The next morning, Gu An rode the Blood Prison Saint into the outer sect city. It had been several months since his last visit, but today he sensed the aura of an old acquaintance and decided to take a walk.
He didn't head directly toward the acquaintance, instead choosing to wander through the bustling streets of the city. These days, more and more people greeted him along the way, which made him ponder: in a millennium, would Tai Xuan Sect be filled with his disciples?
Tsk tsk, I wonder how many more years it'll take to become a Grand Elder, Gu An thought humorously.
The Blood Prison Saint, having reached the Core Formation Realm, now had an even more imposing presence. Standing two meters tall at the shoulder, its blood-red fur rippled as it walked, drawing countless looks from passing disciples.
"Master, why is it that Long Qing can't cultivate spiritual energy? And why is his blood vitality growing so quickly?" the Blood Prison Saint asked suddenly.
Gu An, unconcerned about anyone overhearing them on the streets, replied casually, "Maybe there's another reason behind it."
Hearing this, the Blood Prison Saint's suspicions solidified. He cautiously asked, "Could it be… he's like me?"
"Hmm," Gu An responded with a nonchalant nod, confirming the Saint's suspicions.
I knew it, thought the Blood Prison Saint.
No wonder not even Shen Xin Zi could discern the truth. Turns out it's the master's doing! But why would he seal Long Qing's spiritual energy?
That kid is absurd—despite having his cultivation sealed, his physical body is still developing at an incredible pace. Could his potential be even greater than Yang Jian's Abyssal Tyrant Body?
The master truly has a knack for finding geniuses.
Wait, no—it's probably the master's intervention that transforms them into such prodigies. Just look at An Xin; her comprehension and aptitude seem to improve with each passing day.
The Blood Prison Saint silently admired Gu An's unfathomable methods.
After a while, the Saint carried Gu An to the Heaven Mending Platform.
As always, the platform was lively, crowded with people.
Gu An's gaze fell on a single figure amidst the throng. This individual concealed their cultivation of the Seventh Layer of the Unrestrained Primordial Immortal Realm.
It was none other than Zhang Xianwang of the Immortal Dynasty!
Back during the Heaven Ranking Assembly, Zhang Xianwang had represented the Immortal Dynasty in an attempt to recruit the Sword Master of Dao, and it was then he met Gu An.
Zhang Xianwang had also crossed paths with Tian Zong. With years having passed and Tian Zong now deceased, Gu An couldn't help but wonder what Zhang Xianwang would think upon hearing this news.
Sliding off the Blood Prison Saint, Gu An walked up the Heaven Mending Platform.
"Hey, brat, long time no see!"
A figure suddenly bumped into Gu An's shoulder—it was Gu Yu.
Years ago, Gu An had immortalized the names of Gu Yu and Gu Zong in his first exhilarating novel, Tai Xuan Immortal Lord, which spread their names far and wide. The two shared a close bond; alongside Li Ya and Wu Jue, Gu Yu and Zuo Lin were among Gu An's closest friends after they became the top talents of their generation.
Gu An gave him a sidelong glance and said irritably, "Didn't we just meet two years ago?"
Gu Yu, still looking youthful, widened his eyes dramatically. "Two years is an eternity! I can't believe you didn't miss me!"
"Why would I miss you? Every time we meet, you pester me to write more books," Gu An replied with a dismissive wave.
"Bah, I'm not that shallow. By the way, did you hear about Li Ya's recent achievements? He inherited the legacy of the Three Purities Mountain! Can you believe it? They say he's now a grand cultivator at the Profound Heart Realm…"
Gu Yu's words trailed off as he spoke of Li Ya, his tone filled with both amazement and envy.
In Gu Yu's own novel, he was a protagonist destined to shine brightly. But in reality, he found himself marveling at the accomplishments of his peers.
Gu An joined him in his sentiment, both admiring and respecting Li Ya's achievements.
As Gu An and Gu Yu were chatting, Zhang Xianwang suddenly approached.
Dressed in a pristine white robe, Zhang Xianwang radiated an aura of immortal grace. Even amidst the bustling crowd on the Heaven Mending Platform, his presence commanded attention.
"Gu An, my young friend, it's been a while," Zhang Xianwang greeted, his voice warm and accompanied by a lighthearted laugh.
Gu An turned, his face lighting up with surprise and joy. "Zhang Daoist! What brings you here? When did you arrive?"
