Saint Who Lay Low

"Me? Write this?"

Gu An was hesitant to respond, unsure of why Ji Hantian was so furious.

If Ji Hantian wanted him to slander someone, Gu An definitely wouldn't write it!

"Why are you shouting so loudly?"

Gu Zong grumbled in dissatisfaction as he sat down, gesturing for Gu An to sit beside him. Gu An nodded, taking the seat next to him.

Ji Hantian struggled to calm his emotions and spoke, "Sacrificing tens of thousands of disciples to fuel an array—how can that be considered righteous? If it weren't for that mysterious sword cultivator's intervention, I would still be in the dark about all of this!"

He was genuinely upset.

At the time, Ji Hantian had been in seclusion. Sensing a powerful sword intent, he immediately broke his retreat and traveled tens of thousands of miles to investigate, only to find Chu Xian already dead. But he heard the enraged curses of the outer sect disciples, which not only fueled his anger but also piqued his curiosity about the identity of the mysterious sword cultivator. So, he pursued the person.

To his shock, he was easily defeated…

Since reaching the Body Fusion stage, Ji Hantian had felt he could walk proudly across the Tai Cang Dynasty, with few capable of matching him—most of his peers were long-secluded elder monsters. It had been a long time since he had tasted defeat.

The most crucial part was that this mysterious person not only defeated him but had actually helped him!

"If that person hadn't intervened, when I emerged from my retreat, wouldn't the blame for the destruction of the outer sect have been pinned on a demonic sect?" Ji Hantian glared at Gu Zong, his question heavy with accusation.

Gu Zong gave a bitter smile, choosing not to answer, but his silence revealed the truth.

Ji Hantian then turned to Gu An and said, "You need to write a complete account of the events from three days ago, including the despicable acts of the Demon Suppressing Hall. You must also mention the sword cultivator who prevented the disaster. The fact that they took action suggests they are a member of the Tai Xuan Sect, albeit a low-profile one. Promoting their virtuous deeds will help maintain the sect's image, preventing it from being tarnished as a demonic sect in one fell swoop."

Hearing that he would be praising himself, Gu An felt much less pressure.

Still, he couldn't agree too quickly.

He feigned hesitation, appearing conflicted as though he had something to say but was holding back.

Ji Hantian frowned. "What? You don't want to do it?"

Gu Zong, irritated, chimed in, "Such a massive incident—if he writes about it, he'll offend a lot of people. And you expect him to take on that risk just because you asked? Really?"

Ji Hantian looked embarrassed at this.

Taking a deep breath, Gu An replied, "I'm certainly willing to do my part for Tai Xuan Sect. It's just that…"

Gu Zong, smiling, said, "Whatever you want, just say it."

Ji Hantian, though frowning, remained silent.

"I want to expand my medicine valley—specifically, the Third Medicine Valley in the inner sect. I'd like to have the entire area of a hundred miles surrounding it under my care to plant more herbs. I'll continue to offer the same amount of herbs to the sect as before, and I won't be greedy," Gu An said earnestly.

Ji Hantian, surprised, asked, "Is that all? You could ask for far more."

He had expected Gu An to demand a lot more, but this request seemed almost modest.

Gu An nodded. "That's all I need. My aptitude is average. Asking for treasures or cultivation techniques would only invite trouble. Growing herbs is my hobby, and it inspires my writing. Plus, it contributes to the sect."

Ji Hantian glanced at Gu Zong.

Gu Zong chuckled. "Don't underestimate him. He genuinely thinks that way. Pan An's fame—you may not know it yet, but you'll understand in a few days. If he asks, the Elder's Hall would likely promote him to a True Disciple."

"Oh? Are his books that impressive?"

"Read Investiture of the Gods, you'll be amazed."

"Very well. In that case, I'll make the decision. The hundred-mile radius will be yours. Plant whatever you like. Additionally, I'll grant you a Sixth-grade Spirit Protection Array. Gu Zong, you handle the arrangements," Ji Hantian said, his tone serious.

