Saint Who Lay Low

"They're not simple!"

Lu Lingjun used sound transmission to warn Gu An, her eyes bypassing Zhou Tongyou and landing on the plump elder behind him.

Gu An had already sensed the elder's cultivation but decided to use Lifespan Investigation anyway.

[Zhou Li (Body Fusion Realm, Seventh Layer): 1478/3000/3100]

Another person with the surname Zhou!

Gu An mused silently. Last time Zhou Tongyou visited, he hadn't been accompanied by such a powerful figure.

Zhou Tongyou glanced at Lu Lingjun and laughed, "Brother Gu, it's been years, and now you also have experts protecting you. It seems you've been doing quite well."

Gu An smiled and asked, "So, Brother Zhou, are you here for the Gold List Tournament?"

"That's right! This time, I'm aiming for the top spot to make a name for myself. What do you think? Care for a sparring match in your Medicine Valley?" Zhou Tongyou asked eagerly, his eyes gleaming.

Although they hadn't seen each other for years, Zhou Tongyou sensed that Gu An's cultivation remained mediocre. Still, he believed Gu An had hidden strengths.

Gu An shook his head. "I'll pass. I don't want to embarrass myself. The Tai Xuan Sect is full of geniuses nowadays. Go find someone else."

"Haha, I heard of An Hao's reputation, so I came early for a visit. Since you're not up for it, I'll go find him now." Zhou Tongyou laughed, then turned to leave.

Zhou Li, the Body Fusion cultivator, smiled and nodded at Lu Lingjun before following Zhou Tongyou.

After they left, Lu Lingjun turned and asked, "A Nascent Soul cultivator is asking you to spar?"

Zhou Tongyou had already advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, not even bothering to hide his aura.

"Back then, he suppressed his cultivation when we sparred, and I came out slightly ahead," Gu An boasted with mock arrogance.

Lu Lingjun chuckled. "I didn't expect you to have such skills. Truly, one shouldn't judge by appearances."

Having spent five years together, their relationship had become much more relaxed, with less formality. Of course, Lu Lingjun still harbored some resentment toward Lü Baitian's arrangements, which made her less respectful toward Gu An.

"You think I don't look handsome?" Gu An teased.

"You're somewhat handsome, perfect to be a furnace for a female demon cultivator," Lu Lingjun quipped.

Cough "You're still a female cultivator. Watch your language!" Gu An shot her a look, then continued walking.

Since Lu Lingjun had been sent back, her temperament had changed. Gu An, feeling somewhat guilty, could only accommodate her.

All Lü Baitian's fault!

What kind of situation is this anyway?

Gu An didn't really need Lu Lingjun's protection. Fortunately, she was quite laid-back. Today, she was in the Outer Sect for her own affairs and had simply tagged along.

As Gu An's figure receded, Lu Lingjun scoffed before turning in another direction.

Gu An was on his way to visit Wu Jue.

He noticed that the city was filled with powerful cultivators, most of them concealing their cultivation.

It seemed that trouble was brewing around the Gold List Tournament. Of course, if the Tai Xuan Sect succeeded, it would be easier to host such events in the future. Other sects would naturally not sit idly by.

However, Gu An wasn't worried. In addition to Xuanquan Laozu, the Tai Xuan Sect recently welcomed another Grand Elder, only slightly weaker than Xuanquan but still at the Profound Heart Realm.

With two Profound Heart cultivators overseeing the sect, it wouldn't be easy for other sects to disrupt the Tai Xuan Sect.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Gu An arrived at Wu Jue's residence.

Wu Jue was practicing boxing in the courtyard, not using any spiritual energy, only focusing on his movements. His bare torso gleamed with sweat, and his punches vibrated the air with their force.

[Wu Jue (Foundation Establishment, Ninth Layer): 69/350/3500]

His lifespan had increased again.

Gu An noticed that every time he avoided seeing Wu Jue for over two months, the guy would inevitably enter a state of enlightenment. Once, Gu An visited Wu Jue every month, and the latter had no such breakthroughs.

After entering enlightenment, Wu Jue always exuded a solitary and melancholic aura.

Gu An couldn't help but wonder.

Could it be that this guy needs to be ignored to reach enlightenment?

Interesting... I'll avoid seeing him for a whole year and see how far he can go.

Gu An hoped that Wu Jue would catch up to An Hao, giving the latter a worthy rival. It wouldn't be good for An Hao to grow too arrogant without a challenge.

Everything being too smooth wasn't always a good thing.

Seeing Gu An approach, Wu Jue glanced at him but remained silent.

"Look at the treasure I brought you!" Gu An called out.

Wu Jue stopped his practice, reluctantly walking over to Gu An. "What treasure?"

From his storage bag, Gu An pulled out a gilded invitation with red borders, four large characters engraved on it: Gold List Tournament.

"You… How did you get this?" Wu Jue asked in astonishment.

The Gold List Tournament wasn't open to just anyone. Participants needed some renown and had to pay ten top-grade spirit stones just to receive an invitation.

The rewards were also substantial. The top hundred would receive prizes, with the higher ranks receiving greater rewards.

Wu Jue had long coveted such an opportunity but had never thought he'd be able to participate.

Gu An smiled proudly. "I went through quite a lot to get it."

"But with my current cultivation level, I'd be wasting my time." Wu Jue shook his head.

Gu An reassured him, "Don't worry. The tournament is about talent, not cultivation level. As long as your strength within your realm is exceptional, you'll rise through the ranks."

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

Of course, it's true. I set the rules myself.

Gu An thought to himself. Wu Jue lacked resources, and staying in obscurity wasn't a long-term solution. Wu Jue also wanted to step into the limelight but was too embarrassed to ask for help.

