Gu An led Jiang Qiong into the Third Medicine Valley. As they walked along the paths toward the dojo, Jiang Qiong's curious gaze wandered, marveling at the changes in the valley.
Ever since news of Gu An's connection to the Sword Master of the Dao had spread, the number of people in the Third Medicine Valley had steadily increased. The Tai Xuan Sect even expanded the valley, significantly boosting the number of disciples residing within. Currently, the valley housed over four thousand disciples.
At a glance, the Third Medicine Valley now resembled an independent sect.
Jiang Qiong could sense the presence of cultivators with auras far stronger than hers, piquing her curiosity about Gu An's current status.
Approaching an older disciple, Gu An patted him on the shoulder, motioning for him to leave.
The disciple, upon recognizing Gu An, let out a relieved sigh, quickly stood up, saluted, and hastily departed.
Gu An took the seat, facing Sun Immortal Emperor, and asked, "You've been here for a century. Aren't you planning to return?"
Jiang Qiong stood beside Gu An, her expression becoming odd as she looked at Sun Immortal Emperor.
Could this be the ruler of the Immortal Dynasty that Gu An was talking about?
Although Sun Immortal Emperor had concealed his cultivation, his extraordinary bearing was unmistakable.
Sun Immortal Emperor glanced at Gu An and replied with a smile, "Why go back? Studying the Dao here is quite satisfying."
He had been in the Third Medicine Valley for a hundred years. Initially, he had come out of curiosity about why the Sword Master of the Dao chose to remain hidden in such a seemingly insignificant place. Over time, however, he became captivated by life in the valley.
The disciples' labor, cultivation, and interpersonal connections seemed to align seamlessly with the natural laws of the world. Every aspect of the valley appeared to carry a hint of profound Dao intent.
This perception wasn't entirely his imagination. Gu An's Dao Fruit subtly influenced the surroundings, imbuing them with traces of his Dao.
The so-called Dao Fruit is a manifestation of one's pursuit of the Great Dao—a culmination of one's spiritual efforts. Even though Gu An concealed his cultivation as a Profound Origin Free Immortal, his presence radiated an innate grandeur. The Profound Origin Dao Fruit unconsciously enriched the valley's environment, accelerating the disciples' cultivation progress.
Every year, a new genius would emerge. Though these talents might not stand out in today's Tai Xuan Sect, several centuries ago, they would have been celebrated as prodigies worthy of the sect's utmost support.
Gu An was fully aware of his influence on the environment. Unable to control this phenomenon, he simply feigned ignorance, considering it an unspoken gift to those around him.
"Now that the Xuan You Divine Dynasty and the Heavenly Demon Sect have emerged, they pose a significant threat to the Immortal Dynasty, the Sacred Court, and the entire world," Gu An remarked, his gaze drifting toward Jiang Qiong.
Didn't you have so much to say before? Why so quiet now?
Jiang Qiong, unsure of what to believe, refrained from speaking recklessly. After all, she hadn't planned on confronting Sun Immortal Emperor. Her earlier discussions with Gu An about worldly affairs were merely an attempt to strike up a conversation.
Sun Immortal Emperor responded, "Chaos in the world often gives rise to anomalies. Let them cause their commotion."
As he spoke, he observed Gu An placing a chess piece on the board, and his expression shifted subtly.
The match had been in his favor. Yet with a single move, Gu An reversed the momentum, introducing a newfound peril to his position. Though it wasn't a complete turnaround, the danger was evident.
"It seems the Immortal Dynasty has abandoned its mission of safeguarding the people. Instead, it's focused solely on securing victory in the grand scheme of things," Gu An remarked with a light laugh.
Sun Immortal Emperor understood the implication behind his words. Instead of denying it, he calmly replied, "Every era demands different priorities. Whether it's the Immortal Dynasty or the Sacred Court, their initial rise was undeniably rooted in winning the people's favor and bearing the mission of protecting the common folk. However, once you unify the world and become the ultimate authority, you inevitably become the common enemy of those still mired in suffering."
