Ye Qingxue listened to her master Ye Lan praising Gu An, feeling a surge of irritation in her heart. She had only met Gu An a handful of times, yet she spent every day with her master.
In her eyes, Ye Lan was decisive and authoritative, a woman with immense power and influence—the strongest female cultivator she had ever seen. Ye Qingxue longed to become a cultivator like her master.
For this reason, watching Ye Lan fawn over Gu An made her feel deeply uncomfortable. However, she didn't dare voice her frustration in front of her master.
Suddenly, a system notification appeared before Gu An:
[Ye Qingxue has developed hostility toward you. She wants to give you a beating. Would you like to perform a Lifespan Investigation on her?]
The unexpected prompt made Gu An pause. He glanced at Ye Qingxue, who was staring at him intently. Upon meeting his gaze, she was startled, quickly averting her eyes. Her face turned a bright shade of red, even her ears seemed to burn, as if they might drip blood.
Gu An shook his head with an amused smile. He didn't take her feelings seriously.
Why would he bother with a fourteen-year-old child? As long as it wasn't murderous intent, he wouldn't pay it any mind. Gu An had become accustomed to dealing with people daily, and he knew not everyone would like him. However, he couldn't possibly kill someone just because they felt displeasure toward him.
Ye Lan, oblivious to Ye Qingxue's inner turmoil, gave her some instructions before walking over to Gu An. She rarely got to see him, so her focus was entirely on him. She even thought Ye Qingxue's presence was a nuisance.
Seeing Ye Lan approach, Gu An shifted his attention away from Zhu Xi, focusing on their conversation instead.
Half an hour later, Ye Qingxue excused herself and left.
Once her aura disappeared in the distance, Ye Lan could no longer suppress her emotions and threw herself toward Gu An.
"Be mindful of appearances. What if your disciple comes back?" Gu An chided lightly.
"So what? I'm not afraid of being found out," Ye Lan replied without hesitation.
"You're an Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall now. You need to set an example."
"If I lose my position over this, so be it. Senior Brother, I've missed you so much…"
"Don't touch there…"
"Senior Brother, you smell so good!"
The autumn wind scattered the dried leaves from the trees. The brittle leaves that landed on the ground seemed unwilling to settle, swirling back into the air only to fall again into the corner, lifeless.
Inside a dimly lit grand hall, countless figures gathered. Among them were human shadows and demonic silhouettes, all shrouded in demonic energy, exuding a chilling and terrifying aura.
All their gazes were fixed on a crimson-purple orb of light hovering above a stone platform. Inside the orb, a figure could be faintly seen. The figure sat lazily on a throne made of white bones, seemingly from another world.
The figure was also enveloped in dense demonic energy, revealing only a heavy suit of armor. At his feet lay a black lion with a ferocious face, three tails tipped with snakeheads, each one flicking their tongues menacingly.
This was the Heavenly Demon Emperor, the ruler of the Heavenly Demon Clan and the mastermind behind the Heavenly Demon Sect.
"So, you're saying you have no idea who's behind the Xuan You Divine Dynasty?"
The Heavenly Demon Emperor's voice resonated coldly from within the crimson-purple light. His tone sent a shiver through every demon present, silencing the entire hall.
A black-robed elder at the forefront spoke cautiously, "Your Majesty, the opposing force originates from Xuan You, a domain tied to the cycle of reincarnation. It is exceedingly difficult to gather concrete intelligence about them in the mortal world."
The others echoed his sentiments. Over the years, they had dispatched numerous spies and even turned members of the Xuan You Divine Dynasty to their side, yet they had gained no useful information.
The Heavenly Demon Emperor remained silent for a moment before asking, "What is the stance of the Xuan You Divine Dynasty?"
A woman dressed in red answered, "They seek to gather the souls of the dead and aim for the annihilation of all life in Heavenly Spirit World. In some ways, their goals align with ours, as we too desire the destruction of this world."
The Heavenly Demon Emperor's fingers began tapping the armrest of his throne. The armrest was adorned with skull carvings, and the resulting sound from his tapping made everyone in the hall freeze in terror.
After a long pause, the Heavenly Demon Emperor finally spoke. "If that is the case, then let us unleash a calamity upon the world. Let Heavenly Spirit World taste despair ahead of schedule."
As his words fell, the three-tailed black lion at his feet raised its head and let out an earth-shattering roar. The deafening sound reverberated throughout the hall.
The demons in attendance knelt in unison, gazing at the Heavenly Demon Emperor with fanatical devotion. None of them uttered a word, but their fervent expressions spoke volumes.
