Chapter 312: Hu Xiaojian's Shock |
Chapter 312 Hu Xiaojian's Shock
A glimmer of admiration flickered in Gu An’s eyes—he hadn’t expected Lu Lingjun to be so self-aware.
Lu Lingjun, seeing that look in his eyes, felt helpless. Seriously? How was this guy always so calm?
She shot Gu An a glare and said, annoyed, “Aren’t you the least bit inspired after hearing that?”
Gu An replied, “Of course I am. But over the years, I’ve heard so many stories about immortals that I can only treat them as entertainment now. What, am I supposed to start fantasizing, ‘A true man should be like that!’?”
Lu Lingjun felt there was something off about his words, but she couldn’t be bothered to argue. She continued sharing her experiences on Human Realm Peak.
Even though Gu An had been there himself, hearing it from Lu Lingjun’s perspective offered a different view.
The two chatted for over an hour. When Lu Lingjun asked to temporarily stay in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An agreed.
He stretched lazily and looked out the window.
He’d had Zhu Xinglan set up a herb garden there, and the first batch of herbs had already matured.
Gu An had no plans to restrict other disciples from picking herbs at the Ding Tian Peak garden—he didn’t want to raise suspicion. After all, Human Realm Peak was now one of the top sects of the era and had close ties with the Holy Court. He had to tread carefully.
Besides, Ding Tian Peak was massive. Even if some disciples picked herbs, he’d still gather plenty himself.
With that thought, a look of anticipation filled Gu An’s eyes.
The next afternoon.
At Ding Tian Peak, Gu An followed the mountain path to the summit, Zhu Xinglan respectfully walking behind him. As the First Disciple of Ding Tian Peak, he behaved with great deference.
By now, he knew that Gu An was a peerless powerhouse beyond the Free Soaring Immortal Stage. With such a giant to cling to, he was putting in every ounce of effort.
“I need a Roving Immortal disciple to oversee a sea island for me. Ask around—whoever you find, I’ll make sure they’re well compensated,” Gu An said casually.
He’d just gained over 300,000 years of lifespan today—not a bad haul.
Zhu Xinglan immediately replied, “If you’re leaving today, Master, I’ll make arrangements right away.”
“Go ahead.”
With Gu An’s approval, Zhu Xinglan vanished.
Gu An walked into the courtyard and sat on a bench, looking up at the sky.
Ever since his last breakthrough, battles in the cosmos beyond the sky had become more frequent. More and more Celestial Ascension cultivators were moving in and out of the realm.
Gu An had even caught a glimpse of the Sky Demons.
They didn’t look any different from regular beings—many were even human in appearance. But the most distinct trait was their demonic aura. Unlike the aura of demonic cultivators or beasts in the Heavenly Great Realm, the Sky Demons’ aura was more wicked—instinctively repulsive.
At the edge of the Domain of Extinction, two Celestial Ascension cultivators were currently dueling over a treasure. In the shadows, a Free Soaring Immortal watched from afar.
After half an incense stick’s time, Zhu Xinglan returned—with someone in tow.
[Xun Hanfeng (Roving Immortal Stage, Fourth Layer): 89,034/140,000/280,000]
Gu An gave Xun Hanfeng a once-over. The man wore black robes, had disheveled hair, and a somewhat sinister look. He gave off the vibe of someone very deep and calculating.
Sensing Gu An’s gaze, Xun Hanfeng quickly lowered his head, not daring to meet his eyes.
He was clearly nervous. He’d heard how powerful and domineering this new Master was. But he didn’t want to miss the opportunity.
“Disciple Xun Hanfeng greets Master!” he said respectfully.
Zhu Xinglan introduced his background—Xun Hanfeng had been born and raised on Human Realm Peak and was on great terms with Zhu Xinglan.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Gu An stood and flicked his sleeve, sweeping Xun Hanfeng away with him.
Zhu Xinglan was momentarily stunned, marveling at how effortlessly his master used divine powers.
There had been much speculation about just how powerful the Ding Tian Peak Master truly was. Zhu Xinglan had recently received an important piece of intel: even Dao Lord Yongnian, the master of the main peak, believed the Ding Tian Peak Master’s cultivation surpassed his own.
That kind of acknowledgment fired up endless speculation.
Elsewhere.
Gu An and Xun Hanfeng landed on Seeker’s Island.
The moment they touched down, Xun Hanfeng staggered, nearly falling. Thankfully, Gu An reached out in time to steady him.
“You okay?” Gu An asked.
Xun Hanfeng flushed with embarrassment and quickly replied, “I’m fine, Master. Sorry for making a fool of myself.”
Gu An nodded and stepped forward toward the manor ahead. Xun Hanfeng hurried to catch up.
As Gu An explained the situation of Seeker’s Island, Xun Hanfeng listened closely. Once he understood the island’s power and influence, he finally relaxed.
If even a Roving Immortal could intimidate the locals here, what was there to worry about?
“You and this island even share a surname. That’s some destiny,” Gu An joked.
Xun Hanfeng could only respond with a polite smile, showing no dissatisfaction.
Soon, Hu Xiaojian and the elders of the Sea Protectorate arrived. Gu An signaled Xun Hanfeng to introduce himself.
“I come from Human Realm Peak. My name is Xun Hanfeng. We’ll be working together from now on—I hope everyone will do their best,” Xun Hanfeng said, releasing the pressure of the Roving Immortal Stage, which made everyone in the hall gasp.
