Gu An looked back and saw Li Ya’s childhood friend, Zuo Lin, walking towards him.
After many years, Zuo Lin’s cultivation level had only reached the third layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, presumably still obsessed with practicing the sword.
Gu An turned around and greeted him with a clasped fist, saying, “My family summoned me for a task, so here I am.”
“You have a family? Aren’t you born from house servant origins?” Zuo Lin asked curiously.
Gu An replied, “I indeed come from a house servant background, a servant of the Ji Family. Our Third Miss is about to host a banquet, and I came along with other servants to help.”
“What? You are from the Ji Family?” Zuo Lin’s eyes widened.
Gu An retorted, “Didn’t Senior Brother Li tell you?”
Zuo Lin shook his head and said, “He didn’t mention it, and it’s quite a coincidence. My father was also invited by the Ji Family, and I followed him here for the excitement. Isn’t Ji Mansion right behind us? Where are you heading?”
He was always interested in Gu An, always feeling that Gu An was not simple, so he did not want to miss out now that they had finally met.
“I plan to stroll around the Inner Sect city.”
“Then let me accompany you. Though I am not an Inner Sect Disciple, I have come here often, thanks to my father’s influence,” Zuo Lin said enthusiastically, and Gu An didn’t decline.
The two chatted as they moved forward.
As Zuo Lin talked about his father, Gu An gained a deeper understanding of the hierarchy within the Supreme Sect.
Usually, disciples would advance to higher realms as they progress, but some would take the path of power, like Zuo Yijian, who joined the Hall of Elders.
Unlike other departments, the Hall of Elders was the center of power in the city. The threshold for the Outer Sect Hall of Elders was the Core Formation Realm, while for the Inner Sect Hall of Elders, it was the Divinity Transformation Realm.
The Hall of Elders held absolute power in each city, and it was said that in the Sect’s Main City, the power of the Hall of Elders was even greater, being able to decide the position of the Sect Leader. Therefore, some Nascent Soul Realm cultivators chose to stay in the Outer Sect as elders to continue seeking their own benefits.
Zuo Yijian arrived in the Inner Sect but had not yet joined the Hall of Elders; however, he had become the head of the Book Collection Hall, which was no small position.
“It’s all because of the Flying Leaf Sword Immortal that my father has gone crazy. Now he spends all day engrossed in ‘Investiture of the Gods’, completely neglecting his sword practice,” Zuo Lin said indignantly.
Gu An asked, “Do you think ‘Investiture of the Gods’ isn’t interesting?”
“It’s indeed very interesting. Let me tell you, my favorite character is Yang Jian. Why isn’t he a Sword Cultivator…” As Zuo Lin talked about ‘Investiture of the Gods’, his speech grew denser.
Gu An silently reflected, it seemed he had underestimated the impact of ‘Investiture of the Gods’ on the world of Immortal Cultivation.
As Zuo Lin praised Pan An, Gu An initially felt secretly pleased, but it became mundane after a while, as he wasn’t the true author; he wrote mainly to earn Spirit Stones.
Soon after, Gu An asked Zuo Lin to lead him to the Scripture Pavilion.
The biggest difference between the Scripture Pavilion and the Book Collection Pavilion was that the Scripture Pavilion contained only cultivation techniques and spells.
On the way, Gu An had asked about the Five Elements Skill, only to be scorned by Zuo Lin.
In the world of Immortal Cultivation, cultivation techniques generally focused on a single attribute, even for those with multiple Spirit Roots, unless someone intended to start over.
Starting over with cultivation techniques, although maintaining the realm, the process of reaccumulating Spiritual Power could drive most cultivators to despair.
Immortal Cultivation isn’t like learning martial arts; it requires years to accumulate, and no one wants to retrace a journey of decades or centuries, let alone those old freaks who have cultivated for a thousand years. They only grit their teeth and press on, deeply studying one path. This is exactly why the Traditions of Immortal Cultivation blossom so diversely.
Upon reaching the Scripture Pavilion, Gu An indeed did not find the Five Elements Skill, but he still purchased basic skills for the other four attributes, choosing the cheapest ones available since he could advance through extra expenditure.
