The Broken Sea Region.
In the quiet room, Gu An sat at the desk, lost in thought.
Why hadn't there been a domain established before?
If the intention was to guard against the Great Cold Demon Sect, it seemed unnecessary. After all, the Great Cold Demon Sect was effectively dissolved.
Gu An felt that this was aimed at him, considering the Great Cold Demon Sect still had the support of a Sacred King.
Through his perception, he could see numerous cultivators constructing a suspended island at the edge of the Great Rift of the Broken Sea.
After observing for a while, Gu An withdrew his gaze, turning his attention back to An Xin.
At this moment, An Xin was deep in enlightenment. With Gu An's assistance, she had entered this state for several hours.
Gu An continuously monitored her lifespan's limit.
Finally, he observed An Xin's limit beginning to increase. Although the growth was slight, it was undeniable.
Fixing his gaze on her, Gu An carefully examined every aspect of her inner workings.
Soon, he once again detected that mysterious force, more intricate than karma, just like what had happened with Ye Lan.
As An Xin's lifespan limit increased, this mysterious force began to leave her body.
This suggested that all beings might be bound by this force, and enhancing one's lifespan limit could weaken its hold.
Could this force be destiny itself?
Gu An fell into deep thought.
Even someone as powerful as a Divine Thought True Immortal couldn't fully perceive or understand this force that governed all beings.
Regardless, at least he could now sense it—a promising start.
Shortly after, Gu An rose and left.
After all, this was the Third Medicine Valley. Being alone with An Xin in such close quarters, especially with their master-disciple relationship, could easily cause misunderstandings.
Furthermore, as long as Gu An remained in the valley, no one could disturb An Xin's enlightenment.
By the next morning, An Xin emerged from her room and joined the disciples in their morning exercises. She appeared slightly dazed, glancing around as if the world around her had changed.
From a distance, Gu An watched her and noticed her lifespan limit had increased to 300 years. She had yet to lift her cultivation restrictions, and the Innate Reincarnation Technique would likely allow her lifespan to grow even further.
Gu An chose not to greet her, feigning ignorance of the matter.
In the following days, the establishment of the Broken Sea Region and the renaming of the continent as Tai Cang Continent became the talk of the world.
As summer approached.
Gu An was in a forest, instructing Yang Jian in his cultivation. He could sense Lu Xianyi secretly observing them, though he paid it no mind.
As long as Lu Xianyi bore him no hostility, Gu An didn't care.
High in the clouds, Lu Xianyi meditated, gazing down at the scene below with curiosity.
"This man's cultivation isn't impressive, but his ability to teach disciples is exceptional. Could he really have received guidance from an immortal in a dream?" Lu Xianyi wondered to himself.
Having joined Tai Xuan Sect and the Elder Council, Lu Xianyi had learned of Gu An's reputation as a writer. Beyond that, he confirmed that Gu An was truly just over 200 years old, with many witnesses attesting to this. Thus, Lu Xianyi didn't view him as a threat.
Even if Gu An was a reincarnated great power, he posed no danger to someone like Lu Xianyi, who had reached the ninth layer of the Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm.
Because of this, Lu Xianyi's feelings toward Gu An were more of curiosity—almost matching the anticipation he held for Yang Jian.
"All right, let's wrap up for today," Gu An announced.
Yang Jian immediately stopped, clasping his fists in respect. "Thank you, Master."
Gu An had imparted a wealth of battle experience that day. With the memories inherited from Long Zhan, Gu An's combat expertise surpassed most in the world, providing Yang Jian immense benefit in just one afternoon.
On the way back to the valley, Yang Jian was visibly excited. He hadn't expected his master's close-combat abilities to be so extraordinary.
"There's a genius who returned today. I'll take you to meet him later," Gu An said casually.
Above them, Lu Xianyi, who had been observing their training, finally left, heading to a game of chess instead of departing Tai Xuan Sect.
"A genius? Who? Is it Martial Uncle Wu Jue?" Yang Jian asked curiously.
A few years ago, Wu Jue had visited Gu An. Yang Jian had only seen him from afar and learned afterward about the famous figure.
"No, you'll find out soon," Gu An replied mysteriously, further piquing Yang Jian's curiosity.
When the master and disciple duo returned to the Medicine Valley, they overheard the other disciples' chatter.
"An Hao is here? Really?"
"Yes! Senior Sister An Xin turns out to be his sister! They're both surnamed An—could they be actual siblings?"
"Not quite. They're from the same village and apprenticed under the same master. Later, that master renamed them."
"Oh my! An Hao is so handsome—he looks just like an immortal!"
"Haha, you're always infatuated. Even after all these years, despite Tai Xuan Sect producing so many geniuses, the great figures outside still consider An Hao the greatest talent in Tai Xuan Sect's history."
Hearing this, Yang Jian's expression changed. His fists clenched involuntarily.
It was An Hao!
Yang Jian stole a glance at Gu An. Seeing no reaction from his master, he suppressed his inner excitement.
Currently, Yang Jian's actual cultivation had reached the ninth layer of the Divine Transformation Realm, a testament to his focus on physical training.
He, too, wished to be the greatest talent in the world.
Moreover, he had long suspected that An Hao might be the mysterious senior brother everyone whispered about. Today, it seemed he would finally have his answer.
Gu An led Yang Jian towards An Xin's courtyard.
As they walked, Gu An noticed the Qie Wuxing and Lu Xianyi, who were playing chess nearby, using their divine senses to observe An Hao. The vast difference in cultivation realms prevented An Hao from detecting their scrutiny.
