Saint Who Lay Low

Abyssal Tyrant Body!

This was the first time Gu An had heard the name of Yang Jian's physique, immediately piquing his interest in the mysterious shadow before them.

This individual was likely the same "perfectly evolved ancient treasure body" that Xunxian Daoist had once mentioned.

The illusionary realm remained an endless expanse of snow and ice, the shadowy figure ahead appearing even more terrifying against the backdrop of swirling snowflakes.

Yang Jian gritted his teeth and asked, "Who exactly are you? Why do you keep haunting me?"

It was clear that this figure had appeared in Yang Jian's visions before.

Ordinarily, Yang Jian would have been terrified, but with his master by his side now, his fear was replaced by anger.

The shadow stopped moving, opening a pair of icy eyes that bore directly into Yang Jian, causing his heart to tremble.

"We are both treasure bodies, born of the world's fortunes," the shadow said, its voice chilling. "Your Tyrant Body surpasses ordinary treasure bodies in strength, making you particularly delightful to me. A million years ago, I once feasted on a Abyssal Tyrant Body, and it greatly nourished my blood essence. Even now, I can still savor its taste."

The shadow's words sent shivers down Yang Jian's spine.

This thing wants to eat me?

Gu An stepped forward and said, "Declare your name, so I can see whether you've left any legacy in this world."

The shadow turned its gaze toward Gu An and chuckled. "This seat is named Tian Wuchang. Have you heard of me?"

Tian Wuchang?

Gu An pondered for a moment but found the name unfamiliar.

Tian Wuchang turned his attention back to Yang Jian and continued, "Soon, I will descend upon this world. I'll save you for last. Once I've devoured the other treasure bodies, I'll come for you. There's nowhere you can run—even if you flee beyond the heavens, I'll still find you. Your only option is to train hard, unlock the full potential of your Abyssal Tyrant Body, and make yourself stronger."

"You die, or I perish!"

Yang Jian clenched his teeth. Despite his fear, with his master beside him, he refused to show any weakness. He replied firmly, "Then come! Let me see what you've got!"

Tian Wuchang laughed heartily, then turned and disappeared into the blizzard.

The karmic force that had formed the illusion shattered along with his departure.

Yang Jian opened his eyes, finding his master standing in front of him.

Gu An helped him to his feet and said, "He's issued a challenge. He won't interfere with you again for now. You can focus on your cultivation."

In the illusion, Gu An had been unable to use lifespan divination on Tian Wuchang.

However, the karmic force emanating from the shadow hadn't made Gu An feel insurmountable, so he remained calm.

Still uneasy, Yang Jian asked, "Master, maybe I should leave Medicine Valley, just in case…"

"Nonsense!" Gu An interrupted sternly. "Focus on your cultivation. If you spout nonsense like that again, I'll strip you of your Dao abilities."

Yang Jian opened his mouth to protest but ultimately remained silent.

He had felt the overwhelming power of Tian Wuchang more deeply than anyone else. While he trusted his master's strength, the idea of his master getting hurt or embroiled in greater troubles because of him was something he couldn't bear.

Gu An didn't bother claiming that Tian Wuchang was easily within his grasp. He himself wasn't entirely sure how powerful Tian Wuchang truly was. Besides, this challenge could serve as motivation for Yang Jian, perhaps spurring him to grow faster.

"He said he would target other treasure bodies first. Those treasure bodies must belong to major factions, and they'll be well-guarded. You still have time to grow stronger," Gu An reassured him. "Everyone has their tribulations and fated challenges. Only by overcoming them can you break free from your shackles. The path of cultivation is a journey against the heavens. You need a heart that is both unyielding and fearless."

Yang Jian took a deep breath, his expression becoming resolute.

He's right. Why worry about so much?

If soldiers come, we'll meet them with generals. If water rises, we'll block it with earth.

As long as he cultivated with all his might, what did it matter if he lived or died?

He returned to practicing the Infinite Free Step.

The snow-covered forest stretched endlessly in all directions, turning the world into a vast expanse of white. Amidst it all, Gu An and Yang Jian appeared so small.

As Gu An had predicted, Tian Wuchang didn't return to trouble Yang Jian. The young cultivator was finally free from the torment of his visions.

When the Spring Festival arrived, the Tai Xuan Sect was as lively as ever, unaffected by the oceanic catastrophe.

This year, the sect began preparing for a new tournament.

After the festival, Lü Baitian sought out Gu An to discuss the upcoming event, which the Tai Xuan Sect was organizing.

This time, they were planning a Body Refinement Tournament. Participants wouldn't be allowed to use spiritual energy or magical treasures; the competition would be purely based on physical strength and martial techniques.

After their conversation, Lü Baitian began to grumble, turning the topic to the issue of branch sects.

The branch sects' authority had grown considerably, to the point where Lü Baitian could no longer intervene in their affairs. This was all due to decisions made by the Elder Hall and the Supreme Council, clearly aimed at curbing his power.

Gu An listened quietly, offering no opinions.

Power struggles within the Tai Xuan Sect were nothing new. In fact, such conflicts were inevitable in any faction or organization. As long as they didn't threaten the sect's overall stability, Gu An couldn't be bothered to intervene.

If Lü Baitian couldn't hold his ground within the established rules, then it simply meant his skills weren't up to par. There was nothing more to say about it.

The mention of branch sects led Lü Baitian to bring up the Ji Family.

Ever since the Sword Master of the Dao's exploits in the Seven Star Spirit Realm, the realm had remained intact but had lost much of its former dominance. Establishing friendly ties with the Tai Xuan Sect had become a necessity for the Ji Family to regain its footing.

