In Tianya Valley.
Gu An paused while plucking herbs, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile. He had heard Zhang Buku's words, and a sense of both pride and contentment welled up within him.
"Senior Brother Zhang, could you have ever imagined that I would one day become your son's support?"
Gu An's thoughts wandered back several decades, to the days when Cheng Xuandan was still alive, constantly occupied with alchemy and rarely leaving his room. At that time, it had been Zhang Chunqiu leading him, Li Ya, and Meng Lang in their daily labor.
Years had passed, and of the five masters and disciples, only Gu An and Li Ya remained.
Time flows inexorably, erasing people and memories alike.
As autumn leaves swirled in the breeze, Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun San trailed closely behind Gu An, occasionally peppering him with questions.
Luo Hun, Lu Xian, and Ji Ruolai rarely paid them any attention, but Gu An always engaged them in conversation and even brought them small gifts. The three monkey demons adored Gu An for his kindness.
This time, Gu An had brought them some spirit fruits—delicious and fragrant treats.
Although the three monkey demons were technically slaves, Gu An bore them no ill will. He treated them with the same respect and fairness he extended to all beings, even to someone like Tian Yao'er. To him, all creatures had their own quirks and charms.
"Perhaps," Gu An mused inwardly, "these three monkey demons will have their own opportunities one day."
He began telling them about the ongoing calamity wrought by demons and monsters, describing the heinous deeds they committed. His stories subtly guided the monkeys toward kindness.
Hearing of the dangers outside the valley, the three monkey demons immediately dismissed any thoughts of venturing out. They trusted that Gu An wouldn't lie to them, and his warnings were undoubtedly true.
Lu Xian suddenly approached Gu An, asking, "Master of the Valley, do you think humans and demons can ever coexist peacefully?"
Gu An crouched down and replied, "Why not? Before the Great Demon Catastrophe, humans were constantly at odds with each other. While conflicts arise between individuals over survival, when it comes to larger scales, it's often decisions made by those in power that shape such struggles."
Lu Xian's interest was piqued. "So, you're saying that the calamity between humans and demons isn't a fated disaster ordained by the heavens?"
The three monkey demons also turned to look at him.
Gu An posed a question in return. "If a forest had no cultivators or demons—only ordinary creatures—would a calamity capable of sweeping through the entire forest occur? No. There would be fights, but nothing that would disrupt the balance of the environment."
Lu Xian nodded thoughtfully. "So, you're saying that if the leaders of the two races were to reconcile, peace could be achieved?"
"Even if peace were achieved, struggles for survival wouldn't cease. But at least things wouldn't be as dire as they are now. That said, such ideas are ultimately meaningless. We can't change the course of the world. It's better to focus on making the most of the present," Gu An said, standing up.
He turned to Lu Xian. "Do you need something?"
Lu Xian cleared his throat and said, "I've been having trouble with the Xuanwu Tempest Palm lately. I was hoping you could give me some pointers."
"All the palm techniques I know were taught by you. How am I supposed to advise you?" Gu An replied, a cold glint flickering in his gaze.
Lu Xian quickly explained, "Precisely because I taught you, I'd like to hear your perspective. Insights don't have to come from someone stronger—different viewpoints can sometimes lead to unexpected breakthroughs."
A reasonable explanation, Gu An thought. At least he's being sensible.
"Alright, but let me finish what I'm doing first," Gu An said.
"Understood!" Lu Xian stepped aside immediately.
After completing his tasks, Gu An handed the harvested herbs to the three monkey demons and took Lu Xian to a pavilion.
Without waiting for instruction, Lu Xian began setting up restrictions to ensure privacy.
Neither Luo Hun nor Ji Ruolai thought much of this. Though they all served Li Xuandao, secrets—especially concerning cultivation—were common and respected.
Half an hour later, Lu Xian left the pavilion, and Gu An departed soon after.
Watching Gu An's figure disappear as he flew away on his sword, Lu Xian couldn't help but be filled with admiration.
"This man is truly remarkable."
"Despite possessing Divine Transformation Realm cultivation and exceptional insight, he hides his abilities and plays the role of an unassuming valley master."
Lu Xian had investigated Gu An's past and found no evidence of a grudge or vendetta. On the contrary, Gu An even had the Ji family as a powerful ally.
It was a testament to Gu An's extraordinary patience and ambition.
Lu Xian's respect for Gu An deepened. He aspired to be like him—someone who played the long game with a focus on achieving ultimate success.
"Temporary glory means nothing. Becoming an immortal—that's the real goal!"
He thought of Li Xuandao, the only one aware of his true cultivation level, and understood why Li Xuandao admired Gu An so much.
"It's the mutual respect of great minds," Lu Xian mused.
The thought of the two men being unaware of each other's cultivation levels amused him. He began to look forward to the day when they would uncover each other's true capabilities.
As autumn gave way to winter, a major event rocked the cultivation world.
Tai Xuan Sect had dispatched a demon army to the northern front. The army, which included demon kings at the Mahayana Realm, shocked the world. Many accused Tai Xuan Sect of colluding with demons. However, after the army achieved decisive victories on the battlefield, the skepticism gave way to fervent support.
The stream of good news boosted morale within Tai Xuan Sect.
But even with these victories, the chaos across the world could not be quelled.
The demons and monsters of the Demon Lands seemed endless, as if no amount of killing could make a dent in their numbers.
