Saint Who Lay Low

"Not interested."

Gu An declined outright. Tai Xuan Sect had just gone through a calamity, how could there be any great opportunities?

Lü Baitian was momentarily stunned by Gu An's swift rejection and felt a wave of irritation. "Brat, I haven't even told you what the opportunity is!"

Gu An sat down and calmly replied, "I'm not interested in becoming the Sect Master, nor do I want to write more books. I also have no intention of being bothered by saint children or saintesses."

Lü Baitian couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.

"In your eyes, am I that kind of person?"

"I just don't want to attract unnecessary trouble. Did I wrongfully accuse you? If so, I apologize," Gu An said sincerely. Lü Baitian's face stiffened as he coughed to cover his embarrassment. "Of course, you've misunderstood. I've come for other reasons."

"What is it?"

"You've probably heard of the Nine Nether Path, right? It has now been sealed off by the combined forces of the Nine Dynasties, with each sect sending cultivators to guard it. Even if the main forces of the Ephemeral Blossom Sect return, they would struggle to breach it. Currently, various sects are leading their disciples into the Nine Nether Path for training. There are fierce demons to slay and treasures to claim, and the spiritual energy within is incredibly rich, making it ideal for cultivation," Lü Baitian explained at length, leaving Gu An somewhat surprised.

He hadn't expected the Nine Nether Path to become a place for trial and adventure.

"Wasn't the Nine Nether Path supposed to be highly dangerous?" Gu An asked.

"It is indeed dangerous. That's why powerful cultivators will lead the disciples during their trials. I'm offering you a spot. Once inside, someone will protect your life, allowing you to cultivate, hunt demons, and search for treasures. No matter what you choose to do, there will be someone backing you up. Isn't this a great opportunity? Tai Xuan Sect even plans to establish a city within the Path for our disciples to rest and cultivate."

Lü Baitian spoke enthusiastically, clearly excited about the potential benefits of the Nine Nether Path.

It was clear that he envisioned a future where Tai Xuan Sect could rise to new heights. Perhaps, under his leadership, the sect would reach its most prosperous era in history, securing Lü Baitian a revered place in the sect's annals.

Gu An listened carefully, finding the idea plausible.

Lü Baitian seemed determined to reverse the trend of cultivators leaving the Nine Dynasties after reaching the Body Fusion Realm in search of greater opportunities. His vision was to build Tai Xuan Sect's strength, so future disciples wouldn't need to leave in search of fortune.

The Nine Nether Path was his first step!

He also had plans to open up a sea route, with the recently returned Grand Elder Xuanquan leading the charge.

Lü Baitian grew more animated as he spoke, almost declaring his intent to unite the entire continent.

Gu An found Lü Baitian's vision admirable. The stronger Tai Xuan Sect became, the more comfortable his own position would be.

After Lü Baitian finally finished his grand explanation, he turned to Gu An and asked, "So, what do you think? Will you go?"

Gu An shook his head. "No, I need to stay behind and look after the Medicine Valley."

"Someone else can take care of it."

"No, I wouldn't feel at ease. To be honest, I'm afraid. The Nine Nether Path seems too dangerous, and I'm not skilled in combat. I'd rather not go. How about this—I give my spot to someone else?"

"You won't go, but you still want to give away your spot?"

"I've made contributions to Tai Xuan Sect, haven't I? I haven't been greedy with the resources in the Medicine Valley. Don't you think I deserve a reward?"

Lü Baitian couldn't help but laugh at Gu An's righteous tone. After thinking it over, he agreed to Gu An's request.

Allowing Gu An to pass his spot to someone close to him would foster a deeper sense of loyalty to Tai Xuan Sect.

Lü Baitian was still determined to give Gu An the Sect Master position one day. Sooner or later, he was confident Gu An would accept it.

With this thought, a smile appeared on Lü Baitian's face, filled with expectation.

"Tell me, how do you think Tai Xuan Sect could become the top sect in the Nine Dynasties?" Lü Baitian suddenly asked, testing Gu An's perspective on leadership and hoping to guide him toward thinking like a Sect Master.

Without hesitation, Gu An responded, "Using brute strength won't work. It will only accumulate resentment. A more effective method would be through cultural influence. Take, for example, the Outer Sect Tournament. In the future, Tai Xuan Sect could host various competitions—formation contests, alchemy tournaments, swordsmanship duels, talisman crafting, and so on. The goal would be to hold events that draw attention from across the Nine Dynasties every few years. The initial investment might be large, but once people get used to it, they'll begin to see Tai Xuan Sect as the premier orthodox sect."

"Imagine this: A new sword cultivator hears that Tai Xuan Sect's swordsmanship tournament is a must-attend event for all sword cultivators, offering a chance to make a name for oneself. That cultivator will subconsciously associate Tai Xuan Sect with high prestige in swordsmanship."

"When everyone constantly talks about Tai Xuan Sect, or when it becomes the most frequently mentioned sect, it won't be long before it's considered the greatest sect in the Nine Dynasties."

"Of course, the sect's own strength is still the most important factor."

Gu An spoke confidently, clearly inspired after listening to Lü Baitian's ideas.

Lü Baitian was soon engrossed, captivated by Gu An's reasoning. The more he listened, the more impressed he became, and Gu An, noticing his interest, delved deeper into the details.

It wouldn't just be about tournaments of strength. There could also be competitions showcasing different skills, and these events could be held in various outer cities or inner sect cities, boosting local economies.

