Seeing Gu An's silence, Zhang Xianwang continued speaking about the immense strength of the Immortal Dynasty. Its history, he claimed, stretched even further back than the Sacred Court's, existing for countless eons.
"The first Immortal King was the founder of the Immortal Dynasty," Zhang Xianwang said reverently. "He once opposed the heavens themselves. Though he ultimately failed, causing the world to be submerged by oceans, his power was undeniable. To this day, no one in the Sacred Court has ever come close to matching him."
Zhang Xianwang's expression was filled with admiration, leaving Gu An inwardly astonished. The Immortal King was the founder of the Immortal Dynasty?
If that were true, why hadn't they pursued the Immortal King Crown? Was it because the Immortal King Crown consumed vitality?
Gu An pondered this, feeling there might be hidden secrets about the Immortal King Crown. Reflecting further, he realized the crown's current weakened state—unable to even suppress the soul of a Mahayana cultivator—suggested significant changes must have occurred over the ages.
For a long moment, Gu An said nothing. When Zhang Xianwang finished his speech, Gu An took a deep breath and asked, "Did you come to the Tai Xuan Sect specifically for me? That doesn't seem likely."
"To recruit the Sword Master of Dao?" Gu An thought skeptically. The Sword Master of Dao had already rejected the Immortal Dynasty before.
Zhang Xianwang smiled faintly, gazing out the window. "Not entirely, but as for my true purpose here, I can't disclose it for now."
Gu An's eyes narrowed slightly as he sent his divine sense sweeping across the Broken Sea Region.
He discovered that the Immortal Dynasty's emissaries had infiltrated other continents and oceans. These Immortal Spirits concealed their court's fortune so skillfully that even ordinary immortals couldn't detect them. Yet, they couldn't escape the perception of a Divine Thought True Immortal like Gu An.
Raising his divine sense further, Gu An observed the world from a broader perspective. He noted that the Immortal Spirits were scattered across all corners of the earth, observing the world's fortune. Their presence was as numerous and bright as stars in the universe.
What was the Immortal Dynasty planning?
While considering this, Gu An replied calmly, "I appreciate your kind offer, Daoist, but I cannot abandon the Tai Xuan Sect. My apologies."
Zhang Xianwang shifted his gaze back to Gu An and smiled. "No rush. You still have time to think it over. I'll be staying at the Tai Xuan Sect for a few years."
Gu An nodded. Zhang Xianwang deftly changed the subject, and the two began sharing drinks.
Outside, the wind suddenly picked up, rustling the vines by the windowsill.
…
Zhang Xianwang's arrival caused no great stir within the Tai Xuan Sect. Life within the sect remained as tranquil as ever—though, as always, this calm belied the personal struggles and rivalries each disciple faced in their own journeys.
Seven days later.
Gu An, accompanied by An Xin, returned to Mortal Peak. The master and disciple wandered the area, gathering herbs along the way.
During their stroll, Gu An encountered Xu Xi. After a polite greeting to Gu An, Xu Xi linked arms with An Xin, and the two women stepped aside to chat in hushed voices.
Because Xu Xi had once assisted Gu An in welcoming Lu Lingjun, he occasionally offered her advice on cultivation. Over time, this connection led to her becoming familiar with An Xin.
After a while, Gu An interrupted, saying, "Xu Xi, take An Xin to find Lu Lingjun. She's here again. Just treat her as you did last time."
Lu Lingjun?
An Xin's eyes widened behind her mask. Then, hearing Gu An's transmission in her mind, her expression turned curious—and then excited, as though she had realized something.
The two women soon departed for Dao Discussion Peak.
Gu An continued wandering alone, strolling and stopping to chat casually with disciples from Dingtian Peak.
He noticed that Mortal Peak also had an Immortal Spirit from the Immortal Dynasty. The spirit was hiding within Dao Discussion Peak, carefully concealing any trace of the Immortal Dynasty's fortune. Not a single soul on Mortal Peak was aware of its presence.
Gu An didn't intervene. The Immortal Dynasty was clearly making arrangements, likely targeting the Sacred Court. He had no intention of becoming a scapegoat.
