Steadily becoming a saint, the immortal officials hired me to tend the horses

Appreciation flickered in Gu An's eyes; he hadn't expected Lu Lingjun to have such a keen self-awareness.

Lu Lingjun, seeing Gu An's expression, felt rather helpless. Was this guy always so calm?

She glared at Gu An and said unenthusiastically, "Don't you long for it after hearing all that?"

Gu An replied, "Of course I yearn for it, but over the years I've heard too many tales of immortals. At best, I take them as entertainment. Could a great man like myself even dream of such things?"

Lu Lingjun felt his words were somewhat odd, but she was too lazy to argue and continued to talk about her observations from Mortal World Peak.

Although Gu An had been there at the time, hearing it from Lu Lingjun's perspective offered a different view of the scene.

The two chatted for over an ancient hour, and Lu Lingjun expressed her desire to stay temporarily in the Third Medicine Valley, to which Gu An agreed.

Gu An stretched in a languid manner as he looked out the window.

Tomorrow he could go to Dingtian Peak to pick medicinal herbs.

He had ordered Zhu Xinglan to establish a medicine garden, and the first batch of medicinal herbs was already ripe.

Regarding the Medicine Garden on Dingtian Peak, Gu An had no intention of prohibiting other disciples from picking the herbs so as not to arouse suspicion; after all, Mortal World Peak was now a first-class sect with close ties to the Holy Court, and he had to be careful.

And after all, Dingtian Peak was vast; even with disciples helping, he could collect many herbs himself.

Thinking of this, a look of anticipation appeared in Gu An's eyes.

…

The following afternoon.

On Dingtian Peak, Gu An walked up the mountain path to the summit, followed by Zhu Xinglan, who displayed great respect as the Peak's foremost disciple.

He now knew that Gu An was a Great Power who surpassed the Carefree Primordial Immortal. Such a major figure was critical to cling to, and so he was eager to assist in any way possible.

"I need a Wandering Immortal disciple to take charge of an island for me," Gu An said casually. "Ask around for me. I won't treat him unfairly."

Today had brought him over three hundred thousand years of lifespan, a decent haul.

Zhu Xinglan immediately responded, "Master, if you wish to leave today, I will arrange it now."

"Go ahead."

With Gu An's consent, Zhu Xinglan vanished on the spot.

Gu An walked to the courtyard and sat on a bench, looking up.

Ever since his last breakthrough, cosmic wars had erupted from time to time outside, with increasing numbers of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals coming and going.

Gu An also caught sight of the visage of a Heavenly Demon.

The Heavenly Demons appeared no different from living beings, and included many of the Human Race. The most distinct feature of the Heavenly Demons was their Demonic Qi, which was different from that of the Demon Cultivators and demons within the Great Heavenly Spirit Land—it was more sinister and instinctively repelling.

At the periphery of the Silent Destruction Domain, two Heaven and Earth Flying Immortals were engaged in combat, fighting over a treasure. Carefree Primordial Immortals were observing in the shadows.

Half an incense stick of time later.

Zhu Xinglan returned, bringing someone with him.

[Xun Hanfeng (Wandering Immortal Realm, Fourth Layer): 89034/140000/280000]

Gu An sized up Xun Hanfeng, who wore a black robe with a slightly sinister face, unkempt hair, and an aura that gave off an impression of great scheming.

Feeling Gu An's gaze, Xun Hanfeng lowered his head, not daring to make eye contact.

He was nervous because he'd heard how powerful and domineering this new master was, but he didn't want to miss such an opportunity.

"Disciple Xun Hanfeng, greets Master!" Xun Hanfeng said respectfully with a bow.

Zhu Xinglan followed with an introduction of his background: Xun Hanfeng had been born on Mortal World Peak and had a very good relationship with Zhu Xinglan.

"Let's be off then."

Gu An stood up and, with a sweep of his sleeve, whisked Xun Hanfeng away.

Zhu Xinglan was momentarily stunned, admiring how impressive the Master's Divine Skills were.

Many privately discussed just how powerful the Master of Dingtian Peak really was. Zhu Xinglan received an important piece of information: Sect Leader Yongnian Daojun believed that the Master of Dingtian Peak possessed a higher cultivation level than he did.

Such an assessment left him with boundless imagination.

Elsewhere.

Gu An arrived at Immortal Seeking Island with Xun Hanfeng in tow.

As they alighted, Xun Hanfeng stumbled, nearly falling, but Gu An caught his arm in time.

"Are you all right?" Gu An asked.

Xun Hanfeng, his face flushed with embarrassment, quickly replied, "I'm fine, Master. Sorry for the laugh."

Gu An nodded and began walking towards the buildings ahead, with Xun Hanfeng hastily following.

Gu An started to brief him on Immortal Seeking Island. After understanding the strength of the island, Xun Hanfeng breathed a sigh of relief.

A place where a Wandering Immortal alone could be a deterrent? What pressure could there possibly be?

"You and the island both share the 'Xun' surname; that's quite a coincidence," Gu An joked, with Xun Hanfeng offering only an embarrassed smile and not the least bit of dissatisfaction.

Soon, Hu Xiaojian and several Elders of the Sea Protection Mansion were introduced, and Gu An had Xun Hanfeng introduce himself.

"From Mortal World Peak, I am Xun Hanfeng. I look forward to working with all of you and hope for your fullest support," Xun Hanfeng said and then exhibited the aura of a Wandering Immortal, which caused everyone in the hall to breathe rapidly.

Having spent years doubting whether Gu An's claims were true, they were all shocked to finally witness a Wandering Immortal.

Hu Xiaojian was especially excited, looking at Gu An with eyes full of admiration.

