Saint Who Lay Low

Li Ya finally agreed to infiltrate the Ephemeral Blossom Sect, and Gu An didn't comfort him much, maintaining his image as a mysterious senior figure. After leaving the Northern Sea Mountains, Gu An returned to Xuan Valley.

He was ready to start his long-term plan of accumulating lifespan, aiming for a grand milestone: 10 million years of lifespan!

Winter eventually passed, and the Spring Festival arrived. Throughout the Tai Cang Dynasty, every province and city was celebrating with colorful decorations. Even Tai Xuan Sect joined in the festivities.

On this day, Gu An took Xiao Chuan and Lu Lingjun to stroll around the Outer Sect City.

Lu Lingjun was very interested in the Spring Festival. This time, it was she who had proactively asked to visit the Outer Sect City. Given how remarkable the Heavenly Spirit Water she formed into Heavenly Spirit Lake was, she had earned Gu An's favor, and so he agreed to bring her along.

Considering Lü Baitian's recent failure to transcend the tribulation, Gu An thought if he could rope Lu Lingjun into joining Tai Xuan Sect, she could serve as a protective shield in the future.

Gu An's foundation had already been established, and the stronger Tai Xuan Sect became, the more secure his position would be.

Over the years, Tai Xuan Sect had improved considerably, with fewer dark events happening, which made Gu An feel a growing sense of belonging to the sect.

Upon arriving in the Outer Sect City, Xiao Chuan quickly wandered off on his own. He had his own friends in the city.

Gu An brought Lu Lingjun to the Heaven Mending Platform, intending to show her the two characters "Righteous Path" carved on it.

When he had inscribed those words, he had only just reached the Body Fusion Realm, which is why the demonic sects feared Lü Baitian more. The sword intent on the Heaven Mending Platform wasn't overly powerful for Body Fusion cultivators since it was etched from a distance.

"Even after all these years, the sword intent left by Sword Master of Dao still attracts so many cultivators. It's truly impressive," Gu An remarked.

Lu Lingjun had seen the two characters "Righteous Dao" when she first arrived at Tai Xuan Sect and nodded. "Indeed, it's powerful."

In the world she came from, she had never encountered such strong sword intent, and this gave her high expectations for Tai Xuan Sect.

If the Outer Sect had such strong sword intent, how deep was the sect's foundation in the Inner Sect? And what about the Main Sect City, which held even higher status?

Just imagining it made Lu Lingjun excited. She believed she could find a path to break through to higher realms in Tai Xuan Sect.

Noticing Lu Lingjun's calm and somewhat dismissive attitude, Gu An felt a little stung.

Does she look down on my sword intent?

Could it be that she's confident enough to defeat me, a Body Fusion Realm cultivator?

The thought sobered Gu An's pride. The world was full of geniuses, especially those like Lu Lingjun, who had fought their way out of another world. He couldn't afford to be complacent or underestimate others.

Gu An continued to scan the Heaven Mending Platform, using Lifespan Investigation on the unfamiliar cultivators present.

Because it was the Spring Festival, there were fewer people on the platform than usual, as most were out enjoying the city and relaxing their minds.

"Valley Master, may I wander on my own for a while?" Lu Lingjun asked.

This request hurt Gu An even more. So, my sword intent really has no appeal to her?

"Go ahead, but we'll meet back here by sunset," Gu An nodded, secretly deciding that he had to keep Lu Lingjun in Tai Xuan Sect.

Such a powerful figure should be serving Tai Xuan Sect!

Wait a minute!

Why was he suddenly thinking like the sect master?

This was all Lü Baitian's fault!

Gu An shook his head and then headed towards the Pill Hall.

He had many friends in the Outer Sect City, particularly in the Pill Hall and the Scripture Pavilion. Every time he visited, he would meet with a few of them, share a drink, and listen to their cultivation experiences. He greatly enjoyed this peaceful, laid-back life.

Meanwhile, Lu Lingjun was wandering around the city when someone stopped her.

"Young lady, I've got some good books here. How about buying one? Lots of female disciples are reading them," said a disciple with a shifty look, glancing around as if worried about being caught.