Apart from tending to the herbs in the valley, Gu An spent most of his time descending the mountains to slay demons. His accumulated lifespan had already exceeded six million years.
That winter, an increasing number of disciples were dispatched down the mountain, leading to a significant decrease in the number of disciples remaining in the outer and inner sect cities.
Gu An could sense a brewing, terrifying demonic aura emanating from the north.
The Loose Immortal Realm!
It must be the Demon Ancestor.
Deep within the Demon Lands, powerful cultivators from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm were likely lying in wait. Thus, Gu An refrained from taking action immediately.
When the Demon Ancestor marches south, the moment they step into the human borders, Gu An would act without hesitation.
The Seven Stars Spirit Realm, proclaiming itself a sacred land, would never directly confront the human race.
That evening.
As was his habit, Gu An scanned the world with his divine sense. His attention was drawn to a particular forest.
Within the forest, Su Han was hiding in a thicket. He was clutching a treasure capable of concealing his presence, even as the Nine Nether Thirteen Fiends prowled within a hundred-mile radius, unable to locate him.
Su Han's aura was unstable, indicating severe injuries.
Could he have fallen out with the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother?
Gu An had no intention of intervening. Instead, he simply watched from a distance.
It wasn't until seven days later that Su Han stealthily left the forest.
During his travels, Gu An periodically checked on him.
Su Han, surprisingly, began inquiring about Zhen Qin.
What does he intend?
Gu An would never allow harm to befall Zhen Qin. If Su Han dared to act against her, Gu An would not sit idly by.
Snow blanketed the earth, covering everything in sight.
In a secluded mountain ravine, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and several disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall were resting. Each disciple was meditating and channeling their spiritual energy to recover.
Zhen Qin suddenly opened her eyes, scanning her surroundings.
After a moment's hesitation, she approached Ye Lan and whispered, "Martial Aunt, I've encountered a minor issue during my cultivation and need to remove some clothing. I'd like to go into the woods alone for a moment."
Ye Lan opened her eyes, gazing at Zhen Qin with concern. "Do you need assistance?"
"There's no need. You know how unique my cultivation technique is," Zhen Qin replied with a reassuring smile. Her expression suggested no major issues, so Ye Lan nodded in agreement.
Zhen Qin left the camp and ventured into the woods.
She walked deep into the forest, traversing several miles before halting and looking ahead.
Beneath a tree stood a figure with their back turned to her.
"Senior Brother Su Han, is that you?" Zhen Qin asked cautiously.
The figure turned around—it was indeed Su Han. His face was devoid of color, his hair had turned stark white, and the bone sword that was once his signature weapon was gone.
He forced a smile and said, "It's me. Come closer."
Zhen Qin hesitated but ultimately stepped toward Su Han.
When she was only seven steps away, she suddenly felt herself stepping into an invisible barrier, her expression changing.
"Don't be alarmed. This is my artifact, designed to block divine sense detection. It prevents the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother or the Nine Nether Thirteen Fiends from finding me," Su Han explained.
Zhen Qin exhaled in relief but maintained her distance. "Senior Brother, is there truly no way for you to turn back?"
Su Han's smile turned bitter. "Turn back? What road is there to turn back to? These hands of mine are already stained with too much blood. Even if I abandoned my cultivation, my enemies would never let me go."
Seeing Su Han's deteriorating state, Zhen Qin quickly asked, "Do you need healing pills?"
"No," Su Han shook his head. "I came to see you because I have one last request."
Zhen Qin instinctively asked, "What is it?"
Before she could react, Su Han moved forward, pressing his palm to her forehead. Her eyes widened in shock as she found herself immobilized.
Su Han's expression turned cold and somber.
"Senior… brother…"
Zhen Qin could only utter two words before a surge of powerful spiritual energy flowed into her, silencing her entirely.
Elsewhere, in a nearby town.
Gu An was wielding his sword, slaying demons. His brows furrowed slightly as a complex expression flickered in his eyes.
He turned back to continue his battle. There were other cultivators fighting alongside him within the town.
In the woods, Su Han gazed at Zhen Qin's terrified face and spoke softly, "Junior Sister, don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. Your senior brother has reached a dead end and is destined to die. Before that, I wish to transfer all my cultivation to you, to help you escape your fate."
Hearing this, Zhen Qin's pupils dilated.
Memories from their time in the outer sect city surged in her mind. Back then, the outer sect had planned to sacrifice its disciples, and Su Han had risked his life to shield her, giving her a chance to escape.
Because of this act of kindness, Zhen Qin could never bring herself to let go of Su Han.
Though Su Han's infamy had spread across the land, though he may have wronged many, he had never wronged her. Of all people, she could never criticize him.
"Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother taught me the Inverse Fate Divine Art, intending for me to traverse the Nine Nether Path. Though her ultimate purpose remains unclear, my end would surely be tragic. In a hidden realm, I seized a Mahayana artifact to escape them. But as a result, I am gravely wounded and won't live long."
"The Heaven-Hating Divine Sword's journey ends with me. Though I spent my life seeking vengeance, I could never truly identify my enemies. Perhaps I've already avenged myself without realizing it."
"Junior Sister, you and I were born with mediocre talent. In the cultivation world, we're like ants. The Heaven-Hating Divine Sword was my only means to defy fate. Though I failed, my life was at least extraordinary…"
"Now, it's your turn to inherit the rest of my life."