Chapter 591: Chapter 584: Obsession
Xiao Lan felt like she was dreaming today, as if she had encountered an immortal who praised her exceptional talent and wanted to take her as a disciple. After witnessing the immortal’s display of techniques, her father, whom she considered the mightiest, actually knelt down and kowtowed.
Everything was so dreamlike.
Even until dusk, Xiao Lan still hadn’t recovered from the shock.
“What’s the matter, don’t want to pursue immortal cultivation?”
A familiar voice came, interrupting Xiao Lan’s trance. She turned her head and saw Gu An walking into the garden.
Seeing Gu An, Xiao Lan’s anxiety dissipated somewhat, and she answered, “It’s not that I don’t want to; it’s just that I’m a little scared. After all, I have never been outside before, and she… my master says she wants to take me to Dao Court, which seems to be very powerful…”
…
She began to share her true inner feelings, and Gu An came over to listen to her talk earnestly.
In the end, Xiao Lan said helplessly, “If only someone could go with me, that would be great. Unfortunately, my brothers and sisters are not recognized by the master.”
Gu An blinked and said, “I can accompany you. Your master has already taken me as a named disciple. Although there’s still a difference in status compared to you, it won’t be difficult to accompany you in the future.”
At that, Xiao Lan’s eyes widened in excitement, and she grabbed Gu An’s arms, asking, “Really?”
“Have I ever lied to you? Manor Master Gu has already entrusted me to take good care of you,” Gu An said with a smile, and as he spoke, he raised his hand to ruffle Xiao Lan’s hair.
Having spent eighteen years at Xiao Manor, Gu An had long been integrated into life there, and everyone held him in high regard. With his insight, Gu An had also established a deep friendship with Manor Master Xiao, and since he had watched Xiao Lan grow up, the manor master was very comfortable trusting him.
It is worth mentioning that Xiao Lan’s name Lan was chosen by Gu An himself, which attested to the great trust he had earned in Xiao Manor.
“That’s wonderful. We’ll explore the realm of immortal cultivation together!” Xiao Lan was ecstatic, swinging Gu An’s arm excitedly.
Ever since childhood, she had loved playing with Gu An, because he would fulfill her every wish.
She shook off the earlier trepidation and confusion, becoming extremely excited about what lay ahead in her life.
Two days later, the white-robed woman known as Sage Su took Gu An and Xiao Lan and left. Everyone in Xiao Manor stood at the gates to see them off.
Xiao Lan’s mother cried uncontrollably, while Manor Master Xiao’s eyes were filled with hope.
His spiritual root qualification was limited, but Xiao Lan’s encounter gave him hope that perhaps he could gain the chance for longevity through his daughter.
Partings are always sorrowful, but fortunately, Xiao Lan had Gu An’s company. Over a hundred miles away from Xiao Manor, she became lively again.
Without concern for Sage Su’s immortal status, she chased after her and incessantly asked about Dao Court, chattering the whole way.
Gu An followed behind the two, enjoying the scenery along the way. He replaced himself with a clone, while his true self went to gather medicinal herbs.
Sage Su was very gentle and indulgent towards Xiao Lan. As for Gu An, though she was not as enthusiastic, she gave him no cold shoulder, and the atmosphere during the journey was rather pleasant.
Night fell.
The three stopped in a forest to rest. Sage Su had no plans to return to Dao Court straight away; she was traveling the Human World, experiencing life, with plans to return to Dao Court after the journey’s end. During this period, she would teach Xiao Lan the techniques for cultivation.
Xiao Lan was very excited and couldn’t settle down, even after half a day had passed.
“Master, tell us about Dao Court, and also the realm of immortal cultivation. I’ve heard from father that cultivators have their own hierarchies. While mortals may not see them, the realm of immortal cultivation is vast and magnificent, with waves of grandeur and heroes emerging one after another,” Xiao Lan asked Sage Su, leaning on Gu An.
Sage Su was somewhat displeased with their close interaction, but she did not let it show and instead started to introduce Dao Court.
In Sage Su’s description, Dao Court was the most powerful sect under the heavens, with countless branches. She mentioned one famed name after another, all prominent figures within Dao Court.
“My disciple, your talent is no less than theirs. As long as you are willing to work hard, your teacher will help you surpass them and become the top prodigy of Dao Court,” Sage Su declared to Xiao Lan with a burning gaze.
Xiao Lan became even more elated. She sat up, tapping Gu An on the shoulder with a triumphant smile, “Brother Gu, I will be the top prodigy in the world someday, and you just wait for me to protect you.”
