener. I wonder if we''ll ever reach this stage?"


    "How could we not? Cultivate diligently, enter the Third Medicine Valley, and your starting point will already be higher than ny percent of the disciples."


    "That''s right. Even if one is a scion of a noble family, without sufficient aptitude, they start as Servant Disciples too. Do you know about Li Ya from Divine Exotic City? He''s my master''s junior brother, and they entered the Medicine Valley on the same day."


    "I know. My master once said that Li Ya often used to cry, feeling hopeless about his future. It was my master who inspired him."


    As the disciples conversed, their topics began to digress. The Third Medicine Valley''s recement of old and new was rapid, with many new disciples joining each year.


    The number of disciples registered in the valley had already surpassed one thousand eight hundred.


    Gu An naturally mingled among the groups of disciples without causing a disturbance. They didn''t need to stand to greet each other or harbor suspicions, a mood that arose from Gu An''s amiable manner, which also shaped the disciples'' approach to interaction and life.


    Gu An sat beside An Xin and inquired about the previous battles.


    Before An Xin could reply, You Yingying came and sat down on Gu An''s other side, eagerly jumping into the conversation and briefing him on the situation.


    Her excitement stemmed from the Great Cultivators of the Star Sea Congregations who also came to participate, including a senior she admired.


    She believed that this senior could capture first ce on the Immortal List.


    To this, Gu An merely smiled.


    This Immortal List tournament was a gathering of sleeping dragons and crouching tigers, with many who concealed their true Cultivation Level and identities. Aspiring to the first ce was very difficult.


    The arrival of a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma to participate baffled Gu An¡ªwhat was their reasoning?


    No matter how you looked at it, the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma''s participation in the Immortal List tournament seemed to devalue their status, and they might even provoke the Sword Venerable Fudao, leading to a deadly disaster.


    Gu An couldn''t understand.


    The Immortal Spirit Dynasty sent people, the Holy Court also sent delegates, and now, the mysterious Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma appeared as well.


    But whates is to be epted.


    Currently, the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma still remained a mysterious presence, seen but never met. The Carefree Primordial Immortal stood as the highest entity the Immortal Cultivation Sects could reach. As for the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, who existed one realm higher, Gu An had not yet encountered any.


    An Xin thought that the Nine-Finger Divine Lord could win first ce, sparking a debate with You Yingying. Given An Xin''s temperament, she naturally could not outargue You Yingying.


    Gu An couldn''t just watch his precious disciple get pushed around, so he joined the debate, quickly causing You Yingying''s face to flush red.


    Two days swiftly passed by.


    On this day, in the early morning hours.


    Although dawn had just broken, many figures were already bustling about in the city.


    Within a narrow alley, Zhang Xianwang from the Immortal Spirit Dynasty stopped in his tracks. Tilting his head slightly, he nced askew at the person behind him.


    "Why do you follow me?" Zhang Xianwang asked calmly.


    Standing behind him was a white-haired old man, exuding an air of Immortality; his mere presencepelled the passing Cultivators at the alleyway entrance to take another look.


    The white-haired elder stared at Zhang Xianwang and inquired, "Why has one from the Immortal Dynastye to this ce?"


    Zhang Xianwang turned to face the elder, his expression indifferent, as he countered, "If you do not answer, how shall I?"


    The elder replied, "You may call me Heaven Sect."


    Heaven Sect!


    Zhang Xianwang''s face paled, a look of incredulity spreading across it as he eximed, "Heaven Sect? How is that possible? Fifty thousand years ago, had you not already..."


    Heaven Sect interrupted, "It''s your turn to answer now."


    Zhang Xianwang''s gaze flickered; he remained silent for a moment.


    "You probably don''t want to cause a conflict here; surely there are Holy Court Cultivators within the Supreme Sect." The emotionless tone of Heaven Sect sent chills down one''s spine.


    Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xianwang said, "I''m here to recruit Sword Venerable Fudao. And you?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Heaven Sect replied, "Ie for an old acquaintance."


    "An old acquaintance? Who?"


    "Since our purposes do not conflict, let''s not disturb each other any further."


    Having said that, Heaven Sect turned to leave.


    Just then, a voice called out, "Daoist Friend Zhang, what brings you here?"


    The speaker was none other than Gu An, approaching Heaven Sect head-on, the two passing each other.


    [Heaven Sect (Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm Seventh Layer): 789023/1700000/1750000]


    A formidable old monster who has lived for seven hundred eighty-eight thousand years!


    On the seventhyer of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, that''s frightening, almost catching up to me.


    Gu An thought to himself as he looked at Zhang Xianwang, his face breaking into a surprised smile.


    Seeing Gu An, Zhang Xianwang couldn''t help but smile.


    After Heaven Sect left the alley, Gu An then asked, "Who was that person just now? Were they troubling you? Do you need me to contact the Deacon Hall?"


    Hearing this made Zhang Xianwang smile even more. Heughingly said, "No trouble at all. But do you know what his Cultivation Level is?"


    "What Cultivation Level? Divinity Transformation Realm? Void Crossing Realm? Or Unification?"


    As he continued, Gu An''s voice rose several notches in apprehension.


    Zhang Xianwang, bemused, changed the subject, "What brings you here?"


    Gu An responded, "I came to purchase seeds for medicinal herbs. And you?"


    The two began to chat, and Zhang Xianwang, favorably impressed by Gu An, did not fuss about their disparity in Cultivation Level and conversed as equals.


    After a while, Gu An asked, "You seem quite impressive. Did you sign up for the Immortal List tournament?"


    "No, I''m here for a different matter."


    "May I help you with it?"


    "There''s no need for that."


    "Alright then, I won''t disturb you any further."


    Gu An bowed in farewell, then departed.


    Zhang Xianwang watched him go, a hint of hesitation in his heart.


    Gu An pondered why Zhang Xianwang sought to recruit him. He had previously thought the Immortal Spirit Dynasty was rather xenophobic and unlikely to be recruiting him into their ranks, meaning it must be some other scheming.


    After leaving the alley, Gu An continued wandering about the city, nning to buy some interesting trinkets for Tian Yao''er to lift her spirits.


    Managing the Outer World Cave was quite taxing; Gu An had to show favor to keep her from feeling disheartened.


    Just after passing two streets, Gu An spotted Heaven Sect.


    As they were about to pass by each other, Heaven Sect suddenly raised a hand and held onto Gu An''s shoulder.


    Gu An quirked an eyebrow, feeling uneasy about being touched on the shoulder.


    He turned his head toward Heaven Sect, asking in surprise, "You... huh? Are you the same person from before?"


    Heaven Sect''s eyes were fixed on the Immortal King Crown on Gu An''s forehead, his gaze piercing.


    Gu An felt his heart drop. Could it be that this person saw through the disguise of the Immortal King Crown?


    "Leave the Supreme Sect tonight, and I will find you, offering you a chance for rebirth anew."


    With these words, Heaven Sect turned and walked away.


    Gu An was confused.


    From Heaven Sect''s statement, it seemed that he hadn''t guessed that Gu An was Sword Venerable Fudao.


    But what was the reason then?


    As Gu An watched him leave, continuing on his way, he pondered the matter.


    Not far away, within the crowd, Zhang Xianwang frowned and ultimately sighed, heading in the opposite direction from Heaven Sect.


    The afternoon''s Combat had reached its pinnacle with two Nirvana Realm Great Cultivators shing, one of whom was from the Supreme Sect. Naturally, both hailed from the Ocean Cultivators.


    The two Nirvana Realm Great Cultivators employed Spells, Divine Skills, Demon Pets, Formations, and various other arts,prehensively disying to the spectators what it meant to be an Immortal Cultivator.


    Within the same realm, the higher one''s level, the harder it was to y the opponent, easily leading to a prolonged fierce battle.


    Gu An found it highly entertaining; these individuals'' Cultivation Levels were average, but their variety in battle was impressive.


    Gu An, who could only defeat enemies instantly, couldn''t experience this kind of thrill and could only feel envious.


    Until the night descended.


    Gu An left Mystic Valley alone, flying towards the distance.


    His furrowed brow and tense demeanor were acted out deliberately.


    To demonstrate resolve, he sped up his flight.


    An hourter.


    Gu An felt a surge of Mana approaching and immediately prepared himself, yielding to the other''s intention.


    At first nce, he seemed to plummet suddenly,nding in a forest.


    Once on the ground, he quickly stood up, pretending to be panicked. When he saw Heaven Sect''s figure, he finally calmed down.


    Heaven Sect emerged from the darkness, speaking admiringly, "You are courageous indeed. It''s no wonder you dared to ept the Immortal King Crown. Though I do not know why it has not devoured you, regardless, you have received the recognition of an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure. Do you have a master?"


    Gu An shook his head, "I don''t. Is the Immortal King Crown the diadem on my head? I just stumbled upon it somewhere."


    He had already altered his own causality, so even Heaven Sect would be misled.


    Certainly, Heaven Sect had deduced through causality that Gu An bought the Immortal King Crown at a bargain price from a treasure pavilion. At that time, the crown seemed freshly unearthed and antiquated.


    How could a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma see through the trickeries of a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal?


    "Do you wish to learn about the origins of the Immortal King Crown? Once you know, you will not be able to maintain a life of tranquility," Heaven Sect said to Gu An, his voice soft.


    Gu An replied with a wry smile, "Can I go back now?"


    "No, once you havee, there is no turning back."


    "Then why do you ask?"


    "The way of Heaven Sect is the Heavenly Dao, and the Heavenly Dao mustply with the will of the people."


    "Does this count?"


    "You came, so it counts."


    Gu An felt that this person was being unreasonable, but since he sensed no hostility from Heaven Sect, he decided to listen to what was to be said.


    Tending to nts and asionally craving some excitement wasn''t too bad.


    He dared to face thrills also because Heaven Sect posed no threat to him.


    "The Immortal King Crown was forged by the first Immortal King of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, who existed during the distant primordial times, when the heavens and earth first parted. Back then, there was no Holy Court, no Heavenly Dao Rules in the Outer Heaven..."


    Heaven Sect''s voice filled with a mysterious aura, causing Gu An to glimpse ancient scenes.


    The vast earth stretched out, and colossal beasts roamed freely; there were no systems, no sects, no dynasties.


    He saw the silhouette of the Immortal King, blurred yet emanating a terrifying presence that reminded him of Long Zhan.


    This indicated that the Immortal King stood on the same level as Long Zhan.


    The Ninth Level of Immortal Path!


    When the Immortal King dered "I am the Immortal King," thunder roared, and thend was stricken by various natural disasters.


    "Thinking too highly of himself, the Immortal King sought to challenge the Heavenly Dao, striving to unify all creation, to venture into the Outer Heaven, and in doing so, offended the will of the heavens. He was ultimately afflicted by the curse of the Heavenly Dao and, upon his impending death, sealed his own Dao within the Immortal King Crown. The Immortal King Crown is also the first-ever Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in recorded history; at the very least, it is the first within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land," Heaven Sect''s tone remained emotionless.

 Chapter 325 Heavenly Dao Inheritance

    The first Immortal King, the first Immortal Path Supreme Treasure¡­


    Gu An had felt a power from the Immortal King that transcended the epochs, a mighty will that challenged the Heavenly Dao.


    Heaven Sect continued to watch over Gu An, and spoke further, "Ever since the fall of the Immortal King, the world was submerged by the oceans, ushering in an era of decline, but from destructiones creation, and even in the most perilous environments, new beings are nurtured. Over the long epochs, many have emted the Immortal King. The title he bestowed upon himself also became a glory pursued byter generations of cultivators, continually producing new Immortal Kings who challenged the authority of heavens and gradually increased the heavenly restraints imposed on this world."


    "Epochs change, and seas turn into mulberry fields. It wasn''t until the birth of the Holy Court that beings finally had the chance to set foot in Outer Heaven. I inherited the legacy of Heaven Sect and took on its name. Heaven Sect can only be transmitted singrly, and I want to take you as my disciple, to make you the next Heaven Sect."


    By the end of this statement, the sound of the wind in the forest abruptly stopped, and the flora ceased their swaying.


    Gu An widened his eyes and asked incredulously, "Me? Can I really do it? I''m just a mediocre talent!"


    "What does talent matter? Heaven Sect has its own legacy that can help you break free from your shackles. You have been recognized by the Immortal King Crown; there must be something extraordinary about you, either an Ancient Treasure Body or your soul harboring greater power. The Dao Patterns on your forehead are the best proof," Heaven Sect stated, his eyes zing as he gazed at Gu An.


    Gu An hesitated, "But I don''t understand what being Heaven Sect entails, what are your ideals?"


    "Heaven Sect is aboutplying with the Heavenly Dao. What you need to do is to follow the Heavenly Dao. As long as you adhere to this, you will constantly surpass your limits and might even achieve immortality."


    "If immortality is attainable, why do you want to pass it on to me?"


    "Because I have regrets and no longer wish toply with the Heavenly Dao."


    These words from Heaven Sect only added to Gu An''s confusion. Are you trying to trap me, or just deceive me?


    Seeing through Gu An''s doubts, Heaven Sect looked up at the bright moon and exined, "I have lived for 780,000 years. In my life, every choice made was inpliance with the Heavenly Dao. For the Heavenly Dao, I have forsaken my family and dear friends. I have attained immortality and earned a revered holy name; but over time, I also grew regretful. I no longer yearn for immortality, but you probably still desire it."


    After hearing this, Gu An''s first thought was to pass on the legacy to those close to him.


    Heaven Sect continued, "My time is limited. After this Heavenly List Conference concludes, I will relinquish the position of Heaven Sect. You have no choice, but you need to spend the remaining time adjusting your Daoist Heart."


    With that, he vanished into the forest.


    Gu An frowned, staying in his spot.


    "Don''t tell anyone else, lest you reveal the fate and bring misfortune upon them."


    Muttering to himself.


    Gu An scoffed internally, but he indeed felt a mysterious and familiar aura from Heaven Sect, simr to the lightyer enveloping the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Could the Heavenly Dao really exist?


    Gu An pondered awhile in his ce before finally leaving.


    In the following days, several Great Cultivators made their names known at the Heavenly List Conference, with the most dominant being Heaven Sect, who self-proimed the title. Besides that, nobody knew much about his origins.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord also performed strongly, but hecked the aura of being the foremost.


    Read exclusive content at empire


    Time flew swiftly.


    Two months passed rapidly, and the Heavenly List Conference continued. During this time, Supreme Sect was as lively as a festival every day.


    On this day.


    Sensing something while reading under a tree, Shen Xinzi looked up and saw an old man with white hair approaching from the valley entrance.


    "Hm? That presence¡­"


    Shen Xinzi frowned thoughtfully.


    Heaven Sect felt his gaze and nced at him.


    Their eyes met and in an instant, Shen Xinzi felt an immense terror, instinctively bowing his head.


    Heaven Sect withdrew his gaze and proceeded forward.


    His eyes swept Medicine Valley and soon locked onto Yang Jian, who was interacting with a disciple.


    Yang Jian, sensing something, turned his head and instinctively frowned when he saw Heaven Sect.


    This neer was no ordinary figure!


    Yang Jian, already at the Void Crossing Realm, had sharper senses than others at his level.


    From the first nce at Heaven Sect, he knew he was no match for the other.


    He wasn''t panicked, for his master was still within Medicine Valley.


    Heaven Sect approached Yang Jian, with Shen Xinzi watching him closely, debating whether to intervene.


    "Mystic Gang Dominator Body, have you felt the thickness of your soul?" Heaven Sect''s first question startled Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian instinctively looked around.


    "The others can''t hear our conversation, nor can they see me, except for that Heavenly Demon from Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, whom I intentionally allowed to see," Heaven Sect stated emotionlessly.


    The term "Heavenly Demon" rmed Shen Xinzi, who immediately bowed his head.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yang Jian, however, was not distracted by the mention of the Heavenly Demon; suppressing his nervousness, he asked, "What exactly do you want?"


    Heaven Sect raised his right hand, revealing a golden jade stone in his palm, and said, "This object is for you. Just crush it, and you will recall past life memories, regaining your true identity. You have reincarnated a hundred times¡ªit''s rare for someone to help you awaken the Mystic Gang Dominator Body. You might not get such a chance in future reincarnations."


    Yang Jian instinctively caught the golden jade stone, pressing further, "Who are you really? What do you want?"


    "We fought side by side before; I was severely injured, and you perished along with your path. I would never harm you. Once you awaken your past memories, I will appear," said Heaven Sect before turning to leave.


    Yang Jian looked at the golden jade stone in his hand, his mind in turmoil.


    Past life?


    Having read Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, he naturally believed in reincarnation, but now that it directly affected him, he couldn''t help but feel unsettled.


    He took a deep breath, looked up, and saw Heaven Sect heading towards his master''s attic.


    He wondered if his master had noticed this person''s approach.


    Previously, he believed his master was invincible, but Heaven Sect''s methods were beyond hisprehension. Except for him and Shen Xinzi, no one in the valley could see his movements.


    What kind of Divine Skill was this?


    Yang Jian couldn''t understand and his wariness of Heaven Sect peaked.


    He hesitated whether to warn his master, fearing he might ruin his master''s ns if he had already noticed.


    After considering, he used his Divine Sense to follow.


    When his Divine Sense reached the attic, Gu An showed no reaction, which reassured him, and he withdrew his Divine Sense.


    Heaven Sect reached the attic. Stepping into the first-floor room, he muttered to himself, "Reincarnation Path Emperor? Great karmic bonds, untouchable. I didn''t expect this ce to have so many significant karmic bonds. Could Sword Venerable Fudao be nearby?"


    He then ascended the stairs.


    Walking through the door, Heaven Sect appeared before Gu An, who was at his desk, and then revealed his true form. His gaze fell on the Supreme Secret Records in Gu An''s hand.


    A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.


    He suddenly regretted choosing Gu An.


    But by now, he had no other options.


    "Ahem," Heaven Sect feigned a cough, causing Gu An to instinctively look up, and then he stood up abruptly as though he had seen a ghost.


    "You¡­ how did you appear¡­" Gu An asked fearfully.


    Heaven Sect replied irritably, "You are soon to be the next Heaven Sect, destined to wield the Heavenly Will. Stop reading books that corrupt the mind."


    Gu An closed the Supreme Secret Records, exining, "This book is different¡­"


    "Enough," Heaven Sect cut him off, his gaze returning to the Immortal King Crown, "You roam around wearing the Immortal King Crown all day, aren''t you afraid of trouble? Not everyone is like me, without greed for Immortal Path Supreme Treasures, especially since the Immortal King Crown is special, being one of the rare treasures not bound by the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court."


    "The Holy Court maniptes? What do you mean?" Gu An asked, puzzled.


    Considering that nearly all Immortal Path Supreme Treasures were presented by the Holy Court to help various congregations better manage the popce, Gu An had obtained the Seven Stars Mirror from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and the Star Sea Congregations also had their own Supreme Treasure.


    Yet almost no one attempted to steal their Supreme Treasures, indicating that some powerful force was bncing the greed of the Great Powers.


    Heaven Sect exined, "The vast majority of Supreme Treasures in the world are dispatched by the Holy Court, aiding the various sects in governing the popce. Of course, some treasures aren''t under their control, and your Immortal King Crown is one such example."


    "The Holy Court can trace all Supreme Treasures linked to Qi Fortune, which is why they are more wary of those they can''t control. If someone discovers your Immortal King Crown, you''re in major trouble, and even the Qi Fortune of Heaven Sect can''t protect you."


    Gu An thought, I have another Supreme Treasure in my possession, and you haven''t recognized it either!

 Chapter 326 Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court

    Heaven Sect lectured Gu An at length, telling him how to act in the future and what pitfalls to avoid, as if imparting hisst words.


    Despite thinking to himself, ''I, a Divine Thought True Immortal, will not acknowledge you as my master,'' Gu An considered retaining Heaven Sect''s legacy since Heaven Sect was determined to abdicate his position and had decided to search for a sessor on his behalf.


    Before leaving, Heaven Sect said, "Though there are many secrets about you that puzzle me, I have no desire to understand them anymore. Your disciple named Yang Jian, let him leave when he wishes to; do not stop him, for he will bring you great trouble."


    Gu An nodded, nning to dismiss him first.


    Heaven Sect raised his right hand, a qi sphere formed in his palm and he threw it at Gu An.


    With no time to dodge, Gu An could only watch as the qi sphere entered his body, causing him to stiffen.


    Heaven Sect looked at Gu An, a smile appearing as he said, "It''s a pity I didn''t formally ept you as my disciple. It''s better this way, to avoid my karma affecting you."


    With that, he turned and left, his figure passing directly through the door.


    Feeling his presence disappear, the color of panic finally vanished from Gu An''s face.


    ept me as a disciple?


    Sorry, I am more afraid of getting involved in your karma!


    Gu An touched his chest, extracting the qi sphere; he could feel the powerful force inside, no weaker than Heaven Sect''s and its Qi Fortune was something he currently couldn''t fathom. Precisely because of this, he couldn''t merge with the qi sphere.


    Let''s call it Heaven Sect''s Qi Fortune!


    Gu An took out the Seven Stars Mirror and channeled the Heaven Sect''s Qi Fortune into it.


    When he first obtained the Seven Stars Mirror, Gu An had erased all the Qi Fortune, karma, and rted Restriction inside it. He treated not only Immortal Path Supreme Treasures with such thoroughness but also any Magic Artifact.


    To avoid any idents, he checked it again. Once sure there were no issues, he tucked the Seven Stars Mirror into his pocket and then sat down to continue reading.


    The grand rankingpetition was still ongoing. As of today, thebatants were all Immortal beings, unlike Li Ya who relied on Immortal Path Supreme Treasures from lower realms, thus each Combat was a testament to Cultivation Levels.


    When Heaven Sect broke into the top ten, he announced his withdrawal from thepetition and then left.


    His departure destined to leave a lingering question in the grand rankingpetition. No matter who won first ce, they could not be considered the true victor of thepetition in the minds of the people below.


    Heaven Sect was the most dominant presence in this grand rankingpetition¡ªunequivocally!


    Gu An and Yang Jian tacitly did not mention Heaven Sect and continued their cultivation as usual. Your next chapter is on empire


    Gu An trained Yang Jian, not hoping he would serve him for life. When he saw through the karma of Yang Jian''s past life, he was already prepared to let Yang Jian go.


    He even looked forward to seeing what impact Yang Jian would make on the world after he emerged magnificently.


    By the end of summer, the grand rankingpetition concluded, and Nine-Finger Divine Lord representing the Supreme Sect won the first-ce seat.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Carefree Primordial Immortal Zhang Xianwang from the Immortal Spirit Dynasty did not participate. He lingered in the Supreme Sect, searching for Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Clearly wary of Holy Court, he acted very cautiously and dared not reveal his identity.


    After the grand rankingpetition ended, Zhang Xianwang still did not leave.


    Until one night in early autumn.


    Zhang Xianwang was reading in his inn room, with more than a dozen books about Sword Venerable Fudao spread out on the table.


    A cold breeze stirred the oilmp on the table, Zhang Xianwang''s eyes flickered, instinctively looking to the side. Immediately after, his pupils contracted sharply as he abruptly stood up.


    He saw a figure shrouded in purple Demonic Qi, his face''s shock quickly turning to joy.


    The neer was Gu An!


    His Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body had advanced to the extreme path transforming form, allowing him to change into various forms, and even without transformation, he could avoid karma calction by using the extreme path transforming form. However, the image of Sword Venerable Fudao was too deeply ingrained, and he had to meet people in this guise.


    "Why are you looking for me?" Gu An spoke, his voice hoarse, prompting Zhang Xianwang to imagine a face weathered by the vicissitudes of life.


    Zhang Xianwang promptly bowed, then introduced himself.


    He came from the Immortal Dynasty, sent by the master of the Immortal Dynasty, Yang Xian Emperor, to request Sword Venerable Fudao to take action on a matter.


    He did not immediately mention what it was but instead asked Gu An''s impression of the Holy Court.


    "It upholds the great righteousness of protecting the mortals, yet shows disdain for Mortal Spirits with its pride¡ªit has its good and bad sides. Are the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court at odds?" Gu An asked nonchntly.


    Zhang Xianwang took a deep breath and said, "It''s not that we are at odds with the Holy Court, but rather that the Holy Court has always wanted to eliminate us, to make the Great Heavenly Spirit Land entirely theirs."


    "The master of Holy Court, Shengtian,es from Outer Heaven and established the Holy Court in thisnd. The top hierarchy of the Holy Court mostly shares a simr origin with him, while the Immortal Dynasty is a gathering of native Immortal beings from the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, evolving over generations to form the Immortal Dynasty."


    This was the first Gu An had heard of such matters.


    "If that''s the case, wouldn''t I who don''t belong to the Immortal Dynasty be deemed an enemy?" Gu An asked.


    It was important to consider right and wrong based on one''s stance. If the stances were different, he didn''t understand why the Immortal Dynasty would still seek him out.


    Zhang Xianwang hurriedly exined, "It''s not just the Immortal Dynasty that belongs to native beings of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land¡ªall beings below heaven are so; it''s just that the current beings only recognize the Holy Court."


    "So, what then? You guys wouldn''t want me to go against Holy Court, right?" Gu An countered.


    "Senior, you refuse to ept Qi Fortune and status, and you conceal your real identity. The only thing you could fear is the Holy Court. If you cooperate with the Immortal Dynasty, we will fulfill any needs you have. However, before that, we hope you can infiltrate Holy Court to rescue someone for us, someone who is not from the Immortal Dynasty but has been beneficial to us," Zhang Xianwang earnestly said.


    He was about to introduce this person when Gu An suddenly interrupted, "No need to continue, I refuse. It does not matter who rules the world, nor do I wish to get involved in your grievances. If that''s the matter, then please leave."


    He''d have to be full to do the Immortal Dynasty''s bidding.


    Not to mention whether Zhang Xianwang''s words were true, even if they were, he wouldn''t agree.


    Currently, only the Great Nether Saint King from Holy Court bore a grudge against him; he had no reason to position himself against Holy Court.


    Moreover, the Immortal Dynasty clearly felt inferior and thought they couldn''t ovee Holy Court; he had no desire to be their pawn.


    "Senior..." Zhang Xianwang still wanted to persuade, but a terrifying force enveloped him, making him fall silent and tremble.


    This Carefree Primordial Immortal appeared quite embarrassed now.


    "Leave the Supreme Sect, do not disturb my secluded cultivation. I do not wish to be an enemy of any force, but if someone forces me, I won''t hesitate to visit their Daoist Tradition."


    Before his words fully faded, Gu An disappeared from the spot, leaving Zhang Xianwang in the room, his face changing expressions.


    He originally thought Sword Venerable Fudao was concealing his name because he feared Holy Court; he didn''t expect that what Sword Venerable Fudao feared was the entire world.


    Are there really such ascetic cultivators in the world with such a temperament?


    Meanwhile, Gu An returned to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    Had he not been favorably impressed by Zhang Xianwang, Gu An wouldn''t have met him at all; had Zhang persisted unreasoningly and kept pushing, Gu An wouldn''t hesitate to annihte him.


    He continued his Artifact Refining, which had been dyed for several months due to the grand rankingpetition. Now, he needed to pick it back up.


    His goal was to create his own Immortal Path Supreme Treasure when he reached the Ninth Level of Immortal.


    What kind of Immortal Path Supreme Treasure would be worthy of him?


    He constantly pondered this question.


    As dawn broke, Gu An felt Zhang Xianwang''s presence departing, bringing a smile to his face.


    He hoped Zhang Xianwang could convey the signal that Gu An had released to the Immortal Dynasty.


    He didn''t want further conflicts with the Immortal Dynasty.


    Standing up, he tidied up before leaving the Eight Scenic Caves.


    ...


    After the grand rankingpetition ended, new Disciple numbers in the Supreme Sect surged, even attracting high Cultivation Level Cultivators to join.


    The Supreme Sect once again began expanding the Sect: it recruited many Servant Disciples tobor, offering generouspensation. Gu An''s Third Medicine Valley remained unaffected because he offered even higher treatment to the Servant Disciples.


    Ten years passed, and the number of Disciples in Third Medicine Valley broke two thousand.


    This year, the Supreme Sect agreed to expand Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An stood on a mountaintop, watching his busy Disciples, his face filled with a smile.


    The expansion of Medicine Valley helped increase his Life Span ie; naturally, his mood was excellent.


    A figure approached from behind him¡ªit was Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian had grown moreposed and his brow bore a vigorous look.


    "Master," Yang Jian approached Gu An and respectfully bowed.


    Gu An did not turn around but gazed into the distance, asking, "Have you decided?"


    Taking a deep breath, Yang Jian replied, "I have decided. I carry too much karma. First it was Impermanence Tian, and now Heaven Sect. As my Cultivation Level continues to rise, the problems will only increase in the future. I don''t want to cause trouble for you and Medicine Valley. Also, I wish to venture out alone to cultivate my heart and seek Dao."


    Gu An turned around, looked at him, and softlyughed, "You truly have grown up; go then, it''s time for you to be on your own."


    Hearing Gu An consenting, Yang Jian sighed with relief, his face showing happiness as he solemnly nodded.


    "Leave today, and don''t say goodbye to anyone else," Gu An waved his hand.


    Stunned, Yang Jian could only nod.


    As he turned to leave, he couldn''t help but ask, "Master, who exactly is my senior brother?"


    "You''ve already chosen another path, don''t ask further. After leaving Third Medicine Valley, do not mention my name or reveal my existence, or else..."


    Gu An''s back faced Yang Jian as he spoke in a calm tone.


    He didn''tplete his sentence, but he believed Yang Jian understood.


    Yang Jian took a deep breath, knelt again, and bowed deeply to Gu An.


    Then, Yang Jian left.


    Gu An watched the sky, his gaze profound.


    He was not afraid of Yang Jian exposing him. Currently, as Sword Venerable, he disyed the Cultivation Level of Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma¡ªwho could guess his Cultivation had reached Divine Thought True Immortal?


    Moreover, Yang Jian himself had a significant background; it was better that he left to follow his own path.


    "The child has grown up and ultimately wants to soar high," Gu An sighed, then shook his head with a wry smile, turning to walk down the mountain.


    When he reached the base, he saw An Xin chasing the White Spirit Rat.


    The corners of his mouth curved upwards.


    At least this disciple was still here.


    Now that Yang Jian had left, it was time to focus on training An Xin!


    Although An Xin''s talents were ordinary, if he diligently cultivated, he might surpass An Hao and Yang Jian, for Gu An himself was growing at a much faster rate.

 Chapter 327 An Xins Surprise

    Late at night, An Xin knocked on Gu An''s room door, and with a wave of his sleeve, the door opened directly.


    An Xin stepped inside and closed the door behind her.


    She approached Gu An''s desk, curiously looking at her master.


    Gu An seldom called for her at this time alone, and she couldn''t help but be curious.


    Gu An caught the disrupted cultivation aura from downstairs and spoke, "Yang Jian has left to gain experience. How about I teach you cultivation techniques myself from now on?"


    An Xin was taken aback and asked, "Haven''t you always been teaching me?"


    Gu An chuckled, "Previously, I only assisted you in energy absorption, but now I will truly help you be stronger."


    After hearing this, An Xin smiled brightly, "If Master is willing to teach, naturally I have no objections, as long as you don''t despise me for myck of insight."


    "Don''t worry."


    Gu An offered reassurance, then began to talk about affairs within Medicine Valley.


    The cultivation aura downstairs returned to normal and remained undisturbed throughout.


    After chit-chatting for a while, Gu An let An Xin leave.


    Then, he left the Third Medicine Valley, heading towards Mystic Valley.


    Arriving in Mystic Valley, he stepped into the Nianchu Cave, preparing to spend the night with Tian Yao''er and her three demons.


    ...


    In a bright and magnificent hall, rows of figures stood, forming four long lines, neat and orderly, with the two middle rows spaced wide apart to create a broad aisle.


    A rainbow light flew into the hall, swiftly condensing into the form of Zhang Xianwang.


    Zhang Xianwang quickly strode forward, reaching the steps, where he bowed in greeting and looked up to see a towering figure seated on a golden throne, the back of which was made of ovepping golden weapons, like an unfurled fan.


    The towering figure donned a red dragon robe and a dragon crown with hanging beads, surrounded by whirling blood-colored dragon qi, as if encircled by dragons. His visage was majestic, eyes seemingly containing a sea of stars, piercing and profound.


    This person was none other than the ruler of the Immortal Dynasty, the Yang Xian Emperor!


    After Zhang Xianwang recounted his mission''s details, the hall erupted with discussion among the Immortal Spirits.


    "This Sword Venerable Fudao dares to show no respect to us, arrogant!"


    "He indeed has that right, after all, he dared to refuse the divine position offered by the Holy Court." Enjoy more content from empire


    "It seems he is one of those Ascetics who wishes to stay away from conflicts."


    "The world isplex, and one can''t simply hide whenever they wish. The Holy Court will certainly be suspicious of him."


    "Now that the Holy Minister dominates the court, we need not lift a finger; he alone can provoke Sword Venerable Fudao into action, considering that the Great Nether Saint King is hisckey."


    Once Zhang Xianwang concluded his report, the discussions in the hall turned raucous.


    Ignoring the surrounding noise, Zhang Xianwang''s gaze was fixed on the Yang Xian Emperor, awaiting his judgment.


    The Yang Xian Emperor slowly asked, "From what you''ve seen, is what he spoke the truth?"


    Silence fell over the hall upon his words.


    Hesitating for a moment, Zhang Xianwang replied, "Based on what I know of the Supreme Sect, his actions are indeed consistent with his character. He only strikes to defend against external threats to the Supreme Sect, never due to personal vendettas¡ªat least, no one knows of any, and even the Hall of Elders seems unaware of Sword Venerable Fudao''s true identity."


    The Yang Xian Emperor listened and narrowed his eyes.


    No one dared interrupt his contemtion.


    After a while.


    The Yang Xian Emperor spoke, "In that case, let''s not disturb him any further."


    "Yes!" Zhang Xianwang replied, relieved.


    Although the actual realm of Sword Venerable Fudao was unclear, the mere fact that he could effortlessly crush the Great Cold Demon Sect meant he was at least at the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm. If his realm exceeded that, he would be even more dangerous to provoke.


    Unable to ally, it was also needless to make an enemy.


    Zhang Xianwang then added, "During this mission, I also encountered someone from Heaven Sect, who went to the Supreme Sect looking for someone. It''s likely that the reincarnation of the Great Nether Saint King is hidden within the Supreme Sect."


    "Heaven Sect? Seems like the Holy Court is in for more trouble,"mented the Yang Xian Emperor, his tone yful.


    Zhang Xianwang shared this sentiment. He asked, "If trouble does break out, do we need to intervene?"


    The Yang Xian Emperor snorted, "Intervene in what? With the arrogant nature of Heaven Sect and the Great Nether Saint King, they didn''t need our help in the past; naturally, we should not offer it now. They underestimated Shengtian''s benevolence. Without Shengtian, the Holy Court would only be the greatest terror in the world."


    Zhang Xianwang fell silent, reflecting on the majesty of Heaven Sect and sighed.


    The other Immortal Spirits in the hall began reminiscing about the past, and regarding the fortunes of Heaven Sect and the Great Nether Saint King, they were mostly schadenfreude.


    ...


    The autumn wind blew through the woods as the Blood Prison Great Sainty on the ground, pondering deeply as he watched An Xin practice.


    Gu An sat nearby, reading a book, asionally shifting his position.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint turned to Gu An and asked, "Master, she has been meditating for five Ancient Hours; does she have a talent that I am unable to see through?"


    Back then, he could not see through Yang Jian, and now, faced with An Xin''s transformation, he began to doubt himself.


    As Gu An turned the page, he responded, "There aren''t so many extraordinary geniuses in the world; I merely wanted her to achieve Path Enlightenment."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes widened, shocked.


    He had not given it much thought when Gu An asked Zuo Yijian to seek Path Enlightenment, as Zuo Yijian already had remarkable Achievement in the Sword Dao.


    But An Xin was different.


    She was just an inexperienced girl,cking the demeanor and potential of a powerful being.


    Could someone so ordinary really be transformed?


    The Blood Prison Great Saint suddenly felt that Yang Jian''s current fate was perhaps truly shaped by his master''s defiance of the heavens.


    His heart ignited with excitement; how could one not achieve greatness following such an entity?


    "If Yang Jianes back and sees An Xin surpassing him, that would be interesting."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint entertained this thought, suddenly feeling that Gu An might actually have nurtured An Xin intensively for this very reason.


    Poor Yang Jian!


    Nevertheless, it proved that the Blood Prison Great Saint''s choice was correct, and his mood became even more joyful.


    Unbeknownst to Gu An, the Blood Prison Great Saint had conjured up so much in his mind.


    While he appeared to be reading, he was actually watching over Yang Jian as he ventured to the sea.


    He saw Heaven Sect tracking Yang Jian, and apart from them, no one else was watching him, which meant that the Great Nether Saint King had not yet realized Yang Jian''s identity.


    This indicated that no trouble woulde his way for the time being.


    After a while.


    Gu An''s Divine Sense traveled to Outer Heaven, where a Carefree Primordial Immortal was engaged in Combat¡ªquite a rare sight.


    The adversaries were clearly mortal enemies, striking fiercely, shaking the void.


    Gu An sensed many Great Cultivators secretly watching the battle, with various Divine Senses weaving through each other, making him muse that Great Heaven and Earth was indeed full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.


    As evening approached, Gu An finally withdrew the Divine Sense that had been focused on An Xin, bringing her back to awareness.


    An Xin slowly opened her eyes to find two new Cultivation Techniques in her mind!


    Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill and All Things Form and Energy Art!


    Though these techniques were already enhanced by Gu An, they were enough for An Xin to ponder for a lifetime.


    Heaven and Earth Primordial Skill was the foundation of her cultivation, while All Things Form and Energy Art could conceal her Cultivation Level, bothplementing the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    Once she regained herposure, a look of shock shed across her face.


    "So... so profound..."


    Instinctively, An Xin looked towards Gu An, her eyes filled with surprise, confusion, unease, and joy.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    She cautiously asked, "Master, was it because of youst time too?"


    Gu An, with a book in hand, nodded lightly, "How does it feel?"


    "Good, but..."


    An Xin stopped mid-sentence, hesitant to ask a lingering question, afraid of offending Gu An.


    How could Master be so powerful?


    Could Master be an Immortal?


    Gu An calmly said, "From now on, I will teach you cultivation in private, and you mustn''t tell anyone."


    For some reason, upon hearing these words, An Xin''s heart quivered.


    It sounded so familiar...


    A figure from deep within her memory emerged, coincidentally ovepping with Gu An at this moment.


    Could it be...


    Impossible...


    Wasn''t Master just a little over three hundred years old?


    How could he be so formidable?


    Gu An put away his book, looking at An Xin, "The identity of Supreme Sect''s Gu An is indeed my disguise. You guessed it right, I am him. From the very beginning, you''ve only had me as your master."


    With these words, An Xin immediately stood up, her eyes welling up and her body trembling uncontrobly.


    "Master..."


    Overwhelmed by emotions, An Xin burst into Gu An''s arms and began to sob uncontrobly.


    Gu An, helpless, said, "Why are you crying? You''re making it seem like we haven''t seen each other in ages, and I haven''t mistreated you these years, have I?"


    An Xin buried her head in his chest, sobbing, "I haven''t been mistreated¡­ It''s just¡­ I never expected that, after all these years, what I''ve wanted most is actually happening¡­ I''m so foolish, how could there be two people in this world who are so good to me¡­ Master, I''ve missed you so much¡­"


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was utterly confused. Weren''t these two just master and disciple?


    Why the emotional reunion?


    Gu An patted An Xin''s back, "Let go of your master, you''re grown-up now. Don''t let others see this."


    An Xin released Gu An and then knelt on the ground to wipe her tears, her face radiating with a smile.


    "So, Master, you tricked us. If my senior brother knew you were our Master, he would probably be devastated. Wait, does that mean you knew him because you were looking out for him back then?"


    An Xin asked wide-eyed, her shift from formality to familiarity not out of disrespect, but because the master who saved her and led her on the Immortal Cultivation Path was like a father to her.


    In front of her father, she had no apprehensions.


    Gu An said, "You could say that. However, our rtionship should stay as it appears on the surface, and don''t tell your senior brother."


    An Xin immediately nodded, her eyes still red, but now she was excited.


    Suddenly, she nced at the Blood Prison Great Saint, hesitated, and said, "Master, but he heard us..."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint bristled, what do you mean, behind my back?


    I am the master''s most trusted mount, even closer than you disciples!


    Gu An smiled, "Don''t underestimate him. Bull Demon King, feel free to share your story with her."


    With that, the Blood Prison Great Saint stood tall, filled with pride, and began to reveal his true identity.


    Ascender!


    Mahayana Realm!


    Just those two aspects were enough to shock An Xin; her mouth agape, and as for the long list of titles that followed, she had already tuned out.


    She turned back to Gu An and asked, "Master, does that mean Yang Jian is really my junior brother? What is his Cultivation Level now?"

 Chapter 328 Master, What Realm Are You Exactly?

    "He has already reached the Void Crossing Realm in terms of cultivation level,"


    Gu An replied offhandedly, as if he was talking about a trivial matter of no importance.


    An Xin was shocked once again, her mouth agape and hands involuntarily covering her face, seemingly unable to ept this reality.


    She and An Hao had started cultivating on the same day and knew all too well how extraordinary An Hao''s pace of cultivation was. Precisely because of this, she was very clear that Yang Jian''s progress was no less sensational than An Hao''s.


    She had watched Yang Jian enter the valley, watched him grow up.


    In the beginning, how mediocre Yang Jian had been, yet he had grown so rapidly right under her nose!


    It was simply outrageous!


    Suddenly, An Xin didn''t know what to say.


    Gu An looked at her and smiled, "Keep cultivating well, strive to surpass those who came before you."


    An Xin hesitated, "But my talent..."


    After all, she had trained under Gu An and, seeing the vast gap between her and An Hao, her confidence had long since been worn away.


    "What was in the past was in the past. Had I not let you settle in, how could you have today''s temperament? Do you think your senior brother could have had it all smooth sailing? I''ve intervened for him countless times over the years; he always loves to cause me trouble," Gu An huffed.


    An Xin was astonished. The master had helped the senior brother before?


    Why hadn''t the senior brother mentioned it?


    Damn it, he actually kept it hidden from me!


    An Xin gritted her teeth. She looked at Gu An and asked, "Then, do I have a chance to surpass my senior brother?"


    Gu An spoke earnestly, "That depends on how much determination you''re willing to put forth. No one is predestined to be stronger than another."


    These wordspletely ignited An Xin''s aspirations, as if mes were zing in her eyes.


    Blood Prison Great Saint was somewhat displeased.


    I haven''t finished bragging yet!


    ...


    After returning to Third Medicine Valley, An Xin was in an exceptionally good mood, wandering around and greeting everyone she saw. For this senior disciple of the Medicine Valley, all the disciples held great respect.


    Passing by, Chuanyue asked with a cheerful smile, "Senior Sister, why are you so happy?"


    An Xin replied with a smile, "Because the moonlight is beautiful tonight."


    Chuanyue looked puzzled, but An Xin did not exin, instead brushing past him.


    On the other side, in a loft.


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    Gu An picked up ''Green Hero Travelogue'' and had only been reading for a short while when Ji Xiaoyu came up the stairs and entered the room.


    "Where did you two go during the day?" Ji Xiaoyu stared at Gu An and asked.


    Gu An answered, "We went out for cultivation."


    "Really? What can you teach her?"


    "Well, I managed to teach Yang Jian, didn''t I? Just wait, maybe he''ll make a name for himself and shake the world someday."


    Ji Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow. After a moment of silence, she asked, "You wouldn''t happen to know Sword Venerable Fudao, would you?"


    Gu An''s face changed dramatically, and he eximed with shock, "How did you know?"


    "Really?"


    "Truth be told, I am actually a disciple of Sword Venerable Fudao!"


    "Heh."


    "What, you don''t believe me? Okay then, I am Sword Venerable Fudao."


    Ji Xiaoyu rolled her eyes at Gu An and said, "You''re always talking nonsense. Every time I ask about your secrets, you always dodge the question, yet I''ve shared everything with you."


    At this point, her tone carried a hint of mncholy.


    Gu An replied helplessly, "My dear sister, I do want to know. Every time you just tell me outright, I listen with trepidation, fearing that your enemy from a former life wille knocking at our door. It''s not death I fear, but if the enemy tortures me severely, even if I confess, they might not believe me..."


    As he spoke, Gu An rambled on, causing Ji Xiaoyu to show a look of remorse.


    From Gu An''s perspective, it indeed seemed like a lot of pressure.


    After Gu An finished speaking, Ji Xiaoyu asked, "Should I stop telling you from now on?"


    "Really?"


    "False. I''m still going to tell you. You only live once. I speak to you not because I want to talk about these things."


    Having said that, Ji Xiaoyu turned and left, leaving behind her solitary silhouette.


    Gu Anughed to himself; this girl''s nature was indeed amusing.


    Then, he picked up the ''Green Hero Travelogue'' from the table and continued reading.


    Xuan Tianyi hadn''t published a new book recently, which had allowed someziness to set in, causing Gu An some dissatisfaction.


    Find a moment to tap him on the shoulder?


    Forget it, that''s beneath my dignity!


    Having Shen Zhene back to the jianghu wouldn''t be bad either, she has the talent to surpass Xuan Tianyi.


    ...


    High up under the blue sky, above the white clouds, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint with An Xin standing beside him.


    An Xin, dressed all in white and wearing a white jade mask, was at that moment caressing her mask.


    "Master, where are we going?" An Xin turned her head and asked, feeling a powerful force whisking her away, immense and vast.


    "To another branch of your master''s sect," Gu An replied.


    Upon hearing this, An Xin immediately became excited and asked, "Master, what realm are you really in? Even Senior Nine Fingers and the others can''t see through your disguise."


    "I am slightly higher in cultivation level than the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Wu Xing, and Shen Xinzi," Gu An answered ambiguously.


    Seeing that he was unwilling to reveal more, An Xin didn''t press the matter and started to get curious about their destination.


    A gust of sea breeze blew from the front, prompting An Xin to turn her head. Immediately, herplexion changed drastically.


    One by one, towering and majestic peaks entered her vision, shocking her very eyes.


    Gu An nced at her, feeling a sense of emotion.


    Since they had recognized each other, An Xin seemed to have be a different person, lively as if returning to her youthful days.


    This indicated that she truly saw Gu An as family.


    With parents present, a child can afford to be willful; without parents to apany, one must learn to behave properly.


    An Xin was like this, which made Gu An quite happy; after all, he had watched An Xin grow up, and she had been with him for so many years. In his heart, wasn''t An Xin like a daughter?


    "Look at you, acting like you''ve never seen anything, this is Mortal World Peak, and the master here is the Peak Master of Dingtian Peak!" Blood Prison Great Saint said proudly, as if he himself were the Peak Master of Dingtian Peak.


    An Xin eximed in astonishment, "Dingtian Peak? I''ve heard of it, Senior Lu came to attend the Millennial Peak Conference before... So that''s how it is, no wonder. Master, if Senior Lu knew it was you taking care of her in secret, with her affection for you, she would probably wish to pledge herself to you right there and then."


    Gu An''s handsome face turned red, and he fake-coughed, saying, "What nonsense are you spouting? How could a girl speak such words; your master would never be daoist friends with her."


    "Just so, she isn''t worthy?" Blood Prison Great Saint chimed in, feeling annoyed with Lu Lingjun, also an Ascender, ever since she had called him a stupid cow.


    An Xin giggled behind her hand and said, "I finally understand why the master refuses to ept those femalepanions; indeed, there''s no need. They would only drag you down."


    She admired Gu An greatly; the master truly gave without expecting anything in return. What woman could resist his charisma?


    And who would have thought that Sword Venerable Fudao would be a Valley Master at the Supreme Sect? Such a waste of talent!


    The master really has patience!


    An Xin silently vowed to herself to be a Great Cultivator like her master, hidden amidst the mortal coil, watching over the swirling winds of the world with a smile.


    If she could truly surpass her senior brother and junior brothers, she would also conceal her cultivation level, watching the two of them vie against each other with a smile.


    Just by thinking about it, An Xin felt a surge of excitement.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    At that moment, a vast aura descended, dispersing the sea of clouds and fluttering An Xin''s long hair and gown. She looked up, and her eyes instinctively widened.


    There before her was a green mountain reflection stretching across the sky,rger than all the massive peaks in front of them.


    Gu An remained expressionless; his reason foring today was for this very item.


    It was an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure belonging to Mortal World Peak!

 Chapter 329 Fu Shenxiu, Qingtian Peak

    When the azure mountain shadows hung suspended in the sky, disciples from various peaks flew out, looking up at this magnificent scene.


    Gu An did not stop, taking Blood Prison Great Saint and An Xin toward Dingtian Peak.


    An Xin, feeling the aura of the mountains and Cultivators along the way, was secretly astonished, realizing that Mortal World Peak truly was unfathomable, seeing that Senior Lu hadn''t spoken falsely.


    The oppressive force of the azure mountain shadows lingered for a long time, enveloping the entire domain of Mortal World Peak, prompting discussions among the disciples from all peaks.


    Upon reaching Dingtian Peak, Gu An flew toward the mountaintop.


    Only then did An Xin truly feel the immense size and height of these mountains.


    Thinking that such a vast mountain belonged to her master, An Xin''s gaze toward Gu An was filled with admiration.


    Soon, they arrived at the top of the mountain, and as soon as theynded, Zhu Xinn, the leading disciple of Dingtian Peak, appeared and came forward to greet Gu An with a salute.


    "What''s the situation?" Gu An asked.


    Zhu Xinn replied, "It''s Main Peak''s Fu Shenxiu subduing an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure; he is the future master of the Main Peak and the disciple with the strongest talent in a million years in Mortal World Peak."


    There was aplex tone in his voice when he mentioned Fu Shenxiu.


    Gu An looked up at the azure mountain shadow in the sky andughed, "That''s quite amotion."


    For such a Carefree Primordial Immortal to subdue an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, it seemed to be quite strenuous?


    It seemed that this Immortal Path Supreme Treasure was somewhat special.


    Zhu Xinn answered, "This Immortal Path Supreme Treasure was found beyond Outer Heaven by the Peak Master, without the suppression of Qi Fortune from the Holy Court, truly subduing its Immortal Spirit would raise quite a ruckus, and there have been those who failed before."


    Gu An nodded and then asked about Dingtian Peak''s recent situation, learning that there was nothing requiring his intervention. Only then did Gu An start walking toward the Medicine Garden.


    An Xin and Blood Prison Great Saint followed behind him, with Zhu Xinn apanying them, yet his gaze asionally shifted toward the sky, admiring the vast azure mountain shadow.


    Who wouldn''t want to possess an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, it''s just that their numbers were limited, and it wasn''t something one could have just by wishing for it.


    While picking medicinal herbs, Gu An introduced them to An Xin. The majority of the medicinal herbs here were unheard of by An Xin, so she listened intently and wasn''t distracted by the phenomenon in the sky.


    Zhu Xinn was inwardly curious about the origins of this girl, feeling that their master treated her differentlypared to others.


    An Xin''s mask, crafted by Gu An, was inscrutable for Zhu Xinn, who was at the ninthyer of Wandering Immortal Realm, and he didn''t dare probe with his Divine Sense.


    An hourter, the vast oppressive force enveloping Mortal World Peak began to dissolve, and the azure mountain shadow in the sky remained, even bing more detailed, revealing trees that swayed with the wind, as if they were truly real.


    "You can go on with your duties; there''s no need to follow us."


    Gu An, just stepping out from a section of the Medicine Garden, turned his head and spoke to Zhu Xinn, who immediately saluted and then disappeared into thin air.


    Attracted by the sudden disappearance, An Xin looked at Gu An and asked, "Master, what''s his Cultivation Level?"


    Gu An casually replied, "Wandering Immortal Realm, Nine Layers."


    An Xin''s pupils, hidden beneath the mask, involuntarily widened. She had heard of Wandering Immortals; the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who took first ce in the Heavenly Ranking Tournament, was a Wandering Immortal.


    To reach the ninthyer of Wandering Immortal Realm, didn''t that mean the person just now might be even stronger than the Nine-Finger Divine Lord?


    Feeling the pressure, An Xin thought of the multitude of disciples at Dingtian Peak, each seemingly an Immortal,manding such formidable power. How could she not feel the pressure, when her master was training her with such focus?


    At the very least, she couldn''t disappoint her master!


    Master and disciple walked and chatted along the mountain path, with Blood Prison Great Saint trailing behind. As the sea breeze blew and they looked out over the entire world, they seemed so insignificant.


    The azure mountain shadow in the sky began to scatter, and not long after, the sky returned to its original state, resplendently blue.


    "Master, if youpared that Immortal Path Supreme Treasure to Martial Uncle Li Ya''s Divine Exotic City, which would be stronger?" An Xin couldn''t help but ask.


    The strength of Divine Exotic City left a deep impression on her when Li Ya participated in the Heavenly Ranking Tournament.


    "The strength of an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure is rted to the user''s Cultivation Level; Li Ya is not yet able to fully unleash Divine Exotic City''s power," Gu An answered.


    The mightiest feature of an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure is its eternal indestructibility. Currently, there are many Immortal Path Supreme Treasures in the world, all passed down from generation to generation, each symbolizing the lifetime of a Nine Heavens of Immortal Path being.


    After hearing this, An Xin became even more curious about Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Gu An brought her here today to broaden her horizons, to understand the world structure, and toprehend what an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure is.


    "What''s that?"


    Blood Prison Great Saint suddenly spoke up, and An Xin turned her head to look, seeing a streak of azure light racing from the distant horizon of the sea, stirring up huge waves.


    A smile appeared on Gu An''s face; he thought to himself, as expected.


    The Immortal Spirit of that Immortal Path Supreme Treasure was not simple, which was also the reason Gu An came to watch the excitement today.


    An Immortal Path Supreme Treasure from beyond Outer Heaven implied there was a scheme behind it.


    That treasure heading straight for Dingtian Peak was probably rted to the Demon Fetus within.


    As the azure light drew closer, An Xin and Blood Prison Great Saint''s expressions drastically changed, a feeling of indescribable panic born in their hearts.


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    This panic emerged but vanished in an instant because Gu An stepped forward.


    An Xin and Blood Prison Great Saint subconsciously looked toward Gu An.


    Gu An raised his hand to grasp, then clenched his fist, and the distant azure light immediately disappeared.


    An Xin and Blood Prison Great Saint turned to look but could no longer see the azure light; it was as if the previous sight was just an illusion.


    Both looked toward Gu An''s outstretched hand; unfortunately, Gu An''s fist remained closed, shielding from their view whatevery within his palm.


    A figure descended from the sky andnded at the edge of a cliff, maintaining a distance of ten steps from Gu An.


    He frowned as he looked at Gu An.


    [Fu Shenxiu (Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, Five Layers): 168487/750000/2500000]


    Seeing the other''s Life Span, Gu An felt he indeed deserved the reputation of the number one talent of Mortal World Peak.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the future, he might even surpass the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    Fu Shenxiu asked, "Could it be Senior Meng Lang?"


    Meng Lang?


    An Xin''s gaze turned curious.


    Gu An, on the other hand,ughed and said, "This treasure headed straight for my Dingtian Peak; could it be considered fated for me?"


    Fu Shenxiu''s face drastically changed; after all his troubles, was the treasure taken by someone else?


    Although he did not attend the Millennium Summit, how could Fu Shenxiu not know that a Great Cultivator had been added to Mortal World Peak?


    One capable of eradicating the Elder of Mo Hen, such a Great Power was definitely beyond his contend.


    Moreover, the fact that the other party could easily seize the treasure demonstrated a vast gap between them.


    For a moment, Fu Shenxiu was unsure what to do. His master, Daoist Lord Yongnian, had instructed him to try his best to recruit Meng Lang.


    That was an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!


    Furthermore, one with intact restrictions, uncontrolled by the Holy Court, an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!


    "Senior..." Fu Shenxiu gritted his teeth, wanting to test Gu An''s attitude.


    Gu An suddenly opened his hand, revealing a tiny azure mountain that glistened faintly with light within his palm.


    Upon seeing the mountain, Fu Shenxiu''s gaze was fixed and could not be moved.


    An Xin and Blood Prison Great Saint, although unclear about the neer''s realm, could tell that his nature and temperament were extraordinary.


    Could the little azure mountain in their master''s hand be the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?


    He could seize an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure with a mere wave of his hand?


    An Xin''s heart filled with admiration.


    "If I let go, are you sure you can catch it?" Gu An asked with a chuckle.


    Fu Shenxiu hurriedly replied, "I will do my utmost."


    Immediately, Gu An threw the tiny azure mountain into the distance, casuallyunching it a million miles away.


    Fu Shenxiu appeared out of thin air beside the little mountain, his Mana swirling around his hand as he reached out to grasp it.


    Boom!


    A terrifying momentum suddenly exploded, tossing Fu Shenxiu away, and his face grew extremely unsightly.


    The little mountain turned into an azure beam, once again streaking toward Dingtian Peak.


    As Fu Shenxiu turned around, he saw that the light had vanished.


    He flew swiftly toward Dingtian Peak,nding again on the edge of the cliff with aplex expression as he looked at Gu An.


    The little mountain once again floated above Gu An''s palm.


    That moment, several figures appeared out of nowhere in the air behind Fu Shenxiu, all of whom were the authorities of Mortal World Peak, even the master of the Main Peak, Daoist Lord Yongnian, hade.


    Bai Ziya''s gaze fell on the little mountain in Gu An''s hand and then shifted to Fu Shenxiu, revealing a mocking expression.


    Gu An turned to Daoist Lord Yongnian andughed, "Peak Master, this treasure kept smashing into my Dingtian Peak¡ªI had no choice but to im it."


    Daoist Lord Yongnian seemed to realize something, a hint of understanding crossing his eyes, and then heughed, "This is Qingtian Peak, sought by one of my juniors in Outer Heaven. If Daoist Friend likes it, I am willing to bestow it upon Daoist Friend."


    Upon hearing this, Fu Shenxiu immediately became anxious and looked at Daoist Lord Yongnian, saying, "Master..."


    "Well then, I will find you another Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in the future. You have no fate with this one; it''s not reasonable to me others," Daoist Lord Yongnian said with finality.


    Although he was only one minor realm higher than Fu Shenxiu, Fu Shenxiu was raised by him, so facing his decision, Fu Shenxiu had no choice but to give up.


    He took a deep breath, gave Gu An a salute, and then turned and left.


    The other Peak Masters looked at each other in dismay, each harboring their own thoughts.


    Daoist Lord Yongnian, looking back at Gu An, said, "The treasure indeed has a destiny with Dingtian Peak; I hope Daoist Friend can protect Dingtian Peak well."


    Gu An nodded and said, "If Mortal World Peak needs me, I will also take action."


    Daoist Lord Yongnian''s face revealed a smile, and then he took his leave.


    The other Peak Masters sessively saluted and dispersed.


    Gu An felt a hint of regret; Bai Ziya didn''t seek him out for a chat, their rtionship seemed to have grown distant.


    After everyone left, An Xin couldn''t help but ask, "Just like that, you obtained an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    It was her first time seeing her master so assertive.


    And of course, Sword Venerable Fudao had always been domineering in his actions; Gu An was just gentle toward Cultivators of lower realms.


    Blood Prison Great Saint stared intently at Qingtian Peak in Gu An''s hand, suddenly feeling that he too might one day possess such a treasure.


    As long as he performed well!


    Gu An proceeded to walk toward the top of the mountain, while he used his Divine Thought to probe Qingtian Peak in his hand.


    Qingtian Peak had already fostered an Immortal Spirit, apparently alive for many years, far more powerful than Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit. After all, it was able to break free from the suppression of a Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    Soon, his Divine Thought captured a Heavenly Demon, hidden within the walls of a dpidated temple within Qingtian Peak, extremely concealed and probably difficult to detect even for the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    "Practice diligently. Once you are strong enough, I will give this treasure for you to use," Gu An said to An Xin beside him, who was full of curiosity, smiling gently.

 Chapter 330 Awakening

    "Really?"


    When An Xin heard Gu An''s words, she was instantly excited, and the eyes of the Blood Prison Great Saint also turned fiery.


    Indeed, the master would not be stingy with the treasures of the Immortal Path!


    After returning to the mountaintop, Gu An had An Xin start cultivating while he went back to the house alone.


    Sitting on his bed, Gu An''s gaze fell on Qingtian Peak. He first used his Divine Thought to erase any marks and restrictions within Qingtian Peak that made him wary.


    The Immortal Spirit of Qingtian Peak was very submissive and did not resist Gu An; instead, it was quite jubnt.


    After taking safety precautions, Gu An began to make Qingtian Peak recognize him as its master.


    With thepliance of the Qingtian Immortal Spirit, it took Gu An less than an hour to refine the restrictions of Qingtian Peak and take control of the soul of the Qingtian Immortal Spirit, making itpletely serve him.


    With the Qingtian Immortal Spirit in hand, this would be thebat power of a Carefree Primordial Immortal!


    Moreover, Gu An felt that the power contained in Qingtian Peak was greater than the Seven Stars Mirror, the Immortal King Crown, and the Divine Exotic City. The Immortal King Crown and Divine Exotic City had been damaged and needed a long time to recover.


    The Seven Stars Mirror hadn''t suffered much damage but was slightly weaker than Qingtian Peak, however, the difference was limited.


    After all this, the corners of Gu An''s mouth curved upward.


    Next, it was like capturing a turtle in a jar!


    Forget it, let me leave him hanging for a while. After all, he can''t escape or pass any messages outside.


    He pretended not to know that a Heavenly Demon was hidden inside Qingtian Peak, and the Qingtian Immortal Spirit waspletely unaware.


    During the process of making Qingtian Peak his own, Gu An peeked into the memory of the Qingtian Immortal Spirit. It spent most of its time either asleep or sealed by a strong force, unaware of the filth inside it.


    Although unaware of the filth inside, the Qingtian Immortal Spirit was influenced by it. It inexplicably felt something attracting it at Dingtian Peak, thus it crashed towards Dingtian Peak.


    If Gu An had not intervened, it nned to directly smash Dingtian Peak to force the alluring thing to reveal itself.


    "From this perspective, the identity of the demon fetus below is not simple."


    Gu An thought silently. He pondered whether or not to move the demon fetus elsewhere, but where could he move it to?


    Moving it, if awakened prematurely, wouldn''t that elerate the catastrophe?


    No matter, let it stay here. As for whether another Heavenly Demon willeter, he didn''t care.


    He would destroy any Heavenly Demon with lesser cultivation than his.


    As for those with higher cultivation than his, if they could infiltrate the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, wouldn''t the Holy Court have been prated long ago?


    Gu An shrank Qingtian Peak into an essory and hung it on his belt.


    His ultimate elusive body was evolved from the practice of the Demon Shadow Divine Skill. Its main use now was to block all causality deduction, which also protected Qingtian Peak when it was attached to his body, making it indeducible.


    It wasn''t necessary to activate the ultimate elusive body to block causality deduction; after mastering it, he could block it permanently. In such a case, releasing some causality on the surface could easily misguide others'' deductions.


    The ultimate elusive body also hadbat capabilities, allowing his physical soul to be elusive, dodging spells and Divine Skills, providing infinite uses in battle.


    Gu An stood up, stretchedzily, and loosened his body.


    Heavenly Demons, the Holy Court¡­


    It''s really hard to achieve true peace in this world.


    Gu An reflected internally, yet he faced no pressure.


    There''s still much time ahead; take it slow. The conflicts of the moment mean little; whoughsst is what truly matters.


    ...


    As the seasons changed, a new year arrived.


    Just after the New Year, Gu An was in the forest instructing An Xin on Qi Absorption Cultivation.


    The Stepping Path of Ages Step was too profound and enigmatic; even with Gu An''s personal guidance, An Xin still found it difficult to master. The current goal for An Xin was to discover the patterns of the Stepping Path of Ages Step.


    An Xin moved swiftly, appearing five steps away in an instant before stumbling and falling to the ground.


    She sat on the ground, feeling dizzy and shaky, her eyes closed and mouth slightly open, which made Gu An want tough.


    He didn''t help An Xin regain herposure; this was a necessary path for her.


    She stayed in that spot for nearly half an hour before fully regaining her senses.


    Turning to Gu An, she gave a bitter smile and said, "Master, this technique is incredibly profound. Do I really need to learn it?"


    Gu An, holding the Seven Stars Mirror like a fan, chuckled and said, "You must learn it. Just absorbing Qi is not enough, and besides, cultivating Divine Skills will enhance your understanding too."


    An Xin made a mournful face but didn''t give up. Instead, she stood up again, ready to continue practicing the Stepping Path of Ages Step.


    The thought of the previous dizzy sensation made An Xin want to vomit.


    She raised her hands, patted her face, and tried not to think about the difort.


    At that moment, she turned her head and saw a golden glow in the sky outside the forest, rapidly stretching out and magnificent like the sunset.


    Gu An also looked up, his expression calm.


    Is it finallying?


    Meanwhile, overseas, on an ind, Yang Jian and Heaven Sect stood side by side.


    Yang Jian gazed at his right hand, having just crushed a golden jade stone given by Heaven Sect, with his palm covered by a golden sphere and tiny golden stars scattering into the air.


    He appeared expressionless, yet he was extremely nervous inside.


    Merging with his past memories, was he still himself?


    Heaven Sect looked at him andfortingly said, "Don''t worry, this process won''t be painful. I''ve already set up formations, and no one will disturb you."


    Yang Jian looked up at the sky where the golden glow covered the sky, so beautiful.


    "But this phenomenon¡­" Yang Jian hesitated.


    Heaven Sect stroked his beard and said, "Don''t worry, this phenomenon covers a vast area, and you don''t have to worry."


    Yang Jian took a deep breath and refocused on his palm.


    Then, the golden stars rising from his palm began to fly toward his face, eventually entering his eyes.


    The wind picked up on the ind as the world''s spiritual energy surged towards Yang Jian.


    The golden light in his palm brightened, illuminating his face while his eyes flickered with different scenes.


    Seeing this, Heaven Sect smiled, slowly backing away to give Yang Jian space.


    Elsewhere.


    Inside Supreme Sect, Gu An could see the Heaven and Earth Rules enveloping Yang Jian, with Yin Yang Rules being the most intense. He couldn''t understand the process, but he felt that Yang Jian wouldn''t encounter any mishap. There was no other soul in that golden jade stone, so there was no risk of soul snatching.


    "Master, why has the sky changed color?" An Xin curiously asked.


    "Your fellow disciple is awakening his past memories," Gu An said nonchntly as he gazed at the sky.


    Past memories?


    An Xin immediately became interested, and Gu An did not hide the truth, revealing Yang Jian''s causality.


    Hearing that Yang Jian was the reincarnation of a Holy King from the Holy Court, An Xin was even more shocked. Stay connected through empire


    "No wonder he''s so powerful, Master. Could my fellow senior brother also be the reincarnation of a great power?" An Xin asked, staring intently at Gu An, her eyes apprehensive.


    "Probably not."


    Gu An''s answer left An Xin feeling disappointed.


    If An Hao was a reincarnation of a great figure, that would mean she was not too bad; the problem was herparison to An Hao.


    "However, everyone might have a past life. Once you reach a certain realm, you will understand," Gu An said and then looked away.


    He stood up and said, "Let''s stop here for today."


    Upon hearing this, An Xin''s face revealed a relieved smile.


    She followed Gu An''s steps.


    "Master, if Yang Jian awakens his past memories, does that mean he will be the Holy King again? Is the Holy King powerful?"


    "What he bes is up to him to decide. As for the power of a Holy King, let me tell you something. The Great Cold Demon Sect previously served a Holy King."


    "Ah? A Holy King couldmand a sect like the Great Cold Demon Sect?"


    "Don''t be overly dramatic."


    "Thinking about it now, having such a powerful Holy King as my junior brother feels like a dream."


    "I''m telling you this, not for you to marvel, but for you to clearly know your own goals."


    "Hehe, Master, I will practice diligently. With your teachings, what is a Holy King?"


    The master and disciple continued chatting as they returned to the valley. Gu An used the power of causality to alter their conversation, so he wasn''t worried about exposure.


    After reaching the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, Gu An studied causality and destiny the most and controlled his own power of causality more and more skillfully.


    Meanwhile, every being in the Broken Sea Domain looked up at the heavenly phenomenon.


    Gu An even saw some powerful figures flying out from the Holy Land where the Holy Court was located, rushing towards the Broken Sea Domain.


    Fortunately, Yang Jian was not awakening in the Taicang Continent, otherwise the continent would face trouble again.


    The golden phenomenonsted a day and a night and by noon the next day...


    Shen Zhen came to visit Gu An. After closing the door, she started setting up a formation and busied herself for a while beforeing to sit at the table.


    "Yo, still reading Green Hero Travel? Why not read my Supreme Secret Records?" Shen Zhen teased.


    Gu An replied, "Supreme Secret Records is too short."


    The implication was, when will you write something new?


    Shen Zhen seemed not to understand. She took out a scroll from her storage bag and spread it out on the table.


    She had actually drawn the golden phenomenon from yesterday. The golden sky enveloped thend and mountains, showcasing the majestic atmosphere of the immensendscape.


    Gu An noticed that as the scroll was unrolled, the Heaven and Earth Rules gradually drew near.


    Once again, she used her painting to move the Heaven and Earth Rules.


    "Yesterday''s phenomenon was no simple matter; it gave me an indescribable feeling..." Shen Zhen began to share her thoughts on her painting process.


    However, Gu An caught a special power emerging from the depths of the Heaven and Earth Rules.


    This power somewhat resembled the inheritance left by Heaven Sect.


    Could it be that Yang Jian''s past life was also rted to the Heavenly Dao represented by Heaven Sect?


    Besides this power, Gu An was interested in the Reincarnation Rules.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This painting also attracted the Reincarnation Rules.


    Heaven and Earth Rules are omnipresent, only elusive to mortal spirits. In the eyes of a Divine Thought True Immortal, Heaven and Earthprise manyyers. Beneath the Heaven and Earth Rules lies even deeper forces of order.


    After Shen Zhen introduced her painting process, she proudly asked, "What do you think? It seems you''ve sensed my painting intent; won''t youment?"


    Gu An focused on the scroll and replied, "It indeed makes one easily lose their mind. You are very impressive."


    "That''s right!"


    Shen Zhen raised her jaw, extremely proud.


    Just as Gu An was about to speak, the scroll suddenly burst into mes, startling Shen Zhen as she tried to extinguish it.


    "Don''t approach! This fire is not right!" Gu An said sternly, stopping Shen Zhen from acting rashly.

 Chapter 331 The Great Emperor from the Silent Destruction Domain

    Gu An''s gaze remained fixed on the burning scroll on the table while his divine sense locked onto Outer Heaven.


    Above the Great Heavenly Spirit Land hung seven suns; from within one of those suns, the eyes of a mysterious colossal creature opened and stared directly at Gu An''s attic.


    It was this creature that caused the scroll to burn!


    Gu An was not perturbed. The beings in those seven days all possessed the Cultivation Level of the Carefree Primordial Immortal, posing no threat to him, but he could feel that they bore great karmic debts and were backed by a mighty presence.


    Thinking about it, it was normal¡ªafter all, if the Holy Court could contain them, either their patron was the Holy Court or their patron was feared by the Holy Court.


    Regardless of the situation, Gu An did not want to stir trouble unnecessarily.


    Soon, the scroll on the table turned to ash, yet it miraculously did not affect the table''s surface.


    Shen Zhen asked, somewhat shaken, "What was that just now?"


    Even with her Divinity Transformation Realm Cultivation Level, she could not understand how the mes appeared and vanished.


    At this moment, she felt as if she had incurred the wrath of the heavens.


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "I''m not sure, it seems like you shouldn''t have painted yesterday''s vision."


    Shen Zhen frowned and asked, "Only yesterday?"


    "It seems so, since you''ve painted other pictures before without such events urring," Gu An replied.


    Thinking about it, the karmic debt hidden by Yang Jian seemed to be rted to those seven days.


    Shen Zhen took a deep breath and said, "Forget it; my cultivation is too weak, and I certainly cannot provoke them."


    With her words, Gu An saw the mysterious creature within the sun close its eyes.


    Shen Zhen had managed to escape this ordeal; it was merely a warning, indicating that the mysterious beings of the seven days were not so murderous or domineering.


    Gu An sat back down and teased, "You''re quite something, managing to draw a picture that provokes the wrath of the heavens."


    Shen Zhen did not take pride in that but earnestly said, "Indeed, I felt I was capturing an obscure and mysterious state while painting, and each time after I finished painting, it became easier for me to cultivate. Many confusions in cultivation would also be clearer."


    "It seems you''re also about to undergo a profound transformation," Gu An said enviously.


    Only then did Shen Zhen smile, snorting, "Be nicer to me from now on; perhaps I''ll be an Immortal someday."


    "Alright, Immortal Shen."


    "Good boy."


    "How shameless!"


    "Hmm? Daring to offend a future Immortal?"


    The two began to bicker, and the fear in Shen Zhen''s heart was swept away. She felt that she needed to be more cautious about her future paintings.


    She had to discern clearly, what should be painted and what should not.


    An hourter, Shen Zhen left.


    Gu An theny back in his chair and watched Yang Jian and Heaven Sect.


    After awakening his past life memories, Yang Jian''s cultivation had not experienced substantial transformation, but his whole demeanor indeed had changed.


    Gu An watched for a while and, confirming that Yang Jian was unharmed, withdrew his gaze.


    In the days that followed, Yang Jian and Heaven Sect stayed on that ind, protected by Heaven Sect''s formation; many Great Cultivators passed by, unable to detect their existence.


    Until the summer came.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint down from the Transmission Array tform, feeling cheerful.


    Just as he was about to leave, Nine-Finger Divine Lord approached him curiously and asked, "Gu An, your disciple An Xin has changed significantlytely; what did you teach her?"


    Because Gu An had previously mentored Yang Jian, he believed An Xin''s changes were rted to Gu An, which made him more curious about the being behind Gu An.


    The most mysterious and powerful entity in the Supreme Sect was Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord had always felt that Gu An was connected to Sword Venerable Fudao; perhaps Gu An''s achievement in Go was rted to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    As for the possibility that Gu An was Sword Venerable Fudao, after learning Gu An''s age, he ceased to think in that direction.


    "Unique Daoist sorcery, indescribable and unutterable, unless you be my disciple," Gu An looked down at Nine-Finger Divine Lord and said with a proud smile, causing Nine-Finger Divine Lord to roll his eyes.


    "You know my Cultivation Level is quite high, and yet you dare take me as a disciple?" Nine-Finger Divine Lord said with irritation.


    Gu An shrugged and replied, "The aplished can be teachers; you surely have aspects where youg behind me. Could it be that in your life you only pursue Cultivation Levels? Could it be that in this world, only Energy Absorption can lead to the Dao?"


    Upon hearing this, Nine-Finger Divine Lord did not counter but fell into thought.


    Gu An patted the head of the Blood Prison Great Saint, urging him to move forward.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint had been cultivating the Primordial Reincarnation Skill for years. Though his Cultivation Level was still sealed, he was hopeful about the future.


    A thousand years from now, he would surely be an Immortal!


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord turned his head and asked, "Can one also achieve the Dao through ying Go?"


    "Who can say for sure? No matter what you do, as long as you put your heart into it, everything is possible," Gu An replied casually.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord had clearly been seriously injured; his Cultivation Level was certainly not just that of a Wandering Immortal, but Gu An was not interested in his past.


    Watching Gu An''s retreating figure, Nine-Finger Divine Lord sensed a transcendental aura from this young man; he seemed to have seen through the mundane secr world, appearing more like an Immortal than actual Immortals.


    Thus, it seemed that Sword Venerable Fudao remained in the Supreme Sect perhaps for this young man?


    This spection made Nine-Finger Divine Lord increasingly convinced.


    It appeared staying in the Supreme Sect was the right choice.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord looked toward Divine Heart Son, who was reading under a tree; previously, he thought Divine Heart Son was possessed, but now upon seeing him again, he suddenly felt that Divine Heart Son might also achieve the Dao.


    Then looking at the Third Medicine Valley, he had a strong feeling.


    In the years toe, this Medicine Valley would spawn many beings who would stir the winds and clouds of the world.


    This intrigued him, and anticipation bubbled up in his heart.


    He would wait and see what kind of person Sword Venerable Fudao''s chosennd could nurture.


    Elsewhere, Gu An went upstairs.


    He closed the door of his room, sat down in the chair, and took the miniature Qingtian Peak that had be a piece of ornament at his waist, cing it on the table.


    Today, he felt a slight anomaly within Qingtian Peak, rted to that mysterious Heavenly Demon.


    That fellow couldn''t restrain himself anymore!


    Gu An''s divine sense probed into Qingtian Peak, which also concealed a realm within it. Although not as extensive as the realms within Divine Exotic City, this realm was broader than the Taicang Continent.


    At that moment, inside a dpidated temple, Gu An''s divine sense avatar walked in.


    Sunlight pierced through the worn temple walls, elongating Gu An''s shadow.


    Gu An approached a wall crowded with ancient paintings, pitted and aged, their history unknown.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Come out, let''s talk; give me a reason, and I won''t erase you."


    Gu An stated emotionlessly, his gaze fixed on the wall.


    As the words fell, wisps of Demonic Qi seeped from the surface of the dpidated wall. Even in broad daylight, they appeared haunting and horrifying.


    Shortly after, a gaunt, ck-d old man crawled out from the Demonic Qi as if transcending time.


    His eyes brimming with bloodshot veins, he locked his gaze on Gu An the moment he emerged.


    Upon standing up, he asked in a deep voice, "Who exactly are you, and what do you want?"


    Gu An answered, "You impact Qingtian Peak toward my mountain; you ask me what I want?"


    Upon hearing this, the old man''s expression grew even grimmer, and he fell silent, his eyes flickering.


    "Are you here because of the Demon Fetus?" Gu An asked.


    Upon hearing this, the old man''s face changed drastically, and his body began to tremble.


    He stared intently at Gu An and asked, "What have you done to him?"


    "I haven''t touched him yet, but the trouble he has caused me seems to be growing," Gu An''s tone remained indifferent, making it hard for the old man to gauge his thoughts.


    The old man hesitated before speaking, "You and us bear no enmity?"


    Gu An remained silent.


    Emboldened, the old man continued, "If you do not wish to be entangled in this great karma, it would be wise to leave this ce. The Demon Fetus is a reincarnation of the Great Emperor from the Silent Destruction Domain, gestated for tens of thousands of years and immovable, with more Heavenly Demons yet to descend."


    Gu An pondered internally but asked aloud, "So, you have already established contacts with some of the upper echelons of the Holy Court?"


    The old man answered, "If you truly don''t wish to involve yourself in this karma, it''s best not to inquire further. Inquiring more will inevitably alert certain beings."


    When Gu An put forward this question, it indicated to the old man that Gu An was not connected to the Holy Court, so he did not wish to make an enemy of Gu An.


    Given Gu An''s methods in suppressing Qingtian Peak, he knew he was no match.


    "What is the purpose of your infiltration into the Great Heavenly Spirit Land? It wouldn''t be to target the beings of this realm, would it? If so, where could I possibly flee to?" Gu An asked slowly. Experience more on empire


    He was also making a decision.


    Whether to leave Mortal World Peak.


    Logically, if he wanted to avoid trouble, he should leave.


    "The universe is vast; there are always ces to hide. Besides, our ns cannotmence in the short term," the old man replied, sensing Gu An''s intention to withdraw, he felt more confident.


    "What was the Cultivation Level of the Demon Fetus in his previous life?" Gu An inquired.


    "The Great Emperor, in his previous life, was an entity of the Immortal Eighth Layer Heaven. It won''t be difficult for him to reach the Immortal Seventh Layer Heaven in this life," the old man replied.


    Even though the old man was a Carefree Primordial Immortal, to him, reaching the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm was challenging, not to mention higher realms.


    The Immortal Seventh Layer Heaven was already an existence that could traverse the universe in his mind, unless those eternal beings took action.


    "Immortal Eighth Layer Heaven¡­"


    Gu An''s expression turned ugly, but he was slightly relieved internally.


    The Seventh Layer was the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, and the Eighth Layer was the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm where he belonged!


    He was at the ninth level of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm!


    The old man, thinking Gu An had been frightened, continued, "As long as you leave this ce, even if I find the Demon Fetus, it will take thousands of years to fully form him; you have plenty of time to find a new ce for cultivation."


    Thousands of years?


    The pressure in Gu An''s heart sharply decreased; if it took the old man thousands of years with his help, wouldn''t it take tens of thousands of years without him?


    Gu An spoke, "Allow me a few more years to think, I should have that much time, right?"


    The old man did not develop hostility toward him, so he wanted to give the old man a chance.


    Upon hearing this, the old man''s expression rxed considerably, and he raised his hand in salute, saying, "Of course, I hope you can see reason and not dy your future prospects."


    He could not escape Qingtian Peak, nor could he send out a message; he could only try to maintain good rtions with Gu An by blending softness with firmness.

 Chapter 332 Earth Element Spirit

    Gu An set down the Qingtian Peak and, after his conversation with the man in ck came to an end, his heart grew calm.


    In situations where the threat was not that great, he naturally wouldn''t run away; he would only preserve himself when utterly powerless.


    Moreover, there was a time difference between higher and lower realms; ten or a hundred years might be lengthy for beings of lower realms, but for Immortal Path Life, it was but a fleeting moment.


    Anyway, the man in ck couldn''t run away. Gu An decided to keep him for the time being to see what sort of realization he woulde to.


    Gu An raised his hand and beckoned, attracting a piece of paper from across the space; he was ready to write another secret book.


    The sun set, and the moon rose.


    Time turned its pages day by day.


    Winter snow inevitably arrived. Before the world fell into a nket of white, Gu An went to the wooden fence to enjoy the snowscape.


    He hadn''t stood there long before Ji Xiaoyu walked over, standing side by side with him.


    Ji Xiaoyu didn''t look up at the sky but fixed her gaze on a distant An Xin.


    An Xin was carrying a plump White Spirit Rat, constantly moving her little mouth, clearly saying something to the White Spirit Rat.


    "She''s progressing so fast," Ji Xiaoyu whispered.


    Could she not?


    Whenever Gu An had time, he would assist An Xin in entering the Way. Although her lifespan didn''t increase rapidly, it made her cultivation twice as effective with half the effort.


    He genuinely intended to cultivate An Xin to surpass An Hao and Yang Jian.


    "It''s alright. Her cultivation level is growing very slowly," Gu An spoke. Due to the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, An Xin''s cultivation level was always suppressed. Even if she were to release her cultivation level in the future, it would be concealed, with her apparent cultivation level controlled at the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    It seemed that Gu An would have to tell An Xin to restrain herself a bit more, since more and more people had started to notice the changes in her.


    "The Ji Family recently discovered an Undersea Secret Realm and invited me to go. I could take your disciple along, what do you think?" Ji Xiaoyu asked.


    Upon hearing this, Gu An hurriedly shook his head, "An Xin is timid; there''s no need to take her."


    "I''ll be there; she won''t encounter any mishaps."


    "It''s unnecessary. It''s not something I wish to see, to burden you."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes."


    "I just feel that her aptitude is improving. Staying in Medicine Valley might bury her talent."


    "I don''t like to hear that. Would I dy her?"


    Gu An red at Ji Xiaoyu. He had intentionally said this to make Ji Xiaoyu believe that the high-level cultivator guiding An Xin was someone else.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s mouth lifted into a smile, "Alright then, I won''t invite her. I want to see what you can make of her."


    Gu An smiled, "Then when are you leaving? And for how long?"


    This was not the first time Ji Xiaoyu had set out, but Gu An felt that the Undersea Secret Realm would again cause trouble.


    Perhaps this was what it meant to be a Great Fortune of Energy Movement: continuous trials and tribtions, always narrowly escaping disaster and turning peril into safety.


