Chapter 608: Chapter 601: A Great Opportunity
In the early morning, a dense fog enveloped the land, and mountain peaks emerged like the tips of swords, resembling an ethereal Immortal Realm of the Human World.
Atop one of the mountains, there lay a courtyard filled with flora and a slender-limbed white dog sprawled on the ground, deep in slumber.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Li Xuanyu, dressed in a white robe, stepped out. The sunlight swept over the distant peaks and fell upon her.
She raised her right hand, and a petal drifted into her palm. She looked down at it, her gaze cold.
A female disciple soared on her Flying Sword across the sea of clouds, swiftly entering the courtyard. Before she even touched the ground, her Flying Sword swiftly shrank and flew into her sleeve. After landing, she took two steps forward and smiled, “Master, a Talent of unprecedented caliber has recently emerged from Qiankun Sect. All the branches are vying for him, Master, we should not miss this opportunity.”
As Dao Court’s fame grew, Qiankun Sect also began to emulate Dao Court, establishing different branches to nurture healthy competition and to better manage power.
Li Xuanyu, now a branch leader and an Elder of Qiankun Sect, had stayed on even after Tang Cai left.
Hearing the disciple’s words, Li Xuanyu appeared indifferent and said, “There are many talents, why bother competing?”
“This one is different, he comes from the Forbidden Lands! Brought to Qiankun Sect personally by an Immortal!” the disciple hurriedly explained.
Forbidden Lands!
Li Xuanyu’s expression shifted slightly; she was well aware of the Forbidden Lands and knew that the Immortal was An Xin.
“Why would an Immortal bring his disciple into Qiankun Sect?” Li Xuanyu asked.
“I wondered about that too, but now I understand. That disciple called Tian Hao is truly extraordinary—the Sect Hierarch has already designated him as the next Sect Hierarch!”
The disciple was excited, her face full of admiration as she spoke of Tian Hao.
Curious, Li Xuanyu inquired, “Is he really that impressive?”
The disciple nodded fervently and said, “It’s said that upon joining the sect, he mastered the Great Divine Power on the inheritance pillar after just one look; it’s unbelievable!”
Li Xuanyu pondered thoughtfully.
Tian Hao…
She hesitated, contemplating whether to try to forge more connections with Gu An, yet hesitant to disturb him.
She had nothing particular to ask of Gu An; it was just an inexplicable desire to understand him.
How had Gu An come to such a distant place, and why did he possess such formidable Cultivation Level? What adversities had he faced?
While the disciple continued to explain the benefits of accepting Tian Hao into their branch, Li Xuanyu listened, but her thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
…
Time flies.
A millennium passed in the blink of an eye.
With the thunderclouds dispersed above Qiankun Sect, Gu An and Li Xuanyu sat in a tavern on the second floor, drinking as they leaned against the window. Below, the street was filled with Cultivators looking up to the sky.
“Is Tian Hao even human? To climb from the Mahayana Realm to the Wandering Immortal Realm in a thousand years is just too exaggerated…”
“Could he be a reincarnation of Immortal Gods?”
“Very likely, given that he was personally brought into the sect by an Immortal.”
“Anyway, such a Talent is beneficial to us; he could lead Qiankun Sect to a peak it has never before reached.”
“Exactly, rather than feeling jealous, we should look forward to it.”
Listening to the discussions at other tables, Li Xuanyu glanced at Gu An, wondering whether to ask, yet unsure if she should.
Gu An swirled his wine glass, laughing, “When I first found him, I felt he was different from the rest, and sure enough, even I find it unbelievable.”
Li Xuanyu spoke softly, “Is that so? I don’t believe in so many coincidences.”
From An Xin’s strength, it was clear that Gu An was adept at teaching disciples, so Li Xuanyu attributed all of Tian Hao’s talents to Gu An, convinced that Gu An had been guiding Tian Hao in secret.
She was qualified to say this; after Tian Hao became her disciple, she started by teaching him with all her heart, but soon Tian Hao’s understanding of Daoist Technique surpassed hers, as if aided by divine intervention.
Thinking of this, she was filled with emotion.
She could never forget the expression on Yi Qingshan’s face when he handed Tian Hao over to her.
Not only did she acquire Tian Hao, but her branch also received better treatment. In just a thousand years, the branch she managed had reached the top ten in the sect rankings, not only attracting more talented disciples but also receiving help from many noble families, who sent numerous Great Cultivators.
She knew that all the treatment she now enjoyed was brought about by Gu An.
“Why did you send him to my sect? You know I can’t really teach him anything.” Li Xuanyu finally asked.
Gu An drained his glass of wine and laughed, “Whoever took him, it would have been the same, none could really teach him. This is a great heavenly opportunity. As long as he joined the Qiankun Sect, it would be the sect’s opportunity. As for who should teach him, naturally, I would choose someone I trust. It’s not just because of our old friendship; I also wanted to leave some good karma for Senior Brother Li.”
Hearing Gu An mention Li Ya, Li Xuanyu felt a sense of relief and more at ease.
Li Xuanyu then asked, “Why not visit my Dao Mountain?”
Gu An looked out the window, saying, “I just like lively places like this. You’re always in seclusion; don’t you find it stifling?”
While speaking, he raised his left hand to support his face, his eyes lazy.
Li Xuanyu also looked out the window, watching the people coming and going on the street. She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt a certain mood as well.
Although Gu An was watching the street, his heart was actually looking towards Outer Heaven.
The World Gate was stirring.
A figure was walking out amid the intense light.
“Celestial Spirit God, finding this Great Thousand World was not easy. Was it your doing, or has the Celestial Spirit Immortal Venerable not completely fallen?”
A laughing voice emanated from the World Gate, and immediately after, a gray-robed Daoist stepped out. He had the appearance of a young child with white hair, holding a horsetail whisk in one hand and a White Jade Bottle in the other, his body surrounded by an aura of immortality that faintly sparkled with silver light, as if containing stars.
The Celestial Spirit God stood up and turned to face the newcomer. The divine light around him dissipated, revealing his true form, still bearing the face of Bai Sheng.
“Greetings, Deity of the Moon.”
Though the Celestial Spirit God’s tone was cold, he still bowed to the Deity of the Moon.
The Deity of the Moon smiled. He approached the Celestial Spirit God and chuckled, “How many years has it been? Have you still not found that treasure?”
The Celestial Spirit God replied, “What treasure? I am not aware. The reason I haven’t destroyed this world is because I see a destiny here that is favorable for the Celestial Court.”
The Deity of the Moon glanced into the depths of the universe, saying, “The Celestial Dao Destiny is indeed rising, and the name of the Celestial Court is spreading. However, I know what you truly desire.”
The Celestial Spirit God’s face remained unchanged, quietly staring at the Deity of the Moon.
After a while, the Deity of the Moon withdrew his gaze. He looked at the Deity of the Moon and said, “With your talent, your Cultivation Level shouldn’t be this low. When will you ascend?”
The Celestial Spirit God answered, “The Heavenly Dao will decide. I only need to stay at my Immortal Position and wait quietly for the Heavenly Dao.”
“Haha, if you don’t bow your head, how can he allow the Heavenly Dao to fall upon you?” the Deity of the Moon taunted.
The Celestial Spirit God fell silent once more.
The Deity of the Moon’s expression turned cold as he said, “Do something for me, and I will help conceal your crimes, allowing you and this Great Thousand World to continue to exist.”