"There is no force in this world that can satisfy everyone. From my perspective, what the Immortal Dynasty should pursue is its legitimacy as the rightful orthodoxy of the Heavenly Sprit Grand World."
Gu An recalled the words of the Immortal Spirits, who once stated that the Sacred Court was established by entities from beyond the heavens. For the Immortal Dynasty, no matter how well the Sacred Court governed, they would always aim to overthrow it. To them, it was a matter of honor and disgrace.
Certain matters carry weight far beyond the pursuit of peace.
After hearing this, Gu An chose not to comment.
Perspectives shaped by differing positions naturally yield differing judgments.
For Gu An, it didn't matter whether it was the Immortal Dynasty or the Sacred Court—both were destined to collapse eventually.
He could see far into the future, where all things would reach their predetermined conclusion, including the Tai Xuan Sect, where he currently resided.
Gu An harbored no illusions about preserving the Tai Xuan Sect for eternity. Eventually, as those he held dear departed one by one, the sect would hold little significance for him.
Without the Tai Xuan Sect, he could always establish a new foundation elsewhere. He remained unbothered by such prospects.
The deeper his understanding of karma and destiny grew, the fewer burdens he carried.
Gu An welcomed this transformation. Life, after all, wasn't meant to be shackled by excessive emotions or needless worries.
Jiang Qiong, on the other hand, pondered Sun Immortal Emperor's words, her curiosity piqued by his concept of the "heavenly orthodoxy."
Gu An didn't linger. The game was beyond salvation, and his recent moves had been purely for entertainment.
Rising from his seat, he beckoned Jiang Qiong to follow him.
Sun Immortal Emperor studied the few ingenious moves Gu An had made on the chessboard, lost in thought.
A gentle breeze swept through the valley, scattering leaves into the sky.
Spring gave way to summer, and the temperature across the land began to rise.
One day, Gu An, riding atop the Blood Prison Saint, brought An Xin to Xunxian Island.
The island's master, Xun Hanfeng, personally came out to greet them. Not long after, Hu Xiaojian arrived as well.
Gu An, leveraging his position, had ensured Hu Xiaojian's rise to the Void Crossing Realm. Despite the many years that had passed, and even with their increasingly familiar relationship, Hu Xiaojian still couldn't hide the excitement and joy he felt whenever he met Gu An. This left Gu An wondering if Hu Xiaojian was genuinely thrilled or simply a skilled actor.
Gu An instructed Hu Xiaojian to take An Xin and the Blood Prison Saint out for a stroll, while he stayed behind to discuss matters privately with Xun Hanfeng.
Once they left, Xun Hanfeng finally spoke. "Master, recently, the demonic cultivators of the Heavenly Demon Sect have been frequently infiltrating Xunxian Island. I suspect something is about to happen."
In this world, only places like the Tai Cang Continent, which were protected by supreme beings, could maintain relative safety. Though Xunxian Island had a decent foundation, it was not immune to the covetous eyes of others.
Gu An had already foreseen a calamity heading toward Xunxian Island, which was precisely why he had chosen to come here.
"No need to worry. Just focus on managing the island. No one will be able to shake its foundations," Gu An replied softly while sipping his tea, the rising steam curling around his calm demeanor.
Hearing these words, Xun Hanfeng relaxed and smiled. A disciple of the Mortal Peak, he had been appointed by Gu An to manage Xunxian Island. Gu An had treated him generously, and the benefits he received annually were substantial. He had grown genuinely attached to the island and didn't want any harm to come to it.
Afterward, Xun Hanfeng brought up several other topics, mostly concerning internal conflicts or power struggles on the island.
Gu An listened quietly for the most part. When Xun Hanfeng sought his advice, he offered his guidance without hesitation.
Once the discussion ended, Gu An waved his hand, signaling Xun Hanfeng to leave.
After Xun Hanfeng departed, Gu An remained seated, his gaze fixed on the azure sky beyond the hall, his eyes piercing through the heavens and earth.
He was looking at an old acquaintance.