Spirit Stones needed to be mainly spent on purchasing seeds!
Zuo Lin puzzled over why he bought different attributes’ cultivation techniques, to which Gu An replied it was for his disciples, earning Zuo Lin’s deep respect.
Back in Mystic Valley, Zuo Lin could feel his attitude towards the Servant Disciples.
Gu An was not only trying to ingratiate himself with someone of Imperial Family background like Li Ya, but he was also kind to those of lower status. Perhaps Li Ya was right; he truly was a good man.
Zuo Lin watched Gu An’s profile and thought so.
“Brother Zuo, could you take me to see the formations?” Gu An asked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Zuo Lin readily agreed.
The result left Gu An somewhat disappointed.
Teleportation Arrays were indeed available, but they were all exorbitantly priced; he could not afford them!
He would have to consider it another day. Although he was a Void Crossing Realm cultivator, forcefully taking them was not an option.
After arriving at the Inner Sect, Gu An felt convinced that the Supreme Sect must be hiding old monsters of the Void Crossing Realm, especially since the threshold for the Inner Sect Elders was the Divinity Transformation Realm, and even higher up was the Sect’s Main City.
Upon further reflection, the Supreme Sect was indeed potent. So many cultivators from the Demon Path died at the Outer Sect, and the Demon Path did not dare to launch an attack on the Supreme Sect. Even Jiang Qiong, a spy at the Core Formation Realm, only dared operate outside the Outer Sect.
If the Supreme Sect was a grand map, Gu An was merely operating in a tiny corner.
Until evening, Gu An bid farewell to Zuo Lin, then returned to the front of Ji Mansion where Du Ye was still waiting, which touched him somewhat.
“Why did you only come back now? Without me, you couldn’t get in!” Du Ye complained.
Gu An laughed and patted his shoulder, not saying much. The two entered Ji Mansion.
Upon entering, Gu An sensed many auras. It turned out Ji Mansion also had seclusion restrictions, and he even caught a whiff of the Divinity Transformation Realm aura.
Along the way, he kept using Life Span Detection on everyone he met.
Ji Mansion was populated, and many were prodigies.
Although Ji Xiaoyu brought only five people into the Supreme Sect, the Ji Family had many branches, and each year, many family members entered various sects.
Thirty minutes later, Du Ye introduced Gu An to Ji Lin, this renowned genius of the Outer Sect.
[Ji Lin (Foundation Establishment Realm Nine Layers): 36/330/900]
A thirty-six-year-old at the ninth layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, very strong!
He must have consumed quite a few Elixirs.
This is what Gu An thought as he took out the prepared herbs.
Ji Lin was not arrogant and treated Gu An decently, painting a grand picture for him, and Gu An feigned excitement, ending the meeting smoothly.
Afterwards, Du Ye led Gu An to their accommodations; the two shared a yard, but fortunately, they each had a separate house.
There were no issues during the night.
The next morning, as soon as the sky brightened, Gu An was dragged out of the courtyard by Du Ye.
The two stood waiting at the main gate, not just them but also a dozen other cultivators were there; under the leader’s arrangement, they lined up in two rows, prepared to welcome the guests for today’s banquet.
An hour later, the guests started arriving.
The first to arrive was a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator!
After that person entered the Ji Mansion, Gu An heard other house servants discussing that this person was from the Inner Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall, with considerable power.
As time passed, more and more guests arrived, and every leading person was at least in the Nascent Soul Realm, with a not insignificant proportion in the Divinity Transformation Realm.
No wonder Li Xuandao had to conceal his cultivation level; although strong in the eighth layer of Divinity Transformation Realm, he was still far from invincible.
One guest caught Gu An’s attention more than once. This person was the master of Fuxiong, named Luo Xunye. Gu An had memorized his face when he had searched Fuxiong’s soul.
[Luo Xunye (Nascent Soul Realm Ninth Layer):254/804/1300]
A two hundred fifty-four-year-old at the ninth layer of Nascent Soul Realm could indeed be considered a genius.
The Ji family members in charge at the mansion’s front obviously had a good relationship with Luo Xunye, even exchanging pleasantries for a while.
Who would have thought this man was a Demon Cultivator?
