Tian Zong continued to lecture Gu An, instructing him on how to behave in the future, which risks to avoid, and delivering his advice with the air of someone leaving a final testament.
Gu An thought to himself, I, a Divine Thought True Immortal, will never acknowledge you as my master.
However, he did find Tian Zong's inheritance intriguing. Since Tian Zong was resolute about relinquishing his position, Gu An figured he might as well help find a suitable successor.
Before departing, Tian Zong said, "Although there are still many mysteries about you that puzzle me, I no longer have the heart to unravel them. As for your disciple Yang Jian, if he ever decides to leave, do not stop him. He will bring you immense trouble."
Gu An nodded, playing along just to see Tian Zong off.
Tian Zong raised his right hand, and a ball of energy condensed in his palm before shooting into Gu An's body.
Caught off guard, Gu An could only watch as the energy entered him, freezing him momentarily.
Tian Zong looked at Gu An with a faint smile. "What a pity. I didn't have the chance to formally accept you as my disciple. Perhaps it's better this way—avoiding the entanglement of my karmic ties with you."
With that, Tian Zong turned and walked away, his figure passing through the door like a ghost.
Once Tian Zong's presence fully disappeared, the panic on Gu An's face evaporated.
"Accept me as a disciple? Sorry, but I fear you can't handle my karma," he muttered under his breath.
Gu An placed his hand on his chest, drawing out the ball of energy that had entered him earlier. He could feel the immense power within it, comparable to Tian Zong himself. Its luck was equally unfathomable, something he couldn't comprehend with his current cultivation level. Precisely because of this, he chose not to integrate with it.
Let's call it the Tian Zong Fortune.
He retrieved the Seven Stars Mirror and channeled the Tian Zong Fortune into it.
When Gu An initially obtained the Seven Stars Mirror, he had cleansed it of all its luck, karma, and any restrictive marks of ownership. He had always followed this method with any magical artifact he acquired. However, to ensure nothing was amiss, he rechecked the mirror. Once confirming it was secure, he tucked the mirror away and resumed reading his book.
The Heavenly Rankings tournament continued. By this stage, the contestants were all beings of the immortal path, with no low-realm figures relying on treasures to level the playing field, as Li Ya once had. Each battle now was a pure display of cultivation.
When Tian Zong broke into the top ten, he abruptly announced his withdrawal and departed without fanfare.
His exit left the tournament shrouded in mystery. Regardless of who ultimately claimed first place, they would forever be overshadowed by Tian Zong in the public's eyes.
Without question, Tian Zong was the most dominant figure in this tournament, bar none.
Gu An and Yang Jian tacitly avoided mentioning Tian Zong, going about their cultivation as usual.
Gu An nurtured Yang Jian not with the intent of keeping him bound forever but with the understanding that one day Yang Jian would carve his own path. Having seen through Yang Jian's karmic ties to his past life, Gu An had long been prepared for his departure.
In fact, he even anticipated the shockwaves Yang Jian's re-emergence would send through this world.
By the end of summer, the Heavenly Rankings tournament concluded with the Nine-Finger Divine Lord securing first place on behalf of Tai Xuan Sect.
Xiao Yao Yuan Xian Zhang Xianwang from the Immortal Spirit Empire didn't participate in the tournament. Instead, he lingered within Tai Xuan Sect, secretly searching for the Sword Master of the Dao.
Despite his apparent caution to avoid exposing himself, it was clear he was wary of the Sacred Court.
One autumn night, Zhang Xianwang sat in his inn room, engrossed in a book. His desk was cluttered with over a dozen tomes, all centered around the legend of the Sword Master of the Dao.
A sudden chill swept through the room, causing the oil lamp on the table to flicker. Zhang Xianwang's eyes flashed as he instinctively turned his head. A moment later, his pupils shrank as he leapt to his feet.
Before him stood a figure shrouded in purple demonic energy. His initial fear quickly morphed into joy.
The visitor was none other than Gu An.
