Chapter 72: The Reincarnation of a Supreme Being, The Name of Gu An
Elder Tian mentioned LĂŒ Xian, sparking a flurry of questions from the disciples eager to know what kind of person this number-one prodigy was.
Li Ya also silently noted the name, vowing to defeat LĂŒ Xian at the Hundred Clans Conference and prove his own talent.
That night, the Third Medicine Valley was lively, with Elder Tian in a particularly talkative mood, laughing often.
At dawn, Li Ya bid farewell to Gu An.
"I'm off. Wait and seeâIâll be renowned across the land!"
Watching Li Ya's retreating figure, Gu An couldn't help but feel a bit envious of his energy and fighting spirit. Unlike himself, who overanalyzed everything and was always cautious, Li Ya radiated youthful vitality.
However, recalling Li Ya's battered state after his last bout, Gu An's lips curled up into a smile.
Envy is fine, but not imitation!
After Li Ya left, the disciples of the Third Medicine Valley returned to their daily tasks. With the valley expanding, constant patrols were necessary.
Gu An, after inspecting the gardens in Xuan Valley, flew toward Horizon Valley. Along the way, he discreetly infused five years of his lifespan into his cultivation, then resumed his journey.
Upon arriving at Horizon Valley, he entered through its mouth and walked along the hillside, soon spotting Yi Liuyun and LĂŒ Xian sparring.
LĂŒ Xian, dressed in a red robe with flowing hair, could easily be mistaken for a woman at first glance. He wielded a gourd-shaped fan, effortlessly countering Yi Liuyun's sword techniques. The two moved gracefully through the air, locked in an evenly matched contest.
Yi Liuyun had suppressed his cultivation; otherwise, LĂŒ Xian wouldn't have stood a chance.
Gu An couldn't resist using his lifespan analysis on LĂŒ Xian again.
ăLĂŒ Xian (Foundation Establishment Stage, Level 1): 75/480/4900ă
"Foundation Establishment at thirty, but no breakthroughs in the next forty-five years?" Gu An mused.
If not for the astounding 4,900-year maximum lifespan displayed, Gu An would find it hard to believe that LĂŒ Xian was the Taixuan Sect's top prodigy.
Apart from Ji Xiaoyu, who possessed an innate Dao Sigil, LĂŒ Xian's maximum lifespan was the most impressive human potential Gu An had ever seen.
LĂŒ Xian showed no signs of injuryâcould he have cultivated a special technique like Wu Xin?
Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun Sanâthe three monkey demonsâhurried over to Gu An with delight. They were fond of him because he always brought them treats, and despite being captured by Luo Hun, he never treated them with disdain.
"This is a fifth-grade spirit fruit. You each get one. No fighting," Gu An said, placing three watermelon-sized crimson fruits on the ground for them to choose.
Leaving the monkeys to their snacks, Gu An headed to a nearby garden, ready for another day of harvesting. With his growing medicine valley, there were daily opportunities for collection, and he thoroughly enjoyed this life.
Once his harvesting was complete, Yi Liuyun and LĂŒ Xian ended their sparring. Landing on the ground, Yi Liuyun began critiquing LĂŒ Xian's performance, while the latter displayed humility.
"Senior Yi, when will you undergo your tribulation? Iâm looking forward to seeing you challenge the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path," LĂŒ Xian asked earnestly, his tone serious, as though he genuinely believed Yi Liuyun could win.
Yi Liuyun hesitated. "In at most six months, Iâll undergo my tribulation at the Taixuan Sectâs Tribulation Valley. As for challenging the Sword Sovereign...weâll see."
After visiting the Heavenly Mending Platform, Yi Liuyun had abandoned thoughts of competing with the Sword Sovereign.
The gap was too vast.
Faced with such unparalleled sword intent, he couldn't summon even a shred of fighting spirit.
