Saint Who Lay Low

When Tian Lao mentioned Lü Xian, it piqued the interest of all the disciples, who eagerly questioned him, wanting to know more about this top prodigy.

Li Ya also quietly memorized the name, determined to defeat Lü Xian in the upcoming Hundred Tribes Assembly, to prove his own talent.

That night, the Third Medicine Valley was lively, even Tian Lao became more talkative, occasionally bursting into laughter.

At dawn, Li Ya bid farewell to Gu An.

"I'm off! Wait for my name to spread across the world!"

Watching Li Ya's departing figure, Gu An couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Li Ya always brimmed with energy and ambition, while Gu An often overthought everything, carefully weighing each action.

However, when he remembered Li Ya's previous injuries, a smile crept onto his lips.

Admiration was fine, but he couldn't follow that reckless path!

After Li Ya left, the disciples of the Third Medicine Valley resumed their labor. With such a large territory, there was a constant need for people to patrol and manage it.

Gu An returned to Xuan Valley, inspecting each area before heading toward Tianya Valley.

On the way, he found a quiet spot and secretly infused five years of lifespan into his cultivation, before continuing his journey.

Upon reaching Tianya Valley, Gu An entered through the valley entrance, walking up a slope, only to see Yi Liuyun and Lü Xian sparring in mid-air.

Lü Xian, dressed in a red robe with flowing long hair, could easily be mistaken for a woman at first glance. He held a large fan shaped like a gourd, and he effortlessly countered Yi Liuyun's sword techniques as they exchanged moves in the sky.

Yi Liuyun was suppressing his own cultivation level; otherwise, Lü Xian wouldn't have been able to keep up.

Gu An couldn't resist using Lifespan Investigation on Lü Xian once more.

[Lü Xian (Core Formation Realm, first layer): 75/480/4900]

He had reached Core Formation at thirty, but in the forty-five years since, his cultivation had stagnated?

If not for the fact that Lü Xian had an extraordinary lifespan of 4,900 years, Gu An would have doubted his reputation as Tai Xuan Sect's top prodigy.

Aside from Ji Xiaoya, who possessed an innate Dao Talisman, Lü Xian's lifespan was the highest among any human cultivator Gu An had encountered.

Lü Xian didn't appear to be injured, so could he have practiced some rare and unique cultivation method, much like Wu Xin?

Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun San quickly rushed toward Gu An, delighted, since every time Gu An visited, he brought them delicious food.

Though they were demon monkeys, and had originally been captured by Luo Hun, Gu An treated them with kindness, which had led to a close bond between them.

"These are fifth-grade spiritual fruits. Each of you can only have one. Don't fight over them."

Gu An placed three large, crimson fruits the size of watermelons on the ground, letting the three monkeys pick for themselves.

He then headed to a section of the valley to begin his harvest for the day.

With his herb valley expanding so rapidly, there was something to harvest almost every day. He relished this lifestyle.

After finishing his harvesting, Yi Liuyun and Lü Xian ended their sparring session and landed. Yi Liuyun began critiquing Lü Xian's performance, while Lü Xian listened humbly.

"Yi-senior, when will you undergo tribulation? I'm looking forward to seeing you challenge the Sword Master of the Dao." Lü Xian asked with eager anticipation, as if he genuinely believed Yi Liuyun could defeat the Sword Master.

Yi Liuyun hesitated and said, "In at most six months. I'll undergo tribulation at Tai Xuan Sect's Tribulation Valley. As for challenging the Sword Master, we'll see."

Ever since visiting Heaven Mending Platform, Yi Liuyun had abandoned the idea of dueling the Sword Master.

The gap between them was simply too vast.

Faced with such an overwhelming sword intent, he couldn't summon the will to fight.

Lü Xian raised his eyebrows, his delicate, almost feminine features showing a hint of anticipation. He continued to encourage Yi Liuyun, saying, "You should give it a try. What if you win? Once you reach the Void Crossing Realm, your sword intent will naturally evolve. You may very well have a chance. Even if you lose, being the first to challenge the Sword Master would make you famous throughout the world."