The Nine-Finger Divine Lord was absent today, while Shen Xin Zi sat beneath a tree, engrossed in studying Journey to the West, much like Zuo Yijian's usual immersive demeanor.
Gu An glanced at An Hao, exuding an extraordinary presence, and felt satisfied. Currently, An Hao had reached the eighth layer of the Body Fusion Realm, maintaining a swift cultivation pace.
While Yang Jian was still a major realm behind him, such disparities would become negligible once they both entered the immortal path.
Arriving outside An Xin's courtyard, An Xin turned her head, beaming with joy. She quickly took An Hao's hand and led him out of the courtyard.
An Hao stood tall and imposing, wearing an ornate golden dragon crown and a fitted white robe with flowing sleeves that draped like clouds. His handsome face carried a sharp and commanding aura. Simply standing there, he radiated an air of dominance over the world, yet he still maintained the ethereal elegance of a cultivator.
Compared to him, Yang Jian seemed ordinary. Though Yang Jian was typically considered outstanding among disciples, in An Hao's presence, he was easily overlooked.
"Senior Brother, over these years, my master has treated me very well. I haven't suffered even a bit," An Xin said happily.
An Hao paused before Gu An, momentarily unsure how to address him.
"Brother An Hao, have you forgotten me?" Gu An asked with a smile that felt as warm as a spring breeze, instantly dispelling An Hao's awkwardness.
"How could I forget? We've been through life and death together. Thank you for taking care of my junior sister all these years—you've saved me a lot of worry."
An Hao chuckled, then pulled out an ornate box and presented it to Gu An.
Gu An hurriedly declined, but under the joint persuasion of An Xin and An Hao, he eventually accepted it with reluctance. Inside the box was an eighth-grade spirit herb.
This kid has a good heart.
An Hao's gaze shifted to Yang Jian, who had been boldly staring at him from the start. It was impossible for An Hao not to notice.
His instincts told him that Yang Jian was anything but simple.
It felt similar to facing Tian Wuchang—although Yang Jian was far weaker, An Hao suspected that Yang Jian might possess a rare, ancient treasure body.
"And who might this be?" An Hao asked proactively.
"My disciple, Yang Jian," Gu An replied with a smile, finding the budding rivalry between the two amusing.
"Yang Jian? The fabled Erlang Shen?" An Hao teased with a laugh.
Yang Jian's expression turned serious. "I'd like to spar with you."
It was clear to him now that An Hao was not the mysterious senior brother he had been speculating about. This realization lessened his reverence for An Hao.
In his heart, only that senior brother deserved his respect, as even their master had acknowledged that the senior brother's talent surpassed his own.
An Hao's smile faded as he began to assess Yang Jian more closely.
Nearby, An Xin hesitated to speak and turned to Gu An for guidance. However, Gu An merely smiled and remained silent.
An Hao finally spoke. "You're not strong enough yet, but I admire your courage and potential. How about this—we'll settle it at the next Heavenly Rankings Tournament. What do you say?"
Yang Jian considered the proposal and found it reasonable. Such a duel should indeed be witnessed by the world. He nodded in agreement.
"Thank him properly. He could easily overpower you with years of cultivation advantage but has chosen to give you time to grow," Gu An interjected.
Hearing this, Yang Jian immediately bowed in gratitude.
An Hao glanced at Gu An in surprise. It was remarkable how Gu An commanded such obedience from this prodigy. Even among the Star Sea Sect, it was rare to see such talent so respectfully deferential.
"You two continue your chat—I won't interrupt further."
With that, Gu An left with Yang Jian in tow.
An Hao turned his attention back to An Xin, guiding her into the courtyard.
Not far away, the Blood Prison Saint observed An Hao, silently marveling at his formidable presence. This young man is extraordinary—he might even surpass Yang Jian.
Back at his loft, Gu An opened the ornate box and examined the herb An Hao had gifted him.
Before long, Ji Xiaoyu arrived.
"That An Hao is quite remarkable," Ji Xiaoyu said. "I've seen that aura in my dreams before—those who carry it are always unmatched in their worlds."
Gu An looked up and smiled. "You're not too shabby yourself."
Among the people Gu An had encountered, those below Nirvana with a lifespan limit nearing 9,990 years were rare. Currently, this exclusive group included An Hao, Yang Jian, the Blood Prison Saint, and Ji Xiaoyu.
Even Li Lingtian fell short by a thousand years.
While Ji Xiaoyu had exceptional talent and a powerful background, Gu An felt that An Hao's foundation was not as strong. However, An Hao's cultivation speed was unparalleled.
Ji Xiaoyu sat down and asked, "Why does your Medicine Valley always attract so many prodigious talents and mighty cultivators?"
Gu An sighed. "Why are you asking me? How should I know? Besides, they're not here for me."
Ji Xiaoyu shook her head. "Even if they're not here for you, you've managed to forge good karma with each of them. You're not ordinary yourself. You remind me of those great fortune-bearers from my dreams. Their talent may not be the strongest, but they always find ways to rise above and stir the world."
Gu An blinked. "What are you trying to say?"
Ji Xiaoyu took a deep breath. "I'm planning to visit a place with a great opportunity. Come with me!"
Gu An winced at her words. He'd heard similar invitations from many people before.
"You can go on your own. Tai Xuan Sect can't do without me," Gu An replied bluntly.
Ji Xiaoyu's eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn't expected such a decisive refusal.