    "I leave tomorrow morning. Thepetition for sea resources among the noble families is quite fierce¡­" Ji Xiaoyu started talking about the situation at sea.


    Despite the vastness of the ocean and the richness of its resources, the coveted areas had long been divided by the major powers, making it difficult to gain a foothold at sea. The Ji Family, wanting to upy a region of their own andy down roots for development, eyed the Secret Realm.


    That oceanic Secret Realm was the source of abundant spiritual energy nearby. Immortal Path beings didn''t care about such a realm, but those in the Mystic Heart Realm would fight tooth and nail over it.


    She shifted the conversation from the Ji Family to other significant happenings at sea as Gu An listened with keen interest.


    During their conversation, a powerful Divine Sense swept across the Taicang Continent.


    Gu An was used to this; the other party was probably searching for Yang Jian.


    Yang Jian, having awakened memories from past lives, shocked many cultivators of the Holy Court, who were still searching for him.


    Yang Jian didn''t run around but focused on cultivating on that ind.


    "At sea, only those in the Immortal Path Realm have the power to protect themselves. Even if one achieves Nirvana, walking the seas still requires great caution," Ji Xiaoyu remarked, her cultivation having grown higher and allowing her to perceive more. The experiences from her past life''s dreams only deepened her reverence.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An smiled, "With your talent, you''ll achieve Nirvana sooner orter."


    Let alone at sea, right now there was a Divine Sense of a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal sweeping the continent.


    Most beings werepletely unaware of this.


    "What about you?" Ji Xiaoyu turned to look at Gu An, asking with a calm tone.


    "Nirvana? I''m afraid I won''t have the chance."


    Gu An shook his head and chuckled freely, devoid of any constraints.


    Ji Xiaoyu offered no constion, knowing that Nirvana was a threshold for Mortal Spirits to break through fate, a challenge that no one else could assist with.


    She followed Gu An as they both looked up at the snow falling from the sky.


    The snowkes began to fall more heavily.


    ...


    On the sprawling seas, Li Ya sat on the back of a ck eagle that sped along, pping its wings. The sea breeze tousled Li Ya''s long hair, but his eyes remained fixed on the horizon, unblinking.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit perched on Li Ya''s shoulder, head tilted, asked, "Have you really thought this through? Without using my power, it will be difficult for you to cross the waters ahead. I can sense a dense demon energy there, hiding a Great Demon of the Immortal Path."


    Li Ya''s expression was stoic as he answered softly, "Save me when I''m close to death."


    Ever since hisst visit to the Divine Exotic Realm and learning about the origins of Divine Exotic City, Li Ya''s pride had shattered.


    He didn''t me the Primordial Ancestor but was rather more grateful. However, he was filled with resentment towards himself.


    Li Ya, oh Li Ya, what have you been raging about all these years?


    All this time, he had always needed the Primordial Ancestor, needed others'' help¡ªwithout Divine Exotic City, what was he?


    Upon returning to the Star Sea Congregations, Li Ya secluded himself for cultivation and pondered over this question.


    This seclusionsted for many years.


    He had now made up his mind: what he needed to do was improve his physical constitution and insight. If An Hao could cultivate the Ancient Treasure Body, why couldn''t he?


    So, he embarked on the journey to pursue the Treasure Body.


    He learned from an elder that a Treasure Body had once fallen in a certain sea region, possibly leaving behind an opportunity rted to the Treasure Body.


    "Li Ya, actually, you''re still young, and you''re already quite formidable," the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit consoled, scratching its head. Having spent many years with Li Ya, it had grown fond of him and didn''t want him to take extreme measures.


    "Don''t worry, I will measure my abilities and refrain from making the Primordial Ancestor take action again," Li Ya said calmly, his eyes resolute.


    Following his gaze, dark clouds appeared at the far end of the sea horizon, small but clearly an ominous sign.


    Meanwhile, on the path of Dingtian Peak on Mortal World Peak.


    Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint while An Xin walked in front of the Blood Prison Great Saint, asionally looking back and sharing augh.


    The sea breeze blew, stirring Gu An''s hair by the temples. He withdrew his gaze from spying on Li Ya and looked towards An Xin, "How many of the medicinal herbs did you memorize today?"


    It had been eight years since Ji Xiaoyu left for the Undersea Secret Realm.


    She had not returned for eight years, but as Gu An saw she wasn''t in mortal peril, he allowed her to face the ordeal alone.


    During these eight years, Gu An taught An Xin no other spells or Divine Skills. Aside from Qi Absorption Cultivation, she only practiced the Stepping Path of Ages Step daily.


    Wearing a mask, An Xin turned back and said, "Master, rest assured, I remember them all."


    "Good, go back and write them into a book, so other disciples can increase their knowledge in the future," Gu An nodded.


    An Xin was about to reply when two figures descended from the sky andnded on the stone steps ahead.


    Upon seeing these two people, An Xin immediately tensed up.


    They were Daoist Lord Yongnian and Fu Shenxiu from the Main Peak.


    An Xin thought they were there to demand the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Daoist Lord Yongnian raised his hand in salute, saying, "May I inquire if Daoist Friend has time? My disciple and I have a matter to request."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An responded, "Speak directly, what''s the matter?"


    Daoist Lord Yongnian nced at Fu Shenxiu and said, "Since Qingtian Peak has no affinity with my disciple, I have found another great opportunity for him, located within the Sea Demon Thunder Domain. It is a treasure left by an Ancient Great Power named Earth Element Spirit. Every hundred thousand years it congeals one spirit, and its appearance is not fixed, but it can be confirmed to only appear within the Sea Demon Thunder Domain..."


    Earth Element Spirit!


    It was the first time Gu An had heard of this, and he also became interested.


    ording to Daoist Lord Yongnian, that Ancient Great Power was unfathomable in his cultivation. Before passing away, he used some Great Divine Power to refine his Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, submerging it into the Sea Demon Thunder Domain, merging it with the ocean, rendering it unfindable.


    It was only when someone identally acquired the Earth Element Spirit that the veil of this opportunity was lifted.


    The Earth Element Spirit could strengthen the soul of a cultivator, and even demons were eager to obtain it.


    Later on, the Holy Court took charge of the Sea Demon Thunder Domain and a Holy God decreed that the Thunder Domain wasnd without an owner. No sect was allowed to upy it, and regarding the Earth Element Spirit, it all relied on one''s power.


    Mortal World Peak had also sought the Earth Element Spirit, either fate was there but the affinity was not, or they found the Earth Element Spirit butcked the power to fight for it.


    Hearing about the anomaly in the Sea Demon Thunder Domain, which might signal the birth of an Earth Element Spirit, Daoist Lord Yongnian thought of Gu An.


    "Daoist Friend Meng, if you could take action, I would be deeply grateful," Daoist Lord Yongnian sincerely said, convinced that Gu An had surpassed the Carefree Immortal Realm. Such a Great Cultivator aiding them would surely clinch the Earth Element Spirit without difficulty.


    Gu An feigned hesitation, "Will this offend other sects?"


    Daoist Lord Yongnian replied, "The worthy receive treasures, don''t they? I''ve heard that Daoist Friend enjoys cultivating medicinal herbs, so I''m willing to transnt a batch of Immortal Path medicinal herbs to Dingtian Peak from the Main Peak. How about that?"


    "Daoist Friend is too kind. I''ve already said that if Mortal World Peak encounters an issue, I''ll take action. When do we set out?"


    Gu An spoke earnestly, bringing a smile to Daoist Lord Yongnian''s face.


    Fu Shenxiu''s mouth twitched, but he said nothing. Having had Qingtian Peak taken by Gu An, it was impossible for him not to feel resentment, yet now he could only maintain courtesy.


    "How about in three days?" Daoist Lord Yongnian asked. Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    "No problem, we''ll set out after three days then," Gu An nodded.


    Daoist Lord Yongnian thanked him again then left with Fu Shenxiu.


    An Xin turned back and looked at Gu An, wanting but hesitating to speak.


    Gu An nced at her, asking casually, "Want to go and see?"


    An Xin instinctively wanted to nod but after thinking it through, she shook her head, "Better not, I might cause you trouble. I won''t go."


    "I could take you there..."


    "Really?"


    Surprise sparkled in An Xin''s eyes.


    Gu An replied, "If you go, you must diligently practice the step technique I taught you. No cking off."


    Upon hearing this, An Xin hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded.


    The Stepping Path of Ages Step was indeed exquisite, and even after so many years of practice, she still found it very ufortable each time she performed it. So, whenever Gu An wasn''t prompting her, she preferred Qi Absorption.

 Chapter 333 Predecessor

    Three days passed by quickly.


    On that clear morning, Gu An took An Xin to Mortal World Peak early without bringing the Blood Prison Great Saint, which was, to say the least, rather disappointing for him.


    The reason he didn''t bring the Blood Prison Great Saint was because Gu An had acquaintances in the Sea Demon domain, and he feared it would be inconvenient.


    As for An Xin, wearing his specially made mask, it was very difficult for anyone to recognize him.


    An Xin, who cultivated the All Things Form and Energy Art, could also conceal his aura. High-level cultivators did not guess one''s identity by appearance.


    After arriving at Dingtian Peak, Gu An read books inside the house, and so did An Xin, though her gaze drifted outside the window from time to time, waiting for the two from Daoist Lord Yongnian to arrive.


    Close to noon, Daoist Lord Yongnian finally arrived, bringing not only Fu Shenxiu but also a female cultivator.


    This female cultivator was at the second level of the Carefree Immortal Realm, not as advanced as Fu Shenxiu, but she was older and probably sent by Daoist Lord Yongnian to lead the way.


    And indeed!


    All they heard was Daoist Lord Yongnian introduce, "This is my younger martial sister, Dao name Yongxin, known as Fairy Yongxin. She will lead the way to the Sea Demon domain this time, as I need to stay at Mortal World Peak to avoid any mishaps."


    Fairy Yongxin followed with a salute to Gu An, who returned the gesture.


    "Let''s get going, then," said Gu An directly.


    If they could resolve the issue today, it would be great; a portion of the medicinal herbs in the Outer World Cave had ripened, waiting for him to harvest.


    Fairy Yongxin had no objections. The group went to the courtyard, where she summoned a small red mansion. The mansion rapidly expanded, taking Gu An, Fu Shenxiu, and An Xin inside before turning into a red light disappearing into the sky.


    Daoist Lord Yongnian stood in the courtyard, looking in the direction where the mansion disappeared, concern in his eyes.


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the grand hall of the red mansion, Fairy Yongxin invited Gu An to sit and talk, while An Xin looked around curiously.


    "You''re free to wander around, there''s nothing dangerous here," Fairy Yongxin said to An Xin with a gentle smile.


    She might not have been stunningly beautiful, but her smile was generous and tender, easily engendering goodwill.


    An Xin nced at Gu An, and only after seeing him nod did she dare to leave.


    Fu Shenxiu sat opposite Gu An, his expression calm.


    "The Sea Demon domain has already seen the appearance of a Carefree Primordial Immortal. It''s said that in these hundred thousand years, a Great Demon has been born there, cultivating for a hundred thousand years, entering the realm of the Carefree Primordial Immortal,manding countless demon soldiers, a force not to be underestimated," said Fairy Yongxin.


    Gu An had long ago used his Divine Sense to probe the Sea Demon domain. Indeed, it was dangerous and the existence of Immortal Path entities within was incalcble. But for him, it counted for little.


    While Fairy Yongxin updated him about the current powers within the Sea Demon domain, she observed Gu An''s expressions.


    Noticing that Gu An remainedposed, she felt somewhat relieved.


    He must indeed be a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    Throughout the history of Mortal World Peak, Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma had arisen. After reaching this level, most would head to Outer Heaven or seek Qi Fortune in the Holy Court; few remained on Mortal World Peak.


    They had extensively discussed Meng Lang''s purpose foring to Mortal World Peak and eventually decided to try to win him over.


    If this venture went smoothly, Meng Lang would then standpletely together with them at Mortal World Peak.


    Fairy Yongxin mentioned several names of Carefree Primordial Immortals. In the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, those who cultivated to this realm usually had a reputation and had dealt with each other a lot.


    Fairy Yongxin had only encountered this Great Cultivator, Meng Lang, appearing out of nowhere. She suspected Meng Lang was a pseudonym but did not point it out.


    After she finished speaking, Gu An looked at the silent Fu Shenxiu and said, "Don''t worry, as long as the Earth Element Spirit is still there, it will surely belong to you."


    Upon hearing this, Fu Shenxiu hastened to thank him.


    He felt a mix of emotions.


    He had been sullen ever since Gu An took Qingtian Peak away from him, but hearing Gu An''s words, he inexplicably admired Gu An.


    Those of us in Immortal Cultivation should indeed have such a spirit!


    Thinking of Gu An seizing Qingtian Peak with a wave of his hand, Fu Shenxiu''s eyes shed with ardent desire.


    In fact, he anticipated the Earth Element Spirit even more than Qingtian Peak.


    All Immortal Path Supreme Treasures are external; it''s said that the strongest among the Immortal Path will eventually create their own treasures, and he had always believed he could reach the summit of the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path.


    More than external wealth, he valued the improvement of his own strength!


    In the subsequent conversation, Fu Shenxiu also started speaking, providing specific information about some Carefree Primordial Immortals.


    Fairy Yongxin felt somewhat relieved. She was aware of the conflict between the two, and she hadn''t expected Gu An to give Fu Shenxiu a way out so readily.


    It seemed he was not that difficult to get along with after all.


    When An Xin returned to Gu An''s side, she felt the atmosphere was very harmonious, which was not surprising to her; in her eyes, her master always managed to get along well with others and have enjoyable interactions.


    "Let me help the Fairy to speed up a bit," Gu An said with a smile. Immediately after, Fairy Yongxin''s face changed, as she sensed Gu An''s vast, ocean-like mana.


    The flight speed of the red mansion surged!


    Fairy Yongxin suppressed the shock in her heart and asked, "Daoist Friend, have you been to the Sea Demon domain?"


    "No, but I have captured it with Divine Sense before. This Sea Demon domain is not simple. You only know the surface, but inside lies a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma who will be our greatest obstruction," Gu An replied with a shake of his head, smiling. As he spoke, he picked up the teacup next to him and began to sip tea.


    Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    Fairy Yongxin couldn''t maintain herposure, and her eyebrows involuntarily furrowed.


    Fu Shenxiu was inwardly shocked. How profound must this person''s Dao Level be to mention the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma so casually?


    Read exclusive adventures at empiren/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An Xin was filled with curiosity.


    What realm was the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma?


    A realm above the Wandering Immortal?


    Without mentioning the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, Fairy Yongxin and Fu Shenxiu led her to mistakenly think the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realmy immediately after the Wandering Immortal.


    "He fears those above the fifth level of the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm¡­" Fairy Yongxin thought to herself and gazed at Gu An with a mix of reverence and anticipation.


    In the following conversation, Fairy Yongxin dared not address Gu An merely as a Daoist Friend but referred to him as a senior. Gu An did not shy away from this title, graciously epting it.


    This made An Xin proud, and she sat up straighter.


    ...


    Boom¡ª


    The deafening thunder echoed above the ocean, with torrents of waves rising and crashing down. A ck hawk skimmed through the tempest.


    Li Ya stood on the back of the hawk, his brows furrowed, murmuring, "I run into such a fierce demon aura just after entering, that old guy wouldn''t have tricked me, would he?"


    On his shoulder, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit nodded frantically, saying, "I''ve had a bad feeling about him for a while now. He also calls himself the Immortal Seeking Taoist, which sounds like a bluff to me."


    Li Ya''s brows rxed, and he whispered, "Since I''m already here, I can''t leave empty-handed. If I don''t find the Cultivation Technique for the Treasure Body, looking for a Demon Treasure to enhance Qi-Blood isn''t a bad idea either."


    He drew the treasure sword from his waist, a slender de that reflected a cold light amidst the downpour.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, far out at sea, an explosion erupted, and a terrifying ck shadow leapt from the water, immense and imposing as if Mount Tai itself had risen from the ocean floor and swiftly entered the clouds.


    The hawk beneath Li Ya immediately slowed down, not daring to approach rashly.

 Chapter 334 Is This It?

    Discover hidden stories at empire


    A sh of red light zipped across the sea covered by storm clouds, fast as lightning.


    Gu An, An Xin, Fairy Yongxin, and Fu Shenxiu stood on the edge of the terrace, gazing over the spectacr vista of the Sea Demon Thunder Domain.


    Demon energy permeated the area, but it could not obscure the fearsome waves and countless lightning bolts weaving through Heaven and Sea like monstrous dragons and serpents, fearsomely twisting. Every so often, a giant Demon Beast asrge as mountains would burst from the sea surface and roar unrestrained, reminiscent of the primeval chaos.


    "The Earth Element Spirit appears in a ce engulfed by a unique radiance, making it quite easy to locate. However, the Earth Element Spirit may attempt to escape. If it is not captured quickly, it will dive into the sea and vanish without a trace, only reappearing the next time," Fairy Yongxin spoke.


    Gu An nodded slightly. He could feel a strong divine thought pervading this ocean, dissipating within the waters, unable to condense. It seemed that the Ancient Great Cultivator Fairy Yongxin mentioned had at least the Cultivation Level of a Divine Soul True Immortal.


    Divine Soul True Immortals could also perish; who knew what cmity he had faced.


    While pondering, Gu An''s divine thought enveloped the Sea Demon Thunder Domain. The domain was immense,rger even than the entirety of the Broken Sea Domain, teeming with countless Demon Creatures from every possible realm, ranging from the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma down to those in the Energy Cultivation Realm.


    There were many areas within the domain that his divine thought could not prate directly; they were guarded by powerful restrictions. Though Gu An could forcefully break through with focused divine thought and seed, it would inevitably destroy the restrictions and cause the internal Minor Heaven and Earth to shatter.


    Gu An''s divine thought locked onto that Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    This person was hidden within an ind, surrounded by seas infested with demons each asrge as the ind itself,parable to Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals.


    He just caught sight of a Wandering Immortal passing nearby, then watched as the Immortal was swallowed whole by a ck giant whale, so fast that its Primordial Spirit couldn''t even escape.


    It was a female cultivator, almost like a fairy. Such a pity.


    Gu An thought to himself while he responded to Fairy Yongxin.


    His divine thought quickly caught sight of a ce glowing with an unusual light, and he directed Fairy Yongxin to fly in that direction.


    Standing beside Gu An, An Xin observed everything around with intense curiosity.


    Such dense demon energy, all condensed into ck mist!


    If she fell into the Sea Demon Thunder Domain alone, she felt it would be better just to end her life rather than try to navigate and survive in such a ce.


    Boom¡ª


    In the distance, the sea surface exploded as a ten-mile-long giant deep red fish leaped out. Looking closely, its body was entangled by two terrifying tentacles. An Xin''s gaze had just reached the scene when she saw the deep red fish being crushed, its flesh and blood scattering, which made her shudder all over.


    Gu An, Fairy Yongxin, and Fu Shenxiu seemed quite ustomed to this.


    Gu An noticed that along the fringes of the Sea Demon Thunder Domain stood city forts simr to those in the main city of the Broken Sea Domain, indicating that the Holy Court had taken control of this sea area.


    Not allowing other sects to upy it implied they made the rules.


    No wonder there were many cultivators fighting in groups, led by Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, staying far from where the Earth Element Spirit was located. Clearly, they were not here for the Earth Element Spirit.


    Upon closer inspection, Gu An felt an aura simr to Lu Xianyi''s Qi Fortune on them.


    After a while, they reached a sea area enveloped in blue light, stretching ten thousand miles, making even the clouded sky appear transparent.


    Within the blue light sea, two Carefree Primordial Immortals were engaged in fiercebat. Their Divine Skills were immensely powerful, yet the force of their battle did not exceed the range of the blue light.


    Gu An''s gaze locked onto a man named Zhao Qizhen who was dressed in Battle Armor, wielding a Divine Weapon, surrounded by a Fire Phoenix, casting spells with a majestic and domineering aura.


    He was holding a blue Crystal Stone in his other hand.


    Surely, that was the Earth Element Spirit!


    Gu An could feel a wisp of divine thought within the blue Crystal Stone, simr to the divine thought in the sea.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Zhao Family''s Zhao Qizhen," Fu Shenxiu dered coldly as he stared at Zhao Qizhen.


    Fairy Yongxin smiled and said, "Zhao Qizhen and Shenxiu are fated rivals, shing at every major Cultivation Level."


    An Xin looked toward Fu Shenxiu, curious about who had won but afraid to ask.


    Fu Shenxiu huffed, "I lost thest Combat, but next time, I will win."


    Gu An was curious, was there a family powerful enough to rival Mortal World Peak?


    The fact that Fairy Yongxin highlighted Zhao Qizhen''s family, instead of his sect, was enough to demonstrate the Zhao Family''s strength.


    An Xin was eager to ask, why next time, not now?


    Fairy Yongxin continued to introduce Zhao Qizhen''s opponent, a Supreme Elder of a sect.


    A Supreme Elder losing to a family genius already reflected the disparity in their strengths.


    Their presence also put pressure on the two Carefree Primordial Immortals, particrly on Zhao Qizhen, who felt Fu Shenxiu''s aura.


    For a moment, the twobatants tacitly slowed the rhythm of their battle, keeping an eye out for the arrival of a third-party force.


    Fairy Yongxin and Fu Shenxiu also turned to Gu An, curious to see how he would make his move.


    An Xin watched nervously ahead. After arriving in the blue light area, she could truly sense the power of the Carefree Primordial Immortals.


    It was terrifying; such overwhelming battle pressure had never appeared even at the Heaven-Tier Tournament.


    Gu An raised his right hand and made a grabbing gesture at the engaged Zhao Qizhen, who vanished into thin air. The Carefree Primordial Immortal he was fighting immediately retreated, his gaze swiftly turning toward the distant building.


    Fairy Yongxin and Fu Shenxiu did the same, their eyes falling on Gu An''s hand, and the two Carefree Primordial Immortals suddenly looked rmed.


    Coming to her senses, An Xin instinctively turned her head and stared wide-eyed.


    The previously dominant Zhao Qizhen was now in Gu An''s hand, tiny as an insect.


    Zhao Qizhen looked up, shock and dread filling his face, most terrified by his inability to escape, bound by an invisible, intangible force.


    Gu An raised his left hand, extending his forefinger and middle finger. Zhao Qizhen felt something slip from his hand, and looking down, saw the Earth Element Spirit gone, now between Gu An''s fingers.


    Gu An casually tossed it, and the Earth Element Spirit fell into Fu Shenxiu''s hands.


    Fu Shenxiu stood dumbfounded, and Fairy Yongxin''s eyes also widened.


    It was sessful just like that?


    Gu An threw Zhao Qizhen from the palm of his right hand.


    Zhao Qizhen regained his freedom, returning to his original size.


    Stabilizing himself, he looked at Gu An, his eyes filled with dread.


    Gu An, expressionless, couldn''t be bothered to say anything and instead turned to Fairy Yongxin, "Let''s go."


    Fairy Yongxin,ing to her senses, instinctively cast a spell, propelling the building.


    Gu An simply revealed himself and did not earn the hostility of Zhao and hispanion, so he spared their lives.


    Watching the building recede, Zhao Qizhen''s handsome face flushed with embarrassment.


    He tried to calm his emotions; just from the other''s disy of power, he knew he was no match.


    If it were him, he probably would not have spared a life.


    Now all he had was confusion; since when did Mortal World Peak have such a powerful figure?


    His capabilities must certainly be that of a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    Taking a deep breath, he turned to face the Carefree Primordial Immortal he had been fighting, raised a hand in salute, leaving thetter quite stunned. Before the Immortal could return the gesture, Zhao had already turned and left.


    On the building, Fu Shenxiu held the Earth Element Spirit, aplex look on his face.


    Fairy Yongxin was the first to thank Gu An, and Fu Shenxiu hurriedly followed suit.


    "Is that it?" An Xin couldn''t help asking.


    That made the expressions of Fairy Yongxin and Fu Shenxiu even moreplex.


    Gu An just smiled, "Isn''t it good when things go smoothly?"


    An Xin quickly said, "Of course it''s good, I mean¡­"


    Seeing her struggle to exin, Gu An merely chuckled, "Let''s head back first."


    Fairy Yongxin, smiling, felt this smooth operation was absolutely a surprise for her.


    Even if a Carefree Primordial Immortal were toe to the Sea Demon Thunder Domain, they would face life-and-death risks.


    As they reached outside the Sea Demon Thunder Domain, Gu An suddenly grabbed An Xin''s shoulder, causing her heart to skip a beat, and she soon found herself flying out of the building.


    Gu An, holding her shoulder with one hand and waving the other, sent the building into the distance.


    Fairy Yongxin and Fu Shenxiu were taken aback; before they could react, Gu An''s voice reached their ears, "You two go ahead."


    The building sped away, the two feeling the rules of Heaven and Earth retreating along the way, allowing unimpeded passage¡ªan intricate technique beyond theirprehension.


    "It seems he has another purpose," Fairy Yongxin remarked.


    Fu Shenxiu added, "I think it''s because his disciple still wants to see more."


    Fairy Yongxin looked at him in surprise, asking, "Is he so capricious?"


    "With his Cultivation Level, how can that be considered capricious?" Fu Shenxiu responded, his gaze on the Earth Element Spirit in his hand, his perception of Gu Anpletely transformed.


    Meanwhile,


    Gu An and An Xin soared on clouds, his divine thought covering An Xin, entering a special state where only those who reached the state of Dao Void Mysterious Immortal could see them.


    "Master, you don''t have to do this for me; it''s so dangerous here," An Xin cautiously spoke, deeply touched.


    Gu An smiled, "Don''t overthink it; it''s not for you."


    "For whom then?"


    "You''ll know soon."


    Hearing Gu An say this, An Xin grew even more curious about whaty ahead.


    The storm clouds churned quickly along the way, and An Xin felt no difort despite their swift pace.


    Before long, Gu An stopped.


    Lightning shed through the clouds ahead, with demon mist swirling below.


    Suddenly, numerous Evil Ghosts burst out from the sea of clouds, startling An Xin, who instinctively moved closer to Gu An.


    Booming sounds continuously came from below, drawing An Xin''s attention.


    Moved by Gu An''s intent, they descended below the cloud sea, where An Xin was captivated by the massive battle urring over the sea.


    A vast city phantom stood above the sea surface, from which endless Divine Souls and strange ghosts flew out, attacking the demons around Divine Exotic City.


    This was a chaotic war!


    "Divine Exotic City? Is Martial Uncle Li Ya here?" An Xin asked excitedly.


    Li Ya had participated in the Heaven-Tier Tournament, disying Divine Exotic City''s power, leaving a deep impression on An Xin.


    When she thought of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, Li Ya came to mind.


    "That''s an incredible Immortal Path Supreme Treasure; Master, is your Qingtian Peak this strong?" An Xin curiously asked.


    Gu An snorted, "Divine Exotic City is a broken Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, merely a Pseudo-Immortal Path Supreme Treasure. In terms of true power, it cannotpare to Qingtian Peak. Let me show youter."

 Chapter 335 Masters Wife

    Li Ya stood atop the tower, longsword in hand, his expression grave.


    Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit stood on Li Ya''s shoulder, full of vigor, continuously waving its arms. Ever since Li Ya had learned the truth, it had ceased its act.


    At first, Li Ya felt somewhat awkward, but now, his feelings were overtaken by worry.


    The battle had progressed to a point where Divine Exotic City could barely advance; the demons were too strong and even understood Formation techniques, effectively halting the advance of Divine Exotic City, with more demons continually joining the battlefield.


    If things continued this way, Divine Exotic City might well be breached.


    What Li Ya worried about most was attracting even more terrifying demon creatures.


    He felt a desire to retreat, fearing that the troubles would only grow and force the Primordial Ancestor to intervene.


    Li Ya gritted his teeth, ready to call for a retreat, when suddenly, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit on his shoulder started yowling loudly.


    "I am going to unleash my divine might!"


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit raised its right arm, its youthful voice filled with excitement.


    Li Ya was stunned. He immediately looked up, scanning the surroundings. The distant thunderclouds were heavily interconnected, with no end in sight. The more he saw, the faster his gaze moved, as if searching for something.


    Gu An noticed Li Ya''s actions and a smile appeared on his face.


    He was already aware of Li Ya''s burden because the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit had told him, but he hadn''t said anything. Some things had to be ovee by oneself.


    Like Long Zhan, a powerful figure, who never hesitated and was always decisive.


    Gu An immediately took Qingtian Peak from his waist. The peak, smaller than a palm, refracted the thunderlight, emitting an ancient aura, unsettling An Xin profoundly.


    Under An Xin''s watch, Gu An raised his hand and tossed Qingtian Peak upward into the sea of clouds.


    The next second, a vast momentum descended, enveloping the entire ocean.


    Li Ya and Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit both felt something and looked up simultaneously.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The previously excited Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit widened its eyes, a stunned expression on its face. Li Ya was simrly dumbstruck.


    The rolling sea of clouds dispersed, and a tremendouslyrge mountain suddenly emerged. Inparison, everything else seemed minuscule. It was tens of thousands of feet from the sea surface; even the trees on the mountain appeared gigantic, resembling divine soldiers exerting a daunting presence.


    In this moment, Divine Exotic City seemed like a mere pebble, demonstrating the grandeur of Qingtian Peak.


    Gu An led An Xin to the summit; An Xin looked up to see a brilliant starry sky and also witnessed seven dazzling suns, all reflecting in her eyes.


    As soon as Qingtian Peak appeared, it grabbed the attention of all the demons. The demons, upon seeing Qingtian Peak, were equally scared.


    "What is that?"


    "It''s a huge mountain¡ªno, an Immortal Treasure!"


    "Damn it, why is there another supreme treasure appearing?"


    "This aura¡­ no good, it''s dangerous!"


    "Retreat! Hurry, retreat!"


    Panicked cries came from the demons as they scattered like monkeys when a tree falls, fleeing at tremendous speed.


    Qingtian Peak remained suspended in the air without touching down.


    Gu An turned to An Xin and chuckled, "It seems we can''t show the full might of Qingtian Peak."


    An Xin wasn''t foolish and shook her head, "That''s because Master, you are merciful; otherwise, they wouldn''t think of escaping."


    Gu An justughed and shook his head.


    In that moment, he thought of Long Zhan and Xiao Shengtian, and thus decided to adhere to his principles. His target for elimination should at least be beings with whom he had grievances. This would prevent others from specting other reasons.


    Moreover, his annual gain in life span had already reached 1.5 million years, and he had no reason to needlessly kill innocents and umte karma. After all, he could y it safe and slowly be stronger.


    Gu An''s greatest cruelty was against nts and trees, as all beings must eat; which cultivator doesn''t use medicinal herbs for Alchemy?


    What he could do was choose the path that best suited his own growth. Find your next adventure on empire


    That''s why, to An Xin''sment about mercy, Gu An only smiled. He didn''t consider himself merciful; his choices were also governed by a mindset of seeking benefits and avoiding harm.


    As the demons dispersed, the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit heaved a sigh of relief.


    Li Ya, meanwhile, looked up at the majestic Qingtian Peak, feeling a sense of relief at that moment.


    "So that''s how it is¡­"


    Li Ya had always felt unworthy of owning Divine Exotic City, but now, seeing the grandeur of Qingtian Peak, he realized the Primordial Ancestor possessed even stronger treasures.


    What was there to worry about?


    He didn''t even know how high the Primordial Ancestor''s Dao Level was.


    Rather than being burdened, he would rather strive to be stronger and repay the Primordial Ancestorter!


    No matter how much he tried to think for the Primordial Ancestor''s sake now, he couldn''t possibly help the Primordial Ancestor, who was gambling on his future, not the present.


    As Qingtian Peak rose higher and rapidly shrank, it gave Li Ya a sensation of flying beyond the heavens.


    After Qingtian Peak disappeared, Li Ya didn''t see the figure he hoped to see.


    He took a deep breath and said, "Let''s go."


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit turned its head and asked with surprise, "Where to?"


    "To a ce where we canpete. Clearly, this is not suitable for us, otherwise the Primordial Ancestor wouldn''t have used another supreme treasure to save us," Li Ya said calmly.


    The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit scratched its head, found the reasoning sound, and nodded in agreement.


    Divine Exotic City transformed into a rainbow of light and streaked back the way they hade.


    This scene caught An Xin''s eye, and she asked with surprise, "Why are they leaving?"


    Gu An didn''t expect his intervention to actually persuade Li Ya to leave, which left him with mixed feelings.


    "Let them go. We''ll make another round for an ancient hour before heading back," Gu An said.


    An Xin had no objections and began to inquire about Divine Exotic City and Li Ya. Gu An told her everything he knew.


    ...


    After the voyage through the Thunder Sea Demon Domain, An Xin pursued her cultivation more diligently, bing more reserved, just like before.


    Having seen a stronger world, a fighting spirit was ignited within her, and thereafter, she needed no urging from Gu An; whenever she had time, she would actively practice the Stepping Path of Ages Step.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Shen Xinzi had also covertly observed her Step Technique. Unfamiliar and slightly embarrassed to keep spying, after watching two or three times, theypletely lost interest in paying attention to An Xin.


    But in their hearts, both Gu An and An Xin had be different.


    Years passed by.


    Five years went by in the blink of an eye.


    This year, Ji Xiaoyu returned.


    "Howe you have another woman''s aura on you?" Ji Xiaoyu stood at the table, frowning as she asked.


    Gu An put down the book in his hands and replied, "I went to see my junior sister two days ago."


    Ji Xiaoyu pressed on, "Why has her aura changed?"


    Gu An looked at her, surprised. She actually remembered Ye Lan''s aura?


    "She has made a breakthrough in her cultivation recently, so her aura has changed," Gu An casually responded.


    In fact, that was indeed the case. In his heart, An Xin''s status could not surpass Ye Lan''s, so whenever he visited Ye Lan, he would preach to her, and the Elixirs he invested in her were more than those for An Xin.


    Watching the junior sister''s maximum life span increase little by little gave Gu An a sense of achievement.


    He relished the feeling of contending with the heavens.


    "Is that so?" Ji Xiaoyu asked skeptically.


    Gu An rolled his eyes at her, saying, "I am upstanding and straightforward. Why would I deceive you? Don''t I often meet other women in front of you? Besides, why do you care about these matters? Don''t harbor any improper thoughts about me. The karma associated with you is too great; I''m afraid Reincarnation Path Emperor''s enemies might capture me to threaten you."


    Ji Xiaoyu couldn''t help but re at Gu An.


    Gu An crossed his arms and said, "Honestly, other than Ye Lan, Shen Zhen, and Lu Lingjun, whom you have seen, there is another woman who likes me. I''m still considering it, mainly because I''m raising three adorable female demons, so I don''t have much need for romance."


    Ji Xiaoyuughed, saying, "It wouldn''t be those three monkey demons, would it?"


    More and more Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect were appearing, and Tianya Valley could no longer be hidden, but Lv Baitian and Li Xuandao had reached an agreement, so Tianya Valley remained unscathed. Ji Xiaoyu had learned about the situation inside Tianya Valley through the Ji Family.


    "How could it be!" Gu An retorted with a re.


    Ji Xiaoyu pulled out a chair to sit down and began to recount her experiences over the years.


    Gu An listened intently.


    After talking for two ancient hours, Ji Xiaoyu finally left.


    After Ji Xiaoyu went downstairs, she saw An Xin speaking with five female disciples. Thus, she waited on the spot.


    Once the five female disciples had left, she approached An Xin.


    At this moment, the sun began to set.


    An Xin turned around, saw Ji Xiaoyu approaching, and quickly stepped forward to greet her.


    In her heart, Ji Xiaoyu was one of the potential Sect Mothers, a very strong contender, capable of living under the Sect Leader''s floor; she had to be treated with respect.


    "Your talent ismendable. If you need help, just let me know. My Ji Family has some resources, and we can assist you," Ji Xiaoyu said, staring at An Xin.


    Upon hearing this, An Xin hurriedly thanked her, then added, "Thank you for the kind offer from the Ji Family, but it''s not necessary, after all, I have my master¡­"


    Ji Xiaoyu interrupted her, "Don''t mind his attitude. I''m helping you for his sake. The stronger you are, the better you can protect him."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Watching her retreating figure, An Xin felt moved; Ji Xiaoyu truly had a domineering aura!


    An Xin silentlypared herself; despite her rapid progress, she was not yet a match for Ji Xiaoyu.


    She decided to set Ji Xiaoyu as her target; surpassing Ji Xiaoyu would enable her to chase after An Hao and Yang Jian.


    She refused to believe that Ji Xiaoyu''s talent could surpass An Hao and Yang Jian!


    Inside the house, Gu An was reading a book, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile. The evening sunlight burst through the window, bathing him in ayer of rosy light, as if he were d in a robe of twilight.


    The sun set, and the moon rose.


    The following morning, Gu An left the Supreme Sect alone, controlling his sword as he flew into the distance.


    Once he was no longer locked onto by Divine Sense, his figure vanished instantly.


    An hourter.


    Gu An arrived in front of the gate of Juhua Sect, surrounded by undting mountains. From the cliff, each mountain boasted a sea of flowers, a magnificent sight.


    When he took out the Sect Leader-level token from the Supreme Sect, the disciples of Juhua Sect halted their hostility and even warmly escorted him inside.


    Hearing that Gu An was seeking the Sect Leader, the disciples dared not dy and immediately guided him, as the token Gu An showed was of Sect Leader-level from the Supreme Sect.


    An hourter, Gu An was situated in a separate courtyard; he sensed that Jiang Qiong was in closed-door cultivation, with disciples guarding outside.


    Sure enough, not muchter, the guiding disciple hurried back, asking him to wait a few days since the Sect Leader was in seclusion.


    Gu An wasn''t in a hurry; with Jiang Qiong in seclusion, he''d discreetly help her with her Path Enlightenment and leave. Once she found out Gu An had been looking for her but hadn''t waited, she''d definitely feel embarrassed.


    Just thinking about it, Gu An was a little excited.

 Chapter 336 Reincarnation to Earth

    After the disciples of Juhua Sect left, Gu An sat inside the house and suddenly found himself feeling a bit bored.


    "Do I need a round of Reincarnation Evolution?"


    If he changed locations for the evolution this time, maybe he would have different luck! Readtest chapters at empire


    His life span had already surpassed five hundred million years. In a few years, the Outer World Cave would experience another surge in life span.


    It might be fun to try.


    Mainly because Lifespan Samsara could enhance Gu An''sprehension of the Tao Rules, especially the Way of Cause and Effect.


    He wasn''t doing it for fun but for cultivation.


    Let''s start one round!


    After convincing himself, Gu An sat down and drank a cup of tea. While pouring another, he initiated Lifespan Samsara.


    The tense and thrilling Reincarnation Evolution began!


    [You have expended ten million years of your life span to initiate Reincarnation Evolution]


    [Beginning connection with Tao Rules]


    [Searching for Reincarnation realm...]


    [You have the following realm choices, choose any one of them]


    [One, Dark Great Heaven and Earth]


    [Two, Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth]


    [Three, Primordial Great Heaven and Earth]


    Seeing these three options, Gu An was immediately attracted to the Primordial Great Heaven and Earth.


    His physique was the Primordial Ultimate Body, and he had always suspected that Primordial pointed to a certain realm or world. How could he not be curious upon seeing the word Primordial?


    He chose it, after all, he had already experienced the first two Great Heaven and Earth.


    Gu An immediately made his choice.


    [You have chosen to reincarnate into Primordial Great Heaven and Earth]


    [Given that the Tao Rules of this realm are too powerful, you temporarily cannot activate the ability to seize life span, nor can you activate phase-based functions]


    [Reincarnation Evolution begins]


    Good, it''s yet another worldparable to Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth, which means there exist beings here who transcend the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path!


    Gu An felt even more anticipatory in his heart.


    [In your first year, you were born on Earth in Jiang City, Huaxia, and your parents named you Lu Han]


    Earth!


    Gu An''s gaze underwent a subtle change.


    [At six years old, you started first grade in elementary school. Because you were too naughty and injured a ssmate, you were severely punished by your father]


    [At twelve, you entered the first year of junior high school, where you disyed extraordinary intelligence and ranked at the top of your ss]


    [At fifteen, you were admitted to Jiang City''s top high school. There, through a ssmate''s introduction, you began reading online novels. Due to excessive indulgence, your academic performance began to decline]


    [At eighteen, just after the Spring Festival, you turned over a new leaf, put down your phone, and vowed to reim your dignity as a top student. However, on the eve of the college entrance examination, the world changed drastically¡ªthere were earthquakes, tsunamis, and humanity faced apocalyptic challenges. Seven days of chaoster, nations stabilized their order, but mysterious and enormous ck gates appeared in cities. Seeing the ck gate from a distance, you hesitated, unsure whether to approach it]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing the previous prompts, Gu An thought he would live ackluster life.


    Fortunately, the apocalypse arrived!


    It wasn''t that he found an ordinary life unsatisfactory, but he had spent ten million years of life span for a few decades of human life¡ªhow could he ept that?


    Gu An took a deep breath and made his choice.


    [You choose to approach the ck gate. As you reached it, the gate suddenly shook, causing all nearby people to flee instinctively. Before you could escape, you were sucked into the gate, and your consciousness plunged into darkness. When you awoke, you found yourself in a wild mountainous area with only a dozen other people, some of whom were already awake. You started exploring and fighting for survival]


    [At neen, after half a year, you finally made your way out of the wilderness and saw the silhouette of a city. Of your original group, only four remained. You entered the city and discovered it was an ancient township with everyone dressed in traditional attire. To survive, you began working in the city and ultimately realized you had traveled back in time]


    [At twenty, an Immortal in the city started epting disciples. Many people gathered to watch, and you too went and were discovered to have a Spirit Root. Thus, you followed the Immortal to the Outer Sect of the Tao Court for training. Your threepanions, discovered to have Spirit Roots as well, joined you, and together you wept, believing a wonderful life was about to start. But upon reaching the Outer Sect, you learned you would start as Servant Disciples]


    [At twenty-one, you found out your girlfriend, Cheng Qianqian, had attached herself to an Outer Disciple. After a quarrel, the two of you had a falling out, and your twopanions chose to side with Cheng Qianqian, leaving you isted and alone]


    [At twenty-four, hearing of Cheng Qianqian''s horrible death, you enquired from a formerpanion and learned she had died during an Outer Disciple mission, pushed into the jaws of a Demon Beast by an Outer Disciple named Zhou Xuankun. It was the very man Cheng Qianqian had clung to. You erected a gravestone for her and swore in your heart to be an immortal]


    [At twenty-five, while gathering herbs on a mountain, you fell into a ravine andnded by the riverside, your bones broken. In agony, you waited for death toe. Then you heard a voice saying it could save you, but you would have to serve as its servant thereafter. Do you ept its terms?]


    What''s there to hesitate about!


    ept!


    Gu An immediately made his choice. This life seemed rather tough.


    [You chose to ept and soon fell into aa. When you woke up, you found yourself in a cave. The person who saved you imed to be the Mad Demon Lord, and from then on, you began to follow him in cultivation]


    [At twenty-seven, your Cultivation Level reached the fifthyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm. One day, the Mad Demon Lord forced you to ingest an Elixir he had concocted, and your cultivation surged to the seventhyer of the Qi Cultivation Realm]


    [At twenty-eight, the Mad Demon Lord found you again for a drug test. Your body ulcerated and bled uncontrobly, and you fell into aa. When you awoke, you found your face scarred and your right leg incapacitated]


    [At twenty-nine, with the Mad Demon Lord''s assistance, you sessfully achieved Foundation Establishment, but the scars on your face remained unchanged. The Mad Demon Lord sent you back to the Outer Sect, but you couldn''t bear the mockery and ridicule you faced and ultimately returned to serve the Mad Demon Lord]


    [At thirty, the Mad Demon Lord''s tests for you concluded, and he imparted to you the Demon Skill¡ªSwallowing Heaven Technique]


    [At forty, you mastered the Swallowing Heaven Technique and also learned a set of Hand Techniques]


    [At forty-two, the Mad Demon Lord left, leaving you to cultivate alone]


    [At forty-four, enemies of the Mad Demon Lord came seeking the Elixir of Immortality he had created. You narrowly escaped death and fell into a river, fleeing downstream]


    [At forty-five, wearing a mask, you saved a distressed youngdy whose house servants had all been ughtered by Demons. Only she remained. Out of gratitude, she wanted to marry you and asked to see your true face. Do you remove the mask?]


    Take it off!


    Women disrupt my cultivation. Better to scare her off quickly!


    Gu An was impatient to see Lu Han''s life take a turn for the better.


    [You removed the mask, expecting to frighten Yuan Ling''er away, but to your surprise, after a brief moment of shock, she resolutely embraced you, and you lifted your arms to embrace her in return]


    [At forty-six, you followed Yuan Ling''er back to the Yuan Family estate. Her father hesitated about the marriage due to your appearance, but under Yuan Ling''er''s insistence, you were eventually married]


    [At forty-seven, Yuan Ling''er bore you a son named Lu Qiuxian. Because your son did not take the surname of the Yuan Family, her father grew even more displeased with you]


    [At fifty-six, Demons invaded the city, ughtering the inhabitants. You barely managed to keep your wife and child safe but couldn''t save others, forcing your family of three to begin a nomadic life]


    [At fifty-eight, you returned to the Outer Sect with Yuan Ling''er and your eleven-year-old son Lu Qiuxian. Your son was discovered to have the rare Heavenly Spirit Root and was taken as a disciple by a Mahayana Realm Elder. Your family stayed up all night, unable to sleep]


    Upon reaching this point, Gu An''s face broke into a smile.


    He was on the verge of feeling despondent. He hadn''t even had the chance to make choices and felt like Lu Han could die at any moment.


    Too bitter!

 Chapter 337 River of Destiny

    [At the age of fifty-nine, your son Lu Qiuxian seeded in Foundation Establishment, making a name for himself in the Outer Sect of the Tao Court. Consequently, you received widespread pursuit and admiration. Even the twopanions who had traveled through time with you came to congratte you, making you reflect on how life and fate are elusive.]


    [At sixty, you sessfully reached Core Formation.]


    [At sixty-three, your son Lu Qiuxian awakened the Supreme Treasure Body, shocking the Tao Court. He was exceptionally epted into the Tao Court, and from then on, you and your son parted ways.]


    Supreme Treasure Body?


    Isn''t that the Treasure Body once possessed by the Divine Exotic Ghost King, Impermanence Tian?


    Gu An was even more hopeful for this cycle of Reincarnation Evolution.


    This lifetime, will he rise against the heavens through his son?


    What followed in the cycle of reincarnation was all about cultivation, waiting until a hundred yearster.


    [At one hundred seventy-two, you sessfully broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm. You had just shared the news with your wife, Yuan Ling''er when suddenly you received the terrible news that your son Lu Qiuxian had fallen, his essence blood consumed by another. Upon hearing this, your wife Yuan Ling''er fainted on the spot.]


    [At one hundred seventy-three, you finally uncovered the truth behind Lu Qiuxian''s death. He died at the hands of the Crown Prince of the strongest Divine Dynasty of the era, who was also a Direct Disciple of the Tao Court and had already stepped into the Immortal Path Realm. The gap between your statuses was vast. Lu Qiuxian''s master sighed and hoped you could let go of this matter.]


    [At one hundred seventy-four, your wife Yuan Ling''er died of sorrow. After burying her, you left the Outer Sect of the Tao Court.]


    [At one hundred seventy-six, you couldn''t abide the injustice you witnessed, saving a group of mortals. Before you left, an old man stopped you, dering that your Qi Fortune was extraordinary and that there was a turn of fate in store for you. He offered to cast a divination for you, to help you find this turning point. Do you ept his divination for you?]


    Yes!


    Let alone Lu Han, even just observing made Gu An feel desperate. With such poor aptitude and cultivation techniques, when would Lu Han ever seek revenge?


    [You epted the old man''s divination. During the process, his Qi-Blood ran amok, and he spat out reverse-flowing blood. Before copsing, he told you that your turn of fatey within Burial Immortal Ridge. After you confirmed that the old man was unharmed, you headed for Burial Immortal Ridge.]


    [At one hundred eighty-five, you finally reached Burial Immortal Ridge. You learned it was a death zone for mortals; even creatures of the Immortal Path struggled to survive there. Yet you resolutely entered Burial Immortal Ridge.]


    ...


    What followed were various perilous encounters. Gu An was on edge, fearing that Lu Han might suddenly die young.


    [At one hundred ny-two, you stumbled upon an abandoned cave and unexpectedly discovered a stele inscribed with bizarre andplex characters. As you wandered about, you identally triggered a mechanism. In a panic, your blood sshed onto the stele as you collided with it, and soon after, a mysterious force drew you inside the stele.]


    [You arrived within the Miniature World of the Qiankun Saint Emperor and met the remnant soul of the Qiankun Saint Emperor. After some negotiation, you ultimately became a disciple of the Qiankun Saint Emperor.]


    [At two hundred, under the guidance of the Qiankun Saint Emperor, you cultivated the Supreme Treasure Body. Your physical body was reborn, and you regained the appearance of a twenty-year-old with no scars on your face. Only your hair turned white.]


    [At two hundred ten, you broke through the Divinity Transformation Realm.]


    Things are looking up!


    Qiankun Saint Emperor?


    Just by the sound of it, he must be powerful!


    Gu An was also excited, for he would feel Lu Han''s experiences as the memories of the cycle of reincarnation flowed into his mind. Naturally, he hoped the memories would not be so filled with hardship.


    What came next were constant breakthroughs, practicing spells and Divine Skills.


    At two hundred fifty, you broke through the Void Crossing Realm!


    Find adventures at empire


    At three hundred seventeen, you broke through the Unification Realm!


    At four hundred thirty, you broke through the Mystic Heart Realm!


    [At four hundred thirty-one, the Qiankun Saint Emperor called you forth, saying his remnant soul had little time left. He wanted to help his Supreme Treasure Body step into the Supreme Dao Body before his soul dissipated, but it required enduring unimaginable pain. Do you ept?]


    ept!


    Gu An made his choice without hesitation.


    [You epted the help of the Qiankun Saint Emperor. After several months of tempering, you sessfully cultivated the Supreme Dao Body, causing a phenomenon that rmed the Tao Rules of Great Heaven and Earth. You gained the Divine Aspect of the Supreme Immortal.]


    [At four hundred forty, you left the Miniature World of the Qiankun Saint Emperor and returned to the Mortal World. Upon reaching Burial Immortal Ridge, you were attacked by a Mahayana Realm cultivator with an Ancient Treasure Body. You slew the assant, breaching the realm gap, and inadvertently consumed their essence blood, further strengthening your physique.]


    Over the next fifty years, Lu Han left Burial Immortal Ridge, seeking out cultivators with Ancient Treasure Bodies. Some were sessful hunts, some were not, but in any case, he always managed to escape.


    Gu An saw traces of Impermanence Tian in him, perhaps this was the destiny of the Supreme Treasure Body.


    Until the age of six hundred, Lu Han, under attack from several Nirvana Realm Great Cultivators, forcefully underwent Tribtion Crossing. He used the Heavenly Tribtion to obliterate his foes and stepped into the Immortal Path Realm.


    After that, Lu Han entered the path of the unbeatable.


    At seven hundred twenty, he found the Divine Dynasty''s Crown Prince, executed him, and consumed his essence blood. His Cultivation Level skyrocketed. Concurrently, the Emperor of the Divine Dynasty, enraged, issued a kill order against him.


    Lu Han fled while killing his enemies. Gu An had few chances to choose, mostly deciding whether to save or kill.


    After numerous prompts,


    Lu Han finally reached the age of ten thousand. His Cultivation Level reached the Wandering Immortal realm, making him the number one prodigy of the era. However, he was attacked by the Carefree Primordial Immortal and was in critical condition. Fortunately, a Great Power from the Tao Court intervened, and he returned to the Tao Court.


    The twopanions who had apanied him through time had long since turned to dust. Revisiting the old ces, he entered a state of Path Enlightenment, perceiving the power of time.


    The Master of the Tao Court wished to take Lu Han as his disciple. Lu Han hesitated, and Gu An helped him choose to ept.


    From then on, Lu Han became the top disciple of the Tao Court, sweeping through his peers and standing out amongst his fellow Heaven''s prodigies. Gu An helped him reject numerous proposals from daughters of heaven. Outside the Tao Court, Lu Han vanquished demons and evildoers, rescued those in pain and suffering, and established a holy name.


    At the age of twenty thousand, Lu Han stepped into the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, bing the youngest Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal in the history of the Tao Court.


    At fifty thousand, Lu Han once again broke the records of the Tao Court by bing the youngest Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    At sixty thousand, Lu Han ventured alone into the Divine Dynasty, executed the Emperor of the Divine Dynasty in front of all the powerhouses, and in the Emperor''s Treasure Body''s bone pce, he found the remains of his son, Lu Qiuxian.


    Gu An was immersed in Lu Han''s legendary life, with Lu Han living more and more splendidly. Compared to the domineering ways of Long Zhan, he was reckless and unfettered, yet he didn''t lose his sense of righteousness.


    At one hundred thousand, Lu Han consumed the essence blood of thousands of Treasure Bodies and cultivated the awe-inspiring Supreme Saint Body.


    At two hundred thousand, Lu Han swept across the Great Heaven and Earth, bing a living myth.


    At two hundred fifty thousand, Lu Han encountered the Taoist Tide in the cosmos. Amidst the waves of the Tao, he perceived the True Meaning of Dao and shaped the Primordial Karmic Body!


    At three hundred thousand, Lu Han reached the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm, traversed the cosmos, and returned to Earth, only to find it already deste. He cut ties with his past, and his Taoist Heart underwent transformation.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [At four hundred thirty thousand, you broke through your own shackles and reached the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm, astonishing the universe. You retrieved your Life Grid. Do you unlock the Life Stealing Ability?]


    Considering Long Zhan''s precedent, Gu An hesitated for a moment and chose not to.


    Don''t unlock!


    It seems Lu Han doesn''t need the Life Stealing Ability!


    Since he didn''t unlock the Life Stealing Ability, Lu Han didn''t undergo a drastic change in personality.


    He was domineering against his enemies, but he also aided the suffering worlds, continually spreading his holy name throughout variousnds.


    At five hundred thousand, Lu Han met the Saint Ancestor of the Ninth Level of Immortal Path, who appreciated him. The Saint Ancestor imparted a Taoist title to him, naming him the Primordial Divine Emperor.


    Until Lu Han reached the Ninth Level of the Immortal Path, Gu An faced another choice.


    [At eight hundred thirty thousand, you stepped into the Ninth Level of the Immortal Path. After the breakthrough, you immersed yourself in Path Enlightenment. You unexpectedly sensed the existence of the River of Destiny. You hesitated. Do you choose to step into the River of Destiny?]


    Gu An also hesitated.


    The River of Destiny sounds extraordinary, and stepping into it could allow for the understanding of the Dao of Destiny.


    To Gu An, Lu Han''s Divine Skills and cultivation techniques weren''t very important. Comprehending the Tao Rules mattered more.


    But the unknown represented danger.


    Even Long Zhan, surpassing the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path, had not encountered the River of Destiny.


    After much hesitation, Gu An chose yes.


    [You chose to step into the River of Destiny. After entering the river, you entered a state of Path Enlightenment.]


    [Youprehended the Dao of Destiny. With your own creation, you revived your son Lu Qiuxian, aiding him in cultivating the Primordial Karmic Body.]


    [You wished to revive your wife, but Yuan Ling''er, with her low Dao Level, had already reincarnated.]


    [You were attacked by the ck Profound Emperor. In the face of danger, you sent your son Lu Qiuxian to the end of the River of Destiny.]


    [You died by the hands of the ck Profound Emperor.]


    [Reincarnation ends.]


    Dammit!


    It''s the ck Profound Emperor again!


    Angered, Gu An took a step and arrived at an ind overseas, then opened the Life Span Barrier.


    He sat cross-legged on the ground, vast memories subsequently flooding his mind.


    Textual description and real feelings are two entirely different matters.


    After closing his eyes, it didn''t take long for Gu An to frown.


    A momentter, Gu An''s frown rxed, and a smile spread across his face as he experienced the beautiful process of a family depending on one another.


    Time passed rapidly.


    An Ancient Hourter.


    Gu An returned to the Juhua Sect, sitting at a table with cold tea.


    He ced a hand on the table and closed his eyes again, carefully feeling Lu Han''s life experience.


    Facing the ck Profound Emperor was like making the wrong bet, but stepping into the River of Destiny was not. He gained a profound understanding of the Dao of Destiny, and he also shared the feelings of Lu Han when he sent his son away.


    Lu Han lived for more than eight hundred thousand years and experienced everything. Before his death, he was able to revive his son, dying without regrets.


    In the final battle, Lu Han still demonstrated his strength, leaving an indelible wound on the ck Profound Emperor, with the injury marknding above the emperor''s left brow.


    Between the memories of two lives, Gu An couldn''t determine whether the ck Profound Emperor faced by Long Zhan was stronger or the one faced by Lu Han was.


    Both were far inferior to the ck Profound Emperor in strength. Lu Han managed to injure the ck Profound Emperor primarily because of his special Divine Skills. But right after injuring the emperor, he was instantly killed.


    For now, Gu An set aside his anger towards the ck Profound Emperor, immersing himself in the understanding of the Dao of Destiny.


    As day turned to night and the moon rose,


    he sat there, unmoving.


    Three dayster, a figure pushed open the door, bringing a wave of fragrance that altered Gu An''s gaze.


    "Why are you here?" Jiang Qiong asked with joy, swiftly taking a seat at the table. As she looked at Gu An, the happiness on her face couldn''t be concealed.


    Gu An looked at her, his eyes regaining their rity, yet that one nce made her heart involuntarily tremble.


    Somehow, Jiang Qiong felt he was in low spirits, and her smile vanished ordingly.

 Chapter 338 Destruction Dao Seal

    "What''s wrong with you?" Jiang Qiong asked with a furrowed brow, her expression growing colder as she continued, "Is someone giving you a hard time?"


    Hearing this, Gu An revealed a smile and said, "It''s nothing, I was just thinking about the story of a book."


    "Really?" asked Jiang Qiong, looking doubtful.


    "Truly," Gu Anughed. "Actually, I was thinking of leaving before you finished your seclusion. That way, you might feel guilty for missing me. But you came so quickly, it caught me a little off guard."


    After all, he was a Divine Thought True Immortal. Even though Lu Han''s memories were heavy and vast, he could quickly detach from them.


    To him, Lu Han was just a past life.


    Lu Han was him, but he was Gu An!


    With Gu An''s words, the worry in Jiang Qiong''s heart dissipated. She rolled her eyes at him and said in an irritated tone, "You sure have quite the imagination. I wouldn''t feel the slightest bit guilty."


    "Is that so? It seems I''ve overestimated our rtionship."


    "Hmph, but I''m still quite happy that you came looking for me. It''s rare to see you leave the Supreme Sect."


    "It''s just that I suddenly thought of you. Every time, it''s you whoes to find me. It''s about time I came to you, especially since the Supreme Sect and the Juhua Sect have established a good rtionship."


    The two chatted away. As Gu An spoke, he observed Jiang Qiong''s fate, peering into her destiny.


    Without undergoing nirvana, all mortals are just spirits. Gu An could see the end of Jiang Qiong''s life with one nce.


    Jiang Qiong''s fate was remarkably intricate, with innumerable variations¡ªessentially a multitude of possible trajectories.


    Within her destiny, Gu An could not see himself, but he knew the reason there were so many branches in Jiang Qiong''s future was because of him; his choices could change her destiny. However, all branches of destiny flowed toward the same conclusion¡ªdeath.


    Some led to peaceful passing, others to death in battle, and some to deviation during cultivation, resembling a tree of fate spreading its branches.


    Fate seemed so cruel!


    Having fused with Lu Han''s life experiences, Gu An had a deeper insight into the workings of fate, understanding the mysterious forces that could, at any moment, disperse predestined paths.


    Gu An conjectured that these were perhaps the slivers of opportunity left by the Three Thousand Great Dao, the slim chance for sentient beings to transcend mortal limits.


    As long as Jiang Qiong could achieve nirvana, her destiny would be toppled and reshaped.


    Gu An thought of his own fate¡ªwhat was it like?


    Being part of it, he could not peer into his own destiny. Fate was the confluence of all causality in life. Although those who could peer into fate could not see their own destinies, they could deduce the causality rted to themselves and make predictions.


    If Gu An could observe Jiang Qiong''s fate, then surely more powerful beings could perceive the destiny of a Divine Thought True Immortal. Fate was not set in stone; the massescked the power to change their choices, merely swept along by the grandeur of the mortal world.


    Beings above the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path could certainly see the great currents enveloping the Divine Thought True Immortal. How, then, could one transcend fate? Discover stories at empire


    During his conversation with Jiang Qiong, Gu An continued to ponder this question.


    Two ancient hourster.


    Gu An stood up to take his leave.


    "Can''t you stay a couple more days?" Jiang Qiong asked, trying to persuade him to stay.


    "I''ve been out for four days already; it''s time to go back. There are several Medicine Valleys waiting for my management," Gu An replied.


    Jiang Qiong red at him. "What''s the point of having so many disciples? By that reasoning, as the leader of a sect, shouldn''t I be even busier?"


    "We''re different," Gu An said, shaking his head. "Besides, now that I''vee once, it will definitely be more convenient in the future. We are both cultivators; there will be plenty of opportunities to meet."


    Jiang Qiong huffed, unable to persuade him, and could only send him off.


    She escorted Gu An all the way to the gate of the Juhua Sect. After he flew away, she remained standing there, gazing in the direction he departed.


    The Juhua Sect disciples guarding the gate curiously wondered about the rtionship between that man and their sect leader, who had personally seen him off.


    On the way back, Gu An was targeted by some people, which Jiang Qiong secretly took care of from the shadows.


    Because of Jiang Qiong''s follow-up, Gu An''s speed back to the valley slowed down.


    Once Jiang Qiong was no longer following him, he was still ten thousand miles away from the Supreme Sect when he stepped into it.


    Next, he nned to spend timeprehending the Way of Fate.


    ...


    As time trickled by, twenty years passed in the blink of an eye.


    For Gu An, those twenty years flew by quickly. Aside from gathering medicinal herbs, he spent most of his time confined in his room.


    Many new disciplespleted their Foundation Establishment without ever having the chance to interact with him. An Xin became the leading disciple of the Third Medicine Valley, with the power to distribute Foundation Establishment Pills. She had twenty deacons under hermand, and the Medicine Valley was managed in an orderly fashion.


    This year, at the beginning of summer.


    Gu An stepped out of his door and strolled downstairs. He looked up at the azure sky and felt an immense sense of freedom and joy, a contented smile spreading across his face.


    His meditation on the Way of Fate could be put on hold for now; he nned to rx for a few years.


    In these twenty years, he had mastered Lu Han''s strongest Divine Skill, named the Destruction Dao Seal!


    The Destruction Dao Seal was gained from Lu Han''sprehension of the River of Fate. This Divine Skill could strip away an enemy''s causality, causing them to be repelled by the Rules of Heaven and Earth and leaving indelible scars; this damage would be an eternal w in his opponent.


    Lu Han had used this Divine Skill to injure the ck Profound Emperor.


    If Gu An encountered the ck Profound Emperor in the future, he would be able to identify him through the scars left by the Destruction Dao Seal. No matter which Divine Skills the opponent used, they could not hide the wounds caused by the Destruction Dao Seal.


    Of course, without knowing the full strength of the ck Profound Emperor, Gu An would try to avoid using the abilities of Lu Han, Xiao Shengtian, and Chu Lu.


    Being in thrice by the ck Profound Emperor was no coincidence; surely the emperor was seeking him.


    As Gu An pondered the ck Profound Emperor, Ji Xiaoyu approached him, examining him closely, "You seem to have changed somehow, but I can''t quite put my finger on it."


    Gu An nced at her, and said with a softugh, "Perhaps I''ve be more handsome."


    Ji Xiaoyu appeared thoughtful.


    Gu An could sense the aura of fate on her. Her Cultivation Technique had clearly delved into the Way of Fate. Perhaps it was for this reason that she was able to sense the change in Gu An.


    Fortunately, the disparity in their cultivations was so great that Ji Xiaoyu could never discern Gu An''s true Cultivation Level.


    After chatting for a while, Gu An found An Xin and left the Supreme Sect with her.


    After confirming no one was tailing them, he took An Xin towards Mortal World Peak.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An Xin closed her eyes, and when she opened them next, they had arrived at Mortal World Peak.


    So fast!


    An Xin now felt what Yang Jian had once experienced.


    The higher her cultivation, the more she marveled at her master''s strength.


    "Master, what Divine Skill is that? It''s so fast," An Xin couldn''t help but ask.


    As Gu An led her across the clouds, looking ahead, he replied, "You guessed right; it''s the Stepping Path of Ages Step that you''ve been practicing."


    An Xin''s eyes widened in surprise.


    No wonder that Step Technique was so difficult to master. When perfected, could it traverse the Mortal World?


    An Xin developed an unprecedented expectation for the Stepping Path of Ages Step.


    Soon, the master and disciple arrived at Dingtian Peak.


    Gu An first went to gather medicinal herbs, greeting disciples along the way. News of his return spread rapidly across Dingtian Peak.


    With Gu An''s joining, Mortal World Peak grew more tolerant towards Dingtian Peak. The Direct Disciples managed to secure greater benefits for Dingtian Peak, benefiting the entire peak. All the disciples privately mythologized Gu An, knowing their Peak Master''s exceptional strength.


    Strolling along, Gu An nonchntly picked herbs, appearing to deliberately enter the lives of his disciples. Everyone he spoke to along the way was more excited.


    asionally, Gu An would even help the disciples gather medicinal herbs, picking but not taking, leaving those disciples feeling honored and shocked.


    Gradually, Gu An heard some news.


    The Immortal Dynasty was about to emerge!


    On Mortal World Peak, one could learn about various major events in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. Gu An also heard about the longstanding feud between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court.


    The two forces had been warring for many years until Shengtian ascended the throne, and the Mortal World basked in peace atst.


    Shengtian was certainly the strongest in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, but no one knew how powerful he truly was.


    The emergence of the Immortal Dynasty would inevitably provoke oppression from the Holy Court. Once friction sparked between the two, the tranquil days in Mortal World would end.


    Despite experiencing several cmities, the Broken Sea Domain''s influence was too small to affect the whole world. Broadly speaking, the Great Heavenly Spirit Land had maintained peace for hundreds of thousands of years.


    An Xin was also very interested in these events. It was her first time hearing about the Immortal Dynasty, and she didn''t realize that the Mortal World harbored a force capable of contending with the Holy Court.


    After a while.


    Gu An took An Xin to a courtyard on the mountain''s peak. An Xin began cultivating, and Gu An wrote in the yard to rx.


    His main purpose foring today was to take a breather.


    A momentter, he suddenly felt something and looked up.


    His gaze pierced through the sky and shot out into the depths of the universe.


    He sensed a strange auraing from the Silent Destruction Domain.


    This sensation was distinctly ufortable.


    Before long, he saw a redwood coffin flying out from the darkness; it was a deep red coffin that seemed to have blood sma sticking to it, surrounded by wisps of ck vapor visible to the naked eye.


    There was something inside the coffin!


    Could it be another entity targeting the Heavenly Demon Fetus?


    Gu An thought to himself, with no intention of intervening. The presence and absence of concealment of the deep red coffin must have alerted the Holy Court.


    Indeed, Gu An saw many figures flying out from the Holy Land where the Holy Court was based, the weakest among them being Carefree Primordial Immortals!


    What a powerful foundation!


    Gu An was again shocked by the strength of the Holy Court. This was just the first-response team they''d sent out, and it was hard to imagine the terrifying power the Holy Court could unleash if they went all out.


    However, Gu An saw a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma confront the deep red coffin, resisting with his immense mana. He disyed an expression of agony as his flesh rapidly dissolved into blood, spilling onto the coffin and quickly congealing.


    His Immortal Soul of Wondrous Dharma, however, managed to escape by a hair''s breadth.


    Such frightening power!


    Gu An couldn''t see how the deep red coffin had devoured the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma; it was a force he had never seen before.


    One could surmise that the entity within the deep red coffin was not a Heavenly Demon, or at least not one he had encountered before.


    The deep red coffin approached the Great Heavenly Spirit Land swiftly and irresistibly.


    It seemed as though the cultivators flying out from the Holy Court had received orders¡ªthey all stopped and even made way.


    What did this mean?


    Gu An frowned slightly.


    Could it be that the deep red coffin was rted to the Holy Court?


    While pondering, Gu An lowered his head and continued to write.


    "Let the tall ones handle it when the sky falls," as the saying goes. Since the Holy Court was also part of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, he was curious to see what would happen next.

 Chapter 339 The Dark Emperor from the Battle Court

    As evening approached, Gu An stood up and stretchednguidly, his gaze turning towards Outer Heaven. Explore more at empire


    The dark red coffin had already reached Outer Heaven and was about to crash into Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    An Xin walked over and asked, "Are we going back?"


    Gu An nodded slightly, and An Xin immediately went to pack their things.


    She had bought some trinkets on Dingtian Peak, nning to bring them back to Third Medicine Valley. As long as it didn''t reveal her rtionship with Gu An on Mortal World Peak, he would not stop her.


    An Xin was quick with her tasks, and after she was done, she hurried back to where Gu An was standing, seeing her master looking up, she instinctively looked up as well.


    She saw a shooting star streak across the night sky, falling toward the distantnd.


    "What is that¡­" An Xin muttered.


    Gu An didn''t answer her; he watched the meteor disappear into the distance and then, with a wave of his sleeve, disappeared into the air with her.


    After returning to Third Medicine Valley, the master and disciple each returned to their own rooms.


    Gu An sat in his chair, seemingly admiring the night scene outside the window, but in reality, his Divine Thought was directed towards the dark red coffin far away.


    The coffinnded on a continent ten timesrger than the Taicang Continent, bringing an apocalyptic disaster to all the living beings there.


    In an extremely short amount of time, that continent turned into a sea of fire, ny percent of the life wiped out, with the rest fleeing into the ocean.


    The impact force from the dark red coffin hitting the ground was still expanding, affecting even more oceans andnd.


    It was far from the Taicang Continent, but even farther from Mortal World Peak, eliminating the possibility that it was targeting the Demon Fetus.


    Afternding, the dark red coffin stuck at the bottom of a giant pit, motionless, with no sign of the lid opening.


    Night passed and day rose.


    Before descending the stairs, Gu An saw that the dark red coffin still hadn''t opened, so he stopped thinking about it and went downstairs to follow his disciples in their morning exercise.


    The morning exercise was a tradition of Third Medicine Valley, and asionally Great Cultivators who came to y chess would join in.


    The discipline during the exercise wasn''t strict; disciples could interact with each other, creating a harmonious atmosphere.


    After the morning exercise, You Yingying approached Shen Xinzi hesitantly.


    Shen Xinzi was sitting under a tree, with a copy of Journey to the West in his hands.


    "Have you been feeling inexplicably anxious sincest night, feeling very unsettled?" Shen Xinzi asked calmly without looking up at her.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    You Yingying nodded hastily and said, "I''ve never felt like this before, I won''t have to... If I have to be that, you can kill me in advance."


    Shen Xinzi looked up at her in surprise.


    You Yingying thought he was questioning her and exined in a low voice, "The Heavenly Demon should not be so easy to perish, my suicide definitely wouldn''t work, you are an enlightened monk, you know how to eliminate demons, I don''t want to hurt others."


    Shen Xinzi looked deeply at her and said, "Don''t worry, in this lifetime, it is very hard for you to turn into a Heavenly Demon. The reason you''re feeling this is probably because the natural enemy of the Heavenly Demons has arrived."


    He had also sensed themotion from the night before. His Cultivation Realm was high, and his unease far surpassed You Yingying''s, which was why he picked up Journey to the West, to try and distract himself.


    "Really? What is the natural enemy of the Heavenly Demons? What should I do?" You Yingying asked eagerly.


    Shen Xinzi lowered his head and said, "Do nothing, continue with your cultivation practice, and get used to it."


    You Yingying was stunned and could only walk away full of thoughts.


    On the other hand, Gu An who was patrolling Medicine Valley on Blood Prison Great Saint heard the conversation between You Yingying and Shen Xinzi.


    The natural enemy of Heavenly Demons?


    Gu An took off Qingtian Peak from his waist, then lifted it up, and sent his Divine Thought into it.


    Immediately after, he arrived inside an old temple.


    He was about to speak when a man in ck appeared and asked, "Have you made up your mind?"


    Gu An shook his head, changing the subject to ask, "Do your Heavenly Demons have a natural enemy?"


    The man in ck frowned upon hearing this and asked warily, "What do you mean? Since when do Heavenly Demons have a natural enemy?"


    Gu An then waved his sleeve, and an illusion appeared between them. The man in ck''s expression dramatically changed when he saw the dark red coffin.


    Seeing his reaction, Gu An was not in a hurry, he waited for him to speak.


    The man in ck''s hands clenched into fists inside his sleeves. Taking a deep breath, he said through gritted teeth, "He ising for the Great Emperor, but his arrival will also bring disaster to Great Heaven and Earth; the fact that he can enter indicates that Holy Court also ns to use him to eradicate the Heavenly Demons within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land."


    "Who is he?" Gu An asked.


    "His name is the Dark War Emperor, no one knows his origins, he once wreaked havoc in the Silent Destruction Domain, I only know hees from the ancient Battle Court," the man in ck answered.


    Battle Court?


    The forces established by Long Zhan?


    Gu An kept hisposure and further inquired, "What is the origin of the Battle Court?"


    The man in ck looked at him before saying, "The Battle Court is a legend of the Silent Destruction Domain, legend has it that there once was a force that ruled the Great Thousand World, standing at the peak of the Immortal Path. Whether it was destroyed or left is unknown; that''s all I know."


    "What is the Dao Level of the Dark War Emperor?"


    "I don''t know, but definitely very high," the man in ck responded, shaking his head at the thought of the Dark War Emperor, making his scalp tingle.


    All of a sudden, Gu An said, "It seems now that I don''t need to leave. I''ll just wait for the Dark War Emperor to eliminate the Heavenly Demons, and the Holy Court will naturally ask him to leave, right?"


    Upon hearing this, the man in ck became panicked and said, "The Dark War Emperor is unpredictable, extremely violent, and will surely bring cmity to Mortal World Peak. If he devours the Great Emperor''s Demon Fetus, he might even start a war with the Holy Court. You won''t be able to avoid trouble either!"


    Hearing this, Gu An wasn''t rmed, just stared at him steadily.


    The man in ck gritted his teeth, suddenly knelt down, and said solemnly, "Please, elder, help the Great Emperor. As long as you can help with the birthing of the Great Emperor, our tribe will owe you a favor. Afterward, I will convey this matter back to my tribe, and you will gain our friendship. In the future, walking in the Silent Destruction Domain will also mean having an ally!"


    "You''re joking, what if he decides to attack me?" Gu An said coldly.


    The man in ck looked up and exined, "Don''t worry, he has forgotten his past life memories, he is undergoing his own Reincarnation stage, which is when he is the weakest. Once he is born, he will be a new being. You can even take him as a Disciple, and when he achieves the Dao in the future, he will definitely not forget your kindness!"


    After listening, Gu An fell into hesitation.


    "If you don''t do this, once the Dark War Emperor emerges, he will surelye after you. The moment the Great Emperor is born, he will undergo Reincarnation Baptism, hiding the causality of the Heavenly Demon, making it impossible for the Dark War Emperor to find him," the man in ck urged urgently.


    As if the Dark War Emperor mighte to kill at any second.


    Gu An hesitated for a moment, then asked, "How can I assist him?"


    The man in ck was ted and immediately imparted a Miracle Technique.


    Gu An listened intently, memorizing it in one go.


    The man in ck urged, "Act quickly, if the Dark War Emperor finds him, he can obstruct the Great Emperor''s path to achieving the Dao. We must not let him seed!"

 Chapter 340 Projecting Into the Past, the Birth of Long Qing

    Gu An ced Qingtian Peak down and hung it back on his belt. He didn''t fully believe what the man in ck had said, but he could judge that the miracle technique the man had imparted to him was free of hidden dangers.


    Taking advantage of the Blood Prison Great Saint carrying him on a patrol around Medicine Valley, he began to weigh the pros and cons.


    Upon careful consideration, he felt it was worth a try.


    The Dark Battle Emperor had just arrived and ughtered the beings of one area; his cruelty and ferocity had to be guarded against.


    Even if he was rted to the Holy Land, he couldn''t be trusted.


    He would first see how the Demon Fetus would react once born. If worse came to worst, he would simply destroy it¡ªeven if it meant offending the Heavenly Demon!


    Gu An made his decision. He did not set out right away; the Dark Battle Emperor had not yet emerged from his coffin, and Gu An could sense that the presence within the coffin was growing stronger. He estimated that it wouldn''t emerge for a little while.


    An hourter, Gu An arrived at a cave at the foot of Dingtian Peak, undetected by gods or ghosts alike.


    He stood in front of the Stone Pir, extending his Divine Thought into it, and saw that the Demon Fetus was still curled up, unchanged since decades ago.


    Gu An immediately activated the Life Span Barrier, enveloping the entire cave, and then applied the miracle technique taught by the man in ck to the Demon Fetus.


    More and more ck Qi began to emerge from the surface of the Stone Pir, and the heartbeat of the Demon Fetus within grew strong and powerful.


    Time passed, second by second.


    The birth of the Demon Fetus would not absorb nature''s spiritual energy, which meant that the consumption of the Life Span Barrier wasn''t rapid, providing Gu An with a bit of relief.


    Half an hourter, Gu An moved the Demon Fetus out; it had shrunk to the size of an ordinary baby, still surrounded by Demonic Qi, but its form could not bepletely concealed.


    Gu An performed a Life Span Detection on it.


    [Long Qing (Energy Cultivation Realm Nine Layers): 0/1000/9999]


    Huh?


    Why does it have the surname Long?


    With the Dark Battle Emperor, who inherited the Battle Court''s lineage, having just appeared, and now one with the surname Long, Gu An couldn''t help but wonder.


    He stared intently at the still-unconscious Long Qing, probing the cause and effect within him.


    The cause and effect of Long Qing wereplex, but Gu An had inherited all memories of Long Zhan, who had also delved into the Way of Cause and Effect.


    After a long while, Gu An felt that Long Qing''s soul had a deep connection with the soul of Long Xin, the son of Long Zhan, which meant it was very likely that Long Qing was a descendant of Long Xin.


    Long Zhan was born into the Long family, but the name Battle Court was chosen by Long Zhan himself; the ancestors of the Long family had not established the Battle Court. This confirmed that Long Qing was definitely a descendant of Long Zhan, who lived in the past, not the future.


    Reincarnation Evolution could indeed project into the past!


    Was this predestined to happen, or did his decision change the past?


    Before his Reincarnation Evolution, the Demon Fetus was already hidden within Dingtian Peak.


    But it was only after his Reincarnation Evolution ended that he discovered the Demon Fetus, unclear if its identity had changed.


    Gu An considered this a problem worth contemting.


    Long Qing continued to absorb the innate Demonic Qi, rapidly reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    This kid couldn''t possibly have been born with a cultivation level of the Immortal Path like the Immortal Spirits of the Immortal Dynasty, could he?


    Gu An guessed to himself, and in the time that followed, Long Qing''s cultivation level quickly intensified, relying solely on the surrounding innate Demonic Qi and not consuming any spiritual energy.


    Time sped away.


    Three ancient hourster.


    Long Qing''s cultivation level surpassed the Mahayana Realm, reaching the firstyer of Nirvana Realm, with his maximum lifespan metamorphosing to nine hundred ny-nine thousand nine hundred ny-nine years.


    Gu An felt that if he were toe into the world, he would be sure to attract Heavenly Tribtion, and that would be troublesome.


    Once Long Qing''s increase in cultivation ceased, Gu An used the Divine Skills of Path of Returning Primordial Spirit to suppress Long Qing''s cultivation, changing his aura to that of an ordinary person. For now, using the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit, he could also suppress the opposing party''s cause and effect. Before the seal was lifted, not even the Heavenly Demon would be able to locate Long Qing.


    The Demonic Qi surrounding Long Qingpletely dissipated, vanishing in an unfathomable manner.


    Long Qing slowly opened his eyes. They were big and sparkling, and his small hands remained clenched into fists. Upon seeing Gu An, he broke into a smile, his little mouth opened, and he let out a giggling sound.


    For some reason, seeing the newly born Long Qing made Gu An suddenly think of Long Xin''s appearance when he was born; they were exactly alike.


    A smile appeared on Gu An''s face as he began to y with Long Qing.


    During this process, Gu An once again experienced the feeling Long Zhan had when he faced his son for the first time.


    But¡­


    The descendants of the Battle Court and the Long family arriving in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land seemed a little too coincidental.


    Gu An silently stayed on guard, vowing to never reveal his true cultivation level to anyone around him, not now nor in the future. He had to keep up the act.


    In life, one must always keep something in reserve!


    Gu An performed the Stepping Path of Ages Step and stepped outside the Supreme Sect, then lifted the Life Span Barrier.


    He took robes from his Storage Bag and wrapped the little Long Qing in them.


    Sunlight poured down, causing little Long Qing to be even more excited,ughing nonstop, his small hands reaching around in a futile attempt to grab at things, for his arms were too short to reach anything.


    Luckily, the little fellow was not an ordinary baby, or else Gu An would have had to consider feeding him milk.


    Gu An, cradling him, walked to a nearby tree and sat down, continuing to amuse him.


    Bringing a child back all of a sudden was bound to attract attention, so Gu An decided to wait until evening to return, so he could fabricate a reason.


    The woods were filled with the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers, and Gu An listened to little Long Qing''sughter as his thoughts drifted away.


    Visions from his Reincarnation Evolution surfaced before his eyes.


    It was in the great hall of the Battle Court, with Long Zhan standing with his back to Long Xin atop the hall. Long Xin questioned him about why he had be so ruthless, but Long Zhan did not answer.


    "Father Emperor, I preferred you back when you took me hunting in the mountains. Though you were not invincible, you were more like a father."


    Long Xin left after uttering those words, and from that point on, father and son never saw each other again, until Long Zhan''s downfall.


    Deep in thought, Gu An couldn''t help but be moved.


    He would take it as a lesson not to obsessively seek power. His current state was just fine, constantly increasing his strength while maintaining good rtionships with those around him.


    Gu An looked up at the sky beyond the woods.


    From here, the sky seemed truly high.


    ...


    At dawn.


    The disciples of the Third Medicine Valley had just finished their morning exercises, and An Xin turned her head and saw Gu An walking down from the Transmission Array tform, carrying something in his arms.


    An Xin immediately approached, and some disciples who were close to Gu An followed suit. When they saw that Gu An was holding a baby, they eximed in surprise.


    "Master, where did this childe from?"


    "Wow, so cute, can I hold him?"


    "A boy or a girl?"


    "Master, what''s his name?"


    "He''s smiling at me!"


    Faced with the disciples'' inquiries, Gu An said that the male infant was one he had found in the forest and that he was unable to find its parents, so he had no choice but to bring him back to raise. The disciples didn''t question it because their master indeed had such kindness.


    An Xin in particr thought of herself, her eyes reddening slightly, her gaze towards Long Qing growing even closer.


    However, Gu An did not let them hold him but carried Long Qing back to his own attic.


    Arriving in front of the attic, Ji Xiaoyu came out of her room to his side, curiously looking at the child in his arms.


    "He looks quite a bit like you," Ji Xiaoyu blurted out inexplicably, her eyes full of insinuation.


    Gu An replied, displeased, "You don''t think this is a child someone secretly bore for me, do you?"


    Ji Xiaoyu smiled and did not continue the conversation.


    Gu An couldn''t be bothered with her any longer and carried Long Qing upstairs.


    In the distance.