Lü Baitian was indifferent toward the Ji Family, but the deputy sect master, Ji Hantian, was still in power. Under Ji Hantian's leadership, the Ji Family had joined the branch sects, contributing significantly to their rapid growth. The family's involvement could not be overlooked.

"Do you remember the third young mistress of the Ji Family, Ji Xiaoyu?" Lü Baitian suddenly asked.

Gu An nodded. However, what Lü Baitian said next made his expression change drastically.

"Ji Xiaoyu has long since perished within the Seven Stars Spirit Realm. It was during the day the Sword Master of the Dao swept through the realm," Lü Baitian said with a sigh, carefully observing Gu An's reaction.

Gu An's face went through a range of emotions—shock, grief, anger—before settling into a dim, somber expression. He fell into silence, pouring himself a drink.

Could it be that this brat was fond of Ji Xiaoyu?

It made sense. Ji Xiaoyu had been the one to arrange for Gu An to join the Tai Xuan Sect, and with her unparalleled beauty, she was indeed unforgettable.

Lü Baitian watched Gu An, his mind running wild with speculation.

Meanwhile, Gu An silently praised his own performance. His acting skills had clearly improved, capable of eliciting genuine empathy from others.

The room descended into an uneasy quiet.

After a long pause, Lü Baitian finally broke the silence. "The past is gone. On the path of cultivation, one will inevitably face such losses. That said, something curious has come to light recently."

"What is it?" Gu An looked up and asked.

Lü Baitian replied, "Another prodigious girl has emerged from the Ji Family, also named Ji Xiaoyu. If I hadn't seen her myself, I would've thought she was the same Ji Xiaoyu. But they're from different branches of the family, and this new girl's talent surpasses that of the previous Ji Xiaoyu."

Gu An's curiosity was piqued. "Two people with the same name and extraordinary talent? Could it be the same person, perhaps through possession or reincarnation?"

Lü Baitian shook his head. "It's unlikely. She's named Ji Xiaoyu because she also bears an innate Dao rune. The Ji Family gave her the name to honor the previous Ji Xiaoyu. However, judging by the aura of her innate Dao rune, they are not the same."

"Innate Dao runes are formed from the cultivation of ancient grandmasters at the end of their lives. This suggests that the Ji Family once produced an immortal, capable of creating such runes rather than merely receiving them as gifts from the heavens."

His tone was filled with wonder, his gaze drifting as if lost in thought.

Gu An sighed softly, offering no further comment.

Seeing Gu An had no interest in continuing the conversation, Lü Baitian didn't linger. He rose and left.

Once Lü Baitian departed from the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An allowed a smile to creep onto his face.

Humming a tune, he picked up a book to read.

Although Xuan Tianyi was no longer part of the Tai Xuan Sect, his writings often made their way back to the sect.

The Adventures of the Green Hero was still being updated!

Gu An appreciated such dedication from authors who stayed true to their craft.

If Xuan Tianyi kept writing for a thousand years, Gu An would gladly read for a thousand years.

Interestingly, the book had recently shifted its focus to overseas territories. This change had driven up sales rapidly, as Tai Xuan Sect disciples grew increasingly fascinated by the ocean.

Spring passed into summer, bringing another year of prosperity and beauty.

Under the Mysterious Clear Tree, Gu An leaned against its sturdy trunk, gently stroking a napping White Spirit Mouse beside him. Though his eyes were closed as if asleep, his consciousness was elsewhere, observing Xiao Chuan's life.

Xiao Chuan had settled down, establishing himself in a small city. His life was stable and happy, a stark contrast to the impression he had left during his time in the Medicine Valley.

Now, Xiao Chuan exuded the presence of a family patriarch.

He had two children—a boy and a girl—and had even hired several servants for his household. Seeing Xiao Chuan's comfortable life, Gu An felt relieved.

Shifting his focus, Gu An turned his attention to the Great Rift of the Broken Sea.

The rift stretched endlessly across the ocean, a sight both majestic and unsettling. Cultivators and monsters alike roamed its vicinity, with some venturing inside while others escaped its depths—living beings, or sometimes dreadful Spectral Wraiths. The scene was both lively and foreboding.

The tranquility around the rift felt oppressive, as if it were the calm before a storm.

After observing for a while, Gu An stood up, sensing an approaching presence.

A figure descended from the clouds, quickly entering the Medicine Valley.

It was none other than Ji Hantian, with a young girl in tow, her attire refined and elegant.

Gu An moved to greet them, casting a lifespan investigation as he approached.

[Ji Xiaoyu (Qi Refining Realm, Level 9): 11/240/9999]

Well, isn't this something—her maximum lifespan reaches 9,999 years!

In her previous life, Ji Xiaoyu's maximum lifespan had been 8,900 years. Rebirth had somehow increased it, suggesting a form of cultivation through reincarnation.

Ji Hantian greeted Gu An with a smile. As Gu An approached, Ji Hantian said, "I'd like you to take care of her for a while. Her name is Ji Xiaoyu, and she comes from a branch family of the Ji Clan."

Gu An feigned surprise, his gaze landing on the young Ji Xiaoyu.

The girl, only eleven years old, barely reached Ji Hantian's elbow. Her expression was calm, her eyes carrying an inexplicable maturity. It reminded Gu An of the previous Ji Xiaoyu, who had been similarly composed and wise beyond her years as a child.

Seeing Gu An's stunned expression, Ji Hantian explained, "She happens to share the same name. Lü Baitian should have mentioned her to you. Let her cultivate here in the Medicine Valley for now. I'll come back to take her away later."

With that, Ji Hantian turned and leapt into the air, disappearing into the distant horizon.

Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu stood silently on the grass, the atmosphere between them awkward and tense.

Suddenly, a figure appeared out of thin air before Ji Xiaoyu, crouching to study her closely. It was none other than the Nine-Finger Divine Lord.