Looking at the Sea Dragon, Gu An felt that its aura was somewhat familiar, so he paid closer attention.
“Ah?”
“Isn’t this the same aura as that of Sky Dragon?”
“But it certainly isn’t Sky Dragon.”
Sky Dragon is currently serving as the Holy Beast of Ancient Sky Sect, and according to Gu An’s Divine Sense, that fellow is still snoozing.
Gu An began to probe the Sea Dragon’s causality and quickly understood its origins.
It turned out to be a Snake Demon that had acquired the True Blood of Sky Dragon and had just shed its old skin to transform into a Sea Dragon, leaping forward in talent.
Gu An’s eyes shifted to the youth sitting atop the Sea Dragon’s head and executed a Life Span Detection.
[Xu Jin (Foundation Establishment Realm, Nine Layers): 32/350/3080]
A life span limited to three thousand and eighty years, in the past, would surely be considered a rare talent, but in the present world, it could only be said to be talented, though not top-tier.
Xu Jin, dressed in white robes, splendid and regal, donning an intricate hair crown, looked vibrant and energetic, appearing to be only sixteen or seventeen years old.
The Sea Dragon beneath his feet, ten Zhang long, stirred up a strong wind as it flew low, lifting tiles off buildings, palaces, and even lanterns and sunshades off the streets, causing much chaos wherever it passed.
Ji Xiaoyu frowned as she watched, raising her cup, preparing to take action.
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Gu An held her hand, smiling, “Don’t be hasty.”
Ji Xiaoyu turned to him and said, “This is a city of mortals, though there are some Cultivators, they are few and far between, how could they stop that…”
Before she could finish, the sound of a sword being drawn echoed throughout the city. Immediately after, the Sea Dragon let out a piercing scream as blood gushed from its spine, plummeting towards the street.
The commoners on the street scurried away in panic, while Xu Jin, atop the Sea Dragon’s head, was flustered. He quickly leaped off, landing on a nearby rooftop.
He had just landed when a sword was placed against his neck, causing his pupils to dilate in terror, and beads of cold sweat to stream down his face.
“Who… are you? What do you want?”
Xu Jin asked tremulously, followed by a voice behind him, “So brazen and reckless, are you trying to disregard Taicang’s laws?”
Inside the inn.
Gu An withdrew his gaze and looked at Ji Xiaoyu, smiling, “See?”
The one who had taken action was a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator who practiced the art of concealing their aura, which is why Ji Xiaoyu had not noticed.
Ji Xiaoyu took a deep look at the Sword Cultivator and then turned to Gu An, “Today’s emperor truly acts decisively. I thought his laws aimed at Cultivators were just for show, but I was wrong; they are indeed enforced. That Sword Cultivator’s aura is not simple; the moment he drew his sword, the Sword Intent was strong.”
Gu An said, “Nowadays, the Taicang Dynasty could be described as a place where dragons hide and tigers lie dormant; anywhere you could find a Great Cultivator.”
“But we both have Core Formation Realm cultivation, why could you sense his presence and I could not?”
“How could you ask that? Shall I tell you that you are not as good as me? Please, I am at least a hundred and fifty-six years older than you.”
“I heard you used to be a Golden List Genius but always said your talents were lacking. It seems now that you might have been playing the fool.”
“You’re right about that, I truly am, in fact, an Immortal living incognito in the mortal world.”
“Hehe.”
Ji Xiaoyu gave Gu An a glance but she was also amused by him.
The two continued to drink and chat, no longer paying attention to Xu Jin and the Sea Dragon.
In the end, both Xu Jin and the Sea Dragon were taken away by the Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator, to the cheers of the commoners.
Over the following days, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu strolled through the city. They even visited Xiaochuan’s residence but only stood on the rooftop to look without disturbing Xiaochuan.
Now that Xiaochuan had settled down with a family and children, his life was complete.
After two days in the city, they left to visit other places.
Because Gu An was concerned about medicinal herbs, this journey only lasted half a month, which was quite fulfilling for Ji Xiaoyu.
With Gu An’s company, she witnessed the vicissitudes of life. Gu An shared his life experiences to resolve her doubts, benefiting her greatly.
Time flew by.
At the end of summer.
Gu An brought Yang Jian to Immortal Seeking Island.
Ever since his visit to the Divine Exotic Realm, Immortal Seeking Island was no longer invaded by Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts. There were still many at sea, but not as numerous as before, and mostly acted alone.
Just on entering the city, Gu An and Yang Jian heard the Cultivators discussing the battle at the Sea Breaking Rift.
This battle had been raging for more than a year; Shen Xinzi, who sought to kill You Yingying before, also joined the battle, representing the Bitter Sea Buddha Sect.
“Those Divine Exotic Ghost Kings are truly troublesome, immortal and indestructible.”
“Indeed, it’s said that more than a thousand Loose Immortals have fallen in the Sea Breaking Rift over the years, and heaven knows how many Cultivators below the Loose Immortal Realm have perished.”
“Falling is not to be feared, but to become a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost after falling and then turn against us, that’s the true horror.”
“Who knows how we’ll ever resolve this cataclysm.”
“The Bitter Sea Buddha Sect is indeed capable of delivering the Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts, but they are too few in number. The most formidable Divine Monk is Shen Xinzi, who has encountered a curse and is fate is unknown.”
Upon hearing Shen Xinzi’s name, Yang Jian looked towards Gu An.
Gu An conveyed through psychic transmission, “Yes, that’s the Monk who visited Medicine Valley before.”
Yang Jian had sensed that Shen Xinzi was extraordinary, but he did not expect the Monk to be so well-known.
Soon, Hu Xiaojian arrived and greeted them as usual, leading them to purchase medicinal herbs.