Wu Jue took the invitation, then threw his arms around Gu An, slapping him on the back. Gripping Gu An's shoulders, he said, "Brother, I won't say much, but I promise I won't embarrass you!"

After several instances of enlightenment, Wu Jue had grown more confident. This newfound confidence was gradually changing his personality.

The confidence of a strong cultivator!

Gu An smiled, "There are five years left. You'd better train hard. I won't come looking for you during that time."

Wu Jue was startled, "Why? What could keep you busy for five years?"

"It's an internal matter of the sect. I can't discuss it," Gu An shook his head.

Could it be because of the invitation?

Wu Jue suddenly felt the invitation to the Gold List Tournament grow heavier in his hands. He wanted to speak but hesitated.

Gu An advised, "Aside from practicing Sunset Fist, don't forget to train Gale Phantom Kick. It'll make you faster."

Wu Jue nodded vigorously.

This time, he swore to make a name for himself in the Gold List Tournament!

…

At the end of summer, inside Xuan Valley.

Gu An lay beneath a tree, one hand behind his head, the other holding a book, thoroughly engrossed.

A figure appeared in front of him, looking down—Li Ya.

Li Ya still carried the heavy sword on his back, dressed in tight black robes. His long hair was tied behind his head with a blue ribbon, revealing a determined and handsome face.

"Ahem, Brother Gu." Li Ya cleared his throat.

Tai Xuan Secrets…

He didn't expect Gu An to be reading it.

But then again, with the same name, Gu An must have felt a strong connection to it.

Li Ya mused silently.

Gu An immediately stood up, quickly tucking the Tai Xuan Secrets into his robe. He had already sensed Li Ya's approach, but since Li Ya practiced a technique to conceal his aura, Gu An pretended not to notice.

"Senior Brother Li, what brings you here?" Gu An asked with feigned surprise.

Li Ya replied, "I've been back for a few years now, preparing to visit Cangzhou. Afterward, I'll return for the Gold List Tournament."

Gu An remarked, "You're quite busy. Senior Brother Li, you must be very strong now."

Li Ya lifted his chin confidently. "Not too strong, but getting into the top ten of the Gold List Tournament shouldn't be difficult."

"As expected of Senior Brother Li, the pride of Xuan Valley."

"Indeed."

"You haven't been injured these past years, have you?"

"How could I? Since our last meeting, I haven't shed a drop of blood. Your Senior Brother is no longer the same as before," Li Ya said with a serious tone.

Such a show-off!

Gu An had to resist the urge to make Li Ya call him 'Grandmaster.'

Li Ya pulled two items from his storage bag: an invitation and a long wooden box.

"This is an invitation to the Gold List Tournament. You should join. The box contains a ten-thousand-year-old Wood Spirit Ginseng. If you spend five years refining it, your spiritual energy will transform, helping you achieve a good ranking," Li Ya explained.

Gu An was taken aback.

Li Ya thrust the items into his hands and said, "You're not allowed to refuse, or I'll be upset."

With that, he released the items, and Gu An caught them just in time.

Li Ya turned to leave.

"You're leaving already?" Gu An asked quickly.

Li Ya raised a hand in farewell, "Cultivating the Dao takes precedence over socializing. If you want to see me, show off at the Gold List Tournament."

With that, he leaped into the air, transforming into a sword light and disappearing over the mountains.

Gu An looked down at the invitation, speechless.

On the mountain peak, Chu Jingfeng glanced in the direction Li Ya had flown, frowning.

He remembered Li Ya. Back when he had heard of Li Ya's status as a royal prince, he had chatted with him briefly, encouraging him to train diligently.

Years later, their positions were now worlds apart, and he was no longer the same person.

Gu An chuckled and shook his head, placing the items into his storage bag.

That guy, Li Ya, always brought gifts every time they met. It seemed he knew Gu An's preferences well, as the gifts were always things that would boost his cultivation and enhance his talents.

…

Another Spring Festival came around.

As night fell, Xuan Valley bustled with excitement.

Gu An had just returned from the Third Medicine Valley, sitting with his disciples around a long table. Zhen Qin sat beside him, continuously pouring him wine and talking about the recent events in the cultivation world.

"The Heaven-Hating Divine Sword has appeared in the nearby Great Jiang Dynasty, turning the cultivation world upside down. It's said that the sword has reached the peak of its form, and a demon accompanies it. It's terrifying. I wonder if it could be Senior Brother Su Han," Zhen Qin sighed as she spoke.

When she mentioned Su Han, she couldn't help but feel sad. After all, they had once been very close, but now their paths had diverged, as one followed the righteous path and the other the demonic.

Gu An spoke up, "He's no longer your Senior Brother. Don't address him that way anymore. It might bring trouble to both you and the rest of us."

Zhen Qin wanted to argue but, seeing so many disciples around, she chose to remain silent.

Gu An began serving her food, all while listening to the other disciples having fun playing drinking games.

After another bowl of wine, Zhen Qin perked up and started talking about An Hao again. Her face was full of admiration, and her words flowed endlessly.

Gu An listened intently until his expression suddenly changed as he sensed something.

When she finished speaking, he said, "I need to step out for a moment. When I return, continue telling me about the grudge between An Hao and the Wan Yin Sect's demonic leader."

With that, he stood and left.

Zhen Qin didn't seem to mind, continuing her conversation with Lu Jiujia.

After returning to his room, Gu An activated the array in the room and then, in a single step, traveled a hundred miles away.

In the dark forest, thirteen figures moved like ghosts, four of them carrying a large coffin.

None of them noticed Gu An observing them from the shadows.

They were all Body Fusion cultivators!