By now, Gu An's Nine Extremes Yin-Yang Body had ascended into the Ultimate Void Transformation Body, allowing him to shift into various forms. Even without transformation, his new physique rendered him immune to karmic divinations. However, the Sword Master of the Dao's iconic image was so deeply etched in people's minds that he had to adopt the form when meeting others.
"What do you want from me?" Gu An's raspy voice broke the silence, his tone carrying the weight of time, painting an image of an ancient and weathered soul.
Zhang Xianwang quickly bowed and introduced himself.
He explained that he was sent by Yang Xian Emperor, ruler of the Immortal Spirit Empire, with a request for the Sword Master of the Dao to assist with an urgent matter.
However, instead of immediately divulging the task, Zhang Xianwang probed Gu An's opinion of the Sacred Court.
Gu An responded nonchalantly, "They uphold a grand righteousness to protect mortals, but they also harbor disdain for lesser beings. There's good and bad, I suppose. Why? Is the Immortal Spirit Empire at odds with the Sacred Court?"
Zhang Xianwang took a deep breath before replying, "It's not so much that we oppose them. It's that the Sacred Court has always sought to eradicate us, aiming to make the entire Heavenly Spirirt Grand Heaven their dominion."
"The Sacred Court's ruler, The Divine Sovereign, hails from beyond the heavens. He established the Sacred Court here, filling its upper echelons with those of similar origins. The Immortal Spirit Empire, on the other hand, was formed by native immortal beings of Heavenly Spirirt Grand Heaven. Over countless generations, it evolved into the dynasty it is today."
This was news to Gu An.
"If that's the case, wouldn't that make me, as someone unaffiliated with the Immortal Spirit Empire, their enemy?" Gu An asked, his tone calm but probing.
"Not at all!" Zhang Xianwang hurriedly clarified. "It's not just the Immortal Spirit Empire that belongs to Heavenly Spirirt Grand Heaven. All beings born in this world are its native lifeforms. It's just that, for now, most of the world's people only acknowledge the Sacred Court."
Gu An raised an eyebrow. "So? You're not about to ask me to go up against the Sacred Court, are you?"
Zhang Xianwang spoke earnestly, "Senior, you refuse the Destiny Fruit and conceal your true identity. The only power you could be wary of is the Sacred Court. However, if you were to collaborate with the Immortal Spirit Empire, anything you require will be provided. But before that, we hope you can infiltrate the Sacred Court and rescue someone for us. This individual doesn't belong to the Immortal Spirit Empire but has shown great kindness to us."
Before Zhang Xianwang could elaborate further, Gu An abruptly interrupted him. "There's no need to say more. If that's the case, I refuse. I don't care who governs this world, nor do I wish to involve myself in your grudges. If that's why you've come, you may leave."
Gu An had no interest in helping the Immortal Spirit Empire.
Whether Zhang Xianwang was truthful or not didn't matter. Even if it were all true, Gu An had no intention of agreeing. The Sacred Court, for now, only had enmity with the Great Ming Sacred King. There was no reason for Gu An to pit himself against them.
Moreover, the Immortal Spirit Empire's obvious unease and acknowledgment of their inferiority to the Sacred Court made it clear to Gu An that they sought a scapegoat. He wouldn't become their pawn.
"Senior…" Zhang Xianwang tried to persuade him further, but an oppressive force enveloped him, silencing him completely. His body trembled uncontrollably under the sheer power. For all his status as a carefree immortal, Zhang Xianwang now appeared utterly pitiful.
"Leave Tai Xuan Sect and do not disturb my cultivation again," Gu An warned. "I don't wish to become an enemy of any power. However, if someone forces my hand, I won't hesitate to pay a visit to their sect's foundation."
Before his words fully settled, Gu An disappeared from the room, leaving Zhang Xianwang alone, his face shifting between shades of pale and grim.
Zhang Xianwang had thought the Sword Master of the Dao hid his identity out of fear of the Sacred Court. Unexpectedly, the Sword Master of the Dao's caution wasn't directed solely at the Sacred Court but at the entire world.
Could such a hermit truly exist in this world?
