Saint Who Lay Low

Looking at the completely transformed Yang Jian, Gu An's face revealed a smile.

Yang Jian had directly reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, fifth layer, and his blood energy had grown so powerful that it far surpassed others at the same realm. This proved that the pills and spirit herbs Gu An had used on him had not gone to waste.

Of course, Gu An was certain that Yang Jian's physique still hid deeper mysteries, which would only be discovered through his cultivation journey in the future.

Gu An took out a blue robe and tossed it to Yang Jian. Without hesitation, Yang Jian quickly put it on.

The Xunxian Daoist stepped forward and began to carefully examine Yang Jian. The more he looked, the more delighted he became, as though he were observing a priceless treasure. Yang Jian, however, felt uneasy under such scrutiny.

"Young friend, your master has done you a great kindness. Do you know what tribulation you just faced?"

Hearing this, Yang Jian couldn't help but ask about the heavenly tribulation.

The Xunxian Daoist began to explain the Profound Nether Heavenly Tribulation, adding that it was Gu An who had dispelled the tribulation, bearing the karma and risk of heavenly retribution in the process.

Yang Jian's expression instantly changed. He pushed past the Xunxian Daoist, rushed to Gu An, and knelt down.

"Master… I don't deserve all this. You've done so much for me, and I can't repay you…"

Yang Jian pressed his forehead to the ground, his voice choked with emotion.

His heart was overwhelmed by both gratitude and guilt. His master had not only used precious pills and herbs to transform his fate but had also borne the weight of heavenly tribulation for him. This kindness was far too immense.

Growing up, Yang Jian had lived a good life. He had a happy family and had never suffered hardship. However, ever since his spiritual root was tested, his world had darkened. It was Gu An who had given him hope—hope that was now realized.

Yang Jian understood that Gu An could have chosen to train other disciples. He was not irreplaceable. This was why he felt the weight of this kindness so heavily.

Gu An looked down at him and said, "Since you've acknowledged me as your master, this is what I should do as your teacher. Stand up. I don't need you to repay me someday. Just don't drag me into trouble when you stir up chaos in the future."

Yang Jian raised his head and saw Gu An wink at him. He instantly understood—it was a joke. The words were almost identical to the warning Bodhi Patriarch had given Sun Wukong in Journey to the West.

"Master…"

"Get up. A real man doesn't cry like this. What a disgrace."

"…Yes!"

The Xunxian Daoist, watching the interaction between Gu An and Yang Jian, felt a deep sense of admiration. He had a feeling that many years later, today's events would become a legendary tale, celebrated far and wide with Yang Jian's rise to fame.

He stepped forward and said, "Daoist friend, fate brought us together today. I happen to have a divine technique I'd like to pass on to your disciple—if you do not mind?"

Gu An turned to Yang Jian and said, "Jian'er, what are you waiting for? Hurry and thank this senior."

Yang Jian quickly turned and bowed deeply to the Xunxian Daoist. "Thank you, senior, for this divine technique."

The Xunxian Daoist retrieved a jade-bound manual from his sleeve and personally handed it to Yang Jian. "Young friend, what is your name? I shall watch your achievements closely in the future."

Yang Jian accepted the manual, hesitated for a moment, and then glanced at Gu An. Seeing his master nod, he replied, "My name is Yang Jian."

"Yang Jian?"

The Xunxian Daoist repeated the name, as though it rang a faint bell, as if he had read it in some ancient text.

Without lingering further, the Xunxian Daoist bade his farewell, leaving the master and disciple alone.

Gu An began teaching Yang Jian the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Technique.

The Universal Shape and Form Technique and the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Technique were the foundations of Gu An's own cultivation. Even An Hao, the so-called genius, had only been allowed to learn the lesser version of these techniques. This showed just how much Gu An valued Yang Jian.

Although Yang Jian had been in the valley for years without displaying much charisma, Gu An appreciated his honesty.

