Gu An held the Demon Extermination Hall’s token without refusing, and looked at Lu Jiujia with a gratified smile, “Not bad, you’ve now become the person you once aspired to be.”
On hearing this, Lu Jiujia’s mood became even more elated. He chuckled and said, “In the past few years, I indeed walked on thin ice. I dared not contact you out of fear that it might implicate you. Now, the storm has passed, and from now on, we can stay in touch frequently.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lu Jiujia hurriedly took his leave with others, claiming they needed to capture a spy from the Demon Path.
Gu An watched his retreating figure, feeling slightly conflicted.
The reputation of the Demon Extermination Hall was not good; although it was the most powerful division in the Outer Sect, it was also the most disliked. It was said that if someone offended the Demon Extermination Hall, being accused of being a spy from the Demon Path by the Hall meant certain death.
Gu An could clearly sense the disdainful and repulsive gazes from the people around him.
He decided not to think too much about it and turned away to leave.
An hour later.
He arrived at the Third Medicine Valley. Just as he reached the entrance to the valley, he saw Elder Tian standing in front of the stele, pinching his beard, seemingly lost in thought.
Over the years, Gu An had become familiar with Elder Tian. Elder Tian behaved very much like a Servant Disciple, and Zhen Qin, Su Han, and Ye Yan did not notice anything different about him. Gu An also treated him as a Servant Disciple.
“Elder Tian, why are you standing here?” Gu An walked towards Elder Tian while greeting him.
Elder Tian looked at Gu An, his face revealing a kind and gentle smile, his eyelids almost too heavy to lift, giving off the impression of being one foot in the grave.
“Valley Master, I was wondering why this place is called the Third Medicine Valley. Could it be that you have two other valleys?” Elder Tian asked with a laugh.
Gu An walked up next to the stele and replied with a light chuckle, “That’s not the case. I only have this one herb valley besides. It’s called the Third Medicine Valley because it reflects my principle in dealing with matters—I don’t compete for first or second place, but I strive for third. I believe that sticking your head out too much in anything can lead to trouble.
The top three are all formidable, but third place is the safest.”
Upon hearing this, Elder Tian’s eyelids slightly opened as he fell into thought.
Gu An patted his shoulder and laughed, “Today I’ve brought roasted chicken and fine wine to taste together. This is a Spirit Chicken raised in the Outer Sect, costing me ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones.”
Elder Tian snapped out of his reverie and followed in Gu An’s footsteps.
Ye Yan was not practicing his Spear Technique at the valley entrance but was standing on the central pathway of the courtyard, his body erect, holding a long spear with one hand, and meditatively closing his eyes. As he put it, he was feeling the connection between himself and his spear.
Gu An never inquired about the Spear Technique or the Body Tempering Technique Ye Yan practiced. He was not interested in Spear Technique, and since the Mystic Yellow Dragon Energy Skill he practiced was already a Body Tempering Technique, there was no need for another.
“Yan’er, come and have a drink with us to celebrate your senior brother and senior sister becoming Outer Disciples,” Gu An called out loudly.
Curious, Elder Tian asked, “Over the years, you’ve turned all the herbs that belong to you into Elixirs for the disciples. What’s your aim? Even if they are indebted to you, the relationship will likely fade over time. Why not use all the resources for yourself?”
“And me, I’m just an old bag of bones, not knowing how long I’ll live. Giving me Elixirs, wouldn’t that be wasteful?”
Having spent several years together, Elder Tian had come to have a fondness for Gu An. Gu An treated him well and did not ignore him as other disciples did, even willing to share Elixirs to help him improve his Cultivation Level.
Before his Cultivation Level declined, he could never have imagined there would be such a selfless person within the Supreme Sect.
He even regretted his previous negligence towards the Outer Sect.
Gu An smiled and said, “I’m of mediocre talent. Being too obsessed with improving my Cultivation Level would only make my life painful. It’s better to give it to the juniors who still harbor hope. As for you, Elder Tian, even though you’re older than me, you are also considered my disciple. Naturally, I must treat everyone equally.
