"Kid, are you truly this tactless, or are you just trying to annoy me?"
In the darkness, Jiang Qiong's voice sounded, tinged with a hint of gritted teeth. However, her grip on Gu An didn't tighten. It was merely a warning.
Of course, Gu An was deliberately trying to break the tension. He gave a light cough and changed the subject, asking Jiang Qiong what she planned to do if they survived this calamity.
Jiang Qiong fell silent. Her limbs stopped fidgeting as she pondered the question seriously.
For the longest time, she had no clear direction for her life. To grow stronger, she had done countless things, but with the world-ending disaster looming, she felt her actions had been futile.
Gu An didn't interrupt, allowing her the space to reflect.
As silence settled over them, Gu An's thoughts began to wander.
Being so close to Jiang Qiong, he could feel the contours of her body pressed against his. Staying calm was proving to be a challenge.
Scenes from books like The Adventures of Green Hero, Tai Xuan Secrets, and Black Hero's Chronicles flashed through his mind.
Suddenly, he felt Jiang Qiong shiver ever so slightly. Snapping out of his thoughts, Gu An quickly shifted his focus to the concept of Lifespan Reincarnation.
As his thoughts wandered, Jiang Qiong seemed to calm down.
She finally spoke. "If we truly survive this disaster, I'll focus on developing the Gathering Flower Sect. I'm done wandering around aimlessly. Running from place to place these past years feels so pointless now."
"That sounds like a good plan," Gu An replied. "It'll keep you out of harm's way."
Jiang Qiong suddenly reached out and embraced him tightly, her voice soft as she said, "The disaster with the Ephemeral Blossom Sect left me with no family. You're the only one I care about now. Back when you first entered the Eight Views Heavenly Cave, I even considered killing you. Who would've thought, all these years later, you'd become so important to me?"
Hearing this, Gu An's body stiffened. He sighed helplessly. "That can't be true. I've never really done much for you. In fact, you've taught me more than I've given in return."
Setting aside his role as the Sword Master of the Dao, Gu An truly felt that his outward identity hadn't contributed much to Jiang Qiong. Meanwhile, she had taught him numerous techniques, provided treasures, and gifted rare spiritual herbs.
"How can you say that? You've managed the Eight Views Heavenly Cave exceptionally well. You've never betrayed me, and every time I've returned, you've welcomed me warmly. True care isn't measured solely by material gifts. If you were stronger, I know you'd do even more for me. I understand that. Besides, I sensed when we first met that you could've easily killed me. You hid it well, but instead of harming me, you followed my every word."
Listening to her, Gu An suddenly didn't know how to respond.
"Of course, you're nice to everyone," Jiang Qiong added with a playful huff. "There's not a single disciple in this valley who doesn't sing your praises."
At this, Gu An laughed. "That's what makes me dangerous. Being nice to everyone makes me hard to figure out."
"True," Jiang Qiong conceded. "But you've never expected anything in return, which shows your sincerity. Pretending to care doesn't last long. I can tell your kindness is genuine. Stop undercutting yourself—I know you better than that."
Gu An feigned alarm. "You're not planning to marry me, are you? That won't work! My junior sister and I have a pact to wed in the final century of our lives."
Jiang Qiong burst out laughing. "The last century of your lives? What if one of you lives longer?"
"Doesn't matter. We'll both be heading down the same path. Cultivation isn't about love and marriage—it's about eternal life."
"You have quite the perspective."
"Exactly, so don't get any funny ideas."
"Why not? In the Thousand Autumn Pavilion, it's common for cultivators to have multiple Dao companions. Female cultivators can have several as well, as long as they're strong enough. Right now, I'm stronger than you, so don't think you can escape me—unless you surpass my cultivation someday."
Jiang Qiong chuckled triumphantly as she reached out to pinch Gu An's cheek.
Her playful demeanor quickly escalated.
"You're a demon cultivator! Dragging me here wasn't to avoid calamity—it was to take advantage of me, wasn't it?"
"You can scream all you want, but no one will hear you!"
"Don't push me, or I'll fight back!"
"Go ahead! With your current cultivation, I don't even need to restrain you. I enjoy watching you struggle. Don't worry—I'll be gentle."
Jiang Qiong's laughter was filled with mischief. She grabbed Gu An's wrists and pinned him down. Before he could react, he felt a soft, warm sensation on his face as she began her antics.
This isn't good!
She's really losing it!
Gu An's spiritual sense flared, causing the ground to tremble violently.
Jiang Qiong froze, startled by the sudden quake.
Taking a deep breath, Gu An tried to steady himself. But before he could relax, Jiang Qiong sneakily pinched him again, catching him off guard.
"Wait! I think the calamity has passed!" Gu An suddenly exclaimed.
Jiang Qiong looked at him skeptically. "How can you be sure?"
"Before I came to find you, I saw the Sword Master of the Dao in action."
"Oh? Then why did you come here? Seems like part of you wanted this to happen."
"I just didn't want you to waste your efforts unprepared. Let's head up and check the situation."
"Is that so?"
"Absolutely. Let's go."
"I'll think about it."
…
The ground beneath the Ancient Vine Tree trembled as soil began to part, and the coffin ascended with a loud rumble. The lid flew off with a thud, and Gu An leapt out in one swift motion, quickly tidying his disheveled robes.
That was close!
After all, Gu An had maintained his chastity for over two centuries—he wasn't about to let it be ruined now! He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Flirting was one thing, but his vital essence had to remain intact!
Moments later, Jiang Qiong emerged from the coffin. Her hair was slightly undone, and her clothes were in disarray. She glanced at Gu An with a sultry smile, causing him to quickly avert his gaze.
