The morning sunlight streamed through the dense forest, casting shimmering reflections on the surface of the creek.
Gu An remained seated on a large rock, as he had been for the past year since leaving the Tai Xuan Sect. Inside the Wushi Dao Field, various medicinal herbs had been cultivated, steadily growing stronger with time. Within a few more years, his annual lifespan income would increase substantially, making surpassing his previous peak a mere matter of time.
An Xin, Shen Zhen, and the others had also begun their secluded cultivation. Meanwhile, Gu An spent his days outside the Dao Field, instructing Yi Xiaoqiang and his four companions.
The five of them traversed mountains and rivers daily, struggling at first, but after a year of rigorous training, they had grown accustomed to the routine. To them, the journey itself had become a form of cultivation.
While waiting for them, Gu An watched Zhen Qin.
Since Ye Lan's passing, Zhen Qin had spent years wandering, training herself through real-world battles, encountering countless opportunities. Yet, despite her efforts, she was approaching her lifespan's limit.
She was still far from reaching the Nirvana Realm.
Perhaps sensing her fate, Zhen Qin was preparing to take revenge on the Ephemeral Blossom Ghost Mother.
Su Han's death had been a thorn in her heart. Her dedication to cultivation was driven by a single purpose—to avenge her senior brother.
"Su Han… Su Han… You thought you were acting out of kindness, but did you ever consider that because of you, your junior sister would be burdened with hatred for a thousand years, fighting to the death?"
Gu An murmured to himself, contemplating the intricacies of human emotions and fate.
Su Han's body had long been relocated from Nian Chu Cave Residence to a hidden cave within the Wushi Dao Field.
His soul had already departed into the cycle of reincarnation, yet his body remained perfectly preserved. Through karmic connections, Gu An could track the reincarnation of his soul.
Initially, he had no intention of doing so. However, seeing Zhen Qin approach the end of her road, he couldn't help but wonder—should he resolve his disciple's regrets?
Just as Gu An was lost in thought, a sharp sound of something cutting through the air reached his ears.
Yi Xiaoqiang, now a year older, charged toward him with a wooden sword, leaping through the trees like a bird in flight.
Gu An lifted his hand, twisting his wrist slightly. Using two fingers, he effortlessly caught the tip of the wooden sword just before it reached his neck.
Yi Xiaoqiang was forcefully stopped midair. His feet landed on the ground, but the impact made him stumble backward.
He looked up at Gu An, shaking his numbed right hand before exclaiming in awe, "Master, you're incredible! Are you a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator?"
Gu An stood up and casually stowed the wooden sword away. With a faint smile, he said, "So, you finally figured it out? With your little tricks, you still think you can ambush your master?"
Yi Xiaoqiang straightened his neck and retorted, "Ambush? I was just showing you my progress in cultivation!"
At that moment, the other four arrived, bowing respectfully to Gu An.
Not only did Gu An teach them cultivation techniques, but he also instructed them in proper conduct, teaching them the virtues of integrity and justice. Though they had only trained for a year, the five already carried an air of righteousness.
Even with their newfound strength and abilities, they never bullied mortals. Instead, they upheld justice, gaining a good reputation in the surrounding hundred-mile radius of their hometowns.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Gu An tossed the wooden sword back to Yi Xiaoqiang and said, "Today, I will teach you the art of sword flight."
The five of them did not seem overly excited. Sword flight sounded useful, but it didn't seem as powerful as the other techniques they had learned. After all, they had been practicing with swords for a while now.
Gu An could see their lack of enthusiasm but said nothing. He simply continued, teaching them the technique in a calm and deliberate manner.
In a mysterious space, the Sun Immortal Emperor walked toward the Heavenly Dao Golden Core. Gazing at its towering and majestic presence, his eyes no longer burned with desire as they once had.
After witnessing the devastation brought upon the War Court, he realized that the Heavenly Dao Golden Core did not grant ultimate strength, nor did the Heavenly Dao have any real intent to save the world.
Whether it was the Immortal Dynasty or the Sacred Court, most cultivators carried a sense of duty toward all living beings. From the moment they set foot on the path of cultivation, they had performed both righteous and cruel deeds, but they all believed that as long as they became powerful enough, they would be able to protect the world.
The Sun Immortal Emperor was no different. He saw himself as the ruler of the heavens and earth, destined to protect all sentient beings.
Step by step, he made his way toward An Hao. At this moment, An Hao was still seated in meditation, attempting to comprehend the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao Golden Core.
"Your master has left," the Sun Immortal Emperor said.
Upon hearing this, An Hao immediately opened his eyes and looked at him, furrowing his brows.
The Sun Immortal Emperor continued, "He took a handful of disciples with him and departed from the Heavenly Spirit World. Your junior sister left with him as well."
