Night fell, and the Submerged Spirit Palace, situated deep beneath the ocean, was enveloped in tranquility.
Gu An reclined on a chair, holding a book in one hand. The faint sounds of ocean tides and the occasional calls of mysterious sea creatures created a symphony that soothed his heart.
In such a peaceful atmosphere, time seemed to flow swiftly.
Closing his book, Gu An stood and stretched lazily. His gaze turned toward the outside of the Submerged Spirit Palace, where he saw the Deep Sea Dragon Koi once again embarking on its search for the palace.
With no powerful monsters lying in wait along the way, its journey should proceed smoothly this time.
After observing for a while, Gu An left the Submerged Spirit Palace and returned to the Tai Xuan Sect.
The case involving Wu Jue remained the sect's most hotly discussed topic. Many righteous disciples were demanding a thorough investigation into the cause of the witnesses' madness. If their claims proved true, then Wu Jue must be vindicated.
The disciples were deeply unsettled. If even a genius like Wu Jue could be slandered, oppressed, or even killed, how could anyone else feel safe?
This incident hit too close to home.
In fact, one particularly daring disciple openly called for justice in the Inner Gate City. Holding a copy of Righteous and Demonic, written by Pan An himself, he used it to inspire his peers. This book chronicled the Sword Master of the Dao's efforts to quell internal strife within the Tai Xuan Sect. Even the Law Enforcement Hall disciples didn't dare detain him.
Gu An monitored the disciple's speech through his divine sense as he walked into the Third Medicine Valley.
Some disciples had already brought the matter into the valley, sparking heated discussions among their peers.
The unrest was spreading like wildfire.
Gu An found this development quite satisfying.
While the upper echelons of the sect might worry that the unrest would destabilize the Tai Xuan Sect, Gu An had no such fears. He cared deeply for the sect and didn't want it to be reduced to a pawn of a foreign family.
Wasn't this essentially a case of cuckoos occupying a magpie's nest?
Now, it was up to the Tai Xuan Sect to decide how to respond to the growing pressure from its disciples.
Without engaging in the debates around him, Gu An returned to his quarters alone.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit hall, Lü Baitian, Ji Hantian, and three other grand cultivators sat around a long table, their expressions dark and somber.
These three grand cultivators were members of the Supreme Council, an entity that outranked the Elder Hall.
Despite the influx of external forces diluting the authority of various halls over the years, the Supreme Council remained firmly under the control of the original families. This was their final line of defense.
Gu Gua took a deep breath and said, "This situation has escalated to the point where it can no longer be hidden. We must apply pressure on the Sheng family."
The elderly Ji Hengshi stroked his beard and nodded. "Indeed, action must be taken. But how? Sheng Tianzong is already furious and demanding that we protect the Sheng family's reputation."
Lü Lie, a member of the Supreme Council who had replaced Zhou Yu, remained silent, his face dark.
Lü Baitian glanced at Lü Lie and frowned, clearly displeased by his lack of response.
Ji Hantian, known for his fiery temperament, couldn't hold back any longer. He glared at the three members of the Supreme Council and said, "We've reached this point, and yet you're still passing the buck? We're all in the same boat. If the Tai Xuan Sect fails to act, we'll be the first to bear the consequences. If we don't suppress the Sheng family, the other families will certainly trample us!"
His attitude was markedly different from when he had confronted Gu An earlier. Back then, he was merely afraid of exposing Gu An to the Sheng family.
"If only the Sword Master of the Dao could intervene," Lü Lie suddenly said.
Lü Baitian shot him a sharp look. "What's this nonsense? You think we should bother him over something so trivial? Have you forgotten his current status? He's the Sacred Sword of the Sacred Court, someone even the mighty Star Sea Sect wouldn't dare challenge!"
Lü Lie shook his head, saying no more.
Gu Gua pondered aloud, "We should thoroughly investigate the Sheng family. This is a rare opportunity to suppress them and curb the arrogance of other foreign families. Think about it—those disciples couldn't have been driven mad by the Sheng family. Even if they were, the Sheng family would never have let them run loose."
"Wu Jue's talent is extraordinary, and he rose from obscurity. Throughout history, how many such figures achieved greatness by sheer luck? Those who rise from humble beginnings always have a powerful backer."
Ji Hantian's eyes lit up as he turned to Gu Gua and asked, "Are you suggesting that Wu Jue is backed by the Sword Master of the Dao?"
Gu Gua replied, "It's not impossible. Consider this: Tai Xuan Sect isn't exactly a land of fortune. Every exceptional genius it has produced in recent times has been connected to him. He may ignore minor sect matters, but when it comes to the sect's overall ethos, he will act. The sudden madness of those disciples is the clearest evidence."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
The dark clouds of doubt lifted from their faces, replaced by cautious optimism.
If they had the Sword Master of the Dao's support, what was there to fear?
"Perhaps he's watching how we handle this situation. If we…" Gu Gua trailed off, leaving the implications unspoken.
The others understood immediately, their eyes wide with realization.
Ji Hantian slammed his hand on the table and said, "What are we waiting for? Let's act now! I'll lead the charge!"
With that, he vanished from the hall.
The others exchanged glances. Ji Hengshi chuckled wryly. "That temper of his... when will it ever change?"
"Change? Maybe in his next life. I'm going too," another said as he rose to leave.
Lü Baitian chuckled and disappeared from sight.
The three Supreme Council members didn't linger either, vanishing simultaneously from their seats.
Half an hour later, a message shook the entire Tai Xuan Sect: the Supreme Council had issued an order to thoroughly investigate the Sheng family. Moreover, a large number of disciples were dispatched to surround the Sheng family estate. As this news spread, cheers erupted across the Tai Xuan Sect's various cities.