Yang Jian clearly had ambition—he wanted to climb higher by following Gu An. But instead of seizing opportunities to approach Gu An directly, he had spent years quietly serving the Blood Prison Saint and the White Spirit Mouse.

This amused Gu An greatly.

To Gu An, Yang Jian was an unpolished gem, full of untapped potential. He was curious to see how Yang Jian would grow under his personal guidance.

Gu An wasn't looking for repayment. Teaching Yang Jian was simply a way to pass the time and add some interest to his peaceful life.

He simply wanted to teach a disciple. Nothing more, nothing less.

At dusk, in the Third Medicine Valley.

Gu An rode the Blood Prison Saint down from the Transmission Array Platform, Yang Jian following closely behind.

"Master, where did you two go? It's been four days, and no one has seen you!"

The voice belonged to An Xin, who happened to be passing by. Her eyes quickly fell on Yang Jian, and she froze in place, her expression full of shock.

"Just went out for a stroll," Gu An replied casually, dismounting the Blood Prison Saint and heading toward his pavilion alone.

An Xin immediately walked up to Yang Jian, scrutinizing him carefully. "You… are you really Yang Jian? You've changed so much!"

Yang Jian had already learned the basics of the Universal Shape and Form Technique, allowing him to suppress his aura. However, he hadn't yet mastered how to perfectly disguise his cultivation realm.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, he explained, "Master gave me a pill to temper my body, so my skin just got a bit paler."

"Oh, I see. It looks like Master has taken you on as his personal disciple," An Xin said with a smile. She didn't seem envious at all. After all, her own master was far more powerful than Gu An.

In the Medicine Valley, disciples often referred to Gu An as "Master" out of respect, but very few were truly his disciples.

Yang Jian scratched his head with a shy smile. Although he was still somewhat bashful, there was now a newfound confidence about him.

The two chatted for a while, and soon, more disciples noticed the significant change in Yang Jian and gathered around to ask questions.

It had only been a few days, but Yang Jian seemed to have transformed from a simple country boy into a clean, refined young man. For those who knew him before, this change was quite shocking.

Before long, the news that Yang Jian had become Gu An's personal disciple spread like wildfire. Given Yang Jian's transformation, Gu An became even more mysterious in the eyes of the disciples.

In the days that followed, Yang Jian continued performing menial tasks like other servant disciples, but he spent all his spare time cultivating. Most of his day was spent inside his residence. To ensure he wasn't disturbed, Gu An had even arranged a separate courtyard for him.

For the first time, Yang Jian truly felt the status and privilege that came with being Gu An's disciple. This made him even more grateful to his master.

Time passed quickly.

The Spring Festival arrived once more, and the cultivation world buzzed with excitement about the upcoming Heaven Ranking Tournament. Tai Xuan Sect had already confirmed the exact date—it would be held ten years later, during the Spring Festival.

When Ye Lan and Zhen Qin visited the Third Medicine Valley to see Gu An, he introduced Yang Jian to them.

"This is my disciple," Gu An said, his tone calm.

Ye Lan smiled warmly and presented Yang Jian with a magical artifact as a gift.

Zhen Qin, delighted, immediately assumed the role of an elder sister. "If you need anything in the future, come find me in the inner sect," she said cheerfully.

Unbeknownst to them, Gu An's reason for introducing Yang Jian to them was to give them some support—Yang Jian would serve as a hidden backer for them.

After awakening his physique, Yang Jian's cultivation advanced at an astonishing rate. In just half a year, he progressed from the Foundation Establishment fifth layer to the sixth layer. If this pace continued, he could likely reach Core Formation before the Heaven Ranking Tournament. It was a remarkable achievement for someone who had only been at the Qi Refining third layer six months prior.

Yang Jian's understanding of the Universal Shape and Form Technique was equally impressive. He seemed to be naturally suited for body refining, comprehending techniques faster than anyone could have anticipated.

Even Lü Baitian came to the Third Medicine Valley to see Gu An.