Lu Lingjun raised an eyebrow. "Do you know about The Adventures of Green Hero?"

The disciple's eyes lit up. "Ah, an expert! As soon as I saw your distinguished air, I knew you were well-versed. I do have The Adventures of Green Hero, and if you buy one volume of Tai Xuan Secrets, I'll throw in two volumes of The Adventures of Green Hero for free!"

"Oh? How many volumes of The Adventures of Green Hero are there?"

"A lot! Do you want the whole set?"

"Yes."

"Alright, how about this: for 200 low-grade spirit stones, you buy ten volumes of Tai Xuan Secrets, and I'll give you the entire set of The Adventures of Green Hero."

"Deal."

They made the exchange quickly, and the disciple hurried off as if he were a thief.

Lu Lingjun felt she had been scammed. How could such an incredible manual or secret tome be so cheap? However, 200 low-grade spirit stones meant little to her, so she stuffed the books into her storage bag to read later.

When Gu An arrived at the Pill Hall, he spotted a familiar face—An Xin, a disciple he had taken under his wing from the Outer Sect.

An Xin's talent was mediocre, so she had to stay in the Outer Sect, but Gu An hadn't forgotten her. He frequently sent her various pills, though her cultivation progress remained slow.

The contrast between An Xin and her fellow villager An Hao, who had advanced rapidly on the immortal path, made Gu An reflect on the unfairness of fate.

An Xin was currently working at the Pill Hall, trying to make her own way without relying too much on An Hao's help. She wanted to earn her place through her own efforts.

Gu An watched as the delicate An Xin dealt with a male disciple who was giving her a hard time. He sighed inwardly.

Perhaps I should take care of her for the rest of her life?

Though Gu An valued An Hao more, An Xin was still his disciple.

Besides, if he didn't intervene, he feared that one day An Xin might suffer because of An Hao. As An Hao's cultivation level grew, so would the number of enemies he attracted, and eventually, they would target An Hao's weak spot—An Xin.

Having made up his mind, Gu An approached An Xin. The male disciple noticed Gu An and immediately greeted him with a flattering smile.

In the Pill Hall, Gu An held a notable status, as he frequently visited and was close with many of the hall's elders. The disciples who frequented the hall all knew this.

After sending the disciple away, Gu An turned to An Xin.

"Valley Master Gu, what can I get for you?" An Xin asked nervously.

She knew Gu An's status well, especially since he could casually chat with the sect master. She had even met him once when An Hao took her to celebrate the new year with Gu An at the Third Medicine Valley. Although she hadn't spoken with him then, Gu An had left a deep impression.

"Your name is An Xin, right? How about coming to the Third Medicine Valley? After all, you're doing menial tasks here. With me, the benefits are much better, and you'll be able to see An Hao more easily. I'm pretty close with your senior brother," Gu An said with a smile.

An Xin hesitated.

Gu An saw through her thoughts and spoke earnestly, "Independence is a good thing, but there's no need to make life harder for yourself. This is good for you and for An Hao, so what are you hesitating for?"

An Xin remained silent.

It was the first time Gu An realized how stubborn this girl could be. He lowered his voice and added, "I have a technique that might change your talent. If you perform well in the medicine valley, I'll teach it to you."

He was referring to the Dao Yan Technique that Wu Xin had passed on to him. By accumulating spiritual energy and suppressing one's cultivation level, it allowed for a dramatic breakthrough at a later time, potentially defying fate itself.

Wu Xin had described it as mystical, though it had yet to be fully tested.

Hearing this, An Xin was finally moved. She bit her lip and said, "Thank you, Valley Master. I'll pack my things now."

"No need to inform the Pill Hall. I'll handle it. You can head back directly. Take your time and return before sunset," Gu An replied with a smile, resisting the urge to pat her head.

She had grown up, and such gestures seemed inappropriate, especially since they hadn't truly reconnected. It would be too sudden.

An Xin smiled warmly, bowed, and left.

Watching her figure disappear, Gu An sighed with emotion.

An Xin had once been a skinny, fragile girl, but now she had grown tall and beautiful, which filled him with a sense of pride.