"Don't call me 'Grandmaster' anymore," Jiang Qiong remarked, brushing the dust off her robes. "I only took in Cheng Xuandan under duress, and his acceptance of you wasn't exactly with the purest intentions. We're not bound by any real teacher-student lineage. Come to think of it, you never once addressed me as your Grandmaster, did you? Typical man—always holding something back. I bet you've been on guard against me this entire time." She shot Gu An a sharp look as she spoke.
"I'm going to check the situation outside," Gu An said, cutting the conversation short as he swiftly turned and walked away.
Jiang Qiong stood by the edge of the pit, watching his retreating figure. A sly smile played on her lips as she licked them, as though savoring something.
…
When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, the lively atmosphere hadn't waned. Stealth Master and Nine-Finger Divine Lord had also come back. The two stood with Shen Xin Zi, conversing in hushed tones behind a soundproof barrier about the overwhelming strength of the Sword Master of the Dao. Their expressions were barely able to contain their astonishment.
"With a single move, he annihilated the entire Great Cold Demon Sect," one of them said. "It's unbelievable!"
Their worldviews had been completely upended.
For decades, the Great Cold Demon Sect's might had been firmly imprinted in everyone's minds. It was precisely their terrifying reputation that made the Sword Master of the Dao's incredible power all the more shocking.
Gu An's gaze shifted to the heavens. Above the Grand Celestial Heaven, he spotted a figure hovering in the skies, staring directly at the continent below.
"Unrestrained Primordial Immortal Realm, ninth stage."
Though this figure was only one minor stage above the Jie Zun, the disparity in aura was monumental.
That must be the Sect Master of the Great Cold Demon Sect!
At this moment, however, the Sect Master dared not descend. He could only observe from afar.
Gu An also noticed the scattered remnants of the fleeing Great Cold Demon Sect cultivators. They were like monkeys abandoning a fallen tree, completely bereft of morale.
He chose not to pursue them further. For one, the remaining cultivators were significantly weaker than those he had already defeated. And for another, he sensed several strong auras approaching, including the unmistakable presence of a Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal.
Yes, definitely a Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal!
But this approaching individual didn't exude hostility. Their path was clearly aligned with the sacred region of the Sacred Court.
Since the Sacred Court had chosen to step in, Gu An decided it was better not to act rashly.
Now, it was up to the Sacred Court to set the tone for what came next.
Gu An brought up his personal status screen.
[Name: Gu An]
[Lifespan: 210/790,407,832]
[Physique: Primordial Causal Body]
[Cultivation: Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal, ninth stage]
Seven hundred and ninety million years of lifespan!
Gu An was momentarily stunned.
This is insane!
The guilt from the slaughter disappeared almost instantly. Besides, he hadn't killed indiscriminately. His actions had been righteous—he was enforcing the will of the heavens and saving countless lives!
Finally, he could begin making comprehensive advancements!
A broad grin spread across Gu An's face.
With one billion within reach, should he wait a little longer?
Screw that. Even reaching one hundred million would take ages. How long would another two hundred million take?
No. He'd find a way to break through—and he'd do it in all aspects!
His excitement grew, and he even entertained the idea of testing the Lifespan Reincarnation feature. A mere ten million years of lifespan seemed worth it to uncover its mysteries.
He strode towards the cluster of pavilions, using his spiritual power to amplify his voice.
"To celebrate the Sword Master of the Dao ending the calamity, let's have a grand feast tonight! Think of it as a festival. Stewards, get everything ready!"
His words echoed throughout the valley. For someone in the Core Formation Realm, such an act was trivial. Cheers erupted across the Medicine Valley in response.
By the time Gu An reached his own pavilion, Ji Xiaoya approached him, her expression solemn as she gestured for him to follow.
The two ascended the stairs and entered a room, shutting the door behind them.
"I feel like the Sword Master of the Dao's silhouette is familiar," Ji Xiaoya said, her tone serious. Her words sent a jolt through Gu An.
What does she mean by that? Could she be suspecting me?
For a brief moment, Gu An felt uneasy. How could a cultivator at the Core Formation Realm intimidate someone of his stature—a peerless force who had crushed the Great Cold Demon Sect?
He furrowed his brow. "Do you think the Sword Master of the Dao might have ties to the Ji Family?"
Ji Xiaoya shook her head. "No, it's something I've seen in a dream. It feels like a vision from a past life."
Gu An relaxed internally, though his frown deepened outwardly.
"Today's battle was a revelation," Ji Xiaoya continued, a look of yearning on her face. "It made me realize that I can't afford to die too early in this life. I want to chase after the Sword Master of the Dao's footsteps."
Chase after the Sword Master of the Dao?
He's a Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal, ninth stage!
Gu An refrained from discouraging her. After all, who was to say Ji Xiaoya couldn't achieve such a goal someday?
He began to offer her words of encouragement.
The two spoke for quite a while before Ji Xiaoya finally left. However, as she reached the doorway, she paused, glancing back at him.
"There's a certain... feminine air about you today," she said thoughtfully. "And that scent—it was here before. You must have been entangled with someone for a while, though there's no sign of your vital essence being lost."
With that, she opened the door and walked out, leaving it ajar.
Gu An was left dumbfounded.
How could she tell?
Was this some divine ability—or a natural talent?
Shaking his head, Gu An dismissed the thought. He was living this life to its fullest, seeking freedom and joy. Why dwell on unnecessary details?
Now, he just had to wait for the Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal to leave. Once the coast was clear, he'd find a secluded place to make his breakthrough.