Gu An laughed and said, “Good, I’m already looking forward to it.”
Sage Su slightly furrowed her brow.
In her eyes, Gu An was not worthy of Xiao Lan, and, moreover, the path that Xiao Lan must walk did not require romantic entanglements.
To become a top prodigy in Dao Court, one must devote all their energy to cultivation.
She didn’t stop her, though, knowing that once Xiao Lan experienced the power and splendor of Dao Court, she would eventually lose interest in Gu An.
Her gaze toward Gu An became one of pity.
To be abandoned was not a good feeling, and after all, this child was still her disciple. She would ensure he had a good end in the future.
Listening to Sage Su’s inner thoughts, Gu An almost laughed out loud, but he was an excellent actor and restrained himself.
Xiao Lan, unaware of their thoughts, was still indulging in her dreams of a cultivator’s life.
That year, Xiao Lan began her Qi Refinement. Sage Su not only taught her cultivation techniques but also provided her with elixirs, which greatly accelerated her cultivation speed.
The following year, Gu An gifted Xiao Lan the White Spirit Sword, which delighted her immensely.
She had grown up and had a budding understanding of affection. She realized her feelings for Gu An resembled that of a married couple in the Human World. Whenever this thought crossed her mind, her cheeks reddened, and she couldn’t help stealing glances at Gu An. Neither of them pointed out this unspoken understanding, savoring the hazy romantic feelings.
Although Sage Su did not expressly prevent it, she often took Gu An and Xiao Lan to observe mortals suffering for love, hoping to make Xiao Lan realize that love was not reliable.
However, Xiao Lan remained unaffected and felt even more fortunate that her Brother Gu was not like those men.
In the blink of an eye,
Fifty years went by swiftly.
Xiao Lan had reached the Cultivation Level of the Divinity Transformation Realm, and her talent symbolized by the life span limit of 9,999 years was fully evident.
According to Sage Su, if Xiao Lan had cultivated within Dao Court, her progress would have been faster.
Gu An’s apparent cultivation level had reached the Core Formation Realm, which was extraordinary in the Tai Cang Continent but barely noteworthy in Sage Su’s eyes.
Over those fifty years, they visited twelve dynasties, experienced the customs of various places, and encountered other cultivators, demons, and ghosts.
Xiao Lan had matured, letting go of the ties in her braids, and gradually developed the demeanor of a Daughter of Heaven.
No matter how much higher her realm was than Gu An’s, her feelings for him had not faded but rather deepened. It used to be Gu An taking care of her, but now, the roles had reversed.
Whenever Gu An remained silent, she would ask him what was wrong, fearing he was under mental stress. This bemused and sometimes frustrated Gu An, while also increasing Sage Su’s dissatisfaction.
She couldn’t fathom why Xiao Lan was so fond of Gu An.
Before, Xiao Lan had never left the manor and had not met men more outstanding than Gu An, so Sage Su could understand her feelings.
But now, having seen more of the world and yet being even more fond of Gu An, Sage Su found it utterly baffling.
The worst part was, Sage Su realized it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to intervene.
Her intuition told her that if she tried to force them apart, Xiao Lan would turn against her.
On a sweltering summer day, the three walked along a large river, where waves slapped the banks and white gulls soared, creating a majestic and melancholic atmosphere.
“Brother Gu, are you hot? Do you need me to cast a spell for you?”
“Brother Gu, are you tired? Do you need to rest?”
“Brother Gu, look over there! Isn’t that demon bird cute? Do you like it? Do you want me to catch it for you?”
Listening to these incessant questions, not only Sage Su grew weary, but even Gu An felt it was a bit much.
“I’m at least at the Core Formation Realm level, why are you treating me like some delicate scholar?” Gu An said, rather helplessly.
Clad in white, with makeup enhancing her fairy-like appearance, Xiao Lan stood beside him prettily. Hearing his words, she blinked and said softly with a giggle, “Well, I just can’t help it.”
For some reason, she was always thinking about Gu An, sometimes to the extent that she wouldn’t even listen to her master’s words.
As long as she looked at Gu An, she felt elated and considered herself the luckiest person in the world.
While they spoke, she couldn’t resist hugging Gu An’s arm, as though afraid he might leave.
Gu An was torn between helplessness and being touched by her actions. He hadn’t cast any spell on Xiao Lan; this was an emotion that transcended reincarnation.
Ye Lan’s love for him had become an obsession through the cycles of reincarnation.