Meanwhile, Gu An returned to the Eight Views Heavenly Cave.
Had it not been for his favorable impression of Zhang Xianwang, Gu An wouldn't have met with him at all. If Zhang Xianwang persisted in his obstinance, Gu An would simply eradicate him without hesitation.
Returning to his chambers, Gu An resumed refining artifacts. The Heavenly Rankings tournament had taken months of his time, and it was time to pick up where he had left off.
His ultimate goal was to craft an immortal treasure worthy of himself when he ascended to the Ninth Heaven of the Immortal Path.
What kind of treasure could truly match me? he mused, pondering the question as he worked.
As dawn broke, Gu An sensed Zhang Xianwang's aura departing Tai Xuan Sect. A faint smile crossed his face. He hoped Zhang Xianwang would deliver his message to the Immortal Spirit Empire.
Gu An had no desire for unnecessary conflicts with them.
Rising from his seat, Gu An tidied up his belongings and left the Eight Views Heavenly Cave.
After the Heavenly Rankings tournament concluded, the Tai Xuan Sect experienced a surge in new disciples, including high-realm cultivators joining their ranks.
To accommodate the influx, the sect began expanding its facilities again. This time, many miscellaneous disciples were recruited for labor, with generous compensation provided.
However, Gu An's Third Medicine Valley and the Xuan Valley remained unaffected, as Gu An offered even better benefits to his workers.
Ten years passed in the blink of an eye. By this time, the Third Medicine Valley's disciples exceeded two thousand in number. That year, the sect approved the expansion of the Third Medicine Valley.
Standing atop a mountain peak, Gu An watched his disciples busily constructing, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
The valley's expansion would greatly enhance his earnings, especially in terms of life essence, which naturally lifted his spirits.
From behind him, a figure approached. It was Yang Jian.
Yang Jian had become more composed, his brows exuding confidence and determination.
"Master," Yang Jian said respectfully, bowing deeply as he approached.
Without turning around, Gu An gazed at the distant horizon and asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
Yang Jian took a deep breath before replying, "I have. I carry too much karmic baggage—from the Heavenly Impermanence of the past to the present Tian Zong. As my cultivation grows, the troubles will only increase. I don't want to burden you or the valley, and I wish to venture out alone to refine my mind and seek my path."
Turning to face him, Gu An smiled softly. "You've indeed grown. Then go. It's time for you to stand on your own."
Hearing his master's approval, Yang Jian exhaled in relief, his face lighting up with a smile. He bowed deeply in gratitude.
"Leave today," Gu An instructed. "There's no need to bid farewell to anyone else."
Yang Jian hesitated momentarily but then nodded.
As he turned to leave, he couldn't resist asking, "Master, who is my senior brother?"
"You've chosen your own path," Gu An replied calmly, his back to Yang Jian. "Don't ask about matters that no longer concern you. After leaving the Third Medicine Valley, do not mention my name or reveal my existence to anyone. Otherwise…"
He left the warning unfinished, trusting Yang Jian would understand.
Yang Jian knelt one final time, bowing deeply to Gu An before rising and departing.
Gu An watched the sky, his gaze deep and distant.
He wasn't worried about Yang Jian exposing his identity. For now, the Sword Master of the Dao's reputation rested on the cultivation level of a Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal. Who would guess his true strength as a Divine Thought True Immortal?
Moreover, with Yang Jian's profound background, keeping him around posed more risks than benefits. Letting him leave aligned perfectly with Gu An's plans.
"Children grow up and eventually spread their wings," Gu An muttered to himself, a mix of melancholy and amusement coloring his tone. Shaking his head with a small smile, he descended the mountain.
At the foot of the mountain, he spotted An Xin chasing after a White Spirit Mouse.
The sight brought a smile to his face.
At least this disciple remained by his side.
With Yang Jian gone, he could now focus his efforts on nurturing An Xin. Although An Xin's aptitude was average, with hard work and Gu An's guidance, surpassing Yang Jian or An Hao wasn't impossible. After all, Gu An's own growth was accelerating rapidly.