LĂŒ Xian raised an eyebrow, his delicate features lighting up with anticipation. "You should try! What if you win? Once you reach the Void Transformation Stage, your sword intent will naturally evolve. You might have a chance. Even if you lose, being the first to challenge the Sword Sovereign will still make you famous."
Passing by, Gu An felt an urge to retort.
LĂŒ Xian was truly something else. After arriving at Horizon Valley, he had encouraged Luo Hun to challenge the Taixuan Sect's top spear user and the three monkey demons to confront nearby third-rank beasts.
And this wasnât an occasional thing. If he came across someone, he would start persuading them.
If he were truly battle-hungry, Li Ya wouldn't have never heard of him.
"Iâll think about it," Yi Liuyun replied, frowning.
Spotting Gu An, LĂŒ Xian immediately approached and threw an arm around his shoulder, smiling warmly. "Valley Master, I have a feeling youâre not simple. Why not aim for the position of National Advisor? I can teach you spellsâjust name it!"
Gu An replied calmly, "Iâve said this countless times: I want nothing but to grow flowers and herbs."
"Impossible. Every person has a name they wish to earn!"
"And what name do you want?"
"Naturally, the title of 'Number One Under Heaven.'"
"Then why not spend less time persuading others and more time cultivating?"
"I don't need cultivation; I'll become invincible sooner or later."
"Impressive," Gu An replied, struggling not to laugh.
Talk about bragging! Claiming invincibility in front of me?
Suddenly, an idea struck Gu An, and he smiled slyly. "I heard you're joining the Hundred Clans Conference. If you take the champion's title, I'll learn your spells."
"Really?"
"Really."
"I wasnât planning to participate, but since you said that, just wait and see. Iâll leave tomorrow."
With that, LĂŒ Xian turned and walked toward his quarters. Gu An watched his retreating figure, completely unable to figure this man out.
Yi Liuyun approached and used voice transmission to say, "Donât provoke him too much. Ever since he reached Foundation Establishment, heâs prone to falling into dreams when he cultivates. One time he dreamed he was an emperor, another time a sword sovereign ruling the mortal world, and even a demon emperor. According to him, he reaches the pinnacle of the mortal realm in every lifetime."
What kind of condition is this? Could he be the reincarnation of a supreme being?
Gu An suddenly didn't dare underestimate LĂŒ Xian. One in ten thousand might actually turn out to be trueâperhaps this man really had an extraordinary origin.
The next morning, LĂŒ Xian left early before Gu An departed, leaving him even more curious about the Hundred Clans Conference.
The Hidden Dragon Ranking was a competition for geniuses under a hundred years old. Who would take the top spot among Zhou Tongyou, Ji Xiaoyu, Li Ya, and LĂŒ Xian?
Before LĂŒ Xianâs return, Gu An resolved to raise his cultivation to the ninth level of the Integration Stage.
He would compete with these geniuses quietly, not in talent, but in growth speed!
By the time Gu An returned to Xuan Valley, it was already noon. He sensed a familiar presence waiting in his pavilion.
Along the way, he greeted Wu Xin before heading upstairs.
Inside, he saw Ye Lan sitting at his desk, holding a book.
Oh no!
Gu An closed the door, walked over to the desk, and took the book from her hands. With a serious expression, he said, "Young women shouldnât read this kind of book."
Since the Outer Sect calamity, Ye Lan rarely visited him, spending most of her time training outside. Now, she had been promoted to an Enforcer of the Law Hall, wielding considerable status and authority.
Ye Lan looked at Gu An with a smile. "I heard from Zhen Qin that youâre fond of reading
Adventures of the Green Hero
. I wanted to see what kind of books you enjoy."
"I donât know about the
Secrets of Taixuan
, but donât believe Zhen Qinâs nonsense. Thatâs slander.
Adventures of the Green Hero
was left by my master. I havenât read it nor destroyed it. I just kept it for sentimental reasons."
"Really?"
"When have I ever lied to you, junior sister?"