As the year drew to a close, snow blanketed the world, gradually melting away. Tai Xuan Sect began preparing for the Spring Festival once again.
At the same time, the Third Medicine Valley also began its own preparations for the festivities. This year, however, was different. Rumors spread that Gu An was planning a grand ceremony, sparking eager anticipation among the disciples.
"Tell me already, what are you planning?" Shen Zhen asked, staring at Gu An with curiosity. She was dressed impeccably today, wearing a white gown and a silver phoenix crown, exuding elegance and grace.
Gu An was engrossed in writing and responded absentmindedly, "You'll know when the time comes."
This only made Shen Zhen more curious, but no matter how much she pried, Gu An wouldn't reveal anything.
Finding it pointless to continue pestering him, Shen Zhen eventually left.
Not long after, Wu Jue arrived, also hoping to uncover what Gu An had planned.
By now, Gu An's association with the Sword Master of the Dao had become the talk of the sect. Every move he made drew attention, and the news of his grand ceremony stirred discussions among the sect's upper echelons.
More and more high-ranking members became convinced that Gu An was the Sword Master of the Dao. How could they not care about an event hosted by such a figure?
Despite their inquiries, Gu An kept his plans tightly under wraps, leaving Wu Jue to depart in frustration.
Throughout the day, people continued to visit Gu An in an attempt to glean information.
Outside the pavilion—
Long Qing held a wooden staff and looked toward the second floor. Glancing at the Blood Prison Saint lying nearby, he asked, "You're always by Master's side. Do you have any inside information?"
The Blood Prison Saint, lounging lazily on the ground, glanced at him but remained silent.
Long Qing squatted down and pulled out a white jade bottle from his storage pouch, speaking mysteriously. "This is Pure Heart Nectar, extremely rare. I only have two bottles. I'll give you one."
The Blood Prison Saint opened his eyes, smiled, and said, "You're thoughtful. Fine, I'll share a bit. Master plans to create an immortal—right here, in the Third Medicine Valley."
Hearing this, Long Qing's eyes widened in shock. His heartbeat quickened as he asked cautiously, "Who will Master choose?"
"That, I don't know."
The Blood Prison Saint uncorked the jade bottle using his spiritual sense, drawing out the nectar inside and downing it in a single gulp. His ox-like eyes curved into a contented squint, his expression brimming with satisfaction.
Long Qing stood, turning his gaze toward the second floor, his imagination running wild.
As the Spring Festival approached, rumors spread like wildfire. The Tai Xuan Sect's upper echelons were now aware that the Sword Master of the Dao intended to create a being of the Immortal Realm. This astonishing news was intentionally suppressed and not shared with ordinary disciples of the sect. After arranging the festival preparations, the high-ranking members of the Tai Xuan Sect eagerly headed to the Third Medicine Valley, unable to resist the urge to witness the event.
By midday—
Vice Sect Master Ji Hantian arrived at the valley. He was momentarily taken aback by the bustling scene before him.
So many people!
He even noticed that some influential figures from prominent families had managed to arrive before him.
Despite his status as the Vice Sect Master, Ji Hantian had to approach these formidable cultivators and exchange pleasantries.
At the entrance of the valley—
A group of cultivators entered, including Zhu Xi. Dressed in a flowing green robe, Zhu Xi curiously examined her surroundings, taking in every detail of the Third Medicine Valley.
Earlier, she had visited the Tai Xuan Sect's branch to understand the relationship between the sect and the Sword Master of the Dao. Convinced of the advantages of being associated with them, she decided to journey to the main sect. Through various inquiries, she learned that the Third Medicine Valley was the ideal starting point—indeed, it was the first choice for most new disciples.
However, entering the Third Medicine Valley was no longer an easy feat. Zhu Xi had to offer a gift just to secure an opportunity to join the Spring Festival celebrations.
Ahead of her walked an elder of the Library Pavilion. As he introduced the valley with great enthusiasm, his demeanor carried an air of pride, as though he were the Valley Master himself.
The elder shared a friendly rapport with Gu An, which gave him a sense of belonging whenever he visited. For him, being here was like returning home.
Zhu Xi couldn't hide her curiosity about Gu An, the enigmatic Valley Master. She had heard many accounts of his accomplishments—how he was said to be a disciple of the Sword Master of the Dao, known for his peaceful demeanor and willingness to mentor others. His reputation in the Tai Xuan Sect was impeccable. Zhu Xi hadn't encountered anyone who spoke ill of him.