Gu Zong nodded with a smile.

Gu An immediately bowed to express his gratitude.

Gu Zong then asked Ji Hantian what the sect master thought of the incident. Ji Hantian replied with a mocking tone, saying the sect master was probably pretending not to know.

It was clear the sect master and deputy sect master were not on good terms.

During their conversation, Ji Hantian also mentioned Lu Baitian, referring to him as Elder Tian. It was obvious Ji Hantian harbored some resentment toward him.

It seemed Elder Tian had altered his appearance and form, which is why Ji Hantian didn't recognize him.

From the latter part of their discussion, Gu An learned that Elder Tian had indeed succumbed to Qi Deviation. Known for his seclusion and lack of involvement in Tai Xuan Sect's affairs, many had used his name for their own gains. Once Elder Tian fell into Qi Deviation, they had quickly pushed for Elder Chu Tianqi to become the new sect master.

Ji Hantian's tone suggested that he believed Elder Tian to be as good as dead.

This revelation gave Gu An a clearer understanding of the relationship between Gu Zong and Ji Hantian.

After half an hour, Ji Hantian and Gu Zong finally left.

Standing on the grass, Gu An watched them depart.

Suddenly, Elder Tian appeared beside him, curiosity evident in his expression. "Did something happen in the outer sect?"

Gu An nodded and briefly explained what had occurred, causing Elder Tian to frown.

"Master Tian, what's your opinion? Do you think Tai Xuan Sect is righteous or corrupt?" Gu An asked casually as he knelt to inspect a herb in front of him.

Elder Tian replied, "The line between righteousness and evil has always been hard to define. One shouldn't judge based on the present, but rather leave that to future generations to decide."

That statement…

No wonder Tai Xuan Sect was so twisted!

Gu An decided not to continue the conversation, finding it pointless to argue with Elder Tian.

He instead turned his attention to planning how to fully cultivate the hundred-mile area. Gu Zong had already promised that, aside from Shen Zhen, other nearby inner sect disciples would relocate their residences to avoid future conflicts.

Inner sect disciples were a different matter from outer sect ones. Becoming an inner disciple required not only exceptional talent but also strong connections. It was no exaggeration to say that any random inner sect disciple likely had powerful backing.

This experience had taught Gu An one thing—the Tai Cang Dynasty wasn't ruled by its emperor, nor by any one sect. It was ruled by the great families.

The Ji Family could place one of their own as deputy sect master of Tai Xuan Sect, and their influence stretched into every sect in the Tai Cang Dynasty.

The Gu Family and Zhou Family were similar.

Gu An suspected that Chu Jingfeng and the sect master, Chu Tianqi, were from the same clan—the Chu Family, another formidable power.

But this didn't really matter to him. He had no desire to establish his own family. He preferred to remain unburdened by such ties.

Cultivation first, and then follow the path of the heart!

…

Gu Zong worked quickly. Within seven days, all the formalities were completed, and the nearby inner disciples were relocated. Gu Zong also brought him a Sixth-grade Spirit Protection Array.

The Spirit Protection Array was designed to enhance and contain spiritual energy.

The world was vast, and spiritual energy was constantly flowing. Great sects typically established themselves near spirit veins and then sealed off the surrounding area, ensuring an abundance of spiritual energy within their domains. This often resulted in the depletion of spiritual energy in the outside world.

With this array and a vast supply of herbs, Gu An could continue advancing through the Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul stages while maintaining the illusion of mediocrity, attributing his success to resources rather than talent. This way, others wouldn't see him as a threat.

In addition, Gu Zong granted him permission to have twenty servant disciples in the Third Medicine Valley. Normally, servant disciples weren't allowed in the inner sect, and having four before had already been an exception, thanks to Gu Zong's influence.

Gu An selected seven disciples from Xuan Valley, including Tang Yu.

As for Xiao Chun and Wu Xin, they remained in Xuan Valley, though Gu An now allowed them to visit the Third Medicine Valley whenever they wished.

