Saint Who Lay Low

[Ghost Mother of the Ephemeral Flower (Body Fusion Realm, Level 2): 3750/8090/54000]

Body Fusion Realm, Level 2!

What an exaggerated lifespan!

First the Huangquan Demon Emperor, and now the Ghost Mother of the Ephemeral Flower. Why did it feel like these were beings straight out of the underworld?

Gu An mused to himself. It turns out that ghosts also have a lifespan. In other words, even after death, they cannot exist forever.

When you think about it, it makes sense. If ghosts could exist indefinitely, wouldn't the world be ruled by them?

There have been rumors of thousand-year-old evil ghosts, but never a million-year-old Ghost Emperor. Of course, it might be that Gu An's current cultivation level wasn't high enough to come into contact with such entities. However, at least in this human realm, it was the human race that held power.

Perhaps, somewhere in the unseen forces of the universe, there existed a power that suppressed the existence of ghosts, maintaining the balance of all things.

Humans may have short lifespans, but they cultivate quickly. Each race had its advantages and disadvantages.

The Ghost Mother of the Ephemeral Flower had disguised herself as a female disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect, appearing young and suppressing her cultivation level to the Foundation Establishment Realm, making it impossible for others to detect her true nature.

Gu An refrained from staring at her too long, fearing that she might notice.

There were all sorts of strange and dangerous beings hidden within the Tai Xuan Sect, but as long as they didn't pose a threat to him, he couldn't be bothered to interfere.

"Gu An!"

Suddenly, Han Ming walked over, a broad smile on his face.

Though he had recently suffered a humiliating defeat, Han Ming didn't seem ashamed—on the contrary, he seemed quite pleased.

The Sword Master of Dao had pinned him to the city wall with a leaf, and the sword intent contained within that leaf had given him profound insights. It was clearly a form of guidance.

Given the Sword Master of Dao's abilities, if he had intended to kill Han Ming, there would have been no chance for him to survive.

Seeing Han Ming approach, Gu An immediately raised his hand in greeting, but Han Ming enthusiastically grabbed Gu An's hand. "Gu An, now that you're here, you must spar with me. The disciple you recommended to me is far too dull, and I've grown frustrated to the point of losing my composure."

As he spoke, Han Ming began dragging Gu An toward Zuo Lin's direction.

With his cultivation suppressed, Gu An was unable to shake off Han Ming's grip, so he could only follow, resigned.

Han Ming sat Gu An next to Zuo Lin and began teaching sword techniques. Zuo Lin, delighted to see Gu An, pulled him into conversation, babbling on endlessly, much to Han Ming's irritation. Han Ming lost his temper and unleashed a tirade on Zuo Lin.

Zuo Yijian, who sat nearby, merely smiled as his son was scolded, though he couldn't help but cast a few curious glances at Gu An.

Apart from being handsome, Gu An's cultivation level seemed rather ordinary. Zuo Yijian couldn't understand why Han Ming was so interested in this young man.

Shutting his eyes, Zuo Yijian allowed his thoughts to drift between the sword intent in the words "righteousness" and "path" and the image of Han Ming's defeat. He felt as though he was on the verge of grasping something profound, yet it remained elusive, leaving him lost in a swirl of complex emotions.

After an hour of enduring Han Ming's insistence, Gu An finally managed to excuse himself.

Han Ming's sword techniques—Gu An had memorized them after hearing them only once. However, in an effort to maintain a low profile, he pretended to need six repetitions to fully grasp the lesson. It was exhausting.

Gu An hurriedly took his leave under Han Ming's disappointed gaze.

In the future, he would have to avoid Han Ming whenever he came to the Heaven Mending Platform!

That man was too much of a headache!

With that thought in mind, Gu An proceeded to report to the Pill Hall and Scripture Pavilion, before finally paying a visit to Jiang Qiong at the Grand Elder's residence.

Inside the main hall, Jiang Qiong tossed a storage pouch to Gu An. "This pouch contains a variety of high-level medicinal herbs I've collected. Once they mature, you can take a twenty percent share. I trust your Master treats you well, no?"

Gu An scanned the contents with his divine sense and felt a surge of excitement.

So many seeds! And the lowest grade was Tier 4!

"Thank you, Master!" Gu An expressed his gratitude earnestly.

Jiang Qiong could have easily assigned these plants to someone else to cultivate, especially now that she wielded significant authority as the Grand Elder.

Hearing his thanks, Jiang Qiong smiled, clearly satisfied with his response.

"Try not to sell any of the Ancient Vine Fruit. Its effects on improving blood and bone are immense, far beyond what spirit stones can measure," she added, her tone filled with serious advice.

Clearly, she had looked into Gu An's records of selling Ancient Vine Fruit.

Gu An nodded. Now that he no longer needed spirit stones to purchase seeds, he had no reason to sell the fruit.

"I'm planning to make another push toward higher realms. Your herb valley will be part of my merit. Cultivate it well, and I'll find you a Core Formation Pill one day. With a secret technique, I'll help you ascend to the Core Formation Realm," Jiang Qiong said.

Gu An quickly bowed again to show his gratitude.

Afterward, Jiang Qiong waved her hand, signaling that he was dismissed.

As Gu An turned to leave, she suddenly called out, "Gu An, do you write books?"

Her words sent a chill down Gu An's spine.

What did she mean by that?

Had she found out?

Or was this just a test?

Gu An turned back with a confused expression. "What books?"

Jiang Qiong studied his face. He didn't appear guilty, so she shook her head. "Never mind, off you go."

Scratching his head in confusion, Gu An left, still baffled.

Sitting in her chair, Jiang Qiong pondered for a while before pulling a book from her storage pouch and opening it.

The cover bore four words: Tai Xuan Secrets.

