Chapter 172: A Friendship Born Too Late & Journey to the West

Gu Yu’s arrival interrupted Gu An and Lu Lingjun’s game of chess.

Since Lu Lingjun was also interested in Xuan Tianyi, she asked Gu Yu a few questions about him.

The conversation went on for a while before Gu Yu finally left.

Noticing that Lu Lingjun seemed lost in thought, Gu An knew she was thinking about Xuan Tianyi.

Without a word, he stood up and left.

Just as he turned, Lu Lingjun spoke: “After the New Year, you should go listen to his lecture. This is a rare opportunity—Grand Ascension cultivators are hard to come by.”

Gu An turned to look at her. Seeing the anticipation on her face, he chuckled lightly but said nothing.

The lectures of a Grand Ascension cultivator carried immense influence.

As winter deepened, more disciples returned to Taixuan Sect, and cultivators from other sects also began arriving.

The name of Xuan Tianyi spread throughout the cultivation world, and his legendary journey was unveiled.

The strongest genius in Taixuan Sect’s history.

Formed his Core at twenty.

Reached Nascent Soul at forty-two.

Attained the Transformation Stage at seventy.

Stepped into the Void Transformation Stage at a hundred.

By two hundred, he had reached the Integration Stage.

Because his talent was too monstrous, Taixuan Sect had hidden his real age before he reached Integration Ninth Layer.

Only when he reached the peak of Integration did he venture south in search of immortality, forcing the sect to suppress any mention of his genius, lest they invite catastrophe. ȒÄꞐồ฿Ęs

Now, after three hundred years overseas, he had returned as a Grand Ascension cultivator!

With Taixuan Sect publicizing his legendary feats, Xuan Tianyi’s name shook the world, eclipsing the Nine Great Cultivators.

Most cultivators found his story unbelievable, some even thinking Taixuan Sect was exaggerating.

When Gu An heard about Xuan Tianyi’s achievements in the Outer Sect City, he also found it hard to believe.

But, after some thought, it made sense.

No wonder people said that if Xuan Tianyi wanted the Sect Master position, Lü Baitian would have to step down immediately.

In the face of such monstrous talent, Lü Baitian’s contributions would mean nothing—he would have to yield.

Though Xuan Tianyi’s cultivation speed defied logic, his return undeniably boosted the morale of Taixuan Sect.

With New Year’s approaching, the Outer Sect City was already filled with festive cheer.

On a snow-covered morning, Gu An left Xuan Valley for the Third Medicine Valley.

As soon as he arrived, he sensed two auras—one of them Grand Ascension Stage.

Xuan Tianyi had arrived!

Keeping his expression neutral, Gu An walked toward his pavilion.

Pushing open the door, he saw two people inside—

One was Vice Sect Master Ji Hantian, and the other was a young man in blue robes.

Xuan Tianyi wore simple azure garments, his appearance youthful, making it hard to believe he was a Grand Ascension cultivator.

He looked more like a young disciple.

“Gu An, you’re finally here. Close the door and sit. Let’s chat.” Ji Hantian smiled, acting as if this was his own pavilion.

Gu An didn’t mind.

He closed the door, stepped forward, and bowed in greeting.

Before Ji Hantian could introduce them, Xuan Tianyi spoke first—

“You’re Pan An?”

[Xuan Tianyi (Grand Ascension Sixth Layer): 598/4800/5000]

Gu An was secretly surprised.

5,000 years of maximum lifespan—and he had cultivated this quickly?

At this rate, Xuan Tianyi would definitely reach Nirvana Stage within 4,500 years, breaking through the limits of destiny and unlocking a new lifespan cap.

Judging by his cultivation speed, Xuan Tianyi’s spiritual root quality should be at the level of a 5,000-year lifespan, though his physical body was probably inferior to Ji Xuanyu and An Hao.

However, his comprehension ability must be absolutely terrifying, coupled with unbelievable opportunities—which led to his current achievements.

Gu An pretended to hesitate, then looked at Ji Hantian.

Ji Hantian laughed. “Just answer honestly. This is our sect’s True Legacy Disciple, Xuan Tianyi. He’s not an outsider—he’s Taixuan Sect’s greatest pride.”

Xuan Tianyi ignored the flattery, continuing to study Gu An with bright eyes.

Gu An finally responded, “Yes, I do have a pen name—Pan An.”

Hearing this, Xuan Tianyi smiled.

“Your

Romance of the Gods

is truly excellent. Someone brought me a copy, and I loved it. I even mass-produced it and spread it overseas. Your book is incredibly popular across the ocean—far more than anything I’ve written.”

Gu An cupped his hands. “Thank you for your praise, senior. May I ask what books you have written?”

Xuan Tianyi cleared his throat. “Oh, my books were just casually written. They’re nothing compared to

Romance of the Gods

.”

Ji Hantian chuckled and shook his head. “His books? Not even worth mentioning.”

Gu An grew even more curious.

However, Xuan Tianyi refused to reveal the titles, instead dragging Gu An into a deep discussion about

Romance of the Gods

Ji Hantian, realizing he was no longer needed, left the room—even closing the door behind him.

Surprisingly, Xuan Tianyi had no airs about him.

As they discussed certain plot points, he became visibly emotional—especially over the scene of Nezha slicing his flesh and bones to return them to his parents.

In reality, Gu An had expanded upon the original legend, adding more depth to the characters—which was part of why

Romance of the Gods

had become so popular.

Xuan Tianyi, fascinated, asked, “How did you come up with this story?”

Gu An answered casually, “In a dream, an immortal touched my forehead, and suddenly I understood.”

“Why only once?” Xuan Tianyi asked, skeptical.

“Well… after that, I never managed to write anything as good.”

Xuan Tianyi nodded. “Your

Taixuan Immortal Venerable

and

Shattering the Void

are decent, but they still don’t compare to

Romance of the Gods

.”

Gu An didn’t argue. Instead, he pressed—

“So, what did you write?”

At this, Xuan Tianyi became visibly uncomfortable.

Sensing his hesitation, Gu An pushed further.

Finally, Xuan Tianyi relented.

“Wait… you wrote

Adventures of the Green Hero

!?” Gu An slammed the table and stood up.

For a brief moment, Xuan Tianyi looked nervous, as if he had been caught doing something wrong.

But he stiffened and nodded.

Gu An pulled out multiple volumes of

Adventures of the Green Hero

from his storage bag.

Seeing them, Xuan Tianyi was visibly moved.

“I love

Adventures of the Green Hero

! I’ve read each book at least a hundred times!”

As Gu An passionately praised the series, Xuan Tianyi felt unprecedented joy—

Finally, someone appreciated his talent!

At that moment, Xuan Tianyi had a profound realization—

Pan An was his long-lost soulmate!

Overwhelmed, he suddenly stood up, grabbed Gu An by the shoulders, and declared—

“Brother! No—Gu An! Let’s swear brotherhood! From now on, I am your elder brother!”

Gu An was stunned.

What kind of logic is this?!

Isn’t this moving too fast?!