Fragmented clouds hung like tattered cloth across the sky, while figures shrouded in demonic energy hovered in the air. Among them, one individual radiated the densest aura of all. A massive crimson fireball floated behind his head, encircled by dark red chains that writhed like serpents.
Their collective gazes were locked on a desolate island below. The island was in ruins, with fallen trees and upturned soil riddled with pits and craters.
Standing atop a pile of shattered stones was Li Ya, clad in black robes. His right hand held a sword, while his left cradled the Mysterious Divine City. The spirit of the city perched on his shoulder.
"Zhao Xuehe, is this all you've got? You think you can capture me with such pitiful strength? Dream on," Li Ya taunted, his voice dripping with cold disdain.
Zhao Xuehe stood before the crimson fireball, idly toying with the chains around him. His expression remained indifferent as he looked down at Li Ya. "Li Ya, how long do you think you can hold out with the power of the Mysterious Divine City? Join the Heavenly Demon Sect. The Sacred Court is not for you. Surely you've realized how stagnant it has become. Without Divine Sovereign, the Sacred Court is in shambles, incapable of nurturing talents like you."
Li Ya's brows furrowed slightly at these words.
He had been bestowed a celestial position by the Sacred Court for many years but had gained little from it. Recently, his celestial fortune had been stripped away, leaving him restless and unable to focus on his cultivation. He had ventured out partly to distract himself and partly to explore new opportunities.
Zhao Xuehe raised his right hand and pointed toward the sky. "The sect master of the Heavenly Demon Sect has yet to descend upon this world. When he does, this land will be reshaped entirely. Your time is running out. If you don't leave the Sacred Court now, you'll perish along with it."
Annoyed, Li Ya retorted, "What, are you saying it's better to live groveling than to die standing tall?"
Zhao Xuehe's eyes flashed with cold malice at the remark.
Li Ya wasted no more words. Tossing the Mysterious Divine City into the air, he watched as it expanded rapidly, enveloping the entire island. Black mist surged from the city, and a legion of spectral ghost soldiers emerged, along with a towering figure wielding a massive axe. In an instant, the Heavenly Demon Sect's oppressive aura was crushed under the weight of the city's power.
The city spirit perched on Li Ya's shoulder let out a series of triumphant cries, as if mocking the enemy.
Zhao Xuehe snorted coldly, bringing his right hand to his lips and beginning to chant an incantation.
As his voice rose, his mana surged forth, pouring into the crimson fireball behind him. Flames erupted from the fireball's surface, accompanied by writhing black patches that pulsed with eerie life.
Just as the spectral ghost army charged out of the Mysterious Divine City, a sinister eye opened within the crimson fireball. The entire world seemed to freeze, plunging into an eerie stillness.
While sipping his tea, Gu An observed the scene from afar. The Heavenly Demon Sect does have some tricks up its sleeve, managing to harness the power of the Desolation Domain.
He secretly infused his mana into the city spirit, knowing that the stronger the spirit became, the stronger the Mysterious Divine City would grow. Both sides entered a tense stalemate.
Gu An had long noticed the powerful entities stirring within the Desolation Domain, their gazes fixed on the Heavenly Sprit Grand World.
However, these beings remained hesitant to enter, their restraint leaving Gu An unimpressed.
The Heavenly Demon Sect had tapped into the Desolation Domain's power, while the Xuan You Divine Dynasty drew from the Cycle of Reincarnation. Both factions were still testing the waters, unsure whether to fear Gu An or Divine Sovereign.
Gu An, on the other hand, eagerly awaited their arrival. If they dared provoke him, it would be an excellent opportunity to harvest their lifespans.
Time flew by.
After two hours of intense battle, Li Ya finally broke through the siege, narrowly surviving the ordeal.
However, Gu An foresaw that this was only the beginning. Li Ya would soon find himself entangled in a vortex of grudges that would span millennia.
"Senior Brother Li, prepare yourself. The next thousand years won't be easy," Gu An murmured. Rising from his seat, he stepped out of the hall, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile.