Saint Who Lay Low

Hearing Gu An's words, Li Lingtian didn't think too much and immediately agreed.

Li Xuandao, however, wasn't pleased and began scolding Li Lingtian. As the exchange escalated, Li Lingtian became defiant and started talking back.

What followed was a classic "palm-on-buttocks" lesson. Li Xuandao picked up Li Lingtian, hoisted him onto his thigh, and began spanking him while sternly reprimanding him.

This scene reminded Gu An of his own childhood in his previous life—a distant, blurry memory that seemed like a lifetime ago.

Gu An hadn't expected to see this side of Li Xuandao. He wondered if Li Ya had also been disciplined like this when he was younger.

From their conversation, Gu An could tell that Li Lingtian's mother was no ordinary person. Li Xuandao's tone carried a hint of helplessness whenever he mentioned her.

Curious, Gu An used his karmic insight to glimpse into Li Lingtian's past.

Before long, he uncovered some details.

Li Lingtian's mother hailed from an oceanic dynasty and bore the family name Yang, belonging to a powerful clan. Li Xuandao had deposed the previous empress to marry her, elevating her to the position of the new empress. He had also decided to groom Li Lingtian as the crown prince.

After gleaning these details, Gu An sighed inwardly.

With a mother of such extraordinary background, no wonder the boy could be so unrestrained.

Li Lingtian's destiny was indeed remarkable. Born overseas, his birth was accompanied by thunderous celestial phenomena, prompting powerful cultivators in his clan to intervene and protect him.

Only after his birth did Li Xuandao officially marry Empress Yang. The Yang family even assigned two Mahayana-level guardians to ensure Li Lingtian's safety as he grew.

What was once a rarity—a Mahayana-level cultivator—was now increasingly common, with many of them flocking to the Three Dynasties' cultivation world.

Perhaps the Yang family saw potential in this continent and chose to place their bet on Li Xuandao, who was poised to unify the Three Dynasties.

Li Lingtian was truly exceptional. No matter how hard Li Xuandao spanked him, the boy refused to cry, glaring defiantly at his father instead.

This kid was a true little troublemaker. In the future, both Li Xuandao and Li Ya would likely face many challenges with him.

"Uncle, that's enough. Kids can be taught gradually. For now, he hasn't done anything wrong—he just spoke a little boldly. I wasn't offended," Gu An interjected, giving Li Xuandao an excuse to relent.

Li Xuandao paused, looking somewhat embarrassed. He glanced at Gu An and said, "This boy is naturally strong and stubborn. Maybe it's better if he doesn't spar with your disciple, or he might really hold a grudge."

Li Lingtian seized the opportunity to escape his father's grip, running over to Gu An and clutching his arm. He stuck his tongue out at Li Xuandao.

Gu An could feel the boy's grip. Despite being only eight years old, Li Lingtian's strength was enough to crush stones effortlessly.

"It's fine. My disciple is strong too," Gu An said with a smile.

Li Xuandao shook his head, knowing better than to argue further.

In his mind, there was no one comparable to his son except perhaps An Hao. Even Lü Xian fell short of Li Lingtian in terms of talent.

Changing the topic, Li Xuandao brought up the subject of the Swordmaster of the Dao.

The moment this topic arose, Gu An's interest was piqued, and he eagerly joined the discussion.

Li Xuandao assumed that Gu An was a fan of the Swordmaster of the Dao, which was understandable. Even someone like Li Xuandao, the Tai Cang Emperor, couldn't help but feel inspired by the Swordmaster's feats. How much more so would ordinary cultivators be moved?

After an hour of discussion, Li Xuandao prepared to leave with Li Lingtian.

As they departed, Li Lingtian waved enthusiastically at Gu An and said, "Senior Brother Gu, make sure Yang Jian doesn't forget this. When I grow up, I'll come find him to spar!"

Gu An nodded with a smile, secretly looking forward to Li Lingtian getting a taste of humility.