In the pavilion, Lü Baitian studied Yang Jian with great interest. The more he observed, the more astonished he became.

"This blood energy… it's far from ordinary!"

Even though Yang Jian had concealed his cultivation, his bearing alone revealed that he was anything but a commoner.

When Yang Jian learned that Lü Baitian was the Sect Master of Tai Xuan Sect, he was surprised. Yet, compared to before, he carried himself with greater composure—this confidence came from his newfound strength.

After all, Yang Jian knew that his master, Gu An, was a Loose Immortal—far more powerful than anyone in Tai Xuan Sect.

Only he and the Blood Prison Saint knew this secret, which filled him with pride.

"This disciple of yours isn't simple. It's a waste for him to stay by your side. Why not let him follow me to the inner sect for training?" Lü Baitian suggested.

Before Gu An could respond, Yang Jian spoke up hastily, "Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Master, but I only wish to serve my master! I will never take another master in this lifetime!"

Lü Baitian's expression turned slightly awkward.

Gu An chuckled and said, "Brat, how dare you interrupt while your master is speaking to the Sect Master?"

Lü Baitian looked over at Gu An, his brows furrowing slightly. There was something different about Gu An today—he couldn't quite place it.

Confidence.

Yes, that was it. From the moment he stepped into the room, he had felt a certain aura from both Gu An and Yang Jian—an aura that only true Heaven's Chosen possessed.

"Could it be that Gu An has encountered some great opportunity?" Lü Baitian wondered.

He laughed and said, "Never mind. Since he is your disciple, I won't steal him from you. Let's talk about the Heaven Ranking Tournament instead."

Gu An nodded, and the two began discussing the tournament.

From their conversation, Yang Jian learned that the Heaven Ranking Tournament, an event that was shaking the cultivation world, was actually his master's idea.

This revelation surprised him a little, but not too much.

What was the Heaven Ranking Tournament to his master? His master was a Loose Immortal, undoubtedly the strongest under the heavens! Even the mysterious Dao-Seeking Sword Master might not be his master's equal.

Although the Dao-Seeking Sword Master's achievements were widely known, the exact cultivation of his opponents remained unclear.

An hour later, the three of them left the pavilion. Lü Baitian didn't leave but chose to stay in the Third Medicine Valley to celebrate the Spring Festival.

As they drank together, Lü Baitian found Gu An to be an excellent companion. There was no scheming or pretense between them—they could speak freely and share a drink without worry.

Meanwhile, Yang Jian was surrounded by disciples who showered him with praise. His cup was never empty, and for him, this was the most joyous Spring Festival he had ever experienced.

Late at night, Gu An arrived at the Nian Chu Cave Residence, carrying wine and delicacies. He sat at a stone table with Tian Yao'er, Tian Qing, and Tian Bai, sharing the feast.

"Slow down! There's plenty of food," Gu An said with a laugh as he watched the three demons devour their food.

He still wore his mask, which was designed to leave his mouth uncovered so he could drink.

Tian Yao'er set down her roasted leg of lamb, wiped the grease from her mouth, and asked curiously, "Master, you seem quite happy today?"

"Not bad. Over the past half year, I've taken on a disciple. He has incredible talent and always surprises me, so I'm in a good mood," Gu An replied with a smile. He deliberately mentioned it to remind the three of them not to slack off.

Tian Yao'er frowned slightly. "A disciple? Is it a man or a woman?"

"A man. Why?"

"Nothing. Don't worry, Master. I won't let you down either. Someday, I'll spar with your disciple and show you what I'm capable of," Tian Yao'er said confidently.

Gu An chuckled and agreed.

While Tian Yao'er's lifespan exceeded Yang Jian's by far, she was a demon and couldn't be compared directly. In terms of potential, she could not match Yang Jian.

Gu An was actually more excited to see a match between An Hao and Yang Jian someday.

After the Spring Festival, he planned to find a secluded place to break through and then pay a visit to An Hao.