Saint Who Lay Low

"What's going on?"

Li Ya asked in confusion within his heart. He couldn't wait to return to his Inner Sect cave dwelling, practice diligently, and then make a name for himself across the world!

The ancestor's voice echoed, "Look at the person beside you, he's actually comprehending the Dao."

His tone was serious, even tinged with a trace of shock.

Comprehending the Dao?

Li Ya was puzzled and couldn't help but turn his head. His gaze soon landed on Wu Jue.

Wu Jue appeared utterly absent-minded, completely different from the other Tai Xuan Sect disciples who were full of energy.

Is he really comprehending the Dao?

"What kind of Dao? Is he contemplating techniques?" Li Ya asked internally.

The ancestor replied, "Comprehending the Dao is a special state, something that cannot be sought but only encountered. During this process, one can sense the true meaning of heaven and earth, leading to a transformation of both perception and physical aptitude. Anyone who comprehends the Dao, even just once, can defy destiny. Even I have never truly comprehended the Dao. I once witnessed a friend of mine achieve it, and if he were still alive, he would surely be one of the top experts in the Nine Dynasties' cultivation world."

That powerful?

Li Ya scrutinized Wu Jue carefully, yet he couldn't discern anything extraordinary about him. In fact, Wu Jue seemed quite ordinary, even less remarkable than his junior brother, Gu An.

At least Gu An was handsome, which naturally attracted people's goodwill.

"The Tai Xuan Sect truly has hidden talents. Setting aside Lü Xian and Ji Xiaoya, An Hao's cultivation speed is unrivaled throughout history. I had never heard of such monstrous talent before. Now, you've encountered someone comprehending the Dao. The younger one is, the greater their potential during such moments. This kid looks about your age. In the future, he may soar to the heavens. The Tai Xuan Sect's fortune is unstoppable."

The ancestor's tone was filled with admiration.

He too felt the pressure.

Recalling the promises he had made to Li Ya, the ancestor couldn't help but feel ashamed.

He had promised to help Li Ya reach the peak of cultivation and become the world's number one!

But seeing Lü Xian and Ji Xiaoya, and hearing the tales of An Hao, he felt the weight of that promise.

These three had such overwhelming talent, and their backgrounds far surpassed Li Ya's. The ancestor believed he couldn't provide Li Ya with any advantage in terms of cultivation resources.

"The Tai Xuan Sect being this strong is a good thing. With rivals, I can look forward to challenges," Li Ya thought confidently, leaving the ancestor at a loss for how to respond.

After a long silence, the ancestor finally spoke again, "Stay nearby. When he wakes up, ask him if he has a master. If not, take him as my disciple."

"Huh? I take him as my disciple?"

"Of course not! He'll be my disciple!"

"What do you mean? If he becomes your disciple, doesn't that make him my elder?"

"Be content. Without my help, you wouldn't even qualify to compete with such a genius."

The ancestor's blunt words left Li Ya feeling disgruntled, but he didn't argue back.

He settled in to wait, pondering the sword intent of the Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword as he did.

That wait lasted through the entire night.

The next morning, Wu Jue finally woke up.

Having comprehended the Dao more than once, Wu Jue remained calm as he opened his eyes.

He turned and prepared to leave, only to be stopped by Li Ya.

"Brother, do you have a master?" Li Ya asked directly.

At the question, a cold glint flashed in Wu Jue's eyes. He sidestepped Li Ya and started walking down from the platform.

Li Ya blocked his path again, which caused Wu Jue to become furious. He raised a hand and shoved Li Ya.

With his powerful physique, Li Ya didn't fear this Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator in the slightest.

Wu Jue's right hand landed on Li Ya's shoulder, and feeling the strength of his opponent, Wu Jue immediately clenched his fist and pushed harder.

Caught off guard, Li Ya stumbled back two steps.

Before Li Ya could react, Wu Jue soared away on his sword, leaving Li Ya without a chance to give chase. After all, causing a commotion in the city was forbidden.

"How is that possible…such strength…"

Li Ya was astonished, his expression one of shock.

The ancestor sighed within his mind, "What a shame. Don't pursue him. It's not worth making enemies."

Li Ya lost his smile. As a Core Formation cultivator, he had just been pushed back by a Foundation Establishment cultivator. This, despite having taken the Dragon Elephant Divine Energy, a treasure coveted by the demon clans.

How humiliating!

No!

I'm still not strong enough!

Li Ya clenched his fists, his former arrogance evaporating completely.

...

As autumn arrived, the Outer Sect city became lively.

Gu An and Wu Jue met at an inn, where they drank and chatted, waiting for the upcoming battle.

Wu Jue was venting to Gu An about his encounter with Li Ya the previous month. The mere mention of Li Ya made Wu Jue furious, feeling as though Li Ya had insulted him.

Gu An nodded as he listened, saying, "Indeed, that was odd. Approaching like that and asking such questions. Don't let it bother you. He's just a passerby in your life. One day, you'll be a true genius. Why waste your time on such small fry?"

Although the person Wu Jue described seemed a bit annoying, Gu An didn't think he was deserving of any harsh punishment. Wu Jue didn't need to get so worked up over it.

If Wu Jue allowed such minor conflicts to affect him, what would happen when he grew stronger?

Would he kill everyone who crossed him?

Gu An didn't want Wu Jue to become that kind of person.

Wu Jue nodded, saying, "Of course I won't hold a grudge. I just needed to vent to you. You're the only friend I have, after all."

Gu An asked, "When will you reveal your true potential?"

The inn was crowded, with most of the patrons talking about Sword Master Of Dao and the Heavenly Sword Daoist. No one paid attention to them.

Hearing Gu An's question, Wu Jue shook his head, "I'm fine with the way things are now."