    Shen Xinzi calcted Long Qing''s fate with his fingers and found that it was consistent with what Gu An had said, so he did not take it to heart.


    Though the disciples were curious about Long Qing, they did not pay too much attention, but they noticed that, in the following days, Gu An carried Long Qing wherever he went, prompting them to wonder.


    Months passed.


    Autumn arrived.


    The deep red coffin harboring the Dark Battle Emperor had still not opened, but many cultivators had gathered on the deste continent, even setting up arge array near the coffin.


    One day, Ye Lan brought Zhen Qin to visit Gu An.


    Upon seeing a baby in Gu An''s arms, the two women were shocked, and Ye Lan breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that the baby was not Gu An''s child.


    "It''s rare to see a child with such fate, so I brought him back. I''ll ept him as a disciple from now on," Gu An said cheerfully.


    Zhen Qin held Long Qing, finding the little one adorable, and asked, "Master, have you named him?"


    Gu An replied, "Yes, his name is Long Qing. There was a clear stream beside him when I found him, and his eyes are clear like it, hence the name Qing."


    "And the surname Long?" Zhen Qin inquired further.


    Gu An smiled and said, "Take a look at his back."


    Zhen Qin instinctively opened the swaddling clothes around Long Qing, seeing mysterious ck patterns on his back that, at a nce, resembled a ck dragon.


    "It seems this little fellow''s background is not simple," Zhen Qin remarked with amazement.


    Ye Lan also saw it andpletely rxed, smiling as she took Long Qing in her arms.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "This matter should not be spread. Since he has been abandoned, let him stay away from strife and live peacefully in Medicine Valley. The mark on his back can be considered my doing," Gu An instructed.


    The two women nodded, agreeing and praising him for his thorough consideration.


    After staying in the Third Medicine Valley for three days, the women left. Their sub-sect was busy with tasks that required them to be away, and they would not meet again for several years.


    By the age of half a year, Long Qing could walk; by one year, he began to babble. Dressed in fine clothes, he became the joy of Medicine Valley.


    A year had passed since the deep red coffin arrived in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, and there was still no movement, but its presence had be widely known. The various sectsbeled it an evil object from Outer Heaven, and even the Mortal World Peak was abuzz with discussions.


    This year, during the summer.


    Gu An sat in the attic and picked up Qingtian Peak, extending his Divine Thought into it to enter the ruined temple.


    As soon as he entered the temple, the man in ck appeared, anxiously asking, "Why did you onlye now? Where''s the Emperor?"


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "It failed. I was just about to use the miracle technique you taught me when he escaped. I couldn''t catch up, and now I have no idea where he''s gone."


    The man in ck''s face changed dramatically, his body trembling uncontrobly.


    "The good news is that the Dark Battle Emperor hasn''t emerged from his coffin, it''s been a year, why no movement?" Gu An asked with a frown.


    Hearing this, the man in ck''s face rxed slightly. After pondering, he said, "He might be preparing for something. Ancestor, could you release me? I must go in search of the Emperor!"


    Gu An shook his head. "Sorry, I can''t fully trust you. I''ll release you after ten thousand years, once we get through this cmity."


    Ten thousand years?


    The man in ck nearly burst into curses, but thinking of the profound and inscrutable Dao Level of the other party, he could only suppress his emotions.


    What good was the whereabouts of the Emperor if his own life was at stake?

 Chapter 341 Reincarnation Tribulation

    The man in ck ultimately chose topromise, for he believed that Gu An should be trustworthy. After all, he waspletely powerless to resist, and there was no point in Gu An deceiving him.


    After dealing with the man in ck, Gu An set down Qingtian Peak.


    He lifted his gaze and saw through the walls that one-year-old Long Qing was chasing after the White Spirit Rat, which slowed down for fear that the child couldn''t keep up.


    It was rare to see the White Spirit Rat so gentle, which brought a smile to Gu An''s face.


    No longer contemting what the Reincarnation Evolution truly entailed, Gu An''s focus was solely on bing stronger.


    These reincarnated identities wouldn''t help him survive better. In this world, there were Holy Courts and Immortal Dynasties. Outside the world, there were realms like the Silent Destruction Domain and beings like the Annihtion God Emperor and the ck Profound Emperor watching him, not to mention countless Great Heaven and Earth. His journey was still long.


    Long Zhan had been too arrogant and was crushed to death by the Annihtion God Emperor.


    Gu An nned to quietly surpass the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path in the universe where the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was located.


    He deliberately overestimated the capabilities of the ck Profound Emperor and the Annihtion God Emperor to better confront and potentially defeat them if they became enemies in the future.


    Gu An collected himself, even eliminating the animosity towards the ck Profound Emperor and keeping the past hidden deep within his heart.


    He was Gu An¡ªGu An was the true him!


    Gu An picked up a brush, intending to write and express his emotions.


    ...


    Miles of clear skies stretched overhead, and arge gathering of cultivators crowded a barren in. They surrounded a massive pit over a hundred miles in diameter, atop whose edge they constructed towering stages, each brandishing an imposing iron tower.


    Bai Ziya stood on the edge of the massive pit, gazing at a deep red coffin from afar, a worried expression filling his eyes.


    "Have you seen it in the Silent Destruction Domain?" a voice called out, and Fu Shenxiu stepped beside Bai Ziya.


    After paying his respects, Bai Ziya turned and said, "I haven''t seen it, but its aura feels very dangerous."


    "I have seen it," Fu Shenxiu said calmly, his gaze fixed on the deep red coffin.


    Bai Ziya looked at him in surprise, only to hear him continue, "Wherever this Evil Coffin appears, Heavenly Demons retreat, leaving nothing but remains. Even the Heavenly Demons fear whatever resides within it. I''ve heard that beings surpassing the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm would turn to ash just by approaching it."


    Beyond the Carefree Primordial Immortal?


    This filled Bai Ziya with even more fear. As a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, he already regarded the Carefree Primordial Immortal as a symbol of freedom. How could beings even stronger than Carefree Primordials sumb to this Evil Coffin?


    He instinctively thought of Meng Lang and shuddered at the thought of him turning to dust upon nearing the Evil Coffin.


    As Fu Shenxiu continued his story, Bai Ziya listened intently, and they were not the only ones. Other sects had people recounting their experiences in the Silent Destruction Domain.


    Atop a grand pavilion, a man in white robes stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze quietly fixed on the deep red coffin, his eyes deep with thought.


    Suddenly, a man d in golden armor appeared beside him, bowing and whispering, "Holy King, the higher-ups have instructed you not to take action and to wait for the Dark War Emperor to awaken."


    Hearing this, the man in white robes narrowed his eyes, lost in thought and not replying.


    The man in golden armor spoke again in a low tone, "Holy King, something about this doesn''t feel right. While the Heavenly Demons bring trouble to the Mortal World from time to time, Shengtian never acted like this when he was here. Didn''t Shengtian always say that anything from Outer Heaven is an enemy? Since when do we ask enemies for help?"


    He wasn''t concerned about being overheard¡ªthe many Restrictions within the pavilion would prevent high-level eavesdropping.


    Remaining expressionless, the man in white replied, "It is now the era of the Holy Minister, and it will be for a long time. If you wish to have a foothold in the Holy Court, you must learn to feign ignorance."


    The man in golden armor appeared angry as he clenched his teeth and asked, "Where has Shengtian gone to, and why does he trust the Holy Minister so much?"


    The man in white robes spoke calmly, "Reincarnation Tribtion is a path every mighty individual must tread. Shengtian has already dyed it for far too long. What might happen if we wait any longer, nobody knows."


    "Reincarnation Tribtion? Has Shengtian reincarnated?" The man in golden armor furrowed his brows.


    Shaking his head, the man in white robes replied, "Your realm is not high enough to understand. Don''t ask too much. All you need to know is this: if the Holy Court truly faces an existential crisis, Shengtian will surely return. Until then, let the Holy Minister make a fuss. The greater the uproar, the better it might be for us. Don''t forget that the Holy God is also unsatisfied with the Holy Minister."


    The man in golden armor''s expression fluctuated before he bowed and took his leave.


    The long hair of the man in white robes fluttered gently in the breeze as he continued to watch the deep red coffin silently.


    ...


    The summer day was blisteringly hot.


    Gu An, riding on the Blood Prison Great Saint, was heading towards the Third Medicine Valley, looking into the distance.


    A Dao Void Mysterious Immortal had appeared near the deep red coffin!


    This was the first time Gu An had sensed the aura of a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    He guessed the individual was from the Holy Court.


    With so many forces converging but taking no action, Gu An didn''t know how to discern good from evil.


    Regardless, the appearance of the deep red coffin caused the deaths of all beings on a continent. In his previous life, it would have been equivalent to destroying all life on Earth. Even so, the Holy Court remained motionless.


    Perhaps to the Holy Court, the threat of the Heavenly Demon was greater, a consideration for the long term. But for the innocents involved, wasn''t it also a tragedy?


    "Master, what do you think of that kid Long Qing? He seems pretty clever to me," inquired the Blood Prison Great Saint, drawing Gu An''s thoughts back to reality.


    It wasn''t foolish to think so. Why would the master casually take in an orphan unless the child was no ordinary one? Perhaps even more exceptional than Yang Jian.


    Gu An replied, "Quite ordinary. He''ll hardly achieve anything significant in his lifetime."


    The Blood Prison Great Saint paused, thenughed, "Master, you''re kidding with me, right?"


    "You''ll see in time," Gu An said with a softugh.


    Unable to resist, the Blood Prison Great Saint asked further, "Then why did you take him in?"


    "Because I liked him. Do you think I need Yang Jian to repay me for anything?" Gu An said casually.


    It made sense to the Blood Prison Great Saint. After all, Gu An wasn''t only good to Yang Jian; all the disciples in the valley received favorable treatment from him.


    In Gu An''s own words: "Do good deeds without asking about the future."


    "That too. Leading a in life isn''t necessarily bad," agreed the Blood Prison Great Saint, though he secretly believed Long Qing would certainly make something of himself¡ªit was only a matter of time.


    As Gu An walked into the valley, he saw a group of female disciples surrounding Long Qing, passing him around happily until the atmosphere became even more cheerful.


    When someone spotted the Blood Prison Great Saint, they exchanged a few words and quickly dispersed, leaving Long Qing in the arms of one of the girls, who hurried towards An Xin, looking lost.


    "Gu An,e for a game of Go!"


    The voice of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord suddenly rang out, and Gu An sent the Blood Prison Great Saint over.


    After a while, when Gu An sat at the Go board, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, with a chuckle, asked, "Gu An, what''s the backstory of that little guy called Long Qing?"


    He had tried to discern Long Qing''s fate but came up with nothing. Considering what had happened with Yang Jian, he couldn''t help but feel that Long Qing had some significant background.


    Gu An picked up a Go stone and replied with a smile, "How should I know? I truly found him in the mountains. Do you like him? Why don''t you take him as a disciple?"


    After hearing this, the Nine-Finger Divine Lordughed and said, "Let''s not. I''ve already taken away one of your disciples; I can''t be that greedy."


    Seeing him reluctant to make a move, Gu An yed first, causing the Nine-Finger Divine Lord to twitch at the corner of his mouth and quickly pick up the white stones from the table, saying, "Our rules here, ck ys first. Don''t you know the rules?"


    With that, he made his move.


    Gu An smiled and followed suit, then asked about Chu Jingfeng''s situation.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord had settled Chu Jingfeng overseas while staying at the Supreme Sect himself, making Gu An unsure of what to make of his actions.


    Half an hourter, Gu An stood and departed.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stared at the Go board, frowning.


    "Where exactly is the problem..." he muttered to himself.


    No one offered him an answer. His loss didn''t surprise the surrounding yers; his winning would have been the real shock.


    Gu An was in a good mood, looking forward to harvesting high-rank medicinal herbs in the Outer World Cave the next day¡ªa move that could increase his lifespan by tens of millions of years!


    He decided not to initiate Lifespan Samsara before his next breakthrough.


    Forget that¡ªbefore filling up a lifespan of one billion years!


    Otherwise, descendants might appear before his eyes again, and he couldn''t bear to ignore them.


    The sun set, and the moon rose.


    The next morning, Gu An left Long Qing with You Yingying and departed Medicine Valley alone.


    You Yingying adored Long Qing, though she couldn''t exin why since she usually despised children.


    By evening, Gu An returned.


    He hummed a tune along the way, clearly delighted.


    Today, he had harvested over sixty-five million years of lifespan¡ªit was exhrating!


    The Outer World Cave was his key investment project. Periodically, he would inject more high-rank medicinal herbs into the grotto.


    Along the path, Gu An greeted every passing disciple, leaving them pleasantly surprised.


    He made his way to You Yingying''s courtyard and took away Long Qing.


    "Hey, I want to ask you something," You Yingying stopped Gu An.


    He gave her a look, "I''m not ''hey.''"


    Rolling her eyes, she said, "Lately, I''ve been feeling restless, like I might bring trouble to Medicine Valley. Should I leave?"


    Gu An looked at her, astonished, "If you want to leave, leave. Why ask me?"


    You Yingying was livid, ready to pinch him, but he deftly dodged.


    "I''m leaving tomorrow!"


    She turned and walked toward her house.


    Gu An called out, "Hey, if you''re really worried about causing trouble, why fret? Don''t forget who holds the fort at the Supreme Sect."


    You Yingying turned to look at Gu An, the anger in her eyes gradually fading. Hesitantly, she said, "Wouldn''t that be inappropriate?"


    Gu An spoke righteously, "The entire Supreme Sect is under the protection of Sword Venerable Fudao. There''s nothing wrong with that. If you feel bad about it,ter you can take care of Qing for me. He really likes you."


    Caught in hesitation, You Yingying lingered in thought, while Gu An said no more and turned to leave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Taking advantage of Long Qing''s youth, he wanted to hold him more, as the child would be less cuddly when older.


    As for You Yingying''s concerns, he paid them no mind.


    Many Heavenly Demons roamed the world. They would deal with the Dark War Emperor when he emerged from the coffin.


    From the current aura, the Dark War Emperor was still very distant from bing a Divine Thought True Immortal.


    Considering this rate of improvement, it would take him thousands of years to reach the level of a Divine Thought True Immortal, right?

 Chapter 342 Shelter from the Wind and the Rain, Eradicate the Heavenly Demon

    Time flew like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, Long Qing was already five years old.


    Gu An stood in front of the window, looking at Long Qing riding the Blood Prison Great Saint in pursuit of a White Spirit Rat, his lips lifting slightly into a smile.


    Such days were truly wonderful.


    Regrettably, peace was about to be shattered soon.


    Gu An could feel the deep red coffin trembling, rming the nearby sects, which promptly arranged their defenses.


    The Dark War Emperor was about to emerge!


    The Dark War Emperor, inheritor of the Battle Court legacy, was set on hunting the descendants of the Battle Court''s creator. This sparked many spections in Gu An.


    After all, he had no fondness for the Dark War Emperor, who, from the very start, ughtered everything in his path. Should he daree to the Taicang Continent, he would find no courtesy from Gu An.


    As the reputation of Sword Venerable Fudao grew ever more resounding, certainly the Holy Court would not dare to confront him directly.


    The Great Nether Saint King had been rather restrainedtely, as if putting aside past grievances, not daring to plot against Gu An any longer.


    Gu An watched the distance for a while before heading downstairs.


    Just as he descended the stairs, streaks of blood-like light manifested in the sky, a chilling sight.


    The disciples in the valley also noticed this scene, discussing among themselves; however, they were not panicked. In their hearts, the Supreme Sect was the safest ce.


    Ji Xiaoyu approached Gu An and whispered, "I''ve seen such a sight in my dreams."


    Gu An was not surprised, given that the Reincarnation Path Emperor had ventured into the Silent Destruction Domain.


    Following her lead, Gu An asked, "For what reason? What is going to happen?"


    Ji Xiaoyu looked up at the sky and said, "I''m not sure, but after such an omen appears, a massacre will follow."


    Gu An shivered, anxiously asking, "There isn''t going to be another catastrophe, is there? I''ve only lived for a little over three hundred years, and I''ve already encountered so many once-in-a-millennium disasters. Is the almighty picking on me?"


    Ji Xiaoyu nced at him and said, "What catastrophes have you experienced? I''ve never seen you fight. With Sword Venerable Fudao and the Supreme Sect shielding you, what do you have to fear? You just need to sit back and enjoy the show."


    Ha, who''s really shielding whom?


    If I told you, it would scare you to death!


    That''s what Gu An thought, but he rxed his expression and, patting his chest, said, "You have a point. Why should I worry? When immortals sh, what concern is it of mere mortals?"


    Ji Xiaoyu was amused by his actions and asked with a smile, "I could teach you some spells, would you like to learn?"


    "Forget it, you know I don''t like to engage inbat."


    "Really? Then why do you enjoy sparring with disciples?"


    "That''s mentoring, okay? How could there be any danger when a higher realm battles a lower realm."


    "Be careful, someday you might encounter an unparalleled genius who will make you lose face."


    "An unparalleled genius in Medicine Valley?"


    "What about Yang Jian?"


    "His cultivation level isn''t increasing that fast."


    As they talked, their conversation turned into bickering.


    As Ji Xiaoyu''s worry dissipated during the chat, she spoke of the omen because she felt uneasy and needed to express her feelings.


    Talking with Gu An always helped her to rx.


    While the two wereughing and talking, on the other side of the distantnd, a terrifying Demonic Qi burst into the sky, originating from the deep red coffin beyond the Outer Heaven.


    The deep red coffin stood upright, the body shaking violently; the formations at the edge of the pit had been activated, forming a semi-transparent barrier enclosing the pit.


    Even with the formations in ce, the Cultivators outside were terrified.


    The weakest among them was a Loose Immortal, and facing the aura seeping from the red coffin, they felt like they were facing their doom, wishing they could flee immediately.


    Crack¡ª


    Suddenly, the lid of the coffin flew open, and a pale, rotting hand reached out, grabbing onto the edge of the coffin.


    With a bang, the lid sprang open, ck gas surged out, quickly spreading and forming a thick fog.


    Heavy breaths could be heard from within the ck mist, sending chills down the spines of most Cultivators.


    "Is this the Great Heavenly Spirit Land?"


    A hoarse voice emerged; each word fell heavy on the hearts of the Cultivators.


    A white-robed man from Holy Court said, "Yes, we ask that you eradicate the Heavenly Demons of Mortal World and not harm innocent beings!"


    His voice was loud, clear for everyone to hear.


    Sects from all sides were shocked. A Holy King from Holy Court knew the creature inside the coffin?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Eradicate the Heavenly Demons of Mortal World?


    Many Cultivators'' expressions changed, such as those from Mortal World Peak, whose sect had dealt with Heavenly Demons before; they worried about the Holy Court using this as an excuse to suppress them.


    The actions of Holy Court always needed the backing of themon people. Anyone or any power that became an enemy of the popce would find no mercy from Holy Court.


    "Eradicate the Heavenly Demons? Heh."


    The hoarse voiceughed, sending shivers up everyone''s spine.


    Boom!


    A terrifying force exploded from within the pit in an instant, forcefully dispersing the formations and sending Cultivators flying in all directions.


    The white-robed man stood in mid-air, unmoved, while Carefree Primordial Immortals used their mana to resist in every direction. Further away were Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, with the weakest Loose Immortals blown clear off the continent.


    "I''ll help you clear out the Heavenly Demons, but after that, I must feast to my heart''s content."


    The hoarse voice was filled with a will to kill.


    The white-robed man remained impassive. The Great Cultivators from various sects were frightened and turned to look at him, wondering about Holy Court''s stance.


    However, after a moment of silence, the white-robed man uttered just one word.


    "Good!"


    That word caused all Great Cultivators'' faces to drastically change, looking at him in disbelief.


    ...


    In Supreme Sect, the Third Medicine Valley.


    "Truly terrifying."


    Stay updated with empire


    Gu An, sensing the aura of the Dark War Emperor, thought this to himself.


    The Dark War Emperor had already reached the aura of a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, and the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land could feel his terrifying presence.


    The Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court remained unmoved, while sects throughout the world began to stir, with many directly activating their defenses in anticipation.


    Gu An''s gaze turned to Immortal Seeking Ind. The movements on the ind were swift; they had already started forming their defenses.


    "This aura..."


    Ji Xiaoyu, standing beside Gu An, furrowed her brows, her face revealing concern.


    Gu An kept silent and walked towards Long Qing.


    Suddenly, the dreadful pressure that had descended caused Long Qing to cry out in fear, with You Yingying unable to console him.


    Under a tree, Shen Xinzi put down his book, his gaze towards the horizon where the sky was filled with blood-red light, causing his mind to race even more.


    He felt like disaster was imminent.


    "What in the world is it..." Shen Xinzi murmured, frowning.


    As Gu An approached Long Qing, he felt the aura of the Dark War Emperor shift to another location, followed by theplete disappearance of the vibrant life force of thatnd.


    With the Dark War Emperor''s aura enhanced, though the increase was not significant, his actions still caused Gu An to frown.


    What infuriated him most was that Holy Court actually allowed such recklessness.


    He was very disappointed in Holy Court!


    "Master!"


    Upon seeing Gu An, Long Qing immediately threw himself into Gu An''s embrace.


    Gu An patted his back and picked him up, whisperingfortingly, "Don''t be afraid, your master is here."


    For some reason, as Gu An drew near, You Yingying''s panic unexpectedly lessened, prompting her to instinctively lean towards Gu An.


    Gu An looked at the pale-faced You Yingying and asked, "Are you okay?"


    You Yingying stood beside him, gripping his sleeves tightly and shaking her head slightly.


    At that moment, Gu An sensed a great influx of forces entering the Taicang Continent, their cultivation levels uneven, with the strongest being merely of the Mystic Heart Realm.


    Such cultivation was not worthy of his concern, yet it coincided with this critical juncture.

 Chapter 343 Darkness Strikes! The Moment of Despair!

    On the edge of the Taicang Continent, dozens of ragged people were heading toward the forest on a beach.


    A young girl was supporting her elderly grandfather, her eyes filled with terror as she looked up at the blood light phenomenon in the sky.


    "Grandpa, they let use here, could there be any scheme?" the girl asked cautiously, her face smeared with dirt, but it couldn''t hide her bright eyes.


    Her grandfather shuffled forward weakly and said breathlessly, "Things will get better..."


    Not only them, but other people nearby were also worried and hopeful.


    Across the edge of the continent, many such people were moving toward the interior of the continent.


    Those with higher cultivation levels disappeared quickly, while those with lower cultivation levels could only proceed on foot.


    Gu An took in these scenes, with his divine sense he could tell these people were all reincarnated demons, their soul origins shared the same karma as You Yingying and Shen Xinzi.


    These people all came through teleportation arrays, and as soon as they arrived, the arrays quickly disappeared.


    Gu An probed their karma, gaining some information.


    Heavenly Prison!


    These people were from Heavenly Prison, they also didn''t know why they were driven here by the authorities of Heavenly Prison.


    Although the karma and qi fortune of Heavenly Prison weren''t connected to the Holy Court, Gu An knew without thinking that it had something to do with the Great Nether Saint King.


    After all, his enemies were few, and only the Great Nether Saint King had the means to do such a thing.


    Sending so many reincarnated demons, wasn''t it just to attract the Dark Emperor of War?


    Gu An disdained such tactics, but it was good in a way, if it could lure the Dark Emperor of War toe earlier, it would reduce the loss of life, and Sword Venerable Fudao would have a legitimate reason to act.


    "Master, what exactly is that in the sky?"


    Long Qing looked up, his little face filled with fear.


    Anyone seeing him would have a hard time associating him with the Great Emperor of the Silent Destruction Domain.


    Gu An patted his head andforted softly, "It''s nothing, maybe it''s going to rain. Didn''t you say you''d be a man after turning five, how can you still cry?"


    Hearing this, Long Qing quickly wiped away his tears, clenched his little fists, and said, "I''m not crying! I just got sand in my eyes!"


    You Yingying next to them was also amused by his words, lightening the tense atmosphere.


    Gu An put Long Qing down and then looked at You Yingying with a smile and asked, "You''re not going to keep holding on to me, are you?"


    At this, You Yingying promptly let go of her hands and blushed, scoffing, "Pah, who wants to hold on to you?"


    "Really? Just now, someone almost ripped off my sleeve."


    "Hmph, that was an ident."


    While the two were bantering, the protective formation of the Supreme Sect was activated, a majestic light rose in the distance, and figures of cultivators flew over the Third Medicine Valley. Stay connected with empire


    The Supreme Sect quickly entered a state of readiness for battle!


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord stood up, looked into the distance and said, "Trouble again, it seems we can''t finish this game of chess today."


    The old cultivator sitting opposite him took a deep breath, about to say something, when the Nine-Finger Divine Lord suddenly disappeared.


    Shen Xinzi under a distant tree also stood up and vanished in ce.


    ...


    Below the rolling thunderclouds, thend was engulfed in zing mes, akin to a mortal world hell.


    A figure strode through the fire, dressed in worn ck battle armor, with curly ck hair, his hands and feet festering and bubbling with blood, his slightly hunched back visible under his disheveled hair, and his terrifying face revealed beneath the tangled locks.


    His face was festering too, only his eyes intact, his lips were gone, revealing a frightening mouthful of teeth.


    He was the Dark Emperor of War!


    He advanced while exhaling turbid breath.


    His gaze turned to the distance, only to see a man in white robes suspended in the sky looking at him.


    He nced and then withdrew his gaze.


    He stopped, straightened his body, as if sniffing at something.


    Then, he suddenly turned his head toward a direction and vanished from the spot.


    The next second, he appeared under the blue sky and dove down throughyers of cloud sea, scattering clouds for thousands of miles with an unstoppable force, crashing toward the ground.


    Boom!


    Terrifying shes of fire lit up the world, with a destructive force erupting from a point on the continent, sweeping in all directions, the green mountains and rivers turned charred ck in its wake.


    Countless lives were extinguished in an instant.


    "That''s enough."


    The voice of the man in white echoed,den with an oppressive tone.


    Following that, the evilughter of the Dark Emperor of War rang out, adding ayer of horror to the shattered world.


    Simultaneously.


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An felt a divine sense sweep over, surpassing the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma, it must be the divine sense of the Dark Emperor of War.


    As expected, the Dark Emperor of War was still attracted by the karma of the demons on thisnd.


    Gu An walked toward the Transmission Array tform.


    "Where are you going?" Ji Xiaoyu''s voice reached Gu An''s ears as he turned around to see her watching him from a distance.


    He replied using the Sound Transmission Skill, "I''m going to Mystic Valley to take a look, there''s no need to worry about me with so many people here."


    After hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu could only nod, then watched him leave.


    Gu An passed through the Teleportation Array to Mystic Valley, where Lu Jiujia gathered his disciples, all discussing the sudden terrible phenomenon.


    "Master has arrived!"


    A disciple eximed in surprise, everyone turned, showing faces of relief. The Dark Emperor of War''s oppression was bone-chilling, and the disciples couldn''t help worrying about what woulde next. Seeing Gu An gave them more peace of mind.


    Gu An walked toward his disciples, and, at the same time, he felt Nine-Finger Divine Lord locking his divine sense on him.


    It seems the Nine-Finger Divine Lord suspected him to be rted to Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Interesting!


    Just then, living beings across the Taicang Continent suddenly felt suffocated, regardless of their cultivation level, they all had this sensation.


    But this feeling was momentary, gone in a sh!


    "What''s going on?"


    Zuo Yijian was standing by the Heaven-Cutting Axe, looking at the sky with furrowed brows.


    Not only him, but everyone at the Heavenly Repair tform was taken aback, unsure what had happened, yet the sensation they felt was undoubtedly real.


    The entire Taicang Continent was enveloped in panic!


    Beneath the sky, the Dark Emperor of War appeared in the air, with the vast ocean below, he looked toward the distant continent, frowning.


    The continent before him was Taicang Continent!


    As he approached Taicang Continent, he felt a powerful force blocking his momentum, forcing him to stop.


    Thatnd hid individuals with great power!


    With so many Heavenly Demon auras, the beings on this continent should have nothing to do with the Holy Court.


    The Dark Emperor of War''s eyes flickered, he raised his right hand, and waves of Demonic Qi surged out, quickly covering the sky and rolling toward Taicang Continent.


    People of the continent saw dark clouds approaching from the horizon, and before they could ponder further, daylight turned to night.


    "What''s happening? Why has the day suddenly turned dark?"


    "Did you guys feel your hearts stop beating just now?"


    "What in the world is going on? Could the Great Cold Demon Sect be attacking again?"


    "Could it be that some terrifying demon has appeared?"


    Disciples of Mystic Valley were abuzz with spection. Gu An''s face was stern, unable to tell the disciples the reason, he could only ask them to have faith in the Supreme Sect.


    After the continent was covered by dark clouds, the pressure of the Dark Emperor of War intensified, leaving the living beings full of fear and unease.


    Standing in front of a wooden railing, Ji Xiaoyu was somewhat dazed. She seemed to see a dark figure approaching her, each step filled with oppressive might, stepping on her heart.


    Not just her, but all beings on the continent were pulled into this eerie state.


    Inside the pce.


    Li Xuandao sat on the throne, also in a daze, the courtiers around him lost their color, and he saw a figure approaching from outside the hall, like the grim reaper drawing near.


    The courtiers all went pale, falling into an eerie silence.


    Whether in temples, buildings, grand halls, caves, forests, no matter the location, whether they could see the sky or not, all living beings were dragged into an indescribable eerie state.


    Those who were reincarnated demons felt it more deeply, like You Yingying. She saw the true face of the Dark Emperor of War, the grotesque and terrifying visage assaulting her eyes. She wanted to scream for help, but no sound emerged, she wasn''t even able to move.


    She seemed to be waiting for death.


    Even Shen Xinzi, a Wandering Immortal of the Nine Layers, found himself in the same predicament.


    Facing the advancing Dark Emperor of War, Shen Xinzi gritted his teeth, his heart filled with both panic and unease.


    He couldn''t understand the opponent''s Divine Skills, nor ept his fate.


    In reality, the Dark Emperor of War, with his right arm raised, showed a maniacal and cruel smile. Gushing Demonic Qi flowed from his palm, forming a cloud cover that blotted out the heavens. Then, he condensed a ck spear in his palm, its surface swirled with mysterious Dao Patterns which exuded a repressive and ominous aura.


    "Let this emperor test your capabilities!"


    The Dark Emperor of War licked his teeth, his hoarse voice permeated with boundless murderous intent.


    Suddenly!


    He looked up sharply, as bright light swelled among the rolling dark clouds, his face changed slightly, and gripping the spear tightly, he burst with momentum that shook heaven and earth.


    The sea below suddenly copsed, a magnificent sight!


    He channeled all his mana into the spear in his hand, which burst forth with ck mes, countless wronged souls emerging, desperately trying to climb out and break free, but utterly unable to do so.


    From Outer Heaven, the eyes of mysterious beings in each of the seven suns opened, all looking toward the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Viewed from Outer Heaven, a radiant and beautiful Great Heaven and Earth showed a ck dot that was swiftly growing.


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley.


    Ji Xiaoyu suddenly fell into the eerie state of a reincarnated demon as well, clearly seeing the true face of the Dark Emperor of War as he stepped over the Medicine Garden and approached her.


    This scene, she had seen it in her dreams numerous times, but facing it in person, the feelings werepletely different.


    Irrepressible fear and despair enveloped her heart; she struggled to drive away these emotions but to no avail.


    "Damn it..."


    Ji Xiaoyu gritted her teeth; a red Dao Pattern between her brows quickly stretched, swirling mes.


    She was invoking the power of the Primordial Daoist Talisman!


    Just then, a brilliant light burst behind her, dispelling the darkness in her vision. She instinctively looked back, catching a glimpse of a figure in the corner of her eye, and her pupils dted.


    It was a sword shadow!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A sword shadow gleaming with silver light!


    Countless lightning bolts intertwined upon the sword, molding its form!


    Ji Xiaoyu had never seen such a sword, as if it had traversed the river of time from ancient epochs, wherever the sword edge passed, darkness shattered.


    At this moment, not only her but all the desperate beings on the continent saw such a sword.

 Chapter 344 Eternal Boundless Divine Sword!

    When the sentient beings of the continent trapped in terrible illusions saw a mysterious sword shadow, in reality, the Dark Emperor also spotted that sword shadow.


    The sword shadow faced by the Dark Emperor was even more majestic and overwhelming!


    The dark clouds that obscured the sun were filled with sword light; the thunder clouds parted, and a massive silver de pierced through the clouds, as if an unimaginably colossal deity was swinging a sword from beyond the heavens, the part of the de exceeding the clouds wasrger than mountains.


    Faced with such a gigantic sword, the Dark Emperor, with a rifle in both hands, seemed so insignificant. Read exclusive adventures at empire


    After a brief moment of astonishment, a crazed expression appeared on his face.


    "How domineering the sword intent is! I didn''t expect someone in this world to achieve such a level in the Sword Dao!"


    The Dark Emperor said with augh, his voice as loud as thunder, his momentum skyrocketed, and his rifle burst out with terrifying ck mes.


    As soon as his words ended, he gripped the rifle with both hands and thrust forward violently.


    With that thrust, the clouds in the sky instantly burst apart, and the gigantic and mysterious sword shadow waspletely revealed.


    It was a sword shadowrger than any mountain range in the world, its hilt seeming to be housed in the outer universe, delivering a strong visual impact.


    Boom¡ª


    The violent ck me, like a sea dragon, collided with the shocking sword shadow, and almost instantly, the sentient beings on the continent awoke, before their eyes was a mysterious sword shadow tearing apart illusions, pulling them back to reality.


    They instinctively looked up, and then saw a scene they would never forget in their lifetimes!


    A silver sword shadow floated in the sky, of unimaginable vastness, indescribably colossal!


    In Mystic Valley, Gu An and his disciples looked up at the sword shadow in the sky together.


    The Eternal Boundless Divine Sword!


    This was the enhancement from the Boundless Sword of Suppressing the Stars!


    This was also the first time Gu An used this swordsmanship!


    Standing among his disciples, his face showed a shocked expression, making it difficult to associate him with the sword shadow in the sky.


    The Divine Sense of the Nine-Finger Divine Lord had disappeared, evidently also diverted by the scene above.


    With a focused gaze, Gu An caused the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword to burst out with dazzling light, overshadowing all things under heaven and earth, then, with an unstoppable force, it dispelled the ck mes and attacked the Dark Emperor.


    The Dark Emperor''s face drastically changed, he used his divine skills at that moment, his body transformed into ck mist, the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword rolled over, the ck mist dissipating, gone in an exceedingly short time.


    Outer Heaven.


    Within the dim starry sky, the Dark Emperor appeared out of thin air, he turned to look toward the distant Great Heavenly Spirit Land, his face showing an expression of fright.


    "This sword intent actually contains powerful causality forces¡­"


    The Dark Emperor was secretly shocked, thankfully he possessed profound divine skills, breaking free from the suppression of the sword intent in an instant, escaping to the universe.


    He suddenly realized something, and instinctively looked up, his eyes bulging.


    He saw the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword appearing right above him, rapidly descending toward him.


    In fear, he hurriedly used his divine skills again, but wherever he went, as long as he looked up, he could see the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword, each teleportation bringing it closer to him.


    The Dark Emperor felt the despair that the sentient beings of Taicang Continent had felt earlier, but even more intensely.


    It was like an inescapable destiny!


    Meanwhile, in the eyes of the continent''s sentient beings, the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword mysteriously disappeared, but fierce winds kicked up, the forests swayed like waves, and the Mortal Spirits raised their hands to cover their faces.


    After the tumult subsided, the sentient beings looked up, only to see the phenomenon of blood light in the sky dispersing, at first nce, it appeared as if dusk was setting.


    After a brief silence in Mystic Valley, the disciples cheered in unison, the entire Supreme Sect was like a pot exploding, the roaring noise trembled the heavens.


    "Was that sword just now... wasn''t I dreaming?"


    "How vast was that sword intent, the Sword Dao can actually reach such levels?"


    "Did you see a ck shadow? I seemed to have been dragged into the Illusion Realm just now, then I saw a sword save me."


    "I saw that too; I felt the same way."


    "It must be Sword Venerable Fudao! Only he could possess such sword intent, he has saved us once again!"


    Disciples from various cities of the Supreme Sect were all greatly exhrated, the divine skills of the Dark Emperor made everyone feel his terror, and because of this, they were amazed and surprised by the power of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    Just the spectacr sword shadow that appeared earlier was enough to overturn the sentient beings'' understanding of the Sword Dao.


    Just how strong was Sword Venerable Fudao?


    How far does the end of the Sword Dao reach?


    Gu An also excitedly discussed with his disciples until a prompt appeared before him:


    [You have sessfully seized 207,632 years of lifespan from the Dark Emperor (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Second Layer)]


    Gu An could seize one to two percent of an enemy''s lifespan, signifying the Dark Emperor still had over two million years of lifespan.


    How long could a Void Mysterious Immortal live his maximum?


    Gu An felt pleased, the first time he deployed the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword, the effect was satisfactory.


    This also proved the results of Reincarnation Evolution; heprehended the rule forces, then condensed his own rule forces, injecting them into his divine skills, making them more mysterious.


    Once the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword was unleashed, it locked onto the Dark Emperor''s causal aura, wherever he fled, the Eternal Boundless Divine Sword would follow, unless the Dark Emperor could dissipate the causality.


    Unfortunately, in such a short period, even if the Dark Emperor had means to dissipate causality, it was toote to discern the reasons.


    Gu An could sense that there was another Dao Void Mysterious Immortal watching from afar; he chose not to direct his gaze there.


    Soon, that Mysterious Immortal left.


    After instructing the disciples of Mystic Valley with a few words, Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, where it was bustling with excitement as everyone excitedly discussed the recent spectacle.


    Gu An stepped down from the Transmission Array tform and saw Shen Xinzi in the distance, gazing nkly at the sky, lost in thought.


    You Yingying, holding Long Qing, walked over quickly. She approached Gu An, excitedly saying, "Did you see just now? Sword Venerable Fudao''s Sword Dao is unbelievable, that sword felt like it flew in from beyond the heavens¡­"


    She grew more excited as she spoke, bing even incoherent toward the end.


    Long Qing spread his arms, gesturing how immense the heavenly sword was earlier.


    Gu An also acted very excited, even describing the sensations he experienced while in the Illusion Realm.


    However, he was pondering another matter in his mind.


    That was about Heavenly Prison!


    The reason the Dark Emperor came here was because the people of Heavenly Prison released Heavenly Demons into Taicang Continent.


    This matter was unlikely to end here.


    "I wonder what the origin of that dark shadow just now was¡­ will hee again? I hope Sword Venerable Fudao has already annihted him¡­"


    You Yingying spoke anxiously, and Gu An could onlyfort her by trusting Sword Venerable Fudao.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He was also unclear about the origins of the Dark Emperor, but could be sure that the Dark Emperor had no blood rtions with the Long family, no causal connections whatsoever, and importantly, the Dark Emperor''s true form was not of the Human Race.


    After chatting for a while with You Yingying, Gu An finally excused himself, then went on to talk briefly with An Xin, Ji Xiaoyu, and others.


    The impact of this battle was bound tost a long time.


    In unseen distant ces, many Great Cultivators peeked at this battle, the power of Sword Venerable Fudao shocked countless people.


    Wiping out the Great Cold Demon Sect had already spread the name of Sword Venerable Fudao into the sight of the Great Sects, but for the Great Sects, Sword Venerable Fudao was at most a formidable figure.


    Now it was different, the aura of the Dark Emperor shocked the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land, his terrifying aura was iparable even to the entire Great Cold Demon Sectbined.


    Every being that had reached the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm witnessed the process of the Dark Emperor''s demise.


    Being able to y an existence of the seventhyer of the Immortal Path, Sword Venerable Fudao''s Dao level was immeasurably deep!


    Outer Heaven, hidden within the sun, seven mysterious beings also closed their eyes, as if nothing had happened.


    ...


    In a pce bathed in flickering firelight, two figures stood beside a small pool, silent.


    The pool reflected the universe scenes, with faint wisps of swirling ck mist visible.


    One of them, a man in a ck robe wearing a dragon bone crown, looked upset, gritting his teeth and said, "This is troublesome¡­ Sword Venerable Fudao is so formidable, it''s impossible to hide Heavenly Prison''s actions from him, he will trouble me sooner orter!"


    He turned to look at the person beside him, his eyes filled with anger.


    Qing Songzi took a deep breath and said, "The Holy King is surely aware of this matter, let us choose to protect ourselves wisely."


    He was the Domain Master of the main city of Broken Sea Domain, and the Taicang Continent was also under his jurisdiction.


    At this moment, Qing Songzi, who controlled the lives of his entire domain, had a pale face, his hands clenched within his sleeves, he tried to appearposed.


    Seeing the Dark Emperor being exterminated, he felt like the sky was falling.


    He turned and left.


    The man in the ck robe said sternly, "If Sword Venerable Fudaoes looking, I can only reveal the existence of the Holy King, I couldn''t possibly hide this matter with my Dao level."


    "You''d better pray that Sword Venerable Fudao does note looking!"


    Qing Songzi left those words and disappeared on the spot.


    The man in the ck robe watched the direction he left, unable to contain his anger, causing the entire pce to tremble.


    ...


    Under the dazzling starry sea, an ind quietly suspended, small in size, featuring a centre area cleared of vegetation, paved with white jade.


    One after another, figures appeared on White Jade Square, all radiating strong light in various colors, barely able to discern their shapes, their faces blurry, only their eyes clearly visible.


    They gathered together, no one spoke, the atmosphere somber.


    "Holy Minister, was it your idea to let the dark beings in?" arge figure asked coldly.


    The others turned their gazes toward the Holy Minister, who radiated golden light, appearing like an Immortal, his aura vast.


    Facing the questioning, Holy Minister calmly said, "There are too many Heavenly Demons within the realms, they use Reincarnation to hide their identities, you should be aware of the looming cmities umting within the Silent Destruction Domain, I was nning for the future which led to this regrettable decision."


    The others also spoke up.


    "The intention was good, but the dark beings are too violent, indeed difficult to control."


    "That guy must be the Dark Emperor, his Escape Technique is extremely refined, hard to capture, didn''t expect him to still die."


    "Broken Sea Domain, Sword Venerable Fudao¡­ the Great Heavenly Spirit Land is sorge, yet he unexpectedly found the ce where Sword Venerable Fudao was, quite strange."


    "Indeed, each time Sword Venerable Fudao strikes, it seems as if he is protecting himself, if the Dark Emperor specifically came for him, why involve two continents?"


    "Holy Minister, it seems someone is using you to scheme against Sword Venerable Fudao."


    The Holy Minister, glittering in golden light, had a glint in his eyes, radiating coldness.

 Chapter 345 The Holy Minister Appears

    Mortal World Peak, atop a mountain''s summit.


    Fu Shenxiu stood alongside Eternal Daoist Lord at the cliff''s edge, gazing silently up at the sky for a long time.


    "Master, to which level of the Immortal Path has Sword Venerable Fudao ascended?" Fu Shenxiu couldn''t help but ask.


    The Eternal Daoist Lord gave a wry smile, "I have merely lived a few more years than you. I only know about the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma; the names of the three higher realms are beyond my reach."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fu Shenxiu sighed, "That Heavenly Demon from Outer Heaven felt even more formidable than Senior Meng before perishing in an instant. It is indeed true that beyond the skies there are higher skies, and beyond people there are higher people."


    The Eternal Daoist Lord frowned slightly and sighed, "I always have the feeling that something troublesome ising to the Holy Court. To think they would even dare to let in such a demon; turmoil that hasn''t been seen in a million years will soone upon this world."


    Fu Shenxiu nodded; he felt the same way.


    "Regardless, it''s a good thing that Sword Venerable Fudao destroyed that demon. But before he could cleanse the world of the Heavenly Demons, they began ughtering innocents. The Holy Court is truly confused to cooperate with such beings!" dered Fu Shenxiu with righteous indignation, finding the dialogue between the Holy King of the Holy Court and the Dark Emperor to be absurd.


    When did the Holy Court be like this?


    The Eternal Daoist Lord said no more; there were things he couldn''t speak aloud.


    At this moment, not only was Mortal World Peak discussing this matter, Great Cultivators from Qi Fortune sects and Dynasties across thend, and even within the Immortal Dynasty, were engaging in debates about it.


    The influence of this event was fermenting swiftly.


    ...


    As summer turned to autumn.


    Inside Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An sat at a table while Shen Zhen sat across from him, excitedly discussing something.


    Months had passed, and the great battle between Sword Venerable Fudao and the Dark Emperor had not been forgotten by time; rather, it had be increasingly significant.


    "It''s said that the Heavenly Demon from Outer Heaven was invited by the Holy Court. Tsk tsk, indeed, this world''s a dark ce where no fresh news can be found. Whether it''s the Daotian Sect, Supreme Sect, Seven Stars Spirit Realm, or the Holy Court, they all have their dark secrets," said Shen Zhen, dripping with sarcasm.


    Gu An responded helplessly, "My dear grandmother, can you please not say these things out loud? Those Cultivators are as powerful as Immortals; aren''t you afraid of being overheard?"


    "What''s the difference if they hear? Now everyone''s spreading that the Heavenly Demon was invited by the Holy Court. They say eight continents'' creatures have been devoured by the Dark Emperor. What a sin!" eximed Shen Zhen indignantly.


    Gu An reminded, "Criticize all you want but make sure you don''t write this down or illustrate it."


    Shen Zhen rolled her eyes at him and said irritably, "Do you think I''m that foolish? Plus, I don''t possess that strong a sense of righteousness. I just can''t stand the Holy Court iming to be just and using the holy name, only to do such things."


    At this moment, chess yers in the valley below were also cursing the Holy Court.


    Gu An sensed the whiff of conspiracy. How could the Holy Court, with all its capabilities, allow public opinion to swell to such an extent?


    As if the Holy Court wouldn''t care about face ¨C that was even less possible!


    From the attitude of the Great Nether Saint King, one could see that what the Holy Court cared most about was their reputation.


    Reputation might seem ethereal, but when it reached a certain level, it could influence the Qi Fortune of a person or a faction, and one could even predict the public opinion of a power based on the rules of Heaven and Earth.


    Of course, whether the Holy Court was good or bad depended on what kind of existence Shengtian was.


    As Gu An reflected, he decided to make a trip to Heavenly Prison.


    Regardless of whether the external rumors were a conspiracy or not, he had some vengeance to im.


    An Ancient Hourter, after Shen Zhen had left, having vented her feelings, Gu An saw her downstairs. After she departed, he headed towards the Teleportation Array.


    ...


    Atop the grand hall, mes flickered.


    A man in a ck robe sat on a throne with a furrowed brow and an uneasy mind, as two small dragon souls emerged from the dragon bone crown on his head, entwining each other.


    Months had passed since the fall of the Dark Emperor, yet Sword Venerable Fudao hadn''te to kill his way into Heavenly Prison, not bringing him any relief but instead increasing his anxiety, giving him an ominous feeling of impending disaster.


    Heavenly Prison was a Minor Heaven and Earth, well concealed, but for a Great Power like Sword Venerable Fudao, no hiding ce would suffice.


    Snap!


    Suddenly, the man in the ck robe felt his shoulder being clutched, his heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively opened his eyes.


    In the corner of his eye, his pupils dted, and he felt as if he had tumbled into an abyss, his limbs icy cold.


    Beside him stood a figure enshrouded in dark purple Demonic Qi, whose real form he could not discern despite his high Cultivation Level.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    Gu An looked down upon him and cast a Life Span Detection.


    [Demon Soul Master (Eighth Floor of Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm): 590,328/800,000/1,500,000]


    Gu An spoke slowly, "Having lived for more than five hundred thousand years, you''ve not had it easy. Will you confess willingly, or must I do it myself?"


    His voice, altered, was harsh and carried a chill that terrified the Demon Soul Master.


    "The Domain Master of Broken Sea Domain, Qing Songzi, came to me. He imed it was arranged by the Great Nether Saint King, to allow a batch of Heavenly Demons into Taicang Continent... It''s the Holy King; I could not decline. I am merely a pawn; I bear no grudges against you, senior. Please, spare me..." The Demon Soul Master bit his teeth and spoke, filled with fear.


    Gu An looked up, his gaze towards the top of the hall. His left hand still pressed on the Demon Soul Master''s shoulder.


    Following Gu An''s vision, a streak of golden light appeared atop the grand hall, as if space had split open. The light quickly expanded, and a figure stepped out from it.


    The person was bathed in golden light, so even Gu An couldn''t see the true form.


    Gu An threw another Life Span Detection at the neer.


    [Holy Minister (Nine Layers of Divine Thought True Immortal): 0/0/0]


    No life span?


    It''s not the true form!


    The Demon Soul Master also saw the figure of the Holy Minister, his eyes filled with panic. He had never seen the Holy Minister before, but such an emergence was not favorable for him at this time.


    The Holy Minister spoke, "I can depose the Great Nether Saint King."


    His first statement caused the Demon Soul Master''splexion to shift drastically.


    Such audacity! Explore hidden tales at empire


    Within the Holy Court, only two entities had the power to depose a Saint King...


    No matter which it was, the Demon Soul Master dared not provoke.


    Gu An asked, "Who might you be?"


    The Holy Minister replied, "I am the Holy Minister of the Holy Court, overseeing the entire court. Theing of the Dark Emperor was my idea, originally intended to eradicate the Heavenly Demons of the Mortal World. However, I did not anticipate such a preposterous oue."


    Gu An didn''t expect the Holy Minister to admit to this so readily; for a moment, he couldn''t discern the Holy Minister''s true intentions.


    "Sword Venerable Fudao, you have refused the destined Qi Fortune of the Holy Court, and I do not wish to delve into your reasons. I only seek to understand your stance towards the Holy Court to prevent any misunderstandings between us. From your actions, it''s clear you are neither of the Demon Path nor the wicked," said the Holy Minister calmly, his tone devoid of any emotional fluctuation.


    Gu An fell silent for a moment and then said, "I have no intention of making enemies with anyone. I seek only to cultivate in peace. My previous intervention was merely because I resided in thatnd, benefiting from nature''s spiritual energy, and felt an obligation to act on behalf of thatnd."


    Upon hearing this, the Holy Minister immediately said, "I see. I can understand. Through the ages, indeed, there have been ascetics like you who are solely dedicated to the Immortal Path. You have shielded those people, and they are fortunate for that. From this point on, the Holy Court shall not disturb your cultivation."


    This time, there was a hint of mirth in his tone.


    "May I make a request?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    "Please, speak."


    "Bring the Great Nether Saint King to me. I want to kill him myself."

 Chapter 346 Holy Sword, Third Grade Heavenly Position

    "I must kill him myself!"


    The words of Gu An echoed in the great hall, the flickering mes growing more intense, as if startled by his deration.


    The Punisher of Demon Souls, held by the shoulder with one hand by Gu An, listened with secret rm. Despite the overtures of goodwill from the Holy Minister, Sword Venerable Fudao was still so overbearing¡ªa clear sign of a character that brooked no defiance.


    The Holy Minister fell silent upon hearing these words.


    Gu An was not in a hurry, waiting for the response from the Holy Minister.


    He was not blinded by hatred; he wanted to use this opportunity to show the Holy Court his boundaries and to prove that his target was solely the Great Nether Saint King.


    "The Saint King of the Holy Court is held in high esteem. Even in death, it shoulde at the hands of the Holy Court personally," the Holy Minister said without a trace of mirth.


    The Punisher of Demon Souls grew tense at once¡ªif these two were to fight, both he and the Heavenly Prison would suffer the consequences.


    Amassing his thoughts, the Holy Minister''s tone shifted, "If Daoist Friend is willing to join the Holy Court, I will personally offer up the Great Nether Saint King. You need not ept the Qi Fortune Fruit Position. Simply joining the Holy Court in name will suffice. Normally, the Holy Court will not assign you any tasks. When the Great Heavenly Spirit Land faces an existential threat, only then you would need to act."


    Simply join in name?


    Gu An first thought of the Immortal Dynasty which had also reached out to recruit him.


    With the Immortal Dynasty as a potential rival, the Holy Court indeed found it hard to trust an unidentified existence.


    Even if the Holy Court was unaware of Sword Venerable Fudao''s true identity, it was not important. What mattered was letting all beings know that the recently renowned Sword Venerable Fudao had joined the Holy Court.


    Gu An actually did not object to joining the Holy Court. Lacking a stance, one only gathers more enemies. What he opposed was merely the Qi Fortune Fruit Position.


    "Good," Gu An uttered a single word.


    The Holy Minister immediately raised his hand, sending a golden token flying towards Gu An, who lifted his right hand to catch it.


    Not heavy, lighter than a feather, nearly twenty centimeters in length, and about four fingers wide. Its edges were carved with dragon figures, and at the top were two fire phoenixes, their ws intertwined, symmetrical, and exquisitely done, possessing an aesthetically pleasing look.


    Three words were inscribed on the token.


    Holy Sword Three!


    "The Holy Sword is the title I bestow upon you," the Holy Minister exined. "The three below signifies your Heavenly Position. The Saint King too holds a Third Grade Heavenly Position. It is indeed beneath your talents to be at the Third Grade Heavenly Position as a Divine Thought True Immortal. However, since you are unwilling to ept the Qi Fortune Fruit Position, the Holy Court cannot fully trust you. I hope you can understand."


    "This token is made of the same material as other Holy Orders, but I have not imposed any other Restrictions on it, lest it provokes your apprehension. Its only purpose is to disy your identity to others. Its unique material ensures it cannot be replicated by other powers."


    After listening, Gu An thought to himself, had this fellow decided upon this before evening here?


    But he had to admit, with the deep foundation of the Holy Court, they indeed had such confidence!


    Above the Saint King was the Holy God, and it was not impossible for the Saint King to reach Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, or the Holy God to reach Divine Thought True Immortal. Add to that the exalted Shengtian, and the Holy Court''s strength was formidable to even contemte.


    Most crucially, the Holy Court not only possessed high-levelbatants, but the number at each realm was beyond measure.


    As a Divine Thought True Immortal, Gu An could now observe Qi Fortune, and the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court was more terrifying than all other powers in the Great Heavenly Spirit Landbined, including the Immortal Dynasty.


    "From today onwards, you are the Holy Sword of the Holy Dynasty. This is a title created especially for you. I will announce it to the world in the future; I will have someone send your treatment to the Taicang Continent. You need not visit the Holy Court for audience. Are you satisfied?" the Holy Minister asked.


    Gu An replied, "Of course, satisfied. Thank you, Holy Minister."


    The Holy Minister chuckled, "From now on, we shall address each other as Daoist Friends. Although the Heavenly Prison does not enjoy the Holy Court''s Qi Fortune, it serves the Holy Court. If you are dissatisfied with this Prison Master, you may kill him. I will arrange someone else to take over."


    At these words, the despair was clear on the Punisher of Demon Souls'' face. Begging for mercy, he implored, "Please spare me, Senior... Senior¡­"


    Gu An released his left hand, and the Punisher of Demon Souls regained his freedom. He promptly knelt down, incessantly kowtowing to Gu An.


    The Carefree Primordial Immortal was in such a wretched state,cking any of the demeanor expected of him.


    "Let him continue as he was," Gu An stated.


    The Holy Minister smiled and transformed into a golden light that contracted and disappeared into thin air.


    The Punisher of Demon Souls, overjoyed, continued to bow and thank Gu An.


    "Do as you see fit."


    With that parting remark, Gu An vanished.


    Lifting his head to find Gu An gone, the Punisher of Demon Souls sighed in relief.


    "Great Nether Saint King, even you have met your day!"


    The Punisher of Demon Souls thought of the fate awaiting the Great Nether Saint King and couldn''t help but feel secretly thrilled.


    He was deeply grateful to Gu An. The words of the Holy Minister had clearly been an abandonment, and under such circumstances, Sword Venerable Fudao had still spared his life. How could he be anything but thankful?


    He vowed to please Sword Venerable Fudao from now on.


    This might be an opportunity!


    ...


    Gu An returned to Mystic Valley, settling beneath the Green Vine Tree in the Eight Scenic Caves. He took out the Holy Order, musing thoughtfully.


    He had checked the Holy Order¡ªit truly held no traps, not even qualifying as a Magic Artifact.


    He had to say, the Holy Minister was quite sincere.


    Even though Gu An didn''t fully agree with the Holy Minister''s methods before, he had now been sessfully recruited. That the Holy Minister had climbed to his position was no coincidence.


    But Gu An didn''t want to get too close to the Holy Minister; agreeing to join the Holy Court was merely to reduce trouble.


    The Holy Minister''s Ninth Level Divine Thought True Immortal realm also pressured Gu An.


    Gu An didn''t want to test hisbative abilities at the same realm; he preferred to fight from a higher realm against a lower one.


    Next, he had to vigorously umte Life Span and break through to the Ninth Level of the Immortal Path!


    Being weaker than others made Gu An insecure.


    With the actions of the Holy Court, they could be foes at any moment. Under this premise, Gu An had to strive to strengthen himself even more.


    The Green Vine Tree seemed to sense Gu An''s mood, extending two vines to gently massage his shoulders.


    Gu An closed his eyes and began to rx.


    Now, he just needed to wait for when the Holy Minister would send the Great Nether Saint King.


    If the Holy Minister truly intended to forsake the Great Nether Saint King, he likely wouldn''t go down without a fight. There was an interesting show to look forward to.


    It was only when night fell that Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    The autumn night sky was strewn with stars, dazzling like a painted scroll.


    Gu An stood below the tower, appreciating the moonlight.


    Long Qing ran to him, arms wide, asking to be held.


    Gu An picked up Long Qing,ughing, "How big you are now, still asking to be held, are you still a little man?"


    Five-year-old Long Qing, wearing a refined blue robe and with a lovely face bright with yful eyes, heard Gu An''s words and pulled at his eyelids and stuck out his tongue, saying, "I don''t care, I want Master to hold me!"


    Gu An couldn''t help but squeeze his little nose, feeling that An Xin was raising him with a hint of femininity.


    "Master, have you ever been to the stars?" Long Qing suddenly pointed to the night sky and asked.


    Gu An casually replied, "No, do you want to go?"


    "I do! Just a few nights ago, I dreamt that I was flying among the stars," Long Qing said, his face full of longing.


    Gu An patiently chatted with him, but his thoughts drifted to Long Xin and Lu Qiuxian when they were young.


    Chu Lu had children too, but s, just a year after the child was born, Chu Lu was crushed by the ck Profound Emperor.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An possessed these memories and felt the emotions within them, but he didn''t get caught up in those attachments; after all, those memories from three lifetimes ago were far removed from his current life.


    Gu An always believed that his present self was truly him, and Reincarnation Evolution was just a way to be stronger.


    He was the original, and the others were merely his projections.


    Maybe at a certain realm, he would need to go through reincarnation as a form of practice, like Ji Xiaoyu.


    As Gu An was lost in thought, he suddenly sensed the presence of Dao Void Mysterious Immortal erupting from afar.


    Focusing his gaze, he saw a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal flying out from the Holy Court and swiftly headed into the universe.


    However, an immense void hand emerged from the darkness above the universe, capturing the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal at a lightning-fast speed.


    The Dao Void Mysterious Immortal had almost reached the edge of the Silent Destruction Domain, just shy of escaping into it.


    Gu An could tell that the void hand was transformed from Divine Thought.


    The Holy Minister!


    This void hand''s aura was precisely that of the Holy Minister he had seen before, only stronger.


    After capturing the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, the void hand vanished along with the trace of the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    Gu An noticed many powerful Divine Senses probing from within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, including Divine Thought True Immortal''s Divine Senses, originating only from two locations¡ªthe Holy Court and the Immortal Dynasty.


    Indeed, the world still hid many Great Powers.


    Gu An mused silently, fortunate that he had not offended too many, as every breakthrough was shielded by a Life Span Barrier, otherwise, he would have been crushed long ago.


    A Dao Void Mysterious Immortal publicly captured, Gu An seriously suspected it was an intentional disy by the Holy Minister.


    Wishing to showcase his own strength!


    Otherwise, that Dao Void Mysterious Immortal would have had no chance to escape the Holy Court.


    Gu An felt apprehension and refrained from further thought; let alone powers without a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal realm old monster at the helm. Experience exclusive tales on empire


    Of course, those who were aware of this battle were at least Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma.


    Carefree Primordial Immortal could sense the earlier aura, but definitely couldn''t keep pace with the speed of Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, probably oblivious to what had urred.


    Gu An withdrew his Divine Sense and carried Long Qing upstairs.


    Listening to the little guy recount his dreams, Gu An found it abstract and amusing.


    Talk of An Xin rolling on the stars and Bull Demon King fighting with the stars seemed utterly absurd.


    ...


    Five dayster.


    Gu An returned from Nianchu Cave to the Third Medicine Valley, in high spirits, he started discussing Journey to the West with Shen Xinzi.


    Shen Xinzi already knew that Journey to the West was written by Gu An, although Gu An imed that he heard it from others,bined with his own dreams, which made Shen Xinzi more reverent towards Journey to the West.


    Therefore, Shen Xinzi steadfastly held on to his interpretation, even attempting to persuade Gu An.


    They debated for a long time.


    "Do you understand Journey to the West better than Pan An?" Gu An couldn''t help but say.


    Shen Xinzi said nonchntly, "What is Pan An inparison? He''s just a writer. What does he know about Journey to the West?"


    Gu An, amused and frustrated, gave him a thumbs up, eximing, "You''re amazing!"


    With that, Gu An left.


    Shen Xinzi was undisturbed and continued reading.


    Gu An flew towards the Outer Gate City, sensing two powerful auras emerging on the edge of the continent. Both were Dao Void Mysterious Immortal realm cultivators.


    One of them was the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal captured by the Holy Minister five days ago. His aura was now weak, clearly having suffered serious injuries.


    Gu An had not anticipated the Holy Minister to act so swiftly, having already sent the Great Nether Saint King.

 Chapter 347 Are You Higher Than the Unification Realm?

    Atop a cliff stood two figures, one of whom was the white-robed man who had previously conversed with the Dark Emperor. The other person, disheveled and with torn red garments, had his hands bound with iron chains. His back was stered with talisman papers that fluttered as the sea breeze blew, unsettling his long and messy hair.


    "Wandering Holy King, what thoughts cross your mind upon witnessing my plight?" asked the man in chains, his expression indifferent and his gaze as deep as a secluded well.


    The white-robed man acknowledged as the Wandering Holy King replied without a trace of emotion, "I am even more grateful. Dao Void Mysterious Immortal is extremely powerful, and your position is high, Holy King. However, the higher you stand, the more careful you must be in your actions, because you have more enemies."


    Upon hearing this, the Great Nether Holy King closed his eyes and a smile appeared on his face.


    The Great Nether Holy King raised his arm slightly, causing the chains to shake with a crisp sound.


    "How do you know that your circumspect choices are correct? Watch, the Holy Minister surely harbors even bigger schemes,"ughed the Great Nether Holy King with a carefree demeanor, havinge to terms with life and death.


    The Wandering Holy King sensed something and instinctively turned his head, his expression suddenly unnatural.


    They saw a figure shrouded in dark purple Demonic Qi appear behind them.


    Sword Venerable Fudao!


    The Wandering Holy King felt an immense pressure rushing towards him, reminiscent of facing the Holy Minister or Holy God.


    At that moment, he understood why the Holy Minister held Sword Venerable Fudao in such high esteem.


    He immediately sped his hands in a formal salute and said, "I have seen the Holy Sword!"


    Upon hearing these words, the Great Nether Holy King''s figure trembled slightly. He appearedposed, but how could he not be tense when facing life and death?


    [Wandering Holy King (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Level 4): 1740982/6000000/7500000]


    [Great Nether Holy King (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Level 2): 1580442/4000000/5000000]


    Gu An looked at the life spans of the two and was inwardly pleased.


    The life span of a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal could reach several million years. Observing the difference in life spans between Level 4 and Level 2, Gu An spected that life spans of Divine Thought True Immortals might very well exceed ten million years.


    Your journey continues on empire


    Gu An nodded slightly to the Wandering Holy King. His gaze was fixed on the Great Nether Holy King, sensing his tension.


    Boom!


    A brilliant golden light suddenly burst forth from Gu An''s forehead, engulfing the Great Nether Holy King in an instant, and then dashed towards the sea surface, dissipating before reaching a thousand zhang away.


    When the golden light faded, the Great Nether Holy King was nowhere to be seen.


    Gu An had no desire to interact with the Great Nether Holy King, nor did he wish to hear any defenses.


    Even if there were misunderstandings between them, it was the fault of the Great Nether Holy King. When so many pointed at the Great Nether Holy King, it was unlikely to be false.


    The Wandering Holy King watched with rm.


    This was a Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, and even if his cultivation was sealed, he should not have been so easily eradicated.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    How high was Sword Venerable Fudao''s cultivation level?


    [You have sessfully seized 370963 years of life span from the Great Nether Holy King (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Level 2)]


    Upon seeing the prompt before him, Gu An felt slightly pleased. Of course, what brought him the most relief was eliminating a thorn in his side.


    Gu An then vanished from the spot, leaving the Wandering Holy King behind.


    The Wandering Holy King stood on the cliff, silent for a long time, before finally departing.


    A Holy King who had stood above all fell just like that, causing a significant psychological impact on the Wandering Holy King, who was also a Holy King.


    The Great Heavenly Spirit Land seemed even moreplicated and dangerous in the eyes of the Wandering Holy King.


    ¡­


    At Mortal World Peak, Dingtian Peak.


    Inside the Peak Master''s courtyard, Gu An was savoring tea, An Xin stood behind him, and in front of him stood a line of Wandering Immortals, disciples of Dingtian Peak, including Zhu Xinn.


    They were discussing the Holy Court''s deration of Sword Venerable Fudao as the Holy Sword.


    "The Holy Sword, the number one sword under the heavens, seems like the Holy Court highly values Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "The presence of that demon from Outer Heaven was terrifying, yet against Sword Venerable Fudao, it was unable to withstand a single blow. With such power, how could the Holy Court not seek to ally with him?"


    "I heard that the reason the Heavenly Demon from Outer Heaven made a move against Sword Venerable Fudao was that a Holy King schemed against him, sending a great number of reincarnated Heavenly Demons to the Taicang Continent. Truly malevolent."


    "I''ve heard that as well, it was the Great Nether Holy King. He underestimated the strength of Sword Venerable Fudao."


    "To be honest, who could have anticipated that? Such a tiny ce actually harbors such a terrifying Great Cultivator."


    The Wandering Immortal disciples of Dingtian Peak were excited, only so uninhibited in the presence of Gu An. In front of their disciples, they all maintained a high and dignified posture, as if they were lofty and saintly figures.


    Zhu Xinn looked at Gu An. He had heard that his master also emerged suddenly and wondered if his master knew Sword Venerable Fudao.


    As for the possibility that his master was Sword Venerable Fudao himself, that had not crossed his mind.


    The world was full of ascetics who suffered in silence, and perhaps Sword Venerable Fudao was simply concealing his identity. Maybe his real identity once shook the heavens, but who could be certain?


    An Xin quietly chuckled as she listened to their discussion.


    The one they admired was right before them. If they knew, what would their reaction be?


    She did not know how high the Dark Emperor''s cultivation realm was, so she could not understand the excitement of the Wandering Immortals.


    In her eyes, there was no difference between Wandering Immortals and Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals; they were all terrifyingly powerful beings.


    After they had spoken for a while, Gu An spoke up, "Then you must cultivate diligently. I always feel that the world is bing increasingly unstable."


    His Divine Thought was focused on Yang Jian.


    Heaven Sect had received news of the Great Nether Holy King''s fall and was preparing to bring Yang Jian into the world.


    Over the years, Yang Jian had grown stronger while Heaven Sect had be increasingly aged. Although his Cultivation Realm had not declined, his aura was not as strong as before.


    Heaven Sect''s life span was quickly diminishing without the Qi Fortune of Heaven Sect, and it seemed he did not have many years left to live.


    Upon hearing Gu An''s words, the disciples echoed in agreement, all sharing a premonition that such a major event had not urred in many years. Word of it would make anyone feel the tense world situation.


    After a long while.


    The disciples bid their farewell and left.


    An Xin sat down, unable to resist stretching herself. She did not remove her mask but looked at Gu An and asked, "Master, what kind of entity is the Holy Court, really?"


    She knew Sword Venerable Fudao was Gu An, but being in Mortal World Peak, she had to measure her words carefully.


    Gu An replied, "It is the governing power of the Mortal World, the strongest of our times. As for good or bad, that depends on the circumstances."


    In this world, there was no absolute good in a person or power. Even the current Supreme Sect hid untoward secrets.


    Even though he had joined the Holy Court, Gu An felt no fondness for it.


    Once he surpassed the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path, he would no longer need to hold any fear towards the Holy Court.


    Right now, he was more curious about the Silent Destruction Domain.


    The Annihtion God Emperor could easily annihte Long Zhan, who surpassed the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path, but now it seemed Shengtian was capable of countering the Silent Destruction Domain.


    Could it be a different Silent Destruction Domain?


    Or perhaps, the Annihtion God Emperor had long since departed?


    An Xin was curious about the strength of the Holy Court, but unfortunately, Gu An was also unclear, leaving his answer ambiguous.


    Today''s conversation with the disciples from Dingtian Peak proved the Holy Minister''s methods. Although Gu An had not assimted into the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court, within a few short years, every power throughout the world knew he had joined the Holy Court.


    No matter his personal feelings, from now on, he was openly aligned with the Holy Court.


    The enemies of the Holy Court might also target him!


    Did the Holy Court have enemies?


    Of course, there were. The Immortal Dynasty covetously eyed the realm from within, and infinite Heavenly Demons from beyond watched intently.


    He only hoped none would disturb his tranquil life.


    After chatting for a while, Gu An stood up and said, "It''s time to test the results of your cultivation. Don''t let yourself be surpassed by Long Qingter on."


    Upon hearing this, An Xin quickly rose to her feet.


    Long Qing had been taken care of by her until he was four, but after that, the boy constantly followed You Yingying, leaving her with a sour taste.


    She couldn''t let that child surpass her!


    Today, after hearing of many significant events in the world, An Xin''s fighting spirit was kindled. With such a master guiding her, why couldn''t she carve her own ce in the world?


    She did not realize her mindset was beginning to shift towards An Hao''s.


    ¡­


    Seasons changed, and eight years passed.


    The thirteen-year-old Long Qing was running through Medicine Valley, swift as a cheetah, chasing a corpulent white-furred rat that resembled a pig.


    His gaze was sharp, his features handsome, and his long hair tied like a girl''s, elicitingughter and teasing from the disciples along the way.


    After running for a long time, he stopped in a secluded spot, propping his hands on his knees, panting heavily.


    "Stupid rat, why are you so fast? Did I never push you to your limit before?" Long Qing muttered, frustration evident on his sweat-drenched face.


    Just then, footsteps approached, and Long Qing turned to look, quickly standing up in respect.


    He brought his hands together and bowed deeply to the neer.


    Seeing his gesture, Shen Xinzi couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "You want to catch up with it? How about taking me as your master?" Shen Xinzi approached and asked with a smile.


    Long Qing scratched his head, "Senior, I have a master already."


    Shen Xinzi continued with a smile, "Of course I know you have a master. Who said you could only have one master? Have you read Journey to the West?"


    Long Qing nodded, but he didn''t enjoy reading text as much as he liked listening to others.


    "You''re like Sun Wukong, and I''m Master Puti. How about I secretly teach you cultivation?" Shen Xinzi asked, smiling knowingly.


    Like You Yingying, he had an inexplicable fondness for Long Qing. He had observed the boy and confirmed that Long Qing was not a reincarnated Heavenly Demon.


    To elicit a sense of closeness from an Immortal Venerable like himself, Long Qing must have extraordinary Innate Qi Fortune and a Life Grid beyond ordinary people.


    "Can you really be Master Puti?" Long Qing asked doubtfully.


    Shen Xinziughed, "I''m well aware you have a master, but who says you can''t have multiple masters? Do you know what Realm I am in?"


    "Unification?"


    "Haha, you even know about Unification. Do you know what lies beyond the Unification Realm?"


    "What? You''re higher than the Unification Realm?" Long Qing was shocked. Having been raised in the Third Medicine Valley, he had some understanding of Immortal Cultivation realms. The Unification Realm was, in his perception, a god-like realm.


    Observing the disciples'' attitudes toward Shen Xinzi in the valley, he had guessed Shen Xinzi was extraordinarily capable, but he had not expected him to be so powerful.


    Proudly lifting his chin, Shen Xinzi dered, "Above Unification lies the Mystic Heart Realm. Above that, there are Mahayana, Nirvana, Loose Immortal, Wandering Immortal, and Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal. I am but one step away from Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal."


    With each Realm name Shen Xinzi uttered, Long Qing''s mouth opened wider, and by the end of the list, he was agape with amazement.


    The expression on Long Qing''s face greatly satisfied Shen Xinzi.


    In that moment, he suddenly understood Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    Because he liked Journey to the West, he had read all the books written by Pan An. He didn''t understand why Pan An''s works were so popr; the charactersckedmon sense, often mocking the protagonist, and the protagonist would purposely reveal his holiness, all of which seemed unrealistic to him.


    Today, he had yed the part, and atst, he understood the appeal.

 Chapter 348 Studying the Deification

    As Shen Xinzi secretly admired Pan An''s understanding of the human heart, Long Qing couldn''t help but ask, "If you are so powerful, why do you stay in Medicine Valley?"


    Shen Xinzi smiled gently and said, "I am not from the Supreme Sect, I just like the atmosphere here and want to stay for a few centuries to clear up the confusion in my heart."


    A few centuries...


    Long Qing''s look at Shen Xinzi changed, and he began to believe Shen Xinzi''s words.


    "You say you are a Wandering Immortal, how can you prove it? I am not a child!" the thirteen-year-old Long Qing, iming he was not a child, made Shen Xinzi smile even more broadly.


    Shen Xinzi grabbed Long Qing''s shoulders, and without waiting for Long Qing to react, he leaped into the air.


    The world blurred before Long Qing''s eyes, he instinctively closed them, and when he opened them again, he was stunned by the sight before him.


    He had actuallye to the heavens!


    Below was an endless sea of clouds, and above, the sky was filled with stars, as though nested in the night, except these stars shone brighter and were more numerous.


    Densely packed, more so than the flowers and nts in the valley!


    Long Qing opened his mouth wide, his bright eyes sparkling with an unusual gleam.


    With a sky full of stars overhead, Long Qing''s view of the world seemed infinitelyrger. He twirled around on the spot, not even realizing there was no ground beneath his feet.


    Shen Xinzi stood by, smiling.


    Suddenly, he understood Master Puti''s feelings.


    No wonder Gu An said Master Puti was very fond of Sun Wukong.


    Long Qing turned several times, then suddenly realized he was suspended in midair, and quickly grabbed onto Shen Xinzi''s robe sleeve in fright.


    "Is this the heavens?" he asked Shen Xinzi, full of anticipation.


    Seeing the boy''s fearlessness, Shen Xinzi held him in even higher regard.


    Shen Xinzi replied, "Correct, we are extremely far from the ground. With the speed you chased the White Spirit Rat before, it would take at least twenty years to reach here."


    Upon hearing this, Long Qing widened his eyes. He instinctively looked down, seeing only a thick sea of clouds, but when he looked into the distance, he saw a shade of blue, unclear what it precisely was.


    He looked up again and pointed at a shooting star, asking, "What is that?"


    Shen Xinzi looked up and answered, "That is a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal returning, very far from us."


    "Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal... can I go to the stars?"


    "You cannot, one must reach the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm to cross the invisible sky wall."


    "Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal... I want to cultivate, I want you to be my master, teach me how to reach the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal!"


    Long Qing clenched his fists, his voice filled with excitement.


    He hadn''t even started Qi Absorption Cultivation yet, Gu An said he would teach him when he turned sixteen, and forbade other disciples from teaching him privately.


    That''s why Long Qing hadn''t yet shown his talent.


    Shen Xinzi saw his extraordinary physique and felt that even if he wasn''t supremely talented, he would not be mediocre.


    He also marveled, how did Gu An always manage to find geniuses?


    Like the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, he suspected that Gu An had a powerful backer.


    What sort of powerful figure that even he couldn''t detect?


    It could be Sword Venerable Fudao or possibly other Great Cultivators, as the current Supreme Sect was full of hidden Great Cultivators, even beyond his understanding.


    In any case, hearing Long Qing''s words, Shen Xinzi was very pleased. He smiled kindly and said, "Reaching the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm is very difficult, are you willing to dedicate yourself to cultivation?"


    Long Qing immediately nodded, assuring, "I will definitely not disappoint you, Master!"


    "Then why don''t you kneel and kowtow to ept me as your master?" Shen Xinzi said with a smile.


    He wanted to emte Master Puti to see if taking a disciple could lead to divine enlightenment.


    Long Qing immediately knelt and performed a ceremonial bow, then looking up at Shen Xinzi, he asked, "Master, I heard that Medicine Valley once had a genius named Yang Jian. Can I surpass him?"


    Shen Xinzi helped him to his feet and said, "Yang Jian''s talent is indeed exceptional, but your master is more formidable than his. In the future, you will surely surpass him."


    Upon hearing this, Long Qing''s face lit up with an enthusiastic smile.


    Meanwhile.


    In the loft, Gu An, who had been reading, smirked.


    "Surpass Yang Jian? It''s certainly not impossible, but in theing century..."


    Gu An thought to himself, looking forward to the expression on Shen Xinzi''s face after he starts teaching Long Qing cultivation.


    With Shen Xinzi''s Dao level, how could he help Long Qing unlock the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit?


    An hourter.


    The door opened, Long Qing walked in, approaching the table and looking at Gu An with aplex expression.


    Gu An looked up at him and asked with a smile, "What''s wrong? Bullied by the Bull Demon King again?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Long Qing shook his head, then said, "Master, you are the most important to me in my heart, do you believe that?"


    This statement amused Gu An; was the boy feeling guilty?


    "Really? We''ll see how you honor me in the future," Gu An said leisurely, his eyes returning to the book in his hands.


    Long Qing earnestly responded, "I will definitely honor you in the future!"


    Once I be an immortal, I will make the Supreme Sect respect you!


    Long Qing''s fighting spirit grew even stronger.


    Seeing that Gu An did not continue the conversation, he curiously asked, "Master, what are you reading? May I take a look?"


    Gu An closed the Green Hero Travelogue, red at him, and said, "If you have nothing else to do, go chop some wood."


    Upon hearing this, Long Qing immediately scooted away.


    "Immortals don''t have time to chop wood!"


    He left with that spirited remark, and Gu An, smiling, continued reading.


    Two dayster.


    In an uninhabited part of Medicine Valley, within a bamboo grove, Shen Xinzi and Long Qing sat side by side in meditation.


    "Master, why haven''t I cultivated any Spiritual Power yet?" Long Qing couldn''t help opening his eyes and asking.


    Shen Xinzi, with his eyes closed, replied, "It''s rare for someone to develop Spiritual Power within two days; don''t be impatient."


    He also wondered internally why it was taking so long. However, considering Yang Jian''s early experiences with slow Qi Absorption, perhaps Long Qing had a unique physique.


    He decided not to dwell on it. He was very patient and would not be agitated over this.


    A figure swept across the bamboo grove from above, causing Shen Xinzi to look up.


    "It''s him..." Shen Xinzi murmured to himself.


    "Who?"


    Long Qing asked curiously, having caught a glimpse of the figure as well.


    Shen Xinzi shook his head and didn''t continue.


    Long Qing quickly stood and ran towards the edge of the bamboo grove.


    Shen Xinzi got up as well, not angry at Long Qing''s actions. After all, the boy was only thirteen.


    In the loft.


    Gu An reced the book he had been reading with Investiture of the Gods and studied it carefully.


    ng¡ª


    The window was suddenly pushed open, startling Gu An as he turned his head, his face then breaking into a delighted smile.


    "Li Ya! How did youe back?" Gu An asked excitedly.


    Li Yanded, adjusting his clothes while grumbling, "What? Aren''t you happy to see me?"


    "How could that be, please sit! Sit down!"


    Gu An put down Investiture of the Gods, then stood up to brew tea for Li Ya.


    Li Ya took a seat at the table, noticing the book he had been holding, andughed, "After all these years, you''re still reading Investiture of the Gods? You don''t think to discover some Dao in it like others, do you?"


    Gu An brewed the tea and replied, "Just browsing, the stories in this book surely can''tpare to your experiences. Tell me, how have you been these years? Have you been injured?"


    Li Ya''s expression turned serious as he said, "With my current skills, how could I be injured? Besides, I have Divine Exotic City. Since you want to hear, I''ll tell you all about it, andter you can take notes."


    Gu An brought over hot tea, ced the cup in front of him, sat down, and said with augh, "Indeed, owning Divine Exotic City, even my disciple Long Qing couldn''t possibly get injured."

 Chapter 349 Heading to the Primordial

    Hearing Gu An''s words, Li Ya didn''t think too much and didn''t ask who Long Qing was. He began to recount his experiences over the years.


    Gu An listened attentively. He asionally looked at Li Ya but didn''t stare constantly. With Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit around, Gu An could be at ease, confident that if there were any danger not even Divine Exotic City could stop, Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit would inform him right away.


    After leaving the Sea Demon Domain, Li Ya wandered everywhere. asionally, he encountered Great Cultivators coveting Divine Exotic City, but he always managed to escape unscathed. Unless a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal took action, it was very difficult to take Divine Exotic City from him.


    Those who had reached the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm and saw Li Ya brazenly deploying the Pseudo-Immortal Path Supreme Treasure didn''t dare to make a move easily. In every aspect, Li Ya seemed to have a significant backing. Who would dare to offend such a person?


    The higher one''s Cultivation Level, the further one could see. Even if they couldn''t deduce Gu An''s karma from Divine Exotic City, they could infer that Li Ya had an extraordinary background.


    To control such a supreme treasure before Nirvana, one couldn''t do so without a powerful backing, and perhaps Li Ya''s backing was hidden within Divine Exotic City.


    Over the years, Li Ya had encountered many opportunities, and his Cultivation Level had grown rapidly. He had now reached the third floor of the Unification Realm.


    A Unification Realm Cultivator over three hundred years old was definitely a top-tier genius in the Broken Sea Domain.


    Gu An thus marveled at how amazing Xuan Tianyi truly was.


    Comparing the pace of breakthroughs, Li Ya still fell short of Xuan Tianyi, and moreover, Xuan Tianyi didn''t have the Pseudo-Immortal Path Supreme Treasure by his side.


    Setting aside An Hao, Xuan Tianyi was indeed the number one genius in the history of the Supreme Sect.


    What was most crucial was that Xuan Tianyi also wrote books!


    Judging from the Green Hero Travelogue, Xuan Tianyi often went on adventures and didn''t spend all his time on Qi Absorption Cultivation.


    Could it be that Xuan Tianyi had also achieved enlightenment?


    Gu An suddenly felt that perhaps Qi Absorption Cultivation was the mostmon and low-level form of Cultivation, and that there might be higher forms of Cultivation.


    Of course, it was just a thought. In Reincarnation Evolution, he could only undergo Qi Absorption Cultivation to consume his Life Span.


    Gu An thus listened to Li Ya''s experiences while contemting Cultivation.


    Suddenly.


    The door was pushed open and Long Qing tumbled in, startling himself. He quickly got up, but before he could turn around, Gu An called out to him.


    "Come in, and take the opportunity to meet your Martial Uncle."


    At Gu An''s words, Long Qing was overjoyed. He immediately approached Li Ya, saluted, and called him Martial Uncle.


    Li Ya sized him up, a smile forming on his face, then he turned back and asked, "Who is this kid¡­"


    Gu An introduced, "I brought him back from outside; he had just been born at that time."


    Hearing this, Li Ya understood that this child was different from the disciples outside.


    Li Ya took out a dagger from his Storage Bag and handed it to Long Qing, saying with a smile, "Take this dagger as a meeting gift. It''s a Magic Artifact, so don''t use it recklessly before you start Cultivating."


