In the dense forest, Yi Qingshan, Lin Chuan, Cheng Meng, Gu Changsheng, and Gu Chengdao walked together, chatting as they advanced. Looking at the familiar yet foreign trees around them, a deep sense of nostalgia washed over them.
They reminisced about the events of a thousand years past, each feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
Suddenly, Cheng Meng asked, "Do you think Master might still be alive?"
As soon as she spoke, the other four fell silent.
Of course, they wished Gu An was still alive. But when they had left, Master was only at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Judging by the cultivation progress he had described to them, it would have been incredibly difficult for him to survive a thousand years.
Unless, of course, Master had lied to them about his true cultivation level. After all, they had never truly understood the depths of his power.
Gu Chengdao was the first to break the silence. "Isn't part of the reason we came back to look for him?"
Despite being the youngest, Gu Chengdao was the most composed among them. He had always felt that their master was far from ordinary.
During their thousand years of traveling the world, they had encountered countless prodigies and peerless figures. Yet, whenever Gu Chengdao recalled their master's demeanor, he felt that Gu An was no less extraordinary than those powerful figures.
Yi Qingshan nodded and said, "Since we've already returned, establishing a sect can wait. First, we should look for Master."
The others immediately agreed. Even if Master had already passed away, spending a few years searching for him would still be worthwhile.
Gradually, their conversation shifted to the enemies they had made over the years.
Just the thought of their enemies made their blood boil with fury. Their disciples, their close friends—many had been slaughtered by their foes. They themselves had barely escaped death.
But even with all their hatred, they had no means to exact revenge. Their enemies had reached Immortal Dao Realm cultivation, and they were backed by an immensely powerful sect.
As they talked, they arrived at a small stream and suddenly stopped.
Lin Chuan couldn't help but ask, "Isn't this the same stream from a thousand years ago? How is it still here?"
Yi Qingshan, too, was taken aback. After a moment, he replied, "A thousand years isn't enough to cause the world to change drastically. Besides, there hasn't been any sect warfare or demonic corruption in this area, so of course, it hasn't changed much."
They looked around, recalling their memories from the past.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from deep within the forest across the stream, immediately drawing their attention.
They sensed neither human nor demonic aura, yet there were footsteps—how could they not be alarmed?
Focusing their gaze, they saw a woman in a light blue robe, carrying a bamboo basket, walking gracefully from the depths of the woods. She had delicate features, an air of purity, and an ethereal presence, as though a celestial being had descended to the mortal realm.
For a moment, Yi Qingshan and the others were stunned.
The woman was none other than An Xin.
A thousand years had passed, and An Xin had already stepped into the Nirvana Realm, her presence now transcendent. Meanwhile, Yi Qingshan and his companions remained stuck at the Great Ascension Realm, unable to grasp the opportunity to break through.
An Xin walked up to the stream and smiled at them, snapping them out of their daze. They hurriedly bowed and cupped their fists in greeting.
"Senior, I am Yi Qingshan. A thousand years ago, I trained in this place for several years. Now that we have returned, we are searching for our master. I hope we have not disturbed you," Yi Qingshan said respectfully.
After all, a thousand years had passed. If this place now belonged to someone, they would have no choice but to leave.
He couldn't see through An Xin's cultivation, but that only meant one thing—she had reached the Immortal Dao Realm. Even if she was at the lowest level of Nirvana Realm, she was someone they absolutely couldn't afford to offend.
An Xin smiled. "I have cultivated here for a thousand years as well. Your master… could he be named Gu An?"
The moment she said this, the five of them were overjoyed and immediately confirmed it, eagerly asking about her relationship with Gu An.
An Xin replied, "I have indeed met him. He is currently in seclusion. I have established a Dao Field in this region, and I share a connection with him. If you ever need assistance, feel free to ask me."
Hearing that their master was in seclusion, the five of them were overwhelmed with happiness. They bowed in gratitude for An Xin's kindness.
Yi Qingshan wanted to ask more about Gu An, but An Xin shook her head and remained silent, leaving him with no choice but to drop the matter.
"Senior, we plan to establish a sect nearby to help mortals cultivate. Will this disturb you?" Cheng Meng cautiously asked.
An Xin raised her hand and pointed to the small stream in front of them. "As long as your sect does not cross this stream, you will not be intruding."
Gu An had already told her that Yi Qingshan was the reincarnation of Lu Jiujia, so she was curious to see what kind of sect he would create.