Gu An quickly stepped past Gu Yu, striding toward Zhang Xianwang.
Years had passed since they last met, and Zhang Xianwang, upon seeing Gu An, felt a genuine wave of happiness. On his journey here, he'd often wondered how the young man with the Dao Mark on his forehead was faring.
Gu Yu, meanwhile, scrutinized Zhang Xianwang, his instincts as a Nascent Soul cultivator telling him this man's cultivation was anything but ordinary.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Gu An introduced Gu Yu to Zhang Xianwang. However, Zhang Xianwang showed little interest in Gu Yu, merely giving a polite nod before turning back to Gu An.
"Let's find somewhere quieter to talk," Zhang Xianwang suggested.
Gu An had no choice but to bid Gu Yu farewell, following Zhang Xianwang as they departed.
Watching Gu An's retreating figure, Gu Yu muttered to himself, "What kind of constitution does this guy have? Or is it his fate that's extraordinary? Why does he keep attracting powerful figures?"
The Third Medicine Valley was already home to numerous grand cultivators. Some came for leisure, playing chess, while others were drawn by figures like the Nine-Finger Divine Lord or Shen Xin Zi. This had even piqued the curiosity of the Elders' Hall about Gu An, though with Lü Baitian supporting him, none dared disturb him.
After some time, Gu An and Zhang Xianwang arrived at an inn. They chose a quiet table by the window on the third floor, which was empty save for them.
Zhang Xianwang began asking about Gu An's life over the past few years. Gu An recounted his daily routines, simple yet enriching.
Though unremarkable on the surface, Zhang Xianwang listened intently. Years ago, he'd told Gu An that someone with a Dao Mark would inevitably attract attention and opportunities. Yet, he hadn't expected Gu An to continue living such an ordinary life.
Even Gu An's mundane stories seemed captivating as he narrated them. When Gu An described the relentless chase of the Bull Demon King trying to catch the White Spirit Mouse, Zhang Xianwang couldn't help but laugh.
Once the waiter had brought their food and drinks, Zhang Xianwang's demeanor turned serious. "To be honest, I've come from the Immortal Dynasty."
Gu An blinked in confusion. "What Immortal Dynasty?"
"It's a place far away, home to a vast continent known as Tianya Haijiao. The beings there are born with Nirvana Realm cultivation and a lifespan starting at ten thousand years," Zhang Xianwang began, explaining the Immortal Dynasty.
Gu An listened, his jaw dropping as he absorbed this incredible tale.
Zhang Xianwang provided a brief introduction to the Immortal Dynasty before leaning closer and asking, "Would you consider joining the Immortal Dynasty? I can help you reach the Nirvana Realm."
Gu An swallowed hard. "Guaranteed? Can I bring others with me?"
Zhang Xianwang shot him a sharp look. "I'm here for you alone. Don't even think about bringing anyone else. The Immortal Dynasty doesn't casually accept outsiders."
Hearing this, Gu An sighed in disappointment.
Zhang Xianwang chuckled, a mix of exasperation and admiration evident in his gaze.
"Do you believe in the existence of true immortals or gods?" Zhang Xianwang asked.
"Of course," Gu An replied without hesitation. "Our continent has Mountain Gods, and overseas there's the Sacred Court."
Zhang Xianwang scoffed. "The Sacred Court is no abode of true immortals or gods. I'm talking about the real ones—like the Heavenly Court in Journey to the West. The Immortal Dynasty has been pursuing true immortals for centuries. And to tell you the truth, we've found them. We're working to clear the path for their descent, so they might bless this world."
As he spoke, a look of longing appeared on Zhang Xianwang's face.
True immortals?
"Where are they?" Gu An asked, tension creeping into his voice.
Zhang Xianwang raised a hand, pointing skyward. "Join us. If not, you may find yourself perishing with the rest of this polluted world."
Beyond the heavens?
Gu An began to believe. Even if these weren't "true immortals," they were undoubtedly beings of immense power—powerful enough for the Immortal Dynasty to openly challenge the Sacred Court.
Yet, Gu An hesitated. He was already a Third-Rank Heaven-Warded Sacred Sword under the Sacred Court. Could he really join the Immortal Dynasty?
More importantly, Zhang Xianwang's words suggested the Immortal Dynasty planned to destroy this world. Did they mean to annihilate everything?