“Predecessor, I heard that Tang Hai and others encountered danger in the Sea Breaking Rift and their fate is unclear…” Hu Xiaojian said cautiously.
Gu An replied calmly, “Everyone has their own destiny. Different choices lead to different fates. As Immortal Cultivators, they would have been prepared.”
Hu Xiaojian nodded, contemplating the might of the Divine Exotic Ghost King.
Currently, aside from Sword Venerable Fudao, no second individual or demon has been able to suppress a Divine Exotic Ghost King alone.
The longer the disaster caused by the Sea Breaking Rift lasts, the more it confirms the strength of Sword Venerable Fudao.
Although Sword Venerable Fudao has not joined in the battle within the Sea Breaking Rift, many believe that the reduction in the number of Divine Exotic Resentful Ghosts at sea and the retreat of Divine Exotic Ghost Kings back into the rift is related to Sword Venerable Fudao.
Gu An remained silent while Yang Jian engaged in brisk conversation with Hu Xiaojian.
“By the way, there’s a popular book at sea called Journey to the West. Have you read it?” Hu Xiaojian suddenly recalled and asked.
Yang Jian nodded, “I have, what about it?”
He was moved, feeling proud that his Master was not only profound in cultivation but also preeminent in talent, for his book to spread so far.
Gu An was also surprised as he secretly calculated. It turned out that the Star Sea Congregations played a significant role, and another person was also helping to promote Journey to the West, who was none other than Shen Xinzi.
Interesting.
Gu An wasn’t afraid of trouble; now, he had the power to protect himself.
Of course, it would be better if no one disturbed him.
As Hu Xiaojian brought up Journey to the West, he began to enthusiastically explain that the book had spread throughout the seas, praised by many Sects.
Besides those Cultivators who were always in seclusion, most of those active at sea had read it.
Some felt that the Immortal Divine World depicted in the book was fascinating, others thought the book reflected reality, and some even considered it a history book.
Investiture of the Gods wasn’t as popular as Journey to the West, but some, like Hu Xiaojian, would read Investiture of the Gods after learning about Journey to the West.
Through Journey to the West, Hu Xiaojian also mentioned the great sects and Cultivators of the seas, leaving Yang Jian in awe.
How vast was this world, really?
Two Ancient Hours later, the Master and disciple duo returned to the Supreme Sect.
Walking through the woods, Yang Jian became more talkative.
“Master, between Impermanence Tian and the Divine Exotic Ghost King, who is stronger?” Yang Jian curiously asked.
He had heard from Hu Xiaojian about Sword Venerable Fudao appearing within the Star Sea Congregations to confront a Divine Exotic Ghost King, so he was intrigued.
Hu Xiaojian didn’t know the details due to his lower status. He did not know the name of that Divine Exotic Ghost King nor why Sword Venerable Fudao acted, but he was aware of the event.
Although Yang Jian was no longer disturbed by Impermanence Tian, he still felt an inherent pressure, thinking that he would inevitably face him one day.
Gu An casually replied, “As your Master, I am also unclear. When you face him in the future, you will know.”
“I hope he comes later rather than sooner.”
“With his level of cultivation, what he calls soon might be in hundreds or thousands of years, so don’t worry too much.”
“Right, I will definitely not slack off.”
Yang Jian was full of fighting spirit, and he actually had another question he wanted to ask.
That was, what realm had his Master reached?
His Master claimed to be a Loose Immortal, but from what Hu Xiaojian said, Sword Venerable Fudao obviously seemed much stronger than a Loose Immortal.
He also wanted to ask about the cultivation realm of that fellow Senior Brother.
But he dared not ask; if the Master did not say it, there must be a reason.
…
Inside the palace, An Hao slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath of foul air.
A figure suddenly appeared beside the pool, none other than Chi Jiuxiao.
Chi Jiuxiao looked at An Hao and marveled, “Void Crossing Realm, Nine Layers. Impressive, young man. To have such cultivation at just over a hundred years old is indeed terrifying. Although my Sect has invested a lot in you, you have absorbed it all so quickly, truly proving your talent is unmatched in the world.”
An Hao looked at him and said, “Above the Void Crossing Realm are the Unification and Mystic Heart. To reach the Mahayana Realm by five hundred would not be considered quick.”
Chi Jiuxiao rolled his eyes and said, “With your current pace, reaching the Mahayana Realm by five hundred would be a breeze. I even suspect that you could achieve Nirvana before five hundred. Your innate talent is unimaginable.”
As he said this, his tone also revealed a hint of envy.
An Hao shook his head, “My Master has taken another disciple. He says his talent is not inferior to mine, and honestly, I fear he might catch up with me.”
Mentioning Sword Venerable Fudao, Chi Jiuxiao immediately sat cross-legged, curious, “Who exactly is your Master, and which Sect is he from? Don’t tell me he’s from the Supreme Sect. With such cultivation, if he’s not from the Holy Court, he must be from one of the Mortal World’s leading Qi Fortune Sects.”
“I truly don’t know,” An Hao admitted helplessly.
Even if he did know, he wouldn’t reveal it.
Chi Jiuxiao glanced at him and then pulled out several books from within his robes, offering, “Take a look at Journey to the West, it’s also from the Supreme Sect. This book has become wildly popular at sea, and it’s even made me consider another trip to the Supreme Sect.”
Journey to the West?
An Hao looked at the book in Chi Jiuxiao’s hands. He had already heard about the book, written by Pan An of the Supreme Sect.
He knew who Pan An was, his junior sister was even under Pan An’s mentorship.
An Hao couldn’t help but recall his first encounter with Gu An when they witnessed Lv Baitian returning to peak form, exhibiting a formidable cultivation level.
But Gu An’s cultivation and talents seemed so ordinary, and such an ordinary person had managed to spread his fame all the way to the seas. Truly remarkable.