Once outside, An Xin breathed a sigh of relief.

Why was he smiling at me like that? Does he have bad intentions?

An Xin felt uneasy, but when she remembered how many disciples lived in the Third Medicine Valley, she figured even if Gu An harbored wicked thoughts, he wouldn't dare act on them. That thought put her at ease.

...

After returning to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An had Lu Lingjun arrange a place for An Xin, hoping that, in time, the two might grow close, and perhaps Lu Lingjun could even guide An Xin.

This arrangement also relieved some of An Xin's anxiety.

Gu An had noticed her nervousness earlier but hadn't thought much of it.

Later, he used the transmission array to return to Xuan Valley.

Back in Xuan Valley, Gu An summoned Chu Jingfeng and Lu Jiu Jia and formally passed on the Dao Yan Technique to them.

Upon hearing Gu An explain its profound effects, both men breathed heavily. Lu Jiu Jia was the first to regain his composure, immediately bowing deeply to Gu An in thanks.

Though Chu Jingfeng gritted his teeth, he didn't kneel.

Gu An quickly helped Lu Jiu Jia up. He didn't need others to bow to him, as loyalty could be proven without kneeling.

Letting these two test the Dao Yan Technique first seemed like a good plan. If it proved effective, he would have An Xin learn it as well.

Once they left, Gu An pulled out the latest volume of The Adventures of Green Hero and began to read.

After all these years, the story was still ongoing, and Gu An couldn't help but admire the author. Does this person never cultivate? How do they spend all their time wandering and writing?

...

Under the cover of night, an old, broken temple stood amidst the forest.

Jing Hongke sat on the temple's roof, reading a scroll under the moonlight. His voice was soft as he spoke, "Have you thought it over? Once you join the Ephemeral Blossom Sect, there's no turning back, and you'll bear the Ephemeral Flower Mark."

Standing in the temple courtyard, Li Ya carried the Northern Sea Heavy Sword on his back, staring intently at Jing Hongke. "Weren't you the one who wanted me to join the Ephemeral Blossom Sect? What, do you not want me now?"

Jing Hongke turned to look at him from above, his gaze cold and aloof, as if trying to see through Li Ya.

"The purpose of the Ephemeral Blossom Sect is to pursue the Nine Nether Path. In a hundred years, the Great Catastrophe of Monsters and Demons will sweep across the Nine Dynasties. At that time, only those who follow the Nine Nether Path will escape the mortal hell. Joining the Ephemeral Blossom Sect is a way to secure your survival. If you perform well, you might even be granted an Ephemeral Flower, which can enhance your cultivation talent."

Jing Hongke's eerie words caused Li Ya to frown at the mention of the Great Catastrophe of Monsters and Demons.

He pressed further, asking what exactly the catastrophe was.

Jing Hongke did not hide the truth and explained it to him.

Hearing that the Nine Dynasties would be trampled by endless hordes of demons and monsters, Li Ya was shocked.

"What you're saying is nonsense. The ocean is to the south. If we can't win, why not just flee? Must we rely on your Nine Nether Path?" Li Ya questioned.

"Since ancient times, how many cultivators have ventured south? How many returned? The monsters of the sea are even more terrifying."

"United, the Nine Dynasties' cultivators could still resist the catastrophe."

"Beyond the Nine Dynasties, there already exist monsters stronger than Body Fusion Realm. Do you know what Body Fusion Realm is? It's the level beyond the Void Crossing Realm! Such a supreme monster can sweep through the Nine Dynasties single-handedly. And there are more than one. These monsters command legions of demonic beasts."

Jing Hongke's voice was cold as he spoke, as though describing the inevitable fate of all living beings.

Li Ya remained silent.

Stronger than Body Fusion Realm...

He couldn't help but think of his family's ancestor and wondered whether the ancestor had surpassed the Body Fusion Realm.

Jing Hongke continued, "I forgot to tell you. The Ephemeral Blossom Sect also has beings who have surpassed the Body Fusion Realm. When they arrive, it will be the day Tai Xuan Sect is reduced to rubble."