Chapter 57: The Immortal Lord's Demeanor, The Dao Heaven Sect Saintess

Gu An held the Demon Removal Hall token, not refusing it. Smiling, he looked at Lu Jiu Jia and said, “Not bad. You’ve really become the person you wanted to be back then.”

Lu Jiu Jia laughed heartily. “The past few years have been precarious. I didn’t dare contact you, afraid it would implicate you. But the storm has passed, and we can keep in touch now.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lu Jiu Jia and his team departed hurriedly, claiming they were off to capture a demonic sect spy.

Watching him leave, Gu An felt a mix of emotions.

The Demon Removal Hall had a terrible reputation. While it was the most powerful division in the outer sect, it was also the most despised. Rumor had it that anyone labeled a demonic sect spy by the hall was doomed, regardless of truth.

Gu An felt the disapproving and disdainful gazes from passersby but ignored them and left.

Half an hour later.

Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley. At the entrance, he saw “Old Tian” standing by the stone tablet, stroking his beard in deep thought.

Over the years, Gu An had grown familiar with Old Tian, who acted like a regular labor disciple. Neither Zhen Qin, Su Han, nor Ye Yan suspected his true identity, and Gu An treated him as an ordinary helper.

“Old Tian, what are you doing standing here?” Gu An called out as he approached.

Old Tian turned and greeted him with a warm smile, his half-closed eyes giving him the air of someone with one foot already in the grave.

“Valley Master, I was wondering why this is called the Third Medicine Valley. Do you have two others?” Old Tian asked with a chuckle.

Standing beside the tablet, Gu An smiled. “Not exactly. I only have one other valley. I named this the Third Medicine Valley to reflect my principle in life: never strive for first or second, but aim for third. Anything too prominent invites trouble. The top three are impressive, but the third is the safest.”

Old Tian blinked his eyes open slightly, seeming to ponder the idea.

Patting Old Tian on the shoulder, Gu An said with a grin, “I brought some roast chicken and fine wine today. Let’s have a feast! It’s spirit chicken from the outer sect farms—ten low-grade spirit stones a bird!”

Snapped out of his thoughts, Old Tian followed Gu An.

Ye Yan wasn’t practicing his spear at the valley entrance today. Instead, he stood straight in the center of a garden path, holding his spear in one hand, eyes closed, meditating on his connection to the weapon.

Gu An didn’t interfere with Ye Yan’s spear practice or his Body Refinement Technique, as Gu An had no interest in spear techniques. His own cultivation of Xuanhuang Dragon Qi Art sufficed.

“Yan’er, come join us for drinks and celebrate your senior siblings becoming outer disciples!” Gu An called out.

Curious, Old Tian asked, “Over the years, you’ve turned all your herbs into pills for your disciples. What do you gain from it? Even if they’re grateful, time will erode those bonds. Why not use the resources on yourself?

“And as for me—I’m an old sack of bones who doesn’t have long to live. Giving me pills is a waste, don’t you think?”

Having lived with Gu An for years, Old Tian had grown fond of him. Gu An treated him with respect and shared his resources generously, unlike other disciples who ignored him.

Gu An smiled. “I’m of average talent. Obsessing over cultivation would only bring frustration. I’d rather give hope to the younger generation.

“And as for you, Old Tian, you may be older than me, but you’re still my disciple here. Naturally, I’ll treat you equally. Even if the pills don’t increase your cultivation much, they’ll strengthen your vitality and improve your quality of life, won’t they?”

His words, spoken with warmth and conviction, coupled with the sunlight casting a golden glow on his side profile, left Old Tian deeply moved.

Old Tian recalled what Gu Zong had once said about Gu An:

> “Don’t be deceived by his meager cultivation. Writing Romance of the Gods reveals the vastness of his inner world. Despite his fame and fortune, he remains in the medicine valley, diligently contributing to Taixuan Sect. In terms of character and bearing, he surpasses many Transformation Stage cultivators.” �

A small smile tugged at Old Tian’s lips as he let Gu An’s cheerful demeanor infect him.

The three gathered around a stone table, drinking and eating chicken.

Gu An shared his recent experiences, mentioning the Demon Removal Hall and watching Old Tian’s reaction, but the old man remained indifferent, focusing on his chicken leg.

Ye Yan spoke up, “I think the Demon Removal Hall is pretty good. Back at Xuan Valley, we had frequent run-ins with demonic cultivators. The outer sect is chaotic. The hall’s bad reputation might even be due to spies stirring trouble in the shadows.”

Gu An nodded. “That’s possible. Since the hall’s formation, Xuan Valley hasn’t encountered demonic cultivators or Thousand Autumn Pavilion spies.”

Suddenly, Ye Yan said, “Master, once I reach Foundation Establishment, I don’t want to stay in Taixuan Sect. I want to join the military.”

What?!

You’re saying this in front of the former sect master?

Feigning calm, Gu An asked, “Why?”

Ye Yan’s face grew resolute. “Taixuan Sect prioritizes spiritual roots. People like me will never stand out. In the military, I can slay demons and save lives. My parents were killed by monsters, and I’ve vowed since childhood to travel the world and become a hero who exterminates evil.”

Old Tian gave a slight nod of approval.

Gu An smiled. “I didn’t expect such lofty aspirations. You have my support.”

Ye Yan grinned, raising his bowl to toast Gu An before toasting Old Tian.

The atmosphere grew more relaxed. With his heartfelt declaration off his chest, Ye Yan became more talkative, as did Old Tian.

As Gu An reflected on these changes in his disciples, Gu Zong’s arrival brought new challenges.

After delivering the news of Taixuan Immortal Lord's monumental success, Gu Zong smiled.

“Taixuan Immortal Lord has played a great role in promoting the development of Taixuan Sect. The Elders Hall admires you very much. If you can let the Saintess of Dao Heaven Sect stay, the Elders Hall will give you a seventh-level spiritual tree sapling.

"Once this tree grows up, it will significantly improve the local spiritual energy. Even if you are mediocre, it will not be difficult for you to form a pill in the future.

"I originally wanted to give you skills and high-level magic tools, but Yu’er said that you are against fighting and only like to grow flowers and plants, so I changed it to a seventh-level spiritual tree. This tree can also help the harvest of the entire Medicine Valley, and the benefits are immeasurable."

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