Although the truth behind the incident hadn't yet been verified, the Sheng family's reputation had already been tarnished. This was largely due to other disciples, who had previously suffered under the Sheng family's oppression, taking this opportunity to expose their arrogance and tyranny.
By evening, Gu An sensed the combat energy emanating from the sect's main city. However, it quickly subsided, as the one who had intervened was Nine-Finger Divine Lord.
Lü Baitian had personally invited Nine-Finger Divine Lord, who also held the position of elder and had no fear of the Sheng family.
The reason Nine-Finger Divine Lord acted was due to Lü Baitian's persuasive words, claiming that the Sword Master of the Dao was secretly observing this debacle.
Gu An didn't mind the Supreme Council leveraging his name; after all, it was true. Without giving them some form of reassurance, expecting them to confront the Sheng family head-on might have been too much to ask.
What Gu An sought wasn't simply the outcome—it was their attitude.
That night, the sect was destined for unrest.
When dawn broke over the Tai Xuan Sect the following day, the streets were abuzz with new rumors and legends.
Two days later, the sect posted an official notice that detailed the full account of Wu Jue's case. It declared Wu Jue innocent and clarified that the Sheng family wasn't aware of the real situation, framing it as a misunderstanding.
While many disciples were dissatisfied—hoping for the complete downfall of the Sheng family—the Tai Xuan Sect couldn't afford to abandon an influential family over this matter, especially since the victim in this case was a talented scion of the Sheng family.
Upon being cleared of wrongdoing, Wu Jue immediately sought out Gu An to express his gratitude.
"Me? This has nothing to do with me. I spoke up for you and even got lectured by the Sect Master and Deputy Sect Master for it," Gu An said with a wry smile as he poured tea for Wu Jue.
Wu Jue grinned. "They only scolded you to ensure you didn't get into trouble. They probably just wanted to stabilize the situation first while gathering evidence."
In Wu Jue's mind, the disciples' madness had undoubtedly been orchestrated by Lü Baitian and the others. However, those involved dared not openly attribute it to the Sword Master of the Dao. Faced with widespread speculation, they neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.
Gu An scoffed, "Who knows what they were thinking? But as long as your name is cleared, I'm happy. Today, we must drink to our heart's content. Don't even think about leaving early!"
Wu Jue laughed heartily. "Do you think you can outdrink me with our difference in cultivation levels?"
Having survived this ordeal, Wu Jue had gained a clear perspective on people and events. While he bore no grudges, he vowed to grow stronger and repay Gu An's kindness.
Families? If that's the way of the world, then I'll create my own family!
Holding a bowl of wine, Wu Jue glanced at Gu An, who was smiling brightly, and made up his mind.
One day, I'll become Gu An's support and repay him for everything!
Gu An had no idea what Wu Jue was thinking, but whatever it was, it didn't concern him.
In Gu An's eyes, the Sheng family matter was trivial. There were countless ways to help Wu Jue, and this particular approach was chosen only to add a bit of amusement and anticipation to his life.
As his gaze turned to the window, the winds outside picked up, as if heralding a storm brewing in the world.
Compared to the larger tides of destiny, the minor disturbances in the Tai Xuan Sect were inconsequential.
The Immortal Dynasty was preparing to make its move.
Recently, Gu An had noticed the return of many cultivators at the Fifth Heaven of the Immortal Dao and above to the Grand Celestial Heaven. All of them were Immortal Spirits of the Immortal Dynasty.
While the Sacred Court hadn't yet welcomed a large influx of powerful figures, their actions across various regions suggested heightened vigilance and deployment.
It seemed that the Dao Combat Conference hadn't brought about lasting peace; instead, it had fueled the Immortal Dynasty's ambitions.
Beneath a night sky scattered with resplendent stars stood an enormous palace with no ceiling.
Yang Xian Emperor sat cross-legged beneath a golden orb of light, his eyes shut as his hands formed continuous seals.
A figure appeared in the hall—it was Ancient Immortal Emperor.
The Ancient Immortal Emperor observed Yang Xian Emperor with a slight frown and asked, "Are you truly planning to force a breakthrough? With your talent, you're destined to surpass me. Why not exercise a little patience?"
Without opening his eyes, Yang Xian Emperor replied, "It's not a matter of patience. The Sacred Heaven won't give me the chance. If he successfully transcends his tribulation, the Immortal Dynasty will cease to exist. You're well aware of his talent. The boundaries you couldn't cross, he'll undoubtedly reach. It's only a matter of time."
The Ancient Immortal Emperor said, "The Samsara Tribulation isn't so easily overcome."
"Are you willing to gamble the Immortal Dynasty's survival on his failure—or on him taking a million or even ten million years to achieve it?"
Yang Xian Emperor's retort left the Ancient Immortal Emperor in silent contemplation.
Yang Xian Emperor then opened his eyes, gazing into the far reaches of the cosmos. "Moreover, the Samsara Realm created by Yuanxu Immortal Ancestor wasn't built in vain. The Immortal Dynasty is entering its most powerful era. The strongest figures of the past are returning to fight alongside me."
His face lit up with an eager smile, impatient for the clash with the Sacred Court.
The Ancient Immortal Emperor fixed his gaze on him and asked, "And how will you break through? Do you really think the Sacred Court will stand idly by? If the Sacred Ancestor doesn't act, neither can I. Otherwise, things will spiral out of control."
Yang Xian Emperor shook his head. "You don't need to worry. I have my ways. In fact, I hope they try to stop me. It'll give me the perfect excuse to strike first and seize the initiative."