In Tianya Valley.
Gu An, who was picking herbs, smiled; he heard Zhang Buku’s words and felt both comforted and accomplished.
Senior Brother Zhang, did you ever think I would become your son’s support?
Gu An’s thoughts drifted back several decades. At that time, Cheng Xuandan was still around, constantly engaged in alchemy and rarely coming downstairs. It was always Zhang Chunqiu leading him, Li Ya, and Meng Lang in their work.
Years passed, and of the original five master and disciple members, only Gu An and Li Ya remained.
Time flows, and some people and events are taken away by the years, with their traces gradually erased.
Autumn leaves danced in the air, as Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun San followed Gu An, occasionally asking questions.
Normally, neither Luo Hun, Lv Xian, nor Ji Ruolai paid much attention to them, only Gu An would chat with them and even bring them some gifts whenever he came, so they liked him very much.
This time, Gu An brought them some spirit fruits, which were very tasty.
Although the three monkey demons were demon slaves, Gu An did not look down on them. Just like when facing Tian Yao’er, he was used to treating all living beings with an equal attitude.
Moreover, in his view, even ordinary monkey demons had their own personalities and interesting aspects.
Perhaps one day, these three monkey demons could also have their own opportunities.
Gu An told them about the current calamity of demons, depicting the evil deeds of demons and humans, guiding them towards virtue.
Hearing how dangerous the outside world was, the three monkey demons gave up the idea of leaving the valley, trusting that Gu An would not frighten them with lies; what he said must be true.
Lv Xian suddenly came to Gu An’s side and asked: “Valley Master, do you think humans and demons can live in harmony?”
Gu An squatted down and replied: “Why not? Before the great demon calamity, there was constant strife within the human race. There will always be survival struggles among individuals, but on a collective level, it is definitely decided by a minority in power.”
Lv Xian was immediately interested and asked: “Do you mean that the calamity between humans and demons is not destined by heaven?”
The three monkey demons also looked at him.
Gu An asked: “If in a mountain forest, there were no cultivators, no demons, only a group of ordinary living beings, would there be a calamity sweeping the entire forest? No, there would be conflicts, but they wouldn’t shake the environment.”
Lv Xian agreed and followed up: “You mean that as long as the leaders of both races negotiate peace, there can be tranquility?”
“Even if there is peace, the struggle for survival among living beings will not cease, but it would not be as terrifying. However, these ideas are meaningless; we cannot change the world’s trend, so it’s useless to think too much. Better to cherish the days we have now.”
Gu An stood up and said this. Then he looked at Lv Xian and asked: “Do you have something to do?”
Lv Xian pretended to cough and said: “I’ve been having some difficulties with the Mystic Tortoise Surging Wave Palm lately and would like your guidance.”
“My hand techniques were all taught by you, how can I guide you?” Gu An replied, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes as he looked at Lv Xian.
Lv Xian quickly said: “It’s precisely because I taught you that I want to hear your thoughts. One doesn’t need to be superior to guide another; different people have different insights, and you might offer unexpected ideas.”
This explanation was reasonable and considerate.
Gu An said: “Then wait a moment, let me finish my work first.”
“Alright!” Lv Xian stepped aside immediately.
After a while, Gu An handed the medicinal herbs to the three monkey demons and then took Lv Xian to the attic.
Without needing his instructions, Lv Xian began setting up restrictions.
Neither Luo Hun nor Ji Ruolai thought much of it. Even though they all served Li Xuandao, they still kept secrets from each other, especially regarding cultivation matters, which should not be easily pried into.
An hour later, Lv Xian finally opened the door and left, and Gu An was also about to leave.
Staring at Gu An’s retreating figure flying by sword, Lv Xian felt filled with admiration.
This person was truly incredible.
Despite having a cultivation level in the Divinity Transformation Realm and extraordinary comprehension, he concealed his abilities to appear as an ordinary valley master.
He had investigated Gu An’s background and found no deep-seated enemies; he even had the Ji Family as his support.
This indicated that Gu An had unimaginable patience and goals.
Lv Xian’s admiration for Gu An grew, wishing to become someone like him.
What’s a moment of glory? Becoming immortal is the true goal!
Lv Xian also thought of Li Xuandao. He was the only one who knew Li Xuandao’s true cultivation level, no wonder Li Xuandao admired Gu An so much.
It was mutual appreciation among those with grand ambitions!
It amused Lv Xian that neither knew the other’s true cultivation level.
He started to look forward to the day when both would discover each other’s true strength.
…
Autumn passed, and winter arrived. A major event shook the world of immortal cultivation.
The Supreme Sect actually sent a demon army to support the Northern Territory, including a Mahayana Realm Demon King, causing an uproar. Countless people questioned the Supreme Sect’s collusion with the Demon Clan, but with this demon army sweeping through a battlefield, the doubts disappeared, replaced by excitement.
Successive reports of victory boosted the morale within the Supreme Sect.
Yet, even so, the world crisis remained unresolved.
The Demon Land’s demons seemed endless, impossible to kill completely.