"Hmph."
Ye Lan pulled a book from her storage pouch and tossed it onto the desk.
Gu An glanced at it, and his eyelid twitches violently.
Secrets of Taixuan
!
How did this book become so popular?
Ye Lan looked at him intently and said in a faint voice, "Senior brother, when I saw that the protagonist of this book is named Gu An, I thought it was a coincidence. But now that Iâve skimmed
Adventures of the Green Hero
, I suddenly feel itâs not. Be honestâdid you write
Secrets of Taixuan
?"
"How could that be? I donât write books! I only like growing flowers and herbs!"
"Ha! Do you think Iâd believe that now? Senior brother, Iâm not saying you shouldnât read books, but canât you read something like
Romance of the Gods
or
Taixuan Immortal Venerable
? Theyâre far better for cultivating your Dao heart than these trashy novels."
"It really wasnât me..." Gu An felt utterly wronged. Curse Shen Zhen for this!
Ye Lan suddenly stood, startling him into stepping back. But instead of striking him, she walked around the desk and adjusted his robe.
She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Senior brother, if you truly like this kind of thing... I could look into dual cultivation techniques and accompany you..."
Gu An noticed her ears turning red.
He quickly backed away, escaping her grasp. With a stern expression, he said, "Junior sister, donât joke around. If you keep this up, Iâll..."
Ye Lan looked up and burst into laughter, covering her mouth.
"Look at you, acting like Iâm some kind of monster. Alright, no more joking. I came to talk about something seriousâyour disciple, Su Han." Her tone turned serious as she spoke.
Gu An frowned. "What about him?"
"Do you know his familyâs sword technique, the Hatred Heaven Divine Sword?"
"Iâve heard of it. Is there something wrong with the technique?"
"Hmm, that sword technique isnât his familyâs legacy but the forbidden sword technique of the Sword Sect under the Da Yu Dynasty. Itâs not allowed to be passed on. During Su Hanâs training journeys, he frequently used the Hatred Heaven Divine Sword to kill enemies. Eventually, someone recognized the technique, and it caused a big stir. Word is, the Sword Sect is preparing to capture him."
"So unlucky?"
Gu An was taken aback. Even with Su Hanâs mediocre talent, heâd managed to stir up something worthy of a novel protagonist?
Ye Lan nodded. "Iâve already taken Su Han into the Law Hall for protection. However, if the Sword Sect comes, the Law Hall wonât be able to shield him. After all, the Sword Sect is a major sect, and the Taixuan Sect wonât risk offending them over an outer disciple."
Gu An pondered for a moment and said, "Let me think of a way."
Ye Lan reassured him, "If itâs too troublesome, just leave him be. You canât protect him forever. The reason I told you is that I donât know how much he means to you. I didnât want you to regret it later."
Gu An nodded, complimenting Ye Lan for her thoughtful consideration.
Ye Lan didnât stay long. After she left, Gu An teleported to the Third Medicine Valley and set out to visit Shen Zhen.
If Shen Zhen dared sully his reputation, sheâd have to help him.
She had previously invited him to her cave residence, so he knew where to find her.
After a stick of incenseâs time, Gu An entered Shen Zhenâs cave.
"What a rare guest! Itâs not often you come looking for me."
Shen Zhen smiled. Inside her cave, she wasnât wearing her usual veil, revealing a face of stunning beauty, sweet and charming.
In her hand, she held an ink-stained brush. Following his gaze, Gu An noticed the walls were covered with sheets of paper.
This...
Why was she drawing?
Quickly averting his eyes, Gu An said, "My disciple has run into trouble. It involves the Sword Sect of the Da Yu Dynasty. Can you help?"
"The Sword Sect? No problem. They have to give Dao Tian Sect face!" Shen Zhen replied confidently, her tone brimming with grandeur.
Gu An recounted the situation in detail.
Shen Zhen frowned, hesitating. "This might be a bit of a problem..."