Passing by, Gu An had to suppress a chuckle.

Lü Xian had a knack for this. Ever since arriving at Tianya Valley, he had been encouraging everyone to challenge someone: Luo Hun to challenge the top spear cultivator of Tai Xuan Sect, the three demon monkeys to fight a nearby third-tier great demon.

And it wasn't just a rare occurrence—he did it whenever he could.

If this man were truly so fond of fighting, Li Ya would have at least heard his name before.

"I'll think about it," Yi Liuyun replied, frowning.

Lü Xian noticed Gu An and immediately approached, throwing his arm around Gu An's shoulders. "Valley Master, I sense that you're no ordinary man. How about striving for the position of Grand Advisor? I can teach you techniques. Just say the word!"

Gu An responded, "I've told you many times before, I don't care for any positions. I'm content just growing flowers and herbs."

"How could that be? Everyone has something they desire to strive for."

"And what do you strive for?"

"Obviously, to be the number one in the world."

"Then why don't you spend less time convincing others and more time cultivating?"

"I don't need to cultivate. I'll be invincible sooner or later."

"Impressive."

Such a braggart!

Daring to claim invincibility in front of me?

Suddenly, Gu An had an idea. Smiling, he said, "I heard you're going to participate in the Hundred Tribes Assembly. If you win first place, I'll learn one of your techniques."

"Really?"

"Really."

"I wasn't planning on going, but since you said that, just wait. I'll leave tomorrow."

With that, Lü Xian turned and headed toward his residence.

Watching his retreating figure, Gu An found it difficult to read this man.

Yi Liuyun walked over and whispered, "Don't provoke him too much. Ever since he formed his core, he frequently dreams while cultivating. One moment, he dreams of being an emperor, the next, he's a Sword Emperor who rules over humanity. Sometimes, he even dreams of being a Demon Emperor. According to him, in every life, he ascends to the pinnacle of the mortal world."

What sort of problem is that?

Could he be the reincarnation of a great being?

Gu An suddenly realized that he shouldn't underestimate Lü Xian. It's always best to be cautious; there might be more to this person than meets the eye.

The next morning, as Gu An was preparing to leave, Lü Xian had already departed, further stoking Gu An's curiosity about the Hundred Tribes Assembly.

The Hidden Dragon Ranking was a list of geniuses under the age of a hundred. Gu An couldn't help but wonder who would take the top spot—Zhou Tongyou, Ji Xiaoya, Li Ya, or Lü Xian?

Before Lü Xian's return, Gu An resolved to raise his cultivation to the ninth layer of the Body Fusion Realm.

Secretly competing with these geniuses to see who would grow the fastest!

...

When Gu An returned to Xuan Valley, it was already noon. He sensed a familiar presence waiting in his pavilion.

Along the way, he greeted Wu Xin before heading upstairs.

Upon entering, he saw Ye Lan sitting at his desk, holding a book.

Oh no!

Gu An quickly closed the door and walked to the desk, taking the book from her hands. With a serious tone, he said, "A young lady shouldn't be reading such books."

Since the Outer Sect Calamity, Ye Lan rarely visited him, spending most of her time out training. She had been promoted to an enforcer in the Law Enforcement Hall, gaining both status and authority.

Ye Lan looked up at Gu An and smiled. "I heard from Zhen Qin that you love reading this The Adventures of Green Hero. I was curious to see what kind of books you like."

"I don't know where this Tai Xuan Secrets came from, but don't listen to Zhen Qin's nonsense. This is slander! The Adventures of Green Hero was something left behind by my master. I haven't read it, nor have I destroyed it. I just keep it as a memento."

"Really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

"Hmph."

Ye Lan took out another book from her storage pouch and tossed it on the table.

Gu An glanced at it, and his eye twitched.