Hearing this, An Hao's tensed brows relaxed. He let out a breath and said, "That's good. The world is growing more chaotic. My master may be able to save it once or twice, but he cannot always interfere. Otherwise, he will inevitably attract even stronger enemies. If my junior sister is with him, I can rest easy."
The Sun Immortal Emperor shifted his gaze to the Heavenly Dao Golden Core and murmured, "An Hao, I have come to realize that this golden core does not truly represent the Heavenly Dao."
An Hao looked at him. The golden light of the Heavenly Dao fire flickered across his face, revealing a deeply contemplative expression.
"So, what are you planning to do?" An Hao asked.
He, too, had no faith in the Heavenly Dao. The only reason he sought enlightenment from the Heavenly Dao Golden Core was to gain strength more quickly.
The world was in turmoil, and no matter how talented he was, he felt the pressure of time weighing down on him.
If he were to die on the path of cultivation, then a thousand or even ten thousand years later, no one in the world would remember his name.
The Sun Immortal Emperor's voice was calm but resolute.
"I intend to challenge the Heavenly Dao's doctrine."
An Hao fell into silence upon hearing these words.
The mysterious space around them grew quiet, their shadows stretching endlessly beneath the golden radiance of the core.
Spring passed, autumn came, and five years went by in the blink of an eye.
The Wushi Dao Field was vast, yet few resided within it. Every day was quiet, allowing Gu An's heart to remain tranquil.
His daily routine consisted of instructing Yi Xiaoqiang and his companions, tending to flowers and herbs, writing books, and practicing calligraphy. It was a simple yet fulfilling life.
Over the course of five years, Yi Xiaoqiang and the other four had grown into adults, each successfully reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm.
The summer heat was intense. In the dense forest by the creek, Gu An observed the five who had now grown taller and more mature, feeling as though time had flown by too quickly.
"Master, I want to change my name. From now on, I'll be called Yi Qingshan," Yi Xiaoqiang suddenly announced.
The others followed suit.
"I want to change mine too. I'll be Lin Chuan."
"I'm Cheng Meng."
"I'm changing my surname as well. From now on, call me Gu Changsheng."
"Then I won't hold back either. I'll take the surname Gu too. My name will be Gu Chengdao."
Hearing their words, Gu An smiled helplessly but did not stop them.
As the five changed their names, their destinies shifted accordingly. Gu An could see glimpses of their futures.
He coughed lightly before saying, "Now that you have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, it won't be long before you surpass me. I don't wish to be outdone by my own disciples, so from today onward, you are no longer welcome here. Go forth and seek a wider path in the immortal world."
Yi Qingshan and the others fell silent. They didn't refute him, though in truth, they had already considered leaving two years ago. After encountering more cultivators and learning just how vast the world of cultivation was, their hearts had been restless with anticipation.
"Master, we…" Cheng Meng started hesitantly.
Before she could finish, Gu An raised his hand. "No need for sentimental farewells. I came here to seek seclusion and cultivate in peace, and you have disturbed me long enough. It's time you let me be."
Yi Qingshan immediately knelt down and bowed his head to the ground, the others quickly following suit.
Looking at Yi Qingshan, Gu An was reminded of Lu Jiujia.
In that moment, their figures overlapped, merging into one.
Gu An did not dwell on the sentiment. Instead, he smiled and accepted their bows.
Yi Qingshan stood up and said solemnly, "Master, a teacher for a day is like a father for life. Once we attain immortality, we will return to repay your kindness."
The others followed his lead, vowing to return one day.
Gu An feigned impatience and waved them away. Without hesitation, the five paid their final respects and departed.
Yi Qingshan took a few steps before instinctively turning back—just like he had the first time he parted ways with Gu An. Under the shade of the trees, Gu An stood there, watching them leave.
This time, however, Yi Qingshan was stronger. Unlike before, he did not let emotions sway him. He quickly turned back and disappeared into the depths of the forest with his companions.
Gu An stretched out his arms and gave a lazy yawn. Tilting his head, he muttered to himself, "Finally sent them off. See you in a thousand years."
He turned and walked in the opposite direction.
As he stepped across the creek, a plump white mouse suddenly darted out. In an instant, its large body shrank to the size of a palm and landed on Gu An's shoulder.
"Master, were those five really your disciples?" White Spirit Mouse asked, its voice still as childlike as ever.
Gu An chuckled. "Of course. Why do you ask?"
"You only taught them for a few years before kicking them out. I thought they were just like the disciples from the Third Medicine Valley and Xuan Valley."
"They'll return one day. In the future, they will accompany us for a thousand years—perhaps even ten thousand. And when that time comes, you'll have to be their guardian."
"Really?"
White Spirit Mouse's beady eyes widened in disbelief.