Even if it doesn’t increase your Cultivation Level by much, it will still boost your Qi-Blood, letting you live better, right?”
His gaze rested on Ye Yan, a smile on his face.
The sunlight cascaded down, illuminating his profile, causing Elder Tian to be somewhat moved.
Elder Tian suddenly remembered what Gu Zong said when recommending Gu An.
“Don’t underestimate that youngster just because his Cultivation Level is low. The fact that he could write ‘Investiture of the Gods’ shows the vastness of his heart. After gaining fame and wealth, he was still willing to stay devoted to the Supreme Sect and tirelessly contribute to it. Regarding character and magnanimity, I think he is superior to a Great Cultivator from the Void Crossing Realm.”
As he mulled over these thoughts, Elder Tian’s mouth curved into a smile, as if influenced by Gu An’s own smile.
Soon, the three of them gathered around the stone table, starting to drink and eat.
Gu An shared his experiences from that day, excluding the matters about Zhen Qin and Su Han. He also brought up the Demon Extermination Hall to see what Elder Tian’s take on it would be.
However, Elder Tian remained indifferent, simply smacking his lips while holding a chicken leg.
Ye Yan spoke up, “I actually think the Demon Extermination Hall is quite good. Back in Mystic Valley, I encountered Demon Cultivators several times. The Outer Sect really is too chaotic. The Demon Extermination Hall’s bad reputation is probably also due to Demon Path spies stirring up trouble in the dark.”
Gu An nodded, considering this a possibility.
Since the establishment of the Demon Extermination Hall, Mystic Valley indeed had not seen any Demon Cultivators again, nor any spies from the Thousand-Autumn Pavilion coming to look for him.
“Master, after I achieve Foundation Establishment, I don’t want to stay in the Supreme Sect. I wish to join the military,” Ye Yan suddenly declared.
Good heavens!
Talking of jumping ship in front of the former Sect Leader?
Gu An asked, “Why?”
Ye Yan’s face was resolute as he said, “The Supreme Sect prioritizes Spirit Root Qualification. For someone like me, it’s hard to stand out. Besides, joining the military would allow me to slay demons and rescue the common people. My parents were killed by a demon, and since I was young, I have vowed that once I’ve mastered spells, I will travel the world and be a knight who eradicates demons.”
Elder Tian lifted his eyes to look at him, nodding slightly.
Gu An revealed a smile and said, “I never expected you to hold such lofty ambitions. Your master supports you.”
Ye Yan revealed a smile, immediately lifted his wine bowl, and toasted Gu An, then poured another bowl and clinked bowls with Elder Tian.
The atmosphere became even more harmonious. After Ye Yan opened his heart, he talked more than usual, and Elder Tian also became more talkative.
“Master, will we need to call for disciples from Mystic Valley later on?” Ye Yan asked.
Gu An shook his head and said, “Let’s wait until after your Foundation Establishment. I’m afraid others will disturb your Path Enlightenment. With me and Elder Tian here, we’re sufficient to handle matters.”
All the different sectors were already on the right track, and the daily miscellaneous work was not much.
After hearing this, Ye Yan felt even more moved.
Gu An began to talk with him about the future, going through one jar of Spiritual Wine after another until Ye Yan became drunk.
…
At the End of Summer, the scorching heat between heaven and earth was receding.
Gu An stood on the grassland of Mystic Valley, watching as four Demon Extermination Hall Cultivators flew away, silent and speechless.
Wuxin came over and said, “Brother, what are you daydreaming about? There are so many boxes, aren’t you going to check them out?”
The four individuals had just been sent by Lu Jiujia and had come especially to bring gifts to Mystic Valley. They waited half an hour, leaving only after Gu An returned.
Gu An’s gaze returned from the distance to Wuxin, smiled, and said, “You can do the inventory. I guess it’s all herbs.”
Upon hearing this, Wuxin’s face broke into a smile, the feeling of being trusted was just too good.
Now, Gu An had handed over the full management power of Mystic Valley to Wuxin. He was only responsible for picking. Wuxin had no complaints about this arrangement. Why would he object if Gu An could help him with some of the labor? What he wanted was power, not to drive Gu An away.
