Chapter 322: Guidance of Tao

“This is a Dao Mark—it’s the initial manifestation of the Dao. Some people are born with it, some cultivate it later, and some, like you, gain it unexpectedly. It’s rare, but not unheard of. Either way, possessing a Dao Mark means you'll eventually transcend mortality and become an immortal. Let me congratulate you in advance.”

Zhang Xianwang said with a cheerful smile, a look of appreciation in his eyes.

Gu An cupped his fists and said, “I’m Gu An. May I ask your name, fellow cultivator?”

He could feel Zhang Xianwang probing his karma, but he didn’t mind. His karmic projection had long since been altered—unless someone’s cultivation surpassed his, they would only see an ordinary disciple living a humble farming life.

“I’m Zhang Xianwang. Came from very far away. Since fate brought us together, how about showing me around? I’d like to learn more about the Heavenly Rankings Tournament and the Taixuan Sect.”

Naturally, Gu An didn’t refuse Zhang Xianwang’s suggestion—he came specifically for him.

The two walked out of the Treasure Pavilion. When Zhang Xianwang saw Gu An’s mount, he didn’t think much of it; he couldn’t see through the Primordial Return Divine Path.

On the way, Gu An introduced the Taixuan Sect. When he mentioned the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path, Zhang Xianwang immediately asked for details.

When talking about the Sword Sovereign, Gu An's eyes lit up with fervor, showering him with praise like he was a legend come to life.

The Blood Prison Grand Sage remained expressionless, but inwardly, he was moved.

His master’s grace was truly something he should strive to emulate.

If he were Zhang Xianwang, he too would never associate Gu An with the Sword Sovereign.

Not only did Zhang Xianwang think the Blood Prison Grand Sage was unremarkable—the feeling was mutual. Both were high-level cultivators concealing their power, and a trace of pride lingered in their hearts.

Before they knew it, they arrived near the Heavenly Mending Platform.

Gu An smiled and asked, “The Heaven-Splitting Axe is on the platform. Want to give it a shot?”

Zhang Xianwang looked into the distance and shook his head. “No need. I definitely won’t be able to pull it out.”

He turned to Gu An and said, “I’ll be staying in the Taixuan Sect for a while. Next time we meet, drinks are on me. But if someone tries to lure you away from the Taixuan Sect, it’s best you refuse. Having a Dao Mark is a blessing, but it can also bring disaster. At least here, the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path can protect you—others won’t dare act recklessly.”

With that, he turned and left.

Gu An watched his back and thought to himself,

This guy’s actually pretty decent.

He had assumed everyone from the Immortal Spirit Empire would be unbearably arrogant, since they rarely interacted with the outside world. But meeting Zhang Xianwang today gave him a new impression.

From a distance, Gu An gazed at the Heaven-Splitting Axe. Zuo Yijian stood beside it, as he had for the past ten years, never once leaving his post.

Nowadays, mentioning the axe inevitably brought up Zuo Yijian.

A thought crossed Gu An’s mind. His divine sense, laced with powerful Sword Intent, forcefully pierced into Zuo Yijian’s eyes, leaving him dazed.

Then, riding the Blood Prison Grand Sage, Gu An turned and walked away without stepping onto the platform.

Not far away, Zhang Xianwang suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning back with wide, stunned eyes.

At that moment, an overwhelming surge of Sword Intent erupted from Zuo Yijian, startling nearby cultivators who quickly backed away. Several figures appeared out of thin air, surrounding the Heaven-Splitting Axe and isolating Zuo Yijian.

Zuo Yijian’s eyes lost focus, his whole being dazed, while the Sword Intent rose from the ground, whipping his robes and hair into the air.

Sensing that familiar aura of the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path, Taixuan Sect’s senior cultivators finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“What’s going on with him?”

“That’s the Sword Sovereign’s Sword Intent. Feel it closely—Zuo Yijian’s sword aura is strengthening.”

“Is the Sword Sovereign guiding him?”

“If it’s him, I can understand. After all, Zuo Yijian has stood guard here for so many years.”

“So he wasn’t lying? The Sword Sovereign really did pat his shoulder back then?”

The cultivators chatted among themselves, while Zuo Yijian was fully immersed in the Sword Intent, unable to pull himself out.

Standing at the base of the Heavenly Mending Platform, Zhang Xianwang was shaken by what he felt.

Even as a Free Soaring Immortal, he couldn’t sense the Sword Sovereign’s actions, nor understand how his Sword Intent could trigger such an epiphany in Zuo Yijian.

Only now did he realize how insignificant he truly was.

A Free Soaring Immortal might be free, but he had yet to comprehend the Dao itself.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Gu An’s fading silhouette—but paid him no mind.

He would never have guessed that the very man walking away had just shocked him to the core—that Gu An was the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path.

Gu An didn’t look back, his deeds and name buried deep.

The Blood Prison Grand Sage heard the commotion behind them but didn’t look back either. He already knew—the legendary Sword Sovereign was riding on his back.

When an immortal takes action, mortals always make a fuss. How boring.

After parting ways with Zhang Xianwang, Gu An continued wandering through the city, buying a ton of things before returning to the valley.

Back in the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An found An Xin and handed over everything he had bought.

The Third Medicine Valley also stocked plenty of herbs, pills, manuals, and magical artifacts that errand disciples could purchase directly—cheaper than in the city. This was a benefit Gu An provided for his disciples. After comparing prices, they appreciated him even more. That’s why even when errand disciples broke through and left the sect, they would still call Gu An “Master” whenever they met again.

After finishing up, Gu An planned to head upstairs to read.

Right then, Shen Zhen flew in.

He had no choice but to pause and wait.

Over the years, Shen Zhen hadn’t slacked off. She even shared her insights with the Taixuan Sect, helping create many jade slips that transmitted techniques. These slips allowed disciples to witness training visuals, rather than just reading vague descriptions—an incredible contribution that finally earned her genuine respect from the sect.

“Hurry upstairs! I found something amazing!”

Shen Zhen exclaimed excitedly before dashing up. Gu An had no choice but to follow.

After they entered the room and shut the door, Gu An sensed the aura below grow faint. Clearly, Ji Xuanyu was trying to eavesdrop again.

Shen Zhen went to the table, took out a scroll, and quickly unfurled it.

Gu An came over and saw an ancient painting. In the scene, many naked people knelt on the ground, reaching out to the sky, where a group of lavishly dressed figures soared among the clouds—clearly immortals.

“I picked up a fragment of an ancient text. After studying it daily, I imagined what the full scene might be. Maybe… the Dao is guiding me from the shadows,” Shen Zhen said proudly.

She imagined it?

With Gu An’s trained eye, he could tell that the layout in the painting contained the mysteries of the Laws of Heaven and Earth.

Could the Dao really be guiding Shen Zhen?

That didn’t seem right!

Why

her

?

Gu An suddenly questioned whether Shen Zhen might really achieve enlightenment through the arts—music, calligraphy, painting, and so on.

Earlier, he had shocked Zhang Xianwang. Now, it was Shen Zhen’s turn to shake him.

Comprehending the Laws of Heaven and Earth

without

stepping into the Immortal Dao?

That’s outrageous!

Could she be a reincarnated immortal?

But no, if she were some mighty figure reborn, Gu An should’ve seen signs—like with Ji Xuanyu or Yang Jian.

No matter how he looked at Shen Zhen, she didn’t seem to have any kind of grand background.