"You think you're the Sword Master of the Dao? Can't do without you?" Ji Xiaoyu remarked, her frustration evident as she glared at Gu An, her expression unexpectedly charming when angry.
Gu An thought so inwardly but replied with a lighthearted tone, "Contributing to the sect isn't solely about cultivation prowess. Guarding the sect is a merit, but tending the Medicine Valley is equally so. I've been cultivating spiritual herbs diligently for the Tai Xuan Sect, tirelessly contributing—why wouldn't that be equally admirable?"
Ji Xiaoyu struggled to keep her composure and began elaborating on the benefits of the so-called great opportunity. However, no matter how persuasively she spoke, Gu An remained steadfast in his refusal, leaving her utterly exasperated.
Equally vexed was An Hao, who had been trying in vain to convince An Xin to accompany him to the Star Sea Sect. Yet, no matter how he pleaded, she resolutely declined.
That same day, Ji Xiaoyu left the Third Medicine Valley in a huff. Barely half an hour later, an equally disgruntled An Hao stormed off—not to leave the Tai Xuan Sect but to return to the sect's main city to discuss matters with the higher-ups.
As dusk fell, Gu An and An Xin stood by a wooden fence. The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the ground.
Admiring the poignant beauty of the sunset, Gu An asked softly, "Do you regret it?"
An Xin turned to look at Gu An's profile and countered, "Master, do you?"
"Haha, we're not the same. Ji Xiaoyu has the Ji Family to support her, but An Hao only has you," Gu An replied with a self-deprecating chuckle.
Gazing at the horizon, An Xin said, "He's not just about me. In his heart lies the entire world. He is no longer the senior brother I once knew. I can't be the stumbling block in his path."
For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Gu An suddenly felt a strong urge to focus on cultivating An Xin. The thought of her surpassing An Hao seemed amusingly satisfying.
Unfortunately, it was just a thought for now—bridging the gap between them wouldn't be easy.
The master and disciple began discussing overseas matters, imagining the strength of the Star Sea Sect and the grandeur of the Broken Sea Rift.
Life is a journey, after all, with the desire to explore every corner of the world and measure the mountains and rivers.
Above the sea of clouds, the Blood Prison Saint carried Gu An, flying through the skies. Feeling the abundant spiritual energy in this area, he couldn't help but take a deep breath.
"Master, what is this place?" the Blood Prison Saint asked curiously.
"This is a sect I have joined. You must not mention this to anyone, not even Yang Jian," Gu An instructed.
Hearing this, the Blood Prison Saint trembled, a rush of blood surging to his head, leaving him exhilarated.
A secret known only to him? How marvelous! This must mean that in the master's heart, he now held a position even greater than Yang Jian's.
"Serves him right," the Blood Prison Saint thought smugly. Ever since meeting An Hao, Yang Jian had been training even harder, often speaking of making a name for himself louder than An Hao's in the future.
"The fool doesn't understand Master's mind at all," he thought. "Master, with his profound cultivation and reserved demeanor, clearly disdains such ostentation!"
As such, the Blood Prison Saint's excitement only grew. However, Gu An, sensing his mount's exuberance, merely assumed it was due to the thrill of a rare journey.
The destination was none other than Mortal Peak.
Finding the Blood Prison Saint's speed somewhat lacking, Gu An used his divine sense to enhance their pace. Entering the cluster of peaks around Mortal Peak, the Blood Prison Saint turned his head left and right, his enormous ox-like eyes widening in amazement, resembling a villager's awe upon entering a bustling city for the first time.
And so, they arrived at Dingtian Peak.
Since Gu An had eradicated Old Demon Mark, Dingtian Peak's popularity had skyrocketed. The number of disciples surged, and cultivators from all directions frequented the area.
The Blood Prison Saint was astonished by the auras of those they passed, inwardly alarmed. Why does it feel like any random person here could rival my strength before I was sealed?
Gu An led the way, taking him directly to the summit.
As they landed, Zhu Xinglan appeared, bowing respectfully to Gu An.
The Blood Prison Saint observed Zhu Xinglan closely, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Master, a mysterious cave was discovered at the base of Dingtian Peak, housing powerful restrictions. Would you like to investigate?" Zhu Xinglan asked.
Hearing this, Gu An nodded. "Lead the way."
As they descended, Zhu Xinglan described the cave's background. It was located at the mountain's base, nearly submerged beneath the sea. It had been uncovered accidentally during a sparring session between two disciples.
Zhu Xinglan speculated it might be related to the previous internal strife. Although the turmoil had occurred long ago, he noted, "At the time, a terrifying demon nearly destroyed Dingtian Peak. The former peak master perished in the conflict."
Gu An couldn't help but think of Old Demon Mark. Was this cave the real reason he chose Dingtian Peak over other, more favorable options like Chengtian Peak?
The Blood Prison Saint was visibly excited. What luck! I didn't expect to encounter something so thrilling the moment I arrived!
Descending swiftly, they reached the cave entrance. Two cultivators, stationed as sentries, immediately stood and bowed upon seeing Gu An.
Gu An nodded and gestured for the Blood Prison Saint to follow Zhu Xinglan inside.
Zhu Xinglan led the way, though his thoughts wandered. Why is Master riding an ordinary ox? This beast is absurdly lucky!
As they entered the cave, Gu An sensed an unusual aura.
Hmm? The presence of a Heavenly Demon?
"Has this been reported to the main peak?" Gu An inquired.
Zhu Xinglan shook his head. "No. The main peak's leader is in seclusion, and Mortal Peak has always managed its own affairs."
He hesitated before adding, "You are the peak master. As long as you haven't abdicated, everything on Dingtian Peak belongs to you."
This declaration pleased Gu An, and his impression of Zhu Xinglan grew even fonder. This guy is like a perfect version of Hu Xiaojian—efficient and easy to work with.
After navigating a long, winding passage, they entered a spacious cavern. Gu An immediately felt the dense spatial restrictions. It was essentially a pocket dimension, vast and expansive.
The cavern was not dark. Countless luminous specks floated in the air like fireflies, though they were actually concentrated spiritual energy.
At the center of the cavern stood a formation platform. Atop it was a pitch-black stone pillar with a rough, uneven surface that emitted a faint, chilling gleam.
Gu An dismounted from the Blood Prison Saint and approached the pillar.
Zhu Xinglan provided a detailed explanation of their findings thus far.
When Gu An placed his hand on the pillar, a loud boom reverberated. A powerful shockwave burst forth, forcing Zhu Xinglan to unleash his cultivation to shield himself and the Blood Prison Saint.
Zhu Xinglan's eyes widened in shock as he saw Gu An's hand sink into the pillar. The area around his hand shimmered with a faint, eerie light, resembling the gateway to another dimension.
Suddenly, a black wind erupted from the pillar, swirling like countless sinister runes. The sight alone sent chills down Zhu Xinglan's and the Blood Prison Saint's spines.
Gu An withdrew his hand, revealing a captured soul. It was the spirit of an old man, his infant-sized soul form struggling futilely in Gu An's grip, his face twisted in terror.
[Dark Soul Patriarch (Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal Realm, Level 3): 1,209,894/1,300,000/1,900,000]
Gu An raised an eyebrow, noting the being's age.
Zhu Xinglan cautiously warned, "Master, be careful. This might be…"
Before he could finish, Gu An clenched his fist, and the Dark Soul Patriarch's spirit was obliterated, dissipating into nothingness.
Zhu Xinglan exhaled in relief and asked, "Master, what realm was he in?"
He had sensed the sinister aura emanating from the Dark Soul Patriarch but could not determine the exact cultivation level.