    "Thank you, Martial Uncle!"


    Long Qing said excitedly, clearly very fond of the dagger as he yed with it.


    Li Ya looked at Gu An,ughed, and said, "Actually, this kid looks a bit like you."


    "Nonsense."


    "Really, if you hadn''t said anything, I would have thought he was your son."


    Seeing that Li Ya was serious, Gu An suddenly thought of something.


    Was his appearance in Reincarnation Evolution the same as now?


    He thought carefully; after Lu Han had restored his appearance, he did indeed resemble him a bit. As for the previous three lives, he rarely looked in the mirror and didn''t pay attention.


    "It might be because I raised him that he looks a bit like me," Gu An casually remarked.


    Long Qing''s expression dimmed; deep down, he was also hoping that Gu An was his biological father.


    Gu An beckoned him over to join in and listen to Li Ya''s experiences.


    After Long Qing joined, the atmosphere became even livelier.


    It wasn''t until evening that Li Ya said his goodbyes and left, leaving behind arge pile of medicinal herb seeds.


    Gu An didn''t see Li Ya off but instead asked Long Qing about his activities over the past two days, wondering why he''d suddenly been so quiet.


    Long Qing began to hem and haw in his exnations.


    Elsewhere.


    After descending the stairs, Li Ya made his way to where Shen Xinzi was standing. He bowed with cupped hands, curious, and asked, "Senior, why are you here?"


    On his return this time, he felt that the Supreme Sect had changed a lot. Wherever he went, he encountered Cultivators whose Cultivation Levels he couldn''t fathom.


    Even in Medicine Valley, there were many whose Cultivation Levels were a mystery to him.


    He felt that the Supreme Sect''s growth was even faster than his own. Of course, he was just marveling, not shocked, because his Primordial Ancestor was still with the Supreme Sect.


    Compared to his Primordial Ancestor, his achievements over the years were trivial.


    Holding the "Supreme Immortal Venerable" scripture, Shen Xinzi looked up at him and said, "I have a connection with this ce, nning to stay here for hundreds of years to quietly contemte the Path."


    Back in the Divine Exotic Realm, Shen Xinzi''s strength had left asting impression on Li Ya. With such a powerful Great Cultivator taking residence, Gu An was naturally safer.


    He smiled, exchanged a few pleasantries with Shen Xinzi, then he took his leave.


    Shen Xinzi watched his leaving figure and suddenly said, "Your Qi Fortune is off, and you will face a fated cmityter on."


    Li Ya turned back to Shen Xinzi and nodded with a smile. He didn''t continue the conversation but instead leaped up and flew away on his sword.


    Thirty minutester.


    Gu An followed Long Qing downstairs, where Long Qing ran off towards the distance, while Gu An saw Ji Xiaoyu stepping out of a room.


    "The person earlier, you''d better keep your distance from him. I can sense that he is approaching a fated cmity," said Ji Xiaoyu.


    Gu An frowned and asked, "What cmity?"


    He had actually noticed it earlier.


    There was Qi Fortune from the Holy Court on Li Ya, and it wasn''t just a smattering but an integration.


    He guessed that Li Ya had already obtained the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court. He peered into Li Ya''s past but could not see how Li Ya had obtained the Qi Fortune. The Holy Court''s Qi Fortune was something even he, as a Divine Thought True Immortal, couldn''t fully understand.


    "I''m not sure either, but the Cultivation Technique I practice allows me to sense others'' Qi Fortune and destiny," said Ji Xiaoyu as she shook her head.


    She had had so many dreams, not only seeing experiences from past lives but also continuously inheriting past life''s Cultivation Techniques, Divine Skills, and Spells.


    Now her Cultivation Level had reached the Divinity Transformation Realm Eighth Floor, and her progress was astonishing!


    "It''ll be fine. He''s sure to have a charmed life," Gu An said earnestly, causing Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze to shift subtly as she looked at him.


    "The moonlight might be lovely tonight. How about keeping mepany to enjoy the moon?" Gu An suddenly suggested.


    Ji Xiaoyu hesitated for a moment and then nodded slightly.


    ...


    Divine Exotic Realm.


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm and a group of Divine Exotic Ghost Kings stood on the shore, looking at the terrifying waves crashing on the sea.


    Among the surging waves, a figure stood tall above the water, bare-chested with fists tightly clenched, his white hair disheveled and soaked, gasping deeply for air.


    Zhang Buku!


    "It''s done... it''s done..."


    Excitement shed across Zhang Buku''s face.


    He turned to look at the distance, locking eyes with the Master of the Divine Exotic Realm from afar.


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm showed a smile, nodding slightly toward him.


    Boom!


    The waves exploded, and in almost an instant, Zhang Buku appeared in front of the Master of the Divine Exotic Realm, causing the surrounding Divine Exotic Ghost Kings to be taken aback.


    Such incredible speed!


    Stealing the Five Elements was secretly shocked. He had watched Zhang Buku grow over the years. The kid''s talent was getting stronger.


    With time, he was sure to be a name that echoed across the heavens.


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm looked at Zhang Buku and said, "You have now perfected the most powerful Ancient Treasure Body. It''s time to set off."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Buku quickly asked, "Master, where exactly do you want me to go?"


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm said profoundly, "Go to another Great Heaven and Earth."


    "Great Heaven and Earth?"


    Zhang Buku was even more puzzled, while the Divine Exotic Ghost Kings had various expressions, each lost in recollection.


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm said in a deep voice, "The Heaven and Earth you were in before is known as the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, and Broken Sea Domain is just a small part of the vast Heaven and Earth. Beyond that, there are many Great Heaven and Earth realms as vast as the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, existing in ways beyond your imagination. The Divine Exotic Realm is a power that drifts among these various Great Heaven and Earth realms, originating from the Silent Destruction Domain beyond the heavens."


    "As for the Silent Destruction Domain, you will have to understand it for yourself in time. However, know this: the Divine Exotic Realm can lead to different Great Heaven and Earth realms, but those realms are dangerous, and we have limited choices of Great Heaven and Earth to choose from."


    After listening, Zhang Buku''s brow furrowed. He thought of Martial Uncle Gu and Li Ya; he found it hard to let go.


    Gritting his teeth, he asked, "If I leave, can I stille backter?"


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm smiled and answered, "Of course you can return. The clouds pressing down upon us have dispersed. It''s just that the Great Heaven and Earth are controlled by the Holy Court, and it''s not suitable for us to develop there. We can only send you to other, more chaotic ces."


    Relieved, Zhang Buku pursued the question of which Great Heaven and Earth he would go to.


    "Go to Primordial. There is no absolute order there. It''s a ce more suited to beings like you to grow. Once you''re there, you must be even more careful. That ce has the Immortal n, countless opportunities, but also many dangers," said the Master of the Divine Exotic Realm profoundly.


    Zhang Buku nodded, his eyes filled with anticipation.


    A Divine Exotic Ghost King spoke up, "Do we have to go too?"


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm nodded, "Just leave one Ghost King to maintain contact with the Great Heavenly Spirit Land."


    "I wish to stay behind!"


    Stealing the Five Elements immediately volunteered, drawing the gaze of the other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Master of the Divine Exotic Realm looked deeply at Stealing the Five Elements, who lowered his head, not daring to meet his gaze.


    "Then you shall stay behind," decided the Master of the Divine Exotic Realm.


    Stealing the Five Elements grinned and thanked him profusely.


    ...


    The winter snow flurried. A figure headed towards the entrance of the Third Medicine Valley. Continue your saga on empire


    He was d in armor, covered in snow, moving not swiftly through the heavy snowfall but with a steady pace.


    Underneath the helmet was an aged face, his eyes cloudy. As he looked at the entrance to the Third Medicine Valley, his gaze softened slightly.


    "Who are you?"


    A female voice sounded as An Xin approached with a bamboo basket in hand.


    The armored man turned to look, struck by An Xin''s grace. She wore a white dress, stepping on the snow-covered ground without leaving any footprints, her entire being emanating an ethereal quality, like a celestial maiden who could ascend at any moment.


    He bowed and said, "I''m Ye Yan. May I ask if the Valley Master of the Third Medicine Valley is still Gu An?"


    An Xin nodded slightly, replying, "You know my master? If so, I can take you to see him."


    Ye Yan smiled, his expression pensive, "I remember him; he is also my master, but I wonder if he still remembers me."

 Chapter 350 Reincarnation Order

    An Xin brought Ye Yan to Gu An''s attic and then went upstairs to inquire.


    Gu An had already sensed Ye Yan''s presence, but he couldn''t show it; only after An Xin knocked did he allow her to bring Ye Yan up.


    Looking at the aged Ye Yan, Gu An smiled and said, "It''s been a long time, please have a seat quickly."


    An Xin, curiously, didn''t stay, but honestly closed the door and left.


    Sitting across the table from Gu An, Ye Yan felt a surge of emotions.


    After many years, the master still looked so young, even more distinguished.


    Gu An, wearing the Immortal King Crown, had a golden pattern emerging on his forehead, giving off the feeling of a Heavenly Divine Monarch sitting there.


    Ye Yan could feel that, like him, his master was also at the Core Formation Realm; both at the same realm, yet their Essence Energy could not have been more opposite.


    "Why are you¡­" Gu An frowned, hesitatingly asked.


    Fifty years ago, Ye Yan was in his prime, youthful, and one of Li Xuandao''s most capable generals.


    Now, Ye Yan looked so old.


    Gu An could see that Ye Yan had reached the end of his life span, but he couldn''t state this outright, he could only inquire.


    In reality, Ye Yan''s maximal life span had grown a bit over the years, though only slightly.


    Ye Yan smiled and said, "Everyone has their time, mine is almost due, I wanted toe back to see this ce before the end."


    Hearing this, Gu An couldn''t help but sigh and then stood up to pour tea for him.


    Ye Yan''s gaze followed him and said, "Master, there''s no need for you to sigh for me. I''ve aplished everything in life without regrets."


    He had fought alongside Li Xuandao to unify the Taicang Dynasty, and Li Xuandao had granted him nobility. For decades, he enjoyed wealth and even marital bliss, and truly had no regrets.


    "It reassures me that you coulde back to see your teacher," Gu An said after serving the tea, turning around to speak.


    Even if he taught Ye Yan now, it would only extend his life by a few more years.


    Moreover, he wasn''t keen on teaching just anyone¡ªit risked revealing his Cultivation Level.


    Every year, dozens of disciples graduate from Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley; he couldn''t possibly teach each one.


    "If not for the master''s help, I couldn''t have had such a splendid life. If I hadn''t heard from His Majesty that you were well, I would havee back sooner to repay you," Ye Yan, taking the tea bowl, replied with a smile.


    He had shed his habitual martial fierceness, now as gentle as a small stream.


    Gu An sat down and began inquiring about his experiences over the years.


    Ye Yan didn''t hide anything and started from when he left the valley, with Gu An listening intently.


    The night passed as they spoke.


    At dawn''s approach, Ye Yan made a request¡ªhe wanted to be buried in the Third Medicine Valley.


    Gu An remained silent for a while, then nodded in agreement.


    Thus, Ye Yan stayed.


    Gu An sent An Xin to find Zhen Qin, and by evening, Zhen Qin had returned, her mood somber at the sight of Ye Yan''s graying hair.


    They stood by the wooden railing, watching the snow while reminiscing about the past.


    When Third Medicine Valley was first established, it was just Zhen Qin, Su Han, and Ye Yan. Back then, Zhen Qin had the least talent and was less powerful than the other two.


    Three hundred years had passed, Su Han had long perished, and now Zhen Qin was about to bid farewell to Ye Yan, how could she not be sad?


    Mentioning Su Han, Zhen Qin didn''t hide the truth, and, hearing that Su Han had died early, Ye Yan also fell silent.


    Su Han, known throughout the Taicang Dynasty for wielding the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword, Ye Yan knew of his exploits but was unaware of his fate.


    "The journey of life is indeed unpredictable," Ye Yan reflected.


    He was close to death already, naturally not excessively sorrowful.


    He turned to Zhen Qin and smiled, "Don''t be sad, when I go down there, I''ll greet him for you."


    His words left Zhen Qin''s eyes red with emotion.


    Gu An stood by the window, watching their silhouettes, lost in thought.


    Long Qing came downstairs, grabbing a handful of snow, intending to throw it at Gu An, but seeing his solemn expression, Long Qing held it for a long while before ultimately lowering his hand and turned to throw it at Blood Prison Great Saint instead.


    Fast asleep, Blood Prison Great Saint was jolted awake, looking up to see Long Qing disappearing.


    "You little rabbit!"


    Blood Prison Great Saint, furious, immediately got up to chase Long Qing, his massive bovine body kicking up snow mist in pursuit.


    The winter snowfall grew heavier, as if to fill the Third Medicine Valleypletely.


    Time moved to the end of the year.


    At the edge of Third Medicine Valley, on a mountain peak, Gu An stood in front of Ye Yan''s grave, the falling snow melting before it even touched him.


    Gu An''s eyes were not sad but tranquil.


    He wasn''t too distressed, merely standing there pondering the past.


    Ye Yan wasn''t the first disciple he had sent off; he was merely looking back on his earlier life, reliving past emotions anew.


    Gu An thought about a question.


    In the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, what exactly happens after death?


    How does "Reincarnation" actually operate ording to what rules?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Why do so many high-level Great Cultivators choose Reincarnation? Is its purpose just to experience karma, destiny?


    Gradually, he entered a state of mystical understanding.


    Path Enlightenment.


    ¡­


    During the zing summer days, at the Supreme Sect Sub-sect.


    Stay updated through empire


    Ye Mansion.


    Gu An and Ye Lan sat inside drinking wine, Ye Lan listening calmly to Gu An''s recount.


    "Everyone dies someday; it''s just a matter of how long one lives. I, too, will face it eventually, and when that timees, dear brother, don''t be too saddened," Ye Lan said softly, looking at Gu An.


    Gu An put down his winess and asked, "If I gave you a chance for eternal youth, but it required many sacrifices and adherence to certain rules, would you take it?"


    Having witnessed Ye Yan''s death, Gu An felt uneasy, fearing that his teachings couldn''t keep up with the passing of time.


    He had taught Ye Lan and Xiaochuan among others, truly improving their maximal life span, but each time was less than before, only adding two hundred years for Ye Lan through teaching, and thest two sessionsbined added just a single year.


    The mysterious designs of fate were terrifying, merciless.


    Ye Lan asked, "Would those rules distance me from you?"


    Gu An replied, "It''s hard to say."


    He remembered Heaven Sect mentioning that bing a part of it involved forsaking many, including a spouse and children.


    "Then forget it. Such immortality might be more of a curse. I am not interested," Ye Lan shook her head.


    Gu An remained silent.


    Ye Lan seemed to sense Gu An''s mood. She reached out to hold the back of Gu An''s hand and smiled, "Brother, don''t forget ourst century pact. If I could spend the rest of my days with you, that would be enough. A hundred years is actually quite long."


    "Is a hundred years really enough?" Gu An asked with a smile.


    "Maybe it is. Over the years, I''ve chased power, gotten bored with it over time, and recently I''ve been focusing on cultivation. I''ve been thinking about doing something else, like your writing¡­"


    Ye Lan started to share her experiences from these years.


    Now over three hundred years old, she had her own views and insights on life.


    She was now at the Divinity Transformation Realm and held a high position within the Supreme Sect; her pursuits were evolving.


    Listening to her, a smile unconsciously spread across Gu An''s face, feeling happy for her.


    Life shouldn''t be about just one thing; that Ye Lan was considering enriching her life was an enlightenment in itself.


    "Brother, if you really have that kind of opportunity, save it for someone who truly craves Immortal Cultivation. Right now, I don''t think the level of cultivation is that important," Ye Lanughed.


    Gu An smiled and said, "What if you leave this world, and I pursue immortality alone? Wouldn''t that be lonely?"


    Ye Lan blinked andughed, "I haven''t given up, I''m just talking. Some things can''t be fought for; if you can''t have them, let it be. Don''t let them be a burden to you, including me, and even Zhen Qin and your disciples. If we die before you, don''t be foolish or let it weigh on your heart."


    Gu An, unable to resist, reached out to pinch her cheek, and she didn''t dodge.


    "What about ourst century; what would you want to do? Where would you go?" Gu An asked.


    "Can I dream big?" Ye Lan raised an eyebrow.


    "Of course, daytime is the best for dreaming."


    "Then I want to see howrge this world really is. I''ve heard that beyond the sea there are other continents. I also want to go to the heavens, to see how high it really is, and what lies beyond Outer Heaven¡­"


    Ye Lan spoke enthusiastically, Gu An listening intently, his thoughts drifting far with her words.


    Two dayster.


    Gu An first went to the North Sea Mountains to gather medicinal herbs, then spent an Ancient Hour in Mystic Valley.


    Upon returning to the Third Medicine Valley, he was in good spirits and yed two games of chess with Nine-Finger Divine Lord.


    Near evening.


    Shen Xinzi and Long Qing walked along the path between the Medicine Garden, Long Qing dejected, asionally casting timid nces at his master walking ahead.


    Although Shen Xinzi appearedposed, he was quite perplexed inside.


    Having taught Long Qing for so long, yet Long Qing had still not manifested any Spiritual Power.


    Even the most mediocre talents shouldn''t be like this¡­


    Could it be his teaching methods were wed?


    "Master, do I still have hope?" Long Qing couldn''t help but ask, having lost the fighting spirit he initially had, even developing a slight fear of cultivation, frightened by the disappointment he might see in his master.


    Without turning, Shen Xinzi said, "Maybe you have a special physique. From tomorrow, I''ll teach you Body Refinement."


    "Body Refinement?"


    "Yes, the path of Immortal Cultivation isn''t only about Energy Absorption; maybe your physique needs long-term honing, to umte slowly and release suddenly¡­"


    As Shen Xinzi spoke, his tone grew increasingly determined.


    Whether Long Qing believed it or not, he believed first.


    Exactly! That must be it!


    Yang Jian was also physically strong; perhaps Gu An chose Long Qing because they were simr.


    Hearing this, Long Qing immediately cheered up and began to jump for joy.


    When they reached the attic area, An Xin came up to them, smiling and asked, "Senior, why have you been bringing this boy around every day?"


    Shen Xinzi pressed his palms together and said, "Amitabha, this child and I have a connection, so I''m taking him around to y."


    After all, since Long Qing had no cultivation, no one could discover he was simplifying things secretly.


    "Hey, Sister, why are you fussing so much?" Long Qing grumbled.


    Hmph, once I seed in Body Refinement, you won''t be able to boss me around!


    An Xin grinned at Long Qing, thinking to herself, "You cheeky boy, your feathers have grown firm; I''d like to see what you can learn from him."


    She verbally said, "Alright, I''ll leave you be."


    With that, she bowed to Shen Xinzi and then took her leave.


    Shen Xinzi watched her departing silhouette thoughtfully; her cultivation hadn''t improved, but she gave off a very subtle feeling, which he couldn''t quite exin.

 Chapter 351 Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, Old Monster

    End of Summer.


    Mortal World Peak, Dingtian Peak.


    Gu An was writing with his sleeves rolled up in the courtyard, and An Xin, wearing a mask, was cultivating beside him. A gentle breeze blew by, creating a picturesque scene.


    An Xin suddenly opened her eyes and curiously asked, "Master, what cultivation levels have my fellow disciples attained now?"


    Gu An casually replied, "Your senior brother has reached the fifth floor of the Mystic Heart Realm, and your junior brother is at the first level of the Unification Realm."


    "That high?"


    An Xin couldn''t help but widen her eyes.


    "Look at Dingtian Peak, do their cultivation levels seem high here?" Gu An''s words rendered An Xin silent.


    An Xin cautiously asked, "Master, do you really think I can be an immortal?"


    Her current actual cultivation level was only at the eighth floor of the Core Formation Realm, far behind An Hao and Yang Jian.


    "Don''t think about that, but rather think about how you can achieve it. If even you don''t believe in yourself, then you''re truly finished."


    Gu An''s words seemed reasonable to An Xin, and she endeavored to adjust her mindset.


    "By the way, Master, is Senior Shen Xinzi teaching Long Qing cultivation?"


    "Yes."


    "Has Long Qing also practiced Energy Concealing Sorcery? I can''t even sense his Spiritual Power."


    "You''re overthinking it. He hasn''t yet cultivated any Spiritual Power."


    "What?"


    An Xin was astonished and pressed on, "With the Dao Level of Senior Shen Xinzi, how could Long Qing possibly fail to cultivate Spiritual Power?"


    "Some people are less talented than you." Gu An offhandedly said.


    He did not reveal Long Qing''s Nirvana Realm cultivation level, fearing it would demoralize Long Qing.


    Moreover, Long Qing had a special identity. Both the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court might pursue him, and until Gu An was confident he could protect him, he was not prepared to unlock the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit within him.


    After all, Long Qing now had a lifespan of over ten thousand years.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It was good to let the youngd first cultivate his Daoist Heart, to avoid treading the same path as Long Qing''s ancestral Great Ancestor Long Zhan.


    An Xin fell silent, suddenly feeling sorry for Long Qing. Given thatd''s character, once he realized his limited talent, he would definitely be deeply affected.


    Gu An didn''t say more and concentrated on practicing his calligraphy.


    An Xin watched him, wanting to speak but hesitating.


    On reflection, since the Master had already shown great kindness in sheltering Long Qing, how could she demand that the Master change his fate?


    Moreover, the Master surely had his ns.


    Realizing this, An Xinposed herself and continued cultivating.


    ¡­


    Six yearster.


    The weather was clear, with white clouds adorning the blue sky, each assuming its unique posture.


    In the mountain woods.


    Twenty-year-old Long Qing had fully matured, dressed in tight green clothing, squatting in a horse stance, and continuously punching despite being drenched in sweat. His eyes remained determined, exhaling consistently.


    His skin was flushed red, emitting steam, and his legs were trembling, ready to copse at any moment.


    Shen Xinzi stood beside him, holding a copy of Journey to the West, reading it and said, "Persist for another Ancient Hour to activate the medicinal effects."


    Long Qing gritted his teeth and asked, "Master, my strength has increased quite a bit. How many levels of Qi Cultivation cultivators can I now defeat?"


    "You could defeat those at the third level of Qi Cultivation."


    "What? Only the third level?"


    Long Qing showed a look of despair, but Shen Xinzi offered nofort.


    After mumbling a few words, Long Qing revitalized his spirits, his eyes regaining their firmness.


    Shen Xinzi, ncing out of the corner of his eye at the change in Long Qing''s demeanour, was privately satisfied, "Thisd has poor talent, but his temperament is decent."


    In his view, temperament was even more cultivable than cultivation, so he still held hope for Long Qing.


    He was teaching Long Qing on a whim and naturally was not in a hurry.


    Just then, Shen Xinzi suddenly sensed something and abruptly looked up.


    Elsewhere.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was ying chess with Gu An, also looked up.


    Gu An looked up, urging, "What are you looking at? Hurry up and make your move."


    As he spoke, Gu An''s Divine Thought also locked onto Outer Heaven.


    In the starry sky of Outer Heaven, a vast space rift appeared out of nowhere, hanging right above the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, startling the mysterious beings in the sun into opening their eyes.


    "In a moment, there''s something going on in Outer Heaven. I need to watch for a while," the Nine-Finger Divine Lord said impatiently.


    Gu An looked up, feigning confusion.


    Under the scrutiny of his Divine Thought, a figure appeared within the mysterious rift¡ªa man in a ck robe, tall and broad-shouldered, with a stern face wearing a long silver jade crown. Two brightly shining Magic Artifacts floated behind his head, resembling the sun and the moon, casting light on him, making him seem to radiate a brilliant glow.


    The moment this person appeared, the surface of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land''s lightyer fluctuated.


    Upon seeing him, Gu An felt apprehensive.


    Unfortunately, his Divine Thought could not perform a Life Span Detection.


    The robed man suddenly disappeared.


    The next second, Gu An''s Divine Thought shifted to the Holy Land where the Holy Court was located, its Qi Fortune was impacted, gathering there, and he felt strong fighting emanationsing from the direction of the Holy Court.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord followed his gaze towards the direction of the Holy Land, frowning.


    He stood up and said, "Today counts as a draw. We shall continue another day."


    With that, he disappeared in thin air.


    Gu An couldn''t help muttering, "Always in a rush but still doesn''t forget to hedge his bets, really an animal."


    While collecting the chess pieces, he kept an eye towards the direction of the Holy Court.


    Soon, the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court reassembled, making it difficult for him to forcefully probe, which piqued his curiosity about what was happening inside the Holy Court.


    He waited until nightfall. The robed man did not appear, and the Holy Domain remained unusually calm, but Gu An saw many Great Cultivators heading toward the Holy Court like a shower of arrows.


    Clearly, something had urred within the Holy Court.


    In the following days, there was still no activity in the Holy Court, and the space rifts in Outer Heaven had disappeared, nor was the robed man seen.


    Gu An visited Immortal Seeking Ind and Mortal World Peak and couldn''t gather any intelligence, but the Great Cultivators at Mortal World Peak also noticed the activities at the Holy Court. Their numerous spections left Gu An feeling they were absurd.


    Until a monthter.


    Gu An, who was alchemizing inside the building, suddenly sensed something and slightly raised his brow.


    "Why has hee here..."


    Gu An did not stand up, cautious not to startle the quarry.


    A person entered the Third Medicine Valley, precisely the robed man who forcefully entered the Holy Court before.


    His appearance made Gu An uneasy¡ªregardless of whether he was a friend or foe of the Holy Court, his arrival could potentially attract the Holy Court''s attention.


    Gu An did not wish to reveal himself.


    After carefully sensing, Gu An''s mood slightly eased. The guy''s aura was very weak, suppressed to the Core Formation Realm level,pletely different from when he stormed the Holy Court, almost like two different people.


    After hesitating for a moment, Gu An stood up and walked downstairs.


    As he walked down the stairs, he casually looked out, and when his gaze swept over the robed man, he quickly performed a Life Span Detection without lingering.


    [Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor (Divine Thought True Immortal Realm Eighth Floor): 15876308/40000000/60000000]


    Divine Thought True Immortal Realm Eighth Floor!


    Over fifteen million years old!


    A maximum life span of sixty million years!


    Gu An was astonished, looking at a true old monster!


    What is this guy doing in the Third Medicine Valley?


    Is he targeting him?


    As Gu An continued downstairs, he puzzled over this.


    At that moment, Ji Xiaoyu walked out of her room. She did not look towards Gu An but towards the approaching Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.

 Chapter 352 Yin Yang Immortal Domain

    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor proceeded, ncing around Medicine Valley without much curiosity. Having lived for over fifteen million years, nothing much about his surroundings intrigued him; he was merely browsing.


    He felt Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze and couldn''t help but turn to look. As their eyes met, a smile appeared on his face.


    As for Gu An behind Ji Xiaoyu, he was ignored.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor quickened his steps and came before Ji Xiaoyu, bowing with his fists, "Your Majesty, it has been a long time."


    Your Majesty?


    Gu An was curious, yet he sighed in relief at the same time.


    He was here for Ji Xiaoyu!


    As long as it wasn''t for him, it was alright!


    Ji Xiaoyu nodded slightly, "Let''s talk inside the house."


    She turned to Gu An and asked, "Do you want to listen?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An hurriedly shook his head and then went downstairs, bowing with his fists when he passed by the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor just gave him a brief nod.


    Ji Xiaoyu pouted and then said, "Bring him in too."


    After speaking, she turned and entered the house.


    While Gu An was walking, the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor grabbed his shoulder.


    "Come in with us," the Emperor said in an undeniable tone.


    Gu An had no choice but to turn around.


    The two of them entered Ji Xiaoyu''s house, one after the other. Following them, the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor waved his sleeve, casting a mysterious restriction.


    Gu An sat down on a stool to one side.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor sat down at the table and looked towards Ji Xiaoyu, smiling, "Your Majesty, have you remembered?"


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "I have recovered some memories, but not all. Why have youe to find me ahead of time?"


    Gu An eyed Ji Xiaoyu, uncertain how much of her memory was restored and how far she was from her true self.


    He felt a twinge of mncholy thinking of the little girl who used to cling to him, who aspired to be the lofty Reincarnation Path Emperor.


    The identity of the Reincarnation Path Emperor involved numerous major destinies. Once she regained her true form, she would certainly not remain in the Third Medicine Valley.


    The arrival of the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor signified that Ji Xiaoyu''s departure was imminent.


    Anyone with a little ability wouldn''t stay in Medicine Valley. Gu An had seen off many people; each time, it was somewhat poignant.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor nced at Gu An, then responded, "A major change urred in the Yin Yang Immortal Domain, so I came earlier to find you. I recently retrieved your Soul Jade from the Holy Court."


    After saying this, he flipped his right hand, revealing a purple Crystal Stone glowing with a dim light, floating above his palm.


    As soon as this purple Crystal Stone appeared, it burrowed into Ji Xiaoyu''s forehead, and she closed her eyes.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor looked again at Gu An and asked, "Do you know her identity?"


    Gu An feigned hesitation, "I knew her in a former life, heard she was once the Reincarnation Path Emperor in one lifetime, but I''m not clear about what that entails."


    With so many years lived by the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, Ji Xiaoyu''s original age must be even greater. Could the Ji Family have such a long history?


    Could it be that the initial Ji Xiaoyu didn''t belong to the Ji Family? Then why was she birthed into the Ji Family for two consecutive lifetimes?


    What is hidden within the Ji Family that fascinates her so?


    "The status of the Reincarnation Path Emperor is even higher than you think, she has lived for over twenty million years, and the current reincarnation cycle is merely her way of gaining experience," said the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor calmly.


    Gu An''s face drastically changed, his mouth opened, but he couldn''t speak.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor smiled, thinking he had struck a blow to Gu An.


    Silence fell in the room.


    After a while, Ji Xiaoyu opened her eyes. The change in her gaze reminded Gu An of the Ji Xiaoyu who once caused a stir in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, exuding a cold demeanor.


    A few momentster, Ji Xiaoyu''s gaze and demeanor returned to how they were before. She looked towards the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor and asked, "Snatching the Soul Jade from the Holy Court must not have been easy, right?"


    "It cost me some injuries, but ten thousand years of recovery should suffice," the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor replied.


    Ten thousand years seemed like just a day to him.


    "I don''t want to leave just yet," Ji Xiaoyu mused.


    "No worries, no rush, staying a few hundred years is fine. I''ll heal my wounds, and those fools in the Holy Court definitely won''t guess that I''m still within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land."


    He sized up Gu An''s entire karma in a nce, aware of Gu An''s age, and felt that given Gu An''s Dao Level, he wouldn''t live past a thousand years. Once Gu An died, Ji Xiaoyu''s current cycle of reincarnation should also end, and then he could wee the real Reincarnation Path Emperor.


    Gu An really wanted to say that they could leave now, but seeing Ji Xiaoyu''s expression, he held back.


    "Alright, I''ll go out for a walk," the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor said, standing up and walking towards the door.


    He did not remove the restriction inside the house; he guessed that Ji Xiaoyu still had many things to reveal to Gu An, things that the Immortal Path beings in Medicine Valley should not overhear.


    After the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor closed the door, Ji Xiaoyu sighed.


    Gu An asked, "Why such tension? Isn''t he one of your people?"


    Those capable of subordinating a Divine Thought True Immortal, the Dao Level of the Reincarnation Path Emperor must be incalcble.


    "He respects my past life. I''ve dreamt of his battles; he is terrifying, maybe even stronger than Sword Venerable Fudao," Ji Xiaoyu took a deep breath and answered.


    Stronger than me?


    How could that be!


    I''m a whole minor realm above him, and he can''t see through my Cultivation Level. If I sneak attack, he surely won''t be prepared!


    Such were Gu An''s thoughts, which, of course, were just thoughts.


    He had no grievances or quarrels with the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, so naturally, he could not make a move.


    "Where is the Yin Yang Immortal Domain located?" Gu An curiously asked.


    Beyond the outer reaches, there is the Silent Destruction Domain, which surrounds the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, and he always suspected that beyond the Silent Destruction Domainy more vast worlds.


    Dark Great Heaven and Earth, Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth, Primordial Great Heaven and Earth...


    Now having heard of the Yin Yang Immortal Domain, Gu An grew increasingly curious about the outer reaches.


    How high is the pinnacle of the Immortal Path?


    "The Yin Yang Immortal Domain is very far from here, and one must traverse a region rife with Demons. It''s extremely dangerous. I''ve dreamt that it took me many years of battle to arrive here. I have not recalled much about the Yin Yang Immortal Domain, only that it is very dark, devoid of the sun."


    Ji Xiaoyu immersed herself in reminiscences, her tone tinged with subtle mncholy.


    Unable to help himself, Gu An asked, "I''ve always been curious, what exactly is your rtionship with the Ji Family, and why were you born into it again this lifetime?"


    Ji Xiaoyu frowned upon hearing this.


    Gu An waited for her response.


    After a moment, Ji Xiaoyu finally spoke, "The Ji Family was founded by a sworn son of mine. I only remember that he died for me. On his deathbed, he asked me to look after his children. That happened over twenty thousand years ago, and thus the Ji Family came to be."


    Gu An suddenly understood and pursued the topic, "So, the Ji Family shares your surname?"


    "Yes, the Ji surname seems quite significant, though I haven''t recalled all the details yet," Ji Xiaoyu said, looking at Gu An, then asked, "Anything else you''d like to ask?"


    Gu An quickly shook his head, "No, I have nothing more to ask."


    Asking too much only leads to more trouble!


    "It''s fine, who are we but to each other? Ask away and broaden your horizons. Know that even the high-levels of the Supreme Sect don''t have ess to these things," Ji Xiaoyu looked at Gu An, her expression a half-mocking smile.


    Gu An always felt she was scheming something; he immediately stood up, bid his farewell, and left.


    Ji Xiaoyu watched Gu An''s departing back, and only after he had closed the door did the smile on her face fade.


    She furrowed her brows and sank into deep thought.


    ¡­


    The addition of the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor didn''t change the environment of the Third Medicine Valley. Unlike Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Shen Xinzi, he disdained interacting with mortals. Once Gu An arranged his residence, he began his reclusion.


    Ten years blinked by and the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor remained within his own room, sparking much spection among the disciples in the valley.


    One day.


    Gu An went to visit Xiaochuan.


    Just as Xiaochuan was receiving Gu An, an incident urred in the residence that required his attention, leaving Gu An waiting in the courtyard.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 367/638,909,402]


    [Physique: Primordial Ultimate Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Divine Thought True Immortal Realm Nine Layers]


    Looking at his Attribute Panel, Gu An started calcting how long it would take to reach one billion years of life span.


    Currently, his lifespan ie per year ranged between 1.5 and 1.8 million years, which was quite considerable.


    He nned to aim for aprehensive upgrade after reaching one billion years, then break through to the next realm.


    The next step would be the ninth level Cultivation Level of the Ninth Heavens of the Immortal Path.


    He wondered how many more years of lifespan would be required to surpass the Ninth Heavens of the Immortal Path.


    Gu An poured himself some wine, his thoughts returning to the present; he heard Xiaochuan''s descendants arguing. It was about a marriage alliance; the current family head wanted to ally with a certain noble family. The chosen girl was unwilling, and her parents could not bear to force her, but the family head intended topel her, leading to the quarrel.


    Gu An just listened, without any intention to intervene. After all, what ce did he have to interfere in such matters?


    An hourter, Xiaochuan finally returned.


    As he sat down and poured himself some wine, he sighed, "These good-for-nothing things. If the dayes when I''m gone, the family will surely be ruined by them."


    Gu An chuckled, "Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes; don''t worry about it. You cannot solve all of life''s challenges for them."


    Xiaochuan looked at Gu An and said, "Brother, you advised me to establish a family and career, yet you haven''t done so yourself. Did you foresee this situation and intentionally torment me?"


    Gu An nced at him and said, "If you find it painful, then just abandon them. The world is vast; if ites to it,e back to the Third Medicine Valley."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiaochuan shook his head with a wry smile, his words were in jest. Although life was full of annoyances, he didn''t regret his choices and cherished what he had.


    The two continued drinking, their conversation shifting to the Supreme Sect. Xiaochuan had more than a dozen descendants in the Supreme Sect, some of whom had returned to the Xiaochuan household. They brought back various news about the sect, making Xiaochuan nostalgic for it.


    The Supreme Sect was where he had spent most of his life; how could he remain indifferent?


    As they talked, Xiaochuan suddenly said, "Brother, could I perhaps choose someone from the Xiaochuan household to be your disciple in the future?"


    He had always been hesitant to bother Gu An, but Gu An kept visiting him, even bonding well with the Xiaochuan descendants. He thought he was being overly cautious and decided to establish a closer rtionship, giving his descendants a source of support.


    "Of course, but I''ll make the choice," Gu An said with a smile.


    He already had a target in mind, after all, he could see Xiaochuan''s fate.

 Chapter 353 Earth-Shattering, Immortal Dynasty Banquet

    "Of course you can, who do you want to choose? Do you want to go take a look now?" Xiaochuan readily agreed, even rising to his feet.


    Gu An hurriedly said, "Don''t rush, not now."


    Xiaochuan replied, "Just to take a look, what if someone catches your eye right now?"


    "No rush, the disciple I want to take in hasn''t been born yet."


    Gu An waved his hand, and every time he expounded the Dao to Xiaochuan, Xiaochuan''s fate kept changing, which also caused the fate of the Xiaochuan residence to change.


    "I see."


    Xiaochuan sat back down, thoughtfully.


    In recent years, he often entered a mysterious state, and in that state, his cultivation perplexities that he couldn''t figure out would be easily resolved, giving him a feeling of enlightenment.


    Now that he thought about it, could it have something to do with his senior brother?


    He was so ordinary; his only blessing was his senior brother. If not for his senior brother''s Primordial Reincarnation Skill, he might already have been buried in the ground.


    Gu An began to talk about significant events in the Immortal Cultivation World, quickly drawing Xiaochuan''s interest.


    It wasn''t until nightfall that Gu An left.


    He headed to the Eight Scenic Caves, prepared to spend the night alone.


    Hey under the Green Vine Tree, his Divine Thought piercing through the mountains, spying beyond the heavens.


    Ever since the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor had suddenly descended, the Holy Court had dispatched a bunch of Great Cultivators to patrol the outer realms. These individuals, with their cultivation levels at the very least in the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, also made the traversing Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals feel nervous.


    The news of the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor''s attack on the Holy Court also spread, and no one knew what had exactly happened. Nheless, someone being able to burst into the Holy Court was enough to shock all sects in the world.


    Gu An could feel a tense atmosphere pervading the Great Heaven and Earth, but what it was specifically due to, he could not say for sure.


    Anyway, as his Divine Thought swept across, the world was still peaceful.


    It''s worth mentioning, after the Heaven Sect''s leader passed away, Yang Jian returned to the Holy Court; how he is faring now is unknown.


    Without the Great Nether Saint King, Yang Jian should be able to regain his identity as the Holy King.


    Gu An was curious: how does a reincarnated being like him recover his previous cultivation? Does it involve re-cultivating?


    Currently, it seems Ji Xiaoyu doesn''t need to re-cultivate. The Primordial Daoist Talisman contains vast mana and can restore her to her peak state at any time.


    Thinking this, Gu An considered experiencing Lifespan Samsara once more.


    But he held back.


    He couldn''t keep wasting his lifespan; he needed to gather a billion years of lifespan as soon as possible and then make a breakthrough.


    Two Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma had already appeared, making him feel uneasy just thinking about it.


    He must be the highest realm in his environment; otherwise, he felt no sense of security.


    A billion years, he thought, I need to step it up!


    ...


    Having decided to sprint towards a billion years of lifespan, Gu An began to keep busy. He used Immortal Seeking Ind to collect more high-rank medical herbs and expanded the medicinal herb production at Dingtian Peak.


    The Holy sry from the Holy Court had also been delivered by a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, who handed it over to Gu An, incarnated as Sword Venerable Fudao, at the edge of the continent.


    It''s undeniable that the benefits of a Third Grade Heavenly Position were terrifying: a million Supreme-Grade Spirit Stones, a hundred vials of extremely high-grade Spirit Pills, as well as arge batch of medicinal herb seeds. This also advanced the process of umting lifespan for Gu An.


    Every day of Gu An''s life became busy, either running around or teaching An Xin cultivation, expounding the Dao for Ye Lan, Xiaochuan, and Zhen Qin.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Thirty years had swiftly passed by.


    In the early autumn of this year, Outer World Cave weed a significant harvest, and Gu An sessfully reaped fifty million years of lifespan.


    Currently, he could only harvest up to Eighth Rank medicinal herbs. Ninth Rank medicinal herbs would need even more time to grow.


    Feeling ted, Gu An walked into Medicine Valley, humming a tune under his breath. Gazing at the nearly seven hundred and fifty million years of lifespan, he couldn''t help but smile.


    From a distance, he spotted the figures of Shen Xinzi and Long Qing.


    Their master-disciple rtionship had long been made public. No matter how Shen Xinzi taught, Long Qing just couldn''t muster a speck of Spiritual Power. Presently, Long Qing was on the path of Physical Cultivation. One had to admit, an innate Innate Immortal Spirit truly was formidable; even at sixty, Long Qing''s strength was terrifying, capable of contending with a Core Formation Realm Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Gu An had raised the cultivation level of Blood Prison Great Saint to the Core Formation Realm, and An Xin''s cultivation had simrly risen to the Core Formation Realm, while his own was at the Nascent Soul Realm.


    An Xin''s actual cultivation level had already reached the seventhyer of the Nascent Soul Realm. Previously, the restrictions of the Primordial Reincarnation Skill were lifted, and coupled with Gu An''s regr Dao explications, her maximum lifespan had increased to five hundred and seventy years.


    Gu An saw Long Qing''s face full of excitement; it seemed that today he had made progress on the Physical Cultivation path.


    "Master!"


    Upon seeing Gu An, Long Qing immediately called out and waved at him.


    Shen Xinzi also nodded in greeting toward Gu An.


    Gu An walked towards them, prepared to chat and inquire about Long Qing''s cultivation progress.


    Just at that moment, the earth trembled violently, causing panic among everyone in the valley.


    Shen Xinzi frowned and immediately stamped his foot, a golden light burst from his body, rapidly expanding and covering the entire Third Medicine Valley. With that, peace returned to the valley and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    This was the first time Long Qing felt the mana of Shen Xinzi. He turned his head to look at Shen Xinzi, full of admiration.


    A golden-glowing Shen Xinzi, like a sage Buddha present on Earth, radiated a domineering divine might.


    Gu An acted out his part while his Divine Thought peered into the distance; the entire Taicang Continent was trembling, and even the surrounding oceans were brewing towering waves.


    The source of all this was a distant continent, where lightning shed, and fierce winds raged.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought quickly locked onto a figure.


    The person hovered midair; below him, thousands of miles of mountainsy in ruins, the sky permeated with billowing dust, churning like fog.


    This was a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal!


    His Qi-blood was soaring wildly!


    He seemed to have cultivated a formidable physique, in Gu An''s judgment no less formidable than Yang Jian''s Mystic Gang Dominator Body.


    Gu An saw that many Great Cultivators were rushing towards this Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal.


    He didn''t look any further and quickly withdrew his Divine Thought. Striding toward Shen Xinzi, he asked anxiously, "What happened?"


    Shen Xinzi looked into the distance, his expression grave.


    Long Qing spoke up, "Master, don''t be afraid. With my second master here, even if the sky falls, there''s nothing to fear!"


    He now had a blind worship for Shen Xinzi, and was so excited that when he said this, he had a bragging tone, which made Gu An want tough.


    Gu An showed a smile, a look of relief on his face, then inquired about Long Qing''s cultivation progress.


    Once the topic turned to this, Long Qing immediately became energized, iming that he had just mastered a powerful Fist Technique that could punch and shatter a thirty-foot-high hill.


    Shen Xinzi didn''t pay attention to the master and disciple; he vanished into thin air.


    Elsewhere.


    Ji Xiaoyu stepped out of her house, looking towards the horizon.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "A Defying Blood Treasure Body, a rare sight indeed. The Great Heavenly Spirit Land sure still holds its roots deep. Perhaps when the dayes for the Holy Court to fall, thisnd may soar instead."


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor appeared beside Ji Xiaoyu, chuckling teasingly.


    Ji Xiaoyu turned her head to look at him and asked, "The Holy Court is so strong, how could it possibly fall?"


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, arms crossed in front of his chest, replied with a closed-eye smile, "That''s not a given. The most powerful forces also have their times of demise. The Holy Court has existed for too long and is approaching its cmity; this is also one of the reasons for Shengtian''s reincarnations."


    Without waiting for a reply, Ji Xiaoyu nced at the distant figure of Gu An then asked, "Can you predict when the Holy Court''s cmity wille?"


    "That I cannot do; the secrets of heaven must not be revealed. Though my cultivation is high, I still stand no different than Mortal Spirits when facing the Heavenly Dao," said the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor with a shake of his head.


    "Wait and see; a good show is about to begin soon."


    As soon as the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor finished speaking, he vanished from the spot.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s brows furrowed; she did not believe in any ''good show.'' The ''good show'' the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor spoke of was surely some kind of catastrophe, involving the Holy Court¡ªdefinitely no trivial matter.


    An ancient hourter, the trembling of the Taicang Continent finally stopped. The shaking had caused manymoners to lose homes and lives, and even the creatures within the forests were affected.


    All the major sects were sending disciples down the mountain to save the distressed.


    This had nothing to do with Gu An; if an enemy thatmon beings couldn''t withstand attacked the continent, he might still lend a hand, but he wouldn''t intervene in disasters akin to natural cmities.


    Intervening too much would only lead to expectations, and if Gu An chose not to intervene in the future, it would be seen as wrongdoing. He couldn''t let themon beings believe that he was obligated to protect everything.


    In the lives of mortals, cmities are unavoidable, and their magnitude varies.


    By evening, Gu An saw the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal do battle with the Great Cultivators of various sects, even startling the main city of the Broken Sea Domain and forcing the Carefree Primordial Immortal to take action.


    This individual''s physique was indeed strong. Even besieged by a group of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, he held his ground until the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma intervened, at which point he was subdued.


    Captured by the Holy Court, his fate was uncertain.


    Gu An didn''t pay it much mind. Beings that shook heaven and earth popped up from time to time in this world; it''s just that in the past, the Broken Sea Domain was too far away to be affected.


    As years passed by.


    Another five years went by.


    On Mortal World Peak, Dingtian Peak.


    Within the courtyard, Gu An listened to Zhu Xinn''s report while An Xin cultivated at his side.


    "The Immortal Dynasty rarely invites all sects of the world to a gathering, and the Main Peak hopes you could join them, Master, to avoid any deceit," said Zhu Xinn, his brows furrowed as he mentioned the concern.


    Gu An held a book in his hand and nonchntly asked, "What gathering?"


    "It''s a banquet. The Immortal Dynasty''s Yang Xian Emperor wishes to discuss the Dao with all the sects of the world and has even brought out Immortal Fruits, which, it''s said, can be harvested once every million years. Consuming one could enhance one''s insight and refine sinews and bones; whether it''s true or not, I don''t know."


    "Is that so? Well, I won''t be going."


    "Alright, I''ll inform the Main Peak," Zhu Xinn replied without further persuasion. He wasn''t worried about Gu An getting into trouble; the Dingtian Peak was finally rising, thanks inrge part to Gu An, and naturally, Zhu Xinn didn''t want him to stumble into misfortune.


    Hearing about the Immortal Fruits, Gu An did want to go, but on second thought, with so many sects gathered, trouble was likely to ur.


    The Holy Court might intervene.


    By not going, he might miss out on the fruits, but going could invite trouble.


    Gu An spoke up, instructing Zhu Xinn to expand the medicinal herb cultivation on Dingtian Peak, iming it was for the disciples'' cultivation resources, which touched Zhu Xinn deeply.


    To have such a master was truly their fortune.


    After Zhu Xinn left, Gu An finally put down his book.


    He suddenly felt a presence.


    Lu Lingjun!


    She hade to Mortal World Peak again with the Holy Mother of Western Spirit, leading a group that included a Carefree Primordial Immortal. The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect had also sent many people, likely to discuss something significant.


    Gu An paid no heed and stood up, saying, "An Xin, it''s time to go back."


    At his words, An Xin immediately stood up and walked towards Gu An.

 Chapter 354 The True Immortal

    The next morning, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to the Outer Gate City, having not visited for several months. Today, he sensed the presence of an old friend and decided to take a stroll.


    He didn''t seek out that old friend, instead wandering around the city.


    Nowadays, more and more people greeted him as he walked, and he couldn''t help but wonder if, in a thousand years, the Supreme Sect would be filled with his disciples.


    Tsk tsk, and who knows how many more years he would need to be a Supreme Elder.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint, having reached the Core Formation Realm, was even more imposing, standing two meters tall with its blood-red fur fluttering as they walked, causing disciples along the way to frequently look back.


    "Master, why can''t Long Qing cultivate Spiritual Power? Yet, his Qi-Blood is increasing so quickly," the Blood Prison Great Saint suddenly asked.


    Gu An was not worried about people on the street overhearing, and he casually replied, "Perhaps there''s some hidden reason."


    Upon hearing this, the Blood Prison Great Saint felt more certain of his conjecture and asked cautiously, "Is he the same as me?"


    "Mm."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An answered, and the Blood Prison Great Saint thought to himself that it must be true.


    No wonder Shen Xinzi couldn''t see through it, it was the Master''s doing all along!


    But why did the Master seal Long Qing''s powers?


    This kid is really outrageous, his physique growing rapidly even with his cultivation sealed, could his talent be even more terrifying than Yang Jian''s?


    The Master always finds peerless talents.


    On second thought, perhaps it''s through the Master''s intervention that these people be peerless talents, like An Xin, whose insight and talent grow stronger day by day.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint reflected silently, marveling at the unfathomable depth of his Master''s Dao Level.


    After a while, he carried Gu An to the Heavenly Repair tform.


    The Heavenly Repair tform was bustling as usual, crowded with people.


    Gu An''s eyesnded on someone concealing a seventhyer cultivation level of the Carefree Immortal Realm.


    It was Zhang Xianwang from the Immortal Dynasty!


    During a previous conference at the Heavenly Rankings, Zhang Xianwang had represented the Immortal Dynasty to win over Sword Venerable Fudao, meeting Gu An then.


    Zhang Xianwang had also met with the Heaven Sect, and many years had passed, with the Heaven Sect having died. Gu An wondered what Zhang Xianwang would think upon hearing this.


    Gu An got off and walked up to the Heavenly Repair tform.


    "Hey, kid, long time no see."


    A figure suddenly bumped into Gu An''s shoulder, it was Gu Yu.


    Back in the day, using the names Gu Yu and Gu Zong as father and son, Gu An had written his first invigorating novel "Supreme Immortal Venerable," making Gu Yu famous across the world. Their friendship was excellent; after Li Ya and Wu Jue became prodigies, the best rtionship Gu An had was with Gu Yu and Zuo Lin.


    Gu An rolled his eyes at him and said unenthusiastically, "Didn''t we just see each other the year beforest?"


    Gu Yu still looked young, he widened his eyes and eximed, "Have we drifted apart? Not seeing each other for two years, don''t you miss me?"


    "Definitely not, I''m afraid you''ll pester me to write a book again."


    "Go away, am I that shallow? By the way, have you heard about Li Ya recently? He inherited the legacy of Three Pure Ones Mountain, it''s unbelievable, they say he is now a Great Cultivator of Mystic Heart Realm¡­"


    Gu Yu mentioned Li Ya, then became extremely emotional.


    He had be the surprised bystander character in the Supreme Immortal Venerable.


    That''s the difference between reality and fiction; he was the brilliant protagonist in the novel, but in reality, he could only marvel at the achievements of his peers.


    Gu An also felt emotional, admiring and respecting Li Ya.


    While they were chatting, Zhang Xianwang suddenly approached.


    Zhang Xianwang, dressed in a white robe, exuded an aura of immortality, drawing attention even on the Heavenly Repair tform.


    "Gu An, little brother, long time no see," Zhang Xianwang''s voice came first, radiating cheerfulness.


    Gu An turned to look, surprised, and said, "Daoist Friend Zhang, what brings you here? When did you arrive?"


    He immediately bypassed Gu Yu and walked quickly toward Zhang Xianwang.


    Having not seen each other for many years, Zhang Xianwang was very pleased to see Gu An. He had been thinking about the little friend with the Dao Pattern on his forehead and wondering how he was doing.


    Gu Yu sized up Zhang Xianwang, sensing that this person''s cultivation was definitely not simple.


    Now at the Nascent Soul Realm himself, his insight was far beyond what it once was.


    After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gu An introduced Gu Yu to Zhang Xianwang, but unfortunately, Zhang Xianwang showed little interest and merely nodded lightly.


    "Why don''t we find a ce to talk," Zhang Xianwang suggested, looking at Gu An.


    After hearing this, Gu An could only say goodbye to Gu Yu and then followed Zhang Xianwang away.


    Gu Yu watched Gu An''s retreating back and couldn''t help muttering, "What kind of physique does this kid have? Or is it special Qi Fortune? How does he always attract high-level individuals?"


    Inside the Third Medicine Valley, many Great Cultivators gathered, some to y chess, others drawn by the Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Shen Xinzi, making the Hall of Elders very curious about Gu An. However, with Lv Baitian''s support, no one dared to disturb Gu An.


    After a while.


    Gu An followed Zhang Xianwang to an inn, choosing a window-side seat on the third floor, where they were the only diners at that moment.


    Zhang Xianwang inquired about how Gu An had been these past years, and Gu An started recounting his everyday life.


    Though it was simple, Zhang Xianwang listened intently.


    He had long told Gu An that having Dao Patterns, he would certainly be approached by others, but he hadn''t expected Gu An to still lead such an ordinary life.


    The mundane things spoken from Gu An''s mouth somehow became interesting to Zhang Xianwang.


    Hearing that the Bull Demon King could never catch up to the White Spirit Rat, Zhang Xianwang couldn''t help butugh.


    It was not until the server had brought all the food and drinks that Zhang Xianwang began to speak seriously, "Not to hide, Ie from the Immortal Dynasty."


    Gu An stared, asking, "Which Immortal Dynasty?"


    "In a far-off ce, there is a continent that you call the Ends of the Earth. The beings there are born with cultivation of the Nirvana Realm, starting with a life span of at least ten thousand years¡­" Zhang Xianwang began to describe the Immortal Dynasty, leaving Gu An dumbfounded.


    After outlining the basics of the Immortal Dynasty, Zhang Xianwang gazed at Gu An and asked, "Would you like to join the Immortal Dynasty? I can help you reach the Nirvana Realm."


    Gu An swallowed and asked, "Can I definitely reach it? Can I bring others along?"


    Zhang Xianwang red at him and said, "I only have my eyes on you, and you want to bring others? Forget it, the Immortal Dynasty doesn''t just casually ept beings from the outside."


    Hearing this, Gu An was immediately disappointed.


    Zhang Xianwang felt both amused and annoyed, looking at Gu An with even greater admiration.


    "Do you believe there are real immortals in the world?" Zhang Xianwang asked.


    Gu An answered, "Of course, there are Mountain Gods on our continent, and I''ve heard there''s a Heavenly Court overseas."


    Zhang Xianwang scoffed, "The Heavenly Court is not the Court of Immortal Gods. I''m talking about real immortals, like the Heavenly Court in ''Journey to the West.'' Our Immortal Dynasty is always seeking the true immortals, and I''ll tell you the truth, we''ve found them. We will clear the obstacles for the immortals, winning their favor for this world."


    As he spoke, his face showed longing.


    Real immortals?


    Gu An asked nervously, "Where are they?"


    Zhang Xianwang raised his hand and pointed upward, then said, "Join us, or you will disappear along with the dirt of this mortal world."


    Outer Heaven?


    Gu An suddenly believed it. Even if it wasn''t a true immortal, it must be an extremely powerful existence, powerful enough for the Immortal Dynasty to contend with the Heavenly Court.


    But he was already a Third Grade Heavenly Position Holy Sword of the Heavenly Court, how could he join the Immortal Dynasty?


    Although he had always been assigned various identities, from what Zhang Xianwang implied, did the Immortal Dynasty intend to end the world?

 Chapter 355 The Power of Destiny

    Seeing Gu An remain silent, Zhang Xianwang continued to speak of the great strength of the Immortal Dynasty, whose history was even more ancient than the Holy Court, spanning countless epochs.


    "The first Immortal King of the Mortal World was the founder of the Immortal Dynasty. He once contended against the heavens; although he failed and caused the Mortal World to be submerged by the sea, his power was undeniable. To this day, the Holy Court has not produced a being of his equal."


    Zhang Xianwang revealed a look of longing, surprising Gu An.


    The Immortal King was actually the founder of the Immortal Dynasty.


    If that was the case, why didn''t they pursue the Immortal King Crown?


    Was it because the Immortal King Crown would devour vitality?


    Gu An pondered, suddenly feeling that the Immortal King Crown might hold secrets.


    Thinking carefully, the Immortal King Crown had weakened so much that even the souls of the Mahayana Realm could not fully suppress it; many changes must have urred over the long years.


    After a while.


    When Zhang Xianwang paused, Gu An took a deep breath and asked, "Did youe to the Supreme Sect specifically for me? It should not be, right?"


    To rally Sword Venerable Fudao?


    But Sword Venerable Fudao had already declined.


    Zhang Xianwang smiled, his gaze turning towards the window, "Of course not, but I cannot tell you my purpose for the time being."


    Gu An seemed to think of something, his divine thought probing out, quickly covering the Broken Sea Domain.


    He discovered that in other continents and oceans, the Immortal Spirits of the Immortal Dynasty hid their qi fortune deeply, but they could not escape the eyes of a True Immortal''s divine thought.


    He elevated his divine thought further, covering a broader expanse of heaven and earth, looking from a macroscopic perspective, the Immortal Spirits of the Immortal Dynasty were scattered all over the world, spying on qi fortunes, their fortunes as numerous as the stars in the universe.


    What was the Immortal Dynasty nning?


    While thinking, Gu An responded, "Thank you for your kindness, Daoist friend, but I cannot abandon the Supreme Sect, I apologize."


    Zhang Xianwang turned his gaze towards Gu An, smiling, "No rush, you still have time to consider. I will stay at the Supreme Sect for a few years."


    Gu An nodded, and then Zhang Xianwang changed the subject, and the two began to drink together.


    The wind outside the window suddenly became stronger, blowing the grasses on the windowsill.


    Zhang Xianwang''s arrival did not stir up any storm at the Supreme Sect, which remained calm, but, of course, that was only on the surface. Each disciple was still experiencing their own rivers andkes and struggles.


    Seven dayster.


    Gu An took An Xin again to the Mortal World Peak, where they first roamed around, picking medicinal herbs along the way.


    Along the way, Gu An ran into Xu Xi. After paying respects, Xu Xi hooked arms with An Xin, and the two whispered aside.


    Because Xu Xi had once helped Gu An receive Spirit Lord Lu, he would asionally give some pointers for Xu Xi''s cultivation, and over time, Xu Xi and An Xin had be familiar.


    After they chatted for a while, Gu An suddenly said, "Xu Xi, take An Xin to find Spirit Lord Lu, she hase again. Just do as before."


    Spirit Lord Lu?


    An Xin''s eyes widened beneath her mask, and right after, she heard Gu An''s transmitted message, her expression turning odd.


    She seemed to think of something, her eyes bing excited.


    Then, the two women flew towards Debating Peak.


    Gu An roamed alone, wandering aimlessly, asionally chatting with disciples from Dingtian Peak.


    He noticed that the Immortal Dynasty also had Immortal Spirits at the Mortal World Peak, hidden in Debating Peak without revealing any trace of the Immortal Dynasty''s qi fortune, their presence unnoticed by everyone on the Mortal World Peak.


    Gu An did not intend to intervene. The Immortal Dynasty was plotting, certainly against the Holy Court; he could not afford to be the spearhead.


    The Immortal Dynasty invited various sects while arranging for Immortal Spirits to go to each sect. What exactly were they calcting?


    Gu An felt that even if the Immortal Dynasty wished to destroy the world, it seemed unlikely; in his view, the Immortal Dynasty was no match for the Holy Court.


    Time swiftly passed.


    In the evening, An Xin returned, and Gu An took her back to the Supreme Sect.


    As the teacher and disciple walked through the forest, An Xin removed her mask, speaking excitedly, "Master, I suddenly understand the feeling of hiding one''s identity. Senior Lu did not recognize me, even mistaking me for a senior."


    In the past, she was very respectful towards Spirit Lord Lu, never imagining that one day their positions would be reversed.


    She suddenly understood why her master hid his cultivation level and looked after acquaintances under a different identity. The feeling was quite wonderful.


    "Master, if Senior Lu knew your true identity, she would definitely regret, after all the years wandering around outside, her distance from you has only increased. At the Third Medicine Valley, she could spar with you. At Mortal World Peak, even her master does not have the qualifications to meet with you."


    Saying this, An Xin couldn''t help but feel moved, filled with gratitude.


    Seeing Spirit Lord Lu today, she realized once again how lucky she was.


    Compared to Spirit Lord Lu, she had not sacrificed much, yet she had achieved a status Spirit Lord Lu could not even dream of.


    "Think no more of it, your teacher just wants to cultivate quietly, not getting involved in too many troubles. You too, no matter what achievements you attain, always maintain a humble heart," Gu An casually replied.


    An Xin nodded, "I understand, Master. You care so much for Senior Lu, her future achievements will surely be great. I''m just reflecting on how different choices lead to different paths."


    "By the way, Master, is the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect powerful? Compared to Mortal World Peak, which is stronger? Those high monks seem very strong, their presence even more formidable than Shen Xinzi''s. I wonder what they are doing at Mortal World Peak..."


    She began to ask endlessly. In reality, she wasn''t looking for answers but merely wanted to express her feelings.


    Gu An listened to her speak, not continuing the conversation.


    He also felt emotional. The emotion was about how different realms perceive different worlds.


    Spirit Lord Lu was pursuing her path of immortal cultivation, An Xin was carefree under his protection, each living their own life, but how could they know that a catastrophe was about to unfold across the world?


    If the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court went to war, it would surely affect the entire world!


    In front of these two colossal entities, the lives of beings seemed so fragile.


    "Focus on your cultivation; regardless, Spirit Lord Lu is still the goal you strive for," Gu An said, looking ahead.


    "Yes, I will work hard, not to let down the favor you show me now, Master!"


    An Xin stated resolutely, her eyes determined, her heart full of anticipation.


    Under the blue sky.


    Imposing mountains stood tall; the breeze blowing, birds soared freely.


    An Hao, dressed in blue and white, stood halfway up the mountain, his head tilted upward, observing a figure at the summit. The figure was tall, his entire body emitting a red glow. Looking closely, mes surged within the red glow.


    This man, wrapped in mes, had an imposing bearing and an indifferent expression. His luxurious clothing gave off an otherworldly vibe.


    He looked down at An Hao, saying, "Innate immense qi fortune, your Life Grid emits an imperial aura. Join the Immortal Dynasty, you have a destiny with us."


    An Hao squinted, responding, "The Immortal Dynasty? iming to be Immortal, quite arrogant."


    He twisted his neck as mes rose on his body.


    The me Primordial Treasure Body!


    His aura soared, causing the mountain beneath him to shatter, dust rising like smoke, rocks flying chaotically.


    Seeing this, the man at the summit smiled, appreciation shining in his eyes.


    "You seem yet to uncover your true Physique," the man in the red glow spoke.


    "What do you mean?" An Hao asked, sensing no hostility from the other, he did not rush to attack.


    "If you can cultivate the me Primordial Treasure Body, it means your innate physique is incredibly strong. You possess a Physique surpassing the Ancient Treasure Body, unfortunately, no one has helped you uncover this point. Join the Immortal Dynasty, with such qi fortune, you are naturally the darling of heaven and earth, only the Immortal Dynasty can help you grow better."


    The red-glow man paused, then continued, "In the Immortal Dynasty, our citizens are born in the Nirvana Realm, our Emperor has reached the eighth realm of the Immortal Path. Don''t you want to know why your talent is so strong? Perhaps you were born an Immortal Spirit! Why not join us in pursuing the true Immortal?"


    An Hao listened, his expression changing.


    Born in the Nirvana Realm?


    The eighth realm of the Immortal Path?


    An Hao, having adventured across the seas for many years, was encountering such a powerful force for the first time.


    He became interested in the Immortal Dynasty, yet he did not easily believe the other''s words.


    "If the Immortal Dynasty is indeed so powerful, I indeed could join, but before that, you must first defeat me."


    An Hao leaped up, flying to the sky, his mes intensifying, as if a bright sun had suddenly appeared in the sky, illuminating thend.


    The red-glow man looked up, a smile on his face, he spoke, "Then are you ready to face the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma?"


    Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma?


    An Hao instinctively frowned, his expression suddenly changing.


    As the year drew to a close,


    Gu An was discussing paintings with Shen Zhen in his house. As they chatted, he suddenly lost interest, feigning attention to Shen Zhen while using his Divine Thought to explore what his old acquaintances were doing.


    Li Ya was still at Three Pure Ones Mountain, seeking Path Enlightenment, cultivating some Divine Skill.


    Jiang Qiong was negotiating tensely with senior members of other sects.


    Wu Jue was training in Demon Land, apanied by a woman; Gu An caught them being intimate, startling him enough to quickly move his Divine Thought away.


    "Broad daylight, with grass as their mat, unexpectedly bold."


    Gu An remarked internally, then looked towards others.


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin were investigating a mysterious case regarding a Sub-sect, quite troubled.


    Hold on!


    Where was An Hao?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An immediately pursued An Hao''s qi, finding that the young man had already left the Broken Sea Domain, flying towards the ends of the earth.


    An Hao was apanied by the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma.


    Hmm?


    An Immortal Spirit from the Immortal Dynasty?


    Gu An eavesdropped on their conversation, soon learning that An Hao intended to join the Immortal Dynasty.


    He suddenly felt the power of destiny.


    Yang Jian went to the Holy Court, An Hao to the Immortal Dynasty; the two had previously agreed to spar at the Heavenly List convention. Could it really be that when they meet, it would be on the battlefield?


    Gu An merely contemted, not stopping An Hao.


    Though he felt the Immortal Dynasty had slim chances, since the Dynasty had existed for so many years, it certainly had some depth.


    If An Hao were unwilling, he would have called out for his teacher in his mind.


    After a while, Gu An withdrew his Divine Thought.


    "Recently, when painting, I thought of a scene I want to capture, yet I fear it might provoke heavenly wrath. Should I paint it?" Shen Zhen suddenly asked.


    Gu An shook his head, "Don''t paint it, just tell me."


    Shen Zhen inhaled deeply, his voice mysterious, "I envisioned a scene with two figures confronting each other. One like the brilliant sun, the other sovereign of all under heaven. They stand above the nine heavens, des shing."

 Chapter 356 Yuan Xu, the Immortal Ancestor, Initiates Reincarnation

    Hearing Shen Zhen''s words, Gu Anleughed and asked, "What do you think it is? A prophecy?"


    Shen Zhen rolled her eyes at him, saying, "It just popped into my mind out of nowhere. That vision was so shocking that I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Whether it''s a prophecy or not, I''m not sure."


    "If you think of anything else in the future, keep me updated," Gu An continued with a smile, "I''m quite curious about what will happen to the two figures you spoke of."


    Gu An thought of An Hao and Yang Jian. However, their cultivation levels weren''t that high yet. To reach full maturity, who knows how many years it would take.


    Could it be the ruler of the Immortal Dynasty, Yang Xian Emperor, and Shengtian?


    That''s not right either. Where could Shen Zhen''s Dao level reach to predict the confrontation of the Eighth or Ninth Heavens of Immortal Path?


    Shen Zhen nodded, suddenly getting excited, "Gu An, do you think I could be the reincarnation of an Immortal? I''m so unique. Nowhere in the world is there a second person who can achieve Path Enlightenment through writing and painting, and I can even foresee visions that seem to hint at the secrets of heaven..."


    The more she spoke, the more excited she became, her eyes shining. By the end, she even stood up, hitting the table with her hand.


    She looked down at Gu An, who was still seated, and asked eagerly, "Gu An, do you think I can be considered the protagonist in your novel?"


    Gu An''s face twitched as he asked, "Are you trying to be awkward?"


    Shen Zhen often heard him use some baffling terms, but now she understood his meaning. Shooting Gu An a re, she sat back down and drifted into wild flights of fancy, a dazed smile on her face.


    Gu An couldn''t be bothered to respond again. He picked up his writing brush and started writing.


    Nowadays, he spent most of his time on medicinal herbs. Having some rare leisure, he was ready to write a book just for fun.


    Perhaps in the future, he could release the other three of the Four Great ssics, rewritten as Immortal Cultivation versions.


    Zhang Fei''s roar at Changban Slope, scaring to death a million Heavenly Demons.


    Lu Zhishen uprooting the World Tree, Wu Song fighting the Demon Emperor...


    Lin Daiyu''s tears, a downpour of bitter rain across the heavens...


    The thought was exhrating!


    Gu Anleughed, a touch of mncholy inevitably rising in his heart.


    Where on Earth could his previous life be?


    In this life, he had no parents, no family, leaving his heart forever empty, with a feeling of not knowing where he came from.


    Perhaps it was because of this loneliness that he cherished every person close to him so dearly.


    For a time, the room fell into silence, with both people lost in their own thoughts.


    ¡­N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Immortal Spirit of the Immortal Dynasty spread throughout the Mortal World without causing chaos, and the Great Sects did not perceive any clues.


    Just like that, another ten years passed.


    In the summer of that year, at four hundred and twelve years old, Gu An had just returned from Tianya Valley. He sat down on a chair and stretchedzily.


    He was about to take out "Green Hero Travelogue" when he felt something and had to pick up the "Array Formation Record" to flip through.


    Before long, there were hurried footsteps outside the door.


    The door was pushed open and You Yingying rushed in. She came to the table, mmed a book down on it, and red at Gu An with unrestrained anger, "How could you dare to write the Prime Minister''s death?!"


    Nine years earlier, Gu An published "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," set against an Immortal Cultivation backdrop. Heroes, schrs, and warriors were all cultivators. It swept through the Immortal Cultivation World in just a few months after its release.


    Pan An, long silent, rose to fame with his new writing, and the influence of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" continued to expand, having spread overseas.


    The Taoyuan Oath of Brotherhood became a beautiful tale in the world, and the Immortal Cultivation World even started a trend of sworn brotherhood.


    The tales of the Demon God L¨¹ Bu fighting three Great Immortals of Liu Guanzhang at Tiger Prison Pass also spread far and wide.


    To this day, the Supreme Sect released thetest volume of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," with the Prime Minister of the Shu Immortal Country, Zhuge Liang, dying due to the failure of the Seven Star Lamp.


    You Yingying had been so saddened reading this volume at the Book Collection Hall, as the deaths of Liu Guanzhang had already grieved her. Now Zhuge Liang''s death made her lose interest in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" entirely, and she wanted to hammer Gu An in frustration.


    Gu An responded helplessly, "There are always regrets, aren''t there? Whether an early orte death, it''s all death in the end."


    "It''s not the same. He''s Zhuge Liang, capable of divination and fortune-telling, able to use the power of heaven and earth to set up the Eight Trigrams Array. With a wave of his feather fan, he could even summon an east wind that sweeps across the Great Thousand World!" You Yingying grew more agitated as she spoke, unable to resist the urge to circle around the table andy hands on Gu An.


    Gu An quickly stood up, trying to evade her "ws."


    As they scuffled yfully, Gu An was scared downstairs.


    Not far downstairs, Gu Yu and Zuo Lin also arrived in a rush. Seeing their angry faces, Gu An muttered to himself that this was no good and hastened into Ji Xiaoyu''s room.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s reputation as a prodigy had spread, and with the Ji Family''s support behind her, You Yingying, Gu Yu, and Zuo Lin dared not recklessly burst in.


    Inside the room.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat cross-legged on the bed in meditation, looking curiously at Gu An, "What Zhuge Liang? You''ve written another book?"


    She often cultivated in seclusion and had no time to read books.


    Gu An didn''t mind that she eavesdropped, saying with resignation, "Yes, I wrote a book. How can people trouble the author over the content of the book? Ridiculous!"


    "Can I take a look?" Ji Xiaoyu showed an interest, immediately getting off the bed.


    Gu An nodded and approached the desk. With a wave of his right hand, stacks of books piled up on the table.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat down and began to flip through them.


    Gu An paced around the room, which was filled with a faint fragrance.


    Following the scent, his gazended on Ji Xiaoyu''s bed, where he saw a red kerchief. The fragrance emanated from this kerchief.


    Eh?


    This was actually an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure!


    Had Gu An not explored it with his Divine Thought, he wouldn''t have sensed it.


    Where did this Immortal Path Supreme Treasuree from?


    Gu An felt that the Restriction within the kerchief bore a resemnce to Ji Xiaoyu, and it didn''t seem like it was a result of atter recognition of a master.


    Could it be that this Supreme Treasure was refined by Ji Xiaoyu in her past life?


    In that case, Ji Xiaoyu''s past life must have been at least at the level of the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path.


    That made sense. Without such a cultivation level, how could she make the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor of the Eighth Floor of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm obey her everymand?


    Now, the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor still resided within the Third Medicine Valley, seldom leaving.


    Once You Yingying and the others dispersed, Gu An nned to leave.


    Ji Xiaoyu had already been captivated by "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and did not hold Gu An back.


    After leaving the room, Gu An didn''t go upstairs but rode the Blood Prison Great Saint to inspect Medicine Valley.


    An Xin was absorbing Qi and cultivating below the Mystic Pure Tree; Long Qing and Shen Xinzi were refining their bodies in the forest, and the other disciples were also busy with their tasks. Looking around, the entire Medicine Valley thrived, satisfying Gu An.


    Not long after the Blood Prison Great Saint had walked away, a vast aura enveloped the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Gu An looked up and saw a figure appear above the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, located just beneath the lightyer of Outer Heaven, yet within the confines of the sky of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    A Divine Thought True Immortal!


    "I am Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor from the Immortal Dynasty, facing the end of my life. I wish to descend a grand vow for all beings with my thirty million years of Dao cultivation. My Great Dao will transform into Immortal Rain to help beings achieve enlightenment. My physical body will open the path of Reincarnation, where Mortal souls can have a destination!"


    A majestic voice echoed throughout the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. Everyone inside the Third Medicine Valley looked up in amazement.


    Following that, Gu An saw Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor spread his arms wide, bursting with bright light, instantly overshadowing the luminance of the seven suns outside heaven.


    Countless figures soared out toward the Holy Court in an attempt to reach Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor, but it was toote.


    Looking up, Gu An saw the brilliant light in the sky overpower all else, drowning both him and the Blood Prison Great Saint beneath.


    "Thirty million years of Dao cultivation? Can that be true?" the Blood Prison Great Saint asked in shock.


    He couldn''t fathom living thirty million years, let alone attaining such a level of cultivation.


    And then there were the words "Immortal Dynasty," which sounded extraordinary in themselves!


    Could there be any force stronger than the Holy Court in the Great Heaven and Earth?


    Before the bright light had faded, heavy rain started to fall. As everyone''s vision was restored, they saw golden clouds above, shedding golden rain.


    As the golden rain washed over them, all creatures felt refreshed, and sensed their own Cultivation Levels slightly increasing.


    The world was astir, Supreme Sect buzzed with earth-shaking noise.


    "Is this rain real?"


    "Immortal Dynasty... Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor... am I dreaming?"


    "Quickly sit and cultivate energy, it really can increase your cultivation!"


    "Immortal Dynasty? Could it be the Heavenly Court from ''Journey to the West''?"


    "Pan An wasn''t just making it up, there really is a force where immortals and gods gather."


    The disciples in the Third Medicine Valley also excitedly discussed, some immediately sat down to cultivate their energy, while others hesitated, fearing it could be a plot.


    Gu An''s gaze pierced through the golden clouds, looking towards Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor. In that dazzling light, Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor''s body exploded and, following that, transformed into a stream of air, swirling into a vortex that gradually solidified.


    Indistinctly, Gu An felt a certain rule of heaven and earth moving closer to that vortex.


    This rule was connected to the soul, prompting him to think of two words.


    Reincarnation!


    To think there was a Divine Thought True Immortal who would sacrifice himself to open the path of Reincarnation!


    Even in the "Reincarnation Evolution," Gu An had not seen such an event.


    After this event, the name of Immortal Dynasty became renowned throughout the world, informing all beings of their existence, and moreover, ensuring they would remember their favor.


    Should the Holy Court attack the Immortal Dynasty now, it might shake their image in the hearts of all beings.


    Gu An raised his right hand to feel the golden rain.


    Suddenly.


    He saw Zhang Xianwang soaring into the sky, flying to the airspace of the Taicang Continent. Hovering in the air, Zhang Xianwang began to expound the Dao.


    At the sound of his celestial voice, everywhere on the continent, regardless of what people were doing, all stopped in their tracks, immersed in a mystical state.


    It wasn''t only the Taicang Continent; Gu An saw Immortals spread throughout the world beginning to expound the Dao, which also rmed the main cities of the Holy Court in every domain. The Great Cultivators of Holy Court rapidly surrounded those expounding Immortals, but no one dared to act rashly.


    As the thoughts of the masses were linked by the sound of the Immortal''s voice, the Immortals need only a thought to imnt voices and images into the minds of all beings.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint beneath Gu An also entered a Path Enlightenment state, lying down unconsciously.


    "There''s even this kind of method..." Gu An mused inwardly. He stayed on the back of the beast, pretending to be in a state of enlightenment with a vacant look in his eyes.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor walked out from inside the house, looking towards Zhang Xianwang with a slight frown.


    "The Immortal Dynasty... to think they would sacrifice a Divine Thought True Immortal..." The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor was also stunned by the magnanimity of Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor.


    Having lived more than fifteen million years himself, he had never seen such an event.


    Regardless of whatever Yuanxu Celestial Ancestor''s ulterior motives might be, this act truly benefited the masses.


    Copious golden rain fell through, prating rooftops and mountains. No matter where one was, every being could receive the blessings of the golden rain and hear the expounding voice of the Immortals.

 Chapter 357 Great Merit, Decree from an Immortal Lord

    Golden rain that enveloped the whole world persisted for an entire ancient hour before it ceased and all creatures awakened.


    Meng Lang''s divine thoughts swept across the area and discovered that the Supreme Sect''s disciples'' cultivation levels had all increased. However, the extent of growth varied, possibly rting to their innate talents. The one with the most significant increase in cultivation had merely broken through a minor realm, not enough to trigger a breakthrough in a major realm.


    He patted the groggy Blood Prison Great Saint, then turned and walked towards the loft buildings.


    Along the way, he continually cast life span detection towards his disciples and found that after the baptism of the golden rain, their maximum life spans had increased as well; some by only a year or two, others by several decades, though he saw no one whose life span increased by more than a century.


    Even without anyone gaining a century of life span, it was still remarkable, considering the Communal Spirit of Great Heavenly Spirit Land were countless in number. What an immense act of merit!


    Meng Lang couldn''t help but admire the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal while simultaneously puzzled about how he managed to achieve this.


    Meng Lang directed his divine thoughts towards the Immortal Dynasty and felt its Qi Fortune plummet dangerously.


    Could it be that the Dao Void Mysterious Immortal had managed to aplish this by borrowing the Immortal Dynasty''s Qi Fortune?


    Wouldn''t such an act leave them vulnerable to the Holy Court taking advantage?


    Meng Lang was secretly astonished. Soon after, he felt the Qi Fortune of the Immortal Dynasty surge enormously, surpassing its previous levels in a very short time.


    Light from Outer Heaven followed, showering down golden radiance upon the Immortal Dynasty, forming a massive and magnificent rainbow in the sky.


    Meng Lang could sense a particr force within that golden radiance¡ªit was like the Heaven and Earth Rules, yet there was something unique about it, it felt more like Qi Fortune.


    Qi Fortune is utterly mysterious; those with strong Qi Fortune often enjoy good luck, while those with weak Qi Fortune may encounter disasters even in their daily walk, or easily run into inner demons during cultivation.


    Today, Meng Lang had truly broadened his horizons.


    Even as a divine thought True Immortal, he could not see through the techniques disyed by Dao Void Mysterious Immortal, who had lived for thirty million years.


    What a pity that such a person had perished, for Meng Lang lost the chance to make his acquaintance.


    "Master, what just happened? I only remember Dao Void Mysterious Immortal''s words, and then it seemed I fell asleep..." Blood Prison Great Saint caught up and anxiously asked.


    "You just need to know that this was indeed a blessing." Meng Lang replied.


    Blood Prison Great Saint understood that his master did not wish to borate further.


    With his master''s Dao Level, he surely knew what was going on.


    Hemitted the names Immortal Dynasty and Dao Void Mysterious Immortal to memory.


    When Meng Lang arrived in front of the lofts, the disciples who were inside walked out one by one, gathering together to discuss the recent event.


    Shen Xinzi and a few Great Cultivators were surrounded by the others, but unfortunately, they were also unclear about what had actually taken ce.


    Long Qing was shouting excitedly, causing Meng Lang to shake his head and smile wryly.


    "This indeed was a massive opportunity. The Heavenly Dao has noticed it and will surely boost the Immortal Dynasty''s Qi Fortune. When that happens, the Immortal Spirits of the Immortal Dynasty will find it easier toprehend the nature of heaven and earth during their cultivation. The Immortal Dynasty is quite extraordinary and is full of ambition."


    Ji Xiaoyu approached Meng Lang and murmured thoughtfully.


    Meng Lang, driven by curiosity, asked, "Then in your opinion, wouldn''t the Immortal Dynasty be stronger than the Holy Court? Does the Holy Court have anyone who can achieve such a feat?"


    "It''s hard to say, but as the saying goes, ''Two tigers cannot share one mountain.'' It''s likely that a conflict will break out between them. As for whether the Holy Court has someone capable of this, even if it does, it''s doubtful anyone would be willing. The higher the cultivation, the more tenacious the individual. Who would want to give up their Dao Level to benefit all creatures?" Ji Xiaoyu shook her head.


    The Immortal Dynasty had clearly stated this point, making it known to all creatures their sacrifice and hinting at how the Holy Court should act. It would be difficult for the Holy Court to do the same without seeming to fall short byparison.


    Divine thought True Immortals!


    Those were beingsparable to Holy Ministers; such existences would not be coerced, nor would they willingly self-destruct.


    Meng Lang also internally marveled at the Immortal Dynasty''s overt scheming.


    However, the battle between the two would ultimately depend on their own strength. The Immortal Dynasty''s blessings to all beings, as generous as they were, could not be quickly converted intobat power for the Immortal Dynasty.


    Ji Xiaoyu looked up at the sky, her eyes sparkling, and she said in a special tone, "There''s going to be great chaos in this world!"


    Meng Lang could hear a hint of excitement in her voice.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She seemed to be looking forward to the turmoil.


    Meng Lang followed her gaze into the sky. Dao Void Mysterious Immortal''s physical body had turned into a huge qi-shaped vortex, toward which the lonely spirits and Wild Ghosts of the world were flying.


    The Reincarnation Vortex!


    Many Holy Court Cultivators appeared beside the Reincarnation Vortex; they didn''t destroy it but simply stood guard around it.


    Ji Xiaoyu didn''t linger long to chat with Meng Lang, quickly returning to her abode; she couldn''t wait to cultivate and grow stronger.


    Meng Lang joined the crowd of disciples, sharing in their awe and discussion.


    Shen Xinzi left the group and stood alone under a tree, looking up at the sky and calcting with his fingers, his expressionplex as he muttered to himself, "The heaven''s will has be murky; what on earth is going to happen next?"


    In the days that followed, the discussions around the Immortal Dynasty and Dao Void Mysterious Immortal did not subside. Meng Lang even saw the citizens throughout Taicang Continent starting to build monuments and viewing tforms in honor of Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    The golden rain had granted many Mortal Spirits the opportunity for Immortal Cultivation, and many chronically ill mortals were healed. It was a jubtion for the whole world.