The Immortal Dynasty was simultaneously inviting sects from all over the world while secretly dispatching Immortal Spirits to infiltrate them. What exactly was their plan?
Even if the Immortal Dynasty intended to destroy the world, Gu An doubted they could succeed. In his eyes, the Immortal Dynasty was no match for the Sacred Court.
Time flowed swiftly.
By dusk, An Xin returned. Gu An led her back to the Tai Xuan Sect.
As they walked through the mountain forest, An Xin removed her mask and spoke excitedly, "Master, I finally understand what it feels like to hide one's identity. Lu Lingjun didn't recognize me—she even treated me as her senior."
In the past, An Xin had always treated Lu Lingjun with great respect. She never imagined their positions would one day reverse.
"I finally get why you hide your cultivation and use another identity to look after people you know. It feels amazing."
"Master, if Lu Lingjun ever finds out your true identity, she'll regret it. She spent years wandering outside, only to find herself further from you than ever. Back at the Third Medicine Valley, she could chat and laugh with you. But here at Mortal Peak, even her master doesn't have the qualifications to meet you."
An Xin sighed deeply, her tone full of emotion and gratitude.
Meeting Lu Lingjun again today had made her realize how fortunate she was.
Compared to Lu Lingjun, An Xin felt she had hardly made any sacrifices but had already attained a position Lu Lingjun could only dream of.
"Don't dwell on it too much," Gu An said casually. "I only wish to cultivate in peace and avoid unnecessary troubles. The same goes for you. No matter what achievements you make, always maintain a humble heart."
An Xin nodded earnestly. "I understand, Master. You care so much for Senior Lu; her future achievements will certainly be extraordinary. I'm just reflecting on how different choices lead to vastly different outcomes."
"Master, are the monks of the Bitter Sea Buddhist Sect powerful? Compared to Mortal Peak, who's stronger? Those high monks seem so formidable, their aura surpassing even Shen Xin Zi. I wonder what they're doing at Mortal Peak..."
An Xin's voice was filled with curiosity and excitement as she spoke rapidly, her words tumbling over one another. In truth, she wasn't seeking answers but simply wanted to share her thoughts.
Gu An listened in silence, offering no response.
His own mind was heavy with thoughts of the world's shifting tides, of how perspectives changed with one's cultivation realm.
Lu Lingjun was steadfastly pursuing her path of cultivation, while An Xin, under his protection, lived carefree. Each had their own life's journey, but neither could possibly comprehend the impending calamity that loomed over the world.
If the Immortal Dynasty and Sacred Court were to clash, it would inevitably plunge the world into chaos.
Before these two colossal forces, the lives of mortals seemed as fragile as fleeting shadows.
"Focus on your cultivation," Gu An finally said, gazing into the distance. "No matter what, for now, Lu Lingjun remains a worthy target for you to pursue."
"I understand, Master! I'll work hard—I won't let down the kindness you've shown me!"
An Xin's voice was resolute, her eyes burning with determination and hope.
Beneath a clear blue sky.
Majestic peaks towered into the heavens, their silhouettes stark against the horizon. The gentle wind carried the cries of birds as they darted through the air.
An Hao, clad in flowing robes of blue and white, stood halfway up one of these peaks. His gaze was fixed upward, upon a solitary figure at the summit.
The man atop the peak was tall and broad-shouldered, his entire body surrounded by a radiant red glow. Upon closer inspection, the glow was revealed to be flames, flickering and swirling with ferocity.
The man, wreathed in fire, exuded an air of natural authority. His luxurious attire only added to the impression that he was no ordinary person.
He looked down at An Hao with a cold expression. "Born with great fortune and an imperial destiny radiating from your very being. Join the Immortal Dynasty. Your fate is intertwined with ours."
An Hao squinted, his eyes narrowing as he replied, "The Immortal Dynasty? Claiming to be immortals—how arrogant."
He rolled his shoulders, and in the next moment, flames erupted around him as well.
It was the power of the Fiery Sun Treasure Body.
