Hearing Lü Baitian's question, Gu An withdrew his thoughts and responded calmly, "They are indeed too greedy."
Tai Xuan Sect had its sights set on the True Immortal's inheritance. They either wanted to recruit Jue Luo Sword Master or convince Gu An to leave the inheritance within Tai Xuan Sect, even if it was merely for his disciples.
Upon hearing Gu An's response, Lü Baitian's expression became slightly awkward.
His heart wavered.
He couldn't help but suspect that nothing could escape Gu An's divine perception.
Although he had disagreed with the elders' proposal, his refusal hadn't been absolute. If Gu An had been secretly watching from the shadows, perhaps he had already seen through Lü Baitian's hesitations.
Tai Xuan Sect was growing stronger at an unprecedented rate.
Having witnessed its entire rise, it was hard for Lü Baitian not to feel arrogance.
Even though he had constantly reminded himself to stay humble and to be grateful to Gu An, when faced with greater temptation, he still entertained certain fantasies.
If Tai Xuan Sect were to produce a True Immortal, wouldn't they have the hope of surpassing the Sacred Court and Immortal Dynasties?
Any sharp observer could see that both the Immortal Dynasties and Sacred Court were destined to collapse.
The mandate of heaven would eventually belong to a new sect.
Over the past two hundred years, the world had been rife with talks of destiny, and these ideas had infiltrated Tai Xuan Sect, convincing many, including Lü Baitian.
Lü Baitian firmly believed that destiny belonged to Tai Xuan Sect.
He was convinced that no sect in the world had grown as rapidly as they had.
The once-mighty Xuan You Divine Dynasty and Heavenly Demon Sect had indeed been powerful, but those forces had descended from beyond the heavens and did not count as natural growth.
Gu An observed the shifting emotions in Lü Baitian's expression and sighed inwardly.
Everything changes with time.
Still, he could understand the perspectives of Tai Xuan Sect's leadership.
For over a thousand years, ever since they had learned Gu An's true identity, Tai Xuan Sect had made an effort not to trouble him.
They had even handled many unnecessary distractions on his behalf.
Perhaps, in their minds, seizing the True Immortal's inheritance was nothing but a small favor for Gu An, a trivial task that wouldn't take much effort on his part.
However…
Gu An was tired.
He owed Tai Xuan Sect nothing.
He had long since repaid the favor of their past protection.
Gu An spoke slowly:
"The world is like the tide, and all people chase the waves, seeking the mandate of heaven.
If you desire it, I won't oppose you.
But obtaining destiny is something you must achieve on your own. I cannot help you."
Lü Baitian opened his mouth as if to speak, but in the end, he couldn't find the words.
Gu An raised his right hand.
A series of black markings emerged in his palm, a sight that was shocking to behold.
Lü Baitian's eyes widened in alarm.
"What is that?!" he asked in a panic.
Gu An was not just the spiritual pillar of Tai Xuan Sect—he was Lü Baitian's greatest anchor.
If something happened to Gu An, how could he possibly remain calm?
Gu An replied indifferently:
"This is the consequence of meddling too much."
"If my cultivation eventually disperses, if I am reduced to a cripple, I wonder—would Tai Xuan Sect still offer me a quiet corner of the Medicine Valley to live in peace?"
Lü Baitian's expression changed drastically.
He had never imagined Gu An would be dealing with such a hidden affliction.
But thinking carefully about it—it made sense.
Gu An had fought countless powerful enemies, acting for the sake of Tai Xuan Sect and the common people.
It was only natural that he would have sustained injuries.
However…
For the first time in his life, Lü Baitian panicked.
Even during the internal power struggles within Tai Xuan Sect…
Even when he was forced to feign death…
Even when his own son misunderstood him and declared that he would kill him one day…
He had never panicked.
But now, he suddenly found himself at a loss.
His heart was overcome with shame and regret.
Lü Baitian had only ever asked Gu An for help, never once inquiring about the burden he carried.
If he had known sooner, would Gu An's injuries have been less severe?
Gu An smirked and teased, "Sect Master, if I become crippled, would you still be willing to pass down your techniques to me?"
Lü Baitian wanted to comfort him, but when he considered the vast gap in their cultivation, he felt unqualified to do so.