    Five dayster.


    Meng Lang visited Immortal Seeking Ind alone.


    Ind Master Xun Hanfeng, Hu Xiaojian, and the Elders gathered to meet him. More than twenty people were assembled in the hall, eager to recount the blessings from five days prior.


    Meng Lang sat in his chair, watching their excited expressions, and felt even more profoundly the boundless merit of Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    It wasn''t just Mortal Spirits who were grateful to Dao Void Mysterious Immortal; even beings of the Immortal Path also appreciated him.


    The creatures didn''t care what motives Dao Void Mysterious Immortal had; having received kindness and benefits, they naturally felt thankful.


    After listening for a while and confirming that nothing had gone amiss on Immortal Seeking Ind, Meng Lang was relieved. He briefly spoke a few words and then took Hu Xiaojian and left.


    He would always roam around Immortal Seeking Ind whenever he visited, and Hu Xiaojian would apany him.


    After leaving the Ind Master''s residence, Hu Xiaojian brought up the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Meng Lang had allowed Immortal Seeking Ind to also start selling his books, and the effect was surprisingly good. Once released, Romance of the Three Kingdoms was greatly loved by many Cultivators.


    Before Dao Void Mysterious Immortal''s blessing, Romance of the Three Kingdoms was the most talked about topic on the ind.


    The Romance of the Three Kingdoms on Immortal Seeking Ind had only reached the point in the story where Lv Meng crossed the river in white clothing, and Guan Yu met his demise, which infuriated many Cultivators.


    After Hu Xiaojian finished discussing the profits from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he couldn''t help but inquire about the uing plot, but s, Meng Lang refused to divulge it, so he could only give up.


    As they walked, Meng Lang suddenly spotted someone and immediately cast a Life Span Detection spell towards the individual.


    [Imperial Edict Immortal Lord (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Third Layer): 3653007/4500000/11000000]


    Dao Void Mysterious Immortal!


    And he was even imbued with the Immortal Dynasty''s Qi Fortune!


    Meng Lang inwardly marveled; it used to be difficult to encounter spirits of the Immortal Dynasty, but now it seemed they could be met everywhere.


    Dao Void Mysterious Immortals were a rare sight!


    Meng Lang watched as the figure approached him directly.


    The Imperial Edict Immortal Lord, d in a deep purple robe, held one hand behind his waist, his long hair secured beneath a Green Jade Crown, his countenance full of authority, his gaze even more so oppressively piercing.


    He came to a halt in front of Meng Lang and spoke, "Might you be the Ind Master Meng Lang?"

 Chapter 358 Desperate Straits

    "I am the Ind Master," Gu An asked with a puzzled face, while Hu Xiaojian next to him became anxious.


    The Immortal Lord, at first nce, was no simple character, his aura clearly stronger than Gu An''s.


    The Immortal Lord looked at Gu An and said, "Serve me, I require your ind."


    After hearing this, Hu Xiaojian couldn''t help but open his mouth in shock, finding the person quite arrogant.


    He subconsciously looked around, his face changing drastically as he discovered that everyone nearby had stopped moving, even the flowers and grass at the side of the street no longer swayed.


    It was as if everything had fallen into stillness.


    Gu An''s face turned ugly, warily watching the Immortal Lord.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Immortal Lord calmly said, "It''s just a little trick to prevent others from knowing our agreement. Work for me, and I will be your support. Do you know what the highest realm is?"


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal."


    The Immortal Lord replied, "Above the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm is the Carefree Immortal Realm, and above that is the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm. My realm is even higher than the Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm."


    As these words came out, both Gu An and Hu Xiaojian''s faces turned pale, with Hu Xiaojian trembling all over.


    The Immortal Lord stopped speaking, waiting for Gu An''s decision.


    Gu An pretended to grit his teeth and asked, "Do I have any other choice?"


    The Immortal Lord frowned, a sh of displeasure in his eyes.


    [The Immortal Lord harbors enmity towards you and intends to kill you. Will you perform Life Span Detection on him?]


    This quickly led to murderous intent?


    Gu An pondered internally, feeling that this Dao Void Mysterious Immortal was too petty.


    He was already on the path to his own death!


    The Immortal Lord coldly said, "You can naturally refuse. But from this day on, when you encounter insurmountable cmities, you will regret today''s choice."


    His words dropped, and he turned to leave. The stillness around them returned to normal; cultivators and demons continued on their way, the street''s flowers and trees swaying in the wind, and birds flew in the sky.


    Watching the Immortal Lord''s departing figure, Hu Xiaojian''s eyes filled with fear.


    After the Immortal Lord disappeared into the crowd, Hu Xiaojian turned to Gu An and asked, "Ind Master, what should we do now?"


    Gu An withdrew his gaze and said, "When soldierse, block them, when the wateres, cover them with earth. At worst, we will take this matter to the main city of the Broken Sea Domain. Don''t worry."


    Seeing him stillposed, Hu Xiaojian''s nervousness and unease began to ease.


    Gu An let Hu Xiaojian continue to lead the way. Compared to the Immortal Lord, he cared more about medicinal herb seeds.


    With the constant shes between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court, more supreme beings like the Immortal Lord would appear, which gave Gu An a sense of urgency.


    He must reach a lifespan of ten billion years and breakthrough to a major realm as soon as possible!


    ...


    At dusk.


    The Immortal Lord flew out of Immortal Seeking Ind. His flying speed was not fast, his Divine Sense covering the Broken Sea Domain as he searched for inds simr to Immortal Seeking Ind.


    In his mind, Immortal Seeking Ind already belonged to him, but he needed more arrangements.


    The thought of Gu An''s rejection made him scoff.


    "Let''s see how you deal with demon creatures above the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm," the corner of the Immortal Lord''s mouth curled in anticipation.


    He began to look forward to Gu An kneeling on the ground, begging him to act.


    Snap!


    Suddenly a handnded on his shoulder, forcibly making him stop, which tremored his Daoist Heart fiercely, his face changing greatly. He instinctively tried to avoid it, only to discover that the mana inside his body was suppressed by an extremely domineering force.


    A Divine Immortal!


    The Immortal Lord guessed the other''s cultivation level in an instant.


    His vision blurred and then he found himself in a forest. He quickly realized he''d been taken far away from Broken Sea Domain.


    He wanted to turn back, but he just couldn''t.


    Boom!


    A domineering Divine Thought broke into his mind, causing his eyes to lose their luster, his entire being falling into a daze.


    After a while, Gu An, using the supreme art of Transformation into Nothingness, executed the Immortal Lord, leaving not a trace of his soul, obliterating his body.


    [You have sessfully acquired 98,641 years of lifespan from the Immortal Lord (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Third Layer)]


    That''ll do!


    Holding the Immortal Lord''s Storage Bracelet, Gu An vanished into the woods.


    ...


    The demise of the Immortal Lord did not cause any ripples. Gu An frequently used Divine Thought to observe the world in the days that followed.


    He saw battles erupting constantly across all sea domains, all between the Immortal spirits of the Immortal Dynasty and the people of the Holy Court. Though the Holy Court had more people, the Immortal spirits of the Immortal Dynasty had stronger fighting power in equal realms.


    As the number of battles increased, the tense atmosphere began to spread, overshadowing the joy people felt from the Blessing of the Primordial Immortal Ancestor.


    Five yearster, news of the sh between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court had spread throughout the world, and even the lowest-ranking cultivators of the Taicang Continent knew that two colossal forces were warring, and should their battlefield fall upon Taicang Continent, it would be catastrophic.


    Perhaps because the Holy Court drew the attention of the Immortal Dynasty, the death of the Immortal Lord never triggered an investigation by the Immortal Dynasty.


    Seven years had passed since the fall of the Immortal Lord.


    That day, Gu An returned from the Outer Gate City, having just submitted thest volume of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.


    Over the years, he had been suppressing his unease with Romance of the Three Kingdoms.


    In his opinion, the battle between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court should not target him, and he could continue to survive quietly.


    But deep down, he was worried that an ident might be triggered by the great war between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court. If the Primordial Immortal Ancestor could bestow blessings upon all beings, then might these two colossal entities, if they went to full-scale war, destroy the Great Heavenly Spirit Land?


    Each time he thought this, it made him uneasy.


    On his way back to the valley, Gu An decided to continue to push forward.


    It was time to take a risk!


    Gu An''s Divine Thought swept across the world, searching for a sect rich in medicinal herbs.


    He found it difficult to kill beings with whom he had no enmity, deciding instead to help other sects harvest their herbs, taking without stealing, doing good deeds without leaving a trace.


    Alright, no matter the self-promotion, Gu An still felt a bit ashamed.


    A Divine Immortal was engaging in such activities.


    But in order to survive, just this once!


    No one would know anyway!


    Soon, Gu An''s gaze focused on a sea-based sect.


    Purple Pill Pce, a sect that specialized in Alchemy Technique, where a great number of medicinal herbs were cultivated for the purpose of alchemy.


    Purple Pill Pce''s strength was not very strong, but because of their Alchemy Technique, the nearby sects would all protect them.


    Let alone the nearby sects of Purple Pill Pce, looking across the world, Gu An could go wherever he wanted without being detected, apart from Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court.


    After returning to the valley, Gu An did not act immediately but waited for nightfall.


    As night fell, Gu An first went to Mystic Valley and then quietly left.


    With a single step, he directly entered Purple Pill Pce.


    Purple Pill Pce, sitting deep in the ocean, was a sizable continent with many mountain peaks, the tallest of which exceeded twenty thousand feet.


    Under the dark night, there were lights on the peaks of Purple Pill Pce. Gu Annded in a forest. His Divine Thought swept over, and at that moment, at least four hundred thousand disciples of Purple Pill Pce were engaged in alchemy.


    He walked towards the nearest Medicine Garden.


    At the edge of the Medicine Garden, in front of a building, an old cultivator sat in front of a Pill Furnace, his eyes closed, holding a fan and gently waving it, controlling the mes beneath the furnace.


    Gu An walked past him without him noticing Gu An''s presence.


    Even if he were to open his eyes, he would not see Gu An.


    This was the skill of the Carefree Primordial Immortal, employed by Gu An with the power of a Divine Immortal. Not even Divine Immortals could see him unless their cultivation level reached Dao Void Mysterious Immortal.


    He entered the garden, not picking herbs at random, only harvesting the ones close to maturation.


    After a while, Gu An moved on to the next Medicine Garden without taking a single herb, simply helping with the harvesting.


    Purple Pill Pce was vast and to avoid causing disturbance, Gu An moved gently, which slowed down his harvesting speed.


    He was not in a hurry; taking his time, he would visit each night.


    Fifteen dayster, Gu An had harvested all the mature medicinal herbs within Purple Pill Pce, gaining one hundred and fifty million years of lifespan.


    He had harvested so many herbs that Purple Pill Pce eventually noticed something was wrong, falling into panic and even inviting other sects to provide protection.


    All of this was irrelevant to Gu An.


    He had now set his sights on other sects, this time choosing one far away from Broken Sea Domain.


    On the first night, after just an ancient hour, someone detected the disturbance. This person quickly alerted the entire sect, causing all the disciples to start patrolling. Gu An had to withdraw.


    In reality, even if discovered, Gu An could have forcefully harvested, but he feared making too big a scene.


    Great Powers were capable of divining the past of a sect, and Gu An certainly did not want to draw the attention of existences like the ck Profound Emperor or the Annihtion God Emperor.


    Although the Great Heavenly Spirit Land seemed to be dominated by the Holy Court, who could guarantee that there were no entities hiding that were above the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path?


    It is always better to be cautious. Life is precious, and if faced with an insurmountable foe, no amount of lifespan would matter.


    That night.


    Among the mountains, there was argeke with sparkling waves. Closer inspection revealed many Spirit Flowers floating on its surface. Gu An descended from the sky and began harvesting the Spirit Flowers.


    He transferred the harvested Spirit Flowers to thekeshore.


    Just as he finished and began to fly away, he suddenly saw a figure rushing out of the woods.


    It was a yellow-d young girl who ran to thekeside. Seeing the pile of Spirit Flowers on the shore, she was struck as if by lightning.


    She stood stunned for a few breaths, then hurried over to inspect them, relieved when she saw that the Spiritual Energy within the flowers had not yet dissipated.


    She turned to look around, seeing no sign of the culprit, then crouched down and buried her head in her arms.


    Gu An, witnessing this, was taken aback. Was this...


    Crying?


    Gu An threw a Life Span Detection towards the yellow-d young girl.


    [Zhu Xi (Foundation Establishment Realm Third Layer): 17/350/9999]


    Nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine years of lifespan!


    When visiting other sects before, Gu An would cast Life Span Detection on any cultivator he passed by. Below Nirvana Realm, the longest lifespan he had seen was eight thousand years.


    Gu An took interest in Zhu Xi and didn''t leave but decided to observe her further.


    Zhu Xi crouched for a long while before standing up. Gu An expected her to seek her master or elders to deal with the situation.


    However...


    Under Gu An''s gaze, Zhu Xi used a spell and began directly absorbing the Spiritual Energy from the Spirit Flowers.


    "Little flowers, although I don''t know who harvested you, I will avenge you..." Zhu Xi murmured to herself.

 Chapter 359 One Billion Years Life Span!

    Hearing Zhu Xi''s words, Gu An felt quite ufortable.


    Could this fellow be nning to take this opportunity to monopolize the medicinal herbs and then nder him?


    Gu An simply decided to continue waiting; he wanted to see what Zhu Xi would do.


    He watched Zhu Xi and noticed that no matter how much spiritual energy she absorbed, her cultivation level did not change at all; her small body seemed to harbor a ck hole that could devour everything.


    Interesting.


    This girl''s physique is not simple, no wonder she has a life span of 9999 years.


    After about half an hour, all the spirit flowers by theke were drained and withered.


    Zhu Xi took a deep breath, then with a terrified expression, she turned and left.


    Gu An hovered in the night sky, lost in thought.


    The spiritual energy and medicinal effects Zhu Xi had just devoured were enough for an ordinary cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm to reach the Nascent Soul Realm. Of course, in reality, a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm could not have absorbed so much spiritual energy from the spirit flowers at once.


    Not only had Zhu Xi seeded, but her cultivation level had not increased at all.


    What exactly was this physique?


    Gu An began to recall the memories of Long Zhan and Lu Han; they had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, fought countless battles, and perhaps had seen simr physiques.


    Soon, Gu An''s brow furrowed.


    Could it be...


    An unusual glint shed in Gu An''s eyes as he grew more intrigued by Zhu Xi.


    After a while, arge group of cultivators flew in, and when they saw therge number of withered spirit flowers by theke, they all looked rmed.


    "Has there been a thief?"


    "Who dares to steal the treasures of heaven and earth from Moonfall Divine Lake, that''s simply courting death!"


    "If someone could sneak into Moonfall Divine Lake and absorb the energy and medicinal effects of the Purple Orchid flowers all at once, their cultivation must be high."


    "Could it be a spirit beast from theke?"


    "Could it be the act of an Immortal Spirit from the Immortal Dynasty? Recently, they''ve been making a lot of noise."


    Listening to the seniors'' discussions, Zhu Xi stood by, looking fearfully apprehensive, and nobody imagined she was the one who had absorbed the spirit of the Purple Orchid flowers.


    After a long discussion, the cultivators of Moonfall Divine Lake couldn''te to a conclusion and prepared to report the matter to the higher-ups. Before leaving, theyforted Zhu Xi not to be afraid anymore.


    Zhu Xi returned to her quarters by herself. Along the way, she was deep in thought, her brow tightly furrowed, asionally looking around with vignce, making Gu An admire her acting skills and strong conviction.


    After entering her house, Gu An saw Zhu Xi reveal a smile.


    From worry to contentment, the speed of her change in demeanor impressed even Gu An.


    Seeing that Zhu Xi was about to change clothes, Gu An stopped observing her, turned, and left to continue his own herb gathering journey.


    That evening, Gu An picked many more medicinal herbs in Moonfall Divine Lake, which added to the already tense atmosphere within.


    After that night, Gu An did not return to Moonfall Divine Lake to gather herbs.


    With so many sects in the world, gathering everywhere, he could quickly umte a life span.


    ...


    As summer passed and autumn arrived, the Third Medicine Valley was covered in a panorama of withered scenery.


    Gu An looked at his attribute panel, a smile forming on his face, only one million years away from reaching a life span of one billion years.


    Indeed, not taking the righteous path increases life span more rapidly.


    But the sects from which Gu An had gathered herbs all thought a great cmity was imminent, all on high alert.


    Gu An purposefully chose sects far apart to prevent them from connecting and making a big fuss.


    Although he didn''t steal those medicinal herbs, his behavior of gathering was still suspicious.


    Now some sects thought it was the work of demon beasts or spirit beasts, others thought it was an enemy warning them. It must be said, these sects were quite perceptive; after each of Gu An''s harvests, they quickly started guarding.


    Gu An turned off the attribute panel and stood up.


    He flexed his muscles as his divine sense looked towards the distance.


    He was watching Zhu Xi from Moonfall Divine Lake.


    Gu An was very interested in this girl whose actions were so different, feeling a sense of kinship with her.


    Zhu Xi''s talent was extraordinary, but for now, within Moonfall Divine Lake, she was just an ordinary disciple, which is why she was responsible for guarding ake.


    Gu An guessed that her reason for wanting to guard theke was to facilitate her own theft.


    Boom¡ª


    Suddenly, a thunderous roar came from outside the window, but Gu An was not startled because the source of the noise was extremely distant from the Taicang Continent.


    The disciples within the Third Medicine Valley were startled but did not panic; instead, they started to wonder what kind of great power was shing.


    The friction between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court was increasing, almost to the point of dering war.


    In Gu An''s view, both sides were still testing each other.


    Last year, Gu An had seen two Dao Void Mysterious Immortals battle in Outer Heaven, generating a greatmotion that caught the attention of the Great Cultivators of the Mortal World.


    Gu An walked downstairs.


    As he descended the stairs, his gaze turned towards the valley entrance where someone wasing.


    It was Zhang Xianwang from the Immortal Dynasty.


    After entering the valley, Zhang Xianwang scrutinized everything along the path.


    The Third Medicine Valley was quite famous within the Supreme Sect, and those cultivators visiting the Supreme Sect often came to stroll through the Third Medicine Valley. Gu An rarely greeted them personally, given therge number of disciples within the Medicine Valley.


    Zhang Xianwang''s gaze swept over Shen Xinzi, then nced at the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who was ying chess, thinking to himself that their reputations were indeed well-deserved.


    The two Wandering Immortals were not enough to shock him, a Carefree Primordial Immortal; he was just curious how Gu An, currently at the Nascent Soul Realm, had managed to attract so many beings of the Immortal Path to gather here.


    From a distance, Zhang Xianwang saw Gu An and immediately walked towards him.


    Gu An stood downstairs, pretending not to see him, walked towards the Medicine Garden in front, and then stopped in front of a wooden railing to check the medicinal herbs in the garden.


    As Zhang Xianwang approached, Gu An turned his head, his face showing a surprised expression.


    "Daoist Zhang, what brings you here?"


    Faced with Gu An''s question, Zhang Xianwang smiled and said, "I''vee to take you to the Immortal Dynasty."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An hesitated and said, "After much deliberation, I don''t really want to go to the Immortal Dynasty, Daoist Zhang, thank you for your kindness."


    Zhang Xianwang frowned and said, "After experiencing the previous blessing of the Immortal Dynasty, do you still not believe the power of the Immortal Dynasty is real?"


    "I do believe, but I can''t part with everything I have now," Gu An said helplessly.


    Zhang Xianwang stared at him and said, "If you go to the Immortal Dynasty, you can establish everything you currently have. You should understand that the most important thing in cultivation is your own future prospects."


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "Everyone has their own aspirations; my pursuit is not just about future prospects."


    Zhang Xianwang''s brows furrowed tighter, just as he was about to say more, Ji Xiaoyu suddenly came over.


    "Going to the Immortal Dynasty might not necessarily lead to a better future," Ji Xiaoyu said to Zhang Xianwang, her tone indifferent, her words blunt, clearly showing no fondness for Zhang Xianwang.


    Zhang Xianwang saw the Dao Patterns on Ji Xiaoyu''s forehead and looked perplexed.


    His eyes shifted back and forth between Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu''s foreheads.


    Ji Xiaoyu came to stand beside Gu An, turned to face Zhang Xianwang.


    "What do you mean by that?" Zhang Xianwang asked, curious about her identity, but her previous words had displeased him.


    Ji Xiaoyu replied, "The opponent of the Immortal Dynasty is the Holy Court. By pulling him to the Immortal Dynasty, you''re not leading him to a better future but to a path of swords and fires. You probably can''t be sure that the Immortal Dynasty will definitely defeat the Holy Court."


    Zhang Xianwang''s face turned ugly, and he said in a deep voice, "I naturally believe that the Immortal Dynasty will have thestugh; I''m not trying to harm him."


    Ji Xiaoyu continued, "You may have good intentions, but at this critical juncture, joining the Immortal Dynasty is really not a good thing. At the very least, we should wait until this conflict is over, right?"


    Gu An felt the divine sense of the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor locking onto Zhang Xianwang; if Zhang Xianwang made any wrong moves, he might be annihted in an instant.


    He quickly spoke up, "Daoist Zhang, thank you for your kindness; she is also considering my well-being. I apologize on her behalf; her words are indeed somewhat harsh."


    As he spoke, Gu An raised his hand in respect towards Zhang Xianwang, causing Ji Xiaoyu to pout.


    Zhang Xianwang took a deep breath and smiled, "No matter, she does make sense, and I wasn''t thoughtful enough. Let''s leave it at that."


    Gu An, worried that Zhang Xianwang might feel ufortable, then invited him for a drink, which Ji Xiaoyu did not join, merely watching Zhang Xianwang''s retreating figure.


    Zhang Xianwang stayed in the Third Medicine Valley for an ancient hour before departing. He nned to return to the Immortal Dynasty, and it was uncertain if he woulde back in the future.


    Although Gu An had turned him down, Zhang Xianwang still hoped he could live a peaceful life and, before leaving, even gifted him a magic artifact.


    Gu An tried to refuse, but Zhang Xianwang solemnly said, "Our meeting was a form of fate. The world is about to fall into great chaos; having an extra magic artifact by your side is a good thing. I hope we can still have a drink together in the future."


    Upon hearing this, Gu An no longer refused, merely expressing his gratitude and wishing him well in the future.


    After bidding farewell to Zhang Xianwang, Gu An went to a hillside at the edge of the Medicine Valley and sat on the grass, beginning to enjoy the sunset.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His eyes held the entire world, capturing the myriad states of all beings.


    Watching those battles, Gu An''s determination to make a breakthrough only grew stronger.


    After reaching a life span of one billion years, he must make a breakthrough immediately!


    Gu An looked up, searching the heavens for an appropriate ce to make his breakthrough.


    ...


    Late at night.


    Gu An took action again, this time heading to the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.


    Despite being located in a barrennd, the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect cultivated numerous heavenly and earthly treasures, its legacy by no means inferior to that of Purple Pill Pce or Moonfall Divine Lake.


    The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect had several Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma; fortunately, there were no Dao Void Mysterious Immortals, so no one could detect Gu An''s movements.


    It is worth mentioning that Gu An saw Lu Lingjun again.


    Lu Lingjun was meditating quietly under an old tree.


    Gu An went to her medicine garden and helped her gather medicinal herbs without her noticing.


    Tonight, Gu An was going to strive for a life span of one billion years!


    The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect''s mountain peak was vast, with countless medicine gardens on its slopes. Even though he only picked mature medicinal herbs, Gu An had only walked one-third of the way and had already sessfully gathered a life span of several hundred million years.


    Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks because two notifications emerged before his eyes:


    [Your life span has broken through one billion years for the first time, initiating the life span simtion function]


    [Life Span Simtion: Consume life span to conduct simtions; you can simte everything in reality as well as imagine and create. The life span consumed during the simtion will be determined based on the matter being simted.]


    A smile spread across Gu An''s face; finally, a new function had appeared, and now he could conduct his breakthrough with peace of mind.


    Simting everything sounded very powerful.


    Gu An immediately had numerous ideas, such as simting tribtion crossing,bat, and acting.


    However, whether the simtions would be identical to reality remained to be observed; if they were, that would be quite interesting.


    Gu An continued walking forward.


    Since he was already here, he would finish gathering before considering those possibilities.

 Chapter 360 Promoted to Mixed Yuan Refining Virtual Body! Eternal Infinity!

    In the early morning,


    Gu An stepped out from the loft in Mystic Valley and, after descending the stairs, he joined the disciples in practice drills.


    Lu Jiujia, exceptionally joining the drill this time, chatted with his fellow disciples while they practiced.


    "Senior brother, when do you think I can unlock the Cultivation Technique?" Lu Jiujia suddenly asked, his tone filled with anticipation.


    He was currently cultivating the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, and he felt that the Primordial Reincarnation Skill was more profound than the Daoist Expansion Skill, which made him even more hopeful about his future.


    Gu An nced at his Life Span, saying, "Wait a few more decades, don''t rush it."


    Lu Jiujia nodded; he trusted Gu Anpletely, especially since Gu An was already a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.


    In his eyes, although Gu An possessed a very mediocre Spirit Root Qualification, the fact that Gu An had reached the Nascent Soul Realm by the age of four hundred showed that he had extraordinaryprehension.


    He guessed that behind the Primordial Reincarnation Skilly unimaginable great karmic connections, and listening to Gu An was his only chance for enlightenment in this lifetime.


    They talked until the practice drills ended, and then Gu An left.


    He returned to the Third Medicine Valley and, as usual, he spoke a few words with the disciples he met along the way; today he was in an even better mood.


    Having reached a Life Span of ten billion years, it was time for a breakthrough!


    He projected his Divine Sense into the cosmos. Although he had already chosen a location, he feared that living beings might intrude nearby, so he needed to observe it again.


    Suddenly, he came up with a bold idea.


    Should he attempt to break through in the Silent Destruction Domain?


    The Silent Destruction Domain was even more vast, and it also contained abundant Spiritual Energy.


    Judging by themotion caused by hisst breakthrough to the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, this time it could possibly rm the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Gu An did not want the Holy Court or the Immortal Dynasty to discover the birth of a new Ninth Level of Immortal Path.


    The Ninth Level of the Immortal Path, known as the Free Immortal!


    Thinking of how powerful Long Zhan and Lu Han were when they reached this level, Gu An felt an intense surge of excitement.


    After making a round in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An returned to his loft. He then projected his Divine Sense into the Silent Destruction Domain.


    The cosmic space within the Silent Destruction Domain was even darker, stars unseen, permeated with a murky Taoist aura, giving one a sense of oppression.


    In the Silent Destruction Domain, many enormous fierce beasts roamed, some even asrge as the Taicang Continent.


    After a long while,


    Gu An found the location for his breakthrough and decided to make his breakthrough tonight.


    Gu An withdrew his Divine Sense and suddenly thought of the Life Span Simtion.


    Should he simte crossing the Tribtion?


    Immediately, he activated the Life Span Simtion, thinking of the Tribtion Crossing.


    [Simting the evolution of your current realm to cross the tribtion will consume 1,000,000 years of Life Span. Continue?]


    One million years?


    What a scam!


    How could Gu An dare to continue when there was a high probability of failing the Tribtion Crossing? After all, he could only rely on his physique to survive the simted tribtion.


    Gu An turned his head, his gaze falling on the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor was at the eighth level of Divine Thought True Immortal Cultivation. Should he try to battle him to see whose actualbat strength was superior?


    Gu An immediately started simting the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    [Locking onto the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, beginning deduction simtion value]


    [Simting a battle with the current Tao Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor will consume 1,000 years of Life Span. Continue?]


    Only a thousand years?


    Gu An was pleasantly surprised, then instantly realized the trap.


    If he won, all was well, but if he lost, he would definitely dwell on it, and ten times that would be ten thousand years of Life Span; a total consumer trap.


    Oh well, let''s try it just once!


    Gu An chose to continue, then closed his eyes, his thoughts entering the Simtion Space. The environment was still the Supreme Sect, enormously vast. Other than him and the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, no one else was visible.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor rose from behind a distant peak, looking down from high above at the standing area in the Third Medicine Valley.


    Watching the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, Gu An suddenly had a nostalgic feeling of ying one-on-one battle games from a past life, finding it quite amusing.


    Start the battle!


    Boom!


    In an instant, the entire Supreme Sect turned to flying ash. From high above, the vast Taicang Continent also shattered, with nearby oceans stirring up terrifying waves.


    After the duration of 30 minutes...


    Gu An opened his eyes, his expression peculiar.


    "Why is he so weak?"


    Gu An felt helpless; if it wasn''t for the fact that he''d spent a thousand years of Life Span, he could have easily killed the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor. Thus, during the simted battle, he let the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor attack most of the time, who had great difficulty breaking through the defenses of the Daoist Gang Primal Energy and the Primordial Ultimate Body.


    Gu An built confidence in himself.


    Indeed, he was very strong within his own realm, not to be misled by his failure in crossing the Tribtion.


    High-level cultivators all have significant backgrounds, and crossing the Tribtion certainly isn''t reliant on one''s own power alone.


    Moreover, the Heavenly Tribtions Gu An faced were stronger than those of his peers, evident just from the name of the tribtions.


    Gu An calmed his feelings, closed his eyes, and dozed off in his chair, waiting for nightfall.


    ...


    In the evening, Gu An left the Third Medicine Valley, his departure done openly, and also through the Teleportation Array, leaving the Valley''s disciples without doubts since he often visited other Medicine Valleys.


    After arriving at Mystic Valley, Gu An stayed for a while before leaving.


    He walked through the forest for an hour before vanishing into thin air.


    He performed the Ultimate Taoist Invisibility, turning himself into nothingness, and left the cosmos at full speed.


    Upon entering the Silent Destruction Domain, he flew towards the location he had previously chosen.


    Soon, hended on a meteor, with other various-sized meteorites in the distance; the meteor he was on was situated at the edge of the meteor cluster, quite inconspicuous.


    The moment hended, Gu An activated the Life Span Barrier.


    Then he finally breathed a sigh of relief andfortably sat in meditation.


    He did not start upgrading immediately, but instead looked into the distance, sensing the surrounding rule forces.


    He found that the rule forces here were very simr to those around the Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth and the Primordial Great Heaven and Earth.


    Could all Great Heavens and Earths be encircled by the Silent Destruction Domain?


    Or was the universe initially a Silent Destruction Domain scene, with the Great Heavens and Earth being bornter?


    Gu An delved into deep thought, and after a while, he finally pulled up his Attribute Panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 419/1,030,812,376]


    [Physique: Primordial Ultimate Body]


    [Cultivation: Ninth Layer of Divine Thought True Immortal Realm]


    ...


    Ten billion years of Life Span, the more he looked, the more exciting it was!


    First, let''s upgrade the physique.


    Previously, he had used twenty million years of Life Span to upgrade the Primordial Karmic Body to the Primordial Chaos Body and then upgraded to the Primordial Ultimate Body.


    This time, upgrading the Primordial Ultimate Body would require at least another twenty million years of Life Span, right?


    Forget it, let''s go bold: throw in fifty million years of Life Span! Physique not only affects qualification but also impacts actualbat abilities. The stronger the strength, the higher the sess rate of crossing the Tribtion.


    Gu An immediately infused fifty million years of Life Span into the Primordial Ultimate Body!


    His Life Span abruptly dropped by a digit, falling to over nine hundred and eighty million years.


    A whirl of prompts crazily popped before Gu An''s eyes.


    For the first thirty million years, the Primordial Ultimate Body did not undergo transformation but continued to strengthen.


    Until thirty-five million years, the Primordial Ultimate Body transformed into the Chaos-refined Illusory Body.


    Then, the Chaos-refined Illusory Body continued to sense the Tao Rules, constantly enhancing its Perception Power of the Tao Rules.


    Ultimately, the Chaos-refined Illusory Body could not advance further, but Gu An was already satisfied.


    Boom¡ª


    The surrounding Spiritual Energy frenziedly surged towards Gu An.


    The Spiritual Energy within the Silent Destruction Domain was of a higher grade than the nature''s Spiritual Energy, mixed with an essence of Tao Rules, and was known as Tao Spiritual Energy. Absorbing Tao Spiritual Energy could not only enhance Cultivation but also amplify the Perception Power of Tao.


    Of course, if the Cultivation Realm was insufficient, absorbing Tao Spiritual Energy would only damage the physique and harm the Soul.


    It seemed, thus, that the mysterious light covering the Great Heavenly Spirit Land might be a protective measure; reaching the level of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal would ensure safe absorption of Tao Spiritual Energy.


    Gu An closed his eyes, fully immersing himself in enlightenment, feeling the creation of the Chaos-refined Illusory Body.


    After transforming the Primordial Ultimate Body into the Chaos-refined Illusory Body, its Great Divine Power, the Ultimate Tao Chaos Pan, although not qualitatively changed, was fully unleashed, reaching a pinnacle state.


    The Ultimate Tao Chaos Pan was a type of Great Divine Power; Gu An had used it before in simted battles, able to effortlessly crush the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    If deployed at full power, it could even engulf the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    If Gu An''s Cultivation was more robust, he could unleash even more terrifying might.


    As Tao Spiritual Energy furiously entered Gu An''s body, the cosmic space around him stirred up Tao winds, whimsical and wanton, shaking the distant meteor cluster.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Just as thismotion started, Gu An sensed many powerful Divine Senses and Divine Thoughts sweeping over.


    The weakest was from the realm of Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma!


    Sure enough, the Silent Destruction Domain harbored numerous fearsome beings.


    As time passed, more and more Divine Thoughts appeared, signifying that he had rmed the Divine Thought True Immortals.


    Fortunately, those beings only used Divine Thoughts for observation and did not personally patrol.


    An hourter,


    Gu An sessfully cultivated the Chaos-refined Illusory Body. He opened his eyes to see that the Life Span Barrier had consumed five million years of Life Span.


    Such a huge consumption!


    Gu An again pulled up his Attribute Panel, looking at his main Cultivation Technique, the Myriad Creation Limitless Skill.


    Upgrading from the Primordial Chaos Supreme Holy Skill to the Myriad Creation Limitless Skill had earlier cost twenty million years of Life Span; Gu An now nned to throw in another fifty million years of Life Span.


    Cultivation Techniques and physiques were the most crucial; other Divine Skills and Ultimate Skills were just embellishments. Currently, he had too many Daoist Sorceries; it wasn''t feasible to upgrade them all.


    Fifty million years of Life Span, throw!


    One digital prompt after another jumped before his eyes, and he carefully observed.


    Eventually, the Myriad Creation Limitless Skill was upgraded to the Eternal Infinite Skill!


    An overwhelming legacy memory surged into Gu An''s mind.


    The function of the Eternal Infinite Skill allowed Gu An''s Mana to exist indefinitely unless erased by a stronger force.


    Besides this characteristic, the strength of Gu An''s Mana also increased severally; deploying the same amount of Mana, his destructive power was now several times stronger than before.


    The Divine Skill awakening from the Myriad Creation Limitless Skill, the Unlimited Avatars, was also enhanced; his avatars could now exist indefinitely as well, but the avatars could not have separate Spiritual Wisdom. The existences of the Unlimited Avatars meant that Gu An had additional eyes and bodies. The avatars were only made from Mana, hence not as strong as the original.


    Who knew who could force Gu An to deploy the Unlimited Avatars?


    He possessed many Divine Skills, but he rarely used any; of course, he hoped not to encounter a situation where he had to use all his skills to survive a crisis.


    The Tao Spiritual Energy erupted again, and this time, it finally rmed a powerful being to appear.


    Gu An lifted his eyes to see a massive figure emerging from the darkness, just an outline, resembling some Demon Creature. This was also thergest being Gu An had ever seen in his life,rger than the Great Heaven and Earth; merely looking at its form was enough to feel the oppressiveness exuded by the other party.

 Chapter 361 Breakthrough to the Free Immortal Realm Nine Layers!

    Gu An gazed upon that mysterious and colossal entity, feeling a deep sense of wariness in his heart.


    He could sense that this being was immensely powerful, far surpassing the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, likely having reached the Ninth Level of the Immortal Path!


    Thanks to the protection of the Life Span Barrier, the other side did not detect Gu An''s presence and quickly left the area.


    The Tao Spiritual Energy within the universe was in turmoil, expanding its influence increasingly vast. It did not spread out in the manner of a vortex but expanded irregrly, making it impossible for passing beings to trace its origin, which was quite bizarre.


    While Gu An was wary of them, those hidden beings were also wary of this region¡ªthe universe space within the Silent Destruction Domain was filled with a tense atmosphere.


    As inherited memories continued to delve deeper, Gu An closed his eyes, immersed in them, perceiving the mysteries of the Eternal Infinite Skill.


    Time moved swiftly.


    Another ancient hour passed, and Gu An hadpletely mastered the intricacies of the Eternal Infinite Skill.


    Gu An couldn''t help but marvel at the power of evolutionary cultivation.


    Even though he possessed the memories of Long Zhan and Lu Han, mastering their cultivation techniques and divine skills still required cultivation because simply remembering was not enough; one needed to transform both body and soul.


    Evolutionary cultivation could aplish this, and evenpress the time to about an ancient hour, which, for his level, was almost the same as direct mastery.


    Inheriting cultivation techniques cost another four million years of life span.


    Gu An looked at his remaining life span of nine billion and over twenty million years, feeling quiteposed.


    An idea suddenly struck him. He needn''t only enhance his own divine skills and ultimate techniques to a higher realm; he could also elevate Xiao Shengtian''s, Long Zhan''s, and Lu Han''s proudest divine skills to the Returning to the Truth Realm, potentially increasing all aspects of his strength and possibly consuming less life span.


    Having thought this, Gu An began to act.


    He brought up his Attribute Panel and started investing life span.


    In the end, he elevated Seven Divine Bodies, Fighting Will, Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect, and Destruction Dao Seal to the Returning to the Truth Realm, consuming a total of ny million years of life span.


    These four transformations each had their prowess, involving different forces of rules. While Seven Divine Bodies was slightly weaker, Xiao Shengtian''s Fighting Will was surprisingly on par with Long Zhan''s Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma Aspect and Lu Han''s Destruction Dao Seal, which came as a surprise to Gu An.


    In the Attribute Panel, Fighting Will was not categorized as a divine skill, spell, or ultimate technique but created its separate entry known as Daoist Intent.


    Xiao Shengtian lived only 143 years but could fathom such transformations; his talent was certainly terrifying.


    Unfortunately, he had encountered the ck Profound Emperor.


    Perhaps this was why the ck Profound Emperor sought him out.


    Of course, the fact that Xiao Shengtian had the ability to seize lifespan from a young age did not prove his talent was stronger than that of Long Zhan or Lu Han.


    Another eight million years of life span was consumed by the Life Span Barrier, so Gu An turned his focus onto his cultivation level.


    Cultivation was the paramount concern!


    Let''s try with one hundred million years of life span to test the waters!


    Gu An remembered that when he was assaulting the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm, it required three hundred thousand years for each tribtion crossing, but he wondered how much it would need this time.


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for four hundred thousand years, forcibly assaulting the Free Immortal Realm with the great aplishment of the Eternal Infinite Skill, started the tribtion, but failed to withstand the Heavenly Dao Punishing Immortal Nine Severe Array, tribtion failed.]


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for eight hundred thousand years, forcibly assaulting the Free Immortal Realm with the great aplishment of the Eternal Infinite Skill, started the tribtion, but failed to withstand the Heavenly Dao Punishing Immortal Nine Severe Array, tribtion failed.]


    ¡­


    Four hundred thousand years per tribtion crossing!


    Fortunately, the difficulty had only increased by one hundred thousand years. The enhancements to his physique and cultivation technique had worked. ording to the memories of Long Zhan and Lu Han, the gap between the Free Immortal and Divine Thought True Immortal was enormous.


    A first-level Free Immortal could easily crush a ninth-level Divine Thought True Immortal!


    This was also why Shengtian dominated the Great Heavenly Spirit Land and intimidated the Silent Destruction Domain.


    Gu An guessed that, had he not been enhanced, he would need more than eight hundred thousand years to wait for the next breakthrough after failing the tribtion.


    Just as Gu An was pondering, multiple prompts started to sh rapidly.


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for twenty-four million eight hundred thousand years, forcibly assaulting the Free Immortal Realm with the great aplishment of the Eternal Infinite Skill, started the tribtion, endured the Heavenly Dao Punishing Immortal Nine Severe Array, tribtion seeded, your cultivation level advanced to the firstyer of the Free Immortal Realm.]


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for thirty-one million years, your cultivation level advanced to the secondyer of the Free Immortal Realm.]


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for thirty-nine million years, your cultivation level advanced to the thirdyer of the Free Immortal Realm.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡­


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for eighty-five million years, your cultivation level advanced to the seventhyer of the Free Immortal Realm.]


    [You performed Qi Absorption Cultivation for one hundred million years, your cultivation level advanced to the eighthyer of the Free Immortal Realm.]


    It actually seeded!


    Gu An''s face lit up with joy. He had been prepared to lose one hundred million years without gain, but as long as the breakthrough consumed less than three hundred million years of life span, he could ept it.


    Once reaching the Free Immortal Realm, each level required millions of years of life span to advance. Gu An didn''t find this excessive as evolutionary cultivation naturally required more life span than real life. Moreover, once attaining the Free Immortal Realm, increasing cultivation was as much about understanding the rules as it was about Qi Absorption Cultivation.


    Long Zhan had encountered several Free Immortals who had struggled to break through for tens of millions of years.


    Could it be that the previous Reincarnation Evolution had yed a part?


    Gu An did not dwell on the thought, his mood cheerful as he continued to invest life span, spending another twenty million years to elevate his cultivation level to the ninthyer of the Free Immortal Realm.


    Tao Spiritual Energy began to surge around him, stirring upheaval throughout the universe once more.


    This disturbance was far greater than the previous one!


    ¡­


    In the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, within the Immortal Dynasty.


    Beneath the dazzling starry sky stood a majestic peak with a vast and sprawling square at the summit, dotted with stone pirs emitting golden light.


    The lord of the Immortal Dynasty, Yang Xian Emperor, was meditating on a white jade dais. He suddenly opened his eyes, looked up, and furrowed his brow.


    "It''s an disturbance from the Silent Destruction Domain..."


    Yang Xian Emperor murmured to himself, his eyes filled with concern.


    The Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court refrained from waging all-out war partly because the Silent Destruction Domain served as a check, fearing mutual destruction would provide an opportunity for the Heavenly Demon.


    The disturbance from the Silent Destruction Domain had already affected the cosmic spiritual energy beyond the Outer Heaven, and this influence continued to expand, possibly reaching the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Even someone as powerful as Yang Xian Emperor could not determine what this signal meant.


    He recalled a simr disturbance near the Silent Destruction Domain in the universe area beyond the Outer Heaven years ago, but it was nowhere near the scale of the current disturbance.


    Could these two incidents be rted?


    He knitted his brow, lost in thought.


    At the same time.


    On the other side of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, in the Holy Land where the Holy Court resided, several figures flew out and swiftly reached the outer lightyer, looking towards the distance.


    "It''s an disturbance from the Silent Destruction Domain!"


    "Could someone be breaking through? This disturbance is too exaggerated, isn''t it?"


    "It''s hard to say; it could also be the Heavenly Demon plotting something."


    "We should still be careful, and not forget the person from beyond the Outer Heaven who stole treasures from the Holy Court."


    "Could it be rted to the Immortal Dynasty? They could very well be colluding with the Heavenly Demon."


    The Great Cultivators of the Holy Court discussed heatedly, most of them bearing serious expressions, asionally ncing towards the direction of the Immortal Dynasty.


    As time passed, the Great Sects within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land also became aware of the anomaly beyond the Outer Heaven, and more and more Great Cultivators flew out of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land reaching the outer lightyer.


    ¡­


    Boom!


    Within the Life Span Barrier, Gu An''s aura rose sharply, his entire body glowing with the brilliance of the Eternal Infinite Skill.


    He had officially stepped into the Free Immortal Realm, bing a Free Immortal!


    Upon reaching the Free Immortal Realm, the Golden Core within his body began to transform!


    When he had reached the Carefree Immortal Realm previously, his Golden Core could umte the force of Heaven and Earth rules, forming his own path.


    Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma molded the Immortal Soul of Wondrous Dharma, Dao Void Mysterious Immortal solidified the path within the Golden Core, and Divine Thought True Immortal allowed his soul to temper out Divine Thought.


    The Golden Core and soul continuously alternated in elevation, achieving a certain bnce.


    This time, it was his Golden Core''s turn. His Golden Core was transforming into another existence, within which the Dao bloated and annihted, condensing anew his own path.


    Gu An knew what his Golden Core was about to transform into.


    Tao Seed!


    Owning the memory of Long Zhan, Gu An knew what realmy beyond the Nine Layers of the Immortal Path; the key to reaching that realmy in the Tao Seed.


    The Tao Seed would condense Tao Fruit, and once it bore fruit, one could reach a whole new level.


    The Free Immortal Realm was the process of nurturing a Tao Seed!


    Once the Golden Corepletely evolved into a Tao Seed, Gu An''s cultivation continued to rise, and his Tao Seed grew rapidly.


    When he reached the ninthyer of the Free Immortal Realm, his Tao Seed would be in its most perfect state!


    The birth of the Tao Seed brought many benefits, enhancing his mana, physique, and soul; if the Tao Seed was indestructible, the person would not die, even if his flesh and soul were annihted, the Tao Seed could regenerate flesh and soul.


    This was because the soul''s origin had already merged into the Tao Seed.


    The Tao Seed was more flexible than the flesh and soul and could merge with thews of the Great Dao without being repelled. In other words, the Tao Seed was like a nascent Dao, making it easier to exist within the universe. This is the true meaning of being "free."


    Upon reaching this realm, Gu An could better sense the subtle intentions of the universe.


    An entirely different force from the rules of the Great Dao was restraining everything!


    Enveloped in the transformations of the Free Immortal Realm, Gu An was utterly captivated.


    As he closed his eyes, another pair of eyes appeared in the distant darkness, spying on the void, and soon vanished.


    Shadowy figures swept past meteor clusters, like illusions, fleeting in an instant.


    ¡­


    The moon set, and the sun rose.


    Sunlight swept across the Taicang Continent, dispersing the darkness.


    A new day dawned, and the disciples of the Third Medicine Valley began their usual training, a magnificent sight.


    Wu Jue came early in the morning to visit Gu An but did not see him. He did not leave but stood at a distance watching the Medicine Valley disciples train.


    After the disciples had finished their training, An Xin approached Wu Jue, asking if he hade looking for Gu An.


    Wu Jue nodded, and An Xin informed him that their master had gone out the day before and would likely return today. Wu Jue then decided to wait.


    He walked over to the Go area and watched others y.


    He preferred watching Chinese Chess over Go. Hearing some discuss the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he couldn''t help but join the conversation.


    The argument was whether Liu Bei was truly virtuous, engaging in an endless debate with a Great Cultivator from the sect, red-faced with anger.


    Just then, the Transmission Array tform lit up, and Gu An walked out.

 Chapter 362 The 419-Year-Old Free Immortal of the Nine Layers Realm

    Returning to Third Medicine Valley, Gu An''s face blossomed into a smile.


    In just one night, he had transformed from the ninthyer of the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm to the ninthyer of the Free Immortal Realm, a groundbreaking change of strength.


    Had it not already been daylight, he would have wanted to continue breaking through.


    The breakthrough in cultivation level consumed nearly fifty million years of his life span barrier, leaving Gu An with over sixty-seven million years of life remaining.


    He felt there was still hope for a sessful breakthrough.


    After reaching the Free Immortal Realm, his perception of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land became clearer. He could confirm that both the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court were harboring Free Immortals. Once the Free Immortals go to war, it could very well involve the entire world. If he could transcend the Free Immortal Realm, Gu An would feel even more at ease.


    Gu An stepped down from the Transmission Array tform and looked up. In the vast cosmos above, he saw a gray river. Not being within the cosmos, he couldn''t reach it by flying upwards; he had to traverse it through the Tao Rules.


    The River of Destiny!


    The ce where Lu Han perished!


    Gu An just watched from a distance, with no immediate intention to step into the River of Destiny.


    His gaze then shifted to Wu Jue, who rarely took the trouble to visit him, so he naturally went to greet him.


    You Yingying was holding a rabbit as she saw the figure of Gu An. She subconsciously looked over and was taken aback for a moment, rubbing her eyes with one hand.


    Gu An was dressed the same as the day before, with no change in his make-up or hairstyle, yet You Yingying felt a significant change in him.


    This change was indescribable for her; looking at Gu An made her want to approach him, but after a longer gaze, she felt an urge to submit.


    It was aplex emotion, difficult for her to describe.


    Not only her, but other disciples also couldn''t help but take a second look at Gu An after seeing him.


    Gu An arrived behind Wu Jue just in time to hear him listing the benevolent deeds of Liu Bei.


    Wu Jue seemed to sense something and turned his head. Seeing Gu An, the anger on his face instantly vanished.


    "You''re finally back! Come on, let''s go have a drink!" Wu Jue immediately pulled Gu An''s arm and walked to the side.


    Gu An naturally wouldn''t refuse. He called out for An Xin to prepare wine and dishes.


    The two settled in Gu An''s loft, sitting opposite each other.


    "Gu An, I''ve reached the Unification Realm!" Wu Jue excitedly dered, his face brimming with pride.


    Gu An was amused. You''re in the Unification Realm? I couldn''t even sense it until I approached you from behind.


    He had suppressed his aura to Nascent Soul Realm levels withoutpletely hiding it.


    This showed that Wu Jue really got carried away easily. Gu An wondered if this would cause him trouble in the future.


    "Really? That''s too..." Gu An feigned surprise, his eyes widening.


    Wu Jue became even more smug at his expression, boastfully asking, "A Unification Realm at four hundred twenty-one years old, do you understand what kind of strength that represents?"


    Gu An opened his mouth, then found himself at a loss for words.


    He knew very well what strength a Unification Realm cultivator at four hundred twenty-one years old represented; isn''t it just the Unification Realm?


    What he wanted to ask Wu Jue was whether he knew what the ninthyer of the Free Immortal Realm at four hundred neen years old constituted in terms of power.


    An Xin, who hade upstairs to deliver the wine and dishes, found Wu Jue''s statement amusing. Showing off in front of my master?


    She ced the wine and dishes on the table, then left.


    Wu Jue had been speaking loudly on purpose and wondered why An Xin didn''t react.


    Gu An noticed this and chided An Xin mentally for not maintaining theposure of an actor, too quick to rx!


    "Never thought you''d make it this far, although I''ve always felt you were extraordinary, it turns out I still underestimated you..." Gu An said with feeling, immediately drawing Wu Jue''s attention back.


    Wu Jueughed and said, "If it weren''t for your constant encouragement in the past, I couldn''t have reached this point today. You too canprehend the path. It''s not impossible for you to reach the Unification Realm in the future."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An shook his head, "That''s impossible."


    "How could it be? You have to believe in yourself."


    Yeah, it''s because of belief there''s no chance.


    Gu An then asked, "You should be able topare with An Hao and my Brother Li now, right?"


    Upon hearing this, Wu Jue''s eyes shone, "I''m not sure, but I''ve always aimed to match them. Sadly, I don''t know how strong they really are. I''ll challenge them once I surpass their realms."


    Goodness!


    You like to fight across realms as well?


    Gu An was happy, but he was quite satisfied with Wu Jue''s mentality.


    One can''t be arrogant, and one mustn''t act rashly!


    Even the strongest can be vanquished!


    The two began to talk about the future, mainly about Wu Jue''s future. Gu An was extremely supportive, hitting all the right notes for Wu Jue.


    Third Medicine Valley was harmonious and lively, and the Supreme Sect was just the same. Everyone was unaware of the changes outside the heavens.


    At the moment, theyer of light outside the heavens gathered many Great Cultivators, with the least of their realms being Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, all gazing at the Silent Destruction Domain.


    Fu Shenxiu and Bai Ziya from Mortal World Peak had also arrived, apanied by more than a dozen Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals.


    "The rtionship between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court is really tense," Bai Ziya couldn''t help but mutter.


    Immortal spirits from the Immortal Dynasty and cultivators from the Holy Court stood on opposite sides, the farthest apart, and the tension between them was palpable to all factions.


    Fu Shenxiu looked into the distance and said, "I hope this phenomenon allows both sides to temporarily set aside their disputes."


    Bai Ziya looked up andmented with a sigh, "The Great Heavenly Spirit Land might be strong, butpared to the Silent Destruction Domain, it''s still too insignificant. If not for Shengtian, Heavenly Demons would have trampled the Great Heavenly Spirit Land long ago."


    Fu Shenxiu turned to him and asked, "You''ve been to the Silent Destruction Domain; is it really all Heavenly Demons there?"


    "How could it be? The so-called Heavenly Demons are just our name for them. The Silent Destruction Domain does have a race of Heavenly Demons, but we consider all the beings born there as Heavenly Demons. The domain is boundless, and I don''t know just how vast it is. Perhaps there are other Great Heavens and Earths hidden there?"


    Bai Ziya spoke wistfully, as if recalling something, his eyes growing dim.


    While the two discussed the Silent Destruction Domain, other factions were doing the same, sharing their experiences within the domain.


    Meanwhile, Gu An, the instigator behind the phenomena, was in the valley enjoying wine and good times with a friend.


    This continued untilte at night when Gu An began to act again.


    The gap between the Free Immortal Realm and higher realms was immense, a significant leap in stages. Fearing that six hundred million years of life might not suffice, he wanted to surreptitiously gather ten billion years'' worth.


    Yes, thest time!


    This time, once he gathered ten billion years, he absolutely wouldn''t steal again. The act itself made him feel ashamed.


    To avoid drawing connections to himself, he first went to Mortal World Peak to steal medicinal herbs, making it appear as if they too were victims.


    To his surprise, he sensed a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma cultivating in the main peak, encircled by the qi fortune of Mortal World Peak, likely an elder returned from Outer Heaven.


    Gu An only stole from the main peak''s herbs and then quickly departed, ultimately alerting Mortal World Peak.


    By dawn.


    The Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma stood in front of a pile of harvested mature medicinal herbs, silent for a long time.


    Only when the sunlight bathed him did he take a deep breath.


    "This world remains unfathomably deep..." he sincerely remarked.


    ...


    Ten dayster, Gu An sessfully umted a lifespan of ten billion years.


    Next was the breakthrough!


    Gu An looked towards Outer Heaven. The proximity of the Silent Destruction Domain had many powerful beings roaming it, which meant he couldn''t rashly choose a ce for his breakthrough. He certainly couldn''t delve deep into the Silent Destruction Domain; what if an existence like the ck Profound Emperor was waiting?


    Autumn winds whistled through the forest where Gu An sat on a rock, gazing at the sky through the gaps in the leaves.


    The Blood Prison Great Sainty beside him, while An Xin practiced the Stepping Path of Ages Step.


    Her movements were smoother than before, each step full of grace, catching even the Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint also wanted to learn, but simply watching An Xin couldn''t unravel the technique for him.


    He guessed that to learn such divine skills, personal guidance from the master was necessary.


    He didn''t ask, understanding his current form was unsuited for divine skill cultivation. If he behaved well, he would eventually learn once a thousand years passed.


    Gu An''s eyes turned to the sea.


    His covert action had still caused disturbances, with the factions from which he had stolen unable to find the true culprit, resorting to seeking help from the Holy Court. The Holy Court gathered the information and dispatched many of its cultivators for investigation.


    Gu An heard some saying the affair might be rted to the phenomena outside the heavens, even discussing the Heavenly Demons'' conspiracies.


    It made himugh and cry; the initial guesses were urate, butter they veered off course.


    Nevertheless, he wasn''t worried about being exposed. After all, he would no longer steal after this breakthrough, resuming his usual state to watch the world''s changes with a smile.


    The only downside to a peaceful world is that with stable order, it''s hard for those at the bottom to climb, and breaking the rules would easily invite trouble.


    The resources of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land had been divided among various factions. Anynd nurturing heaven and earth treasures was always near a sect, with very few ownerless treasures left. Either they were guarded by a sect, or a Great Demon was watching them.


    Of course,pared to the turmoil of unrest, Gu An preferred peace.


    Peace may have less opportunity, but it''s not as dangerous.


    If not for the Holy Court establishing order, the Seven Stars Spirit Realm would have trampled the Supreme Sect before Gu An could rise.


    It was the world''s rules that kept the Seven Stars Spirit Realm from acting recklessly, their vile acts only able to be performed in the shadows.


    Gu An''s divine thought suddenly fell on Zhu Xi of Moonfall Divine Lake.


    In the vast world, only a handful of people he had physically seen could reach the peak longevity of 9999 years before the Nirvana Realm: An Hao, the Evil Emperor, Yang Jian, the Blood Prison Great Saint, Ji Xiaoyu, and Zhu Xi.


    Among them, the Evil Emperor, the Sect Hierarch of the Ephemera Sect, was trapped under the Immortal King Crown and crushed by Gu An.


    There surely were other individuals with the maximum longevity of 9999 years in this world; they just hadn''t appeared before Gu An yet.


    Perception could not be used for life span detection.


    Gu An saw Zhu Xi cultivating, her cultivation level the same as thest time he saw her, with no hint of change.


    "What heights will the Tai Chu Swallowing Yuan Body reach here?" Gu An was filled with curiosity.


    Within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, Ancient Treasure Bodies were rare; above them were Taoist Bodies, and higher still were Holy Bodies. The Tai Chu Swallowing Yuan Body wasparable to the Primordial Karmic Body, exceeding even the Holy Bodies.


    In terms of physique alone, Zhu Xi was much stronger than An Hao and Yang Jian.


    Of course, physique was just one aspect of talent. Like An Hao, his intellect was equally remarkable.


    9999 years is the limit of longevity for the Human Race beneath the Nirvana Realm, but it doesn''t necessarily mean the limit of their gifts.

 Chapter 363 Peeking into the Future

    "Master, I can''t train anymore..."


    An Xin approached Gu An, speaking feebly.


    Gu An came back to his senses, nodded slightly, then stood up and took An Xin and Blood Prison Great Saint away.


    "Master, do you think the Immortal Dynasty will fight with the Holy Court? Everyone outside is saying that great changes areing," An Xin asked curiously as she walked beside Gu An.


    The ancestor of Void Illusions blessed all beings, causing the status of the Immortal Dynasty in the hearts of all beings to soar. Now, in the eyes of most beings, the Immortal Dynasty was even stronger than the Holy Court.


    Once the Immortal Dynasty defeated the Holy Court, a new era would begin!


    "Perhaps," Gu An answered, "but it has nothing to do with us. The Taicang Continent can''t participate in such a struggle yet."


    Looking at the lights in Outer Heaven, Gu An suddenly felt that he dyed the conflict between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court.


    Now the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land feared the Silent Destruction Domain and dared not rashly go to war.


    Gu An suddenly felt very great, thinking that his breakthrough could help maintain peace in the world.


    Perhaps such peace could onlyst a few decades, a hundred or two hundred years, but mortal spirits could only live that long.


    An Xin continued to inquire; she was very curious about who was stronger between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court. Gu An didn''t make a judgment, his answers were equivocal, but this didn''t hinder her imagination. Seeing that her master didn''t want to speak more, she started chatting with the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    In the following days, Gu An''s divine thought explored the Silent Destruction Domain daily, looking for the right time to breakthrough.


    Themotion he had previously caused was too great, making powerful beings linger near the Silent Destruction Domain. Not only was the Great Heavenly Spirit Land tense, but the forces within the Silent Destruction Domain were also nervous, thinking that the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was going to invade them.


    As autumn passed and winter came, the year''s flying snow arrived on schedule.


    In the early winter.


    Gu An took An Xin to Mortal World Peak, and An Xin walked to one side to cultivate on her own.


    It wasn''t long before Zhu Xinn came to visit Gu An.


    "Master, there have been thieves on Mortal World Peaktely," Zhu Xinn said with a solemn expression.


    Gu An raised an eyebrow, asking in surprise, "What kind of thieves? Were there any casualties?"


    "No, but many garden areas had medicinal herbs harvested, including our Mortal World Peak''s Medicine Garden. Fortunately, only harvesting was done, and there was no damage. Even the Supreme Elder of the Main Peak couldn''t find the real culprit. Also, I heard that there were strange phenomena beyond Outer Heaven recently. Do you think it could be the work of the Heavenly Demon?" Zhu Xinn said anxiously.


    The higher you stand, the more dangers you see. With external threats from the Heavenly Demons and internal tensions between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court at knifepoint, how could he not think more?


    Moreover, a Heavenly Demon was hidden beneath Mortal World Peak!


    Gu An frowned and pretended to calcte with his fingers.


    Zhu Xinn seemed to think of something, adding, "Moreover, other sects have encountered simr situations to Mortal World Peak, with medicinal herbs mysteriously harvested without anyone knowing who the perpetrator is."


    Gu An asked, "How many times has this happened on Mortal World Peak?"


    "Just once."


    "Then let''s wait and see, it might just be a false rm."


    "Perhaps."


    Zhu Xinn felt it made sense and then began to speak about the situation of Dingtian Peak.


    Not long after, Zhu Xinn left, and Gu An began to enjoy some leisure time, not in a rush to harvest herbs since the recent situation was tense.


    A life span of ten billion years should be enough for him to breakthrough.


    After reading for a while, Gu An''s gaze turned towards Outer Heaven.


    He saw a great battle unfolding within the Silent Destruction Domain, thebatants were divine thought True Immortals, and they were not beings from the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Beings born in the Silent Destruction Domain differ distinctly from those of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land in terms of aura, so the Heavenly Demon was easy to identify.


    Gu An watched the battle, curious to see how the divine thought True Immortals of the Silent Destruction Domainpared to the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor in strength.


    The True Immortals fighting resembled the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor in the simtion, each strike deadly, showing no mercy, clearly bearing deep hatred.


    After watching for a while, Gu An felt they were not as strong as the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor; it was unlikely that even both together could defeat the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    No wonder the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor could travel from the Yin Yang Domain and even prate the Holy Court and leave triumphantly.


    Gu An spected that the Reincarnation Path Emperor and the Holy Court had some causal connection, otherwise, the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor wouldn''t have been able to steal the Reincarnation Path Emperor''s Soul Jade from within the Holy Court.


    He waited until he took An Xin back to the Supreme Sect, and those two divine thought True Immortals were still undecided in their battle.


    As night fell.


    Gu An read in the attic, a stove nearby with a pot of wine brewing on it, this atmosphere in the cold winter felt very warm.


    The door was pushed open, and Ji Xiaoyu walked straight in.


    "Why didn''t you knock?"


    Gu An didn''t look up as he responded, already having an idea in his mind.


    That was to capture Xuan Tianyi, lock him in a small ck room, and make him write books every day, what great potential for writing, cultivating immortality was wasting him.


    Ji Xiaoyu closed the door and then sat down at the table, starting by saying, "Your temperament has changed somewhat recently, are you cultivating some miracle skill?"


    Gu An nced at her and said, "Because I love to read, books nourish the spirit."


    Ji Xiaoyu smiled and looked at Green Hero Travelogue, then said, "Such books can nourish the spirit? It''s a good thing your cultivation level isn''t high, otherwise, you''d surely be a disaster for the world."


    Gu An put away Green Hero Travelogue, coughed, and asked, "Is there something you need?"


    Since Ji Xiaoyu absorbed the Soul Jade brought by the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, her cultivation level had been rising faster and faster, and now she was at the ninthyer of the Void Crossing Realm.


    Be aware she was only two hundred and sixty-three years old!


    "I''m nning to leave for a few years and will leave tomorrow morning," Ji Xiaoyu said as she looked around the room.


    "What are you going to do?"


    "Breakthrough."


    "Another breakthrough? What realm are you at now?"


    Seeing Gu An''s shocked expression, the corners of Ji Xiaoyu''s mouth lifted, and with a soft voice, she said, "Void Crossing Realm, ninthyer, ready to break through to the Unification Realm."


    Gu An''s eyes widened, muttering, "To catch up to Wu Jue."


    "Who told you not to cultivate diligently? Our gap will only widen further," Ji Xiaoyu said with a faint grievance.


    She had thought Gu An''s change in temperament was due to cultivation, only to be disappointed.


    Hearing this, Gu An argued, "I am still Nascent Soul Realm, a Nascent Soul Realm at four hundred years old, how can I not be considered a genius? I was just born in the wrong era, if I had lived a few hundred years earlier, the Supreme Sect would have made much of me."


    Ji Xiaoyu shook her head,ughing, and said, "Have you ever thought that the reason you have the achievements you do today is because the Supreme Sect has grown stronger? Whenparing talent, you shouldpare with those around you, not just yourself."


    Gu An grinned awkwardly, unable to reply.


    Seeing his expression, Ji Xiaoyu''s heart softened, and she didn''t pursue the topic further but instead asked, "Is there anything you need? I can bring it back for you."


    "That won''t be necessary; I don''t need anything."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The two began to chat leisurely, discussing whatever came to mind, neither feeling awkward.


    This feeling was like that of an old married couple...


    Ahem!


    What am I thinking about!


    Gu An cursed in his mind, then started to probe Ji Xiaoyu''s karma. After reaching the ninthyer of the Free Immortal Realm, his karmic and life path cultivation became even stronger. He could see the development of Ji Xiaoyu''s life path for the next thousand years.


    Although Ji Xiaoyu''s fate had many variables, there were also oveps with others.


    That was, she would be involved in the great war between the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court!


    In the future, the whole world, including the Supreme Sect, would get swept up in this conflict. The Supreme Sect supported the Holy Court because Sword Venerable Fudao had joined the Holy Court, and the Holy Court continuously tried to tie the Supreme Sect to their chariot.


    Gu An could see the future through the beings of the Supreme Sect, and he had no thoughts of preventing or changing it; rather, he felt a sense of detachment.


    At first nce, all beings lived ording to a heavenly-scripted drama, but he could foresee everything and had the power to change it, a feeling wonderfully sublime.


    After chatting for an hour, Ji Xiaoyu finally left.


    Gu An then stood up and went to the stove, lifting the wine jug to pour himself some wine.


    Ji Xiaoyu was preparing for a breakthrough, and he was also ready for his own; it was truly a double celebration, tonight deserved celebration.


    The next morning, Ji Xiaoyu left Third Medicine Valley.


    After joining his disciples for training, Gu An also left on his own. He stayed at Mystic Valley for a while before departing.


    Using his ultimate art to turn his body into illusion, he concealed his form, andbining the cosmic path divine skill to hide his own aura and karma, he directly crossed through the lightyer of Outer Heaven, unnoticed by any Great Cultivator, and flew towards the Silent Destruction Domain.


    This time, Gu An headed in another direction.


    Soon, he entered the Silent Destruction Domain andnded in a neb.


    He could sense beings roving in all directions, those two divine thought True Immortals still locked in battle.


    He couldn''t manage that much anymore; he had to breakthrough as soon as possible.


    Settling into a meditative pose, he activated his Life Span Barrier, then essed his Attribute Panel.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 419/1,004,613,224]


    [Physique: Mixed Origin Refining Void Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Free Immortal Realm, Ninth Layer]


    ¡­


    A life span of ten billion years should be enough for a sessful breakthrough, right?


    Gu An suddenly felt worried; he had decided this time to not enhance his divine skills or cultivation techniques any further but to directly attempt the breakthrough.


    After all, there''s no limit to enhancement in various aspects, and he was more concerned with ascending realms. There was no need to wait any longer.


    Never mind!


    A direct breakthrough; if ten billion years of life span isn''t enough, then he''ll just have to wait more!


    Gu An''s expression hardened, his gaze lingering on his cultivation level section.


    Invest one billion years of life span!


    [You undergo energy absorption cultivation for two million years, using the Eternal Infinite Skill''s great aplishment to forcefully attack the Tao Fruit Realm, begin Tribtion Crossing, you couldn''t endure the Heavenly Dao Taiyi Divine Element Grand Tribtion, the Tribtion Crossing failed]


    [You undergo energy absorption cultivation for four million years, using the Eternal Infinite Skill''s great aplishment to forcefully attack the Tao Fruit Realm, begin Tribtion Crossing, you couldn''t endure the Heavenly Dao Taiyi Divine Element Grand Tribtion, the Tribtion Crossing failed]


    Well, well!


    Two million years for one Tribtion Crossing?


    That''s a huge gap!


    Gu An''s eyelids twitched, but thinking of Long Zhan''s tremendous strength after his sessful breakthrough, he felt slightly relieved.


    What are two million years? He had a ten billion-year life span and could afford the gamble!


    One prompt after another jumped out, Gu An deliberately only looked at the length of the prompts.


    No changes at all!


    Until one billion years were exhausted, he still hadn''t broken through.


    Gu An took a deep breath and invested another billion years of life span!

 Chapter 364 Breakthrough to the Perfect Completion of the Taoist Repository Free Immortal Realm!

    The second hundred million years!


    Gu An made his decision and stared intently at the prompts.


    One after another, the prompts emerged¡ªall of them failures!


    Facing tribtion every two million years, he could only attempt it fifty times in a hundred million years. The experience of failing two or three hundred times before had made Gu An increasingly tense.


    In the end, they were all failures!


    Two hundred million years of life span, one hundred failures!


    Gu An remembered the Heavenly Dao Taiyi Divine Origin Tribtion. Although he hadn''t enhanced his cultivation technique or divine skills, he felt all aspects of himself were already sufficiently powerful.


    This Heavenly Dao Taiyi Divine Origin Tribtion really has some substance!


    Gu An reflected emotionally, then once againmitted a hundred million years of life span.


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    Gu An saw that the Life Span Barrier had barely consumed any life span and felt as if the barrier was silently mocking him.


    Another hundred million years!


    It should be a sess now, right?


    Gu An gritted his teeth, no longer able to maintain hisposure.


    The prompt came out again, faster than before.


    Another failure!


    Gu An had now squandered four hundred million years of his life span, failing two hundred times.


    He couldn''t help but think of Long Zhan; he didn''t know how many years of life span it had taken Long Zhan to seed in his breakthrough.


    He had inherited Long Zhan''s memories, but he couldn''t see Long Zhan''s life-stealing prompts, nor could he hear Long Zhan''s inner monologue at that time. He could only experience Long Zhan''s life through his own eyes, which was how he was certain he himself was the true incarnation; he wouldn''t get lost because of it.


    Long Zhan had never revealed his life-stealing ability to anyone, nor did he ever talk about his life span, so Gu An didn''t know how many years of life span Long Zhan had.


    However, recalling Long Zhan''s memories, he realized that Long Zhan did indeed feel frustrated in the early stages of charging into the Tao Fruit Realm, presumably Long Zhan had also failed many times.


    Gu An took another deep breath, cast aside all distractions, and continued with the breakthrough.


    He still had six hundred million years of life span left; it would be fine as long as he seeded. After all, the life span is just a number, which can be slowly umted!


    Besides, he was more fortunate than Long Zhan, who only unlocked the life stealing ability in thete stages of his life, while he was just four hundred and neen years old.


    There were endless possibilities in life!


    As long as he didn''t act as arrogantly as Long Zhan had!


    Another hundred million years!


    Gu An decided in his heart, and as soon as all prompts had settled, he immediately invested another hundred million years of life span.


    He didn''t overlook his Attribute Panel, which still showed four hundred million years of life span.


    Another failure!


    Gu An had to stop, he needed to calm down.


    Two more tries, if he still wasn''t sessful after two hundred million years, he would have to stop this time. After all, attempting to breakthrough would consume life span in the Life Span Barrier.


    Thest breakthrough consumed fifty million years of life span, and this time it would definitely double.


    Here we go again!


    One hundred million years!


    Gu An''s eyes turned icy cold, but they soon shifted.


    [You have practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for forty-eight million years, forcefully charged into the Tao Fruit Realm with the great aplishment of Eternal Infinite Skill, and began tribtion crossing. You have endured the Heavenly Dao Taiyi Divine Origin Tribtion and seeded, stepping into the Tao Fruit Realm. Your cultivation level has broken through to the early stage of the Taoist Storage Free Immortal Realm]


    [You have practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for eighty-five million years, and your cultivation level has improved to the mid-stage of the Taoist Storage Free Immortal Realm]


    [You have practiced Qi Absorption Cultivation for one hundred million years, and your cultivation level has improved]


    Breakthrough sess!


    The division of minor cultivation levels was no longer nineyers but was now early and middle stages!


    It seems that the Tao Fruit Realm is a major realm,parable to major stages like the Mortal Realm and the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Path.


    Taoist Storage Free Immortal!


    This was the realm that Long Zhan had reached. Just when he reached this realm, he was executed by the Annihtion God Emperor.


    Tao Spiritual Energy began to surge towards Gu An, and he saw the life span numbers on the Life Span Barrier start to jump quickly.


    Gu An still had three hundred million years of life span, and he continued to spend.


    One prompt after another kept jumping out, and this time, he invested slowly, no longer splurging a hundred million years at a time.


    Thete stage of the Taoist Storage Free Immortal Realm!


    Thepletion of the Taoist Storage Free Immortal Realm!


    Stop!


    Just two minor realms cost Gu An one hundred and twenty million years of life span.


    He had one hundred and eighty million years of life span left!


    The Life Span Barrier shouldn''t dry him outpletely, would it?


    Gu An''s mood was a bit apprehensive, if really pushed to the limit, he could only cancel the Life Span Barrier; he certainly couldn''t just wait for death.


    As vast amounts of Tao Spiritual Energy entered his body, there was another upheaval in the Silent Destruction Domain, not only Tao Spiritual Energy but even the Tao Rules of the universe were in upheaval.


    Almost instantly, those beings who were fighting or exploring in the area were scared into immediate retreat.


    This upheaval far exceeded the disturbance Gu An had made during hisst breakthrough, even True Immortals with Divine Thoughts were frightened into running away.


    Gu An soon closed his eyes, immersing himself in the metamorphosis of his being.


    His Tao Seed began to absorb Tao Spiritual Energy, even Tao Rules integrated into his body, with cause and effect, destiny rules in the majority, followed by soul and Reincarnation Rules.


    Although Reincarnation Rules have always existed, they were not as perfected as his previous life''s mythology portrayed.


    The Reincarnation Rules absorb souls, then let them reincarnate anew. This process is elusive and unstoppable.


    Gu An focused on his Tao Seed, which continued to store Tao unique to himself.


    The path of a cultivator is simr to that of Tao Rules, yet different.


    It''s more like a special form of mana, its execution is also simr to divine skills.


    Once the Tao Seed blossoms into Tao Fruit, Gu An would be able to fight using his own Tao, entering a higher level ofbat with even richer methods.


    The Taoist Storage Realm would nurture the first Lifebound Great Divine Power!


    Lifebound Great Divine Powers cannot be passed on to others, only to be exercised by oneself!


    As Gu An contemted his first Lifebound Great Divine Power, he also thought about his Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, wondering if he couldbine them, that would be even better.


    He enjoyed writing books, so decided to create a pen, the Lifebound Great Divine Power would have to be rted to the pen.


    He quickly had an idea, and as his thoughts flowed, the rate at which Tao Spiritual Energy and Tao Rules powers entered his body elerated. The influence caused by this also expanded rapidly, soon rming the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    The Great Cultivators guarding the Outer Heaven lightyer were all startled, standing up one after another.


    "Here ites again, this time even stronger than before!"


    "What exactly is thismotion? Why are even the Spiritual Energy and Rules of the universe in uproar?"


    "Unable to capture the source of the anomaly."


    "Everyone be careful. This surely has to do with the Heavenly Demon!"


    "Trouble has piled up one after the other. Could it be the fabled epochal tribtion?"


    While the Great Cultivators were discussing, two figures appeared above them, unnoticed by anyone.


    These were two Free Immortals, one from the Immortal Dynasty, the other from the Holy Court.


    The Free Immortal from the Immortal Dynasty was known as the Ancient Immortal Emperor, the Holy Court''s Free Immortal was addressed as Saint Ancestor.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor had youthful features with white hair, wearing a white robe, his whole being gleamed with white Tao light, looking out of ce amidst the cosmic stars.


    "Is this a breakthrough, or a formation being set up?" the Ancient Immortal Emperor asked with a slight furrow in his brows.


    The Saint Ancestor, dressed in dark Tao robes with ck and white hair fluttering slightly, emitted a very strong sense of oppression, his eyes also peered into the depths of the cosmos.


    "It doesn''t seem to be either, it''s more like some Tao Rules are affecting the universe," Saint Ancestor said with aplex tone.


    Both Free Immortalspsed into silence.


    After a long time.


    Saint Ancestor looked towards the Ancient Immortal Emperor, "You wouldn''t interfere in the disputes of the younger generations, would you?"


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor turned to look at him, "As long as you don''t break our agreement, I naturally won''t either."


    At those words, the Saint Ancestor showed a smile and nodded, "Let the younger ones fight. Comprehending Tao is what we should be doing. If the Heavenly Demon really attacks and the Great Heavenly Spirit Land faces the threat of destruction, that''s when we''ll step in."


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor had no objections, he turned to nce at the Great Heavenly Spirit Land with a meaningful look in his eyes.


    "How many lifetimes does Shengtian still have?" the Ancient Immortal Emperor asked.


    Saint Ancestor shook his head, "I have no idea. In the early years, he ceased to trust me and began contemting the Heavenly Dao, setting himself on a solitary and strong path."


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor fell silent, no more questions asked, his gaze returned to the Silent Destruction Domain.


    ...


    Boom!


    Gu An''s Tao Seedpletely solidified into a Tao Fruit, officially achieving the Taoist Storage Realm!


    At the same time, his Tao Fruit manifested Dao Patterns, the form of his Lifebound Great Divine Power!


    Gu An named his self-created Lifebound Great Divine Power as the Longevity True Words, a divine power primarily based on cause and effect, fate, deciding the life, death, and destiny of beings with words.


    There was a profound mystery ofws following speech!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An continued the charge into the mid-stage of the Taoist Storage Free Immortal Realm!


    He opened his eyes and looked toward the Attribute Panel, seeing he had one hundred and thirty million years of life span left, his heart somewhat relieved.


    From this perspective, the Life Span Barrier would not exhaust all his life span.


    Time moved swiftly.


    An Ancient Hourter, his cultivation level had reached thete stage of the Taoist Storage Free Immortal Realm!


    Just one more minor realm to go!


    The mana of thete stage of Taoist Storage Free Immortal far exceeded the early stage, in both quantity and quality, iparable to the early stage.


    An unprecedented sense of power made Gu An extremely gratified.


    He even felt as if the universe couldn''t confine him, that he could easily leap out of it.


    He restrained himself; he felt that terrifying existences were wandering outside the cosmos; perhaps the Annihtion God Emperor, ck Profound Emperor, were waiting for him.


    He looked into the distance.


    His Divine Thought turned invisible, probing far away.


    Traversing within the Silent Destruction Domain, his Divine Thought spied many powerful beings; the Silent Destruction Domain still hosted quite a few True Immortals and Free Immortals, though they were very scattered, equivalent to a realm asrge as the Great Heavenly Spirit Land hardly housing a single Free Immortal.


    Crossing vast distances, he saw another Great Heaven and Earth.


    He didn''t linger, continuing onward.


    Over the following period, he encountered three other Great Heaven and Earths, all enveloped by the Silent Destruction Domain.


    As his Divine Thought neared its limit, he quickly retracted it and concentrated on breaking through.


    The nearest Great Heaven and Earth to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was extremely distant. It would take True Immortals years just to travel there, passing through many areas of spatial distortion along the way, which cannot be crossed by mere flight.


    Gu An''s focus returned to his body, observing his own Tao Fruit.


    He had an intuition that once the Tao Fruit bloomed, a new realm would open up.


    He looked forward to that day.


    At that moment, Gu An seemed to sense something and looked up.


    In the deep darkness, a pair of gigantic eyes appeared, the same eyes he had seen during his previous breakthrough; unexpectedly, they had appeared again.


    They wererger than the Great Heavenly Spirit Land eyeballs, showing how immense those eyes truly were!


    Gu An fixed his gaze on these giant eyes, wishing to see through them.

 Chapter 365 Mysterious Reincarnation, Fate Determining Pen

    Gu Anpared his memory with the eyes before him and determined they were not the eyes of the ck Profound Emperor. As for whether they were the eyes of the Annihtion God Emperor, he couldn''t decide.


    Long Zhan had never actually seen the true body of the Annihtion God Emperor and was pinched to death by a hand that the Annihtion God Emperor had reached out.


    For the time being, he could not see through the cultivation level of this pair of huge eyes, but they indeed gave people an uneasy and oppressive feeling.


    Relying on the Life Span Barrier, Gu An wasn''t afraid of being detected by the other party.


    He had originally thought that the eyes would disappear after watching for a while, but that was not the case.


    He suddenly saw two figures flying out from the midst of those giant eyes, and they swept past above Gu An at an extremely fast speed, heading towards the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Although they passed above Gu An, they were actually very distant from him.


    Gu An turned his head to look, his eyebrows furrowing and a worried expression in his eyes.


    He could sense that these two figures were just from the Free Immortal Realm, but Free Immortals could easily obliterate the lives in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    He still needed to make a breakthrough and didn''t want to act rashly.


    Moreover, those giant eyes were still there. If he made a move, would he expose himself?


    Gu An saw that Free Immortals from both the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court had appeared and could only hope that they would be able to stop this mysterious enemy.


    However, the moment those two figures that emerged from the giant eyes reached the edge of the Silent Destruction Domain, they suddenly disappeared.


    Gu An keenly caught that they had entered into the Reincarnation Rules, and then they entered the lightyer of Outer Heaven in a manner iprehensible to cultivators before their presencepletely vanished.


    During the entire process, even those two Free Immortals were unable to detect them.


    Is this...


    Reincarnation?


    Gu An turned his head back and saw the pair of giant eyes slowly disappearing into the darkness as if they had never appeared.


    Forget it; first, make a breakthrough!


    Gu An raised his right hand, using his powerful mana to condense the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure he desired.


    Free Immortals could create Immortal Path Supreme Treasures; naturally, it was even easier for Free Immortals in a higher realm.


    While his cultivation level rose continuously, Gu An quickly shaped the form of the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, then infused his own Tao into it, forming a restriction structure that stabilized the Dharma Treasure.


    Time continued to move on.


    After a little half an Ancient Hour had passed, Gu An finally reached the Perfect Realm of the Free Immortals!


    At this moment, he felt a great sense of power, as if he could reach to the heavens and pierce through the earth!


    His right hand was still shaping the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, divine light shining upon his face, and the golden patterns on his forehead gleamed, making his face appear even more majestic.


    He seemed to be beholding a piece of heaven and earth, his gaze profound.


    He nced at the Attribute Panel and saw he still had seventy million years of life span. He did not rush to lift the Life Span Barrier but continued to fashion the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    With the breakthroughpleted, the rate at which the Life Span Barrier consumed his life span abruptly decreased.


    The turmoil in the Silent Destruction Domain also began to slow, bringing relief to the creatures hiding all around.


    It wasn''t just the creatures of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land who were afraid¡ªthe Heavenly Demons in the Silent Destruction Domain also trembled, as there were tales of cmity everywhere, which is the creatures'' worry about the unknown. Faced with unknown dangers, it was easy for them to associate these fears with the Heavenly Will and cmity.


    Waiting for the Tao Spiritual Energy''s turbulence to subside and Tao Rules'' surges to cease, the Silent Destruction Domain sank into deathly silence, extremely oppressive.


    Another two Ancient Hours passed.


    The Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in Gu An''s hand finally took shape, but to be a true Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, onest step was required: to infuse it with his soul''s essence.


    The Immortal Path Supreme Treasure was not just a powerful Dharma Treasure but also unique. The reason it could endure eternally was that the essence of the Free Immortal''s power maintained this characteristic.


    Gu An suddenly felt a very special force manifesting in the cosmos, a force simr to that in theyer of light outside of heaven.


