The golden rain that enveloped the entire world lasted for an hour. When it finally ceased, all beings began to regain their clarity.
Gu An swept his divine sense across the Tai Xuan Sect, noting that every disciple's cultivation had increased. However, the degree of growth varied—likely tied to their innate aptitude. For most, the increase only resulted in breaking through a minor realm, rather than achieving a major realm leap.
He patted the dazed Blood Prison Saint before turning back toward the cluster of pavilions.
As he walked, Gu An continued to use his Lifespan Investigation on the disciples he passed. He discovered that, after the golden rain's baptism, their maximum lifespans had also extended—some by one or two years, others by several decades. However, he hadn't seen any instances exceeding a century.
Even without anyone gaining over a hundred additional years, this was already an extraordinary feat. Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's boon had encompassed all beings in the Heavenly Spirit World—a population unimaginably vast.
This truly was an act of immense merit!
Even Gu An couldn't help but admire Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor, though he was also puzzled as to how the ancestor had achieved such a feat.
Turning his divine sense toward the Immortal Dynasty, Gu An noticed its fortune had plummeted dramatically.
Could Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor have accomplished this by drawing upon the Immortal Dynasty's fortune?
If so, wouldn't this leave them vulnerable to an attack by the Sacred Court?
Gu An pondered this in silence, only to sense the Immortal Dynasty's fortune surging back to life. In a very short time, it had surpassed its previous level.
The outer celestial layer then emitted a golden radiance, descending upon the Immortal Dynasty and forming a massive, resplendent rainbow at the horizon.
Gu An could feel that the golden radiance carried a unique power—akin to the rules of heaven and earth, yet distinct. It felt more like fortune itself.
Fortune was an enigmatic concept. Those blessed with strong fortune often experienced serendipitous success, while those with weak fortune frequently encountered calamities—even as trivial as tripping on flat ground—and were more prone to developing inner demons during cultivation.
Today, Gu An had truly broadened his horizons.
Despite being a Divine Thought True Immortal, he couldn't comprehend the methods of Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor, who had lived for thirty million years.
Unfortunately, such a remarkable individual had self-immolated, leaving Gu An no chance to establish a connection with him.
"Master, what just happened? All I remember is Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's words, and then… I seem to have fallen asleep…" the Blood Prison Saint asked nervously as it caught up with Gu An.
"You only need to know that this was a genuine blessing," Gu An replied.
Hearing this, the Blood Prison Saint understood that its master didn't wish to elaborate further.
Given its master's cultivation and wisdom, there was no doubt he understood the situation.
The Blood Prison Saint made a mental note of the Immortal Dynasty and Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's names.
When Gu An reached the pavilion, the disciples inside were already filing out. They gathered in small groups, animatedly discussing what had just transpired.
Shen Xin Zi and a few other senior cultivators were quickly surrounded by curious disciples. Unfortunately, even they couldn't provide clear answers.
Long Qing, unable to contain his excitement, was shouting loudly, drawing an amused shake of the head and a smile from Gu An.
"This is undoubtedly a great fortune. Heaven's Will has acknowledged it, and the Immortal Dynasty's fortune will undoubtedly soar. With heightened fortune, their Immortal Spirits will find it easier to commune with heaven and earth. The Immortal Dynasty is far from ordinary; their ambition is vast," Ji Xiaoya remarked softly as she appeared beside Gu An.
Curious, Gu An asked, "By your reasoning, does this mean the Immortal Dynasty will surpass the Sacred Court? Is there anyone in the Sacred Court capable of such feats?"
"It's hard to say. But two tigers cannot share one mountain; conflict between the two is inevitable. As for whether the Sacred Court has someone capable of this, even if they do, who would be willing? The higher one's cultivation, the more attached they become. Who would voluntarily abandon their own Dao attainment to benefit all beings?" Ji Xiaoya shook her head.
The Immortal Dynasty's transparent declaration had made it clear what they had sacrificed. They had ensured that all beings would know their contributions, while simultaneously presenting a challenge to the Sacred Court. Even if the Sacred Court wanted to respond in kind, it would be difficult. If they didn't act, they would be implicitly admitting their inferiority to the Immortal Dynasty.
Divine Thought True Immortal!
That was a presence comparable to the Sacred Ministers of the Sacred Court. Such a being could not be coerced, nor would one willingly self-destruct.