"Of course I would. I'm no longer in the Body Fusion Realm—I've reached the Mahayana Realm. That should be enough for you to enjoy the rest of your days carefree. But this Sect Master position… I fear it may be in jeopardy. After all, even I rely on you to maintain my footing." Lü Baitian laughed bitterly.
With Tai Xuan Sect's resources, he had successfully reached the Mahayana Realm, but even at this level, his cultivation still made him an awkward fit for the Sect Master's position.
Gu An chuckled. "That's true. A Mahayana Realm Sect Master is a bit embarrassing."
"My cultivation speed isn't slow! It's just that not everyone can be like An Hao."
"If I lose my cultivation one day, I'll change my name. Just call me Old Gu from then on."
"Alright, then I'll accompany you."
The two laughed together, as if returning to a time over a thousand years ago.
Gu An had only meant to tease Lü Baitian, but he hadn't expected Lü Baitian to take it so seriously.
Perhaps this was for the best.
It was time for Tai Xuan Sect to wake up—they had relied too much on a single person.
For a sect, that was never a good thing.
Two hours later, as the sun began to set, Lü Baitian departed.
His expression was firm, as if he had made an important decision—perhaps he was returning to discuss something with the Elder's Hall.
Gu An turned his head and gazed toward the Third Medicine Valley.
From the mountaintop, the Third Medicine Valley was breathtakingly beautiful.
No matter where he went in the future, he would have to bring the Third Medicine Valley with him.
After all, he had spent eighteen hundred years cultivating it.
After sitting alone in the pavilion for a while, Gu An got up and walked down the mountain.
The setting sun cast its glow upon him, his descending figure gradually blending into the shadows.
Upon returning to the valley, Gu An paused beneath a lofty pavilion, looking into the distance.
In the training grounds, Chen Chuan was exchanging blows with Long Qing, drawing a large crowd of disciples.
Their cheers rose and fell in waves.
Gu An could see that Chen Chuan had begun to carry a faint trace of Heavenly Dao's fortune.
It was weak, almost imperceptible, but it was undeniably there.
After a brief glance, Gu An continued up the stairs.
"Master, Elder Li of the Inner Sect's Refining Hall will soon be celebrating his two-thousandth birthday. He has sent an invitation for you to attend the banquet."
The Blood Prison Saint reported.
That Elder Li was an old friend of Gu An's.
Having lived for over two thousand years, he would soon be reaching his natural lifespan.
Gu An nodded. "I understand. Go find An Xin and have her prepare a gift."
"Understood!"
The Blood Prison Saint immediately departed, following An Xin's presence.
Gu An ascended the stairs and sat down at his desk, gazing out the window.
Once Elder Li passed away, Gu An's true friends would become even fewer.
He was still widely admired, but most people only approached him for his power.
When he and Elder Li had first met, the Third Medicine Valley was still unknown.
Back then, their apparent cultivation levels had not been far apart.
They had met by chance at an inn, bonding over their shared love for the book "The Adventures of Green Hero".
That casual conversation had sparked a long-lasting friendship.
"A new era is truly coming."
Gu An murmured to himself.
He could feel that the old world and old friends were gradually fading away.
He stopped dwelling on the past and instead spread his divine sense across the universe.
Choosing the right place for his next breakthrough was his top priority.
Through his divine perception, Gu An detected a powerful force rising within the Desolation Domain.
They had even claimed the name of War Court, establishing their rule over dozens of grand worlds.
The strongest cultivator among them was at the Later Stage of Profound Origin Free Immortal Realm, a level even higher than Jian Guming had reached.
They were expanding toward Heavenly Spirit World, and sooner or later, war would break out.
After scanning the universe, Gu An concluded—
If he wanted to break through, the best place to do so would be within the Reincarnation Whirlpool.
The Reincarnation Whirlpool connected to countless grand worlds, all within the same universe, though far apart from one another.
However, the whirlpool also led to the true path of reincarnation—the final resting place of souls.
Even ordinary Free Immortals were unable to trace its mysteries.
Only Vast Heaven Free Immortals could perceive the shadows of reincarnation.
Perhaps…
For his next breakthrough, he should go to the Land of Reincarnation.
The moment this thought took shape, Gu An's eyes gleamed with newfound determination.