Gu An set down Qingtian Peak and ended his conversation with the black-robed elder, leaving his thoughts calm and composed.
The situation posed no imminent threat, and Gu An naturally saw no need to flee. Only when truly helpless would he choose to protect himself by retreating.
Moreover, there was a temporal disparity between higher and lower realms of cultivation. Ten or even a hundred years might seem long to lower-realm beings, but to those in the Immortal Dao, it was merely a fleeting moment.
The black-robed elder couldn't escape, so Gu An decided to observe his behavior for now, giving the elder a chance to demonstrate his enlightenment.
With a wave of his hand, Gu An summoned blank paper from across the room. He intended to write another manual.
The sun rose and set, flipping through time like pages of a book.
Eventually, winter arrived. Before the land was fully blanketed in white, Gu An stepped out to the wooden railing, appreciating the snowy vista as it began to take shape.
Not long after, Ji Xiaoya approached and stood beside him.
Ji Xiaoya didn't look at the snowy sky but fixed her gaze on An Xin, who was in the distance holding a plump white spirit mouse. Her little mouth moved incessantly as though conversing with the creature.
"She's making fast progress," Ji Xiaoya murmured softly.
How could she not?
Gu An devoted his free time to helping An Xin enter the Dao. Although her maximum lifespan hadn't significantly increased, his guidance allowed her to cultivate with much greater efficiency.
He was genuinely intent on nurturing An Xin to surpass An Hao and Yang Jian.
"She's doing alright," Gu An replied, though he knew her cultivation progress was deliberately suppressed by the effects of the Innate Reincarnation Technique. Even when her true cultivation was eventually released, it would remain concealed, appearing to be merely at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Still, it seemed necessary to have An Xin lay low for a while since more and more people were noticing her transformation.
"The Ji family recently discovered an underwater secret realm. They invited me to explore it. I could take your disciple along—what do you think?" Ji Xiaoya asked.
Gu An shook his head immediately. "An Xin's timid. No need to take her."
"With me around, nothing will happen to her," Ji Xiaoya assured.
"No need. The last thing I want is for her to drag you down."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I just thought her talent is improving. If she stays confined to the Medicine Valley, it might stifle her potential."
"That's not something I enjoy hearing. Do you think I'm holding her back?"
Gu An shot Ji Xiaoya a glare. He deliberately acted offended, which only made Ji Xiaoya more convinced that someone else—an even greater figure—was secretly guiding An Xin's cultivation.
Ji Xiaoya smirked. "Alright, I won't insist. But I'm curious to see what you'll mold her into."
Gu An chuckled. "When do you leave? And how long will you be gone?"
This wasn't Ji Xiaoya's first venture outside, but Gu An was sure that trouble awaited her in that underwater secret realm.
Perhaps this was what it meant to be someone blessed by great fortune—constant trials and tribulations, yet always emerging alive and triumphant.
"We depart tomorrow morning. Competition for maritime resources is fierce right now…" Ji Xiaoya began explaining the current state of affairs at sea.
Though vast, the ocean's most resource-rich areas had long been divided among powerful factions, making it difficult for new players to establish a foothold. The Ji family sought to claim a territory to grow and thrive.
The underwater secret realm was the source of abundant spiritual energy in the surrounding area. While beings of the Immortal Dao dismissed it, cultivators at the Profound Heart Realm and below would fight fiercely over it.
Ji Xiaoya spoke not only of the Ji family but also of other major developments at sea. Gu An listened with interest.
As they spoke, a powerful divine sense swept across the Tai Cang Continent.
Gu An was used to it by now. This must be another attempt to locate Yang Jian.
Since awakening his past-life memories, Yang Jian had stirred significant unrest among the Sacred Court. Their search for him continued.
Thankfully, Yang Jian had stayed put, focusing solely on his cultivation on the secluded island.
"At sea, only those at the Immortal Dao level can ensure their safety. Even Nirvana-level cultivators must tread carefully," Ji Xiaoya remarked. Her tone was one of awe and humility, reflective of the reverence her deepening cultivation experiences instilled in her.
Gu An smiled. "With your talent, you'll achieve Nirvana one day."
At that moment, a divine sense belonging to a Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal brushed across the land.
The vast majority of mortals couldn't detect such a phenomenon, yet it passed unnoticed even by many lower-realm cultivators.
"And you?" Ji Xiaoya turned to Gu An, her tone calm and probing.
"Nirvana? I doubt I'll have the chance," Gu An replied with a self-deprecating chuckle, though his demeanor remained carefree.
Ji Xiaoya refrained from offering comfort. She understood that Nirvana represented a barrier of fate—a threshold that no external force could help one cross.
Together, they lifted their heads and silently watched as snowflakes filled the sky.
The snowfall thickened.
Elsewhere, above the vast ocean, Li Ya sat atop a massive black eagle. Its wings sliced through the wind as it sped forward, the gusts tossing Li Ya's hair wildly. Yet his eyes remained fixed on the horizon, unwavering.
On his shoulder perched a Mysterious Divine Spirit, tilting its head as it spoke. "Are you sure about this? Without my power, crossing the sea ahead will be perilous. The aura of powerful Immortal Dao monsters lingers heavily in the air."
Li Ya's expression remained calm as he softly said, "Save me when I'm on the verge of death."
Ever since discovering that the Mysterious Spirit City belonged to the Ancestor, the pride in Li Ya's heart had shattered.
He bore no resentment toward the Ancestor and was instead deeply grateful. However, when it came to himself, he was filled with self-reproach.
"Li Ya, oh Li Ya, what have you been so arrogant about all these years?"