The scorching summer sun shone brightly.

Thirteen-year-old An Hao lay by the riverbank, staring up at the sky, his head submerged in the water. He blew bubbles in the water, sending them floating to the surface.

Nearby, An Xin sat beneath a tree, meditating. Her brows furrowed in concentration, clearly struggling with her cultivation.

A shadow suddenly loomed over An Hao's body, prompting him to open his eyes. When he saw who it was, he immediately leapt to his feet.

"Master!"

An Hao quickly stood, shaking his wet hair and then using his spiritual energy to dry it. Steam rose from his head in wisps of white smoke.

Wearing his mask, Gu An spoke in a hoarse, low voice, "Today I'm not teaching you sword techniques. Instead, I'll pass on a leg technique."

Hearing this, An Hao's eyes lit up, excitement flashing across his face.

Finally, something other than sword techniques!

Not only was An Hao gifted with spiritual roots, but his comprehension was also extraordinary. After a year of practicing the Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword, he had mastered both the sword techniques and the heart method. What remained was honing his sword intent.

Gu An lifted one leg, standing on the other in the classic Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg stance. This pose stunned An Hao, and even An Xin, who was still absorbing qi, was drawn out of her meditation.

"This technique is called the Gale Phantom Kick. Watch closely."

Gu An spoke gravely. At present, the only other person to inherit this move was Ye Lan. Though others practiced the basic Remnant Wind Kick, it was hard to connect the two techniques at first glance.

He wasn't worried about Ye Lan and An Hao recognizing each other's leg techniques in the future. If they did, it would likely happen in battle, and An Hao could show mercy.

After spending more than a year with An Hao, Gu An had come to regard him as his own child. An Hao, despite his carefree nature, harbored a strong sense of justice.

Gu An kicked out, and in an instant, a thousand leg shadows exploded forth. A fierce wind rose, spraying water into the air. The forest on the opposite bank of the river collapsed, and the cliffs a hundred feet away cracked, leaving countless deep footprints. The scene was overwhelming, and even the clouds in the sky were scattered by the force.

An Hao stared in awe, trembling all over, while An Xin widened her eyes in shock.

What a domineering leg technique!

"I want to learn it! It looks even more impressive than the Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword!" An Hao shouted excitedly, kicking his legs in the air.

Gu An said, "The Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword is stronger than the Gale Phantom Kick. I just haven't shown you its full power yet."

"Heh, I get it now. I won't neglect my sword practice in the future!" An Hao quickly promised.

Gu An began teaching him the moves, and as usual, An Hao memorized them after watching just once. He immediately started practicing, repeating the moves again and again, becoming more adept with each attempt.

Watching An Hao practice, Gu An suddenly felt it might be time to send him to the Tai Xuan Sect.

The boy's talent was terrifying. If he could join the sect sooner, he might lay an even stronger foundation. As it stood, all Gu An could offer him were techniques and secret arts.

But…

Gu An thought about An Xin. Her aptitude was far too ordinary.

Still, he decided it was time. There was no point in worrying over things he couldn't change, like her talent.

Gu An resolved to send both children to the Tai Xuan Sect in six months.

In ten years, An Hao would likely make a name for himself.

He wondered how long it would take for An Hao to catch up to Li Ya and Ji Xiaoya.

Gu An even looked forward to the day when An Hao and Li Ya would face off. Knowing Li Ya's competitive nature, a clash between them was inevitable.

In the Tai Xuan Sect, there was always competition among fellow disciples, and though An Hao and Li Ya were more than thirty years apart in age, they could still be considered peers.

The summer sun beat down, and An Hao quickly became drenched in sweat. Yet, despite the exhaustion, he continued training, his excitement undiminished. Though still young, his body, glistening with sweat, was already developing strong, muscular lines that radiated power.

Gu An stood silently by his side, watching him practice with a quiet smile.

At Tianya Valley, Gu An was sowing seeds while Sun San followed him, carrying a basket.

To avoid drawing attention, Gu An occasionally took on tasks other than harvesting.

"I'm back!"

A voice called out from the mouth of the valley. Without even turning, Gu An knew Lü Xian had returned.

Lü Xian, dressed in a blue robe and carrying a folding fan, walked into the valley. His appearance, compared to his previous red attire, now had a touch of masculine vigor.

"How did it go? Everything smooth?"

Yi Liuyun, who was meditating atop the mountain, asked, his voice echoing through Tianya Valley.

Luo Hun, wielding his spear, appeared at the front of the pavilion to welcome Lü Xian's return, and even Gu An had to offer a nod of respect.

Though Lü Xian had returned, Gu An was more concerned with the outcome of Li Ya at the Hundred Tribes Assembly.

A calm smile spread across Lü Xian's face as he replied, "It went well. Although there were some minor setbacks along the way, I managed to claim the top spot without issue."

Hearing this, both Luo Hun and Yi Liuyun smiled in satisfaction. They all served under Li Xuandao, and in the future, they would face life and death together. The stronger Lü Xian became, the more secure their future.

Yi Liuyun called out again from across the valley, "Did the geniuses of the Ji, Gu, and Zhou families give you any trouble?"

Lü Xian responded, "A woman named Ji Xiaoya from the Ji family gave me some trouble, but unfortunately, she withdrew midway. I didn't get the chance to defeat her head-on, which is a bit of a regret. Other than that, there were fewer than five people who could challenge me."

"Did any of the emperor's children impress you?" Luo Hun asked, his tone hopeful.

Lü Xian shook his head dismissively. "Though I admire the emperor, his children are far inferior to him. However, there was one prince named Li Ya who showed some real spirit. To defeat him, I had to break his arms and legs. I'd say he'll need a year or two to recover."

Upon hearing this, Luo Hun's expression darkened.

Gu An's brows furrowed as well.