Gu An silently admired the transparent schemes of the Immortal Dynasty.
Yet, in the end, the outcome of any confrontation would depend on one's own strength. While the Immortal Dynasty's boon brought blessings to all beings, such contributions couldn't be immediately converted into tangible combat power for their forces.
Ji Xiaoya gazed at the heavens, her bright eyes reflecting a peculiar intensity. With a tone laced with a strange excitement, she murmured, "This world is about to plunge into chaos."
From her voice, Gu An detected a hint of exhilaration.
It seemed she genuinely anticipated the coming chaos.
Following her gaze, Gu An looked skyward. Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's body had completely dissolved into a massive vortex of energy, drawing every stray and wandering soul from across the heavens and the earth toward it.
A Wheel of Reincarnation Vortex!
Numerous cultivators of the Sacred Court appeared around the vortex. Yet, they didn't attempt to destroy it, merely standing guard around its periphery.
Ji Xiaoya didn't linger to discuss further. She soon returned to her quarters, clearly eager to focus on her cultivation and increase her strength.
Gu An, meanwhile, joined the group of disciples who were still fervently discussing the extraordinary events.
Shen Xin Zi emerged from the crowd, his solitary figure heading toward the shade of a tree. He raised his head to the heavens, fingers pinching together in a calculating gesture. His expression turned complicated as he muttered, "The threads of destiny have become clouded. What lies ahead is beyond clarity…"
In the days that followed, the discussions surrounding the Immortal Dynasty and Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor did not abate. Gu An even noticed that, across the Tai Cang Continent, shrines and monuments were being erected in honor of Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor.
The golden rain had bestowed countless mortals with an opportunity to pursue cultivation. Those who had been gravely ill were miraculously healed. This was a celebration that spanned the entire world.
Five days later.
Gu An made his way to Xunxian Island alone.
Xun Hanfeng, the Island Lord, led Hu Xiaojian and the elders to greet him. The main hall was filled with over twenty individuals, all eager to recount the blessings they had experienced during the golden rain.
Sitting in a chair, Gu An listened to their animated stories, his admiration for Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's boundless merit deepening.
It wasn't just mortals who were grateful to the ancestor—beings of the immortal realm were equally indebted.
The masses cared little for Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's motives. They only recognized the blessings they had received and the benefits they had gained, and gratitude naturally followed.
After listening for a while and confirming that nothing unusual had occurred on Xunxian Island, Gu An felt relieved. He offered a few brief words before leaving with Hu Xiaojian.
Whenever Gu An visited Xunxian Island, he would make a habit of exploring, with Hu Xiaojian accompanying him.
As they departed the Island Lord's residence, Hu Xiaojian began talking about The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Gu An had previously suggested selling the novel on Xunxian Island, and the results had been unexpectedly positive. The immortal-themed adaptation of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms had quickly captivated cultivators.
Before Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor's divine intervention, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms had been the island's most discussed topic.
Currently, the version sold on Xunxian Island had only reached the part where Lu Meng launched a surprise attack by crossing the river in white robes, leading to Guan Yu's demise. Many cultivators had been incensed by this plot twist.
After sharing the profits earned from the novel, Hu Xiaojian couldn't help but inquire about the upcoming plot developments. Unfortunately for him, Gu An refused to divulge anything further, leaving Hu Xiaojian to sulk in resignation.
As they walked, Gu An's attention was suddenly drawn to a figure in the distance. He immediately used Lifespan Investigation on the individual.
[Chi Ming Immortal Lord (Dao Void Profound Immortal Realm, Third Layer): 3,653,007 / 4,500,000 / 11,000,000]
Dao Void Profound Immortal!
Moreover, this individual carried the distinct fortune of the Immortal Dynasty!
Gu An marveled inwardly. Once, meeting an Immortal Spirit of the Immortal Dynasty had seemed an extraordinary rarity. Yet now, they seemed to appear wherever he went.
A Dao Void Profound Immortal was no ordinary sight!
As Gu An observed, the figure approached him directly.
The Chi Ming Immortal Lord wore a deep purple robe. His left hand rested behind his waist, his long hair tied beneath a jade-green crown. His face exuded authority, and his eyes carried an undeniable weight of oppression.
Stopping before Gu An, the Immortal Lord asked, "Are you the Island Lord, Meng Lang?"