Having traveled the world for hundreds of years, Zhu Xi found it remarkable to hear such unanimous praise. Combined with the awe-inspiring achievements of the Sword Master of the Dao, she couldn't help but look forward to meeting Gu An in person.
Her gaze darted around the valley, filled with curiosity about everything she saw.
As they approached the main hall, An Xin appeared.
The elder from the Library Pavilion greeted her warmly. He was well aware of the close bond between Gu An and An Xin, and like others in the sect, he maintained a respectful attitude toward her.
"Elder Li, you must drink to your heart's content today! My master often speaks highly of you," An Xin said with a cheerful smile after bowing politely.
Her words visibly pleased Elder Li, who straightened his back with newfound pride. Stroking his beard, he cast a smug glance at his disciples, who looked up to him with admiration.
An Xin then turned her attention to Zhu Xi, asking with a smile, "Might you be Zhu Xi, Miss Zhu?"
Zhu Xi froze for a moment, startled. The others around her, including Elder Li, also looked at her in surprise.
"Yes, I am. Is something the matter?" Zhu Xi asked cautiously. Despite being at the Void Crossing Realm and concealing even greater power, she remained vigilant in the Tai Xuan Sect—a survival instinct honed over time.
An Xin chuckled softly. "No need to worry. My master has instructed me to take good care of you. He knew you'd be coming."
"Your master?" Zhu Xi's heart tightened at the revelation. She had encountered numerous great cultivators capable of divining destinies, and her usual approach was to avoid entanglements with such individuals.
An Xin nodded, her tone reassuring. "My master is the Valley Master. Come, I'll take you to settle in."
After a polite bow to Elder Li, An Xin excused herself, leaving with Zhu Xi in tow.
Under the gaze of so many onlookers, Zhu Xi didn't dare to refuse or flee. She could only steel herself and follow An Xin.
Elder Li and his disciples exchanged bewildered glances. Who would have thought Zhu Xi had such a connection?
Elder Li suddenly felt the gifts he had received from Zhu Xi might prove problematic. Yet, recalling Gu An's amiable nature, he calmed himself.
Gu An wasn't the petty type. If necessary, Elder Li could always return the gifts.
Yes, that would do. He resolved to prepare an additional gift for Zhu Xi as a gesture of goodwill, which might even help smooth things over with Gu An.
With this plan in mind, Elder Li's mood lifted, and he suddenly found Zhu Xi much more agreeable.
Meanwhile—
Unable to contain her curiosity, Zhu Xi asked why Gu An had specifically instructed An Xin to look after her. An Xin simply replied that she didn't know.
"You don't need to worry. If my master has taken notice of you, it means he has a favorable impression. He might even take you as his disciple. Treat this place as your home and feel free to come to me with any issues. Oh, and I should mention—I'm the chief disciple of this valley, responsible for all its affairs," An Xin said, her gentle smile filled with warmth.
Zhu Xi found herself touched by An Xin's sincerity. Her wariness began to melt away, replaced by a growing sense of ease.
If this junior cultivator had such a kind disposition, perhaps the Valley Master was indeed a rare and virtuous individual.
Zhu Xi entertained this thought, her admiration growing. Though An Xin's cultivation was only at the Nascent Soul Realm, Zhu Xi harbored no disdain, even contemplating forging a deeper bond with her.
An Xin, on the other hand, was puzzled. "She doesn't seem to know my master personally. Could she be a descendant of one of his old acquaintances?"
An Xin dismissed the idea that Zhu Xi might be an extraordinary talent. Her earlier remark about Gu An potentially accepting Zhu Xi as a disciple was more of a polite platitude—a habit she had picked up from Gu An. Saying nice things cost nothing, and who knew? It might strengthen the bond between them.
As the two continued their conversation, they gradually moved deeper into the valley.
Beneath an ancient tree—
Sword Master Zuo Yijian stood, gazing at the bustling activity in the distance. He frowned and muttered to himself, "Noisy."
His eyes suddenly narrowed as he spotted someone in the crowd.
It was an elderly man in white robes, leaning on a staff with one hand while resting the other on his hip. The man had just entered the valley and was looking around with apparent curiosity.
"Free Immortal... Samsara Tribulation... This aura feels so familiar. Where have I encountered it before?" Zuo Yijian thought, his gaze fixed on the elderly figure.
Sensing Zuo Yijian's scrutiny, the white-robed elder turned his head. When their eyes met, the elder furrowed his snowy brows.