"That's settled then. From now on, Xun Hanfeng is in charge of Immortal Seeking Island. You all talk."

With those words, Gu An left.

Everyone turned their attention to Xun Hanfeng, all quite nervous since he didn't seem easy to approach.

After Gu An left, Xun Hanfeng sat down with an assertive posture, no longer as restrained as before.

"May I ask, Elder, does the Island Master also hail from Mortal World Peak?" one of the Loose Immortals asked cautiously.

The reputation of Mortal World Peak was significant, and even if they were unfamiliar with it, they had heard of it.

"Naturally," Xun Hanfeng said.

Everyone smiled, now believing Xun Hanfeng had a favorable relationship with the Island Master, or at least that he was not an outsider.

"The Island Master is my Master. You can rest assured. What's most important is that we all work together to run Immortal Seeking Island well. We cannot disappoint him. Moreover, I can tell you, his Cultivation Level is exceedingly high, stronger than anything you have heard of. Serving him is the greatest fortune of your lives."

Xun Hanfeng's words widened everyone's eyes.

Hu Xiaojian was bewildered.

The Elder was of such a grand origin?

Was he not a Loose Immortal?

Wait, Loose Immortal was what he had claimed himself...

Hu Xiaojian felt overwhelmed by immense joy, his mind buzzing, failing to pay attention to the ensuing discussions from the Elders.

Xun Hanfeng also noticed his distraction but did not mind, as Gu An had instructed to take good care of the lad.

…

Seasons changed, and another year passed.

After the new spring, Gu An visited the branch of the Supreme Sect.

It was his first time at the branch, which he reached through the Teleportation Array in the Main City of Sect. The Supreme Sect grew stronger every year, and its ties with the branch became tighter.

Gu An observed the branch's city, feeling the spiritual energy there, which was almost on par with the Main City of Sect. No wonder so many disciples wished to come here.

Not only was the spiritual energy abundant here, but disciples could also go out to train at any time, hunting demons and searching for heavenly and earthly treasures.

The Taicang Dynasty had yet to claim the whole continent, and the same was true for the Immortal Cultivation Sects, as they had not yet traversed every mountain and river on the continent.

Gu An didn't rush to find Ye Lan and began to wander around.

As he wandered, he came across an acquaintance, a friend he had made in the Outer Gate City, with whom he exchanged pleasantries for quite some time.

Moving on to the next street, he encountered a disciple from the Third Medicine Valley who had achieved Foundation Establishment.

This was the sediment of a 227-year life.

Gu An enjoyed chatting with old friends, feeling no distance had grown between them.

In the next ancient hour, he encountered two more old acquaintances, indicating that the branch had become the preferred destination for many average disciples, all in search of opportunities in the Demon Land.

Gu An was briefly contemplative but did not interfere with others' lives, unless he cared deeply for them.

Like his junior sister, Ye Lan.

By the time Gu An arrived at Ye Lan's residence, she appeared out of nowhere with a joyful cry, "Big brother, what brings you here?"

As she spoke, she rushed over to hug Gu An.

"In public, you must behave yourself!" Gu An quickly raised his hand and protested.

Ye Lan reluctantly stopped, then pulled him toward the residence, all the while giving him a rundown of the current state of the branch.

Inside the residence were numerous female disciples looking after the estate, and as they saw Ye Lan with Gu An, curious eyes followed.

After they walked away, Gu An could hear the maids start to gossip about them.

Eventually, Ye Lan led Gu An into her room, then closed the door.

As the two sat down to chat, Ye Lan finished sharing her experiences and began to inquire about how Gu An had spent his years.

Gu An recounted his life, and although it was mundane, Ye Lan's face remained lit with a smile.

Who would have thought, they thought back then, that two hundred years later, they would be able to sit together once more.

Gradually, Ye Lan's mind wandered as she fell into a strange state.

She experienced this because Gu An was guiding her toward enlightenment.

Gu An's Divine Thought covered the room, helping Ye Lan perceive the Heaven and Earth Rules, a method beyond the imagination of mortal spirits. Even facing Gu An herself, Ye Lan didn't notice anything amiss.

It was as though Ye Lan had entered a dream state, her eyes distant and unfocused.

Gu An stood up, carried her to the bed, and guided her into meditation.

Then he retreated to the table, sitting down to watch her practice.

And so he watched Ye Lan meditate, his heart full of expectation.

If he could help Ye Lan extend her maximum lifespan, he would arrange for her to train at Mortal World Peak.

If not, sending Ye Lan with her few centuries of life to Mortal World Peak would only add to her troubles.

Once one's horizons expand, it's easy to develop more expectations, leading to anxiety and pressure.

Even Divine Skills from a True Immortal cannot grant eternal life; there seems to be a force in the shadows resisting life's expansion.

What that could be, Gu An was also curious to know.

Time flew swiftly by.

Gu An suddenly felt a bit bored and whimsically considered another option.

Why not open another round of Reincarnation Evolution?

This time, he would not select the Dark Great Heaven and Earth. He was curious to see how long he could survive; perhaps if he lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years and mastered formidable Divine Skills, it might increase his chances of surviving the next Tribulation Crossing.

Moreover, the memories passed down from Reincarnation Evolution could benefit his Daoist Heart cultivation.

Gu An felt reaching a certain level might require Reincarnation Cultivation; otherwise, he wouldn't have unlocked this feature.

Let's give it a shot then! Discover hidden content at empire

Just one shot, no greediness!

After all, it would cost ten million years of lifespan, and even if he wanted to play more, it was not possible!

Gu An looked at Ye Lan, thinking to himself: "Little sister, please bless me with a good birth!"