Saint Who Lay Low

Gu An walked through Xuan Valley, his eyes scanning the disciples as they cultivated. He soon noticed Chu Jingfeng sitting cross-legged under a tree, with a wooden sword placed upright in front of him.

Curious, Gu An changed direction and approached.

"Brother Chu, what are you doing?" Gu An asked with interest.

Chu Jingfeng opened his eyes and replied, "I'm reflecting on my swordsmanship. I want to create a new sword technique."

"Create a sword technique? That's impressive! But why use a wooden sword? If you need a proper sword, just let me know!" Gu An said, full of admiration as he pulled out a treasured sword from his storage pouch.

Chu Jingfeng had already lost his own storage bag, and the spirit stones he earned doing odd jobs were kept in his room. Seeing Gu An offer him a sword, Chu Jingfeng shook his head. "There's no need. I seek a pure understanding of the sword, one that comes from the heart, not from the sword itself."

That sounded profound.

Gu An put the sword away, chuckling. "Well, if you need anything, just let me know."

After saying that, Gu An headed towards his own pavilion.

Chu Jingfeng watched Gu An's retreating figure, sensing that Gu An was in high spirits.

"Though he's weak, he always seems so happy," Chu Jingfeng thought to himself, feeling a twinge of envy.

Born into a wealthy family, Chu Jingfeng had fallen from grace due to family power struggles, becoming a prisoner. If he had a choice, he too would have preferred starting as a servant disciple, free from the heavy burdens he now carried.

Shaking off those thoughts, Chu Jingfeng returned to meditating on his swordsmanship.

After all, having practiced the Dao Yan Technique, his cultivation had stagnated. Rather than learning new spells, he had chosen to focus solely on swordsmanship, just like the famous Sword Maniac Han Ming of the Great Yu Dynasty, who had once mastered the way of the sword in a single realization, becoming unstoppable.

Meanwhile, Gu An returned to his study and sat down at his desk, pulling up his status screen.

His lifespan had surged by more than 300,000 years.

This meant that when he destroyed the Ephemeral Blossom Tree, he had accidentally killed thousands of Ephemeral Blossom Sect cultivators.

Gu An suddenly understood why so many were drawn to demonic cultivation. He quickly calmed himself, reaffirming his resolve not to fall into the demonic path.

Tending to flowers and herbs was still better. The lifespan gained from killing a Profound Heart Realm cultivator was about the same as harvesting a fifth-rank herb.

In his mind, there was little difference between killing enemies and harvesting herbs—except the former brought more potential trouble.

Deciding to shift his focus, Gu An took out his copy of The Adventures of Green Hero and immersed himself in its tales of love and revenge.

Meanwhile, at the Dustless Wasteland, numerous cultivators flew through the sky. Some were arriving, while others escorted captured Ephemeral Blossom Sect members away.

On a cliff, Ji Hantian stood respectfully behind a white-robed elder, recounting the events of the recent battle.

"That's how it happened, Grand Elder. We owe it all to the Sword Master of the Dao. Who is he, exactly? The Profound Heart Realm cultivator couldn't even withstand two moves against him," Ji Hantian asked, barely able to contain his excitement.

The Sword Master's sudden appearance had thrilled Ji Hantian, and brought him immense pride.

Whenever he recalled the astonished expressions of the other sect leaders, he couldn't help but feel elated.

The white-robed elder before him was none other than the recently returned Grand Elder Xuanquan.

Xuanquan remained silent, his eyes closed.

Ji Hantian didn't dare interrupt, assuming the Grand Elder was pondering the Sword Master's identity.

Unbeknownst to him, Xuanquan was deeply shocked.

There was no such powerful elder in the Tai Xuan Sect!

However, he had already heard of the Sword Master of the Dao upon his return, which at least indicated that the man supported the Tai Xuan Sect. Most likely, he was someone within the sect, albeit not an elder.

Xuanquan had encountered similar situations during his travels overseas. In some transcendent sects, exceptional talents would emerge during times of crisis, stepping forward to save their sects. Such phenomena were considered part of a sect's great fortune.

Could it be that the Tai Xuan Sect now had such fortune?

Xuanquan slowly opened his eyes and said, "The Sword Master of the Dao hides his identity because he wishes for solitude. The more he wishes to remain anonymous, the more we must respect that. We must also protect his identity while widely spreading tales of his achievements, to deepen his connection to the Tai Xuan Sect. Otherwise, he may one day leave, feeling that the sect offers him no benefit and only burdens him."

"Grand Elder, I thought the same. I've already sent word to the Sect Master, requesting that we promote his deeds," Ji Hantian said with a smile.

Another catastrophe had been averted, and Tai Xuan Sect would surely flourish in the aftermath, as had been the case throughout history.

"Very well. You may go. I will check the entrance to the Nine Nether Path. Perhaps it could become an opportunity for our sect," Xuanquan said before disappearing from sight.

Ji Hantian turned to leave, planning to discuss with the other sects how to handle the Nine Nether Path.

As the year came to a close, Gu An headed to the outer city to visit Wu Jue, bringing fine wine and roasted chicken as gifts.

Wu Jue was overjoyed to see him and quickly ushered him inside.

Once the door was closed, Wu Jue exclaimed, "Brother Gu, what brings you here?"

It was the first time anyone had come to visit him, so he couldn't contain his excitement.

"I came to check on you. I was worried you'd be bored," Gu An replied with a grin, though in truth, he was more interested in seeing if Wu Jue had experienced another moment of enlightenment.

Unfortunately, he hadn't.