Throughout his life, he had always relied on the Ancestor or others for assistance. Without the Mysterious Spirit City, what would he amount to?
Returning to the Star Sea Sect, Li Ya secluded himself in cultivation, pondering this question for years.
Now, he had resolved to improve his physical aptitude and comprehension. If An Hao could cultivate the Fiery Sun Treasure Body, why couldn't he?
Thus, Li Ya embarked on the path of pursuing a treasure body.
From an elder, he learned about an oceanic region where a treasure body had supposedly fallen, potentially leaving behind an opportunity for such a physique.
"Li Ya, you're still young. You're already strong enough," the Mysterious Divine Spirit said, scratching its head, trying to console him.
After spending years with Li Ya, it had grown fond of him and didn't want to see him take things to extremes.
"Don't worry. I'll act within my limits—I won't make the Ancestor intervene again," Li Ya replied, his tone even, but his eyes carried a determined glint.
Following his gaze, one could see dark clouds appearing on the horizon of the sea. Though distant and faint, their presence was an ominous sign.
Elsewhere, on the mountain path of Dingtian Peak, Gu An rode atop the Blood Prison Saint, with An Xin walking ahead, turning back frequently to chat and laugh.
The sea breeze tousled Gu An's hair as he withdrew his gaze from Li Ya and looked toward An Xin. "How many of today's medicinal herbs do you remember?"
It had been eight years since Ji Xiaoya departed for the underwater secret realm.
She hadn't returned, but Gu An had observed through his senses that she wasn't in any life-threatening danger. He decided to let her handle her trials independently.
Over the past eight years, Gu An hadn't taught An Xin any new spells or divine abilities. Aside from basic cultivation, she mainly practiced the Time-Striding Dao Step.
Wearing her mask, An Xin turned and replied, "Don't worry, Master. I've memorized everything."
"Good. Once we're back, compile it into a book for future disciples to study," Gu An instructed with a nod.
Just as An Xin was about to respond, two figures descended from the sky, landing on the stone steps ahead.
At the sight of these two, An Xin grew visibly tense.
The visitors were none other than Yongnian Dao Lord and Fu Shenxiu from the main peak.
An Xin worried that they had come to claim an immortal treasure.
Yongnian Dao Lord raised his hand in a gesture of respect. "I wonder if the esteemed friend could spare some time. My disciple and I have a request."
Gu An responded, "Speak plainly. What is it?"
Yongnian Dao Lord exchanged a glance with Fu Shenxiu before replying, "As my disciple has no affinity with Qingtian Peak, I sought another great opportunity for him. It lies within the Thunder Sea Demon Domain, a treasure left behind by an ancient supreme being. Known as the Earth Origin Soul, it forms once every hundred thousand years. Its location is unpredictable, but it always appears within the Thunder Sea Demon Domain…"
Earth Origin Soul!
This was the first time Gu An had heard of such a thing, and his interest was piqued.
According to Yongnian Dao Lord, the ancient supreme being possessed unfathomable cultivation. Before their demise, they used an extraordinary divine power to refine their immortal treasure, merging it with the ocean to render it untraceable.
Only later, when someone accidentally obtained an Earth Origin Soul, was the secret of this treasure revealed.
The Earth Origin Soul could enhance a cultivator's soul, making it a coveted object even among demons.
Eventually, the Sacred Court took control of the Thunder Sea Demon Domain. A decree by a certain Holy God declared it a neutral zone, forbidding sects from claiming ownership. As for the Earth Origin Soul, it was left to the capable to claim.
Even the Mortal Peak had sought the Earth Origin Soul in the past, only to return empty-handed or too weak to compete for it.
Upon hearing that anomalies had recently appeared in the Thunder Sea Demon Domain—signaling the likely birth of an Earth Origin Soul—Yongnian Dao Lord thought of Gu An.
"Friend Meng, if you are willing to assist, I would be deeply grateful," Yongnian Dao Lord earnestly said, convinced that Gu An's cultivation surpassed the Unrestrained Primordial Immortal Realm. With someone of such caliber, seizing the Earth Origin Soul would be a straightforward matter.
Gu An feigned hesitation. "Wouldn't this risk offending other sects?"
Yongnian Dao Lord replied, "Treasures belong to those with the ability to claim them, do they not? I've heard you enjoy cultivating medicinal herbs. I'm willing to transfer a batch of immortal-grade herbs from the main peak to Dingtian Peak as thanks. What do you think?"
"There's no need to be so courteous. I've always said that if Mortal Peak has matters that require my assistance, I'll act. When do we depart?" Gu An responded seriously, causing Yongnian Dao Lord to smile in satisfaction.
Fu Shenxiu's expression twitched slightly but remained composed. Though he harbored resentment over Gu An taking Qingtian Peak, he maintained proper etiquette.
"Three days from now. Does that suit you?" Yongnian Dao Lord inquired.
"No problem. Three days it is," Gu An agreed with a nod.
Yongnian Dao Lord thanked him once more before leaving with Fu Shenxiu.
An Xin turned to Gu An, hesitating to speak.
Noticing her reaction, Gu An casually asked, "Want to come along?"
An Xin instinctively wanted to nod but thought better of it and shook her head. "I'd only cause trouble. It's better if I don't go."
"I could bring you along…"
"Really?"
Excitement lit up An Xin's eyes.
Gu An replied, "If you come, you must diligently practice the step technique I've taught you. No slacking off."
After a moment's hesitation, An Xin nodded in agreement.
The Time-Striding Dao Step was incredibly profound. Even after years of practice, An Xin still found it challenging each time she executed it. She preferred basic cultivation over enduring its difficulty when Gu An didn't insist.