    His Immortal Path Supreme Treasure seemed to want to be recognized by this force, yearning for it to be branded upon itself.


    Could this be the Heavenly Dao Rules?


    Gu An was secretly rmed; the Heavenly Dao Rules always seemed more threatening to him than the Tao Rules, mainly because the Heavenly Dao Rules were too perfect, almost as if they had a will of their own.


    No!


    He couldn''t let the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure make contact with the Heavenly Dao Rules!


    Gu An forcibly suppressed the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure in his hand.


    After a good while, the Immortal Path Supreme Treasure no longer had the desire to approach the Heavenly Dao Rules. The divine light dissipated.


    A white brush with ck bristles appeared in his hand, looking quite ordinary.


    Golden characters gradually emerged on the shaft of the brush.


    The Fate Determining Pen!


    Gu An''s mouth curved upward, very pleased with himself.


    He still had over sixty million years of life span!


    This breakthrough had been perilous, but fortunately, he had seeded!


    He stood up and disappeared on the spot in an instant.


    With a single step, he arrived at the edges of Mystic Valley. Following that, he stepped out of the woods into a world where snow fluttered all around¡ªthe snow melted rapidly wherever he went.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He stopped moving, concealing the aura of his Tao Fruit before continuing on his way.


    Snowkes fell on him, and his figure gradually was obscured, as if returning to the mundane.


    30 minutester, Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He stepped down from the Transmission Array tform and then headed towards the chess-ying area. This day, Nine-Finger Divine Lord was once again trouncing the less skilled; his opponent was still Shen Xinzi.


    Shen Xinzi held the Romance of the Three Kingdoms in one hand and a chess piece in the other, his eyebrows tightly furrowed, indecisive about his move.


    There were more than a dozen people surrounding them, including Medicine Valley Disciples and Great Cultivators from the Supreme Sect, all of whom were discussing in low voices.


    Gu An approached them, ying with the Fate Determining Pen in his hand.


    You Yingying nudged closer, asking curiously, "Did you just buy that brush?"


    This brush wasrger than ordinary, the size of a flute, which piqued You Yingying''s curiosity even more.


    "Yeah, bought it this morning, from an old senior. He said it''s an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure," Gu An replied with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, You Yingying rolled her eyes with disbelief, asking, "Since it''s an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, how many spirit stones did it cost you?"


    "Ten Top-Grade Spirit Stones, pretty expensive, right?"


    "Heh."


    You Yingying''s gaze was like one looking at a fool¡ªthe scorn clear in herughter.


    Gu An extended the Fate Determining Pen towards her, saying, "One hundred Top-Grade Spirit Stones, I''ll sell it to you, taking a little loss."


    You Yingying pped his hand away with a huff, retorting, "I''m not as foolish as you, I won''t buy it! But if you gift it to me, I could consider it."


    Quite the character, wanting something for nothing?


    Gu An rolled his eyes at You Yingying, then continued his walk towards Nine-Finger Divine Lord and the others.


    You Yingying followed, eyeing Gu An closely.


    She had sensed changes in Gu An''s temperament multiple times; she always felt that Gu An was hiding a secret.


    Could this guy really have taken Sword Venerable Fudao as his teacher?


    Gu An made his way through the crowd to stand behind Shen Xinzi, with You Yingying following close behind.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord, sitting opposite, lifted his gaze towards Gu An, also noticing the pen in his hand, and smiled, "That''s a decent-looking pen you have there, may I take a look?"


    Gu An twirled the Fate Determining Pen in his hand and said, "One hundred Top-Grade Spirit Stones, I''ll sell it to you. This might actually be an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure."


    An Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord found this amusing, having just overheard Gu An''s conversation with You Yingying and initially thought Gu An was simply teasing her. He did not expect the kid actually believed it.


    Pretending to be serious, he looked at the Fate Determining Pen and said, "Oh? It really seems like it."


    Gu An''s expression immediately became awkward.


    Did he recognize it?


    No, he would have to pat him on the shoulder tonight and use the Great Imprison Soul Immortal Technique to erase this memory!

 Chapter 366 Heavenly Demon Turbulence

    Nine-Finger Divine Lord wasn''t sure what Gu An was thinking. Seeing the change in Gu An''s expression, he feared the young man might actually believe it, so he said, "I was just kidding. With your cultivation level, if it really were an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, you would be reduced to ashes upon contact."


    Gu An, upon hearing this, rxed inwardly, but his face contorted as if he couldn''t bear to ept this fact.


    He looked down, Shen Xinzi had already fallen into a dead end and was struggling in vain.


    "Let me do it," Gu An patted Shen Xinzi on the shoulder and said.


    Shen Xinzi took a deep breath and then stood up.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord began to pick up pieces, picking up the ck pieces, He stared at Gu An with a smile, "My chess skills have improved. You need to be careful this time."


    Gu An sat down, twirling the Fate Determining Pen in his hand, and said, "In chess, I cannot lose."


    You Yingying, standing by, had a peculiar look on her face. For some reason, she felt Gu An''s statement was very imposing.


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord made the first move, and the chess game began.


    The spectators were engrossed in watching, and Shen Xinzi also wanted to learn from Gu An''s moves.


    Confident, Nine-Finger Divine Lord yed quickly, not using his usual tactic of wearing down the old timers.


    Half an ancient hourter, Gu An stood up. Under the admiring gaze of the onlookers, he left, followed quickly by You Yingying.


    Shen Xinzi looked at the chessboard, his face showing admiration.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord, however, had a dark expression, staring intently at the chessboard.


    For some reason, he felt the gap between him and Gu An widening, and he couldn''t understand why.


    Gu An was nning to go see Long Qing, but You Yingying was following him.


    He could feel that You Yingying sensed his change, but he wasn''t panicked; now in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, no one could see through his cultivation level.


    Even if his demeanor had changed drastically, he was still in the Nascent Soul Realm, so neither Nine-Finger Divine Lord nor Shen Xinzi paid attention to his change.


    The two started chatting casually. Gu An brought up the Star Sea Congregations. Xuan Tianyi had already returned to the Supreme Sect, and An Hao and Li Ya had also left the Star Sea Congregations. Although there was still cooperation between the Supreme Sect and the Star Sea Congregations, thetter was rarely mentioned within the Supreme Sect.


    You Yingying came from the Star Sea Congregations, but sinceing to the Supreme Sect, she had never gone back.


    In the past, Gu An was wary her Heavenly Demon identity would cause trouble, but now it didn''t matter.


    The Silent Destruction Domain was full of Heavenly Demons, and You Yingying''s karma was not as significant as Long Qing''s.


    "Do you want to cultivate?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    The reason You Yingying couldn''t break through was due to the suppression from her Heavenly Demon karma, her past life might have been afraid of being discovered, so her reincarnation couldn''t break through to a higher realm.


    With Gu An''s current capabilities, he could erase the karmic restrictions within her.


    You Yingying nced at Gu An and said, "Of course I want to, but my identity is special, I cannot cultivate."


    "What if I could help you?"


    When You Yingying heard this, her eyes filled with depth, she shook her head and said, "No need, I will just live out this life honestly and reincarnate sooner. I don''t want to be a disaster."


    After hearing this, Gu An fell into silence, no longer speaking.


    "Why don''t you ask me why I think I am a disaster?" You Yingying said discontentedly.


    This guy is quite good at talking to others, so why is it always awkward with her?


    Gu An turned his head to look at her, asking, "Is there a need to ask?"


    This rhetorical question annoyed You Yingying so much that she lunged at him, arms iling.


    The two yfully scuffled all the way to a forest, where the grass was covered in snow. Long Qing was practicing his Fist Technique in the snow.


    Long Qing, eighty-two years old, looked very young and robust, each punch he threw carried great force.


    Seeing Gu An and You Yingying arrive, Long Qing revealed a smile and greeted them.


    Before he was four years old, An Xin had taken care of him, and after that, it was You Yingying who raised him. In his heart, You Yingying was like a mother to him, whom he respected deeply, and Gu An even felt that in his heart, You Yingying held the highest esteem.


    "Master, godmother, how is this set of Fist Techniques?"


    Long Qing said, then began throwing punches.


    Gu An and You Yingying stood side by side, watching his technique, the whistling of his robes swishing filled the forest.


    You Yingying watched Long Qing''s form, her face filled with pride.


    In her heart, Long Qing was also her child. Since Long Qing''s arrival, she was no longer mncholic and lived every day fully, looking forward to the day Long Qing would make a name for himself.


    Gu An, on the other hand,pared Long Qing with others of his age, such as Yang Jian. In terms of physical strength, Long Qing was a notch above, but his reaction speed was slower than Yang Jian''s, perhaps rted to cultivation level.


    For Long Qing to have such strength without Spiritual Power was already remarkable.


    After Long Qing finished demonstrating his Fist Technique, he turned around and approached Gu An and You Yingying, raising his fist, "I feel like I can already spar with those in the Nascent Soul Realm, Master, how about I spar with you?"


    Seeing his spirited appearance, Gu An couldn''t help butugh.


    You Yingying red at Long Qing, "Don''t be disrespectful. Are you challenging your master? Is it because I haven''t hit you for a long while, and you''ve forgotten my teachings?"


    Hearing this, Long Qing quickly exined, "It''s just a spar, stopping as soon as contact is made. Mainly because there are no other cultivators in the Nascent Soul Realm in the Medicine Valley, and it wouldn''t be appropriate for me to stir up trouble in the Inner Sect..."


    "It''s fine,e on."


    Gu An smiled, hearing this made Long Qing beam, and he quickly thanked him.


    You Yingying looked at Gu An, nervously saying, "This kid doesn''t know his own strength, you need to be careful."


    Gu An shrugged, "Please, I was once a Golden List Genius."


    The Golden List and Celestial List established by the Supreme Sect were still authoritative. Each generation of Golden List geniuses attracted geniuses from all over the continent topete, although Gu An never participated again.


    Hearing this, You Yingying immediately stepped aside.


    Long Qing stood about ten paces away, warming up. He was very excited; he had long wanted to test Gu An''s capabilities.


    In the Third Medicine Valley, there had always been a legend that Gu An was formidable!


    Although he couldn''tpare to Immortal Path Great Cultivators like the Nine-Finger Divine Lord or Shen Xinzi, in his own realm, Gu An was undoubtedly strong.


    Gu An held the Fate Determining Pen, waving Long Qing over.


    Long Qing immediately advanced, lunging toward Gu An in one swift step.


    So fast!


    You Yingying couldn''t keep up with Long Qing''s speed, and her pupils dted dramatically.


    Long Qing threw a punch, like a Sea Dragon emerging from the abyss, with an explosive sonic boom. Gu An reached out with his hand, using the Fate Determining Pen to block Long Qing''s fist so it couldn''t reach his chest.


    Long Qing''s face changed dramatically; his right arm couldn''t push any further. At that moment, he felt Gu An''s formidable presence, as unshakeable as a mountain.


    His biggest reliance was his physical strength, and when his strength was far inferior to his opponent''s, how could he not panic?


    Gu An''s mouth curved into a smile, his right hand holding the Fate Determining Pen suddenly lifted, lifting Long Qing into the mid-air. He then swiftly raised his leg and kicked.


    Bang!


    Long Qing''s chest was struck. His eyes bulged, his consciousness briefly nk.


    Everything happened very quickly, and throughout the process, You Yingying didn''t see how Gu An had made his move.


    She only saw Long Qing lunging at Gu An, then being kicked away.


    By the time she reacted, Long Qing had crashed into arge tree, shaking the umted snow off the branches, nearly burying him.


    You Yingying red at Gu An and said, "Why did you hit so hard?"


    With that, she quickly ran toward Long Qing.


    Gu An, feeling helpless, thought to himself, ''You were worried I''d get hurt by him earlier, so why do you get to y the good person now?''


    With You Yingying''s help, Long Qing sat up. He opened his eyes, looking ahead at Gu An. For some reason, he suddenly felt awe. Gu An''s figure in his eyes seemed invincible.


    Even his second master, Shen Xinzi, couldn''t evoke this feeling in him.


    "You still need more practice, Qing''er. I''m waiting for your next challenge," Gu An''sughter reached Long Qing''s ears, pulling him out of his reverent mood.


    He took a deep breath and nodded vigorously, his arrogancepletely dissipated.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The winter snow continued to fall.


    As Long Qing dwelled on his defeat, the Great Cultivators from Outer Heaven were deeply worried.


    With the cessation of the anomalies in the Silent Destruction Domain, the Heavenly Demons could no longer hold back and began to approach the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    They spected that the disturbances in the Silent Destruction Domain were caused by the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, while the Great Heavenly Spirit Land suspected they were plotting something.


    In the days that followed, more and more Heavenly Demons flew out of the Silent Destruction Domain, reaching the cosmic region near the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, confronting the Great Cultivators on the outeryer of light, clearly demarcated.


    Time quickly advanced to the end of the year.


    On this day.


    Gu An was sparring with Tian Yao''er, Tianqing, and Tian Bai in the Outer World Cave.


    The three demons attacked him together. Although they couldn''t gain the upper hand, each was agile and their spells were impressive.


    Gu An, holding the Fate Determining Pen, easily blocked and dodged their every spell.


    He was secretly pleased; although the three demons were always in the Nianchu Cave and Outer World Cave, their strength had been steadily improving.


    Any one of them could easily defeat Long Qing alone. Together, they could even withstand the Unification Realm.


    The strongest, Tian Yao''er, had already reached the seventh level of the Void Crossing Realm. Apart from her exceptional talent, this was also due to Gu An''s investment in elixirs.


    Tian Yao''er stopped and said, "Let''s stop here for today."


    Tianqing and Tian Bai followed suit, panting and sweating, their foreheads and hair damp.


    They looked at Gu An with adoration, immediately rushing to him, each hugging an arm, and began to praise how amazing their master was.


    Gu An was already ustomed to their actions. These were the demons he had raised, there was no helping it, he had to indulge them.


    Tian Yao''er approached Gu An and said, "Master,tely I have been feeling restless. Can you help me take a look?"


    Gu An asked in surprise, "How should I check?"


    Tian Yao''er raised her hands, grasping the front of her robe, preparing to disrobe.


    "Stop, don''t joke around. Tell me more about your feelings," Gu An quickly said.


    He suspected these three demons were plotting something against him.


    Tian Yao''er pouted, then talked about her recent feelings. During cultivation, her Qi-Blood was easily agitated, making it difficult for her to calm down and cultivate.


    She even felt something calling her, which made her uneasy.


    After listening, Gu An looked up, his pupils reflecting a sun, within which a Phoenix was hidden.


    As the Heavenly Demons approached inrge numbers, the seven suns outside were also disturbed, the mysterious creatures within each awakened, watching the Heavenly Demons, ready for battle.

 Chapter 367 I Want to Become an Immortal, I Want to Establish the Heavenly Court

    Heavenly Phoenix Mountain had always been associated with legends of the Phoenix, and Tian Yao''er''s original form was a special bird, harboring a mysterious me within her body, which led Gu An to specte about her connection with the legendary Phoenix.


    "Master, what are you looking at?" Tian Yao''er asked nervously.


    Tianqing and Tian Bai looked up at the sky and saw nothing, which made them anxious.


    Could there be something invisible to them that had infiltrated the Outer World Cave?


    Gu An''s gaze shifted to Tian Yao''er. He saw the causal links rted to the Phoenix on her, which, while faint, were indeed there, proving that Tian Yao''er was a descendant of the Phoenix.


    He was not afraid of the Phoenixing after them because the causal connection was too weak; Gu An had been unable to detect it even in the Divine Thought True Immortal Realm before, indicating that Tian Yao''er was separated from the Phoenix by a vast expanse of time.


    That Phoenix was just a Carefree Primordial Immortal in terms of cultivation.


    Gu An spoke, "Do not worry, I was just looking at your ancestor. The reason for your unease is because your ancestor is restless, and it''s affecting you through your bloodline."


    Ancestor?


    With both her parents deceased, Tian Yao''er had long regarded Gu An as her only support. Hearing now of the existence of an ancestor, how could she remain indifferent?


    She opened her mouth but eventually fell silent.


    Curious, Tianqing asked, "Master, who is her ancestor, and what is their cultivation level?"


    Tian Bai also looked at Gu An, herrge eyes filled with anticipation.


    Gu An counter-asked, "Do you still remember the legend of Heavenly Phoenix Mountain?"


    At this remark, Tian Yao''er''s expression changed¡ªanticipation, nervousness, resentment, various emotions shed through her eyes. For this moment, she seemed unlike her usual naive and romantic self.


    "Could the Miss be a descendant of the Phoenix?" Tian Bai gasped, eyes wide.


    Gu An smiled and nodded, saying, "However, the bloodline has been diluted over who knows how many generations, and the descendants of that Phoenix are beyond count."


    He wasn''t joking. Following the causal thread of the Phoenix, he saw the myriad causalities throughout the world rted to it, with countless descendants like Tian Yao''er, even the ones in the sea.


    After hearing these words, Tian Yao''er seemed to shed a burden, visibly relieved, and a smile appeared on her face.


    Gu An looked at her and asked with a smile, "Were you afraid just now?"


    Tian Yao''er nodded, "I don''t want any ancestor; I just want to be with you, Master. When I was imprisoned by the Heaven Phoenix Demon Mother, when I was hunted, no ancestor showed up."


    Knowing about the existence of an ancestor, her heart was more filled with worry and fear; she was afraid that Gu An might send her to that ancestor.


    Enjoy exclusive chapters from empiren/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An moved forward, rubbed her head, andughed, "What are you thinking? How could I possibly abandon you? Even if the Phoenix came for you, I wouldn''t agree. I''ve raised you for so many years; how could it be for nothing?"


    Hearing this, Tian Yao''er''s smile brightened.


    In reality, if she wanted to leave, Gu An wouldn''t stop her; now he was powerful enough not to fear exposing the Outer World Cave.


    But he feared that saying he was willing to let Tian Yao''er go would instead make her anxious.


    Tianqing and Tian Bai didn''t think too much. They were more curious about how powerful the Phoenix was.


    "Don''t ask anymore. The Phoenix is definitely powerful. Be careful, or it might invade your dreams and devour you."


    Gu An hummed, frightening the two, and they dared not ask further questions.


    It wasn''t until noon that Gu An left.


    He went to the North Sea Mountain, where, as the Mountain God, he met with Sage Xuan Miao.


    Sage Xuan Miao had grown ustomed to a life away from worldly affairs, spending his days tending flowers and herbs, content and at peace, asionally discussing the Paths with passing cultivators¡ªa life he found pleasant enough.


    When Gu An, transformed into a small Mountain God figure, approached him, he was no longer as constrained as he had been hundreds of years ago.


    He stood up and bowed.


    Gu An sat on the eaves and asked, "Have you encountered any confusion in your recent cultivation?"


    Though the life span offerings from the Mountain God Temple weren''t much, Sage Xuan Miao''s sincerity touched him, so he was willing to give guidance on cultivation.


    Sage Xuan Miao shook his head and smiled, "Not at the moment."


    He looked up at the Mountain God on the eaves, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "In your view, do the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court qualify as immortals?"


    This question he had long wanted to ask but feared offending.


    The methods by which the founder of the Immortal Dynasty bestowed blessings on all beings had shocked him, overturning his imagination.


    In his view, not even a Mountain God could achieve that.


    Now that he heard the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court were about to go to war, it left him withplex feelings.


    How could immortals quarrel over power and profit like mortals?


    If the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court were not truly immortals but merely powerful beings, why should humans be stronger than immortals?


    Various confusions took root in Sage Xuan Miao''s mind, making him even more eager for answers.


    Gu An, legs crossed, looked down at Sage Xuan Miao. His eyes, hidden beneath the mask, were so profound as he asked, "What do you think an immortal should be like?"


    "Like you, protecting themon folk without being swayed by worldly interests."


    "If that''s the case, why ask a question to which you already know the answer?"


    "I just..."


    Sage Xuan Miao frowned, unsure how to express himself.


    Gu An asked, "Do you think they are stronger than me, making you unsure of who the true immortal is?"


    Sage Xuan Miao nodded, watching Gu An nervously, fearful of offending the Mountain God.


    "Have you considered what it means to cultivate with me? If you are so fixated on immortals, why not think about bing one yourself?"


    Faced with the Mountain God''s inquiry, Sage Xuan Miao''s eyes widened, and he asked in astonishment, "How could I possibly be an immortal?"


    "Your confusion is the confusion of the entire world. What you see might not be correct. The world is waiting for the true immortal to appear. Why couldn''t you be that immortal?" Gu An said meaningfully.


    In fact, he was bluffing, wanting to keep Sage Xuan Miao focused on cultivation.


    Over the years, whenever someone came by, Sage Xuan Miao would zealously preach about the Mountain God''s power andpassion, leading to more and more people calling mentally for the Mountain God''s help when in distress.


    Though Gu An paid no attention, those people''s hopes formed a source of power simr to Qi Fortune, which he called Desire Power.


    Perhaps the true path for an immortal required walking the way of Desire Power, to truly feel the suffering of all beings.


    However, Gu An''s pursuit wasn''t immortality; he sought longevity.


    If Sage Xuan Miao so desired to be an immortal, Gu An wouldn''t mind nurturing him to be a true immortal.


    To be an immortal, the most crucial aspect is the ability to save themon folk; simply having a good heart isn''t enough.


    After listening to Gu An, Sage Xuan Miao fell silent, his heartbeat elerating.


    Gu An leaped down from the eaves, walked out of the courtyard, and went to pick medicinal herbs, with Sage Xuan Miao hurriedly following.


    "I... can someone like me really be an immortal?" Sage Xuan Miao asked cautiously.


    Without turning his head, Gu An replied, "Immortality isn''t about high status. With the right intention, it can be achieved."


    Sage Xuan Miao''s expression changed, deeply moved by these words.


    After a long time.


    The two returned to the courtyard.


    Gu An was about to leave when Sage Xuan Miao suddenly looked up at him on the eaves and said, "Mountain God, I''ve figured it out. I want to be an immortal, I want to establish the Heavenly Court!"


    Gu An stopped walking, turned his head to look at him, and asked in surprise, "The Heavenly Court?"


    "That''s the celestial authority from Journey to the West. In the book, the celestial beings fight demons and control the weather for the sake of themon folk. Although the Heavenly Court in the story has its ws, at least they care about themon folk."


    Sage Xuan Miao spoke earnestly, and by the end, his facial expression turned determined, his eyes gleaming brightly.


    Gu An smiled and said nothing more, then disappeared from the eaves.


    Sage Xuan Miao, filled with grand ambitions, sat cross-legged, deciding to cultivate diligently from now on, not to disappoint the Mountain God''s faith in him!


    ...


    Spring arrived.


    This New Year was livelier than usual because the Supreme Sect invited many schools to join the Spring Festival celebration.


    The Third Medicine Valley was festively decorated and noisy, all disciples wearing smiles.


    As night fell, on a temporary stage, disciples took turns performing, keeping the festive atmosphere lively and ebullient.


    Gu An swayed his bowl of wine, his gaze inevitably drifting towards the night sky.


    Stars filled the sky, glittering and beautiful, as if even the heavens were celebrating.


    Meanwhile, in Outer Heaven, the tension between the sects of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land and the Heavenly Demons was escting.


    Gu An scanned the area; there were more than a million Heavenly Demons, the weakest of them in the Loose Immortal Realm, including two Divine Thought True Immortals. This was why the Great Heavenly Spirit Land dared not make a move rashly.


    He saw cultivators from the Holy Court negotiating with a Divine Thought True Immortal realm Heavenly Demon. It seemed that the Heavenly Demons were the stronger side.


    The current Holy Court was not as formidable as the legends suggested.


    The Heavenly Demons were also testing the stance of Shengtian, while the Holy Court side was evasive, clearly hiding something.


    ording to Gu An''s judgment, a great battle between the two sides would soon erupt.


    Gu An had no intention of getting involved, given the Immortal Dynasty and Holy Court were handling things.


    Having just made a breakthrough, he wasn''t eager to collect life spans and preferred toy low.


    Long Qing came over, moring to have a drinking contest with his master. How could Gu An indulge him? He weed all challengers.


    The wine in Medicine Valley was Spiritual Wine, and even cultivators could get drunk if they had too much.


    It wasn''t untilte into the night that the Third Medicine Valley finally quieted down.


    The next morning, Gu An left the Third Medicine Valley. He arrived at Mystic Valley and after chatting with the disciples for 30 minutes, he entered the Eight Scenic Caves.


    From a distance, he saw a huge creature lying under the Green Vine Tree.


    It was a ck Sea Dragon!


    [Sky Dragon (Void Crossing Realm fifth level): 387/8000/18000]


    Gu An looked at the Sky Dragon''s maximum life span and felt slightly disappointed.


    It seemed the Sky Dragon had not encountered much fortune over the years.


    The Sea Dragon lying under the tree sensed something, opened its eyes, and upon seeing Gu An, rapidly raised its head.


    "Master!"


    The Sea Dragon cried excitedly and then rushed towards Gu An, stirring up a gust of wind that shook the surrounding flora.


    Its body quickly shrank to only two meters in length, trying to jump into Gu An''s arms, but Gu An pressed down its dragon head with the Fate Determining Pen, keeping it at bay.


    "Why are you here?" Gu An asked.


    The Sea Dragon chuckled, "Ancient Sky Sect came to participate in the Supreme Sect''s Spring Festival, and I sneaked along, wanting toe see you."


    Gu An, unamused, said, "You are the Holy Beast of the Ancient Sky Sect. Do you think you could really sneak along without notice?"


    He had already sensed someone approaching the Eight Scenic Caves!


    He wasn''t angry, even somewhat excited.

 Chapter 368 Eliminating the Backer

    "I am now at the Void Crossing Realm level; they won''t be able to detect me!"


    Sky Dragon said proudly, despite being over three hundred years old, its voice had not lost its youthful tone, sounding like a young boy.


    Gu An did not argue, nor did he mention that someone was sneaking into the Eight Scenic Caves. He sized up Sky Dragon and said, "Are you ustomed to staying with the Ancient Sky Sect? If you want toe back, I can talk to the Supreme Sect."


    With the current power of the Supreme Sect, wanting to take the Holy Beast from the Ancient Sky Sect would be no difficult task.


    Sky Dragon replied, "It''s quite good, I won''te back. The Supreme Sect is much stronger than the Ancient Sky Sect, the status I would have upon my return would certainly notpare to my former one."


    Gu An smiled to himself, silently thinking what a foolish dragon it was, and thought to himself, "Then just stay in the Ancient Sky Sect."


    He would not go out of his way to reveal his strength to Sky Dragon. This was also his attitude toward his disciples: only those who sincerely and insistently wished to stay by his side would he cultivate seriously.


    Just at that moment, footsteps were heard from the distant cave entrance, startling both Gu An and Sky Dragon as they turned to look.


    They saw a figure emerge from the cave mouth, a man in ck with handsome features, holding a folding fan in his hand and with a palm-sized ck spider perched on his shoulder.


    He looked at Gu An and Sky Dragon from afar, a mocking smile on his face, and his gaze then shifted to the Green Vine Tree, his eyes betraying a greedy light.


    Although Gu An could see through his cultivation level, he still could not help but send out a Life Span Detection towards him.


    [Demon Chaser (Mystic Heart Realm, secondyer): 2107/4600/7500]


    A two thousand-year-old monster!


    Gu An looked forward to his next move while maintaining a vignt expression on his face.


    "Is it you... How did you..." Sky Dragon''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    Gu An saw through cause and effect, destiny, and noted the intersection between Sky Dragon and Demon Chaser. Demon Chaser had hidden his identity and joined the Ancient Sky Sect, had visited Sky Dragon, and at that time, Demon Chaser had disguised himself as a Nascent Soul level cultivator, treating Sky Dragon with utmost respect.


    "If it weren''t for me, do you think you could havee here?" Demon Chaser sneered disparagingly.


    He stepped forward, the aura of the Mystic Heart Realm erupting, startling Sky Dragon who quickly revealed its true form to stand in front of Gu An.


    "You are no match for me, and if we start fighting, this ce will be exposed."


    Demon Chaser said coldly, his gaze fixated on the Green Vine Tree, his eyes bing brighter and brighter.


    "Who exactly are you? How can you possess such a cultivation level?" Sky Dragon asked through gritted teeth. The Void Crossing Realm and the Mystic Heart Realm were separated by the Unification Realm, and facing Demon Chaser, Sky Dragon felt immense pressure.


    Gu An then began to probe Demon Chaser''s cause and effect.


    Demon Chaser''s background was rather profound, with a Mahayana Realm master who was seriously injured, hiding in a cave. His master came from a Demon Sect at sea, with the highest cultivator within reaching the Loose Immortal Realm, incidentally Demon Chaser''s Martial Master.


    His Loose Immortal Martial Master was a traitor from an ancient family lineage. Although a traitor, his brother was still present, and the two shared a close rtionship; Demon Chaser''s Martial Master often sought his brother''s help when encountering insurmountable troubles.


    And the strongest person from this ancient family line reached the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm. It''s worth mentioning that this family''s Qi Fortune was rted to another Great Heaven and Earth that Gu An detected during his previous breakthrough.


    That is to say, the origin of this family line came from another Great Heaven and Earth.


    Gu An was not fearful; that Great Heaven and Earth was not substantially stronger than the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, moreover, they were far apart.


    He merely marveled at theplexity of Demon Chaser''s cause and effect.


    Bing enemies with Demon Chaser could easily entangle one in a series of cause and effect grievances.


    Defeat the underling, then the superior, and after the superior, the elder.


    Not long after.


    Demon Chaser approached Sky Dragon and said, "Kneel down, submit to me, this is your only way to live."


    His tone was incredibly domineering, brooking no dissent.


    Gu An stepped to the side to let Demon Chaser see him, ying with the Fate Determining Pen in his right hand, and inquired with an almost smiling tone, "What about me? Do I have a way to live?"


    Demon Chaser looked at Gu An, and Gu An''s smile annoyed him; he felt provoked.


    [Demon Chaser has developed hostility towards you, seeks to kill you. Do you wish to perform Life Span Detection on him?]


    Seeing the prompt before him, Gu An couldn''t help but shake his head with a chuckle.


    His movement caused a chill to sh in Demon Chaser''s eyes, who then coldly said, "You? You must die, perfect to feed the Green Vine Tree."


    Gu An asked, "How do you know the Green Vine Tree feeds on flesh and blood? What is your rtionship with the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion?"


    He knew the truth, of course, but wanted to ask one more question¡ªafter all, there was no hurry at the moment.


    Demon Chaser suddenly transformed into a wisp of Demonic Qi and dissipated, startling Sky Dragon greatly. It looked around instinctively and then saw Demon Chaser appear beside Gu An.


    Demon Chaser''s eyes widened in disbelief, his right hand trembling as it was blocked by the Fate Determining Pen. He was not only unable to harm Gu An but also unable to retreat, as an invisible force had rooted him to the spot.


    "How... how is this possible... who exactly are you?" Demon Chaser asked, his voice quivering with fear.


    Gu An looked down on him and asked, "Since I can''t grant you a way to live, do you have anyst words?"


    The sentence sent shivers down Demon Chaser''s spine.


    "If you dare kill me, my master will not let you go!" Demon Chaser gritted his teeth.


    Gu An curiously asked, "Your master is just at the Mahayana Realm, and he''s gravely wounded too, how can he not let me go?"


    As soon as he spoke, Demonic Chaser''s pupils shook violently, and fear and despair enveloped his heart.


    He seemed to remember something, hastily saying, "My masteres from an Immortal Path Sect... spare me, and we''ll call it quits."


    [Demon Chaser harbors deep-seated hatred toward you, do you wish to perform Life Span Detection on him?]


    The hostility has even increased!


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    Gu An looked at the prompt in front of him,pletely unmoved, as he had no intention of sparing Demon Chaser.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Now, so be it, more deaths toe!


    Gu An withdrew his arm, a terrifying force pressing Demon Chaser to kneel before him with a thud.


    Sky Dragon gaped, staring nkly at Gu An.


    Memories from a long time ago surfaced in its mind.


    Gu An was holding the Fate Determining Pen, waving it through the air, and with one stroke, a golden trail appeared before him, floating in the air.


    The golden light shone on Demon Chaser''s face, leaving itpletely pale.


    Gu An wrote unhurriedly, forming the character for "death."


    As the final strokepleted, Demon Chaser''s heart skipped a beat, he looked at Gu An with a mixture of shock and fear, and asked through clenched teeth, "What have you done to me?"


    [You have sessfully taken 67 years of life span from Lingchuan Zhenren (Mahayana Realm, Nine Layers)]


    [You have sessfully taken 380 years of life span from Zhang Lu (Loose Immortal Realm, Fourth Layer)]


    [You have sessfully taken 512 years of life span from Xu Tianxing (Loose Immortal Realm, Seventh Layer)]


    ...


    One prompt after another appeared before Gu An, and he nced at Demon Chaser and said indifferently, "I haven''t done anything to you; I''ve simply erased all the backing you could call upon."


    Demon Chaser''s eyes bulged, and he yelled almost manically, "What kind of joke is this..."


    Before he could finish speaking, an indescribable panic enveloped Demon Chaser''s heart.


    For some reason, he suddenly felt as though he was abandoned by the entire world, a panic unlike any other, an unspeakable palpitation that agitated his thoughts.

 Chapter 369 Descending into the World

    Watching the Demon Chaser about to crumble, Gu An couldn''t be bothered to exin. With a wave of the Fate Determining Pen, he turned the Demon Chaser to ashes that rapidly vanished.


    Throughout the process, the Sky Dragon didn''t speak a word, just staring nkly at Gu An until the Demon Chaser disappeared, only then did it snap back to reality.


    Swallowing hard, it looked at Gu An with eyes filled with fear.


    Gu An''s strength had exceeded its imagination, and it hadn''t been in Gu An''spany for many years. Reuniting after a long separation and witnessing such methods, how could it not be afraid?


    Seeing its expression, Gu An found it amusing. He suddenly became interested and stared expressionlessly at the Sky Dragon.


    The look in his eyes made the Sky Dragon even more afraid, causing it to back away subconsciously.


    "About today''s affair..." Gu An said hauntingly, deliberately suspending his tone.


    The Sky Dragon hurriedly said, "I definitely won''t speak of it! Please trust me, Master!"


    Gu An twirled the Fate Determining Pen in his hand, his lips turning up into a smile, "This pen of mine can kill people from a very, very far distance. If you break our agreement, you understand what I mean."


    The Sky Dragon, terrified, its dragon body trembling, kept giving assurances.


    Gu An turned and walked toward the Green Vine Tree, his main purpose for taking action today being to confirm whether the Fate Determining Pen could indeed seize life span.


    The result was very satisfying, just as he had wished.


    The Fate Determining Pen was his own creation, not employing any external object. In the future, seizing life spans with the Fate Determining Pen would be even easier for him.


    Dealing with the Demon Chaser this time, Gu An had in over a hundred, all directly rted to the Demon Chaser. Sooner orter, they would be entangled in this web of cause and effect. Gu An essentially allowed them to meet their end early.


    This was the Way of Cause and Effect.


    To be able to glimpse into the process of the evolution of all things was also the foundation of participating in the Way of Destiny.


    The Way of Cause and Effect was profound and unfathomable. Gu An had just begun to delve into it and already possessed the power that not even gods or demons could predict.


    This action had earned him over forty thousand years of life span, which, to him at this moment, wasn''t significant.


    The Sky Dragon shrank in size, cautiously approaching Gu An.


    "Master, you are the Sword Venerable Fudao of the Supreme Sect, right?" the Sky Dragon asked cautiously.


    Without turning back, Gu An said, "The less you know, the safer you''ll be, understand?"


    Stay updated via empire


    Startled by these words, the Sky Dragon nodded hastily.


    Together, the man and the dragon reached the Green Vine Tree. The tree extended two vines that began to knead Gu An''s shoulders, causing the Sky Dragon to stare in bewilderment.


    Two ancient hourster, Gu An and the Sky Dragon left the Eight Scenic Caves. Gu An headed toward Tianya Valley while the Sky Dragon went to look for the cultivators of the Ancient Sky Sect.


    Within the bustling Supreme Sect, no one knew that a Mystic Heart Realm cultivator had been reduced to dust and smoke.


    After the Spring Festival, Gu An''s life returned to peace. He traveled between various Medicine Valleys, asionally bringing An Xin to Mortal World Peak, or visiting Ye Lan and Zhen Qin on his own.


    The sects that had their medicinal herbs mysteriously harvested gradually returned to calmness. Even the Holy Court, unable to find the cause, had to give up, especially since such incidents hadn''t reurredtely.


    Although he had reached the level of a Taoist Hidden Immortal, Gu An never ceased his pursuit of development. He kept expanding the collection of high-rank medicinal herbs inside his Outer World Cave.


    Time flew swiftly.


    In the blink of an eye, five years passed.


    The number of Heavenly Demons outside had exceeded five million. They prowled the universe as if they wanted to tear the Great Heavenly Spirit Land to shreds.


    The Holy Court, Immortal Dynasty, and various other sects were all on high alert, positioned everywhere, not giving the Heavenly Demons a chance to infiltrate.


    On a massive meteor, two men ensnared in a dark aura stood shoulder to shoulder. They looked very simr, both dressed in ck scale armor, though one stood taller.


    "The Holy Court remains silent, it appears our information is true."


    "Could the previous disturbance have been the reincarnation of Saint Heaven?"


    "Highly likely. Within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, only Saint Heaven would have such capacity."


    "If that''s the case, then this is a rare opportunity."


    "Our goal is that Great Emperor, we mustn''t forget."


    The two men in ck armor spoke in hushed tones, their eyes fixed on the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, brimming with hostility.


    As they were talking, they suddenly noticed something and turned their heads in unison to see a thick fog rolling in from the depths of darkness.


    Theplexions of the men in ck armor changed slightly, and they vanished from their spot.


    ...


    It was the season when spring turned to summer.


    Gu An sat under a tree, sharing drinks with Xuan Tianyi, exchanging insights on writing.


    Xuan Tianyi was very fond of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, believing it was not inferior to the Journey to the West.


    "Once I thought Investiture of the Gods was the pinnacle, but then you wrote Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. You truly are amazing. Why can''t I write books like these?" Xuan Tianyi looked at Gu An and eximed.


    Shaking his head, Gu An said, "Your Green Hero Travelogue isn''t bad either. Don''t write anything else in the future. Just focus on Green Hero Travelogue. If this book grows longer, it will certainly be a ssic."


    Xuan Tianyi felt that writing serious books was rather uninteresting. Over the years, he had written many without much sess.


    "Really? But many people are embarrassed to say they like Green Hero Travelogue, you know?" Xuan Tianyi asked doubtfully.


    "Do you want to write a book that many people have read but seldom mention, or a book that bes a masterpiece in the hearts of a few, something they can relish for a lifetime?" asked Gu An.


    Hearing this question, Xuan Tianyi fell into silence.


    As the two were talking, a loud boom descended from the sky, startling both to look up, and not just them¡ªothers in the valley did the same.


    They saw a spectacr scene of a meteor shower falling from the sky; countless meteors with long trails of smoke descended, piercing through the clouds, resembling an apocalypse that made people uneasy from afar.


    "What''s that?" Gu An asked with a frown, thinking to himself that it had finallye.


    The Heavenly Demons began their invasion, effortlessly breaking through Outer Heaven''s defenses under the lead of a Free Immortal; those meteors concealed many Heavenly Demons.


    "I''m not sure, I''ll check it out."


    With those words, Xuan Tianyi disappeared from where he stood.


    Gu An stood up and walked towards his loft.


    An Xin ran all the way to him, anxiously asking, "Master, what exactly is that?"


    "I''m not sure either, but we''re safe inside the Supreme Sect," Gu An reassured her.


    Relieved by his words, An Xin could hear the unspoken message from her master¡ªthose mysterious beings from Outer Heaven couldn''t threaten him!


    As Gu An moved forward, he nced up and saw that one meteor was heading straight for the Taicang Continent.


    Shen Xinzi had already gone to meet it, preparing to protect the Taicang Continent.


    Gu An did not intend to take action. After his breakthrough, with the invasion of the Heavenly Demons, perhaps there was some scheme behind it.


    As long as the continent could withstand this disaster, there was no need for him to intervene. It would be a good opportunity for others to get some practice.


    In fact, Sword Venerable Fudao had not acted for a long time and there were daily conflicts of varying sizes within the Supreme Sect, which Gu An did not meddle in.


    This also let the people of the world understand the stance of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    As long as the core foundation of the Supreme Sect and the safety of the continent were not threatened, Sword Venerable Fudao would not act.


    After Gu An entered his room upstairs, Shen Xinzi had already shattered the meteor, from which a horde of Heavenly Demons surged out, the strongest reaching the Wandering Immortal Realm. They besieged Shen Xinzi, plunging him into a hard battle.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord quickly went to provide support, and cultivators from all over the continent also rushed to the scene.


    The Taicang Continent was just a microcosm; a grand defensive battle had begun in every part of the world.


    The great battle outside was even more imposing; Ancient Immortal Emperor of the Immortal Dynasty and the Saint Ancestor of the Holy Court joined forces against the Free Immortal Heavenly Demons, deadlocked inbat. Divine Thought True Immortals showcased their Divine Skills, and even the seven beings hidden inside the sun came out to join the battle.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Phoenix, True Dragon, Qilin, White Tiger, Xuan Turtle, Green Bird, Kun!


    Their opponents were also colossal creatures, fierce beasts from the Silent Destruction Domain.


    The scope of the battle quickly expanded, with the Great Heavenly Spirit Land at the center, fighting figures filled every direction.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor stepped out from his house, his gaze calm as he looked up at the sky.


    At that moment, Long Qing passed right by him, his eyes fixated on the distance, brows tightly furrowed.


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor''s gaze fell upon him and he suddenly furrowed his brow.


    After the descent of the Heavenly Demons, Long Qing was ovee with uncontroble irritation, which was why he kept moving around, trying to dispel the emotions in his heart.


    "Why is the cause and effect on his body changing..." wondered the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor with surprise.


    And at this time of all times!


    This child must definitely be rted to the Heavenly Demons!


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor developed an even greater interest in Long Qing, feeling previously that Long Qing had an unusual physique.


    Before long, a fierce wind blew from afar, a tempest stirred up by the great battle.


    Gu An sat at his desk, holding the Green Hero Travelogue while using his Divine Thought to observe the entire world.


    The foundation of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was truly strong; in such a short time, many Divine Thought True Immortals, Dao Void Mysterious Immortals, and Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma had emerged.


    From the current perspective, the Heavenly Demons couldn''t shake the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    The battle would end following the oue of the fierce conflict of the Free Immortals in Outer Heaven.


    However, Gu An noticed many Heavenly Demons that descended chose not to fight but to sneak into the Mortal World; some seized living beings, some disintegrated, merging into the Reincarnation Rules, and were then sucked into the Reincarnation Vortex above.


    Gu An suddenly felt that this batch of Heavenly Demons was not a united front, those who had not fought were entangled in a multitude of cause and effect with Long Qing, and were very likely here to find him.


    His Divine Thought thennded on the Moonfall Divine Lake.


    Moonfall Divine Lake was also experiencing an attack by the Heavenly Demons, their situation even more dire because a Divine Immortal of Wondrous Dharma Realm level Heavenly Demon was lurking around.


    The reason Gu An was paying attention to the Moonfall Divine Lake was mainly because of Zhu Xi with the Tai Chu Swallowing Yuan Body.


    Under his gaze, Zhu Xi escaped alone from the Moonfall Divine Lake; she stepped on a Flying Sword, holding antern that made her invisible.


    Only when the crisis on the Taicang Continent was resolved by evening did Zhu Xi seek refuge on an ind, where she hid in the forest, thentern still burning.


    Unbeknownst to her, a Heavenly Demon was hidden on this very ind. Although its cultivation was only at the Loose Immortal Realm, it was far more than she could contend with.


    Herntern could not escape the eyes of the Heavenly Demon.


    The Heavenly Demon was closing in on her.


    Zhu Xi, who was seated in meditation, frowned. Opening her eyes, she looked around, feeling panic.


    She had a foreboding sense of impending doom and trusted her instincts. That''s why she felt so frantic, realizing she was surrounded by danger with no chance to escape.

 Chapter 370 The Great Emperor of Calamity, Jiuyuan World

    Nightfall descended, and the woods fell intoplete silence, devoid of any insect song.


    Zhu Xi stood up, holding antern in her left hand and clenching a sword in her right, her gaze nervously sweeping the surroundings.


    Suddenly.


    She heard the sound of the wind and instinctively turned her head to look, then sounds of the wind came from another direction before she could turn again, and soon wind noises erupted from all directions.


    A gust carrying leaves assaulted her face, causing her eyes to widen in rm.


    Far in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An watched this scene unfold without intervening.


    Zhu Xi was no match for the Loose Immortal Realm, losing consciousness immediately upon the other''s attack.


    The attacker was a female Heavenly Demon seeking to possess her body, but just as its soul began to infiltrate, the demon sensed a terrifying devouring force.


    The Heavenly Demon instinctively tried to escape, but only part of its Soul Body flew out; the lower half was sucked in, unable to withdraw.


    Gu An raised an eyebrow as he observed, how much Spiritual Energy had Zhu Xi consumed?


    At twenty-three, even with copious quantities of Spiritual Energy consumed, she shouldn''t be able to shake a Loose Immortal.


    Could it be she harbored an even greater secret?


    No matter how the female Heavenly Demon struggled, she could not break free from the devouring force inside Zhu Xi, and soon, she was devoured.


    Zhu Xi then copsed to the ground, and the woods returned to tranquility.


    It wasn''t until an Ancient Hourter that Zhu Xi opened her eyes with a confused gaze. Upon regaining her consciousness, she swiftly scrambled to her feet and warily surveyed her surroundings.


    Seeing this, Gu An withdrew his Divine Thought.


    This woman was no simple character; she might be a renowned figure in the future!


    Gu An had no intention of inviting or epting her as a disciple; mere curiosity prevailed.


    In the future, it would be worthwhile to observe Zhu Xi''s life trajectory, reminiscent of binge-watching a drama in his previous life.


    Gu An smiled and then turned his attention to reading the Green Hero Travelogue seriously.


    The moon set and the sun rose.


    A new day arrived, and the Taicang Continent resumed its regr serenity.


    As the disciples gathered for morning exercises, they all discussed the distant battle of the previous day, curious about what had happened.


    When Gu An was practicing, he used his Divine Thought to survey the world.


    Many regions were still heavily afflicted by Heavenly Demons, but fortunately, the Holy Court and the Immortal Dynasty were quicker to act, constantly exorcising demons and providing rescue.


    In this cmity afflicting all beings, the Immortal Dynasty showed formidable prowess, quickly catching up to the Holy Court. As they saved more and more lives, Gu An distinctly felt the Qi Fortune of the Immortal Dynasty growing.


    This catastrophe actually presented an opportunity for the Immortal Dynasty.


    Gu An spotted An Hao''s figure; he was observing the battle, for the weakest of the Heavenly Demons also had Immortal Path cultivation, far beyond his current capability.


    While observing the world, Shen Xinzi returned. Many disciples looked towards him, feeling that he must know what happened the previous day.


    Not until the morning exercises concluded did Long Qing eagerly rush to Shen Xinzi, asking why he had left.


    "Yesterday, Heavenly Demons descended. Fortunately, the crisis on this continent has been resolved," Shen Xinzi replied, though hisplexion appeared unnatural.


    The battle from the day before triggered some foreign memories, leading him to suspect they were from his past life.


    He had long been aware of his identity as a reincarnated Heavenly Demon, but through the years, he had resolved to embrace this fact. He believed that with a determined will, he would not be a demon; he even entertained the delusion of using his identity to convert Heavenly Demons.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Heavenly Demon?" Long Qing''s eyes widened.


    Shen Xinzi began to describe the terror of the Heavenly Demons, leaving Long Qing trembling with fear.


    From afar, Gu An watched the scene with amusement; two reincarnated Heavenly Demons discussing the threats of their kin, neither aware of the other''s true identity.


    He gestured to the Blood Prison Great Saint and then walked towards the Outer Gate City.


    Although the battle in Outer Heaven hadn''t ended, he had lost interest in it for the time being, as it seemed inevitable that the Heavenly Demons would be repelled. He decided to visit the Outer Gate City for a change of scenery.


    Elsewhere.


    Three Pure Ones Mountain.


    Li Ya sat meditating at the edge of a cliff, gazing up at the sky, seemingly lost in thought.


    A soul approached, the Ancestor of Li Family who had once been hidden within Li Ya''s body.


    "What are you thinking about?" The Ancestor of Li Family asked as he came beside Li Ya.


    "Ancestor, what is like beyond the heavens? And how many levels are there in the Immortal Path?" Li Ya asked softly.


    The Ancestor of Li Family replied, somewhat annoyed, "How would I know? You have already surpassed me in your lifetime. I am waiting for you to show me a broader world."


    Upon hearing this, Li Ya cracked a smile and then stood up, stretchingnguidly.


    "Well, get ready, as I will soon leave the mountain to seek fortune. I''ve realized that traveling is necessary; secluded cultivation alone makes for slow progress in raising Cultivation Level. At this rate, I''m afraid I''ll fall further behind An Hao."


    Hearing Li Ya''s words, the Ancestor of Li Family showed a smile, saying, "I am indeed curious to see how formidable the Divine Exotic City is."


    The corners of Li Ya''s mouth lifted, his eyes filled with spirit.


    "The Saint Ancestor said that an era of prodigypetition is nigh; I cannot be absent."


    As he spoke, he lifted his right hand, where a white me zed in his palm.


    The Ancestor of Li Family looked at Li Ya, stroking his beard and smiling, filled with emotion.


    In just four hundred years, this young man had achieved so much; it was hard to imagine the heights he would reach in the future.


    Ancestor of Li Family recalled the scene of meeting Li Ya, his smile deepened.


    ...


    In the cosmos, scorching heatwaves devastated the starry space.


    Ancient Immortal Emperor and Saint Ancestor paused, their gazes focused on a distant silhouette.


    Enshrouded in ck fog, the figure seemed like a Demon Lord emerging from the Abyss, a terrifying visage.


    His white hair flowed freely, crowned with a pair of forward-curving horns, his face pallid, with pupil-less eyes. He wore a ck-feathered great robe, beneath which gleamed a chainmail shimmering with cold light.


    He was none other than the Great Emperor of cmity, a Free Immortal among the Heavenly Demons.


    Gazing at the cmitous Great Emperor, both the Ancient Immortal Emperor and Saint Ancestor had eyes filled with wariness.


    The two sides had been shing for months. The Ancient Immortal Emperor and Saint Ancestor, two against one, couldn''t gain the upper hand, managing only to halt the Great Emperor of cmity''s advancement and prevent him from stepping into the great expanse of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    "The Heavenly Demon''s essence has dwindled to a mere tenth, yet you persist with your purpose?" the Ancient Immortal Emperor asked with an icy tone.


    The corners of the cmitous Great Emperor''s mouth curled up, revealing a sinister and odd smile. He said, "Do you really think I allowed the Heavenly Demons to invade the Great Heavenly Spirit Land just to kill some inconsequential Mortal Spirits?"


    At these words, both the Ancient Immortal Emperor and Saint Ancestor''s expressions changed dramatically.


    Before they could interrogate him further, the cmitous Great Emperor was engulfed by the surrounding ck fog, which churned violently and began to expand rapidly.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor and Saint Ancestor immediately responded, casting their mighty Mana upon the ck fog, but they could not dissipate it.


    During the surging process, the ck fog coalesced into a huge ck sphere that, from a distance, resembled a ck hole.


    "What kind of Divine Skill is this?" the Ancient Immortal Emperor asked with a grim look on his face.


    The Saint Ancestor gave no answer; he too couldn''t see through it, but a strong sense of unease welled up in his heart.


    Meanwhile,


    In the Taicang Continent, within a sub-sect of the Supreme Sect.


    In a courtyard.


    Gu An was drinking with Ye Lan and Zhen Qin. Zhen Qin was discussing recent major events in the sub-sect; an Elder oppressed a Disciple, leading to the Elder''s sudden and gruesome death, causing a stir throughout the sect.


    Zhen Qin had the makings of a storyteller, with a tone that could emotionally engage listeners. Gu An was quite cooperative, showing a nervous expression at critical moments of the tale.


    Ye Lan, on the other hand, watched Gu An and was asionally amused by his expressions.


    Suddenly, Zhen Qin stood up, drew her sword, and pointed it to one side, her eyes wide as she said, "That''s exactly what I did, holding my sword to that man''s neck, questioning him why he would harm his own master. Despite the evidence in front of him, he was still defiant, refusing to admit anything."


    Gu An was about to speak when he suddenly sensed something, his eyes subtly shifting.


    Zhen Qin was about to continue her story when her expression changed abruptly.


    Not only her, but Ye Lan''s expression also changed dramatically.


    "What''s going on... why do I feel like something is grabbing me?" eximed Zhen Qin in horror, instinctively looking at Ye Lan.


    Ye Lan''s body trembled as she spoke through gritted teeth, "Me too, I can''t break free."


    In Gu An''s eyes, a mysterious causality force intertwined around Ye Lan and Zhen Qin. It wasn''t just the two of them; within the sub-sect, many others were entangled by this force of causality.


    He looked up to see the sky, which appeared a magnificent blue, but through his eyes, there appeared an intricate ck across the sky, beyond the reach of mortal beings. This ck seemed to connect with countless souls in the world.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought followed the ck and saw the enormous ck sphere in the universe. In that instant, he understood the cmitous Great Emperor''s Divine Skill.


    No wonder there were so many Heavenly Demons reincarnating and seizing bodies; it was to merge into the rules of Heaven and Earth within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Watching the trend of causality force exerted by the cmitous Great Emperor, it seemed he intended to pull many beings of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land into that ck sphere.


    Gu An saw that Long Qing was also entwined by this force of causality.


    He immediately stood up and, feigning panic, grabbed Ye Lan''s shoulder to ask her what was wrong.


    "Elder Brother... get away quickly..." Ye Lan said through clenched teeth, unable to shake his grip nor stand up.


    "What''s happening? How could I possibly abandon you!"


    Gu An eximed anxiously. Ye Lan was about to reply when suddenly the world spun around them.


    The same sensation hit Zhen Qin.


    Then, Gu An and the two women vanished into thin air.


    At this moment, countless beings disappeared without a trace, causing an earth-shattering uproar within the Supreme Sect sub-sect.


    Ye Lan clenched her eyes shut, feeling as if she was falling¡ªa sensation even she, in the Divinity Transformation Realm, found extremely unbearable.


    As she continued to fall, she gradually regained control of her body.


    Soon, she felt her feet touch the ground.


    A hand grasped her right hand, immediately calming her heart.


    This was her Elder Brother''s hand!


    She knew every line on his palms, there could be no mistake.


    She then felt her eyes could open and immediately did so. What appeared before her was a sky shrouded in crimson, with countless figures descending from above like a torrential downpour.


    Gu An and Zhen Qin stood beside her, atop a mountain peak, all looking at the sky in shock.


    "Where is this ce..." Zhen Qin asked with trembling voice, her beautiful eyes wide.


    She followed the direction the figures were falling and saw a series of peaks stretching endlessly into the gloom.


    Once all the figuresnded, the crimson sky revealed a pair of immense eyes - those of the cmitous Great Emperor, looking down upon all beings within the world, as if searching for something.


    "Mortal Spirits of Great Heavenly Spirit Land, this realm created by this Emperor is Jiuyuan World. No one can save you here. However, this Emperor is merciful and will offer you a sliver of hope."


    The voice of the cmitous Great Emperor resonated, like a dull thunder, echoing through the heavens and earth.

 Chapter 371 Heavenly Dao and Heavenly Demon

    Long Qing stood on the hillside, gazing up at the huge eye in the sky, his face full of fear. Other people were also on the hillside, all of them were disciples of the Supreme Sect, and An Xin was among them.


    Every person listening to the words of the Great Demon Emperor felt a chill down their spine, their hearts filled with fear.


    They had never heard of the Jiuyuan World, and it was even the first time they had heard the name of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    "Within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, there are many Heavenly Demons reincarnated. They may be your kin or your dear friends. If you want to survive, then kill all the reincarnated Heavenly Demons. The Heavenly Demons must do the same; kill off all the creatures of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, and you will regain your freedom," said the Great Demon Emperor, his voice ringing out, tone frosty, filled with a murderous intent.


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin frowned upon hearing this, and they instinctively looked around, fearing an attack by a Heavenly Demon.


    Gu An spected that the Great Demon Emperor was looking for Long Qing.


    But why didn''t he directly wipe out all the beings that fell into the Jiuyuan World?


    Soon, Gu An understood.


    It was the protection of the Heavenly Dao!


    As the voice of the Great Demon Emperor ceased, Gu An felt the presence of many Heavenly Demons. Those reincarnated began to awaken their Heavenly Demon Origin. As the Demonic Qi grew, the aura of the Heavenly Dao began to emerge from the bodies of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land creatures.


    This so-called Heavenly Dao Aura was the same as the aura of theyer of light outside the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, which prevented beings below Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal from flying to Outer Heaven.


    In fact, everything in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was infused with Heavenly Dao Aura, including the other Great Heaven and Earth realms that Gu An glimpsed during his breakthrough.


    The Heavenly Dao is omnipresent!


    This is a force distinct from the Dao, and within it, implicitly lies the will of heaven, referring to the Heavenly Dao Rules!


    The creatures from the Silent Destruction Domain are easily distinguishable because they don''t have the aura of the Heavenly Dao. Their presence is diforting to beings born under the Heavenly Dao, and thus the two factions have been ipatible since ancient times.


    The Great Demon Emperor was obviously studying the Way of Cause and Effect, fearful of ughtering too many creatures of the Heavenly Dao and suffering a Karma Rebound.


    Killing a few creatures of the Heavenly Dao, however, was no issue.


    In the memories of Long Zhan and Lu Han, they had heard mentions of the Heavenly Dao, which for cultivators, was a vague and elusive legend.


    Of course, if pushed to the brink, the Great Demon Emperor wouldn''t care so much. After all, he came from the Silent Destruction Domain and couldn''t possibly suffer a Karma Rebound so severe that his body and dao perished.


    If the Heavenly Dao were so powerful, there wouldn''t be the existence of the Silent Destruction Domain.


    The Great Demon Emperor stopped speaking, and the pair of eyes also vanished, plunging the entire world into silence.


    Gu An noticed that Ji Xiaoyu, An Hao, Li Ya, Wu Jue, Xuan Tianyi, Jiang Qiong, Long Qing, An Xin, and other people had also been pulled into the Jiuyuan World. It seemed that the beings dragged into the Jiuyuan World, apart from the reincarnated Heavenly Demons, were almost all but ordinary; at least their fates were extraordinary.


    He suddenly thought of a question: could the Great Demon Emperor''s action be rted to themotion of his breakthrough?


    Very likely.


    On reflection, if it were not for him, Long Qing would not have been born early. ording to the man in ck on Qingtian Peak, Long Qing needed to be nurtured for at least a few thousand years.


    Gu An''s actions advanced many things by thousands of years.


    "What should we do?" Zhen Qin looked at Ye Lan and asked, ustomed to Ye Lan taking the lead.


    Ye Lan took a deep breath and said, "We''ll have to y it by ear. ording to his words, we can unite with many people. This is not a matter of individual survival but apetition between two camps."


    Over the past few months, news about the Heavenly Demons had already spread within the Supreme Sect, and many legends of Heavenly Demons circted. They knew that the Heavenly Demons came from beyond the heavens and because of this, they were very wary of them, not overly confident.


    Ye Lan continued, "I sense the presence of some of our fellow sect members. Let''s meet up with the people of the Supreme Sect first."


    Zhen Qin nodded, and Gu An had no objection. He wanted to see how Ye Lan and the others would perform in the face of such a catastrophe.


    The three of them began to descend the hill.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought swept the area; there were quite a few Heavenly Demons, numbering over a million. Although they were not as numerous as the creatures of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, the Heavenly Demons'' Cultivation Levels were higher.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A fierce battle would follow soon.


    Gu An would make his move when the Great Heavenly Spirit Land side was on the brink of copse.


    To him, the Great Emperor of Cmity wasn''t that strong.


    Both well-studied in the Way of Cause and Effect, Gu An''s causal power was a step ahead of the Great Emperor of Cmity.


    The Jiuyuan World was formed by the forces of causality, and for Gu An to break it was hardly a difficult task.


    "Master, who would have thought that the three of us would have the chance to adventure together?"


    Zhen Qin suddenly turned her head to look at Gu An, saying with a grin, no longer as tense as before.


    Ye Lan couldn''t help but look towards Gu An as well, though her eyes held more worry.


    In her mind, Gu An was protected by Sword Venerable Fudao, but whether Sword Venerable Fudao could find the Jiuyuan World was not certain, hence, she worried that she wouldn''t be able to protect Gu An.


    She would rather die alone than let Gu An die before her.


    Intuition told her that the Heavenly Demon was absolutely terrifying; she had to go into battle prepared to die, without a trace of carelessness.


    "Rest assured, I am very strong, I won''t hold you back," Gu An said seriously, taking out the Fate Determining Pen.


    Zhen Qin couldn''t help but tease, "Being in the Nascent Soul Realm is indeed impressive."


    "Got wings and now looking down on your Master''s cultivation level?"


    "Dare not, dare not."


    The master and disciple began to banter.


    Gu An''s Divine Thought had already spread out, watching over Ji Xiaoyu, An Hao, and others, to prevent them from encountering an unbeatable foe.


    30 minutester, Gu An and the others from the Supreme Sect gathered, deciding to look for disciples from their own sect.


    The Jiuyuan World wasrge, but not as iparably vast as the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, so An Xin and the others were not far from them.


    The disciples of the Supreme Sect pulled into the Jiuyuan World numbered only a few dozen¡ªeither with extraordinary fates or geniuses.


    Long Qing''s body contained the Path of Returning Primordial Spirit strengthened by Gu An, and thus he did not awaken to be a Heavenly Demon.


    Facing the imminent battle with the Heavenly Demon, Long Qing was excited; he had long wanted to take on the world, but his Master had not allowed it.


    During flight, a thunderous roar came from afar, startling the disciples of the Supreme Sect into immediately elerating away from the battle.


    Gu An stood behind Ye Lan, sharing a sword with her, when he spotted a familiar face engaged in the distant battle.


    Li Ya!


    The kid was directly using the power of Divine Exotic City to suppress the Heavenly Demon, drawing in more of them for a siege.


    Gu An began to watch the battle, wanting to see how much Li Ya had improved.


    Time rushed by quickly.


    An hourter, the Supreme Sect''s side finally met up; the forces of causality hadn''t scattered their position.


    "Master!"


    An Xin, seeing Gu An, immediately showed a joyously surprised expression. She swiftly flew by Gu An''s side, her anxious look swept away, reced with excitement.


    Long Qing too flew over, chattering nonstop in excitement, he couldn''t wait to fight the Heavenly Demon.


    Ye Lan started negotiating with other disciples of the Supreme Sect.


    Zhen Qin looked at An Xin and Long Qing, her expression odd, why weren''t these two scared at all?


    It was one thing for Long Qing to be fearless, the young and rash type, but why was An Xin, that girl, getting all excited too?

 Chapter 372 Who Are You, Exactly?

    Supreme Sect disciples discussed for quite some time and ultimately decided to join the battle. In their view, hiding and waiting for others to fight, hoping for a slim chance of survival, was very foolish.


    Gu An much appreciated the courage and insight of the Supreme Sect disciples. In such a situation, choosing toy low could indeed result in aplete loss. Unity was surely the best approach.


    Dozens of people banded together and flew towards the nearest battlefield.


    Li Ya had already finished his battle. Relying on the powerful force of Divine Exotic City, his victory came easily. He didn''t even have to lift a finger; it was entirely the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit fighting on his behalf.


    30 minutester, Gu An and the others joined the encirclement against the Heavenly Demon. Under Ye Lan''s arrangement, Gu An was positioned on the outermostyer, responsible for casting long-range spells.


    With the Fate Determining Pen in hand, Gu An pretended to exert himself earnestly. His Divine Thought also looked towards the distance, enveloping the entire Jiuyuan World, spying on the battlefield from a macro perspective.


    More and more beings began to engage in battle with the Heavenly Demon, all bing embroiled in fiercebat.


    Gu An started to snatch kills; when the Heavenly Demon was on the verge of death, his Divine Thought would strike at the Heavenly Demon.


    A series of prompts popped up before his eyes, bringing him increasing pleasure.


    Suddenly, he captured a whiff of the presence of a Free Immortal. The other party was well-hidden but could not escape his Divine Thought.


    It must be the creator of the Jiuyuan World!


    This person was masquerading as part of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land''s side and was still opposing the Heavenly Demon.


    What did this mean?


    Gu An couldn''t figure it out, so he couldn''t be bothered to think about it.


    He continued to bnce the battlefield; if the Heavenly Demons had an overwhelming advantage over the beings, he would help suppress them, giving those of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land a chance to train.


    The beings who were drawn into the Jiuyuan World were not mediocre; one day, they would be the backbone of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    What Gu An needed to do was ensure not too many talents from the Great Heavenly Spirit Land perished while allowing this experience to provide them with opportunities for transformation.


    ...


    In the cosmos, more and more Cultivators flew to the vicinity of the ck sphere, looking nervously at the ck sphere created by the Demon Great Emperor.


    "Dammit, are we just going to watch this happen?"


    "My Sect has hundreds of disciples caught up in this; they are all the future of my Sect!"


    "Isn''t our Sect the same? What exactly is this method?"


    "Move aside, I refuse to believe it!"


    "Is the Holy Court truly helpless?"


    Great Cultivators of various factions discussed among themselves. Some even attacked the giant ck sphere, trying to shatter it, but no spells or Divine Skills that struck the ck sphere could move it.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor and Saint Ancestor stood on high ground, frowning at this scene.


    A figure appeared behind them; a middle-aged man dressed in golden garments, holding a jade ruler, with a dignified face.


    "Holy Minister, is there truly no way to resolve this?" the man in golden garments asked.


    He was indeed the Holy Minister of the Holy Court. At this moment, his brow was furrowed, and his eyes were full of worry.


    The Saint Ancestor, with his back to him, answered, "I can sense that the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court has not weakened, which means that those juniors involved have not suffered significant casualties. Let''s seal off this space first."


    The Holy Minister hesitated for a moment then turned to give the order.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor took a deep breath and said, "I feel that his purpose is not the ughter of the young generation of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. It seems he is searching for something."


    The Saint Ancestor replied, "I think so as well, but throughout history, there have been too many beings from Outer Heaven that have infiltrated the Great Heavenly Spirit Land. It is temporarily impossible for me to deduce what the Demon Great Emperor is searching for."


    The two Free Immortals fell into confusion, their gaze never leaving the ck sphere.


    Time moved quickly.


    Half a day after entering the Jiuyuan World, all the beings within began to fight, with the sounds of battle everywhere.


    With Gu An''s hidden help, the morale of those from the Great Heavenly Spirit Land continued to rise. The more the Heavenly Demons perished, the greater the advantage for the Great Heavenly Spirit Land side.


    In just half a day, Gu An had already reaped more than thirty million years of Life Span, sessfully surpassing one hundred million in total.


    Not a single Supreme Sect disciple had died, everyone''s confidence was growing, and even Ye Lan no longer constrained Gu An as before, also looking for opportunities for Gu An to gain experience.


    The Jiuyuan World seemed to have no day or night; the blood-colored sky only showed shifting clouds.


    Gu An, holding the Fate Determining Pen and standing on the Heavenly Residence Sword, followed the steps of the main force. An Xin was beside him, discussing the previous battle with Long Qing.


    Gu An''s eyes looked towards the front lines at Wu Jue.


    As the mainstay of the Supreme Sect disciples, Wu Jue was capable of standing on his own. Seeing his independence, Gu An couldn''t help but think of his own timid demeanor in the past, filled with emotion.


    If possible, Gu An would rather the ordealst a few more days, but the Heavenly Demon Free Immortal was bing harder to restrain.


    It had only been half a day, and a third of the Heavenly Demons had died.


    Tens of thousands of miles away.


    On a mountain cliff stood a man in ck, furrowing his brow; he was the incarnation of the Demon Great Emperor.


    "What''s going on? The beings of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land can''t possibly be this formidable..." The Demon Great Emperor was filled with confusion.


    In his view, although the Great Heavenly Spirit Land''s side had a numerical advantage, it should not be showing its current strength since the Heavenly Demon side was clearly stronger.


    The more the Demon Great Emperor thought about it, the more panicked he became. He felt that an unknown entity might have infiltrated the Jiuyuan World.


    Even he, a Free Immortal, couldn''t see through it?


    The first he thought of was Shengtian of the Holy Court. He had previously obtained the Saint Heaven Reincarnation; perhaps Shengtian had also been pulled in and was secretly making a move?


    The more he thought about it, the more usible it seemed.


    He immediately disappeared from the spot.


    ...


    Wu Jue flew to Gu An''s side and said, "ording to the intelligence we''ve gathered, the other battlefields are also gaining an advantage, so you don''t need to worry too much."


    Gu An replied reluctantly, "What do I have to worry about? It''s you guys who are charging into battle; I''m in no danger at all."


    Wu Jueughed and said, "This is still your first time leaving the Supreme Sect for an adventure; I''m just afraid you might be anxious."


    An Xin covered her mouth and snickered nearby. Wu Jue thought she wasughing at Gu An, so he didn''t think much of it.


    Standing behind Gu An, Long Qing leaned forward and excitedly asked, "Elder Wu, when will the next battle begin?"


    During the previous fight, he had also participated, and his formidable physique surprised many disciples of the Supreme Sect. It was truly inconceivable that thisd had not an ounce of Spiritual Power but could still disy such domineering performance.


    Wu Jue looked at him and smiled, "It should be soon."


    Having sessively in Heavenly Demons, Wu Jue began to underestimate them, feeling that they were not as terrifying as he had imagined.


    Just as Wu Jue was about to speak further, he saw Long Qing''s eyes widen in nervous anticipation, looking towards the sky. Instinctively, he turned his head and saw a pair of gigantic eyes appear in the blood-colored sky¡ªeyes that belonged to the Great Emperor of Disaster.


    The Great Emperor of Disaster seemed to be searching for something. His gaze moved rapidly, and, except for Gu An, whose heart would flutter at the sight of it, anyone else who locked gazes with the Great Emperor felt their hearts race.


    In the presence of these eyes, any creature, no matter how talented, would feel an instinctual terror.


    The entire Jiuyuan World fell into silence, all lifeforms gazing up at the eyes of the Great Emperor of Disaster.


    On the edge of a forest, Zhu Xi looked up at the Great Emperor, her eyes filled with worry, while the cultivators and demons above the forest were just as tense.


    "Dear heavens, please let me survive this cmity..." Zhu Xi prayed silently in her heart. In the earlier part of the day, although she had been part of the battle, she never approached the Heavenly Demons closely and only yed a supporting role.


    As the eyes of the Great Emperor of Disaster appeared, people''s excitement was extinguished.


    What did it matter if they could defeat the Heavenly Demons?


    To leave alive, the demonic eyes in the heavens were an unavoidable presence.


    Suddenly!


    The Great Emperor of Disaster''s eyes burst open, his pupil-less gaze emitting a strange red light, and all creatures changed in expression, falling into a stupefied state.


    Those creatures in the air began to descend,nding on the mountains andnds below, while the Heavenly Demons retreated, seemingly under orders not to strike when the enemy was vulnerable.


    Gu An felt the consciousness of those around him fall into some kind of illusion.


    Everyone was confronting the deepest fears in their hearts.


    Gu An pretended to go along, enduring the spread of the Illusion Realm. He led Long Qing down onto a hillside.


    The gaze of the Great Emperor of Disasternded on Ji Xiaoyu, with a strange look in his eyes, but then he moved it away and fell upon Long Qing.


    All creatures were in pain, yet Long Qing remained calm.


    The giant eyes in the sky then disappeared.


    The Great Emperor of Disaster appeared out of nowhere beside Long Qing, looking him over.


    Surprisingly, Long Qing felt no fear at all, and his illusion was of a bright Great Heaven and Earth where he was running around, calling out for Gu An and An Xin.


    "Could he be the reincarnation of Long Qing?" he wondered.


    The gaze of the Great Emperor of Disaster flickered, then, raising a hand, he attempted to touch Long Qing''s forehead.


    Snap!


    Suddenly!


    A hand grabbed the wrist of the Great Emperor''s right hand, causing an unexpected change of expression on his face as he looked in astonishment at Gu An standing beside Long Qing.


    "Saint Heaven?"


    The Great Emperor of Disaster frowned and said, "You should be able to tell that I don''t intend to exterminate everyone. I''m just looking for Long Qing. Don''t you bear a grudge against the Long Family of the Battle Court?"


    It turns out that what the Great Emperor of Disaster feared was not just the Heavenly Dao Destiny but Saint Heaven as well.


    [The Great Emperor of Disaster (Level 5 Free Immortal Realm): 37,902,765 / 100,000,000 / 200,000,000]


    What a long Life Span!


    It would be a pity not to y!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An asked, "How can you be sure that I am Saint Heaven?"


    As soon as these words came out, theplexion of the Great Emperor of Disaster changed drastically, and he instinctively tried to teleport away, only to discover to his horror that he could not move at all.


    How is this possible!


    The Great Emperor of Disaster tried to use the power of cause and effect, but he couldn''t shake Gu An, which terrified him even more.


    "Who are you really?"


    The Great Emperor of Disaster stared at Gu An, asking with a trembling voice that could not hide his fear.


    Gu An asked, "Why are you looking for Long Qing?"


    Upon hearing this, the face of the Great Emperor of Disaster filled with a look of despair as he murmured to himself, "The Long Family still has a Great Power hidden away..."


    Seeing that he was unwilling to answer, Gu An lost his patience and directly assailed the soul of the Great Emperor of Disaster with Divine Thought.


    Great Imprison Soul Immortal Technique!


    Search memories!


    After a dozen or so breaths, Gu An withdrew his Divine Thought, and with a squeeze of his right hand, the Great Emperor of Disaster instantly disintegrated into ash. A blood-red Tao Seed hovered in front of him.


    Gu An''s gaze sharpened as the terrifying force of causality immediately ground the Tao Seed into dust, vanishing in a sh.


    [You have sessfully seized 6,230,567 years of Life Span from the Great Emperor of Disaster (Level 5 Free Immortal Realm)]


    Over six hundred twenty thousand years of Life Span!


    A look of pleasure crossed Gu An''s face. Truly worthy of a Free Immortal!

 Chapter 373 Reincarnation Tribulation

    After ying the Evil Emperor, the Jiuyuan World did not dissipate and maintained its heaven and earth form; the beings trapped in the Illusion Realm awakened one after another.


    Ye Lan, upon waking, instinctively turned around, and when she saw Gu An was unharmed, she immediately sighed in relief.


    An Xin opened her eyes, spotted Gu An''s figure, and drew closer to him, while patting her chest with a frightened expression on her face.


    When all the disciples of the Supreme Sect had woken up, everyone gathered to discuss the recent events, all with tensed minds, guarding against the Evil Emperor striking again.


    Little did they know, the master of the Jiuyuan World had already turned to ashes and smoke.


    Gu An, having searched through the Evil Emperor''s soul, had a subtle look in his eyes as he nced at Long Qing and heaved a slight sigh in his heart.


    Long Qing turned out to be the sole survivor of the Dragon Lineage, and the Evil Emperor had been sent to eradicate the Dragon family bloodlinepletely.


    The man in ck at Qingtian Peak was Long Qing''s subordinate; Long Qing''s reincarnation was to avoid the pursuit of the forces behind the Evil Emperor.


    Battle Court!


    The Battle Court of today was no longer a force led by descendants of the Dragon family; it was exactly for this reason that the master of the Battle Court had wanted to eradicate Long Qing, fearing that a powerful member of the Dragon family could be resurrected through their bloodline.


    Years ago, the reincarnated Long Qing hid very well. To avoid the pursuit of the Battle Court, Long Qing''s subordinates sneaked into Qingtian Peak, unnoticed by gods or ghosts, and came to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    But the turmoil in the Silent Destruction Domain years ago had caught the attention of the Evil Emperor.


    The Dark War Emperor was sent by the Evil Emperor; to be precise, the Dark War Emperor was cultivated by the Evil Emperor, and the inheritance of the Dark War Emperor''s Battle Court originated from the Evil Emperor. It was through the Dark War Emperor''s reckless actions that the Evil Emperor spected that Shengtian had reincarnated.


    To ascend beyond the nineyered realm of the Free Immortal, one must undergo reincarnation tribtions; only after a hundred lifetimes is there a chance to strike at the Tao Fruit Realm!


    This is the Reincarnation Tribtion!


    In the memory of the Evil Emperor, he had been defeated by Shengtian and nearly perished.


    This was also why the Evil Emperor had previously dared not personallye to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land; the Dark War Emperor was merely one of his pawns, and not even the Holy Court''s Holy Ministers knew there was someone behind the Dark War Emperor.


    Just the thought that Long Zhan''s descendants were reduced only to Long Qing made Gu An feel a tinge of mncholy.


    Gu An, however, was not afraid of an attack from the Battle Court, for from the Evil Emperor''s memories, it was clear that stronger existences from the Battle Court could not reach this universe, and only the Free Immortal could. Therefore, the Battle Court had dispatched the Evil Emperor, but the specific reasons for that were unclear even to the Evil Emperor himself.


    The Evil Emperor had been in this universe for countless years; at that time, Long Qing''s parents were still alive, and they had perished at his hands.


    After countless years, the bloodline of the Dragon family in various universes had been exterminated, leaving only Long Qing.


    While the disciples were discussing the schemes of the Evil Emperor, Gu An was silent; with a thought, the blood-red sky began to copse silently.


    "Look at the sky quickly!"


    Someone eximed, causing others to look up.


    Seeing the sky twist, everyone panicked, not having time to think further, as the dizziness they felt before entering the Jiuyuan World reemerged, causing them to promptly close their eyes.


    Unable to move or peek at their surroundings, this feeling made everyone''s heart race.


    Only Gu An kept his eyes open; under his Divine Thought''s impact, the Jiuyuan World began to copse, and he divided its karmic forces into the power of rules, distributing it to everyone, bestowing them a fortune.


    Utilizing karmic causation, Gu An sent everyone back to their respective ces in the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Meanwhile.


    The Great Cultivators in the universe saw a giant ck orb begin to tremble and dissolve into ck mist, making them even more nervous, fearing that something might have happened to their juniors inside.


    As the ck mist dispersed, they sensed something and turned their heads, their faces revealing joy.


    They felt the presence of their juniors; no matter what the Evil Emperor had nned, at least their juniors were alive.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor and the Saint Ancestors furrowed their brows, exchanging nces, both seeing confusion in each other''s eyes.


    What''s happening?


    On the other side.


    Taicang Continent, Supreme Sect''s Sub-sect.


    Ye Lan abruptly opened her eyes, saw Gu An sitting across from her with eyes still firmly closed, breathed a sigh of relief, then looked around with a look of surprise on her face.


    Zhen Qin then awoke, followed by Gu An.


    "Are we back? Could it be that all the Heavenly Demons have been wiped out?" Zhen Qin asked cautiously.


    Gu An took a deep breath and said, "I''m not sure; did you feel anything extra in your minds?"


    He had used the karmic power of the Evil Emperor to enhance the beings'' insight into the Way of Cause and Effect, which had nothing to do with him, so he wasn''t concerned that someone could infer anything about himself through this.


    Besides, his own method of Divine Thought naturally shielded him from karmic deductions.


    Ye Lan and Zhen Qin nodded, then began to share their insights. It wasn''t just them; all the beings who had returned from the Jiuyuan World were curious about the Karma Dao they found in their minds.


    After a long discussion, Gu An stood up and said, "I''ve been dyed long enough; I must go back."


    Ye Lan wanted to say something, but Gu An turned and walked away, deeply concealing his abilities and his renown.


    "It''s fine, we''re back now; listen to the noises outside," Zhen Qinforted her, saying that with their level of cultivation, they could hear the sounds outside the estate, confirming that they were indeed back.


    Ye Lan frowned, worrying about being pulled into the Jiuyuan World again.


    Yet upon second thought, if that mysterious existence wanted to do so, what would be the point in releasing them?


    ...


    Having just returned to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An was stopped by An Xin and Long Qing, who excitedly spoke of their newfound enlightenments, drawing more and more people to gather around.


    Hearing about their half-day ordeal, the disciples were astonished.


    Long Qing looked toward Shen Xinzi, who was approaching, and asked, "Master, what exactly is the Jiuyuan World?"


    Shen Xinzi furrowed his brows, he was not chosen, and he replied, "I do not know either. Tell me in detail about your experiences."


    Long Qing nodded and then began to recount to Shen Xinzi about their journey to the Jiuyuan World. When he reached the part about battling the Heavenly Demons, he became visibly excited.


    While Long Qing captured everyone''s attention, Gu An slipped back into the house.


    With the fall of the Great Emperor of Evil, this disaster brought by the Heavenly Demons seemed to be drawing to a close. There should be peace for a while, as long as the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court do not fight among themselves.


    Gu An saw arge number of Great Cultivators returning to the Outer Heaven, and all the sects were inquiring about their disciples'' experiences.


    It was unknown what changes this cycle of karma and fortune would bring to the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    The beings chosen for the Jiuyuan World were all geniuses, those with extraordinary Qi Fortune. In tens of thousands of years, they would be the ones dictating the fate of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Tens of thousands of years, it still seemed so distant.


    Gu An, now four hundred and twenty-five years old, felt such sentiments in his heart.


    Above the sea of clouds, a woman in yellow robes flew along, it was Zhu Xi with the Tai Chu Swallowing Yuan Body.


    She gazed at the majestic mountains towering into the clouds in the distance, a look of anticipation in her eyes.


    "Mortal World Peak, I have finally arrived," Zhu Xi murmured to herself.


    Fifty years had passed since their journey to the Jiuyuan World. In those fifty years, she traveled the world. Some years ago, when she heard that Mortal World Peak was recruiting Mortal Spirits, she decided to try her luck.


    Mortal World Peak was one of the top Immortal Sects in the world. If she could take root here, she would not need to wander anymore.


    At the same time.


    Atop Dingtian Peak, Gu An, who was reading in the mountaintop courtyard, sensed Zhu Xi''s presence and felt a touch of surprise. Was this a coincidence?


    He had no intention of looking after Zhu Xi; he wanted to see how she would fare after joining Mortal World Peak.


    Beside him, An Xin, who was practicing Daoist Gang Primal Energy, turned her head to Gu An and said, "Master, the Gang Qi inside my body is going haywire, I can''t control it!"


    Her tone was anxious, clearly in panic.


    Gu An, lying in his chair, did not get up but just lifted his left hand and flicked his index finger towards her.


    A jet of Strength Energy shot out, entered An Xin''s body, and instantly calmed the rampaging Gang Qi, restoring its normal flow.


    An Xin breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Gu An with admiration she asked, "Master, how are you so powerful? When will I be able to cultivate to your level?"


    "Cultivate for one hundred million years," Gu An replied offhandedly, flipping the page with his left hand.


    "One hundred million years? How long is that? Who can live that long?" An Xinined, feeling like her master was teasing her.


    Gu An ignored her and continued reading.


    This book was not the Green Hero Travelogue, but a rare book he found at Mortal World Peak, which recounted an extraordinary tale from Mortal World Peak¡ªa story of a disciple who fell in love with a female demon. This book was a banned one, quite hard toe by.


    Based on Gu An''s experience, the writing in this book was not as delicate as that by Xuan Tianyi, but it had its charms in the bizarre. The demoness reincarnated several times to find the protagonist, which was quite touching.


    As dusk approached, Gu An finally got up, stretched, and then left with An Xin.


    After returning to the Supreme Sect, the pairnded in a grove and made their way toward Mystic Valley.