In terms of maximum lifespan, Yang Jian surpassed him. In age, Yang Jian was older too. And as for their masters, could Li Lingtian find a teacher comparable to a transcendent Primordial Immortal like Gu An?

Out of gratitude for Li Xuandao's kindness over the years, Gu An decided he would help guide Li Lingtian and keep him from straying down a dangerous path.

After collecting all the herbs he needed, Gu An mounted the Blood Prison Saint and left.

A hundred miles away from Tianya Valley, the Blood Prison Saint spoke up.

"Master, that boy's blood and qi are extraordinary."

It was true. Li Lingtian's physique and vitality were outstanding, and his karmic fortune was unique.

"Indeed, he's exceptional. But do you think he's a match for Jian'er?" Gu An asked casually.

"Absolutely not! There's no one more monstrous than that kid!"

Mentioning Yang Jian, the Blood Prison Saint couldn't help but sigh.

He had witnessed Yang Jian's transformation firsthand, which only deepened his awe and respect for Gu An.

If not for Gu An's discerning eye, Yang Jian might have remained an ordinary disciple in Medicine Valley, leading an unremarkable life.

"The techniques I've passed on to you—make sure you train diligently. A thousand years from now, this world will be completely different. Even then, Mahayana-level cultivators will remain formidable, but their status won't be what it is now."

"Don't worry, Master. I won't embarrass you!"

"It's not about embarrassing me. Your cultivation is for yourself."

"Heh, I'm planning to stick with you for life!"

"You stubborn bull. Are you planning to cling to me forever?"

"I hope for your favor, Master!"

The collapse of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm caused even greater upheaval across the seas. When Gu An visited the immortal island, he found the topic dominating conversations.

During a private gathering hosted by Tang Hai True Person, the cultivators present marveled at the Swordmaster of the Dao's unmatched strength.

After that battle, the Swordmaster's name spread far and wide across the seas, surpassing even his reputation on the mainland.

The maritime disturbances had little effect on the mainland. The various sects in the Star Sea and surrounding forces dared not meddle with the continent where the Swordmaster of the Dao resided. Instead, many cultivators flocked to the mainland, seeking opportunities.

Against this backdrop, the mainland entered an era of peace.

Gu An's days became increasingly tranquil. He focused on cultivating herbs, patiently awaiting the harvest from his secluded realm.

While waiting, he expanded the secluded realm, planting more herbs.

Thanks to his ability to move the realm, Gu An felt at ease cultivating on a larger scale.

With Tianqing and Tianbai assisting Tian Yao'er in managing many affairs, the secluded realm and Nian Chu Cave Residence had remained trouble-free.

Time passed like an arrow.

In the blink of an eye, ten years had gone by.

This year, Xiao Chuan broke through to the Foundation Establishment Realm by releasing his innate reincarnation technique. His maximum lifespan now reached 286 years, far below Ye Lan's. This disparity stemmed from Xiao Chuan's more relaxed approach to cultivation compared to Ye Lan's diligence.

Regardless, Xiao Chuan could now live for at least another century.

After his breakthrough, Xiao Chuan bid farewell to Gu An, expressing his desire to return to his hometown and experience the life of a mortal once more, perhaps even starting a family.

Although Gu An didn't escort him personally, he used his divine sense to ensure Xiao Chuan's safety on the journey.

Half a month later, when Xiao Chuan reached his hometown, Gu An finally turned his attention elsewhere.

In mid-summer, the Third Medicine Valley welcomed visitors.

Gu An personally went to greet them and saw a man and a woman approaching from the valley entrance.

[Yang Ni (Divine Transformation Realm, Fifth Layer): 318/1200/1360]

[Li Lingtian (Foundation Establishment Realm, Ninth Layer): 18/350/8999]

Gu An's gaze fell on Yang Ni. She was the biological younger sister of Li Ya's mother. Years ago, during the turmoil caused by the Ephemeral Blossom Sect, she had protected Gu An for a time before leaving.

Over the years, Gu An's divine sense occasionally tracked her. She had wandered across many places, training and facing occasional troubles, though overall her life seemed stable.