Life was finally beginning to improve.

Time passed quickly, and a month had gone by since the outer sect disaster.

One day, while walking through the outer sect city, Gu An noticed that, without the Demon Suppressing Hall, the city had regained much of its former prosperity. The disciples passing through no longer seemed as tense.

As he strolled, Gu An suddenly spotted someone familiar.

Jiang Qiong!

His spiritual sense had detected Jiang Qiong when he had dealt with Chu Xian, but he had pretended not to notice. He thought she would have left by now, but it seemed she was still around.

Jiang Qiong approached him with a smile and said, "Come with me."

Gu An glanced at the hunchbacked old man behind her, using Lifespan Investigation on him.

[Hu Mo (Nascent Soul, Ninth Layer): 970/1300/1570]

Gu An sensed a trace of demonic energy within the old man.

Jiang Qiong was bold, showing up with a Nascent Soul stage companion. Was she not worried about being exposed?

Seeing Gu An's hesitation, Jiang Qiong raised her hand, showing a token.

The Great Elder of the Outer Sect!

Equivalent to the ruler of the outer sect!

Gu An was astonished. How had she managed that?

Jiang Qiong gave a smug smile and walked past him. He quickly followed her.

Afterward, Gu An entered Jiang Qiong's residence, where several servant disciples bustled about. None of them displayed any trace of demonic energy.

Jiang Qiong led him into a large hall while Hu Mo stood at the entrance. Gu An could sense him casting a spell, sealing off the area from prying eyes.

Jiang Qiong sat casually in the main seat, even crossing her legs—completely lacking the decorum of a Great Elder.

"How did you manage it?" Gu An couldn't help but ask.

Jiang Qiong snorted. "Your grandmaster has great abilities. Becoming the Great Elder of an outer sect city is nothing. Who knows, I might be the sect master someday."

Gu An laughed and asked, "If you become the sect master, will you be loyal to the Tai Xuan Sect or to the Thousand Autumn Pavilion?"

"If I become the sect master of Tai Xuan Sect, then I won't be a demonic cultivator. Naturally, I'll serve the sect. Even if you offered me the position of Pavilion Lord of Thousand Autumn Pavilion, I wouldn't take it," Jiang Qiong replied nonchalantly, her tone dripping with disdain for the Thousand Autumn Pavilion.

Gu An suddenly realized why so many Thousand Autumn Pavilion spies were within Tai Xuan Sect, yet the pavilion could never overthrow the sect.

In the eyes of Thousand Autumn Pavilion's cultivators, the pavilion was inferior to Tai Xuan Sect!

Even Wu Xin preferred to remain a servant disciple in Tai Xuan Sect rather than return to Thousand Autumn Pavilion to be its young master.

"From now on, any Thousand Autumn Pavilion cultivators who approach you—you must never reveal the whereabouts of the Ancient Vine Tree. That tree belongs to you and me alone. It no longer has any ties to Thousand Autumn Pavilion. Understand?" Jiang Qiong said seriously.

Gu An nodded.

Sorry, it only belongs to me.

Jiang Qiong grinned. "Grand-disciple, tell me what you need. Don't hesitate to ask."

Gu An thought for a moment and replied, "Could you promote Ye Lan in the Law Enforcement Hall? She's my junior sister. As for other requests, I don't have any for now. My medicine valley in the inner sect has already been expanded, so I don't need more land. If you ever come across high-grade herb seeds, you can give them to me, and I'll cultivate them for you. Once they're ready, I'll let you harvest them."

Jiang Qiong's smile widened as she looked Gu An up and down. "Not bad. I knew I didn't choose the wrong grand-disciple. Don't worry—I won't hold back, and I won't treat you unfairly either."

"By the way, I have a task for you."

Gu An asked, "Other than growing herbs, what else can I do for you?"

"Keep an eye out for Pan An. According to my information, Pan An's cultivation level isn't high, and he's hiding somewhere in the outer sect. The Elder's Hall is keeping his identity tightly concealed."