    An Xin was talking animatedly about her cultivation progress for the day, very lively.


    Gu An was not bothered by her enthusiasm and listened attentively, offering asional guidance.


    Arriving at Mystic Valley, Gu An spotted a familiar face.


    Jiang Qiong!


    Jiang Qiong was standing in front of a garden railing, admiring the flowers in full bloom.


    Gu An asked An Xin to head back to the Third Medicine Valley on her own, and he approached Jiang Qiong.


    Looking at Jiang Qiong''s back skeptically, An Xin didn''t stop but headed towards the Transmission Array tform.


    "How long have you been here?"


    Gu An''s voice reached Jiang Qiong''s ears. Without turning around, she focused on a flower and responded, "About two Ancient Hours, I''d say."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Only when Gu An came to her side did she turn to face him and size him up.


    "So many years have passed, howe you are still at the Nascent Soul Realm? When I was in the Jiuyuan World, I felt your presence. You must have gained some opportunities," Jiang Qiong asked with a frown.


    Gu An raised an eyebrow, "What realm are you in that you look down on the Nascent Soul Realm?"


    Jiang Qiong huffed, "I am preparing to challenge the Unification Realm, I came to see you before attempting Tribtion Crossing."


    "Unification Realm?"


    Gu An''s eyes widened, showing a look of surprise.


    Jiang Qiong''s lips curved up in a smile, "Unification Realm, that''s all. I actually find it rather slow. In today''s world, what is the Unification Realm even worth?"


    Gu An fell silent.


    Thinking she had demoralized him, Jiang Qiong changed the subject, "You should talk some sense into your disciple. That girl Zhen Qin wants to take revenge on the Ghost Mother of Ephemera. If I hadn''t intervened, she would have already died at the hands of the Ghost Mother."

 Chapter 374 The Book of the Reincarnation Path Emperor

    Upon hearing Jiang Qiong''s words, Gu An frowned and then sighed, "How can I persuade you? It''s true that Su Han was indeed forced to death by the Ghost Mother of Ephemera."


    That year, when Su Han was pursued and had no choice but to follow the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, she taught him the Defying Fate Divine Skill. Before his death, he transferred his cultivation level to Zhen Qin, helping Zhen Qin to be reborn. After so many years, Zhen Qin always remembered the hatred in her heart.


    Gu An had long severed the master-disciple rtionship with Su Han and had even saved him, owing Su Han nothing, so he did not n to take revenge for Su Han.


    Moreover, the Ghost Mother of Ephemera had already pledged allegiance to him. If not for his arrangement, how could the Ghost Mother of Ephemera have helped Jiang Qiong establish the Juhua Sect?


    Gu An would not help Zhen Qin kill the Ghost Mother of Ephemera but would ensure her survival.


    Perhaps it was unfair to the Ghost Mother of Ephemera, but there was no helping it. In Gu An''s heart, Zhen Qin was definitely more important than the Ghost Mother of Ephemera.


    Out of his first batch of Medicine Valley Disciples, only Zhen Qin was still alive, and since she was very filial to him, how could he not favor her?


    Jiang Qiong frowned and said, "The Ghost Mother of Ephemera is now the Deputy Sect Master of the Juhua Sect; it''s impossible for me to confront her."


    "There''s no need. Everyone has their own grudges. Your protection of Zhen Qin''s life is enough; thank you."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu An spoke earnestly and then raised his hand to salute Jiang Qiong.


    Jiang Qiong snorted and said, "What thanks? Your business is my business. I quite like that girl Zhen Qin too. Once I''m strong enough, I''ll help her ughter the Ghost Mother of Ephemera."


    Gu An was taken aback and asked, "Do you have a grudge against her?"


    "No grudge, but if I had to choose between you and her, I would definitely choose you. However, these are all things forter, once I have the ability," Jiang Qiong shook her head.


    Afterwards, she talked about the insights she gained in the Jiuyuan World.


    Since her journey in the Jiuyuan World, she had many revtions during her cultivation, particrly about divination.


    She could now peer into the cause and effect of mortals to deduce their fate.


    She was curious if Gu An had gained anything.


    Gu An replied that he had, but his fortunes were not as great as hers, which left her slightly disappointed.


    After night had fallen, Jiang Qiong took Gu An to the Eight Scenic Caves.


    "Why insist on going to the Eight Scenic Caves? Just stay at my Third Medicine Valley. Now that you''re a giant of the Righteous Path, having formed an alliance with Supreme Sect, they won''t stop you from entering Supreme Sect."


    Walking through the forest, Gu An couldn''t help asking.


    Jiang Qiong, holding his right wrist, didn''t look back and said, "The Eight Scenic Caves are our home."


    "What home? You want to live in a coffin?"


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Jiang Qiong couldn''t help but turn around and re at him.


    In the end, Gu An couldn''t resist Jiang Qiong and was pulled into the Eight Scenic Caves with her.


    It wasn''t until noon the next day that Gu An finally returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    As he arrived at his own loft, Ji Xiaoyu stepped out of the door.


    Forty years ago, Ji Xiaoyu had returned. Her understanding of the Way of Cause and Effect far surpassed that of An Xin, Long Qing, Ye Lan, and others. Gu An could feel the force of cause and effect growing stronger within her.


    "Who did you fool around withst night?" Ji Xiaoyu stared at Gu An, asking with a somewhat cold voice.


    Gu An looked at her and replied, "With an old friend. When I knew her, you weren''t even born yet. If not for her guidance, where would I be today?"


    His words were no joke; Jiang Qiong had taught him so much.


    Among them, the Demon Shadow Divine Skill was the most important. Under Gu An''s enhancement, this skill could now iste cause and effect.


    Reaching the Immortal Path Realm, many would start to delve into divination techniques, and to rise to the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm was to study the Way of Cause and Effect. Without Jiang Qiong''s Demon Shadow Divine Skill, perhaps Gu An''s true cultivation level would have been discovered long ago.


    Hearing his words, Ji Xiaoyu''s expression softened, and she was about to continue speaking but was preempted by him.


    "Focus on your immortal cultivation, and don''t bother with the affairs of mortal romance."


    Having said that, Gu An quickly ascended the stairs.


    Ji Xiaoyu watched him go up, her eyebrows tightly furrowed.


    As Gu An entered the room, ready to close the door, Ji Xiaoyu appeared out of nowhere, pressing her hand against the door.


    "What are you doing?" Gu An frowned at Ji Xiaoyu, a look of fear on his face.


    Ji Xiaoyu stepped forward expressionlessly, startling him into stepping back.


    Bang!


    After Ji Xiaoyu entered the room, the door closed heavily behind her.


    Gu An kept retreating until he reached the table, looking at Ji Xiaoyu''s expressionless face with trepidation.


    What did this woman want to do?


    Was she going to hit him or was she trying to learn from Jiang Qiong?


    Just thinking aboutst night''s chaos gave Gu An a headache.


    Sigh!


    Why were so many women interested in him?


    Even if he refused, it wouldn''t work.


    Ji Xiaoyu walked up to him and said, "Over these years, I''ve been delving into the Way of Cause and Effect and have discovered that your disciple Long Qing has extraordinary karma. Where exactly did you find him? Do you know his true identity?"


    Hearing this, Gu An asked in astonishment, "Extraordinary karma? What do you mean? What''s wrong with him? Could he be the reincarnation of a Heavenly Demon?"


    Ji Xiaoyu scrutinized Gu An''s expression, feeling that he did not seem to be lying.


    Her expression softened as she said, "Whether he is a Heavenly Demon or not is yet to be determined. You keeping him by your side is sure to bring you disaster. Otherwise, hand him over to me, or let Shen Xinzi take him to the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect."


    "That doesn''t seem right. He''s grown up in the Third Medicine Valley since he was a child. How could I possibly drive him away?" Gu An frowned.


    Ji Xiaoyu took a deep breath and said, "His lineage is not simple; I can feel that my Primordial Daoist Talisman is very wary of his karma and unwilling to intervene. I''m not joking. Don''t you want to live in peace forever?"


    Gu An thought to himself, of course his lineage isn''t simple; he''s my descendant from a past life!


    Gu An asked, "Does that elder also know about this?"


    He was referring to the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    That rascal was still inside the house recuperating and did not eavesdrop on their conversation.


    "Perhaps," Ji Xiaoyu replied, her face showing some impatience, unsure if it was because of Long Qing or Jiang Qiong.


    Gu An clenched the Fate Determining Pen in his hand and, after hesitating for a moment, said, "No, I can''t abandon him. He sees me as a father; how could I banish him? So what if there''s a great karma? Maybe by the day I die, he will not have faced his karmic retribution yet."


    Looking at Gu An''s determined face, Ji Xiaoyu felt frustrated. Why was this man so stubborn?


    "What if he brings catastrophe to the entire Medicine Valley, or even to the Supreme Sect?" Ji Xiaoyu asked with suppressed anger.


    Gu An said sternly, "Your karma is not simple, either. If you encountered trouble, would I have to avoid you to prevent misunderstandings?"


    "Impossible! I can''t do it! I, Gu An, am not that kind of person!"


    His words rang with conviction, causing Ji Xiaoyu''s expression to soften.


    Indeed, women will be women, always finding an excuse to get going.


    Gu An was sure that Ji Xiaoyu was simply jealous of Jiang Qiong.


    Ji Xiaoyu huffed, "You always say nice things. If that day reallyes, I bet you''ll run faster than anyone."


    Gu An clutched his chest, feigning heartache, and said, "You actually think that of me..."


    Ji Xiaoyu couldn''t help but smother augh, giving him a look. She walked beside Gu An, a book appearing in her hand, which she ced on the table.


    Gu An fixed his eyes on it.


    It only had one character.


    Dragon!


    Ji Xiaoyu exined, "This is a book I dreamed of in my past life. The Reincarnation Path Emperor was even holding it. It records the evolution of a family n. You like this kind of book, don''t you? Take a look, but do not spread it around."


    Gu An couldn''t help asking, "Dragon? It wouldn''t be rted to Long Qing, would it?"


    Ji Xiaoyu did not borate and turned to leave.


    When she closed the door this time, she wasn''t as forceful, gently shutting it.

 Chapter 375 Reincarnation, The Mysterious Senior Brother

    Ji Xiaoyu left, and Gu An sat down, picked up the book she had left behind, and began to read. Soon he became immersed in it.


    This book mainly recorded the legend of Long Xin, the old ancestor of the Dragon family, who was known as the Dragon Emperor, the strongest in the universe. He established the Battle Court, swept through Great Heaven and Earth, and traversed Reincarnation.


    There was no mention of Long Zhan in the book, as if Long Xin was the Primordial Ancestor of the Dragon family.


    Starting from Long Xin, generation by generation, the Dragon family produced many glorious individuals. One of the masters of the Reincarnation Path Emperor was from the Dragon family, which was also the origin of Ji Family''s Heavenly Dragon Demon-Suppressing Form.


    In the end, during its prime, the Dragon family encountered oppression from a mysterious existence. The book spected it might be a curse, or maybe a punishment from Heavenly Dao because the Dragon family acted recklessly and arrogantly in their strength ¨C they had merits, but also sins. The Dragon family declined rapidly, the n dissolved, and the descendants fled to different universes.


    From the establishment of the Dragon family, to their prosperity, and then to their downfall, the story was poignant and stirring, leaving an endless aftertaste.


    The author did notment on the Dragon family, but continued to narrate the rise and fall of the Dragon family from an objective perspective.


    After finishing the book, Gu An also felt quite emotional.


    Before Long Xin, the Dragon family had also experienced such cycles of reincarnation under the leadership of Long Zhan.


    From the content of the book, Long Xin reestablished the Dragon family and rebuilt the Battle Court after Long Zhan''s death, for Long Xin was very strong from the beginning.


    Gu An thought of thest meeting between Long Zhan and Long Xin, where the father and son parted ways. Long Xin did not understand Long Zhan''s actions, but in the end, Long Xin chose to inherit Long Zhan''s legacy and reestablish the Dragon family and the Battle Court, which made him feel the longing Long Xin had for Long Zhan.


    Eons passed, and whether it was Long Xin or the Dragon family, all had be a thing of the past and were being erased.


    On the path of Immortal Cultivation, how high must one reach to truly achieve immortality, to exist eternally?


    Gu An turned his head to look out the window at the sky, his thoughts drifting.


    It wasn''t until the evening that he put the book away and then got up to go downstairs.


    Just as he went downstairs, he heard Long Qing shouting at a distance ¨C that kid was over a hundred years old, yet still acted like a child.


    Gu An smiled and then approached the Blood Prison Great Saint, letting him carry him to patrol the Third Medicine Valley.


    "Master, that kid Long Qing is bing more and more presumptuous. Can you raise my cultivation level? Otherwise, I''ll be bullied to death by him. And what about the White Spirit Rat? That fat rat is getting faster and faster, but its cultivation level hasn''t improved much, and it can''t even speak human words..."


    Blood Prison Great Saint spoke with a tone of grievance. He was of the Mahayana Realm, how could he be bullied by Long Qing?


    Gu An wanted to say that it was normal for you to not win against Long Qing, who was born in the Nirvana Realm.


    "Do notpare yourself with others; everyone has their own path. You should look to the future," Gu An said earnestly.


    Blood Prison Great Saint''s eyes lit up, and he was immediately invigorated.


    Did his master''s words mean he would be a focus of cultivation in the future?


    The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He stopped thinking about being bullied by Long Qing and the White Spirit Rat and started to fantasize about dominating the world.


    He wanted to be the strongest Great Saint under the heavens, sweeping across the Land!


    If outsiders from Outer Heaven attacked and he was not an opponent, then the master would take action, shocking all beings ¨C just thinking about it was thrilling!


    On the surface, he would be the strongest, and enemies would conspire against him. Who would have thought that there would be an even more terrifying existence behind him!


    ...


    On a resplendent golden pce, the Holy Minister was sitting on a chair, with steps behind him leading up to an empty throne.


    A row of figures stood in the hall, among them was the Candle World Saint King, who had once been responsible for negotiating with the Dark Battle Emperor.


    Yang Jian stood beside the Candle World Saint King, dressed in silver battle armor, with a three-pointed two-ded knife floating behind him. Even though his realm was not as high as those around him, his aura was substantial.


    All the figures in the hall were Holy Kings of the Holy Court, and they were not too restrained in front of the Holy Minister.


    The Holy Minister''s gaze swept over the seventeen Holy Kings, paused on Yang Jian for two breaths, and then moved away.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I''m sure you haven''t forgotten the cmity of the Heavenly Demon from fifty years ago," the Holy Minister said nonchntly.


    A burly Holy King immediately replied, "It wasn''t long ago, how could we forget? Whatever it is, Holy Minister, just give the order. His Majesty once said, in his absence, we were to listen to you!"


    The other Holy Kings voiced their concurrence.


    Yang Jian remained silent, but his gaze was on the Holy Minister.


    The Holy Minister showed a smile and said, "That chaos was certainly just a precursor. Yuanxu Ancestor from the Immortal Dynasty opened the Reincarnation Vortex, which still hangs high in the sky. I wish to dispatch you into the vortex to find His Majesty. Who knows what year you will return when you leave. Take time to consider it."


    Upon hearing these words, the Holy Kings'' expressions shifted slightly.


    That Reincarnation Vortex was not under the control of the Holy Court, and no one knew whaty within.


    The hall fell silent, with no one immediately agreeing.


    The Holy Minister was not in a hurry, patiently waiting. He raised his right hand, and a golden light orb condensed in his palm. He stared at the golden orb, as if peeking into something.


    "I will go!"


    A voice rang out, not loud but firm in tone, causing the Holy Kings to turn their heads to look.


    The speaker was Yang Jian!


    A Holy King taunted, "That makes sense, the Candle World Saint King just went through Reincarnation. Who could be more suitable?"


    The Candle World Saint King nced at Yang Jian, deep in thought.


    The Holy Minister, still staring at the golden light orb in his hand, asked indifferently, "Anyone else?"


    "I will go," the Candle World Saint King said.


    "These Holy Kings were astonished, having not expected him to agree¡ªit wasn''t his usual style of conduct."


    Yang Jian also nced at the Candle World Saint King.


    The Holy Minister nodded and continued waiting.


    Realizing the Holy Minister was still waiting, the Holy Kings sensed something and their faces turned unsightly.


    One of the Holy Kings asked, "Holy Minister, must we agree?"


    "It''s entirely voluntary."


    The words of the Holy Minister allowed the Holy Kings to breathe a sigh of relief, but then the Holy Minister''s voice rose again, "I assume you are all voluntarily going? I haven''t misjudged you, have I?"


    The Holy Kings were shocked and looked at the Holy Minister in disbelief.


    As for Yang Jian, his expression remained calm, as if he had already foreseen this turn of events.


    The Holy Minister raised his right hand, and the golden orb in his hand burst into a dazzling light, making his expression seem even colder.


    "You must go to Reincarnation. For you, it is an opportunity, your chance to strike at higher realms. Of course, the premise is that you survive. In Reincarnation, there are countless Great Powers experiencing Reincarnation Tribtions. Act with extra caution and do not disturb those unrted to the Holy Court."


    The Holy Minister''s indifferent tone set this matter in stone, leaving the Holy Kings'' faces extremely unsightly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ...


    In the depths of autumn.


    Inside the mansion courtyard, Gu An was drinking wine, while Xiaochuan swept the grounds nearby.


    "With so many servants in the house, and you being able to cast spells, why bother to sweep the grounds yourself?" Gu An asked, his divine thought gazing skyward.


    He saw seventeen figures from the Holy Court flying toward the Reincarnation Vortex, among them Yang Jian.


    These people threw themselves into the Reincarnation Vortex without hesitation, and immediately after, their presencespletely vanished, which piqued Gu An''s interest in the Reincarnation Vortex.


    What exactly is Reincarnation like inside there?


    As Xiaochuan swept, heughed and said, "Isn''t this just a habit I''ve picked up? It''s what you taught me, brother."


    Gu An turned to Xiaochuan and asked, "Have you not cultivated these years?"


    Xiaochuan''s cultivation level had stagnated for decades, and his life span had shown no sign of increasing.


    "Old age makes it hard to persist. Besides, my children and grandchildren often bring me troublesome matters," Xiaochuan said with a shake of his head and a wry smile.


    He added, "I''m four hundred seventy-two years old this year. I''m content; I never imagined I would live for so many years."


    He began to recount tales from his childhood.


    Each time Gu An visited, Xiaochuan would reminisce about the past. On this asion, however, Gu An wasn''t listening attentively¡ªhis thoughts were wandering.


    Seeing Yang Jian and the others enter Reincarnation, a bold idea suddenly came to him.


    If he sealed Xiaochuan''s memories and then imnted a Destruction Dao Seal into his body, no matter what kind of Reincarnation he underwent, Gu An would be able to find him. When the time came, he could help him recover his memories. Wouldn''t they be able to reunite?


    He had tried his best to impart the Traditions of Immortal Cultivation to Xiaochuan, but s, Xiaochuan''s maximum life span still increased very slowly. Even though he could elevate Xiaochuan''s cultivation level, it didn''t affect his maximum life span.


    The higher he reached in realm, the more acutely Gu An felt the terrifying decree of the ineffable destiny.


    "Xiaochuan, if there is an afterlife, would you still want me to find you?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    Xiaochuan stopped his sweeping, turned his head to look at Gu An, and cheerfully said, "Brother, if you could find me, you must have be an Immortal, right? If you don''t mind, I would indeed hope to see you again. But don''t worry about it too much; everyone has their destiny. I''m truly only grateful to you."


    Without Gu An, what would his life be like today? His only regret in this life was that he failed to repay his mentor.


    "I''m just speaking hypothetically. If I be that powerful one day, I would need to consider whether or not to help you escape the suffering of Reincarnation," Gu An said with augh.


    Xiaochuan responded withughter, "If there''s a chance for that, I would definitely want it. So, let me thank you in advance for taking care of me, brother."


    Bing an Immortal?


    How distant a dream!


    Xiaochuan had heard of the existence of the Immortal Path Realm, but he had not heard of those who possessed eternal life, nor had he heard of the true Immortal Gods.


    Those who wereparable to Immortals were nothing more than powerful cultivators.


    "If you undergo Reincarnation, in what kind of family would you wish to be born in the next life?" Gu An continued to ask, as he poured himself another drink.


    Xiaochuan took interest, set aside the broom, walked over, and sat down, starting to ponder as he sank into reverie.


    His requirements were not high¡ªborn to parents that could apany him, and hopefully with better aptitude for cultivation.


    Sunset gave way to moonrise.


    The two talked into the night, and at Xiaochuan''s invitation, Gu An stayed at the estate. He left at dawn.


    Xiaochuan, assisted by a young girl, watched Gu An depart.


    The girl, filled with curiosity, watched Gu An''s retreating figure. She turned her head to Xiaochuan and asked, "Great-grandfather, who exactly is he? Is he really your mentor? He looks so young!"


    Xiaochuan stroked his beard andughed, "Yes, he''s my mentor. But as to who he really is, I''m not sure myself. My mentor is very mysterious, maybe..."


    The girl pressed, "Maybe what?"


    Xiaochuan shook his head and walked away.


    As Gu An disappeared at the end of the street, the girl hurriedly followed her great-grandfather, pressing him with questions.

 Chapter 376: Chapter 376: The Smallness of Heaven and Earth

    Chapter 376: Chapter 376: The Smallness of Heaven and Earth


    ?


    Noon.


    Tianya Valley.


    Gu An rode upon the Blood Prison Great Saint toward the mouth of the valley, with An Xin following close by.


    This was not the first time Gu An had brought An Xin to Tianya Valley, but every time she came, she was very happy, primarily because the three monkey demons of Tianya Valley had a good rtionship with her, and she had specially brought along many pastries.


    From a distance, Luo Hun caught sight of Gu An and a smile spread across his face as he went to greet him.


    "Gu An, His Majesty brought someone back with him, someone who came especially to find you. Guess who it is?" Luo Hun arrived beside the Blood Prison Great Saint and asked with a smile.


    Gu An already knew of the person''s arrival, but since the other party practiced a certain Energy Concealing Sorcery, he did not want to point it out directly, so he asked with a puzzled look, "Who? Am I familiar with them?"


    Luo Hun smiled mysteriously and said, "Since you can''t guess, let''s go have a look."


    Gu An nodded.


    With Luo Hun leading the way, they made their way to a courtyard.


    Before even entering the courtyard, Gu An heard theughter of Li Xuandao.


    As soon as the Blood Prison Great Saint stepped into the courtyard, Gu An''s gaze fell on the person beside Li Xuandao.


    [Wuxin (Void Crossing Realm, thirdyer): 469/1800/4200]


    After many years apart, Wuxin had reached the Void Crossing Realm. Such progress at his age could indeed be considered incredibly swift.


    The current Wuxin still looked like a monk, but he was not wearing a kasaya; instead, he donned a brocaded robe that restrained his body, and there was a certainmanding presence about him that the young monk of the past didn''t possess.


    Upon seeing Gu An, Wuxin''s face showed excitement. He stood up, somewhat at a loss for what to do.


    Gu An dismounted and approached the table to salute Li Xuandao, followed by An Xin, whose eyes were filled with curiosity.


    "Senior Brother, I..." Wuxin looked at Gu An, suddenly at a loss for words.


    Gu An looked at him, eyes widening in astonishment as he asked, "You''re Wuxin?"


    Wuxin hurriedly nodded, just as he was about to say something, Li Xuandao interrupted with a smile, "Let''s sit down and talk."


    He motioned to An Xin with his hand, indicating for her to sit down as well.


    Luo Hun didn''t stay in the courtyard, leading the Blood Prison Great Saint away to not disturb the four of them.


    "I really didn''t recognize you just now, you''ve changed so much. How have these years treated you? I heard before that you''ve achieved miracle after miracle under His Majesty''smand..." Gu An asked warmly, easing Wuxin''s awkwardness as the master and disciple caught up with each other.


    Wuxin was originally a spy nted by the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion inside the Supreme Sect; the Daoist Expansion Skill, the precursor to the Primordial Reincarnation Skill, was transmitted to Gu An by him.


    Centuries had gone by, and with the power of the Daoist Expansion Skill, Wuxin''s maximum life span had reached four thousand two hundred years. It seemed that Wuxin''s own talent was notcking, but it was only because he practiced the Daoist Expansion Skill that it had not been revealed.


    In the past, the Taicang Continent was so backward that even the Mystic Heart Realm was rarely seen. The fact that Wuxin encountered an Immortal Seeking Taoist of the Nirvana Realm at a young age proved his exceptional qi fortune.


    An Xin sat obediently to the side, listening attentively to her master and grandmaster -catching up, curious about Wuxin.


    Li Xuandao did not interrupt, listening to their conversation with a smile.


    Gu An silently reflected on Li Xuandao''s talent.


    Li Xuandao now had reached the fifthyer of the Mystic Heart Realm, surpassing Lv Baitian, yet his public cultivation level, like Gu An''s, only appeared as that of the Nascent Soul Realm.


    After a while, Wuxin turned to look at Li Xuandao, who spoke with a smile, "I''m nning to send him to an Immortal Mansion for cultivation, Gu An, would you like to go?"


    Gu An shook his head, "I''d rather not, thank you for the gracious offer, Uncle."


    That so-called Immortal Mansion was, after all, simr to the factions like the Star Sea Congregations. He was not interested in it.


    Li Xuandao was not surprised; over the years, he had offered many opportunities to Gu An, all of which were rejected. He understood that this young man had no desire to seek immortality.


    "Senior Brother, let''s go together, it''s a rare opportunity. Now that I''ve achieved the cultivation level of the Void Crossing Realm, I can surely protect you," Wuxin urged.


    An Xin wanted tough upon hearing this. Was the Void Crossing Realm really that strong? She did not show it on her face, as Gu An had reminded her many times to control her facial expressions.


    Gu Anughed, "I really don''t want to go; I''m quitefortable now. Going to the Immortal Mansion would surely be stressful, and it''s not certain that I would undergo a transformation. You go ahead, I''ll be here waiting for you to tell me about your experiences in the Immortal Mansion when you return."


    Despite Wuxin''s continued persuasion, it was to no avail; no matter how much he insisted, Gu An remained unmoved.


    "If you don''t want to go, then don''t. It''s fine, staying in the Supreme Sect also offers plenty of opportunities," Li Xuandao said, putting an end to Wuxin''s urging.


    Li Xuandao then looked at Gu An and asked, "Gu An, what do you think the Taicang Dynasty should do next for its development?"


    Gu An asked in surprise, "Isn''t everything fine now? Why do you ask?"


    Li Xuandao shook his head, "It only seems fine on the surface. The internal ss structure is solidifying. Life may be better than before, but the opportunities formoners to knock on the doors of the Immortal Sects have not increased."


    Gu An fell silent.


    Each year, the number of cultivators in the Immortal Cultivation World grows, but the vast majority are from families of cultivators; it''s highly likely that a farmer''s offspring will


    remain a farmer.


    Wuxin also fell into deep thought, as he served Li Xuandao, he saw even more issues.


    The current families were able to establish contacts overseas, and through various means such as intermarriage, sworn brotherhood, and exchange of interests, they were quickly growing stronger with unfathomable depths, making it difficult for Li Xuandao to suppress them. Who knows how powerful the entities backing those families could be.


    "I do admire the Immortal Dynasty; if only all of the Taicang Dynasty''s citizens could be immortals, that would be wonderful. I wonder if I''ll live to see that day," Li Xuandao said


    cheerfully.


    He was just being precautious; for now, his imperial power was quite stable.


    Gu An continued the conversation, "If that day reallyes, who knows how long it will


    take."


    His tone was filled with emotion.


    He began to talk with Li Xuandao about the future visions, while Wuxin asionally interjected, and An Xin listened throughout.


    Gradually, the topic shifted to Li Ya. After discussing Li Ya for a while, Li Xuandao asked, "What about Yang Jian? It''s been a while since we''ve seen him. Lingtian often talks to me


    about him."


    "I''m not sure where he''s gone, but with his talent, he probably won''t encounter any trouble," Gu An said, shaking his head.


    Wuxin asked curiously, "Brother, I heard from His Majesty that Yang Jian''s talent is no less


    than An Hao''s?"


    Gu An smiled and said, "I''m not sure about that. They are both stronger than me anyway. You can ask An Xin; she grew up with An Hao."


    As he spoke, he gestured towards An Xin beside him, which made Wuxin take a new look at her. Could it be that this woman had such a connection?


    An Xin hurriedly said, "I''m not in a position to judge, but my brother once said he looks forward to a battle with Yang Jian."


    Wuxin sighed, "My cultivation speed is considered fast, butpared to those favored by heaven, it''s still far behind. I wonder what their cultivation levels are now."


    Li Xuandao looked at An Xin, then nced at Gu An, contemtive.


    The four of them chatted for an ancient hour before Gu An, apanied by An Xin, stood up


    to pick herbs. Once they finished, they said their farewells and left. Wuxin watched Gu An''s retreating back, his eyes brimming with mncholy.


    Li Xuandao smiled and asked, "What''s the matter? Do you feel the rtionship has be


    distant?" Wuxin replied, "A little, but it''s more about regret. With brother''s temperament, I''m afraid The won''t rise to be an immortal, s."


    In years past, Gu An had seemed so formidable in his eyes. Now, he himself had a cultivation


    level of the Void Crossing Realm, while Gu An had only reached the Nascent Soul Realm, which left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    He wished for his brother''s cultivation level to always be higher than his so that they could travel the path of immortal cultivation together.


    How many years could one live in the Nascent Soul Realm?


    "Don''t underestimate him; perhaps he''s hiding something," Li Xuandao said with a


    meaningful tone.


    Wuxin, surprised, asked, "Hiding? What do you mean?"


    Li Xuandao said slowly, "Thest time I saw An Xin was twenty years ago. In these twenty years, her cultivation has increased very slowly, but my intuition tells me that her progress has been significant. Perhaps they are also practicing your Daoist Expansion Skill." "But the Daoist Expansion Skill can only lift restrictions once in a lifetime. If brother has reached the Nascent Soul Realm, it must mean he has already lifted his restriction," Wuxin


    frowned.


    Li Xuandao did not continue the conversation. He was reminiscing about the golden Dao Patterns on Gu An''s forehead.


    He had once seen another person with simr Dao Patterns whose Dao Level was


    unfathomably deep.


    Elsewhere.


    Gu An had overheard Li Xuandao and the other''s conversation, but he did not mind since his apparent cultivation level was only at the Nascent Soul Realm, and others could specte as


    they wished.


    ...


    Time flies swiftly by.


    Twenty years blinked past.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Xiaochuan family was in mourning, and Gu An stood on the roof eaves, invisible to


    anyone.


    He watched Xiaochuan''s soul rise from the memorial hall, drifting toward the sky. Today was just the seventh day since Xiaochuan''s death.


    Xiaochuan kept ascending, looking down at the people inside the Xiaochuan residence. His


    face held no sorrow, instead, it bore a smile.


    "Is this what it feels like to be reincarnated?"


    Xiaochuan pondered silently. Over the past seven days, his soul had been unable to stray too far from his body, causing him to wander within the Xiaochuan residence the entire time.


    Now losing control over his Soul Body, he could feel an invisible force pulling at him from the


    ether.


    He wasn''t afraid, but rather looked forward to his next life.


    He gazed far into the distance but did not see Gu An, a sh of regret passing through his eyes.


    Gradually, he drifted higher and higher from the ground. Once he could see the entire Taicang


    Continent, he saw countless other souls rising alongside him-a spectacr scene that broadened his horizons.


    "So the Taicang Continent is this tiny, I wonder where the Supreme Sect is located." Xiaochuan muttered to himself. From his current vantage point, the Taicang Continent was just a small piece ofnd in the boundless ocean, insignificant.


    "What, you still wish to visit the Supreme Sect once?" a voice entered Xiaochuan''s ear.


    Xiaochuan''s eyes widened as he instinctively turned to look, his expression turning to astonishment. There was Gu An, appearing beside him and ascending alongside. "Brother... you..." Xiaochuan started in shock, unable toplete his sentence.


    Gu An turned to him and asked, "Now, do you have any regrets about not striving harder in


    cultivation before?"


    After hearing this, Xiaochuan calmed down and smiled, "Regrets? Seeing this scene sooner has only shown me how minute I really am."


    He looked at Gu An, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Brother, what is your rtionship with Sword Venerable Fudao? Could it be that you are Sword Venerable Fudao?"


    In Xiaochuan''s eyes, Gu An seemed so mystical at that moment, with golden Dao Patterns on


    his forehead flickering like mes and the Immortal King Crown shining peculiarly, making Gu An look akin to an Immortal Lord descending.

 Chapter 377: Chapter 377: Promise of the Next Life

    Chapter 377: Chapter 377: Promise of the Next Life


    ?


    Facing Xiaochuan''s questioning, Gu An counter-questioned, "Is this matter very important to you?"


    Xiaochuan caught the implied meaning in Gu An''s words andmented, "Yes, it''s no longer important. In fact, three hundred years ago, I felt my life was drawing close to its end. Over the years, I have often fallen into an indescribable state of sudden enlightenment. It must have been you, Elder Brother, secretly helping me."


    "Thank you, elder brother."


    He looked at Gu An, his expression solemn.


    Gu An''s mouth twitched upwards as he asked, "Just verbal thanks?"


    Xiaochuan replied helplessly, "That''s all I can do. What else could I do for you now? If elder brother needs my soul, just take it."


    Gu An nced at him and said dryly, "Making it sound like elder brother is some demon cultivator."


    "Wasn''t Sword Venerable Fudao initially considered a demon cultivator?"


    "Coincidentally, I do have a soul device here. I could use you as the main soul, condemning you to never transcend."


    "Sure, sure, I would love that!"


    Although Xiaochuan still looked elderly, his soul body was spirited, as if he had returned to his younger days.


    The two bickered in this way as they drew closer to the Reincarnation Vortex.


    The reason Xiaochuan could see Gu An was because Gu An had utilized the power of cause and effect; even a Free Immortal could not see Gu An if they were here.


    After a long time.


    Xiaochuan looked up at the imposing Reincarnation Vortex and curiously asked, "Does entering there mean I will be reincarnated?"


    "Yes, that''s correct. I can only escort you here," Gu An replied softly, also looking up.


    Xiaochuan turned to Gu An and said, "Elder brother, go back now. I''m already satisfied that you could escort me here."


    Gu An gazed at him and with a smile said, "We''ll meet in the next life."


    "The next life?" Xiaochuan blinked his eyes. He didn''t question Gu An''s words but internally marveled, "How profound must Sword Venerable Fudao''s dao be to see through reincarnation?"


    After pondering for a moment, he said, "If I remain mediocre in my next life, elder brother, don''t find me. Let me lead an ordinary life. However, if one day I possess exceptional cultivation talents, thene find me and I''ll still manage Medicine Valley for you."


    Gu An smiled and nodded, then raised his right hand and pointed two fingers toward Xiaochuan.


    Xiaochuan was instantly immobilized, his eyes losing their sparkle.


    Gu An used his own power of cause and effect to seal Xiaochuan''s memories, to prevent them from being erased by reincarnation, then left a Destruction Dao Seal within his soul body.


    The Destruction Dao Seal would leave an eternal mark, making it easier for Gu An to find Xiaochuan''s reincarnated bodyter.


    Having done all this, Gu An paused and watched as Xiaochuan headed towards the Reincarnation Vortex.


    He also had a basic understanding of the Reincarnation Rules. Long Zhan''s Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Dharma touched upon these rules, but it mainly relied on establishing connections through cause and effect with past lives; he still couldn''t fathom the essence of reincarnation.


    In the Divine Origin Great Heaven and Earth, there also wasn''t aplete order of reincarnation. After death, a soul would ascend and fly to Outer Heaven, being devoured by Reincarnation Rules at a certain height, disappearing without a trace - how one naturally reincarnated was unknown to anyone and was difficult to trace. However, great beings of fortune would cause unusual phenomena in heaven and earth when reincarnated.


    After Xiaochuan had disappeared into the Reincarnation Vortex, Gu An finally returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    Several dayster.


    Near midday, as Gu An was reading a book inside his house, An Xin came to find him.


    "Master, Uncle Xiaochuan has passed away. He didn''t want to trouble you, so he had his descendants deliver this letterter," An Xin handed over a letter to Gu An while carefully observing his expression.


    In front of An Xin, Gu An did not need to pretend. He took the letter directly and opened it to read.


    The content of the letter wasn''t much different from what Xiaochuan had said before he entered reincarnation, but after reading it, Gu An still felt somewhat mncholic.


    He had tried his best to help Xiaochuan, but unfortunately, Xiaochuan did not possess the fighting spirit like Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, or An Xin.


    To put it urately, Xiaochuan''s talents were inferior and no different from most ordinary people, which was why it was hard for him to maintain his drive.


    Gu An, however, wasn''t too saddened. After learning about the existence of Reincarnation Tribtion, his aversion to reincarnation wasn''t as strong.


    When Cultivators reached the Free Immortal Realm, they ultimately had to face reincarnation. Not everyone could breakthrough by evolving their lifespan like Gu An, and he couldn''t use his lifespan to help others skip their Reincarnation Tribtion.


    He was curious about Reincarnation Tribtion, wondering if it only counted after reaching the Free Immortal Realm or if previous reincarnations counted as well.


    It was said that Reincarnation Tribtion had no pattern; reincarnation might not necessarily ur in the current era or world, which was why it was hard to trace Shengtian''s whereabouts. Gu An put the letter down and looked at An Xin, asking, "Is there anything else?"


    An Xin inquired, "Master, are you doing alright?"


    Gu An smiled and said, "What, do I really need to drown my sorrows in alcohol? Hurry back to your cultivation; I don''t want to receive yourst letter."


    Hearing this, An Xin stuck out her tongue and immediately bowed to take her leave.


    Gu An thought for a moment, stood up, and walked over to a bookshelf to take down a brocade box, cing Xiaochuan''sst letter inside it.


    Xiaochuan''s death hadn''t affected Gu An''s life, even though his descendants were still in the Third Medicine Valley.


    His descendants weren''t too saddened, after all, there was a vast generational gap.


    As autumn gave way to winter, the temperature between heaven and earth began to drop.


    On this day, Gu An had finished picking the most recently matured medicinal herbs in the Third Medicine Valley.


    He was in good spirits; nowadays, his average annual lifespan ie exceeded three million five hundred thousand years. He wasn''t in a hurry to unlock the feature associated with a ten billion year lifespan; he wouldn''t wait anymore if his lifespan was sufficient for a


    breakthroughter.


    After all, the figure of ten billion was really massive; he surely couldn''t start stealing medicinal herbs again, could he?


    Returning under the attic, Gu An gave a few instructions to his disciple before heading


    towards the chess area.


    More and more people were taking up chess, and as the birthce of chess and Go, the Third Medicine Valley naturally attracted many enthusiasts.


    ying chess in the Third Medicine Valley always felt special for Cultivators.


    At this moment, Nine-Finger Divine Lord was demolishing opponents left and right. Gu An approached from the back of the crowd and watched from a distance.


    His attention was drawn to a man nearby. The man, who had only reached the Nascent Soul Realm, wore a blue Daoist robe and was not particrly handsome.


    [Zhang Shi (Nascent Soul Realm Level 3): 681/1100/1800]


    His maximum lifespan wasn''t high, yet for some reason, Gu An was inexplicably drawn to him


    from the first nce.


    Zhang Shi felt Gu An''s gaze and turned his head, nodding slightly.


    Gu An approached and asked with a smile, "Daoist Friend, you seem unfamiliar, is this your


    first time here?"


    Zhang Shi answered, "I just arrived at Supreme Sect a few days ago. I came specifically for Go. This trip was worthwhile; the level of skill here is very high."


    While speaking, he turned his head to look forward fervently and said, "I estimate I only have


    a 30% chance of winning against this senior."


    His gaze was fixed on Nine-Finger Divine Lord, and his words irritated Nine-Finger Divinen/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lord.


    Nine-Finger Divine Lord turned back to look at Zhang Shi and said, "30%? You cheeky boy, so arrogant. Take the next game, I''ll make sure you don''t leave a single piece on the board." Faced with the challenge from Nine-Finger Divine Lord, Zhang Shi was not intimidated but instead showed an eager expression.


    Gu An watched Zhang Shi fervently, seemingly deep in thought, his eyes revealing a hint of


    fascination.

 Chapter 378: Chapter 378: The Talent of a Heavenly Pride

    Chapter 378: Chapter 378: The Talent of a Heavenly Pride


    ?


    Gu An sensed an extraordinary Reincarnation aura emanating from Zhang Shi. He spected that Zhang Shi had reincarnated and wasn''t just any ordinary reincarnation but bore some


    simrity to Ji Xiaoyu.


    Could it be that Zhang Shi was a Great Power currently undergoing a Reincarnation Tribtion?


    Gu An pondered this in his mind but did not continuously stare at Zhang Shi.


    After a while, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord sessfully defeated his opponent and


    immediately waved to Zhang Shi.


    This fellow actually imed to have a 30% chance of winning against him. To him, this was an outright provocation.


    A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator daring to fantasize about winning against him?


    Did he think he was Gu An?


    Under the encouragement of a group of cultivators, Zhang Shi walked to the chess table, sat down, and started to y chess with the Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who allowed him the first move. A fierce battle thus began.


    Gu An watched for a while before moving to the side to find others to y chess with.


    Whether Zhang Shi could win against the Nine-Finger Divine Lord or not, Gu An didn''t care; The just wanted to rx for a while.


    Half an hourter, Gu An had won two consecutive games of chess and stood up to leave.


    Zhang Shi and the Nine-Finger Divine Lord were still ying. At that moment, Zhang Shi furrowed his eyebrows, hesitating over his moves, while the Nine-Finger Divine Lord wore a smug smile, mockingly criticizing his slow y, using him of trying to wear out his opponent.


    Gu An smiled and walked toward the distant Mystic Pure Tree.


    The White Spirit Rat was napping under the tree, while An Xin was practicing Qi Absorption Cultivation. This tree had be their fixed cultivation spot, which other disciples couldn''t enjoy unless they performed exceptionally well.


    Approximately 30 minutes passed.


    Zhang Shi put down his chess piece and said, "I lost."


    The Nine-Finger Divine Lord, smiling smugly, said, "To beat me, you''d need another hundred thousand years."


    Zhang Shi stood up, bowed to him, and then took his leave.


    Losing interest, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord stood up, making room for others. The audience wasn''t too shocked, after all, the Nine-Finger Divine Lord was the second-best chess yer in the Medicine Valley, second only to the founder, Gu An.


    Zhang Shi began wandering around the valley, moving along the wooden railing, admiring the orderly, splendid Medicine Gardens.


    A figure brushed past him, causing a slight change in his expression.


    He turned his head to look; Long Qing was walking briskly towards Shen Xinzi, not noticing him.


    "This aura... the Dragon n..."


    Zhang Shi murmured softly, though his voice was quite faint, Gu An, who was nearby ying with the White Spirit Rat, heard it.


    Gu An kept hisposure, but his curiosity about Zhang Shi''s true identity grew.


    Zhang Shi watched Long Qing leave. He did not linger for too long but chose to continue his stroll.


    Gradually, he passed by the Venerable Pavilion of Gu An.


    The door opened, and a figure suddenly blocked his path-Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    Seeing the suddenly appearing Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, Zhang Shi was not frightened but instead studied him.


    With a cold expression on his face and a shift in his Divine Thought, the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor formed a barrier around them, ensuring no one but Gu An could hear their conversation.


    "Who are you?" the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor asked sternly.


    Smiling, Zhang Shi responded, "Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor, since you are here, I presume one of the Yin Yang Four Emperors, the Reincarnation Path Emperor, has also reincarnated here?"


    As soon as these words were spoken, a murderous intent shed in the eyes of the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor.


    Zhang Shi continued, "There''s no need to be tense. The Reincarnation Path Emperor''s undergoing of the Reincarnation Tribtion is already public knowledge, and the Holy Court will not intervene."


    Hearing this, the Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor''s expression softened.


    He inhaled deeply and asked, "May I know the elder''s name?"


    Shaking his head, Zhang Shi replied, "I will not tell you my background to avoid bringing trouble to you and the Reincarnation Path Emperor. Today, I came here merely for chess."


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor fell silent for a moment, then stepped aside, no longer blocking Zhang Shi.


    Zhang Shi stepped forward, walking past him.


    "The Qi Fortune of this Medicine Valley is on the verge of erupting. Tell the Reincarnation Path Emperor, since he has entered the Reincarnation Tribtion, not to cling to the mortal dust, as the biggest taboo in the Reincarnation Tribtion is trying to be a Savior."


    Leaving these words behind, Zhang Shi walked away without turning back.


    Gu An, hearing this, reduced his interest in Zhang Shi by a notch.


    Zhang Shi actually mistook Ji Xiaoyu for Sword Venerable Fudao!


    The Sun and Moon Netherworld Emperor didn''t argue for Ji Xiaoyu and quickly disappeared from the spot.


    In the time that followed, Zhang Shi toured the Third Medicine Valley and then flew toward the Outer Gate City.


    Seeing that Zhang Shi had no intention of causing trouble, Gu An stopped paying attention to


    him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Most days in the Third Medicine Valley were uneventful. asionally encountering a being of extraordinary origin was just a minor episode in Gu An''s life.


    ...


    Twelve yearster.


    Boom!


    A figure descended from the sky, crashing into the forest, creating a terrifying wind that uprooted several trees, sending grass and debris flying.


    Dressed in white, An Xinnded on a tree trunk. She held a treasure sword, looking up with furrowed brows, her hand trembling as she gripped the sword.


    In the distance, the Blood Prison Great Saint crawled on the cliff, enduring the fierce wind, his gaze fixed on a distant battle.


    Gu An stood in the air, holding the Qinghong Sword, looking down at An Xin with a smile, "Is this all you''ve got?"


    On hearing this, a cold light shed in An Xin''s eyes. She took a step forth, appearing behind Gu An like a blink, her treasure sword cleaving horizontally, the strong Sword Intent


    materializing tangibly.


    Gu An drew his sword with a backhanded grip, blocking An Xin''s Sword Intent and following


    the de''s direction, scattering the distant sea of clouds.


    Seeing that An Xin, from the ninth level of the Divinity Transformation Realm, could manifest such Sword Intent, Gu An was secretly pleased.


    The girl had cultivated diligently and it was not in vain; just her Sword Intent alone wasparable to the Void Crossing Realm. Combined with her Stepping Path of Ages Step, her strength far surpassed the Divinity Transformation Realm and she was starting to show the makings of a prodigy.


    When An Xin found that her Sword Intent couldn''t shake Gu An, she stepped again and appeared above the forest several kilometers away, her treasure sword no longer in hand.


    Her eyes narrowed and she pointed at Gu An with her right hand''s finger, turned into a sword.


    Boom-


    A dominant, vast Sword Intent descended from the sky. Gu An looked up and saw a beam of light that seemed to sh down from Outer Heaven. The beam erupted with Sword Qi, forming a brilliant sword shadow a hundred meters long. It was a magnificent sight.


    Gu An''s lips curved up; the girl had finally mastered it.


    His repeated preachings over the years were not in vain.


    The brilliant sword shadow fell with incredible speed, engulfing Gu An''s figure and then


    crashing into the mountains and rivers. The ground shook, clouds of dust rose rapidly, and fierce winds ravaged everything in all directions. It was like the apocalypse, shaking the entire


    vast ind.


    Blood Prison Great Saint watched, his heart secretly startled; he too recognized that An Xin''s Sword Intent had surpassed the Divinity Transformation Realm.


    The master had really raised this girl well!


    In that moment, Blood Prison Great Saint became even more convinced that the Ancient


    Treasure Body possessed by Yang Jian was bestowed by his master!


    An Xin gasped for breath, the winds tossing her hair. She kept her gaze fixed ahead, not believing her swordsmanship could hurt her mentor. She was on the alert for her mentor''s


    sudden reappearance.


    Snap!


    Suddenly, a handnded on An Xin''s shoulder, making her heart leap and her formidable


    presence scatter.


    Gu An withdrew his hand and smiled, "Not bad, today''s performance finally satisfied me. You are worthy to chase after Hao''er and Jian''er."


    An Xin turned her head and saw her mentor''s smiling face. Suppressing her palpitations, she


    forced a smile and said, "It''s all thanks to your excellent teaching, Mentor. They never received such devoted guidance from you."


    She suddenly remembered a legend from the Supreme Sect.


    It was said that before Sword Venerable Fudao killed someone, he liked to pat their shoulder.


    She had thought it a mere rumor before, but now it seemed otherwise...


    Too terrifying!


    Just being patted like that made her feel suffocated.


    The terror of feeling her soul scatter was beyondparison!


    Gu An sheathed the Qinghong Sword and turned to An Xin, saying, "Youck a suitable sword,


    but I will not help you find one. Use your Sword Intent to temper your own sword."


    An Xin wiped the sweat from her forehead and asked, "Sword Intent can also temper a


    sword?"


    "Of course. When you be powerful enough, your sword can be an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure."


    "Immortal Path Supreme Treasure?"


    An Xin''s eyes lit up, her breathing became hurried.


    With the Taicang Continent gradually catching up to the Immortal Cultivation World, the


    strength of Immortal Path Supreme Treasures sank deep into people''s hearts. Such treasures


    were considered Church Treasures even overseas, and Li Ya''s Divine Exotic City possessed only a Pseudo-Immortal Path Supreme Treasure.


    Thinking about one day tempering her own Immortal Path Supreme Treasure, An Xin felt


    extremely excited.


    What level of Dao would she have then?


    She began to look forward to that day.


    What would An Hao''s reaction be when he saw her then?


    "Let''s go, it''s time to head home."


    Gu An flew toward Blood Prison Great Saint, and An Xin hurriedly followed. "Mentor, you know so much about Immortal Path Supreme Treasures, you couldn''t be the legendary Immortal King, could you? At least you''re at the same realm as the Immortal King. I guess you are at least at the seventhyer of Immortal Dao-no, the eighth!"


    An Xin excitedly asked. The existence of the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path had also been


    known in the continent''s Immortal Cultivation World. She had heard that the most powerful individuals had only reached the fourthyer of Immortal Dao. She estimated her mentor''s cultivation level as seventhyer, which was already a high estimate.


    Gu Anughed, "Not that impressive, I am just a Loose Immortal."


    "I understand, a Loose Immortal without a fixed power, right?"


    An Xin giggled. The Holy Court had named Sword Venerable Fudao as the Holy Sword, Mortal


    World Peak named the mentor as Peak Master, the Supreme Sect even reserved a position in the Venerable Pavilion for the mentor, and there was also Immortal Seeking Ind overseas. She guessed her mentor had even more backgrounds that hadn''t been revealed.


    Gu An smiled and remained silent, not bothering to exin.


    In An Xin''s eyes, Nine Heavens of Immortal Path was the limit of Immortal Path; how could


    he, someone who had surpassed the Nine Heavens of Immortal Path, exin that to her? Summer insects cannot speak of ice!


    Thirty minutester, Gu An rode on Blood Prison Great Saint and returned to Third Medicine Valley, with An Xin following close behind.


    Just arrived, Gu An sensed a familiar presence.


    It had been a long time since he had seen this person.


    Zhou Tongyou!


    Gu An had once written him into Supreme Immortal Venerable as the second protagonist; this


    man was also one of the foremost geniuses of the Taicang Dynasty. After suppressing his power level and losing to Gu An, they had formed a friendship.


    Thest time Zhou Tongyou came, hoping to defeat Gu An, he instead lost to Yang Jian.


    After losing to Yang Jian, at the subsequent Golden List conference, he lost to Wu Jue, helping


    Wu Jue thoroughly embark on the path of a genius.


    Since then, Gu An hadn''t seen him.


    Centuries had passed; back then, Gu An was just at the Carefree Primordial Immortal realm.


    Time truly flies.


    Gu An had not yet seen Zhou Tongyou, but he was already feeling nostalgic.


    He dismounted and took An Xin to find Zhou Tongyou. Zhou Tongyou was watching people y chess, not noticing Gu An''s approach.

 Chapter 379: Chapter 379 Cultivation in the Tao Realm

    Chapter 379: Chapter 379 Cultivation in the Tao Realm


    ?


    [Zhou Tongyou (Unification Realm Level 1): 534/3000/3100]


    He had actually reached the Unification Realm, it seems he had had some significant opportunities these past years!


    Unfortunately, his maximum life span has not improved.


    Gu An thought to himself as he looked at Zhou Tongyou''s life span.


    Although Zhou Tongyou''s maximum life span had not improved, if he could reach the Nirvana Realm before the age of three thousand one hundred, he could achieve Nirvana and prolong his life.


    Gu An made his way to Zhou Tongyou''s side and raised his hand to pat his shoulder, only to be grasped by his right hand.


    Zhou Tongyou tilted his head to look at Gu An, then his stern face showed a look of surprise. He turned around, released Gu An''s hand, and looked him over carefully.


    Gu An thought to himself that allowing Zhou Tongyou to catch his hand was topensate for his regret, knowing that there were few who could interrupt Sword Venerable Fudao''s shoulder-patting motion.


    "Brother Gu, it''s been a long time since we''ve seen each other, you look much better than before!" Zhou Tongyou said joyfully.


    Gu An smiled and nodded, "Indeed, it''s been a long time, shall we find a ce to drink?"


    "Sure!"


    Gu An, hearing his agreement, raised his hand to signal him to walk in a different direction. An Xin had met Zhou Tongyou and had also heard about his loss to Yang Jian; she could feel that Zhou Tongyou''s aura was very strong.


    If she wanted to surpass Yang Jian, she would have to defeat Zhou Tongyou first.


    Zhou Tongyou, unaware of what the woman behind him was thinking, had note to find Gu An for the sake of a challenge.


    He was now over five hundred years old, not as petty or stubborn as before, his vision was higher, and he was now pursuing something higher.


    They sat down in a courtyard, and An Xin started to arrange the food and drinks.


    Gu An and Zhou Tongyou made small talk, each speaking about their own general situation over the past years.


    After chatting for quite a while, the twoughed and raised their sses, asking, "Where is Yang Jian? Why don''t we see him around, I heard he''s been gone for a long time?"


    Gu An replied, "When children grow up, they must spread their wings and fly. This Medicine Valley of mine can''t keep him here."


    After Yang Jian, there were several servant disciples in the Third Medicine Valley who had a maximum life span of more than four thousand years, but Gu An did not take on a disciple specially; instead, he let those disciples with hidden talent go with the flow of the Medicine Valley.


    Within the Third Medicine Valley, as long as one performed well, they would inevitably establish their foundation, especially those disciples whose talent had not been unearthed who could benefit even more.


    Gu An was worried about taking on disciples who were reincarnations of great powers or had great fortune of energy movement, which was too troublesome, so he did not take in any more disciples, focusing instead on developing An Xin.


    "That''s right, such a genius like him must have a more vast world awaiting his explorations. What about Ye Yan, has he evere back?" Zhou Tongyou nodded in agreement.


    He had be acquainted with Gu An because Ye Yan practiced the spear, attracting him, and he always remembered Ye Yan.


    Gu An paused for a moment and said, "He has already passed away."


    Zhou Tongyou was stunned, he did notfort Gu An but poured him a drink, and after clinking their bowls together, they both drained their drinks in one gulp.


    "In the blink of an eye, we are both over five hundred years old. Looking back, so many old friends have gone to the Netherworld, and how much further can you and I walk on this Immortal Cultivation Path?"


    Zhou Tongyou expressed his heartfelt feelings; over the years, he had experienced a lot, and he hade to find Gu An because his old friends were few.


    Gu An smiled and said, "With Brother Zhou''s talent and capabilities, you will surely enter the Immortal Path Realm and have an immeasurable future. Why such sentimentality?"


    After listening to this, Zhou Tongyou shook his head andughed.


    The two continued to drink.


    An Xin, seeing that there was nothing concerning her, sensibly left.


    It was not until the evening that Zhou Tongyou finally bid farewell and left.


    Gu An watched his receding figure, feeling a slight regret in his heart.


    Why not have a contest?


    Gu An was still thinking about letting An Xin defeat Zhou Tongyou; that would certainly be interesting.


    But he had calcted that Zhou Tongyou was going to challenge Wu Jue next and it would attract a lot of attention, then he could go and enjoy the spectacle.


    ...


    In the Immortal Dynasty, within a bright hall where clouds and mist surged.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor sat on the imperial throne, overlooking everyone in the hall, with An Hao among them.


    An Hao was seeing the lord of the Immortal Dynasty for the first time, and the regal bearing


    of the other left him inwardly stunned.


    How high could this person''s Dao level be?


    An Hao felt invincible just by ncing at him.


    Without exaggeration, this person definitely had the strongest aura he had ever seen, even


    better than his master''s.


    He was truly the top of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land!


    The other people in the hall looked at the Ancient Immortal Emperor with fervent


    expressions, as if they could not wait to kneel and worship.


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor slowly spoke, "I have summoned you today, and you should understand why. Due to the chaos of the Heavenly Demons, the Immortal Dynasty has discussed with the Holy Court. No matter how we fight, we must not waste the overall power of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, so we have organized this conference, allowing cultivators of both sides in each realm to have Combat, and your victories or losses are rted to the future development of the Immortal Dynasty."


    Everyone''s breathing hastened; they had known about this matter beforeing. This conference was not only about the prosperity of the Immortal Dynasty but also a great opportunity for themselves.


    An Hao''s eyes sparkled, and his fists tightened. Confident in a contest of the same realm, he was determined not to lose!


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor was very pleased with the expressions of everyone in the hall; he saw their confidence.


    "The top three in each realm can enter the Holy Court''s Tao Realm for cultivation, and the first ce will even obtain an Immortal Path Supreme Treasure that is unaffected by Qi


    fortune..."


    The Ancient Immortal Emperor began to talk about the rewards for the conference, exciting everyone present. Having the Ancient Immortal Emperor announce the rewards publicly


    dispelled thest of their doubts.


    .


    They had to give it their all!


    Instead of the rewards, An Hao looked forward to having a sufficiently strong opponent.


    He, An Hao, didn''t need any supreme treasures-when his realm was high enough, he could dominate the world barehanded!


    The stronger his opponents, the happier he was.


    What he pursued was fame!


    He wanted to make a name for himself in the world, he wanted to make everyone in the


    Supreme Sect proud of him!


    Having reached this point, he felt that he was already capable of representing the Supreme


    Sect, even the entire Taicang Continent!


    He wanted those who had lost to him to take pride in their defeat! "Controlling the world''s Holy Court, huh... I hope you won''t disappoint me."


    An Hao thought to himself, ignoring thetter part of what the Ancient Immortal Emperor


    had said, not listening attentively.


    After a while, The crowd dispersed, and An Hao followed them out of the grand hall.


    Outside the hall was a spectacr sight above the sea of clouds; just as An Hao was about to


    fly away, a voice called out to him:


    "An Hao, the geniuses of the Holy Court are very strong. I''ve heard that there''s an unprecedented talent in the Mystic Heart Realm, hailed as having talent surpassing that of the Holy God. Take this time to cultivate with me!"


    An Hao turned to look; the speaker was a white-dressed woman as beautiful as a fairy, with a dignified posture, and her eyes looking towards him were like autumn waters, bright and


    moving.


    An Hao frowned and said, "Thank you for your kindness, but there''s no need."


    Having said this, he turned and left.


    The woman in white stood there, stunned, seemingly not expecting such a decisive rejection


    from An Hao.


    Whispers from the surrounding Immortal Spirits arose, curious about An Hao''s background,


    to dare to refuse a fairy''s request.


    In the Immortal Dynasty, those who could be called fairies not only had to have a background but also a strong cultivation level.


    An Hao had not even reached the Nirvana Realm, which was worse than the lowest ranks of the


    Immortal Dynasty.


    "Some attitude, move forward two hundred years and with such cultivation level, he wouldn''t


    even qualify to step into the Immortal Dynasty," someone muttered, earning the agreement


    of those around.


    The woman in white said nothing and turned to leave alone,pletely indifferent to the


    gazes of others.


    ...


    On his way to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Great Saint, with An Xin following on the right, excitedly recounting the recent battle between Zhou Tongyou and Wu


    Jue.


    "That Zhou Tongyou is incredible, his Evil Suppressing Golden Body could actually withstand Wu Jue''s fist technique; I thought he had no chance against Wu Jue." "Master, is the Evil Suppressing Golden Body considered an Ancient Treasure Body?"


    "How could Yang Jian defeat Zhou Tongyou of the same realm, you aren''t deceiving me, are


    you?"


    Listening to An Xin''s words, Gu An also had many feelings.


    Zhou Tongyou had won, and he won very dominantly, avenging the shame of his defeat to Wu


    Jue many years ago; now it was Wu Jue''s turn to taste the fall from the peak of the clouds.


    Gu An did not go tofort Wu Jue, since the elder of the sect had taken him away to heal after the battle, and he had returned to the Third Medicine Valley after watching the fight.


    "The oue of a single battle doesn''t prove anything. If you don''t work hard, you will eventually be surpassed by someone you''ve defeated. Right now, you have an advantage that others aren''t aware of you know the true cultivation level of no one else while you can find out theirs," Gu An said, seizing the moment to teach An Xin.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An Xin nodded and replied, "Master, don''t worry, I definitely won''t be arrogant and


    comcent." "Actually, the Evil Suppressing Golden Body has its shorings too. There is a spot at the base of the neck; if it is struck hard, all the qi energy will be dislodged," Gu An began to exin the techniques of the recentbat, and An Xin listened attentively.


    Knowing more was always good. If she ever encountered an enemy with the Evil Suppressing


    Golden Body in the future, it coulde in handy.


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was also listening seriously; more worried than An Xin''s


    excitement.


    These guys were growing so fast; the strength exhibited by Zhou Tongyou, as well as Wu Jue,


    was surprising. Deserving to be the geniuses of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land!


    The Blood Prison Great Saint was even more looking forward to theing of the millennium. Gu An had said that he would personally teach him how to cultivate at that time.


    What he needed to do now was to diligently cultivate the Innate Reincarnation Skill, umte his cultivation, and build up momentum.


    Although he was a mount, Gu An had not treated him harshly; he received just as many elixirs


    as An Xin.


    After returning to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An went upstairs alone.


    Someone was already waiting in the room.


    Shen Zhen!


    Seeing Shen Zhen sitting in his spot, Gu An closed the door and asked, "What paintings are


    you going to show me this time?"


    He could feel that the atmosphere downstairs had once again be unnatural, although the


    change was very subtle, it did not escape his senses.


    Shen Zhen put down the Supreme Secret Records in her hand and said, "I haveprehended


    a Secret Technique that can help improve one''s talent. Would you like to learn it?"


    Gu An walked over to the table, took back his own copy of the Supreme Secret Records, and


    then asked, "What Secret Technique? Is it that powerful?"


    Shen Zhen spoke mysteriously, "It''s really powerful. I''ve already practiced it, and it truly


    works. After training with this Secret Technique, I''m finding that practicing other skills yields twice the result with half the effort."


    Gu An couldn''t help but cast a Life Span Detection on her.


    [Shen Zhen (Void Crossing Realm Level 1): 543/2200/7200]


    Good lord, her maximum life span had increased to seven thousand two hundred years!


    Gu An was surprised. This girl really could gain enlightenment from music, chess, calligraphy,


    and painting.


    And her cultivation level was also growing fast!

 Chapter 380: Chapter 380 Disaster

    Chapter 380: Chapter 380 Disaster


    ?


    Judging by Shen Zhen''s limit life span increase, it couldn''t be aimed at 9,999 years, could it? As a veteran actor, Gu An''s face also involuntarily revealed a strange expression at this moment.


    He lectured Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and An Xin, putting in much effort, yet it paled inparison to Shen Zhen''s limit life span increase.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Could there really be existences favored by the Heavenly Dao in this world?


    Wu Jue was one, and so was Shen Zhen-both didn''t need the help of others, and their limit life spans increased repeatedly on their own.


    Wait a minute!


    Gu An suddenly realized something and spoke, "Is that so? Then ry it to me."


    Shen Zhen promptly narrated the secret technique sheprehended, and Gu An listened attentively.


    After a period equivalent to 30 minutes, Shen Zhen finished her narration and then looked at Gu An with pride, awaiting his astonishment.


    Gu An frowned and said, "I don''t understand, it feels profound. Is it Qi Cultivation first, or cultivating acupoints?"


    Though he said this, in fact, he had already seen through this secret technique.


    This secret technique bore some resemnce to the Primordial Reincarnation Skill.


    Both touched upon the Reincarnation Technique.


    However, for lower realm beings, the Reincarnation Technique was extremelyplex and hard toprehend.


    With Gu An''s perspective, even letting top-tier geniuses cultivate this technique, it would be difficult for them to seed in a short amount of time.


    He inferred that Shen Zhen first practiced this secret technique seven years ago.


    Mastered it in just seven years?


    Something was off unless she already knew it from before.


    Gu Anbined this with the changes in Shen Zhen''s aura, and his spection grew ever firmer.


    Previously such beings were utterly inconspicuous, and now how could multiple appear? Gu An thought for a moment; if he were merely a Taoist Hidden Immortal, it would be hard to see through Reincarnation Tribtion unless someone like Ji Xiaoyu, bearing an Innate Daoist Talisman and continuously awakening memories, made her Reincarnation aura increasingly evident.


    Currently, it seemed Shen Zhen hadn''t awakened any memories; she could onlyprehend the cultivation technique.


    Looking across the world, there were very few beings immersed in Reincarnation Tribtion. Why did two appear by his side?


    Excluding Yang Jian as his cultivation level wasn''t sufficient, and adding the previously passing Zhang Shi, Gu An always felt there was an unseen mighty hand scheming against him. It couldn''t just be a coincidence!


    "You don''t understand this? You''re really dumb!" Shen Zhen retorted with a re, clearly displeased¡ªit wasn''t the response she wanted.


    Gu An indignantly said, "Who could understand this? Maybe I should have Ji Xiaoyue and listen?"


    As soon as Shen Zhen heard this, she hastily rejected, "That won''t do. I am only imparting this secret technique to you; you must not teach it to anyone else!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Why?"


    "There''s no why. I''m teaching you because we have a good rtionship. I don''t care for anyone else. Did you hear me? If you spread it around, I will definitely trouble you!"


    Shen Zhen raised her fist, threatening him.


    Gu An could only agree, then with a sigh said, "If this secret technique is true, then you are indeed amazing, always enlightening the Path. Could you be an Immortal reincarnated?"


    He deliberately pointed this out, wanting to see Ji Xiaoyu''s reaction downstairs.


    Shen Zhen bragged with a smile, "I''ve said before that I am definitely the protagonist. The possibility that I am an Immortal reincarnated cannot be ruled out. If you want to be Immortal in the future, you''ll need to cling to my coattails."


    Gu An raised an eyebrow and asked, "Really let me cling?"


    No sooner had he asked the question than he regretted it, as the aura from down below underwent a more pronounced change.


    Shen Zhen lifted her right leg, ced it on the table, and slid her hand along it, from the back of her foot to her thigh. Though clothed in long pants, the action was suggestive enough, and she even provocatively looked at Gu An.


    For the first time, Gu An noticed Shen Zhen''s legs were really long.


    No wonder the women in the Supreme Secret Records were all long-legged beauties.


    "Come on, it''s not like you haven''t clung before!" Shen Zhen spoke coyly.


    Gu An''s fur bristled upon hearing this, and he quickly retorted, "Nonsense, when have I ever clung to your thighs?"


    "You deny it? Be bold enough to own up to your actions-it should have been about four hundred years ago when you visited my cave and clung to me with all that mushy talk.


    Thinking about it now, it''s downright embarrassing!"


    Shen Zhen said with feigned annoyance, causing Gu An to feel the urge to hit someone.


    Four hundred years ago, as if calcting Ji Xiaoyu''s age?


    He could be sure that Shen Zhen had said this for the benefit of Ji Xiaoyu downstairs, as the event she mentioned had never urred.


    "Oh really? Then how about we do it again now?" Gu An retorted with a humph.


    He stood up and walked towards Shen Zhen.


    Shen Zhen looked at him provocatively, and just as he really reached out to touch her leg, she quickly drew back her leg and said, "Forget it, let''s talk about serious matters."


    "No, you''ve uttered the words; you must follow through!"


    Seeing that Gu An was indeed about to pounce, Shen Zhen quickly said, "Alright, alright, I was only joking. You''re so serious, can''t take a tease. Afraid that someone downstairs will hear? Wait a minute, are you worried about the person below? I almost forgot; I was talking nonsense. Our past interactions were nothing but pure."


    Listening to her insinuating remarks, Gu An was about to pat her on the shoulder.


    Shen Zhen continued, "Really, I apologize, I was just joking earlier. Don''t be mad at me. I was just testing to see if the person below would eavesdrop. I won''t make such jokes in the


    future."


    Looking at her smile, Gu An guessed she had also sensed Ji Xiaoyu''s change of energy.


    In recent years, Ji Xiaoyu had achieved a breakthrough to the Unification Realm in the Supreme Sect''s Tribtion Crossing Field, but Shen Zhen had only the first level of the Void Crossing Realm cultivation level-how could she have noticed Ji Xiaoyu''s energy change?


    Gu An felt more and more that something was off about Shen Zhen.


    He would have to be careful in the future not to show too much in front of her.


    "She wouldn''t eavesdrop, and besides, there are restrictions inside the room," Gu An replied, sitting back down at the table and shaking his head.


    "You seem to trust her a lot."


    "Nonsense, I watched her grow up. She is destined to be a powerful figure renowned across the world, not some small-minded girl caught up in her emotions. You should learn from her and stop reading those indecent books all day, won''t you?"


    "Indecent? I wrote a new volume of the Supreme Secret Records especially for you, and this is how you repay me. You''ve broken my heart. I won''t give it to you now. Goodbye!"


    Shen Zhen stood up, flicked her sleeve, and walked away.


    Gu An stood up to stop her and asked, "For real?"


    Shen Zhen turned away, pretending to be angry.


    "Alright, I was just joking with you. I apologize," Gu An sighed.


    This woman really had her ways, had me apologizing, and then turns it right back around!


    Gu An could deduce that her new book was just made up, but he would have preferred to see


    the original. Flipping through the real pages provides such a sense of experience!


    Shen Zhen gave a triumphant smile, pulled a book from her sleeve, and tossed it into Gu An''s


    arms before she continued on her way.


    This creature doesn''t close the door when she leaves; how impolite!


    Holding thetest volume of the Supreme Secret Records, Gu An cursed in his mind and then


    waved his sleeve to close the door.


    He returned to his seat, cing the book on the table with all solemnity.


    That the Taoist Hidden Immortal of his stature should be reading such a book was fortunate


    that no one knew of his realm.


    Gu An thought himself lucky.


    It wasn''t that he was vulgar; he was cultivating!


    This was tempering the heart!


    Reading extensively prevents one from being tied down by women and losing their Daoist


    Heart!


    After mentally preparing himself, Gu An began to flip through the book. Meanwhile, downstairs, Ji Xiaoyu could not contain her curiosity and used her Divine Sense to


    peek at Gu An''s book, immediately blushing and filled with indignation.


    "This guy..."


    "Never mind, I won''t bring him along for cultivation, lest he truly bes a menace


    someday!"


    Ji Xiaoyu thought to herself and strived to cast aside her distractions, returning to her


    cultivation.

 Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Variables, Hidden Spirit Palace

    Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Variables, Hidden Spirit Pce


    ?


    Ever since Shen Zhen had left, every time Gu An saw Ji Xiaoyu, she would ignore him, feigning ignorance.


    In the days that followed, rumors began to spread in Medicine Valley, suggesting that there was a falling out between the master and Elder Ji.


    This led An Xin to inevitably inquire about this matter when she apanied Gu An to Mortal World Peak.


    "Don''t gossip, I haven''t had any conflict with her."


    Gu An gave An Xin a stern look and spoke without mincing his words.


    An Xin giggled and did not press further, instead, she went to the side to begin her cultivation.


    At Mortal World Peak, she did not need to hide her cultivation level, so she cherished the opportunity to cultivate there.


    Gu An descended the mountain alone, wandering aimlessly on the mountain.


    Because of the previous controversy over stealing herbs, Gu An deliberately slowed down the pace of harvesting on Mortal World Peak. However, even so, with the constantly increasing production from the Outer World Cave, he was already able to amass nearly four million years of lifespan every year.


    His total lifespan had exceeded four hundred million years!


    At this rate, Gu An could also be rapidly stronger.


    Therefore, he now tried to keep a low profile, taking fewer disciples and intervening less, to avoid elerating the pace of the major changes in Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Walking along the mountain path, Gu An''s divine thought reached out to Zhu Xi.


    Zhu Xi was at the lowest-ranked Sea Peak, where Mortal World Peak had purposely allocated a sea area for disciples below the Immortal Path Realm, and only those who had reached the Nirvana Realm could pay tribute to divine peaks like Dingtian Peak.


    Years had passed, and Zhu Xi had be integrated into Mortal World Peak, with a low presence and her talents unknown to others, her life following the same routine as her previous days by Moonfall Divine Lake.


    Recently, she had reached Core Formation, and within Mortal World Peak, she was essentially like a servant disciple, tending to the Medicine Garden, much like Gu An had once been.


    Gu An could sense the immense Spiritual Power contained within her; the Tai Chu Swallowing Yuan Body was like a ck hole, quite challenging for even a Free Immortal to discern her physique.


    Once she fully released it, her cultivation level would skyrocket.


    In terms of physique, she was definitely the strongest Gu An had ever seen in his time, with the Ancient Treasure Body paling inparison by several levels.


    At this moment, Zhu Xi was nting medicinal herbs. Even though she was alone in the garden, she conducted herself with utmost caution, appearing no different from an ordinary disciple.


    Gu An watched for a while, then lost interest and retracted his gaze.


    He made some calctions; it was inevitable that Zhu Xi would eventually have a falling out with Mortal World Peak. Once her theft of the medicinal herbs came to light and led to a conflict with the disciples of Mortal World Peak, she would be expelled from the peak and might even be pursued and hunted.


    But that node was still very far away.


    Gu An had no intention of stopping it; along the way, he foresaw that many disciples'' fates would turn against Mortal World Peak. The reason for this was that there were simply too many disciples in Mortal World Peak, and it was imusible that all of them would remain from beginning to end. Even if he intervened early, as long as Mortal World Peak continued to take on disciples, such troubles would still arise.


    The deeper Gu An delved into the research of cause and effect, fate, and destiny, the more he could feel how terrifying destiny could be.


    Knowing and possessing the ability to change one''s destiny is not necessarily a good thing. Because once changed, destiny introduces unpredictable variables, and those variables were beyond the control of the one who initiated the change. Only when a cause is present can one specte the oue; without a beginning, it is impossible to calcte the result.


    Throughout the herb-gathering process that followed, Gu An kept observing the cause and effect of Dingtian Peak disciples, enhancing his understanding of the Way of Cause and Effect.


    Night fell.


    Gu An did not return to the Supreme Sect, choosing instead to stay on Dingtian Peak.


    Hey on a chair, with the bright moon above and a book in his hands, thoroughly enjoying himself.


    An Xin was still cultivating nearby, her body emanating specks of Light Star, ethereal and otherworldly, as if she could ascend to immortality at any moment.


    The courtyard resounded with the chirping of insects, adding a touch of vitality to the garden.


    Suddenly.


    Gu An looked up, only to see a shooting star streak across the night sky at an incredible speed. Usually, such a shooting star signifies the arrival of a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal. However, this time was different; Gu An could feel that the other party''s cultivation was far above that of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal, likely a Divine Thought True Immortal. Could it be that the Immortal Dynasty and the Holy Court are about to go to war again? Gu An thought this to himself. The Qi Fortune of these two powers was too grand, capable of blocking cause and effect deductions. At least he was not yet able toprehend itpletely.


    He hoped for peace in the Great Heaven and Earth, hoping the battle would wait a thousand years or ten thousand years. By then, he would be more confident in handling any catastrophe.


    "It''s time to establish a new Medicine Valley."


    Gu An quietly contemted, as he had entertained such a thought for a while.


    He chose an underwater location for the next Medicine Valley.


    Eggs must not all be put in one basket.


    As the moon set and the sun rose, the next morning Gu An sent An Xin back, then went alone


    to Immortal Seeking Ind to exchange his own share of the Ind Master''s profits for arge quantity of medicinal herb seeds.


    He left this task to Ind Master Xun Hanfeng.


    Xun Hanfeng did not question why Gu An needed so many medicinal herbs. In the Immortal Cultivation World, the demand for medicinal herbs was no less than that for Spirit Stones; no one wouldin about having too few herbs. The higher the realm, the greater the need for herbs; he only envied Gu An''s capability.


    It was not until the evening that Xun Hanfeng handed over a high-level Storage Bag to Gu An, filled with medicinal herbs.


    Night descended once again, and Gu An arrived at thergest sea area in Great Heavenly Spirit Land. Under the night sky, the waves rolled furiously, creating an oppressive atmosphere. The demon energy here was extremely dense, with only rare traces of the breath of Cultivators of the Human Race.


    Gu An flew into the sea, which was extremely deep. The deepest pointy more than a hundred thousand miles from the surface, and it concealed numerous demon creatures as terrifying as Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals, and there were even traces of the aura of the Carefree Primordial Immortal.


    Since the Great Heavenly Spirit Land was controlled by the Human Race, the powerful demon creatures had no choice but to band together. They formed their own world within this sea, isted from the rest of the world.


    As Gu An descended some distance, the surroundings became pitch-ck and oppressive.


    Upon reaching ten thousand miles beneath the surface, a green light appeared below, resembling a boundless green ocean. He saw numerous tiny sea creatures that, although not yet possessing Spiritual Wisdom, were incredibly fast,parable to Cultivators in the Core


    Formation Realm.


    After passing through this green sea, darkness returned. Continuing downward, from time to time he saw various lights, all emitted by demon creatures. Gu An even saw several Cave Abodes situated on the mountainous bodies of the ocean.


    Further down, he even saw a Demon City, radiating dazzling light, with countless demon


    creaturesing and going.


    In this way, Gu An arrived at the depths of the sea floor without any demons noticing.


    He found a region with no demon activity and used his mana to demarcate a hundred-mile radius on the sandy bottom. Then he created a clone. With the clone''s Great Mana, he formed a Barrier so that beings outside could not see inside it.


    His original self then began casting spells to create an environment suitable for the growth of medicinal herbs. The Spiritual Energy at the bottom of the sea was immense, enough for the


    herbs to thrive.


    After altering the environment, he began to construct an array.


    An Ancient Hourter.


    This undersea Medicine Valley had been sown with medicinal herb seeds. He didn''t intend to


    keep demon creatures to guard this Medicine Valley; his clone would suffice in the future.


    Although the clone did not have independent thought, if there were any movement, it could still alert Gu An in a timely manner. When the time came, Gu An would project his consciousness onto the clone, which could use the clone''s power to resolve any trouble.


    Even a Free Immortal would be no match for his clone!


    After making all preparations, Gu An went to the edge of the Medicine Valley, took out a stele, and nted it in the sand. Then, using the Fate Determining Pen, he wrote on the stele.


    Hidden Spirit Pce!


    He called it a ''pce'' because he nned to build one thereter, which could even serve as a


    dojo.


    Gu An admired his own handwriting; it was truly bing more elegant.


    He then vanished from the spot, returning to the Supreme Sect.


    The sea floor was silent; outside the Hidden Spirit Pce was darkness, like an abyss.


    asionally, enormous figures like mountain ranges swam above the Hidden Spirit Pce, while Gu An''s clone meditated without opening its eyes.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ...


    Fifteen yearster.


    In early summer, Gu An sat in the pavilion of Mystic Valley, admiring his Attribute Panel. He


    was very close to his five hundred million year Life Span mark.


    The high-rank medical herbs of Outer World Cave would bring him a substantial increase in


    Life Span in theing years, delighting his mood.


    Life was monotonous, but Gu An did not find it dull. Watching his Life Span grow, he felt like


    he was leveling up in a game, a very fulfilling feeling.


    A knock came at the door, and Gu An said casually, "Come in."


    At his words, the door opened and Lu Jiujia entered.


    At five hundred and eighteen, Lu Jiujia appeared to be just over forty, with a long beard that


    added to his imposing presence.


    He approached and gave a formal bow to Gu An, saying, "Brother Gu, the Chen family''s Medicine Valley has refused my terms. They continue to encroach on Mystic Valley''s territory


    --what should be done?"


    Years had passed, and as the Supreme Sect grew stronger and remained uninvaded, more and more Medicine Valleys appeared outside the Outer Sect. Some were Medicine Valleys managed by the Supreme Sect, while others were cultivated by families to umte resources for


    their descendants.


    A Medicine Valley had sprung up around Mystic Valley, evenrger in territory than Mystic


    Valley itself.


    The Chen family, a family that had risen to prominence in thest millennium, had elders in the Supreme Sect''s Inner Sect City who held high status and great power.


    Having heard this, Gu An responded, "No worries, I''ll have An Xin go there tomorrow. In no


    more than three days, their Medicine Valley will vanish."


    Upon hearing this, Lu Jiujia''s face broke into a smile. He had no doubts about his brother''s words. Brother Gu''s influence was not small, after all, and the Chen family was merely testing his bottom line; otherwise, they would have already tried to seize Mystic Valley.


    Gu An looked up at Lu Jiujia and asked, "How goes your Cultivationtely?" Decades ago, Lu Jiujia had broken the Cultivation Level restrictions of the Innate Reincarnation Skill. With Gu An''s secret guidance in the Path Enlightenment, his maximum Life Span had reached seven hundred years.


    But seven hundred years was not long. Lu Jiujia''s Cultivation Level had grown too slowly,


    currently only at the ninthyer of the Core Formation Realm. Even if he released his Cultivation again, it seemed unlikely he''d reach the Divinity Transformation Realm. By all appearances, Lu Jiujia had no hope of achieving Nirvana in this life. Hearing the question, Lu Jiujia scratched his head and said, "Honestly, brother, I feel increasingly powerless. When Cultivating, I find my heart weary and my thoughts wandering."


    Gu An replied, "There''s nothing to be done then; you must find a way to ovee it."


    Lu Jiujia could only nod.


    He felt helpless and ashamed.


    His brother had looked after him so much over the years, and he felt he had let his brother


    down.


    Changing the subject, he said, "Speaking of which, brother, a prodigy has appeared in the Medicine Valley recently. Would you like to meet him?"


    As he brought up the prodigy, his excitement surged.


    After managing the affairs of Mystic Valley for hundreds of years, this was the first time he


    had encountered such a genius. It made him proud to be associated.

 Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Jiang Shis Past

    Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Jiang Shi''s Past


    ?


    "Do you want me to meet him?"


    Gu An picked up a book from the table and smiled warmly at Lu Jiujia.


    He no longer cared about mere talent.


    But humans are not emotionless nts-Lu Jiujia and that disciple shared a deep bond, almost like father and son, and he wished to secure a better future for the disciple, which prompted him to speak to Gu An.


    Seeing his fellow disciple''s smile, Lu Jiujia gave an awkward smile and a false cough, saying, "I do hope you can meet him; not only is his talent outstanding, but he is also very diligent." "If that''s the case, bring him up."


    Gu An shook his head with a chuckle, dismissing the brotherly rtionship. Lu Jiujia had been so dedicated for many years withoutint-who was he to refuse him this small favor? Even without revealing his true cultivation level, Gu An could change someone''s life with just a word, thanks to his five hundred years ofworking in the Supreme Sect.


    Upon hearing this, Lu Jiujia''s eyebrows shot up in joy, and he quickly thanked Gu An before hurrying off.


    Gu An began to read. Although he spent most of his time away from Mystic Valley, Lu Jiujia often stocked the ce with books, ensuring that he always had something different to read.


    It wasn''t long before Lu Jiujia returned.


    A young man followed him, dressed in modest cloth garments. His features were not particrly handsome, but he had a fairplexion and a somewhat slender frame.