Gu An silently thought to himself, standing quietly throughout, relatively at ease.
About another hour passed before Gu An spotted another individual from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion, a spy.
Jiang Qiong!
[Jiang Qiong（Nascent Soul Realm First Layer）:192/700/2490]
After seven years without seeing her, she had managed to succeed in Tribulation Crossing so quickly!
Jiang Qiong was dressed in the robe of an Inner Sect Disciple, her demeanor cold, lacking the frivolity she had when facing Gu An before; she merely glanced at him and the two had no interaction before she walked into the Ji Mansion.
“Why has she come? It can’t just be to celebrate, can it?” Gu An puzzled internally.
Could Jiang Qiong be planning to scheme against the Ji Family?
“Pan…”
Suddenly, a call filled with surprise drew Gu An’s attention, as he saw Gu Yu, whom he had once met in the Outer Sect’s Book Collection Pavilion, swiftly approaching him.
Following Gu Yu was a gorgeously dressed middle-aged man, exuding an extraordinary aura, though his own energy was faint, clearly having cultivated some kind of Energy Concealing Sorcery.
Gu An instinctively sent out a Life Span Detection.
[Gu Zong (Void Crossing Realm Second Layer):690/1805/2800]
Good heavens!
Void Crossing Realm!
The Supreme Sect indeed harbored someone from the Void Crossing Realm!
This person also bore the surname Gu, clearly related to Gu Yu by blood. Gu An had previously felt that Gu Yu was no ordinary person.
“Gu An, are you from the Ji Family?” Gu Yu came up to Gu An and excitedly asked.
Gu An nodded, replying, “I am just a house servant.”
“With your talents, why be a house servant! I will have my father recruit you into the Inner Sect!” Gu Yu stated boldly, causing the surrounding Ji family members to look sideways.
Gu Yu turned to Gu Zong and said, “Father, this is the person I often mention. Please take him under your wing!”
Following Gu Zong, all the cultivators, both Nascent Soul Realm and Divinity Transformation Realm, curiously surveyed Gu An upon hearing Gu Yu’s words.
Oh no!
How did it go wrong with this youngster?
Gu An inwardly cursed.
Gu Zong frowned and said, “In such a public setting, what is the decorum!”
Gu An breathed a sigh of relief; Great Cultivators indeed knew better than to break the rules publicly.
Gu Zong looked at Gu An, his stern expression suddenly disappeared, he revealed a gentle smile and said, “Young friend, my name is Gu Zong, please take me as your master.”
Upon these words, everyone visibly reacted, Du Ye included who looked towards Gu An in disbelief.
The breath of relief Gu An had just released was caught up again.
“My Spirit Root Qualification is mediocre, I fear I may not be suitable to take you as my master…” Gu An helplessly said.
Gu Zong laughed and replied, “I don’t recruit disciples based on their qualifications, but on our connection. I quite like what you have written.”
With everyone watching, how could Gu An agree, and moreover, he did not prefer to take someone of the same realm as his master. When he had pledged to Cheng Xuandan, it was out of necessity.
“I need to discuss this matter with others; I hope you can understand,” Gu An took a deep breath and said with a forced difficulty.
Upon hearing this, Gu Zong burst into laughter, he walked forward, patted Gu An’s shoulder, left a sentence, and then walked into the Ji Mansion:
“After the banquet, let’s have a good talk. Even if you do not become my disciple, help me with a task and I will fulfill all your requests.”
Gu Yu winked at Gu An and then followed his father’s steps.
After this batch of guests entered the mansion, the surrounding Ji family members gathered around, asking him what he had written that had earned Gu Zong’s high regard.
An old cultivator joked, “It couldn’t possibly be Investiture of the Gods that you wrote, could it?”
Gu An smiled and said, “I do wish it were me who wrote that.”
Du Ye scoffed, “How could he possibly have written Investiture of the Gods, it’s probably something related to cultivating herbs.”
The others joined in the ribbing, and through this incident, Gu An’s presence suddenly skyrocketed.
Just as Gu An was thinking of escaping, a cultivator from the Ji Family came out from the mansion and said, “Who is Gu An? The third young mistress has summoned him!”