Saint Who Lay Low

[Guo Guhong has developed hostility toward you and harbors murderous intent. Would you like to use lifespan investigation?]

As Gu An noticed Guo Guhong attacking him, a faint smile crept onto his face.

This man truly had a sinister streak—striking the moment murderous intent surfaced. It was clear this wasn't Guo Guhong's first time committing such acts.

Unfortunately for him, he had picked the wrong target.

Boom!

The instant Guo Guhong's claw touched Gu An's chest, an overwhelming aura erupted. Sand and stones were swept into the air, waves rippled across the lake, and Guo Guhong was instantly reduced to ashes.

Gu An raised a hand to pat down his slightly disheveled hair before calmly continuing his walk. With a single step, he scattered the remnants of Guo Guhong's ashes as if they were never there.

The notification to claim the lifespan of his attacker was ignored. It wasn't worth bothering over such a negligible amount.

The North Sea shimmered under the sun's golden light, and in the distance, a large fish leapt from the water, its arc resembling a crescent moon.

Day faded into night, and night turned to dawn.

Two days later, Gu An took on the guise of the Mountain God and returned to the Mountain God Temple.

In his reduced form, he leaped down from the temple's eaves. The sound startled Xuanmiao Zhenren, who opened his eyes to see Gu An. He quickly stood and respectfully bowed.

"How are the herbs growing recently? I'll need more for alchemy," Gu An said as he landed and began walking toward the temple courtyard gate.

Xuanmiao Zhenren followed behind him, towering like a mountain, though his posture remained reverent.

"Everything is well. How much do you need this time?" Xuanmiao Zhenren replied.

The two left the Mountain God Temple to harvest herbs together.

As they worked, Xuanmiao Zhenren recounted all that had transpired during this period, including every individual who had passed through the Mountain God Temple.

His words held no falsehoods. As a ninth-layer Unrestrained Primordial Immortal, Gu An could perceive the events of the past, and there was nothing concealed.

While Gu An wasn't particularly interested in the stories, he appreciated the man's earnest attitude.

For decades, Xuanmiao Zhenren had diligently tended to his duties, and his devotion had never wavered. Gu An felt it was time to reward him.

After they finished collecting herbs, Gu An left half behind for Xuanmiao Zhenren.

The latter seemed eager to discuss the Sword Master of the Dao, but words eluded him. For a while, silence lingered.

"You've been diligent all these years, and I'm pleased. I'll teach you a sword technique. Are you willing to learn?" Gu An asked, standing atop a large rock, his smile faint but kind.

Xuanmiao Zhenren was momentarily stunned. Reflexively, he replied, "Of course, I am willing."

Gu An raised a finger and pointed at Xuanmiao Zhenren. In an instant, the man fell into a trance.

It was unclear how much time passed before Xuanmiao Zhenren gradually came to his senses. When he opened his eyes, Gu An was already gone. The light of the setting sun filtered through the forest, casting dappled shadows on his face.

"Boundless Celestial Sword of Star Suppression…"

Xuanmiao Zhenren was awestruck. He had never imagined such a profound sword technique could exist in the world.

What's more…

Why did this technique feel so similar to the sword techniques of the Li family?

Though he had trained on Three Purities Mountain since childhood, and shared distant ties to the royal family of the Tai Cang Dynasty, he had never delved into the Li family's ancestral teachings.

"Even the Mountain God knows swordsmanship. I wonder how his sword skills compare to the Sword Master of the Dao?"

Xuanmiao Zhenren couldn't help but speculate. Ever since hearing of the Sword Master's incredible feats, his thoughts often wandered to guessing the man's cultivation level.

He had to admit, the charisma of the Sword Master was undeniable, leaving him in awe.

Sinful! Sinful!

How could he harbor even the faintest disloyalty toward the Mountain God?

Xuanmiao Zhenren strove to suppress his turbulent thoughts, but a bold notion arose—a notion he didn't dare voice, even to himself.

Could the Mountain God and the Sword Master of the Dao be the same person?

Before the arrival of the overseas cultivators, how could the continent have produced two transcendent figures, both far surpassing the Seven Stars Realm?

News of the Sword Master of the Dao obliterating the immortals of the Seven Stars Realm continued to ripple through the cultivation world.

In the days that followed, the Tai Xuan Sect and the remnants of the Seven Stars Realm publicly announced their alliance. Together, they vowed to protect the common people of the continent and set an example of righteousness. This declaration cemented the Tai Xuan Sect's status as the foremost sect of the Three Dynasties' cultivation world.

The Tai Xuan Sect's influence soared. More and more aspirants flocked to its gates, seeking to join.

The autumn wind blew through the Tai Xuan Sect, but it could not diminish the vibrant atmosphere within.

In the forest.

Gu An sat atop the Blood Prison Saint's back, glancing over his shoulder at a group of young boys and girls who had just passed by. He felt a twinge of sentiment.

The group was led by two adults—one a village chief, the other a schoolteacher. They were escorting the children to the Tai Xuan Sect, hoping they could find their paths in the world of cultivation.

Such scenes were rare, especially here in the forest between Xuan Valley and Tianya Valley.

Gu An turned back to face the path ahead. Casually, he asked, "What do you think of the Tai Xuan Sect these days?"

The Blood Prison Saint pondered briefly before replying, "Not bad. It seems to be improving steadily. Moreover, it truly embodies righteousness. Whether it's the Medicine Valley or the outer sect cities, the atmosphere is excellent."

He was well aware that the Tai Xuan Sect owed its current prosperity entirely to the man seated on his back.

If Tai Xuan Sect were to displease Gu An, today's prosperity could turn into a fleeting illusion.