Without Gu An, he always felt that something was missing in Mystic Valley, so he spent most of his time cultivating when Gu An was away.
Gu An turned and walked towards the Transmission Array Platform.
After a while, he arrived at the Third Medicine Valley.
Since Zhen Qin and Su Han had become Outer Disciples, this medicine valley had become very quiet. After Ye Yan finished his own work, he would practice his Spear Technique, and Elder Tian was also a man of few words.
Gu An stepped down from the array platform and saw Elder Tian squatting in the garden, admiring a fourth-grade herb.
The old man often zoned out, and Gu An had gotten used to it.
He walked up to the attic and took out the Ziwei Array Chronicles to read.
In the past year, he had been quietly delving into the Ziwei Array Chronicles and had gained substantial insights.
Several Ancient Hours later, Gu An felt something and immediately stored the Ziwei Array Chronicles in his Storage Bag, then waited inside the house.
“Gu An! Gu An! Come out quickly!”
Gu An heard Gu Yu’s shouting, which grew louder from a distance. The guy hadn’t even landed before he started yelling.
He got up, stepped out of the attic, and stood on the second-floor balcony. He saw Gu Zong and Gu Yu flying toward him on a golden wheel, their speed incredibly fast.
After landing, Gu Zong put his magic artifact back into his sleeve, while Gu Yu took a step forward, excitedly said, “Gu An, your…”
“Ahem!”
Gu Zong let out a cough on purpose, and Gu Yu realized something and quickly shut his mouth.
Gu An stood upstairs, smiling, “You two, come up and talk.”
Gu Yu nodded and hurried upstairs, while Gu Zong turned around and gestured for Elder Tian to come over.
The group of four gathered in the upstairs room, where Gu Zong raised his hand and cast two restrictions on the windowsill.
Gu Yu, holding onto Gu An, sat him down, still excited, “The Supreme Immortal Venerable is a complete success! The entire Immortal Cultivation World is watching, and not only that, but the surrounding dynasties and sects are also purchasing this book from the Supreme Sect!”
“Hahaha, when the Supreme Immortal Venerable first came out years ago, how many people ridiculed Pan An for losing his talent. Now, in just a few years, everyone is chasing after it, all anticipating me, Gu Yu, to prove my genius name!”
Seeing how excited he was made Gu An want to laugh and cry.
That the Supreme Immortal Venerable would become famous didn’t surprise him at all. After all, such a story of rising against the odds and face-slapping the strong, is a huge emotional impact for the Immortal Cultivation World.
Gu Zong spoke up, “Our visit today is not just to talk about this, but it is related. The Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect is preparing to come to the Supreme Sect to cultivate, and she’s coming for you. The Daotian Sect comes from the Great Yu Dynasty adjacent to the Taicang Dynasty and is the number one sect of the Great Yu Dynasty.
Their Holy Daughter is the daughter of the Sect Hierarch of the Daotian Sect. Her arrival can establish a long-term friendly relationship between the Supreme Sect and the Daotian Sect.”
“When the time comes, I’ll have to bring the Daotian Sect’s Holy Daughter to meet you. Don’t worry; this will not be disclosed. You only need to meet her alone. She has promised not to reveal your identity.”
Gu An felt overwhelmed.
I’ve become part of the diplomatic corps?
Gu Zong stroked his beard and smiled, “The Supreme Immortal Venerable has played a significant role in the development of the Supreme Sect. The Hall of Elders appreciates you very much. If you can persuade the Holy Daughter of the Daotian Sect to stay, the Hall of Elders will grant you a seedling of a seventh-grade Spirit Tree.
Once it grows, it will significantly enhance the local Spiritual Energy, and even if your qualifications are mediocre, it won’t be difficult to reach Core Formation in the future.”
“They wanted to grant you a cultivation technique or a high-rank dharma artifact, but Yu’er said you are averse to conflict and only like gardening. Hence, they decided on the seventh-grade Spirit Tree instead. This tree can also help with the entire Medicine Valley’s harvest, its benefits immeasurable.”