Hearing Jiang Qiong's words, Gu An frowned and sighed. "How can I persuade her? Su Han was indeed forced to his death by the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother."
Back then, Su Han, while being hunted, had no choice but to follow the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother. She passed on the Inverse Life Divine Art to him. Before his death, he transferred his cultivation to Zhen Qin, helping her to undergo a complete transformation. Over the years, Zhen Qin had harbored resentment deep in her heart.
Gu An had severed his master-disciple relationship with Su Han long ago. He had even saved Su Han once and owed him nothing. Thus, he had no intention of avenging him.
Moreover, the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother had already pledged allegiance to Gu An. Without his arrangements, how would she have helped Jiang Qiong establish the Gathering Flower Sect?
Gu An would not help Zhen Qin kill the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother, but he would ensure her survival.
Perhaps this was unfair to the Ghost Mother, but Gu An couldn't care less. In his heart, Zhen Qin was far more important than the Ghost Mother.
Among his first disciples from the Third Medicine Valley, Zhen Qin was the only one still alive. She was devoted to him, so how could he not dote on her?
Jiang Qiong frowned. "The Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother is now the Vice Sect Master of the Gathering Flower Sect. I cannot take action against her."
"There's no need. Everyone has their grievances to resolve. The fact that you saved Zhen Qin's life is already enough. Thank you," Gu An said sincerely, bowing slightly to Jiang Qiong.
Jiang Qiong scoffed. "What's with the thanks? Your business is my business. Besides, I quite like that girl Zhen Qin. Once I'm strong enough, I'll help her deal with the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother."
Gu An blinked, surprised. "Do you have a grudge against the Ghost Mother?"
"No grudge, but if I had to choose between you and her, I'd obviously choose you. But that's a matter for the future—when I have the strength to do so," Jiang Qiong replied with a shrug.
She then shifted the topic, sharing her insights gained from the journey into the Realm of Nine Abysses.
Since returning, her cultivation had been accompanied by frequent epiphanies, particularly in deduction and calculation. She had even begun to perceive the karmic threads of mortals, allowing her to glimpse their fates.
Curious, she asked Gu An if he had gained anything similar.
Gu An admitted he had, but it wasn't as profound as hers. Jiang Qiong looked slightly disappointed.
When night fell, Jiang Qiong dragged Gu An to the Eight Views Cave Heaven.
"Why insist on going to Eight Views Cave Heaven? You could stay in my Third Medicine Valley. After all, you're now a major figure in the righteous path, and you've established an alliance with the Tai Xuan Sect. They wouldn't stop you from entering," Gu An asked as they strolled through the forest.
Jiang Qiong held his wrist, not even looking back as she answered, "Eight Views Cave Heaven is our home."
"Home? Are you planning to live in a coffin?" Gu An retorted.
Hearing this, Jiang Qiong turned around to glare at him.
In the end, Gu An couldn't argue and let her pull him into the Eight Views Cave Heaven.
By the time Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley the next day, it was already noon.
As he approached his pavilion, Ji Xiaoya stepped out of her room.
Forty years had passed since Ji Xiaoya's return. Her comprehension of the Dao of Karma had far surpassed that of An Xin, Long Qing, and Ye Lan. Gu An could sense the growing strength of the karmic force within her.
"Who were you fooling around with last night?" Ji Xiaoya asked, her voice cold as she stared at Gu An.
Gu An met her gaze and replied calmly, "An old friend. I knew her long before you were even born. If not for her guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today."
This wasn't an exaggeration. Jiang Qiong had taught him countless things.
Of all her teachings, the Demonic Shadow Divine Art was the most significant. Enhanced by Gu An, this technique could now sever all karmic deductions.
At the immortal level of cultivation, one inevitably delved into deducing the workings of fate. Upon reaching the Unrestrained Primordial Immortal Realm, one would begin exploring the intricacies of the Dao of Karma. Without Jiang Qiong's Demonic Shadow Divine Art, Gu An's true cultivation level might have already been exposed.
Hearing his words, Ji Xiaoya's expression softened. Just as she was about to speak further, he cut her off.