An Hao's aura surged skyward, shattering the ground beneath him. Rocks splintered and dust rose like smoke, spreading across the mountain.
The man at the summit smiled faintly, a glint of appreciation in his eyes.
"You've yet to fully uncover your potential," the man said, his tone calm but piercing.
"What do you mean?" An Hao asked warily. Sensing no hostility from the man, he refrained from making a rash move.
"The fact that you've cultivated the Fiery Sun Treasure Body proves your innate strength. You possess a physique surpassing even the legendary ancient physiques. Sadly, no one has helped you fully realize it. Join the Immortal Dynasty. With your destiny and fortune, you're a child of the heavens themselves. Only in the Immortal Dynasty can your true potential be realized."
The man paused before continuing, his voice carrying a hint of reverence.
"In the Immortal Dynasty, our citizens are born at the Nirvana Realm. Our sovereign has reached the Eighth Heaven of the Immortal Dao. Don't you want to know why your talent is so extraordinary? Perhaps you were born as an Immortal Spirit yourself. Why not join us in our quest for true immortality?"
An Hao's expression shifted slightly as he processed the man's words.
Born at the Nirvana Realm? The Eighth Heaven of the Immortal Dao?
Though An Hao had roamed the seas for years, he had never encountered a power of such magnitude.
The Immortal Dynasty intrigued him, but he wasn't ready to trust the man's claims outright.
"If the Immortal Dynasty is truly that strong, then joining might indeed be worth it. But before that, you'll have to defeat me first," An Hao said, leaping into the air.
He soared into the sky, the flames around him intensifying until they resembled a miniature sun suspended in the heavens, casting its light over the earth below.
The man in red looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Then prepare yourself to face Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal."
Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal?
An Hao's brows knitted together in confusion. A moment later, his expression changed drastically.
As the year drew to a close.
Gu An was indoors, casually discussing painting and calligraphy with Shen Zhen. As their conversation meandered, Gu An's interest waned.
Feigning attentiveness, he discreetly extended his divine sense to observe the world.
He checked in on familiar faces.
Li Ya was still at Three Purities Mountain, comprehending the Dao and cultivating a profound technique.
Jiang Qiong was deep in negotiations with the leaders of other sects, the atmosphere tense.
Wu Jue was training in the Demon Lands, accompanied by a woman. Gu An happened to catch them in an intimate moment and quickly withdrew his divine sense, startled.
"Broad daylight, using the grass as a bed? Who would've thought," Gu An mused, smirking.
He shifted his focus to others.
Ye Lan and Zhen Qin were buried in the investigation of a strange incident within a branch sect, clearly overwhelmed.
But where was An Hao?
Gu An immediately sought out An Hao's aura, discovering that the young man had left the Broken Sea Region and was heading toward the Ends of the Earth.
Beside An Hao was none other than Wondrous Mystical Spirit Immortal.
What? An Immortal Spirit of the Immortal Dynasty?
Gu An began eavesdropping on their conversation and quickly realized that An Hao was considering joining the Immortal Dynasty.
At that moment, Gu An felt the invisible threads of fate weaving around them.
Yang Jian had gone to the Sacred Court, and now An Hao was heading to the Immortal Dynasty. The two had once vowed to face each other at the Heavenly Ranking Tournament—would their eventual duel take place on a battlefield instead?
Gu An pondered this possibility but chose not to interfere with An Hao's decision.
Though he doubted the Immortal Dynasty's chances of victory, its long history suggested it must have hidden reserves of power.
And An Hao wasn't being coerced. If he truly opposed the decision, he would undoubtedly call upon his master for guidance.
Satisfied with his observations, Gu An withdrew his divine sense.
"Recently, I've been envisioning a certain scene while painting," Shen Zhen said suddenly. "I want to capture it on canvas, but I fear it might invoke heavenly wrath. Should I paint it anyway?"
Gu An shook his head. "Don't paint it. Just describe it instead."
Shen Zhen took a deep breath and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "I saw two figures in opposition, one like a blazing sun, the other reigning supreme over the heavens. They stood in the Nine Heavens, locked in a fierce confrontation."