    The young man was extremely nervous and looked at Gu An only briefly before lowering his gaze, daring not to look again.


    Lu Jiujia stepped forward to introduce the young man, while Gu An sent a Life Span Detection towards him.


    [Jiang Shi (Foundation Establishment Realm secondyer): 23/350/4800]


    A life span of four thousand eight hundred years truly, a rarely seen talent.


    "Disciple Jiang Shi pays respects to Master!"


    Jiang Shi knelt down, bowing reverently.


    Gu An habitually peered into Jiang Shi''s karma, deducing his past and future before showing a gentle smile and saying, "Rise. There''s no need for such formalities here in Mystic Valley." Jiang Shi looked up, saw his smile, and rxed significantly before standing up to speak.


    Gu An kept deducing while casually talking with Jiang Shi, taking interest in his cultivation practice.


    This was Jiang Shi''s first encounter with a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. Although nervous inside, he spoke naturally, neither servile nor overbearing.


    Seeing Jiang Shi''s demeanor, Lu Jiujia smiled in satisfaction, feeling that Jiang Shi was not embarrassing him.


    In his view, his brother had met countless talents-if Jiang Shi had been daunted, he would surely be looked down upon by Gu An.


    Not to mention Li Ya or An Hao, let alone someone like Wu Jue in their sect, who was so spirited he had to address Gu An as "Brother Gu."


    Suddenly, Gu An deduced something, his expression turned unnatural, but his tone did not change.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After a while, Gu An said, "Hmm, I am aware of your situation; you may go down and continue your cultivation."


    Jiang Shi paused momentarily, then bowed and left.


    When he was downstairs, Lu Jiujia finally asked Gu An, "Brother, what do you think? Can this boy meet your standards?"


    Gu An pondered, "His talent is indeed good; I can introduce him to a master."


    Lu Jiujia pressed, "Can''t he follow you for cultivation?"


    With Jiang Shi''s aptitude, finding a master should be easy, but in Lu Jiujia''s eyes, having Gu


    An as his master would be the greatest path for Jiang Shi.


    For several hundred years, though he never asked, he felt that his brother shared an inseparable bond with Sword Venerable Fudao.


    The precursor, Flying Leaf Sword Immortal, always made moves around Mystic Valley, and Sword Venerable Fudao''s renowned battle had coincidentally saved him and Ye Lan, Zhen Qin - a multitude of factors were too coincidental to ignore.


    And the Innate Reincarnation Skill, such a miraculous skill is unmatched in the Supreme Sect! He was wise enough not to question Gu An, nor dare to discuss this matter with anyone else.


    If Jiang Shi could follow Gu An for cultivation, he mightter gain the favor of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    "Jiujia, you like him that much?" Gu An stared at Lu Jiujia and asked.


    Lu Jiujia replied, "When he was seven, I brought him to Mystic Valley and watched him grow up, just like a son to me."


    Gu An sighed, "If I personally take him in, he would be bound to Mystic Valley, and you might die because of him, and he will also cause great trouble."


    ording to his calctions, Jiang Shi appeared to have a good character but was unscrupulous in his pursuit of immortal cultivation.


    After hundreds of years, gaining a position even as a Servant Disciple in Mystic Valley was challenging; the Chores Hall would select suitable disciples for Mystic Valley for profit, leading to current disciples being either rich or noble.


    At the age of seven, in order to enter Mystic Valley, he had found out in advance the list arranged by Chores Hall for Mystic Valley and drugged those he viewed as threats to miss their chance.


    No one suspected a seven-year-old child, so he seeded.


    After entering Mystic Valley, even if some doubted him, no one dared to trouble him.


    After that, Jiang Shi behaved very cautiously, concealing his true nature well.


    Gu An predicted that in the future, he would steal the Ultimate Skill from the Supreme Sect, causing their cultivators to hunt him down, and Lu Jiujia, in an attempt to protect him, would mistakenly be killed by a cultivator from the Supreme Sect.


    Even though this was a future without Gu An''s intervention, it at least showed that Jiang Shi was not simple; as long as he maintained his current rtionship with Lu Jiujia, trouble would inevitablye.


    Gu An had calcted thousands of possible deaths for Lu Jiujia, most of them rted to Jiang


    Shi.


    Hearing Gu An''s words, Lu Jiujia''s expression changed drastically. He didn''t reflexively rebut, but carefully reminisced.


    Had it been someone else who said this, he would certainly have been annoyed, buting from his Senior Brother, he couldn''t help but seriously ponder.


    Although he valued Jiang Shi, how could Jiang Shipare to his Senior Brother in his heart?


    Even as he held Jiang Shi in high esteem, he did not take it upon himself to teach the Innate Reincarnation Skill to Jiang Shi.


    "I understand!"


    Lu Jiujia took a deep breath, dropped these words, raised his hand in salute, and turned to


    leave.


    Gu An didn''t say more and continued reading.


    Jiang Shi still didn''t pose a threat to him.


    By evening, Gu An left Mystic Valley and reached the Third Medicine Valley.


    He first found An Xin, revealed everything about the Chen family, and arranged for An Xin to


    visit the Inner Sect City tomorrow.


    The Great Elder of the Inner Sect City was from the Lv Family, and, which the rtionship between Gu An and Lv Baitian, the Lv Family would definitely take action.


    ...


    Summer passed and autumn arrived, and in the blink of an eye, half a year had passed.


    That night.


    Lu Jiujia was cultivating in his house when he heard a knock on the door and, without opening


    his eyes, said, "Come in."


    The door was pushed open, and Jiang Shi walked in, approaching Lu Jiujia to salute.


    "What is it?" Lu Jiujia asked, his tone indifferent.


    Jiang Shi could sense the distance in his tone.


    "Eldest Senior Brother, I was wrong!"


    Jiang Shi suddenly knelt down, his tone somber.


    In Mystic Valley, there was only one master, which was Gu An. Even though they were like father and son, Jiang Shi could only call Lu Jiujia ''Eldest Senior Brother.''


    Lu Jiujia opened his eyes and furrowed his brows.


    Jiang Shi pressed his forehead to the ground and, gritting his teeth, said, "Although I''m not


    clear what exactly Master told you that day, I can feel your attitude. I admit that as a child, I did wrong, but I had no choice-before my family was annihted by the Emperor, they secretly sent me to Supreme Sect, and I had to find a way to preserve my life. At the age of seven, Mystic Valley was the most formidable ce I had heard of, so I..."


    He confessed all his childhood actions.


    Lu Jiujia was quite shocked after hearing this. He hadn''t expected him to have done such


    things, no wonder Senior Brother had an issue with him.


    But as he listened, Lu Jiujia''s feelings becameplex.


    He saw his own reflection in Jiang Shi; he too had made mistakes, and if not for his Senior


    Brother''s care, he would have died long ago.


    Although Jiang Shi''s mistakes weren''t as severe as his, he couldn''t let Jiang Shi cling to his


    Senior Brother.


    After Jiang Shi finished speaking, Lu Jiujia sighed.


    Jiang Shi looked at Lu Jiujia, his eyes red, and did not stand up for a long time.


    Lu Jiujia, with aplex expression, said, "Don''t me your Master. It''s me not wanting you


    to cause trouble in Mystic Valley."


    Jiang Shi hurriedly replied, "How could I possibly me him? Over the years, I''ve received so many elixirs in Mystic Valley. Without Master''s protection, how could I possibly have reached Foundation Establishment so quickly? It was my fault after all. If I were Master, I would have expelled a disciple like me from Medicine Valley long ago."


    Thinking of Gu An, Jiang Shi truly had noints, only more awe.


    He had thought that no one knew of his childhood actions, but it turned out his master knew. Knowing this, yet still not abandoning him, how could he repay kindness with resentment? In previous years, he had also seen his master. Each time, his master would nod at him with a smile. Before, he merely thought his master was kind and didn''t remember him, but now, knowing that his master had long understood his past, he felt his master was truly magnanimous, with the bearing of a sage.


    In fact, he was disgusted with his own past actions, but he had been driven to a dead end.


    At that time, his family was about to be executed, and he heard that the Valley Master of Mystic Valley had a very good rtionship with the Great Cultivator, Li Ya, who was also the most favored son of the current Emperor, so Mystic Valley became his only path to life.


    Lu Jiujia looked at him with many things he wanted to say, but when the words came to his


    lips, he couldn''t utter them.


    "There are two paths for you, either go to a Sub-sect, where Master will arrange a way out for


    you, and he will certainly not mistreat you, or stay in Mystic Valley and cultivate earnestly and temper your nature," Lu Jiujia said softly.


    Jiang Shi quickly said, "I choose to stay in Mystic Valley! I definitely won''t let you and Master


    down!"


    "Do you want to hear my story?" Lu Jiujia stared at Jiang Shi, his expression turning somber.


    Jiang Shi naturally wanted to listen, so Lu Jiujia began to recount his own past, starting from


    when he joined Supreme Sect.


    Meanwhile.


    Gu An was in the Hidden Spirit Pce at the bottom of the sea.


    He looked at the pce he had crafted, very satisfied. In the dim seabed, Hidden Spirit Pce


    glowed a ghostly blue, its walls reflecting the wave light, with two phoenix-shaped statues standing at the main gate.


    He was about to walk toward Hidden Spirit Pce when he suddenly sensed something and


    turned his head.


    In the eastern direction, a massive creature was approaching¡ªa giant fish with arge head


    and small body, stretching a thousand feet long, resembling a mountain range. It was chasing a small fish, like Mount Tai chasing a pebble.


    The small fish was extremely fast, darting like lightning. No matter how the giant fish chased,


    it just couldn''t catch up.


    Gu An''s eyes narrowed, the surrounding seawater churned, luring the little fish to change direction and escape towards the Hidden Spirit Pce.

 Chapter 383: Chapter 383: Li Ya Struck

    Chapter 383: Chapter 383: Li Ya Struck


    ?


    After spending half the night in the Hidden Spirit Pce, deep into the night, Gu An returned to Mystic Valley.


    Most of the buildings in the valley had turned off their lights, and the disciples were


    practicing in the darkness. Gu An turned his head towards the forests at the edge of Mystic Valley.


    He saw a figure practicing swordsmanship.


    Jiang Shi!


    For some reason, Gu An suddenly felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu; he seemed to see a figure from hundreds of years ago.


    Back then, he had a disciple who also loved to practice swordsmanship in the forest, simrly burdened by a vendetta.


    Gu An watched for a while, then walked towards his own loft.


    Back inside his room, he did not watch Jiang Shi practice swordsmanship again. He recalled the prior conversation between Jiang Shi and Lu Jiujia and had no intention of intervening.


    The most important aspect of being human is that everyone has their own choices to make. Gu An had already warned them, and Lu Jiujia just needed to make a choice following that warning. Whatever the choice, Lu Jiujia would have to face the consequences.


    If Lu Jiujia insisted on suffering, then so be it.


    The greatest care Gu An could offer to those around him was to ensure they would not die before their life span ended.


    Of course, nothing was absolute. Perhaps Jiang Shi could change for the better. When Gu An pointed out Jiang Shi''s past, he had already altered their destinies-a change for better or worse, time would tell.


    Only in the early hours of the morning did Jiang Shi return from the woods, joining the disciples for morning drills, with Gu An joining in, chatting andughing with the disciples during the drills, even jovially talking with Jiang Shi without dwelling on his past.


    Upon learning that Gu An was not willing to ept him, Jiang Shi did not harbor any animosity towards Gu An, indicating that his nature was not beyond redemption. Naturally, Gu An would not deliberately shut him out.


    Of course, by doing this, Gu An also hoped to encourage Jiang Shi to improve, and to reduce the chances of him causing trouble for Lu Jiujia.


    The day passed, and Jiang Shi became verypliant, no longer pleading for anything.


    ...


    Time flew like an arrow; thirty years passed in the blink of an eye.


    That day, Gu An came back early from Heavenly Phoenix Mountain and stood downstairs, waiting for someone''s return.


    Ji Xiaoyu walked out from inside the house and stood beside him, her gaze on him, yet she remained silent with a cold expression.


    Gu An felt uneasy under her stare and nced at her, asking, "What''s wrong?"


    Ji Xiaoyu said softly, "Gu An, you''re really heartless, not talking to me for so many years?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu An quickly turned around, helplessly saying, "I didn''t talk to you? It''s just because of your icy demeanor; I didn''t dare to disturb you, and how often do you even leave the house in a year?"


    Ji Xiaoyu huffed, "Don''t give me that. If it were your junior sister ignoring you, you''d definitely rush to appease her."


    "Impossible!"


    "Oh, really?"


    Ji Xiaoyu wore an incredulous look.


    Gu An earnestly said, "My junior sister couldn''t possibly ignore me."


    Ji Xiaoyu''s pupils dted slightly, and she was tempted to leave but restrained herself.


    Gu An asked, "How has your cultivation been these years? I''ve already reached the sixth floor of the Nascent Soul Realm. Impressive, right?"


    Ji Xiaoyu, initially annoyed, couldn''t help but chuckle upon hearing this.


    "Indeed impressive, almost catching up to me," Ji Xiaoyu said crisply as she contained her smile and responded coldly.


    Gu An followed up, "What realm are you at now?"


    "Eighth floor of the Unification Realm."


    "What?"


    Gu An widened his eyes in astonishment and asked, "How could you advance so quickly? Is cultivating to the Unification Realm that easy?"


    Ji Xiaoyu nced at him and said, "You think it''s quick because you don''t take cultivation seriously. Regardless of the era, my cultivation speed is never considered top-tier."


    "That''s true."


    "Hmm?"


    "I mean, in my eyes, you''ve always had an elite talent."


    Gu An dered seriously, inwardly thinking women are really hard to please; praise you and you mock me, don''t praise you and you get upset.


    The two continued to chat, with Ji Xiaoyu intentionally easing their tense rtionship, and Gu An naturally went along with it.


    Before long, a figure flew in from the horizon-it was the person Gu An was waiting for.


    The person flew swiftly andnded behind Gu An, extending a hand towards him. Ji Xiaoyu quickly pulled Gu An towards herself, causing the hand to miss.


    Gu An took hold of Ji Xiaoyu''s hand and turned to look.


    "Senior Brother Li!" Gu An eximed excitedly.


    Li Ya''s hand hovered in the air as he looked confusedly towards Ji Xiaoyu, not expecting her to react so quickly.


    Ji Xiaoyu felt Gu An squeezing her wrist but did not pull her hand away, and she calmly looked


    at Li Ya.


    Gu An let go, stepping forward to enthusiastically greet Li Ya.


    The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, with Li Ya guiding Gu An towards his loft, and Ji Xiaoyu followed closely.


    As they ascended the stairs, Ji Xiaoyu was still behind them, which made Li Ya puzzled as he


    looked at Ji Xiaoyu.


    "Let here along; she''s one of us," Gu An said with a smile.


    Ji Xiaoyu''s lips slightly curved upon hearing this.


    Li Ya felt awkward but didn''t refuse.


    After the three entered the house, Gu An began making tea for Li Ya and inquired about his


    experiences over the years.


    Ji Xiaoyu sat on Gu An''s chair, and Li Ya didn''t sit down immediately, narrating his experiences while scanning the furnishings in the room.


    Years had passed, yet there was little change in Junior Brother Gu''s residence, evoking a rush


    of emotions in him.


    After Gu An poured him a good tea, he brought over a chair and sat beside Ji Xiaoyu, listening to him recount his experiences.


    Hearing that he had entered the Holy Court, Gu An couldn''t help but exim, giving him


    ample face.


    Li Ya then spoke of the Magic Battle Conference between the Holy Court and the Immortal Dynasty, piquing Ji Xiaoyu''s interest.


    "Guess who I saw in the camp of the Immortal Dynasty? An Hao! Surprising, isn''t it? He actually joined the Immortal Dynasty!" Li Ya remarked with emotion.


    Gu An thought to himself that he was well aware, and he also knew that Li Ya had been


    defeated by him again.


    Li Ya, through fortuitous opportunities, had reached the Mystic Heart Realm, and encountered An Hao in the Magic Battle Conference. An Hao, stubborn as always, refused to use the power of Divine Exotic City and, unsurprisingly, was thoroughly defeated.


    It must be said that Li Ya was both fortunate and tragic.


    He could always keep up with An Hao''s pace, but he just couldn''t defeat him.


    Time and again, he was utterly crushed. Despite being in the same realm, he was no match for


    An Hao.


    Compared to Yang Jian, Li Ya seemed more like An Hao''s destined rival.


    "Did you two face off?" asked Gu An.


    Li Ya shook his head and said, "Sadly, no. Almost out of luck, I wanted to test his sharpness."


    Puff! Augh echoed in his heart, theugh of the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit.


    He pretended not to hear it, continuing with hismentations, unaware that Gu An could hear the inner voice of Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, who was debunking his boast to Gu An.


    How intriguing!


    Li Ya began talking about the exceptional talents from both factions, and Gu An would exim from time to time, keeping the atmosphere lively.


    Ji Xiaoyu didn''t utter a word, listening quietly all the while. "You might not believe this, but the Immortal Dynasty actually won the Magic Battle


    Conference; they won one more match than expected. Who knows what changes this will bring about now? If the Holy Court can''t suppress the Immortal Dynasty, war might be inevitable,"


    Li Ya sighed.


    He even doubted if he had chosen the wrong path.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Why does An Hao always have such smooth sailing?


    Ji Xiaoyu spoke up, "The talents of the Immortal Dynasty are naturally superior to ordinary people. Suchpetitions are advantageous for the Immortal Dynasty; the Holy Court probably let them win deliberately, aiming for a peaceful situation. If it came to a direct war, the Holy Court would win, but it would be a Pyrrhic victory, severely damaging the Holy


    Court."


    Li Ya looked at Ji Xiaoyu with surprise, not expecting her to make such an astute judgment.


    He knew Ji Xiaoyu''s identity, and had initially thought Gu An kept her nearby to remember the third young miss of the Ji Family; now, it seemed, this Ji Xiaoyu was not so simple. Sensing Li Ya''s amazement, Gu An introduced her, "Thisdy is no ordinary person; not yet four hundred years old, she has already attained the eighth floor of the Unification Realm, possessing a talent not inferior to An Hao."


    More than being not inferior-Ji Xiaoyu''s true self was a Free Immortal. It would take An Hao and Li Ya at least a million years, maybe even longer, to cultivate to a Free Immortal. "That impressive?" Li Ya''s expression changed; he was genuinely shocked. Despite being a cultivator of the Mystic Heart Realm, only he knew the sacrifices he''d made.


    His rapid increase in cultivation level wasn''t due to innate talent.


    How has the Supreme Sect produced another remarkable genius?


    Li Ya resignedly said, "Indeed on par with An Hao. An Hao had just achieved the Mahayana


    Realm a few years ago-reaching it at the age of five hundred. It''s monstrous. Miss Ji might be able to achieve Mahayana Realm at the same age."


    He felt incredibly bitter inside.


    He could ept An Hao''s achievements since An Hao, like him, had traveled far and faced


    life-threatening dangers.


    What about Ji Xiaoyu?


    Staying by Gu An''s side and she could cultivate so quickly?


    Li Ya could hardly stay any longer; he took out two brocade boxes from his Storage Ring,


    saying, "These are gifts I''ve prepared for you. Luckily, I brought an extra one, as a gift for


    meeting your younger sister. I have matters to discuss with the Supreme Sect, and I''lle back another time for a drink."


    With that, he stood up and walked towards the window.


    Suddenly remembering Ji Xiaoyu was still there, he turned and headed for the door.


    "That much in a hurry?"


    "Almost forgot something important, it''s urgent."


    "Alright then."


    Gu An escorted Li Ya to the door and watched him fly away.


    He felt regretful; how had he managed to drive Li Ya away?


    Li Ya was actually his first true friend in this lifetime, and he quite missed him. If Li Ya didn''t


    seek him out, he would have to go find Li Ya.


    Perhaps it was the presence of ady that made it awkward between brothers.


    Gu An closed the door, returned to the table, and saw Ji Xiaoyu already opening the brocade


    boxes. There were two jade pendants inside.


    "I want this one," Ji Xiaoyu said undebatably, her cheerfulness undisguised. Without waiting for Gu An''s response, she began casting spells on the two jade pendants.


    Gu An sat down on the chair Li Ya had just vacated, feeling a bit helpless.


    Li Ya really was speaking recklessly!


    He, Gu An, was meant to be an ascetic cultivator who walked unscathed through a myriad of


    flowers; how could he possibly tie the knot with ady?


    Thinking of An Hao, Gu An immediately extended his Divine Thought towards him.


    An Hao was still inside the Holy Court, in a mysterious secret realm. With Gu An''s current Dao


    Level, no formation or restriction within the Holy Court could obstruct him; he could even


    stealthily probe inside without a sound.


    Soon, he located An Hao.


    Eh?


    What''s going on?


    Gu An was surprised; what great opportunity had An Hao encountered inside the Holy Court?

 Chapter 384: Chapter 384: Great Fortune of Energy Movement, Deep Sea Dragon Carp

    Chapter 384: Chapter 384: Great Fortune of Energy Movement, Deep Sea Dragon Carp


    ?


    Gu An saw An Hao receiving guidance from a Free Immortal, who was none other than the Saint Ancestor of the Holy Court!


    He explored An Hao''s karma and understood the interactions between the two.


    To Gu An''s amazement, the Saint Ancestor wished to groom An Hao into the next Shengtian. An Hao had refused, but the Saint Ancestor insisted on imparting his teachings, even if An Hao would not be the Shengtian.


    Gu An couldn''t help but marvel at An Hao''s unparalleled Qi Fortune.


    The first time he met An Hao, he couldn''t resist lending a hand and for some inexplicable reason, he took a liking to the young man.


    Since embarking on the path of immortality, An Hao had made more friends than enemies, which was key to his smooth progression.


    After joining the Immortal Dynasty, to receive the highest inheritance from the arch-enemy of the dynasty, the Holy Court, if that''s not being a favored child of Heaven, Gu An didn''t believe it.


    While he was reflective, this was Gu An''s prized disciple, and he could not let An Haoe to harm.


    He carefully predicted and made sure the Saint Ancestor wouldn''t harm An Hao before he could be at peace.


    He withdrew his Divine Thought and continued chatting with Ji Xiaoyu.


    After decades of a cold war, Ji Xiaoyu had a lot to say, as if she wanted to express all her umted words, and Gu An, being a great conversationalist, kept her spirits high, quickly drawing out her continuousughter.


    Meanwhile,


    In the Holy Court, within the Tao Realm.


    Beside a mistyke, the Saint Ancestor sat on a round rock, eyes opening to glimpse the asionally visible An Hao on theke surface, his brow furrowing.


    "Strange, why am I suddenly feeling uneasy..."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Saint Ancestor thought in surprise; since bing a Free Immortal, he hadn''t had such a feeling.


    He could see the past and future of all things, and even if he faced an unbeatable opponent, he was confident in his escape.


    To say bluntly, unless his time was near, it was impossible for him to die.


    With such power, how could he feel such inexplicable unease?


    While pondering, the Saint Ancestor kept his eyes on An Hao, his gaze filled with expectation.


    "This world is bing more dangerous, with more and more unpredictable people and events emerging between heaven and earth, with Heavenly Demons lurking from the Outer Heaven. How long can a Free Immortal maintain peace?"


    "This young man''s talent is rarely seen,parable to a Shengtian. Looking at his past, he always encounters mentors, even has the mysterious Holy Sword as a master. Only he could resolve the ancient irreconcble grievances of the Great Heavenly Spirit Land..."


    The Saint Ancestor''s eyes gleamed brighter.


    From the first nce at An Hao, he was attracted.


    This attraction was inherent, and even as a Free Immortal, he felt drawn to it; of course, this ''attraction'' was just a favorable impression and would not influence his major decisions. If An Hao offended him, he would not be lenient.


    He valued An Hao because he saw him as a bearer of a Great Fortune of Energy Movement.


    He had encountered such a Great Fortune holder two million years ago, someone he revered and aspired to emte, sadly, he didn''t know whether they were dead or alive now.


    The Saint Ancestor''s thoughts gradually drifted to the distant past, and a blurry figure appeared in his eyes.


    ...


    Dayster, Gu An went to the Main City of the Sect to find Li Ya, and the two drank heartily for a day and a night.


    Indeed, with Ji Xiaoyu around, Li Ya found it hard to speak his mind. Only when he was alone with Gu An could he let his guard down and talk about the hardships of these years.


    Something recently troubled him¡ªit was his rtionship with Li Xuandao.


    From childhood, he felt that his father, the Emperor, did not like him, with this feeling intensifying after his mother''s death.


    Now over five hundred years old, he suddenly discovered Li Xuandao actually loved him deeply, even sending someone to invite him back to the Imperial City. How could his feelings not beplex?


    "Now that he knows I''m sessful, he wants to win me over, not a chance. He has a genius child, let that genius inherit his throne. What''s he want with me?" Li Ya spoke dejectedly.


    Gu An didn''t know whatfort to offer.


    In fact, Li Xuandao''s cultivation level was stronger than Li Ya''s, and Li Xuandao had no intention of passing the throne to his descendants. He wanted to remain Emperor forever. For this reason, Gu An thought that Li Xuandao''s invitation for Li Ya to return might be


    genuine.


    However, he couldn''t intervene in other people''s father-son rtionships.


    Lv Baitian''s rtionship with his son, Lv Xian, was even worse. Over the years, Lv Baitian would often tell Gu An about his helplessness and regret when dealing with Lv Xian.


    Looking at Li Ya, Gu An thought he definitely should not have children; it would be too troublesome.


    Just thinking about the break between Long Zhan and Long Xin in the Lifespan Samsara gave him a headache.


    Even with a high cultivation level, one couldn''t please everyone, especially when conflicts arose among close rtives-it only added to the emotional burden.


    At least Gu An felt his current life was quite good, treating his disciple like a child. If the disciple courted death, he would help if possible, and if not, then so be it, with no pressure and at most heartache.


    "Senior brother, do you know how Xiaochuan spent hisst hundred years?" Gu An suddenly asked.


    Li Ya was startled, naturally remembering Xiaochuan. He frowned and asked, "Xiaochuan


    died?"


    Gu An nodded and said, "Yes, it happened many years ago. In his final years, he was entangled by his descendants'' troubles, affecting his cultivation, but he had no regrets, even enjoying


    it."


    Li Ya frowned.


    Gu An reflected, "Blood is thicker than water, it''s not just a saying. Think about it, did your father ever mistreat you? Suppressed you? At most, he was just not that caring. It''s not so atrociously evil requiring a severance of father-son rtions, right?"


    "You''re a well-known cultivator, and each time you leave, many, many years pass before you return. Sometimes, I''m not even sure when will be thest time I see you. Maybe your father thinks simrly, fearing to leave regrets."


    Listening to Gu An''s words, Li Ya opened his mouth but finally just sighed.


    He knew Li Xuandao had limited talent, now only at the Nascent Soul Realm, and Gu An''s


    words made sense.


    "When I leave next time, I might not return for hundreds of years."


    At that moment, Li Ya felt loneliness as well as fear.


    He feared that many yearster, he would be left alone in the world, without family or


    friends.


    Li Ya looked at Gu An and asked, "Junior Brother Gu, how about youe with me to the Holy Court to cultivate? I''ll find a way for you to stay there."


    His tone was resolute since, in his life, he had made many acquaintances, but most of them had been rtionships of convenience.


    Gu An was his first true friend. There had been another person before, Zhang Buku, but his whereabouts were unknown, with his life or death uncertain.


    Li Ya thought of the scene where Gu An would die, and he felt terrible even if it were a


    peaceful death.


    "I''d rather not. Isn''t going to the Holy Court just asking for trouble? Oh, brother, don''t overthink it. Maybe I have a natural destiny to live a long life of ten thousand years?" Gu An shook his head, and his easy smile made Li Ya feel even more distressed.


    Why should someone as good as Junior Brother Gu be limited by his talent, while someone as


    arrogant as An Hao can alwaysughst?


    Li Ya felt that the heavens were so unfair.


    "Forget it, let''s just drink."


    Gu An urged and started looking forward to the scene thousands of yearster, when Li Ya


    would find that he still wasn''t dead.


    Sorry, brother, but your junior is bound to live longer than anyone.


    ...


    Li Ya only stayed at the Supreme Sect for a month before leaving. Gu An, with a spectator''s amusement, spied on Li Ya''s return to the Imperial City.


    As he expected, the meeting between Li Ya and Li Xuandao was extremely awkward. Even


    though Li Xuandao tried hard to force a smile, he couldn''t dissolve the awkwardness between


    father and son.


    However, the fact that the two could sit down and talk was a good start.


    It''s worth mentioning that Li Ya''s first encounter with his younger brother Li Lingtian was


    unpleasant.


    The brothers fought, and henceforth, Li Lingtian had one more opponent he wanted to defeat.


    Royal family affairs are reallyplicated!


    Gu An felt this way at the moment.


    Until the end of the year, Gu An saw another family matter. The Ji Family came to find Ji Xiaoyu, wanting her to return to the family, but she refused, causing a stiff conflict.


    Unlike in her previous life, Ji Xiaoyu had grown up this time and had be even tougher, beyond the control of the Ji Family.


    Li Ya''s and Ji Xiaoyu''s situations further solidified Gu An''s resolve not to start a family.


    At least not for now.


    Gu An hadn''t yet achieved longevity and had many enemies to surpass. How could he be


    hindered by familial ties?


    If he already had family, he would naturally take great care of them, but since he didn''t, there was no need to deliberately create familial bonds to satisfy emotional needs.


    Another new year arrived, bidding farewell to the old and weing the new.


    After several days of festivity, Gu An visited the Hidden Spirit Pce alone. Over the years, this ce continuously produced Low-Rank Medical Herbs, allowing Gu An to


    harvest them each time he visited.


    He had just started collecting when he furrowed his brows.


    "Why has ite again?"


    He talked to himself. Only he and his clone were in the dojo of the Hidden Spirit Pce, and


    his clone couldn''tmunicate with him.


    He was referring to a very fast little fish that approached the dojo every now and then. Even


    though his clone cast spells to drive it away, it never gave up.


    It seemed that the more he drove it away, the more it was attracted to this ce.


    Gu An decided to teach the little fish a lesson.


    He stood up and walked to an open area nearby. With a thought, a one-meter-long fish


    appeared in front of him, and he stepped on it to pin it down.


    It was a goldfish resembling a carp, with scales brighter than gold and quite handsome. Its


    eyes were like gems.


    The goldfish widened its eyes, lookingpletely bewildered. [Deep Sea Dragon Carp (Unification Realm, Second Layer): 8504/12000/15000]


    To have lived eight thousand five hundred years and still be so small!


    Gu An found it curious, as most demons grewrger as their Cultivation Level increased.


    Heavenly demons like Tian Yao''er, Tianqing, and Tian Bai had veryrge true forms.


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp started to struggle violently, but no matter how it thrashed, it couldn''t free itself from Gu An''s foot.


    Under Gu An''s suppression, it seemed to have no cultivation, making little noise and not posing any threat to nearby medicinal herbs.


    Gu An took out the Qinghong Sword, looking like he was about to kill it.


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp shut its eyes in terror and trembled incessantly.


    To Gu An''s amusement, he saw tears streaming from its eyes, resembling pearls as they


    squeezed out.


    "Scared now? Will you dare to swim here again?" Gu An asked.


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp opened its eyes and hurriedly shook its head.


    Gu An suddenly frowned, hesitating, "But you''ve already discovered my dojo. Letting you


    escape might bring me troubleter. Never mind, I''d better eat you. Should I steam you, or


    should I grill you?"


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp''s eyes widened in extreme fear, and its tears streamed down.

 Chapter 385: Chapter 385: Fated Destiny

    Chapter 385: Chapter 385: Fated Destiny


    ?


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp did not understand what "steaming" meant, nor did it grasp the concept of "char-grilling," but its cultivation level was not low, and it could sense the hostility in Gu An''s voice, which filled it with extreme panic.


    Gu An watched it cry incessantly, and he felt amused.


    Such a coward, and yet it deliberately sought out danger-how peculiar.


    Wait a minute!


    Could this fellow be like Zhu Xi, who also loved to act?


    Gu An decided to teach it a harsh lesson, so he cast an illusion on it.


    Immediately afterward, the Deep Sea Dragon Carp saw a fish that looked exactly like itself being steamed, then char-grilled. When it saw the char-grilling, its fish skin was scorched ck, crisped up, and oozed oil; it could not take it anymore.


    Apanied by a spasm, the Deep Sea Dragon Carp at Gu An''s feet fainted dead away. "It''s this weak?"


    Gu An used his foot to flip the Deep Sea Dragon Carp''s body, and seeing that it remained motionless, he felt even more exasperated.


    After hesitating for a moment, Gu An moved the Deep Sea Dragon Carp to a distant part of the sea.


    "If youe back, you''re certainly dead. If you dare to reveal my location, your end will be even more miserable than what you''ve seen."


    Gu An transmitted his words into the Deep Sea Dragon Carp''s mind. Given the realm of the Deep Sea Dragon Carp, when it awoke, even if it did not understand thenguage of the human race, it would still understand what Gu An meant to express.


    --


    As the clouds dispersed, beside the greatke, An Hao stood with his back to the Saint Ancestor, gazing up at the sky.


    The Saint Ancestor looked at An Hao with increasing satisfaction in his eyes, as if viewing a


    rare treasure.


    "I never thought you could master the Heavenly Dao Divine Record so quickly. Given time, there will be no one in this world who can rival you," the Saint Ancestor praised.


    An Hao turned his head and nced at the Saint Ancestor from the corner of his eye, asking, "Has Shengtian managed to master this skill?"


    The Saint Ancestor replied, "Of course, but you will surpass him sooner orter."


    Upon hearing this, An Hao fell into contemtion.


    Having mastered the Heavenly Dao Divine Record, he deeply understood the strength of this skill, which gave him a greater appreciation for Shengtian''s might.


    Even in the Immortal Dynasty, all immortals deemed the Holy Court''s Shengtian the strongest in the world. How powerful must one be to win the respect even from rival forces regarding one''s strength?


    "I must leave now. Thank you, senior, for your teachings. I will never forget this kindness," An Hao said.


    He turned around and bowed to the Saint Ancestor.


    The Saint Ancestor asked, "Will you make an enemy of the Holy Court in the future?"


    An Hao looked at him and answered, "I am not sure; no one can predict the future. However, I can assure you, I will not make enemies with the Holy Court on behalf of the Immortal Dynasty. My joining was solely for the pursuit of greater strength."


    The Saint Ancestor nodded, smiling, and said, "Junior, may you attain Nirvana early. Once you do, you will awaken your true power and feel the force of the Heavenly Dao, the supreme way in this world."


    An Hao acknowledged, then turned and leaped, transforming into a white light that sped away, disappearing into the distant clouds in the blink of an eye.


    The Saint Ancestor watched his departure with a sense of wonder, musing, "I thought this was a declining epoch, but now it seems to be the sign of a prosperous era. Who knows, looking back in a million years, what myths will have emerged..."


    While the Saint Ancestor was ruminating, Gu An was also reflecting.


    Inside the Hidden Spirit Pce.


    Standing on the path between the medicine gardens, Gu An looked into the distance, murmuring, "This guy really is persistent."


    He was referring to the Deep Sea Dragon Carp.


    Since theirst encounter, sixty years had passed. After several days of silence, the Deep Sea Dragon Carp began its search for the Hidden Spirit Pce-a quest thatsted for sixty years. Over those sixty years, most of the disciples from the Third Medicine Valley and Mystic Valley had changed, and in the mundane world, several generations had passed on.


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp, having traversed many seas and faced countless dangers, finally arrived in the sea area of the Hidden Spirit Pce. Now, it was covered in wounds, its scales no longer the resplendent sheen of old; here a few were missing, there some were gone, presenting a very pitiful sight.


    Its will moved Gu An; he could discern that throughout those years, the Deep Sea Dragon Carp had not divulged his or the Hidden Spirit Pce''s existence to other demon creatures.


    Without probing for information, the creature had managed to find its way here. It seemed to possess hidden talents unknown to all.


    Under normal circumstances, given the distance, even a Mahayana Realm might have difficulty finding the Hidden Spirit Pce in sixty years.


    Ah, well.


    Gu An shook his head and continued to pick medicinal herbs.


    He opened his attribute panel while gathering the herbs.


    [Name: Gu An]


    [Life Span: 612/958,702,371]


    [Physique: Mixed Yuan Refined Void Body]


    [Cultivation Level: Taoist Hidden Immortal Realm Perfect]


    ...


    Almost ten billion years of life span!


    Awesome!


    Gu An was in high spirits. This was life span he had earned through hard work, not through theft or ughter, and he felt a great sense of aplishment.


    The world was stirring with excitement. Great powers and geniuses were emerging one after another, while he quietly developed his strength, watching the struggles of the world. He was racing toward longevity at an even faster pace, and the feeling was exhrating.


    The more he thought about it, the happier Gu An became, and he couldn''t help but hum a


    tune.


    After he finished gathering the medicinal herbs, he returned to the Supreme Sect.


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp had just entered the region; it would take another month or two to


    get near the Hidden Spirit Pce, so he was not in a hurry to meet it.


    If the Deep Sea Dragon Carp were to die on thisst stretch of road, it would indicate that such fortune was not in its destiny, and no one could be med for that.


    Returning to the Third Medicine Valley just after midday, the hot summer breeze blew into the valley, and sunlight shone on the Seven Stars Mirror in Gu An''s hand, refracting a dazzling


    light.


    Gu An used the Seven Stars Mirror as a fan, leisurely strolling forward while waving it to cool


    down.


    An Xin suddenly ran over, stopping in front of him, and said, "Master, Wu Jue is in trouble!"


    Gu An asked, "What happened?"


    "Today I went to the Inner Sect City and heard that he has been thrown into the dungeon of the Supreme Sect, apparently for harming a fellow sect member," An Xin replied quickly. Upon hearing this, Gu An furrowed his brow and said, "I''ll go to the Inner Sect."


    After speaking, he turned and left.


    An Xin breathed a sigh of relief. Telling his master about the situation was enough; with his master''s capabilities, resolving it wouldn''t be difficult.


    Less than half an hourter, Gu An, following the guidance of a dungeon disciple, reached the seventh floor underground.


    Having been with the Supreme Sect for six hundred years, this was his first visit to this ce. As the Supreme Sect grew stronger, the restrictions of the dungeon steadily increased; it was said that the eighteenth underground floor imprisoned an Immortal.


    The dungeon disciple halted in front of a cell, briefly exined a few things, and then turned


    and left.


    Moving beyond the fifth floor underground was not something just anyone could decide to


    do; Gu An had pulled some strings, so the dungeon disciple was quite courteous to him.


    The cell was made from special redwood, its surface carved with talismans and containing multipleyers of restrictions.


    Gu An looked inside the cell door; it was dim inside, and Wu Jue, with his hair disheveled, leaned against the wall, sleeping.


    Inside the dungeon, cultivation was not possible; spiritual energy was cut off, and Wu Jue had be noticeably thinner.


    Gu An had known when Wu Jue had been caught, but he was not worried about Wu Jue''s death given the protections within the Supreme Sect, so he didn''te earlier.


    When An Xin found Gu An, from the standpoint of causality logic, Gu An should visit Wu Jue,


    too.


    Gu An, who studied the Way of Cause and Effect, began to see the causality in the world as a game. He was willing to abide by the rules of the game unless the game annoyed him, at


    which point he would change it.


    "Brother Wu, I''vee to see you," Gu An said, simultaneously casting a Life Span Detection


    on Wu Jue.


    [Wu Jue (Unification Realm fifth floor): 614/4500/8300]


    Eh?


    His maximum life span finally increased!


    This kid really needed to experience hardship to reach Path Enlightenment. Everything


    coming too easily was not good.


    The Wu Jue in the dark slowly opened his eyes, his vision was blurred, only able to make out a silhouette outside the cell door.


    After Gu An called out to him again, Wu Jue''s vision suddenly became clear.


    "Brother Gu..."


    Wu Jue looked at Gu An, his face full of shame, not knowing what to say.


    He was still very touched; the crime he hadmitted was serious, and the Fang family had


    formidable influence, leading the Supreme Sect to abandon him.


    Those friends of his had been avoiding him like the gue. Having been imprisoned for so


    long, Gu An was the first to visit him. How could he not be moved?


    "Why aren''t you speaking? Do you not recognize me?"


    Gu An feigned seriousness as he asked. He had already deduced the incident regarding Wu Jue


    killing a fellow


    member.


    The incident couldn''t be entirely med on Wu Jue. The fellow member was also a genius of


    the Supreme Sect, who had borne a grudge against Wu Jue for a previous defeat and disliked


    him.


    After Wu Jue was defeated by Zhou Tongyou, he went out to gain experience and encountered the genius. Taking advantage of his numbers, he mocked Wu Jue as inferior to Zhou Tongyou, wasting the Sect''s investment. Wu Jue was not one to be bullied easily.


    An argument broke out between them, which escted into a fight. The other party bore the intent to kill, leading Wu Jue to retaliate with full force and eventually, a tragedy urred. Since there were other sect members present, Wu Jue chose to return to the sect and report the incident, but those sect members turned against him, iming Wu Jue struck first.


    And so, Wu Jue was thrown into the dungeon, tarnishing his reputation. Regardless, Wu Jue indeed had killed a fellow sect member, and as a Righteous Path Sect, such a crime was truly unforgivable in the eyes of the Supreme Sect.


    Wu Jue felt he had made a mistake and was too ashamed to face Gu An.


    "I don''t disown you, it''s just that I''m too ashamed to face you," said Wu Jue, taking a deep


    breath and attempting to stay calm.


    Ever since he became known as a genius, too many people flocked around him, all of whomn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    were nice to him. Along with being at different stages, Wu Jue met with Gu An less and less; sometimes, he would even forget Gu An was his most important brother.


    Now that he had fallen, all those close friends refused to see him, yet it was Gu An who came.


    In that moment, Wu Jue was filled with self-mockery.


    "What exactly happened?"


    Gu An asked, pulling Wu Jue out from his dejection.


    Wu Jue calmed himself and began to recount the events and the reasons behind them.


    After a while.


    When Wu Jue finished speaking, Gu An stayed silent for a moment, then said, "It cannot all be med on you. Didn''t anyone upstairs believe you?"


    Wu Jue replied helplessly, "How could they believe it? It''s not like they can use Soul Searching


    Skill on those people, and even if they did it to me, how many would be willing to believe?" Gu An said, "No problem, I will speak to the Sect Leader about it."


    Wu Jue responded, "The Sect Leader has already spoken with me, asking me to bide my time until the controversy settles somewhat, and then he will find a way."


    As the Supreme Sect grew stronger, Lv Baitian, being the Sect Leader, found his authority


    diminishing.


    Gu Anforted him, "No problem, I will speak with him again. If that doesn''t work, I will


    ask others to speak up as well. I refuse to believe that the so-called Sheng Family can have their way all alone within the Supreme Sect!"

 Chapter 386: Chapter 386: The Sect with Ten Million Disciples

    Chapter 386: Chapter 386: The Sect with Ten Million Disciples


    ?


    Upon hearing Gu An''s words offort, Wu Jue could only offer a bitter smile. An amused chuckle came from a nearby cell.


    "Covering the sky with one hand? The Sheng Family really has such capability!"


    Gu An turned his head to look and saw an old man with white hair approaching the edge of the prison cell, his hands bony and clutching the mahogany bars. He looked at Gu An with a face full of scorn.


    Gu An feigned a frown and asked, "Could it be that you are also from the Sheng Family?"


    The old manughed and said, "If I were from the Sheng Family, how would I have ended up like this? Like your friend, I offended the Sheng Family, and even the Hall of Elders told me toy low for a while. I''ve been locked up for a century now, and I fear I will spend the rest of my days here, waiting for the day the Sheng Family sheaths their butcher''s de."


    After listening, Wu Jue slightly lowered his head.


    Gu An angrily said, "I refuse to believe it, is the Sheng Family really so tyrannical? I am going to find the Sect Leader now!"


    With those words, he left with a swish of his sleeve.


    Wu Jue opened his mouth but in the end said nothing. Deep down, he too harbored a glimmer of hope.


    The Third Medicine Valley was a ce of hidden dragons and crouching tigers; the socially adept Gu An might indeed find a way.


    After Gu An''s presence faded from the dungeon level, Wu Jue began to worry.


    He suddenly feared that if this did not seed, it might instead implicate Gu An.


    "Wu Jue, isn''t it? I didn''t expect you to have such a naive friend. Shouldn''t the side of a genius be surrounded by hypocrisy?"


    The old man said in a mocking tone. Wu Jue didn''t respond, too weary to engage with him.


    Wu Jue was already familiar with the man''s toxic tongue, and he disdained to argue with such people.


    He seemed dejected, yet deep down, he held a confidence.


    He was still capable of enlightenment!


    If no one stood up for him, one day, he would uphold justice for himself!


    Meanwhile, after leaving the dungeon, Gu An did not go directly to find Lv Baitian.


    Considering Wu Jue could find enlightenment, it was better to let him reflect for more time.


    Gu An wandered around the Inner Sect City, meeting disciples who had graduated two hundred years ago and probing information about the Sheng Family.


    He could divine oues, but he preferred to immerse himself in this grudge and investigate in an ordinary capacity. If that failed, then he could only win by virtue.


    Gu An''s disciples were spread throughout the Supreme Sect. While it was said he was discerning about the Sheng Family, in reality, he was enjoying free meals and drinks.


    Having wandered all day, he felt satisfied body and soul.


    From today''s findings, the Sheng Family indeed held significant power. There were many ns within the Supreme Sect, but few could stand out and incite fear as they did.


    The disciples were fearful that Gu An would offend the Sheng Family. Upon understanding why he was investigating the Sheng Family, they all advised him to stay out of it.


    When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, it was already night.


    Lights shone brightly in the valley, and from a distance, Gu An could hear theughter and cheer of the disciples.


    Gu An felt relieved; thankfully, the powerful ns within the Supreme Sect had not jeopardized his Medicine Valley.


    If they had, blood would have flown like rivers.


    Gu An stopped at the base of his own building but didn''t go up immediately. Instead, he knocked on Ji Xiaoyu''s door.


    "Come in."


    Ji Xiaoyu''s pleasant voice echoed from inside, and Gu An pushed the door open, then closed it behind him.


    As he approached Ji Xiaoyu, she curiously asked, "It''s rare for you to seek me out proactively, is something the matter?"


    "What kind of question is that? Can''t I visit you without a reason? Weren''t you the one who med me for not taking the initiative to see you for decades?" Gu An said dissatisfiedly, about to turn around and leave.


    Sitting on the bed, Ji Xiaoyu quickly grabbed his wrist.


    "Of course you can visit. Come, sit down," Ji Xiaoyu said gently with a smile, pulling Gu An to sit next to her.


    Gu An grunted, "I saw your ce was bright and lively, and something just drove me toe have a chat with you, but your first words angered me quite a bit."


    "Oh my, can''t I admit my mistake?" Ji Xiaoyu replied helplessly.


    How could he suddenly be so childish?


    But it was quite amusing.


    Such were Ji Xiaoyu''s thoughts as her lips curved upward involuntarily.


    Gu An then smiled and said, "That''s more like it. Today, I saw Wu Jue, you know, and he..."


    He began to recount Wu Jue''s trials, with Ji Xiaoyu listening attentively because she remembered Wu Jue Well.


    After Gu An finished talking about Wu Jue''s situation, he continued with his interactions with


    other disciples.


    For the first half-hour, Gu An did all the talking.


    Ji Xiaoyu then figured out his intention; surely, he wasn''t seeking her help, was he?


    In the end, Gu Anmented, "Even within the Supreme Sect, injustice exists. Fortunately, our Medicine Valley keeps a low profile and serves the Supreme Sect undisturbed. Why are these ns so overbearing, and might they one day surpass the Supreme Sect?"


    Ji Xiaoyu responded, "It''s possible, but difficult. If ites to that, the Supreme Sect might just be one of their subordinate forces."


    "The stronger the Supreme Sect, the more hopeless it bes for those disciples caught in dire straits," Gu An sighed.


    He then stood up and said, "We''ve talked for so long, you should continue cultivating now. Your future is not limited by the Supreme Sect."


    After speaking, he walked away.


    Ji Xiaoyu watched his departing figure, wanting to say something but hesitated.


    Once the door was closed, she couldn''t help but mutter, "He only visits when he needs something, and he even expects me to apologize while seeking my help?"


    She shook her head and chuckled, then took out a piece of talisman paper and began to write.


    As soon as Gu An sat down, he saw a white dove''s phantom flying away through the window, disappearing into the night sky in the blink of an eye.


    Gu An''s mouth curved up, he thought to himself, ''Not bad, quite sensible.''


    ...n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Several dayster, Lv Baitian came to Gu An, apanied by an old acquaintance, Vice Sect


    Leader Ji Hantian.


    The three sat down in the room.


    Bang!


    Ji Hantian suddenly mmed the table and cursed, "The Sheng Family truly goes too far, those overseas families really haven''t integrated the principles of the righteous path of the Supreme Sect into their ideology!"


    Lv Baitian''s eyelids twitched, and he said in a deep voice, "Why are you yelling?"


    "I''m outraged! You give the order to suppress the Sheng Family, and I''ll absolutely support


    you."


    "Why don''t you give the order?"


    "The Ji Family has good rtions with the Sheng Family; I''m caught in the middle, it''s


    difficult for me."


    "It sounds as if the Lv Family hasn''t benefited from the Sheng Family either; we are both in


    tough positions."


    Watching them pass the buck, Gu An found it amusing but also felt that the Supreme Sect had be somewhat superficial.


    Indeed, with the rapid expansion of the Supreme Sect, the cultivation levels of native high- ranking members couldn''t keep up with the pace of the sect, naturally diluting their power.


    Gu An spoke up, "Suddenly, I feel like writing a book."


    Ji Hantian''s eyes lit up, "That''s a good idea, Pan An''s influence is still considerable."


    Gu An nced at him and said, "Hmm, I''ll write that the Sheng Family is a powerful n that


    the Ji Family and Lv Family fear."


    Ji Hantian red and said, "Gu An, don''t joke around!"


    Gu An asked, "I understand why the Sect Leader is here, but Elder Ji, why have youe?"


    Ji Hantian huffed, "It''s all because of you. That girl Ji Xiaoyu is actually helping you, so I had no choice but toe myself."


    Gu An immediately felt somewhat annoyed, "When the third Miss was forced to go to the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, you couldn''t stop it; now Ji Xiaoyu asks you for help, and you face difficulties again. The Ji Family is strong, but it feels like it''s all about making


    compromises?"


    At this remark, Ji Hantian''s expression instantly darkened.


    Gu An then opened a drawer, took out the Fate Determining Pen, and from a stack of papers


    beside him, he pulled out a sheet of white paper.


    Seeing the two argue, Lv Baitian intervened, "I also trust in Wu Jue, but the Sheng Family lost


    a disciple, one considered among the top three talents of this generation; we must provide an exnation to the Sheng Family, and I assure you I won''t let anything happen to Wu Jue." Regardless of his rtionship with Gu An, in the years where Gu An had strategized, he truly felt that the strength of the Supreme Sect today could not be separated from Gu An''s contributions.


    Gu An remained silent, writing down names on the paper - all individuals rted to the Wu


    Jue incident, including those from the Sheng Family and others. They knew the truth but were pushing Wu Jue towards an abyss.


    If they werepelled, that would be one thing, but the conflict began with them following


    the Sheng Family genius in insulting Wu Jue and even attacking him. Their lies were to protect


    themselves.


    Choosing to bepdogs and bullying others, they should prepare for the bacsh.


    "What are you doing?" Lv Baitian frowned and asked, Gu An continued writing without speaking, making him genuinely afraid that Gu An might do something foolish.


    He solemnly said, "The Sheng Family has a Loose Immortal; do you know how high a Loose Immortal''s cultivation level is? If the path of immortality were smooth, you''d have to cultivate for tens of thousands of years, the Supreme Sect hasn''t had an Immortal live that


    long."


    Tens of thousands of years!


    This phrase weighed heavily, making Lv Baitian and Ji Hantian feel immense pressure just thinking about the age of the Sheng Family''s Loose Immortal.


    Gu An lifted his pen, gazing down at the names on the paper, and said with discontent, "I hate


    my own powerlessness. If I were an Immortal, how could I stand by and watch my close friend


    suffer?" After saying this, he gripped the Fate Determining Pen and made two strokes on the paper, drawing arge ''X'' as if to vent his frustration.


    Lv Baitian tried tofort him, "Don''t think like that, and besides, the Sheng Family is just


    angry but hasn''t pressed me any further."


    Gu An looked at him, "Do you remember what I told you hundreds of years ago, when you


    were still Elder Tian?"


    Upon hearing this, Lv Baitian immediately fell silent.


    Ji Hantian spoke earnestly, "Gu An, don''t act impulsively. If we mess up, all three of us could


    be in trouble. We could be abandoned by our families, you could be abandoned by the


    Supreme Sect. All these are possible."


    Gu An said, "Fine, I understand, I''ll pretend I don''t know about this matter." Seeing his indifferent expression, Lv Baitian was somewhat uneasy and asked, "Really?"


    "I am but a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator; I can''t break into dungeons or step through the


    Sheng Family''s gate. What can I do?" Gu An replied.


    Lv Baitian, after hearing this, could only sigh.


    "I won''t see you out, but I''ll remember what you''ve said."


    While speaking, Gu An pulled out a book from beside him.


    Lv Baitian wanted to say more, but Ji Hantian tugged at him, and after exchanging nces,


    they stood up and left.


    Although Gu An felt somewhat disappointed, he could also understand; not everyone had the


    same confidence as him.


    Nheless, he had already taken action; what happened next depended on how these two responded. If they didn''t handle it well, they too should consider moving aside.


    This had nothing to do with personal connections; the Supreme Sect''s Sect Leader and Vice Sect Leader needed people with greater breadth of spirit to take on these roles, for the Supreme Sect was not just any n''s sect, but a sect of millions of disciples.

 Chapter 387: Chapter 387: The Final Road

    Chapter 387: Chapter 387: The Final Road


    ?


    Lv Baitian and another left, and after about half a month, rumors suddenly spread throughout the Supreme Sect.


    A group of crazed disciples were proiming throughout the Inner Sect City the incident of Sheng Family''s genius bullying Wu Jue, and consequently being killed in retaliation.


    The matter of Wu Jue killing a fellow sect member had already caused a huge uproar, and now these disciples were telling a different story, so how could it not provoke controversy?


    Even though those disciples were quickly controlled, the news still spread rapidly.


    Through the investigation of curious disciples, it turned out that the crazed group was originally the witness of Wu Jue''s fratricide. Now having seemingly lost their minds, they presented a different testimony from before, forcing people to consider the possibility of a conspiracy.


    Some suspected that someone behind Wu Jue had acted, others spected that these individuals could no longer bear the psychological pressure and feigned insanity to reveal the truth, while some even believed that they had initially been poisoned by the Sheng Family and werepelled to lie, but now that the effects of the poison were manifesting, they had lost their sanity and were revealing the truth with theirst bit of lucidity.


    Opinions were varied, and Wu Jue once again became a center of attention within the Supreme Sect.


    The incident grew so significant that even members of the Sub-sect such as Ye Lan and Zhen Qin came to find Gu An, fearing he might get dragged into it.


    "The Sheng Family is truly ruthless, to actually poison someone. Tsk tsk, even the Sub-sect is discussing this now. Wu Jue is regarded as a top genius of the Supreme Sect, yet hecks a family background. If this matter isn''t handled well, those disciples without a family background will feel disheartened," Zhen Qin remarked astonishingly.


    Ye Lan was rather calm, saying, "Which sect could maintain peace over hundreds of years? There''s always some troublemaker. Sword Venerable Fudao hasn''t appeared for many years, it might be that the nobles are testing his attitude."


    Holding a book, Gu An focused his Divine Thought on the distant ocean.


    The Deep Sea Dragon Carp was being pursued by a group of demon creatures, in grave danger.


    This guy too had gone through eighty-one difficulties, just one short ofpletion.


    Zhen Qin tossed her hair casually and said, "Let them create chaos, it''s about time."


    Gu An looked at her and asked, "How about you? Have you been dealing with the Ghost Mother of Ephemerately?"


    Upon hearing the name Ghost Mother of Ephemera, Zhen Qin''s smile vanished, and she snorted, "I''m no match for her; I can''t trouble Senior Jiang anymore, I can only cultivate first."


    Fueled by her hatred for Su Han, Zhen Qin''s zeal in cultivation remained high, which also made her Innate Reincarnation skills quite effective.


    "That''s good; it''s not easy for Jiang Qiong either. After saving you, she must be feeling quite awkward facing her own Deputy Sect Master," Gu An continued her thoughts.


    Zhen Qin nodded, then changed the subject, "I heard from a master that the Yuanxu Ancestor truly opened up a Reincarnation realm right in the heavens, but who really knows what Reincarnation is like?"


    Speaking of Reincarnation, Gu An thought of Xiaochuan, who had been in the Reincarnation Vortex for a long time without reincarnating, at least within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land, Gu An temporarily couldn''t track his Destruction Dao Seal.


    Could he have reincarnated into another Great Heaven and Earth?


    Is a Divine Thought True Immortal that powerful?


    "If there really is a Reincarnation, I''m quite looking forward to it, just afraid that in reality, there is no Reincarnation. If every person is reincarnated, then where did the original soulse from?" Ye Lan raised a question.


    The two women began to explore the subject of Reincarnation, intentionally avoiding the topic of Wu Jue.


    Gu An chimed in asionally, and time passed quickly.


    As evening approached, the two women left.


    Gu An then departed from the Third Medicine Valley, first heading to Mystic Valley, nning to stay for an Ancient Hour before heading to Hidden Spirit Pce.


    Upon arriving in Mystic Valley, he saw disciples gathered together, listening to an older disciple talking about the Sheng Family, with Jiang Shi standing in front of a tree, also listening intently.


    The issue with the Sheng Family had be so explosive that disciples from every tier were discussing it.


    The reason those disciples went mad was not actually rted to the Sheng Family; it was Gu An who used the power of cause and effect to torment those disciples, continually making them witness the tragedy of that Sheng Family genius. Over time, unable to escape the Illusion Realm, they had copsed.


    for revealing the truth about the Wu Jue, it was also guided by Gu An using the power of cause and effect.


    At this very moment, the Sheng Family was in turmoil, the higher-ups were overwhelmed, discussing how to handle the situation.


    Gu An walked towards his disciples and joined them to watch the excitement and discuss. Upon seeing Gu An, Jiang Shi immediately sat down, behaving very cautiously.


    Decades had passed, and he still looked forward to cultivating with Gu An, even though he had reached the Core Formation Realm, he had no thought of leaving Mystic Valley.


    The more this was the case, the less Gu An wanted to ept him.


    He had deduced Jiang Shi''s karma and found no Great Cultivator plotting, which made Gu An


    even more uneasy.


    Why had Jiang Shi set his sights on him?


    Could it be the workings of the Heavenly Dao setting him up for a cmity?


    Jiang Shi didn''t know what Gu An was thinking. He stayed in Mystic Valley because he feared being pursued by the Imperial Family and the Li Family. Without the strength to protect himself, he didn''t want to leave Mystic Valley.


    As for Gu An, although he felt that this master was no ordinary person, he didn''t think in the direction of Sword Venerable Fudao.


    To him, Sword Venerable Fudao was just a vague legend. Except for Lu Jiujia, all Mystic Valley disciples in their lifetime had never seen Sword Venerable Fudao act. They harbored doubts, suspecting that Sword Venerable Fudao might not even exist.


    After a long chat, Gu An finally stood up and left, and the disciples dispersed.


    Watching Gu An disappear into the forest, Jiang Shi turned his head and quickly went to Lu Jiujia''s side, whispering, "Senior Brother, where is Master going sote? Why is he always


    going out?"


    He had been puzzled by this for a hundred years and had long wanted to ask.


    Lu Jiujia nced at him and said, "Mind less about where your Master goes."


    Jiang Shi hastily apologized.


    Lu Jiujia paid him no more attention and walked towards his own house.


    Once seated cross-legged on his bed, he gazed out at the bright moon, a look of mncholy in


    his eyes.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lately, he had been increasingly feeling weak, a tiredness beyond words, always feeling that once he closed his eyes, his life would be over.


    He began to understand that the so-called imminent end could indeed be perceived.


    His days might be numbered, and he needed to think about how to settle his affairs.


    If he were to die, who should he leave the position of eldest disciple to, who could serve his Senior Brothers as well as he did?


    He immediately ruled out Jiang Shi; he wouldn''t choose a disciple his Senior Brother disliked


    for his position.


    On the other hand.


    Gu An arrived at the Hidden Spirit Pce and saw that the Deep Sea Dragon Carp had finally escaped danger, hiding in a cave under the sea. After confirming it was safe, it fainted.


    "You escaped a cmity; let your final journey be easy,"


    Gu An murmured to himself then flicked his hand, sending a spell through the sea in a way iprehensible to Mortal Spirits, entering the body of the Deep Sea Dragon Carp to help it recover from its injuries and regain its demonic power.


    Afterward, he began picking medicinal herbs.


    After picking the medicinal herbs, he didn''t leave. Instead, he stayed in the Hidden Spirit


    Pce and read.


    The Hidden Spirit Pce housed a great collection of books, all of which were his prized possessions. When he wanted to be alone, he woulde here.

 Chapter 388: Chapter 388: The Strongest Immortal Dynasty

    Chapter 388: Chapter 388: The Strongest Immortal Dynasty


    ?


    The night deepened, and the Hidden Spirit Pce, located at the depths of the sea floor, fell into tranquility.


    Gu Any on a chair, holding a book in one hand, while asionally the sound of the ocean''s tides and the cries of mysterious demon beasts echoed in his ears, like a symphony that brought peace to his mind.


    Time rapidly slipped away in such an atmosphere.


    Gu An set his book aside, stood up, stretchedzily, and looked outside the Hidden Spirit Pce, where he saw the Deep Sea Dragon Carp again embarking on the journey to find the Hidden Spirit Pce.


    There should be no problem with the journey ahead, as there were no formidable demon creatures blocking the path.


    Gu An watched for a while, then left the Hidden Spirit Pce and returned to the Supreme Sect.


    The case of Wu Jue was still the most prominent concern within the Supreme Sect, with many righteous hearts demanding that the Sect thoroughly investigate the reasons behind the madness of those disciples, and if their ims were true, Wu Jue must be granted justice.


    How could other disciples not panic when even a talent like Wu Jue could be ndered, suppressed, or even potentially killed?


    This was happening right beside them!


    There were even disciples who publicly called out in the Inner Sect City, seeking to rally the sense of justice in other disciples, holding the "Righteousness and Demons" written by Pan An, a book that documented the Sword Venerable Fudao''s efforts to quell internal strife within the Supreme Sect. With this book in hand, even the disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall dared not apprehend him.


    While Gu An used his Divine Thought to observe the disciple''s public address, he walked into the Third Medicine Valley.


    Some disciples had already introduced the issue to the Medicine Valley, prompting other disciples to join in discussions.


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 Chapter 389: Chapter 389: Do You Know What My Cultivation Level Is?

    Chapter 389: Chapter 389: Do You Know What My Cultivation Level Is?


    ?


    As autumn gave way to winter, the snow gradually nketed the vast Taicang Continent.


    Gu An, wearing a mask, sat on the eaves, gazing up at the sky while Sage Xuan Miao, in the courtyard below, engaged in alchemy and curiously watched Gu An.


    The Mountain God seemed engrossed in something, having been watching for quite some time.


    Sage Xuan Miao silently thought, yearning for the perspective of the Mountain God. The scenery before the Mountain God''s eyes surely transcended imagination.


    Could something be happening beyond the heavens?


    Sage Xuan Miao guessed right; indeed, something was happening outside the heaven, and it was an event of great importance to the world.


    Gu An saw a host of Immortal Spirits arranging a grand formation in the cosmos. The scale was so immense that even the silhouettes of two Divine Thought True Immortals could be discerned, sitting cross-legged above the formation, their auraspletely unhidden.


    Someone was about to breakthrough!


    With such an array, it seemed likely that a Divine Thought True Immortal was attempting to advance to a Free Immortal!


    Gu An could not calcte precisely who it was. The Immortal Dynasty was protected by Qi Fortune that obscured cause and effect, of course, given time he could figure it out, yet to know or not held little significance because Divine Thought True Immortals were scarce, and as for Free Immortals, currently, there was only one in each domain.


    There were only two acknowledged Free Immortals in the entire visible Great Heavenly Spirit Land.


    Gu An stood up, looking down at Sage Xuan Miao, and said, "Great changes areing to the world. Cultivate diligently and do not bezy."


    Having said that, he vanished into thin air from the eaves.


    The world is about to change?


    Sage Xuan Miao frowned. What kind of cmity would it take for the Mountain God to speak of a great change?


    Elsewhere.


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 Chapter 390: Chapter 390: Displaying Divine Skills

    Chapter 390: Chapter 390: Disying Divine Skills


    ?


    At dawn, Gu An emerged from the forest, followed by Jiang Shi, whose expression was somewhat bewildered.


    Lu Jiujia, who was organizing the disciples for training, turned his head and noticed Jiang Shi following Gu An, which sparked surprise within him.


    "This young man actually dares to seek out his senior brother?"


    In his heart, Lu Jiujiamented, seeing that Jiang Shi clearly looked defeated.


    Gu An continued on, joining the ranks of the disciples in preparation for training.


    Lu Jiujia did not ask Jiang Shi for details but urged him to join the queue quickly as the training was about to start.


    An hourter, Gu An left Mystic Valley, and only then did Lu Jiujia dare to pull Jiang Shi back to the house to ask about what had happened the night before.


    Under the control of Gu An''s Divine Thought, the disciples in the valley were unable to perceive the disturbances of the previous night and even failed to sense the approach of Gu An and Jiang Shi''s energies.


    Facing Lu Jiujia''s inquiry, Jiang Shi shook his head and said, "Senior brother, don''t ask. Rest assured, I am fine. I will devote myself to building up Mystic Valley and won''t let you or Master down."


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 Chapter 391: Chapter 391 Acceptance

    Chapter 391: Chapter 391 eptance


    ?


    After the Yang Xian Emperor''s furious promation resonated throughout the world, the epoch of great strife was officially unveiled.


    The sessful breakthrough of the Yang Xian Emperor led to his arrival at Holy Court, followed closely by other powerhouses of the Immortal Dynasty, whounched an unprecedented offensive against the Holy Court.


    However, with its robust Qi Fortune, Holy Court managed to form a formation out of Qi Fortune, blocking the offensive of the Free Immortals, which amazed Gu An greatly.


    The Way of Qi Fortune was extremely versatile, no less than the Way of Cause and Effect. To be precise, each of the Three Thousand Great Dao had its unique excellence, without an absolute strength or weakness, depending on the practitioner''s achievement in their respective Dao.


    Ultimately, Holy Court withstood the Yang Xian Emperor''s assault, forcing him to retreat and return to the Immortal Dynasty to begin a seclusion.


    Although Holy Court survived, this battle came with severe losses, causing powers scattered across the world to start contracting.


    When sects throughout the world saw that Holy Court was not as invincible as imagined, many began to stir.


    Who didn''t want to be the Holy Court?


    They were only submitting to the overwhelming might of Holy Court, not genuinely loyal from the heart!


    In theing autumn, the entire Great Heavenly Spirit Land plunged into turbulence.


    In thete autumn, Gu An, apanied by An Xin, arrived at Mortal World Peak, quickly sensing the tense atmosphere enveloping the peak.


    The world was in chaos, with sects and dynasties watching, choosing sides was necessary even without ambition. This was an unprecedented major upheaval in millions of years, making all forces quite cautious.


    After picking medicinal herbs on Dingtian Peak, Zhu Xinn found Gu An and informed him that the Main Peak had summoned him to attend a Peak Master meeting. Gu An did not refuse and set off.


    All Divine Peak masters were present, and upon Gu An''s arrival, he received goodwill from many Peak Masters. After all, in their eyes, Gu An was a being that even surpassed the Carefree Primordial Immortal, so naturally, they wanted to forge an affiliation.


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 Chapter 392 The Sense of Intimacy of An Yuan

    Chapter 392 The Sense of Intimacy of An Yuan


    "Why resign oneself to fate... why..."


    The youth trembled all over, his eyes filled with despair.


    Dark clouds nketed the sky, as if destiny obscured the sunshine of his life, leaving no sight of hope.


    The mysterious woman in the building did not answer, nor did she offer anyfort. She had once felt the same despair when she came across those two characters.


    She did not resent that man either; after all, he warned her before he left. Yet, she couldn''t withstand her family''s persuasion and got caught up in the disputes, leading to her descendants having to hide in the mountains, humblymenting the unfairness of fate.


    Just then, the youth suddenly felt a sharp pain in his palm, which frightened him into reflexively letting go, throwing the crumpled paper away.


    He instinctively looked at his palm and saw many blood-red lines appear, quite ghastly. He seemed to realize something, raised his head, and fixed his gaze on the blood-stained paper ball before scrambling over to it.


    He picked up the paper, unfolded it, and to his surprise, found that the words "resign to fate" had disappeared, reced by threerge characters.


    Supreme Sect!


    "Supreme Sect... what does this mean..." the youth murmured, frowning.


    He had certainly heard of the Supreme Sect, the legendary number one sect above all dynasties.


    With his talent, how difficult it would be to enter the Supreme Sect.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared beside him; a woman wearing a ck Daoist robe with white hair, yet a face that was young andely.


    She was none other than the Princess of Tianwei, Si Yan''er, who had once been engaged to An Hao.


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 Chapter 393: Shengtian! Terror Descends!

    Chapter 393: Shengtian! Terror Descends!


    "Do you want to know how I met your ancestor An Hao?" Gu An looked at An Yuan with a smile and asked.


    An Yuan felt ufortable, knowing his ancestor was still alive and very powerful. He was full of hostility towards An Hao and did not want to listen to anything about An Hao.


    However, he could not afford to defy Gu An and had to nod in agreement.


    "It was an internal strife within the Supreme Sect..."


    Gu An looked ahead, his tone full of emotion; his voice had apelling power, letting An Yuan vaguely see a certain scene.


    It was a grand hall where Gu An met An Hao.


    The one walking ahead, Si Yan''er, was also listening attentively, curious about An Hao''s experiences in the Supreme Sect.


    An hourter, the group arrived at Mystic Valley, and Gu An asked Jiang Shi to help settle them.


    At present, Lu Jiujia had already begun to delegate authority to Jiang Shi increasingly, among the disciples in the valley, Jiang Shi had the highest Cultivation Level and deepest seniority. The disciples all respected him.


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 Chapter 394: Chapter 394: How Can He Be So Strong

    Chapter 394: Chapter 394: How Can He Be So Strong


    ?


    Above the sea of clouds, a man d in golden battle armor stood proudly. He had a strapping figure and exuded an aura of domination. Clutching a long spear, his golden armor radiated a brilliance that reached thousands of meters.


    Looking above his helmet, the stars scattered across, and the universe dazzled; he appeared as if he was amidst the universe itself. Looking downward, he could see the vast ocean with continents appearing as mere pebbles under his feet, so insignificant.


    His gaze locked onto the Taicang Continent, filled with a fighting spirit.


    He hailed from the Immortal Dynasty, known as Autumn Evening Immortal Lord.


    Upon closer inspection, his left hand was held aloft, and within the palm was a city with numerous cultivators above it, tinier than specks of dust.


    Broken Sea Domain City!


    Qing Songzi, whose cultivation level had reached the seventhyer of the Carefree Primordial Immortal Realm, looked up at Autumn Evening Immortal Lord with eyes filled with fear.


    This Domain Master of the Broken Sea had never felt so weak; he who ruled over all beings in his domain now felt only panic, unable to maintain the demeanor of a Domain Master.


    "What do we do? We can''t escape at all!"


    "What realm is this guy in that he can suppress us all with a single palm?"


    "Autumn Evening Immortal Lord, I''ve heard of his legends; he surpassed the Carefree Primordial Immortal centuries ago. In his youth, he was unrivaled among his peers..."


    "The Immortal Dynasty is too presumptuous. Aren''t they afraid of Shengtianing back?"


    "We should have eradicated the Immortal Dynasty long ago, the sessive Shengtians were too benevolent!"


    Cultivators in Broken Sea Domain City discussed anxiously as despair spread throughout the city.


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 Chapter 395: Chapter 395: Fame Shakes the World! The Apex Talent!

    Chapter 395: Chapter 395: Fame Shakes the World! The Apex Talent!


    ?


    The Supreme Primordial Great Disk hung high above, much like the highest and supreme Dao suspended above all living beings.


    The true form of Immortal Lord Qiuxi was drawn into the Supreme Primordial Great Disk, so filled with despair and helplessness, devoid of any means of resistance.


    As he disappeared into the Supreme Primordial Great Disk, the rumbling of heaven and earth continued unabated, causing the entire Broken Sea Domain to tremble as if the apocalypse had arrived.


    Momentster, a prompt appeared before Gu An''s eyes:


    [You have sessfully in Immortal Lord Qiuxi (Dao Void Mysterious Immortal Realm Level 7) 340,876 years of life span]


    Not bad, it saves half a month''sbor.


    Although Gu An thought this, the look of shock remained on his face, that was his belief, the acting had to be thorough!


    The Supreme Primordial Great Disk did not vanish immediately but continued to hang in the sky for the adoration of all beings.


    Because the Supreme Primordial Great Disk was so immense, the patterns on it were so clear to all beings, those images seemed to record ancient myths, which left the beings in awe.


    After a long while.


    The wind between heaven and earth began to calm, and a majestic grey fog emerged around the Supreme Primordial Great Disk, drowning it in splendor, and the sky darkened.


    Only then did the beings regain their senses, instantly stirring with excitement.


    The oppressive might of Immortal Lord Qiuxi hadpletely vanished, did this not mean that Sword Venerable Fudao had in him?


    Unbelievable!


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 Chapter 396: Chapter 396: The Origin of the Surname An, Figures upon the River of Destiny

    Chapter 396: Chapter 396: The Origin of the Surname An, Figures upon the River of Destiny


    ?


    Watching the utterly nervous An Shengtian, Gu An reined in his smile and said, "You can only live to twenty-five."


    At these words, An Shengtian''s face drastically changed.


    Over the years, his cultivation level had risen rapidly, giving him hope, only to be told that he could only live to twenty-five. How could he ept that?


    Jiang Shi was equally frightened. He couldn''t see any issues with An Shengtian, but he wouldn''t question Gu An''s judgment.


    He quickly asked, "Master, is there really no solution? Can''t immortal cultivation change fate?"


    Gu An answered, "There is, and it''s to sever your karmic ties and bloodline with An Hao. By doing so, from now on, the An family will forget you as if you were never born into their world, though those unrted to the An family could still remember you."


    An Shengtian was stunned, and Jiang Shi was also scared. What kind of method was this?


    Jiang Shi, recalling that Gu An was Sword Venerable Fudao, immediately calmed down, while An Shengtian grew curious about the real identity of Gu An.


    "Sever them, then sever them, I am willing!" An Shengtian gritted his teeth.


    Although, over the years, under Jiang Shi''s guidance, his hostility towards An Hao had waned, he still didn''t acknowledge An Hao in his heart.


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 Chapter 397: Chapter 397: The Escaper of the Heavenly Dao

    Chapter 397: Chapter 397: The Escaper of the Heavenly Dao


    ?


    Lu Qiuxian...


    Gu An fell into silence, his thoughts drifting to Lu Han within the Reincarnation Evolution.


    The turning point in Lu Han''s life was the birth of Lu Qiuxian. With a talent that surpassed all others, the only thing Lu Han did before his death was to resurrect Lu Qiuxian in the River of Destiny.


    Listening to Lu Qiuxian''s words, Gu An could feel his vicissitudes; it was hard to imagine the long and deste years he had endured alone.


    Having all of Lu Han''s memories, Gu An naturally felt differently about Lu Qiuxian; in his eyes, Lu Qiuxian was his son.


    Gu An even spected that the reason why Reincarnation Evolution came to be might simply be that it was originally real, just as the Free Immortal had to experience the Reincarnation Tribtion.


    The Reincarnation Tribtion of the Free Immortal would also lead to rebirth in different times and spaces, and the time span of Reincarnation Evolution was evenrger, indicating a higher level of Reincarnation Tribtion.


    Gu An reined in his thoughts and spoke, "Thank you for the reminder, Daoist Friend. My name is Meng Lang. Should I have the chance to visit the River of Destiny in the future, we can discuss and exchange Daoist Sorcery."


    Above the River of Destiny, Lu Qiuxian, emitting a silver glow, did not immediately respond. He stood there, like an afterimage, about to vanish into the torrent of destiny.


    After a while,


    "Alright."


    Lu Qiuxian agreed and then disappeared into thin air above the River of Destiny.


    Gu An''s gaze shifted to An Shengtian, watching as he detached from the causality of the An Family.


    Jiang Shi''s mind wandered, curious about Lu Qiuxian''s cultivation level.


    "Do not mention what just urred to anyone, including Shengtian," Gu An suddenly said. Upon hearing this, Jiang Shi hurriedly promised to keep the matter to himself.


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 Chapter 398: Chapter 398: The Life Span of the Free Immortal!

    Chapter 398: Chapter 398: The Life Span of the Free Immortal!


    ?


    Demon Shore?


    Gu An had never heard this name before, so he immediately chose to perform a Life Span Detection on it.


    [Demon Shore (Free Immortal Realm Nine Layers): 58,027,612/500,000,000/1,000,000,000]


    Five hundred million years of life span!


    With a maximum life span of one billion years!


    Why did this person harbor animosity toward him?


    Could it be that Shen Zhen was so bizarre because he was being manipted by this person?


    Gu An looked at Shen Zhen standing before him, feigning astonishment.


    Shen Zhen slightly tilted his head to look at Gu An and asked, "Is there a problem?"


    Although the voice was Shen Zhen''s, the tone was definitely not.


    Gu An pretended to be tense and replied, "No."


    Shen Zhen let go, then took a step to the side, casting a deep nce at An Shengtian that made his heart unease.


    Shen Zhen smiled and then turned away.


    An Shengtian took a deep breath, moved to Gu An''s side, and seemed about to say something, but Gu An raised his hand, signaling him to hold his words.


    Once Shen Zhen had walked out of the grove, Gu An''s expression turned ice-cold.


    "Martial Master, she..." An Shengtian cautiously began, the look in Shen Zhen''s eyes just now filling him with dread, as if a natural predator had set its sights on him, even making him feel a major disaster was imminent.


    "It doesn''t matter."


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 Chapter 399: Chapter 399 Supreme Demon Realm

    Chapter 399: Chapter 399 Supreme Demon Realm


    ?


    The memories from Demon Shore were vast, and the greatest help to Gu An was in her understanding of Reincarnation Tribtion.


    Reincarnation Tribtion indeed allows one to be reborn into different times and spaces, even into the past, but whether it''s the past or the future, the main body''s power cannot intervene. When the reincarnated being dies or exerts the power of the main body, it will be forcibly expelled back by the Heavenly Dao.


    This reminded Gu An of the time when Ji Xiaoyu in the Seven Stars Spirit Realm had used the power of a Primordial Daoist Talisman and then quickly disappeared - it seemed she was expelled by the Reincarnation Tribtion.


    This deepened Gu An''s understanding of the Heavenly Dao.


    Heavenly Dao more closely resembles a collection of rules and the Grand Dao, meticulous and domineering.


    Gu An stopped pondering and turned her gaze toward the interior of the great hall. The hall was vast, yet there were many stark differences hidden within. Those huge stone pirs were also iid with numerous special spirit stones.


    This city was none other than Demon City. ording to the memories of Demon Shore, there were many such cities in the Silent Destruction Domain. Although there was no stronger existence above Demon Shore, all the demon cities were remnants of power left by the Supreme Demon Realm. The Supreme Demon Realm had once been extremely powerful, aiming to devour the Great Heaven and Earth, but waster struck down by a mysterious entity that yed the Realm Master, causing it to shatter. At that time, Demon Shore was not yet fully grown.


    A million demons hid within the Demon City. Although these demons seemed no different from the Heavenly Demons to the creatures of the Great Heaven and Earth, there were also many powers standing within the Silent Destruction Domain, and they did not trespass into the territories of the Blood Prison Great Saint.


    Gu An decided to eradicate the root of the problem and eliminate all these demons.


    Whenever creatures from the Great Heaven and Earth passed near the Demon City, they never met a good fate. Demon Shore even dared to attack passing Free Immortals, though the Free Immortals had their own means to escape.


    The attacked Free Immortal was actually the Ancient Immortal Emperor from the Immortal Dynasty.


    ...


    Approaching noon, Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley.


    He called up his attribute panel.


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 Chapter 400: Chapter 400 Immortal Legacy

    Chapter 400: Chapter 400 Immortal Legacy


    ?


    All Living Beings.


    Aspirations.


    Li Xuandao fell into deep thought, and Gu An did not offer his own opinion, since both choices had pros and cons for themon folk.


    To remain content with the status quo would invite future crises; to be discontent would make life harder for the current and future generations.


    Gu An''s protection of the continent''s beings already showed his benevolence, but he would not worry about the daily lives of all living beings every day.


    In any case, when asked about worldly affairs, Gu An''s role was simply to provide options; the ultimate decision was up to Li Xuandao, with whom the consequencesy.


    Li Xuandao was lost in contemtion, and Gu An did not disturb him; his gaze drifted outside the courtyard.


    Lv Xian, who was instructing someone in their cultivation, nced towards Gu An from time to time. When their eyes met, Gu An could tell he was excited.


    Gu An was suspicious, but he was not in a hurry; he would discuss it with Li Xuandaoter. Usually, he did not need to spend much time on cultivation, so his pace of life was slow. He was not in a rush about most things; he could handle them one by one.


    Li Xuandao was not forever lost in his own world; he came back to reality and started chatting with Gu An about Li Ya.


    Li Ya was the link between the two, and speaking of him prompted more conversation.


    After an hour, Li Xuandao suddenly said, "Lv Xian has been talking about you nonstop. He specifically came back from overseas to see you, but insisted Ie along. He wants to meet you but also fears you; what''s that about?"


    Gu An pretended to be puzzled and asked, "Why does he want to meet me? And why would he fear me? That shouldn''t be; have I treated him poorly?"


    While speaking, he looked curiously at Lv Xian, who immediately smiled back at him.


    Li Xuandao stared at Gu An meaningfully and said, "Gu An, what kind of rtionship do we have? There''s no need to hide things from each other."


    Gu An''s expression alternated between clouds and sunshine; he took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, there are indeed hidden rtionships behind me. If I reveal them, I will be punished, and those who know will die."


    After saying this, he patted his shoulder.


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 Chapter 401: Chapter 401 Shape-Shifting

    Chapter 401: Chapter 401 Shape-Shifting


    ?


    "You can keep it and ept the inheritance when you are strong enough."


    Gu An stared at Lv Xian, speaking earnestly, fearing that Lv Xian would forsake his greatest opportunity.


    At the moment, the Heavenly Dao Immortal Position proved stronger than the Holy Court, the Immortal Dynasty, and even the Silent Destruction Domain; as a mortal, if Lv Xian missed it, finding a stronger chance in the future would be almost impossible.


    Lv Xian couldn''t rely on stealing life span to be stronger like him.


    Lv Xian raised an eyebrow and said, "What do you mean, you think I can''t rely on myself?"


    "You can''t, at least not beyond this inheritance."


    "Bullshit!"


    Lv Xian erupted in fury, his terrifying aura exploding like a volcano, startling the entire Tianya Valley.


    Suddenly, Gu An raised his hand and pressed it on his shoulder, instantly dispersing his aura.


    Lv Xian''s eyes widened; he knew Gu An was definitely stronger than himself, but to be suppressed so easily, rendered unable to move...


    In that moment, he recalled a duel between them hundreds of years ago.


    This moment was exactly like that one.


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