"Focus on cultivating immortality. Stop concerning yourself with mortal emotions and entanglements."
After saying this, Gu An quickly headed upstairs. Ji Xiaoya stood there, watching him ascend with a deep frown.
As Gu An entered his room and was about to close the door, Ji Xiaoya suddenly appeared out of thin air, placing a hand on the door.
"What are you doing?" Gu An frowned, looking at Ji Xiaoya with a nervous expression.
Ji Xiaoya, her face devoid of emotion, stepped forward, startling him into retreating.
Bang!
As Ji Xiaoya stepped into the room, the door closed heavily behind her.
Gu An retreated all the way to the desk, glancing nervously at Ji Xiaoya's cold, impassive face. His heart raced.
What did this woman want?
Was she here to beat him up, or was she planning to pull a stunt like Jiang Qiong?
The mere thought of last night's chaos made Gu An's head ache.
Sigh!
Why were so many women drawn to him? Even rejecting them seemed futile.
Ji Xiaoya stepped closer to him and said, "These past years, I've delved deeply into the Dao of Karma. I discovered that your disciple, Long Qing, carries extraordinary karmic threads. Where exactly did you find him? Do you know his true identity?"
Gu An was taken aback and asked, "Extraordinary karma? What do you mean? What's wrong with him? Don't tell me he's the reincarnation of a Heavenly Demon?"
Ji Xiaoya scrutinized his expression, sensing that he wasn't lying.
Her expression softened as she said, "It's not certain whether he's a Heavenly Demon or not. However, keeping him around will undoubtedly bring you trouble. Why not entrust him to me, or perhaps let Shen Xin Zi take him to the Bitter Sea Buddhist Sect?"
"That wouldn't be right. He's grown up in the Third Medicine Valley since childhood. How could I possibly drive him away?" Gu An frowned.
Ji Xiaoya took a deep breath and said, "His bloodline is unusual. I can feel that my innate Dao Talisman is wary of his karmic threads, reluctant to get involved. I'm not joking—don't you want your days to remain peaceful?"
Gu An thought to himself, He's a descendant from one of my past lives. Of course, his bloodline wouldn't be simple!
He asked aloud, "Does that senior know about this?"
He was referring to the Sun and Moon Nether Emperor.
The Nether Emperor, who was still healing in the room, hadn't bothered to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Perhaps," Ji Xiaoya replied, her expression turning impatient, though it was unclear whether it was due to Long Qing or Jiang Qiong.
Gu An gripped the Pen of Destiny in his hand tightly. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "No, I can't abandon him. He sees me as his father—how could I cast him out? So what if he carries great karma? Perhaps by the time I pass away, his karmic tribulations will not have arrived."
Seeing Gu An's determined expression, Ji Xiaoya grew exasperated. Why was he so stubborn?
"What if he brings disaster not only to the Third Medicine Valley but to the entire Tai Xuan Sect?" Ji Xiaoya pressed, her voice restrained.
Gu An responded seriously, "Your karma isn't simple either. If trouble comes your way, should I avoid you to save myself from the association?"
"Impossible! I can't do that. I, Gu An, am not that kind of person!"
His resolute words echoed powerfully, softening Ji Xiaoya's expression.
Indeed, a woman's jealousy is always apparent.
Gu An was certain Ji Xiaoya was just jealous of Jiang Qiong.
Ji Xiaoya scoffed, "You're good at saying all the right things. If that day ever comes, I bet you'll run faster than anyone else."
Gu An clutched his chest, pretending to be heartbroken. "How could you think so poorly of me…"
Ji Xiaoya couldn't help but laugh, rolling her eyes at him. She walked over to his side and produced a book, placing it on the desk.
Gu An glanced at the book.
There was only one word written on its cover: Dragon.
Ji Xiaoya introduced, "This is a book I dreamed of in a past life. The Samsara Dao Emperor often held it. It chronicles the rise and fall of a certain family. Since you enjoy such books, take a look. But don't share it with anyone."
Gu An couldn't help but ask, "Dragon? Could it be related to Long Qing?"
Ji Xiaoya didn't answer. Instead, she turned and left. This time, she didn't slam the door but closed it gently.