Gu An even suggested that various associations could be formed among the disciples, like an alchemy association or a swordsmanship association, allowing disciples to share knowledge and also giving those with leadership potential a chance to develop their skills.

Lü Baitian was astonished.

No wonder this kid wrote Investiture of the Gods. He wasn't just lucky—he had real talent!

After Gu An finished speaking, he downed a cup of tea, feeling invigorated.

Lü Baitian stared at him intently. "And you still say you're not suited to be Sect Master!"

Gu An waved his hand. "I don't have the qualifications to be Sect Master. I lack a prestigious background and the courage or boldness to carry out grand plans. At most, I can offer advice."

Executing those plans would be the hardest part.

Gu An had no intention of becoming Sect Master!

Lü Baitian chuckled, then began asking follow-up questions about the strategy. Gu An patiently answered each one.

After another half-hour, the two finally left the pavilion.

Lü Baitian was still thinking over Gu An's ideas as they descended the stairs.

As soon as they reached the bottom, Lü Baitian took his leave, saying he was no longer in the mood to celebrate.

Gu An didn't try to stop him, and without Lü Baitian around, the festive atmosphere in the Third Medicine Valley grew even more relaxed.

After the New Year, the training in the Nine Nether Path quickly spread throughout Tai Xuan Sect.

Treasures, rare materials, demon cores, and abundant spiritual energy—the many benefits of the Nine Nether Path were hyped up. It was clear that Lü Baitian had taken Gu An's advice, focusing on promoting the tangible rewards to motivate disciples and boost their loyalty to the sect.

Meanwhile, in the Law Enforcement Hall, Ye Lan had been summoned to meet with the Hall Elder.

The elder smiled warmly. "Ye Lan, the higher-ups have allocated you a spot for the Nine Nether Path. You must be doing something right. Don't worry, the Law Enforcement Hall will ensure you're well-prepared for the journey."

Ye Lan was stunned.

The Nine Nether Path?

Her first thought went to Gu An.

Though she had been rooted in the Law Enforcement Hall for many years, an opportunity like this was far beyond her reach.

She had heard that the first batch of disciples selected for the Nine Nether Path numbered only two hundred, and the outer sect had little chance.

A smile tugged at Ye Lan's lips. She felt no guilt over being favored by Gu An, only surprise and joy.

"Senior Brother, it seems you do care about me, despite your hard words!"

Ye Lan understood Gu An's reluctance. Matters of the heart could indeed hinder one's cultivation.

For that very reason, she was determined to seize every opportunity to grow stronger, to prove her resolve to her Senior Brother.

As winter gave way to spring, life began to stir once more.

It was now early March.

In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An squatted beside the Heavenly Spirit Pool, having just released a batch of carp into the water. He watched them swim freely, observing whether they could absorb the spiritual energy in the pool.

Lu Lingjun stood next to him and commented, "If you keep raising them like this, they might develop intelligence."

"Will the Heavenly Spirit Water continue to expand?" Gu An asked curiously.

Lu Lingjun replied, "With the amount of water I've provided, the pool should expand to a diameter of about ten meters."

Gu An frowned slightly, feeling it was still a bit small.

Just as he was about to speak, a surge of sword intent erupted from the distance, stirring the heavens.

Lu Lingjun's expression shifted as she turned toward the source, her eyebrows furrowing.

Gu An also looked up and saw dark clouds rapidly gathering in the direction of the inner sect.

It was the Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword's sword intent!

Gu An could feel An Hao's presence.

That boy had already mastered the sword intent of the Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword so quickly!

Gu An felt both pride and surprise.

An Hao's talent was truly extraordinary.

Lu Lingjun remarked in amazement, "This sword intent resembles the one left by the Sword Master of the Dao at the Heaven Mending Platform, though it's far less powerful. Could this be the Sword Master's disciple achieving sword mastery?"

Gu An was intrigued and asked, "Disciple? How can you be so certain? I can't even tell."

Lu Lingjun remained calm. "I've seen others master sword intent before."

Having spent so much time as a servant disciple, she was ready to move up.

If she wanted to advance in status, cultivation was the key.

However, she didn't plan on starting as an outer disciple—she intended to have Gu An recommend her.

Elsewhere, amidst a sea of clouds, a mountain peak jutted out like an immortal realm. Atop the peak sat An Hao in deep meditation.

An Hao's white robes billowed violently as a sword shadow coalesced before him, radiating an ancient and boundless energy.

A group of figures appeared around him, including Lü Baitian and Grand Elder Xuanquan.

Gu Zong, one of the elders, stared at An Hao in astonishment. "This sword intent..."

Another elder said gravely, "It's the Sword Master of the Dao's sword intent. He must have comprehended it from the Heaven Mending Platform."

"No, that can't be all. He must have received direct guidance from the Sword Master of the Dao!" a female elder said.

"He's the Sword Master's disciple? No wonder. Such a genius voluntarily joined Tai Xuan Sect with no known background—he must have been trained by the Sword Master," Gu Zong remarked in awe.

Lü Baitian kept a close watch on An Hao, his eyes flickering with mixed emotions.

Grand Elder Xuanquan stroked his beard and said, "What a domineering sword intent. Truly worthy of being called the best swordsmanship in the Tai Cang Dynasty."

His praise left the other elders even more excited as they began discussing An Hao's background and talent.

Grand Elder Xuanquan waved his sleeve, and a series of large banners flew out, surrounding An Hao. The banners flapped wildly as they gathered the spiritual energy of the heavens and the earth, channeling it into An Hao's body.