Besides picking herbs, Gu An spent most of his time descending the mountain to slay demons. His lifespan had already surpassed six million years.
This winter, more and more disciples were dispatched down the mountain, and the number of disciples in the outer and inner sects kept decreasing.
Gu An could sense a terrifying demonic energy brewing in the north.
Loose Immortal Realm!
It must be that Demon Ancestor!
Deep within the Demon Land, there might be a Great Cultivator of the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. Therefore, Gu An did not act immediately.
Once the Demon Ancestor ventured south, as long as he dared to step into human territory, Gu An would strike at once!
The Seven Stars Spirit Realm, claiming to be a Holy Land, would not directly attack the human race.
One night.
Gu An habitually used his Divine Sense to scan the world and was attracted to a certain forest.
In that forest, Su Han was hiding in the grass. He had an artifact that could conceal his aura. The Nine Nether Thirteen Evil were patrolling within a hundred miles but could not find him.
Su Han’s aura was unstable, indicating severe injuries.
Had he fallen out with the Ghost Mother of Ephemera?
Gu An had no intention of intervening; he quietly observed.
After seven days, Su Han finally left the forest.
During his travels in the mortal world, Gu An would occasionally keep an eye on him.
Su Han was secretly investigating Zhen Qin.
What was he planning?
Gu An wouldn’t allow Su Han to harm Zhen Qin. If Su Han dared to harm Zhen Qin, he would not stand by.
…
Heavy snow fell, covering everything.
In a mountain ravine, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and several disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall were resting, each cultivating energy to restore spiritual power.
Zhen Qin suddenly opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings.
She hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked to Ye Lan, whispering: “Martial Aunt, there is an issue with my cultivation. I need to undress, so I wish to be alone in the forest for a while.”
Ye Lan opened her eyes and looked at her, concerned: “Do you need my help?”
“No, you know my cultivation technique is special.” Zhen Qin smiled. Seeing her smile without any signs of trouble, Ye Lan nodded in agreement.
Zhen Qin then left the camp.
She continued walking through the forest, traveling several miles before stopping and looking ahead.
Under a tree, a figure stood with its back to her.
“Senior Brother Su Han, is that you?” Zhen Qin asked cautiously.
Su Han turned around, his face devoid of color and hair turned white. His bone sword was gone.
He forced a smile and said: “It’s me, come here.”
Zhen Qin hesitated but still approached Su Han.
When she was only seven steps away from him, she sensed being trapped in some kind of restriction, causing her expression to change.
“No need to panic, it’s my artifact, which can block Divine Sense detection, keeping the Ghost Mother of Ephemera and the Nine Nether Thirteen Evil from finding me,” Su Han explained.
Zhen Qin breathed a sigh of relief, maintaining her distance and asked: “Senior Brother, can you really not turn back?”
Su Han’s face twisted into a grim smile: “Turn back? There’s no going back. My hands are already stained with blood; even if I abandon my cultivation, my enemies won’t let me go.”
Zhen Qin saw his unstable condition and quickly asked: “Do you need healing medicine?”
“No, I came to ask you for a favor.” Su Han shook his head.
Zhen Qin couldn’t help but ask: “What is it?”
At that moment, Su Han suddenly moved closer, pressing his right hand on her forehead. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized she couldn’t move.
Su Han’s face turned immensely cold in that instant.
“Senior… brother…”
Zhen Qin managed to utter two words before a powerful spiritual force entered her body, rendering her speechless.
In the distance.
In a town, Gu An was swinging his sword to slay demons, his brows furrowed, eyes complex.
He turned and continued to kill demons, while other cultivators were fighting alongside him in the town.
In the forest, Su Han looked at Zhen Qin’s panicked expression and whispered: “Junior Sister, don’t be afraid. I won’t harm you. Senior Brother is at the end of his rope, destined to die, and wants to pass all my cultivation to you before I die, to help you change your fate.”
Hearing this, Zhen Qin’s pupils dilated.
Memories of Outer Gate City flashed in her mind. Back then, the outer gate wanted to sacrifice disciples, and Su Han risked his life to cover her escape from the city.
Because of this gratitude, she had always cared about Su Han’s fate.
Though Su Han was infamous, perhaps wronging many people, he had always been good to her. Everyone could condemn him, but not her.
“The Ghost Mother of Ephemera taught me the Defying Fate Divine Skill, wanting me to enter the Nine Nether Road. Though I don’t know her final intention, my fate would be grim. In a secret realm, I seized a Mahayana Dharma Artifact and escaped them, but I’m heavily injured and won’t live long…”
“The Hateful Heaven Divine Sword ends with me. I sought revenge, but the true enemy is elusive. Yet, I understand now that practicing the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword means endless enemies, perhaps I’ve already taken my revenge.”
“Junior Sister, with our average talent, we are mere ants in the world of cultivation. Practicing the Hateful Heaven Divine Sword was my only chance to escape fate. Though I failed, my life was still worthwhile…”
“Now, inherit my cultivation…”