Hearing An Xin's response, the five of them were completely relieved.
An Xin turned around and walked in the direction she had come from, leaving behind a parting message:
"The Great Dao is long and arduous. Don't let hatred blind you. Your own cultivation is what truly matters."
These words shocked the five of them. Even after An Xin disappeared from their sight, they remained frozen in place.
Gu Changsheng hesitated before cautiously asking, "Did she hear our conversation, or did she foresee it?"
It was said that Immortal Dao powerhouses could see a person's past and future with just a glance.
Yi Qingshan took a deep breath and said, "She must have deduced it. Perhaps Master originally came to this place to find her."
The other four felt the same way, making them even more in awe of An Xin.
They didn't linger any longer and quickly departed.
Now that they were certain Gu An was still alive, they could finally begin their plan.
On the other side.
An Xin walked deep into the forest. When she saw Gu An's figure, a smile appeared on her face. She immediately quickened her pace, shedding her celestial-like demeanor and acting more like a lively, playful young girl.
"Master, how did I do?" An Xin asked proudly as she reached Gu An.
Gu An stood in front of the trees, a butterfly resting on his right hand. He watched the butterfly and replied softly, "Not bad, you carried a bit of my style."
An Xin became even more pleased and curiously asked, "Master, aren't you worried that they might establish another Tai Xuan Sect?"
Gu An replied, "As long as we remain in Heavenly Spirit Grand Heaven, as long as we still interact with people, such things are inevitable. Let them do as they please. At the very least, the sect they create has nothing to do with us, and we bear no responsibility to protect them. Their prosperity might even serve as entertainment for you when you're bored. Wandering through the mortal world, experiencing fate and karma—this, too, is a form of cultivation."
He lifted his hand, and the butterfly took flight.
Then, he led An Xin back to Wushi Dao Field.
"That's true. Secluding oneself for too long can get dull. But I made a pact with Tian Yao'er—in a hundred years, we'll duel again. I don't want to lose to her this time." An Xin walked beside Gu An, her tone determined.
She had a good relationship with Tian Yao'er, and their rivalry was a positive one. They pushed each other forward, always remaining cautious, regardless of who won or lost.
"She told me the same thing," Gu An chuckled.
Though Wushi Dao Field didn't have many people, none of them were the quiet type. He truly enjoyed his current way of life.
When bored, he could visit Xunxian Island or Mortal Peak, or travel elsewhere. There was always somewhere to go. Leaving Tai Xuan Sect didn't mean he had cut himself off from the world.
Master and disciple continued their casual conversation as they made their way back to Dao Field.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the universe.
A towering Realm Gate stood amidst the void, as if it were the center of the cosmos, emanating an ancient and boundless aura.
Ripples spread from within the Realm Gate, and a figure stepped out.
It was a man clad in black robes, his entire body surrounded by a crimson aura. His head was adorned with a crown shaped like a beast, and his belt was covered in dragon scales. A terrifying presence radiated from him.
After stepping out of the Realm Gate, his gaze shifted to a figure standing beside it. He turned, raised his hand in greeting, and said, "Senior, it has been many years. Have you been well?"
The person he was addressing was none other than Heavenly Spirit God.
Heavenly Spirit God's entire body radiated divine brilliance, making it impossible to see his true appearance—only his silhouette could be made out.
"It seems War Court refuses to back down," Heavenly Spirit God spoke, his tone indifferent.
The black-robed man smiled and replied, "We have no choice. The karma between us and the Dragon Clan runs too deep to be resolved."
Heavenly Spirit God said nothing further, and silence fell over the void.
After hesitating for a moment, the black-robed man asked, "Senior, if the Heavenly Court were to return, would you go back?"
The moment he finished speaking, his expression changed drastically, and his entire body trembled.
Heavenly Spirit God had not moved, yet an overwhelming killing intent locked onto the black-robed man, causing him to shudder in fear.
"Do not test the will of a god, or War Court may not be able to protect you."
Heavenly Spirit God's voice rang out, and the black-robed man felt as if the heavens were collapsing. His body seemed to be falling into an endless abyss, his vision blurring, and his soul trembling.
After what felt like an eternity, the black-robed man opened his eyes.
He found himself lying on a desolate meteorite. As he stood up and looked around, he could no longer see the Realm Gate.
A deep sense of dread filled his heart.
"What terrifying Heavenly Dao power… So this is the strength of one who suppresses an entire Great Thousand World?"