Tai Xuan Secrets again!

Damn, how did this book become so popular?

Ye Lan looked at him, her voice carrying a teasing tone. "Senior brother, when I first saw the protagonist's name, Gu An, I thought it was a coincidence. But after skimming through The Adventures of Green Hero, I'm starting to think it's not. Now, be honest—is Tai Xuan Secrets your work?"

"How could that be? I don't write! I only like planting flowers and herbs."

"Heh, do you really think I'd believe you? Senior brother, if you're going to read, at least pick something more meaningful like Investiture of the Gods or Tai Xuan Immortal Lord. It's better than indulging in something so corrupting."

"I swear I didn't write it..."

Gu An felt wronged—it was all Shen Zhen's fault!

Ye Lan suddenly stood up, which startled Gu An into taking a step back. She walked around the table and approached him, raising her right hand.

Is she going to hit me?

Gu An felt a headache coming on.

Fortunately, Ye Lan didn't intend to hit him. Instead, she smoothed out his robe, lowering her head slightly as she softly said, "Senior brother, if you really like this kind of thing... I can go find the Double Cultivation method. I'll accompany you..."

Gu An saw her ears turn red.

He quickly took a step back, breaking free from her hand, and said sternly, "Junior sister, don't joke around like this! If you continue, I'll..."

Ye Lan looked up at him and suddenly giggled, covering her mouth as she laughed.

"Look at you, acting like I'm some terrifying beast. Alright, I'll stop joking." She restrained her laughter and her expression became serious. "I came to talk to you about something important, regarding your disciple, Su Han."

Gu An frowned, "What happened to him?"

"Do you know about his family's sword technique, the Heaven-Hating Divine Sword?" Ye Lan asked.

"I've heard of it. Is there something wrong with it?"

"Yes. It's not actually a family inheritance. It's a forbidden sword technique from the Sword Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty. It's not allowed to be passed down outside the sect. Su Han has been using the Heaven-Hating Divine Sword frequently during his training, and he's killed many enemies with it. Eventually, someone recognized the sword technique. This has caused quite a stir, and it's said that the Sword Sect is already planning to apprehend him."

"That serious?"

Gu An was taken aback. Su Han, with his current abilities, had managed to create this much trouble?

Ye Lan nodded. "I've already taken Su Han into the Law Enforcement Hall to protect him for now. But if the Sword Sect truly comes to claim him, the Law Enforcement Hall won't be able to protect him. After all, they're a major sect, and Tai Xuan Sect won't go to war with the Sword Sect over an outer sect disciple."

Gu An thought for a moment and said, "Let me think of a way."

Ye Lan smiled and reassured him, "Don't feel pressured. If you think it's too much trouble, you don't have to get involved. You can't protect him forever. I'm only telling you because I don't know how much Su Han means to you. I didn't want you to feel regret later on."

Gu An nodded, appreciating Ye Lan's thoughtfulness.

After she left, Gu An teleported directly to the Third Medicine Valley and decided to pay a visit to Shen Zhen.

Shen Zhen had tarnished his reputation—she should be the one to help now!

Shen Zhen had once invited him to her residence, so he knew how to find her.

A stick of incense later, Gu An entered Shen Zhen's cave abode.

"What a rare guest! It's not often you visit me," Shen Zhen greeted him with a smile. Inside her cave, she wasn't wearing her usual veil, revealing her enchanting, nation-toppling beauty.

She was holding a brush dipped in ink, and Gu An noticed that her walls were covered with large sheets of paper.

This woman...

Why is she drawing?

Quickly averting his gaze, Gu An said, "My disciple has gotten into some trouble involving the Sword Sect of the Great Yu Dynasty. Can you help?"

"Sword Sect? No problem! They'll have to give face to Daotian Sect!" Shen Zhen replied confidently, her tone full of pride.

Gu An explained Su Han's situation in detail.

Shen Zhen furrowed her brows. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "This... seems a bit tricky..."