They had doubted Gu An’s claims in the past, but now that they were face-to-face with a Roving Immortal, it left them in shock.
Hu Xiaojian was especially moved, looking at Gu An with eyes full of admiration.
“From now on, Xun Hanfeng is in charge of Seeker’s Island. You all talk among yourselves,” Gu An said before leaving.
Everyone turned to look at Xun Hanfeng, clearly nervous—he didn’t look like someone easy to deal with.
After Gu An left, Xun Hanfeng took a seat, suddenly showing a domineering posture, nothing like the hesitant man from before.
“May I ask, Senior... is the Island Master also from Human Realm Peak?” a wandering immortal asked carefully.
Human Realm Peak’s name was well-known, even if not fully understood.
Xun Hanfeng answered, “Of course.”
Everyone smiled—so it seemed Xun Hanfeng and the Island Master were close. At least he wasn’t an outsider.
“The Island Master is my Master. Rest assured—we’ll run this island together. That’s what matters most. We can’t let him down. And let me tell you, his cultivation is insanely high—stronger than anyone you’ve ever heard of. Serving him is the greatest blessing of your lives.”
His words made everyone’s eyes widen.
Hu Xiaojian was stunned.
This senior had that kind of background?
Wasn’t he just a wandering immortal?
Wait... wasn't that just what he said?
Hu Xiaojian felt like he’d been hit by a wave of good fortune. His mind buzzed, and he barely heard the conversation that followed.
Xun Hanfeng noticed Hu Xiaojian’s dazed look but didn’t mind. Gu An had told him to keep an eye on this guy.
The seasons passed—another year gone.
After the Spring Festival, Gu An arrived at a branch of the Taixuan Sect.
It was his first time visiting the branch, having used the teleportation array from the sect’s main city. The Taixuan Sect had been growing stronger each year, with increasingly close ties to its branches.
Gu An looked over the branch city and felt the spiritual energy in the air. It was nearly on par with the sect’s main city. No wonder so many disciples wanted to come here.
Not only was the spiritual energy abundant, but it was also a great base for training, hunting demons, and seeking Natural Treasures.
The Taicang Empire hadn’t yet taken over the entire continent, and neither had the major cultivation sects. There were still many untouched mountains and lands.
Gu An wasn’t in a rush to find Ye Lan. He wandered around first.
Before long, he ran into an old drinking buddy from the Outer Sect City. The two exchanged greetings and chatted for a while.
Then, on another street, he bumped into a Foundation Establishment disciple from the Third Medicine Valley.
This was the richness of living 227 years.
Gu An caught up happily with his old acquaintances, never acting distant.
Within the next hour, he ran into two more familiar faces. It was clear the branch had become a top choice for many average disciples—they all hoped to find their fortune in the land of demons.
Gu An was a bit reflective but didn’t interfere with anyone’s path—unless he truly cared about them.
Like his junior sister, Ye Lan.
When he reached her residence, Ye Lan suddenly appeared, delighted. “Senior Brother! What are you doing here?”
Before he could answer, she rushed over and hugged him.
“Hey! We’re in public—show some restraint!” Gu An quickly raised his hand.
Ye Lan had to stop and instead dragged him inside, chatting as they walked.
There were quite a few female disciples in the residence, all there to help Ye Lan manage the place. When they saw her holding Gu An’s arm, they cast curious glances their way.
Once they were out of sight, Gu An could hear the girls gossiping behind them.
Eventually, Ye Lan pulled him into her room and closed the door.
They sat down and talked. Ye Lan shared what she’d been through these years and asked how Gu An had been doing.
He told her about his life. It was all rather ordinary, but Ye Lan smiled the whole time.
Back when they were just in their twenties, who would’ve thought they’d be sitting here chatting two centuries later?
Gradually, Ye Lan’s mind began to drift—she slipped into a strange state.
It was Gu An guiding her into Dao comprehension.
His divine sense enveloped the room, subtly helping her sense the Dao rules of the world. It was a technique beyond any mortal's comprehension—even Ye Lan, sitting right in front of him, didn’t notice a thing.
She looked like she was dreaming, her eyes unfocused.
Gu An got up, gently carried her to the bed, and helped her into a meditative position.
Then he stepped back to the table and watched her cultivate.
Watching Ye Lan train filled him with hope.
If he could help her extend her lifespan, he’d bring her to train on Human Realm Peak.
If not, then bringing her there with only a few hundred years of lifespan would just cause her unnecessary stress.
After all, the more one saw, the more they longed for—and longings often turned into anxiety and pressure.
Even Divine Sense Celestial Immortals couldn’t escape death. Some force in the cosmos suppressed all living things.
What was that force exactly? Gu An didn’t know—but he was curious.
Time flew.
Gu An started feeling bored again—and got another wild idea.
Why not try another round of Reincarnation Evolution?
This time, he wouldn’t pick the Dark Great Realm. He’d see how far he could go in a regular world. If he could live a thousand, ten thousand years and learn some powerful Divine Abilities, maybe it’d boost his odds for the next tribulation.
Plus, the inherited memories from reincarnation helped him polish his Dao Heart.
Gu An figured maybe reaching a certain realm required reincarnation training—or else this function wouldn’t exist.
Alright then, let’s do it!
Just one round—no more!
Besides, it cost ten million years of lifespan. It wasn’t like he could play around even if he wanted to!
Gu An looked at Ye Lan and silently prayed, “Junior Sister, please bless me with a good rebirth!”