Yang Ni wore a striking red robe with a sword at her waist. Her features remained as youthful and beautiful as ever. When she spotted Gu An from afar, a flicker of disbelief crossed her face.

The young boy she had once protected had now grown into a formidable Foundation Establishment cultivator, his demeanor and appearance dramatically transformed.

Beside Yang Ni, Li Lingtian was glancing around curiously as if searching for someone.

At eighteen, Li Lingtian wore a white robe with golden patterns and a jeweled crown adorned with a golden dragon. His noble and refined aura was evident, and truth be told, Gu An thought he looked even more striking than Li Ya.

The arrival of the pair caught the attention of many disciples. However, seeing Gu An personally go to meet them, they wisely kept their distance.

"Yang Ni, it's been a long time," Gu An greeted them with a warm smile as he approached.

Yang Ni studied Gu An carefully and remarked, "It has been years, and your demeanor has greatly changed. You finally look like a proper cultivator."

Gu An chuckled. "I suppose I've made some progress."

Turning to Li Lingtian, he pretended to hesitate and asked, "And you are?"

Li Lingtian was also observing Gu An closely. With a grin, he said, "Senior Brother Gu, it's me, Li Lingtian! I've come to fulfill my promise!"

As he spoke, his gaze shifted into the distance, clearly looking for Yang Jian.

Gu An couldn't help but shake his head in amusement. He then invited Yang Ni and Li Lingtian to sit down and chat, but Li Lingtian refused, insisting on sparring first.

Left with no choice, Gu An summoned Yang Jian and led the group out of the valley to find a quiet place for the duel.

Li Lingtian assumed Gu An was worried about losing face and therefore didn't reject the challenge outright.

Along the way, Li Lingtian kept staring at Yang Jian with a burning curiosity, making Yang Jian visibly uncomfortable.

Ten years had passed, and Yang Jian's cultivation had advanced to the Eighth Layer of the Core Formation Realm. Outwardly, he displayed a Foundation Establishment cultivation to maintain discretion.

Walking ahead, Gu An chatted leisurely with Yang Ni, catching up on old times.

Yang Ni, too, had much to say after meeting Gu An again.

Her visit wasn't originally meant to accompany Li Lingtian; he had insisted on tagging along after overhearing Li Xuandao's instructions for her to visit the Tai Xuan Sect.

"By the way, Empress Yang also bears the surname Yang. Are you two…" Gu An asked casually.

Yang Ni rolled her eyes and replied, "Don't ask. Our Yang family isn't connected to the Empress Yang family in any way."

It was clear from her tone that the two families, despite sharing a surname, had no relation.

Li Ya's mother, Empress Yang, was once the love of Li Xuandao's life—a love so deep that he had even gifted her the Heavenly Solemn Sword.

Now, with Li Lingtian's mother also bearing the surname Yang, Gu An couldn't help but speculate.

Could it be that Li Xuandao's preference for women surnamed Yang wasn't about their backgrounds but simply the name itself?

"By the way, this kid Li Lingtian doesn't hold back when sparring. If he injures your disciple, don't take it to heart. Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on him and intervene if necessary to prevent serious harm," Yang Ni warned.

Gu An laughed. "No problem. They're both in the Foundation Establishment Realm. It's normal for injuries to happen in sparring."

Of course, if Li Lingtian was about to be seriously injured, Gu An would step in as well!

From behind, Li Lingtian finally addressed Yang Jian directly. "Your name is Yang Jian? Why are you called that?"

Yang Jian replied calmly, "Because I loved reading Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West as a child."

"What a coincidence! I love those stories too, but my favorite is Sun Wukong. So today, it's Yang Jian versus Sun Wukong? Let's see if you're a real Yang Jian," Li Lingtian said with a sly grin.

Yang Jian glanced at him indifferently and said, "I like Sun Wukong too. Whether I'm the real Yang Jian or not, this fake Sun Wukong will find out soon enough."