Chapter 120: The Sword Intent That Shook the Sect

Chapter 120: The Sword Intent That Shook the Sect

"No."

Gu An refused outright.

Taixuan Sect had just survived a catastrophe—what kind of opportunity could possibly arise now?

Lü Baitian was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a blunt rejection. Irritated, he snapped,

"You brat, I haven’t even told you what the opportunity is!"

Gu An sat down and said calmly,

"I won’t become Sect Master, I won’t write books, and I won’t entertain Saint Sons and Saint Daughters seeking my attention."

Lü Baitian laughed in exasperation.

"Do you really see me as that kind of person?"

Gu An shrugged,

"I just don’t want unnecessary trouble. Am I wrong about you? If so, I apologize."

Lü Baitian's expression stiffened for a moment before he cleared his throat and replied,

"Of course you’re wrong. I’m here for a completely different reason."

"Oh? And what’s that?"

"You should have heard of the Nine Nether Path by now, right?"

Lü Baitian’s voice turned serious.

"The Nine Dynasties have jointly sealed the entrance, and each sect has stationed cultivators to guard it. Even if the main bloodline of the Nightshade Sect were to return, they wouldn’t be able to shake its defenses."

"Now, the Nine Dynasties’ sects are leading their disciples into the Nine Nether Path for training. It’s crawling with demons and monsters—meaning there are opportunities to kill, seize treasures, and cultivate in its rich spiritual energy."

Gu An was genuinely surprised.

"So the Nine Nether Path has essentially become a training ground?"

"Exactly! It’s dangerous, yes, which is why Grandmasters will lead disciples inside."

"I’m offering you a spot. Once inside, someone will ensure your survival. You can cultivate, hunt demons, or search for treasures—whatever you choose, you’ll have a safety net."

Lü Baitian’s tone grew more enthusiastic as he spoke.

"Later, Taixuan Sect plans to establish a city within the Nine Nether Path, providing disciples with a base for rest and cultivation."

His excitement was palpable.

To him, developing the Nine Nether Path was the key to Taixuan Sect’s rise.

If he could strengthen Taixuan Sect’s foundation, future disciples wouldn’t have to venture beyond the Nine Dynasties to seek opportunities.

The Nine Nether Path was just the first step!

He was even preparing to open a maritime route, spearheaded by the newly returned Ancestor Xuan Quan.

The more he spoke, the grander his ambitions became—he was practically on the verge of declaring his intent to unify the continent.

Gu An listened intently.

Lü Baitian’s ideas made sense.

The stronger Taixuan Sect became, the better it was for him.

After a long discussion, Lü Baitian finally paused and asked expectantly,

"Well? Are you in?"

Gu An shook his head.

"I’ll pass. I need to stay behind and take care of the Medicine Valley."

Lü Baitian frowned.

"Someone else can take care of it."

"No can do. I wouldn’t feel at ease."

Gu An hesitated for a moment before adding,

"Alright, fine. The truth is, I’m afraid. The Nine Nether Path feels dangerous, and I’m terrible in actual combat. I’d rather not go."

"How about this—I give my spot to someone else?"

Lü Baitian stared at him.

"You refuse to go, yet you still want to distribute the quota?"

"Come on, I’ve contributed a lot to Taixuan Sect. I’ve managed an entire Medicine Valley without embezzling a single spirit herb—shouldn’t I get some kind of reward?"

Seeing Gu An’s righteous expression, Lü Baitian shook his head and chuckled.

After some thought, he agreed.

Giving the spot to someone close to Gu An was just as good—it would further bind him to Taixuan Sect.

"One way or another, I’ll make him take the Sect Master’s position eventually."

Lü Baitian smirked inwardly.

"It’s only a matter of time."

As if testing him, Lü Baitian suddenly asked,

"In your opinion, how can Taixuan Sect become the number one sect in the Nine Dynasties?"

Gu An didn’t even pause.

"Military power won’t work—it only breeds resentment."

"Cultural influence is the way to go."

"For example, Taixuan Sect already holds the Outer Sect Grand Tournament. In the future, we should host even more competitions—formation battles, alchemy contests, sword duels, talisman crafting, and so on."

"If we make these events highly anticipated—if they become essential for any aspiring cultivator—Taixuan Sect’s prestige will skyrocket."

"Imagine a young swordsman stepping onto the path of cultivation, knowing that the Taixuan Sword Tournament is the most prestigious event for sword cultivators.

"Over time, people will subconsciously associate Taixuan Sect with supreme swordsmanship."

"When Taixuan Sect is the most frequently mentioned sect in the world, we’ll be close to becoming the number one sect."

"Of course, our actual strength is still the most important factor."

Gu An spoke passionately.

Lü Baitian was captivated.

The more he listened, the more he realized—Gu An was a natural leader.

"This brat’s talent isn’t just luck."

Gu An continued discussing finer details—how competitions could be spread across different cities to stimulate economic growth, how disciples should form associations like an Alchemist Guild or a Swordmasters' League to foster cooperation and leadership.

Lü Baitian was shocked.

"No wonder he wrote

Romance of the Gods

—he’s a true genius!"

Finishing his tea, Lü Baitian stared intently at Gu An.

"And you still claim you’re not fit to be Sect Master?"

Gu An waved him off.

"I lack the qualifications, the background, and the courage to implement such grand plans. I can only offer suggestions."

Execution is the real challenge.

"I will never be Sect Master."

Lü Baitian chuckled. He then began discussing specific ideas based on Gu An’s strategy, and Gu An patiently answered.

Half an hour later, they finally left the pavilion.

Lü Baitian was still deep in thought.

"I have no interest in celebrating anymore."

With that, he took his leave.

Without him around, the Third Medicine Valley’s festive atmosphere became even livelier.

Shortly after the New Year, news of the Nine Nether Path’s training spread like wildfire across Taixuan Sect.

Treasure, rare herbs, spirit beast cores, dense spiritual energy…

Rumors of its benefits spread far and wide.

Clearly, Lü Baitian had taken Gu An’s advice to heart, ensuring the opportunity was widely advertised to motivate disciples and strengthen their loyalty to the sect.

Inside the Law Enforcement Hall.

Ye Lan had been summoned before the Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall.

The elder smiled warmly.

"Ye Lan, you’ve been assigned a slot for the Nine Nether Path expedition. Congratulations! Don’t worry, the Law Enforcement Hall will fully support you."

Ye Lan was stunned.

The Nine Nether Path?

Her first thought was Gu An.

Despite her long service in the Law Enforcement Hall, an opportunity like this should never have been given to her.

After all, only two hundred spots had been granted, and the Outer Sect disciples had little chance of being selected.

A smile crept across her lips.

"So, Senior Brother still cares about me after all."

She had no guilt about receiving his favor—only joy and warmth.

"He acts indifferent, but he clearly worries about me!"

Ye Lan understood Gu An’s hesitance toward relationships—romance could hinder cultivation.

That was precisely why she needed to become stronger—to prove her worth to him.

She would not let this chance slip away!