Gu An had hoped to witness Wu Jue surpassing the talents of Tai Xuan Sect's most gifted disciples.

As for Gu An himself, enlightenment was unnecessary—he could always extend his lifespan.

He contemplated enlightenment because it was a diversion and a potential way to discover methods to help those around him extend their own lives.

So far, it seemed that enlightenment was rare and not simply a result of deep experiences or intense emotions.

Wu Jue set the bowls and chopsticks on the table while Gu An placed the wine and chicken down. Glancing around the room, Gu An noticed that little had changed.

Wu Jue's cultivation had progressed from Foundation Establishment, Second Layer to Foundation Establishment, Fourth Layer in such a short time. How was this possible?

It almost seemed like his talent surpassed even that of those at the extreme lifespan level.

Despite this, Wu Jue hadn't sought a new master.

"By the way, have you heard about the Sword Master of the Dao? He singlehandedly crushed the Ephemeral Blossom Sect! It's unbelievable! Even the top cultivators of the Nine Dynasties couldn't defeat the demoness, yet he killed her with two strikes. He's stronger than even the protagonist of the Tai Xuan Immortal Lord," Wu Jue said, laughing as he poured Gu An a drink.

The Sword Master's feats had spread throughout the Tai Xuan Sect. Even the servant disciples in the Third Medicine Valley and Xuan Valley were talking about it.

A few days earlier, when Gu An had visited Tianya Valley, even Luo Hun had heard the news and asked him about it.

"Of course, I've heard. He's incredible. I wonder what he's truly like in person," Gu An replied with a cheerful smile.

The two continued chatting about the Sword Master over drinks, quickly finishing off a jug of wine.

Suddenly, Wu Jue pulled out a manual from his robe and said, "Brother Gu, this is a martial art I exchanged all my savings for. Take a look and copy it. You should practice it too."

Gu An immediately refused. "How could I? I can't take advantage of you!"

"What do you mean 'take advantage'? You're my only friend. Besides, learning more combat techniques is never a bad thing. I've come to realize that the cultivation world will never be peaceful for long. Conflicts between righteous and demonic sects always flare up sooner or later," Wu Jue said earnestly.

Hearing this, Gu An had no choice but to accept the manual. He quickly flipped through it.

Falling Sun Fist.

After just one read, Gu An had memorized it all and handed the manual back to Wu Jue.

Wu Jue looked surprised. "That fast? You don't like it?"

Gu An responded, "It's not that. I just don't like fighting. This technique is too aggressive—it doesn't suit me."

Wu Jue smiled wryly. "In the world of cultivators, every fight is a battle to the death unless you plan to stay within Tai Xuan Sect forever."

"Well, I do plan to stay here forever," Gu An joked.

"Alright then."

Not wanting to take advantage of Wu Jue, Gu An pulled out a sword manual. "I've got a sword technique here. Want to take a look?"

"No thanks. I respect the Sword Master of the Dao, but I don't like swords or using weapons in combat. I trust only my fists and feet," Wu Jue replied, raising his arm to show off his strength.

Gu An chuckled and took out a second manual. "How about this one? Gale Phantom Kick?"

Wu Jue glanced at the manual and immediately became captivated.

"Sounds powerful. It must be valuable, right?"

"Don't worry about it. You take it. Just remember me when you become a big shot in the Tai Xuan Sect."

Hearing this, Wu Jue hesitated no longer and took the manual, eagerly flipping through it.

Gu An sipped his wine, watching Wu Jue as he studied the technique with intense focus.

Who knew what kind of man Wu Jue would become a thousand years from now?

As the New Year approached, snow continued to fall, extending through the festival period without pause.

The Third Medicine Valley grew lively with festive decorations. Disciples were busy, their faces filled with smiles.

Gu An sat at a long table in the courtyard, smiling as he watched the disciples work.

It was good to have people around. There was no need for him to lift a finger.

Gu An glanced at Lu Lingjun, who was quietly making paper decorations. In the company of the female disciples, she appeared gentle and serene, exuding a refined charm. It was hard to imagine that she had already reached Body Fusion Realm, Ninth Layer.

Xiao Chuan came over and sat beside Gu An, brimming with excitement. "Senior Brother, they're building a huge statue of the Sword Master of the Dao next to the Heaven Mending Platform. It's so grand! You've got to see it next time you go."

He had also begun practicing the Dao Yan Technique, though not as diligently as Chu Jingfeng or Lu Jiujia. Xiao Chuan had come to terms with his limited potential, content to enjoy life at his own pace. Gu An respected that decision and didn't push him to cultivate harder.

After all, even with rigorous training, one could still grow old and die. Cultivation simply prolonged the inevitable.

"Really? I'll have to check it out," Gu An replied with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

The Tai Xuan Sect's gesture pleased him. At least they were showing him the respect he deserved.

Xiao Chuan continued talking about the changes in the outer sect. Meanwhile, Gu An sensed Lü Baitian approaching from the sky.

Soon, Lü Baitian landed.

Xiao Chuan quickly stood up and left, not wanting to disturb them.

"Let's talk inside," Lü Baitian said as he walked towards the pavilion.

Lu Lingjun glanced over, her curiosity piqued.

Who exactly was Gu An?

Why did this Body Fusion Realm, Ninth Layer expert frequently visit him?

Could it be that Gu An had been hiding his true strength all along?

Was he not as weak as he appeared?

With these questions in her mind, Lu Lingjun resolved to speak with Xiao Chuan later.

Inside, Gu An shut the door, and Lü Baitian cast a barrier, sealing off the room. After sitting down, he got straight to the point.

"There's a great opportunity. Do you want it?"