He didn't trust anyone else. After all, Tai Xuan Sect had experienced internal strife in the past, where even the former Sect Master had sacrificed disciples in blood rituals. It made him wary of the sect.

Gu An reached into his belt and handed a storage pouch to Wu Jue.

Wu Jue hesitated, taking the pouch with suspicion. He used his divine sense to inspect it, and his face immediately changed. He quickly tried to return it, saying, "Brother Gu, I can't accept this… How do you have so much...?"

He had always thought Gu An was just another ordinary disciple like him. He never expected Gu An to have access to so many pills.

Gu An smiled and said, "I'm the master of Medicine Valley. These are just pills I've made in my spare time. Take them. I'm not particularly driven to become strong. I hate fighting. Growing flowers and planting trees are more my speed. The pills are better used by you. When you grow strong, you'll have to protect me."

"But...this is too much…" Wu Jue hesitated.

"You said I'm your only friend. So take them. If you feel bad about it, just acknowledge me as your elder brother. In fact, you can even consider me your teacher. I'll take care of you on behalf of your master. Pills are the one thing I don't lack."

Gu An winked, causing Wu Jue to glare at him playfully.

"I'm two years older than you. I should be the elder brother!"

"Forget it. You're not as mature as I am."

The two began bickering, and a wide grin spread across Wu Jue's face.

In the end, Wu Jue accepted the storage pouch and secretly vowed to never let anyone bully Gu An.

They continued drinking together.

After about the time it took for a single incense stick to burn, a loud voice suddenly echoed throughout the Outer Sect city:

"I, the Heavenly Sword Daoist, have come to challenge Sword Master Of Dao of the Tai Xuan Sect!"

As the voice fell, a vast, overwhelming sword intent blanketed the entire city.

Wu Jue's expression changed instantly, and he turned to look. Gu An, however, remained unmoved. He had already sensed the presence of the Heavenly Sword Daoist.

The Heavenly Sword Daoist was indeed strong, even stronger than the Ephemeral Blossom Sect's Night Refining Immortal. His cultivation was probably at the fourth or fifth layer of the Profound Heart Realm.

Reaching the Profound Heart Realm, each small stage made a world of difference. It was no wonder the Heavenly Sword Daoist dared to issue the challenge.

Gu An stood up and said, "I just remembered I have something to do at the Pill Hall. I'd better take care of that so I can watch the duel between Sword Master Of Dao and the Heavenly Sword Daoist later. I'll catch up with you afterward."

With that, he hurried off.

Wu Jue didn't have time to stop him. After Gu An disappeared down the stairs, Wu Jue leaned out the window and shouted, "Hurry up!"

Gu An waved his hand without looking back, quickly vanishing around the corner.

The Heavenly Sword Daoist had arrived!

The entire Outer Sect city erupted with excitement. More and more cultivators flew into the air, searching for the Heavenly Sword Daoist's figure.

At that moment, a ten-zhang tall sword shadow descended from the sky, suspended above the South Gate. Atop the hilt stood an elderly man with flowing white hair, dressed in white robes. His hands were behind his back, and he held neither sword nor magical artifact.

He closed his eyes, waiting.

The news spread rapidly, and disciples from all corners of the Outer Sect city rushed to the scene.

Lü Baitian arrived at the Heaven Mending Platform, bringing An Hao with him. Soon after, Elder Xuanquan, Gu Zong, and other Tai Xuan Sect high-ranking members also appeared.

An Hao gazed at the figure of the Heavenly Sword Daoist with curiosity.

He now knew that his master was the renowned Sword Master Of Dao of the Tai Xuan Sect, so he had come to watch the battle. In his heart, his master was invincible, so he had no concern that his master would lose.

He just wanted to see how the Heavenly Sword Daoist would be defeated!

Elder Xuanquan stroked his beard and sighed, "What dense sword intent, and such profound cultivation. He truly lives up to his name. As strong as ever, just like a thousand years ago."

He and the Heavenly Sword Daoist were from the same era. He had witnessed the Heavenly Sword Daoist's might and did not underestimate him.

More figures quickly gathered on the Heaven Mending Platform, and soon the vast platform became crowded.

Li Ya also arrived, standing on a rooftop and observing the Heavenly Sword Daoist from afar.

The Heavenly Sword Daoist's presence was overwhelming, giving off the aura of an immortal descending to the mortal realm. He was far more imposing than Jing Hongke, which made Li Ya feel nervous.

"This old man is no ordinary figure," Li Ya thought to himself.

"Indeed, he's likely someone who has surpassed the Body Fusion Realm. Daring to show himself at such a critical moment, he must be well-prepared. He's stronger than I was when I was alive," the ancestor said with a grave tone.

Why is it always "stronger than you"?

Li Ya wanted to retort but held back.

However, the ancestor could hear his thoughts, creating an awkward silence between them as they waited for Sword Master Of Dao to make his appearance.

Prince Si Zhe of Tian Wei stepped onto the Heaven Mending Platform and smiled, "Everyone, watch closely. You'll get to see Tian Wei's number one sword. Witness what it means to be a true sword immortal!"

Hearing his words, the Tai Xuan Sect disciples were immediately outraged, but under the Heavenly Sword Daoist's intense pressure, they dared not speak out.

Time continued to pass.

Shen Zhen also arrived, standing on a rooftop with paper and brush in hand. Her eyes were filled with anticipation as she gazed at the Heavenly Sword Daoist.

Meanwhile.

Gu An had already snuck into a secluded forest. Sitting beneath a tree, he began contemplating how to defeat the Heavenly Sword Daoist.

If he had to make a move, especially in front of such a large audience, he needed to make it grand!

Gu An stared at the leaf in his hand, then tossed it to the ground, muttering to himself, "Forget it. I'll let them witness the true Tai Cang Divine Shocking Sword."