Having been Gu An's mount for so long, the Blood Prison Saint had grown fond of the Tai Xuan Sect. Despite the presence of a few unpleasant individuals in Medicine Valley, the overall atmosphere was good.

Compared to the sect he came from in the lower realm, the Tai Xuan Sect was much more harmonious. Though it wasn't particularly strong, it was the kind of immortal land he had always yearned for.

He could sense the growing luck surrounding Tai Xuan Sect, and he felt that in a thousand years, its strength would be unimaginable.

"As long as it qualifies as righteous, it's good enough," Gu An said with a faint smile.

The man and the bull walked along the mountain path, eventually disappearing into the depths of the forest.

An hour later.

Gu An leisurely entered Tianya Valley, riding atop the Blood Prison Saint. As he proceeded, he could sense that someone else was present in the valley.

Li Xuandao had arrived!

Even so, Gu An remained composed, continuing forward at his usual unhurried pace.

Li Xuandao sat in a courtyard, sipping tea. Behind him, a boy of no more than seven or eight years old practiced swordsmanship. The boy's movements were fluid and nimble.

Standing nearby, Luo Hun kept a watchful eye on the boy, as though worried he might accidentally hurt himself.

Li Xuandao noticed Gu An from afar, a smile appearing on his face.

"This kid is becoming bolder, and he knows how to enjoy life," Li Xuandao remarked, amused.

Gu An rode his imposing and majestic demonic beast, dressed in a luxurious blue robe of exquisite design, topped with a dark gold crown that exuded opulence. His appearance was that of a celestial lord walking among mortals.

From the mountain peak where he meditated, Lü Xian caught sight of Gu An. The sight of Gu An's attire left him momentarily stunned.

For reasons he couldn't explain, Gu An's presence unsettled Lü Xian. It was an instinctive unease, beyond his comprehension.

Seeing Li Xuandao's gaze, Gu An patted the back of the Blood Prison Saint, urging it forward.

Before long, the Blood Prison Saint arrived at the courtyard. Gu An dismounted gracefully and strode into the courtyard.

"Uncle, it's been a while," Gu An greeted, bowing respectfully.

Out of habit, he cast a lifespan investigation on the young boy practicing swordsmanship.

[Li Lingtian (Qi Refining Stage, Fourth Layer): 8/110/8999]

Huh?

An upper limit of 8,999 years?

Interesting.

Gu An's curiosity was piqued, though his expression remained calm.

"It certainly has been a while. I've been here for two days, waiting just to see you before I leave," Li Xuandao replied with a warm smile.

He was in high spirits. Though the Three Dynasties' struggle for supremacy continued, the Tai Cang Dynasty was clearly poised to unify the realm, a feat not achieved in millennia.

Li Xuandao's cultivation had also advanced rapidly, nearing the ninth layer of the Body Fusion Realm. Remarkably, he had closed the gap with Lü Baitian within a century.

The two began to exchange pleasantries. In response to Li Xuandao's inquiries, Gu An spoke about his management of Medicine Valley, recounting mundane details. Yet, Li Xuandao listened intently.

Beyond Gu An's connection to Li Ya, his stewardship of Tianya Valley over the years had impressed Li Xuandao greatly.

As their conversation progressed, Li Xuandao playfully teased Gu An about his current appearance, noting how much it contrasted with his earlier, more understated demeanor.

"Life is meant to be enjoyed. I may not have the ability to influence the great tides of the world like you and Senior Brother Li, but in my little world, I can still live with style, can't I?" Gu An replied with a smile, adjusting the Immortal King Crown on his head as he spoke.

Li Xuandao chuckled. "Your crown seems to be missing some gems. Would you like me to help you complete it, or perhaps gift you a better one?"

A better one?

You can't afford it.

Gu An shook his head, politely declining. Li Xuandao didn't press the matter and instead called for the boy, Li Lingtian.

The young Li Lingtian ran over immediately, staring curiously at Gu An.

Seeing the boy's face, Gu An was reminded of a fifteen-year-old Li Ya. The two shared some resemblance in their features.

"This is your Senior Brother Gu. He's the one closest to your Royal Brother Li Ya," Li Xuandao introduced.

Li Lingtian bowed politely to Gu An, his mannerisms refined and adorable.

As Gu An pondered what to give the boy as a meeting gift, Li Lingtian spoke up. "Senior Brother Gu, I heard you wrote Journey to the West. Have you met Sun Wukong?"

Gu An froze for a moment, his gaze shifting to Luo Hun, who quickly looked away.

Li Xuandao maintained his smile, clearly aware of this rumor.

Gu An suddenly recalled how Li Xuandao had once asked him about Investiture of the Gods. Was it possible he had known Gu An's identity as Pan An all along and had been subtly probing him?

Not that it mattered anymore.

"I've met him in my dreams. In reality, I've taken in a disciple named Yang Jian," Gu An replied, ruffling Li Lingtian's hair with a gentle smile.

"Yang Jian? The God of War? Is he strong? Can I spar with him?" Li Lingtian asked excitedly, his small fists clenched with enthusiasm.

"Of course you can. But you'll have to wait until you grow up," Gu An said with a laugh.

Li Lingtian nodded earnestly, then added with a maturity beyond his years, "Senior Brother Gu, make sure your disciple trains hard. My uncle says I have the destiny of the world's greatest. I'm worried your disciple won't be strong enough to fight me."

Li Xuandao glared at him. "What has your father taught you? Be more humble!"

Li Lingtian pouted. "But Uncle said so. Even Mother said the whole world was made for me. Can't I be a little confident?"

Li Xuandao's expression darkened instantly.

Gu An, however, found it amusing. "Alright. Senior Brother Gu will make sure he trains hard. But you must promise me this: before sparring with my disciple, you'll train diligently and avoid unnecessary fights with others. Can you do that?"