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

The first Immortal King, the first Immortal Path Supreme Treasure…

Gu An had felt a power from the Immortal King that transcended the epochs, a mighty will that challenged the Heavenly Dao.

Heaven Sect continued to watch over Gu An, and spoke further, "Ever since the fall of the Immortal King, the world was submerged by the oceans, ushering in an era of decline, but from destruction comes creation, and even in the most perilous environments, new beings are nurtured. Over the long epochs, many have emulated the Immortal King. The title he bestowed upon himself also became a glory pursued by later generations of cultivators, continually producing new Immortal Kings who challenged the authority of heavens and gradually increased the heavenly restraints imposed on this world."

"Epochs change, and seas turn into mulberry fields. It wasn't until the birth of the Holy Court that beings finally had the chance to set foot in Outer Heaven. I inherited the legacy of Heaven Sect and took on its name. Heaven Sect can only be transmitted singularly, and I want to take you as my disciple, to make you the next Heaven Sect."

By the end of this statement, the sound of the wind in the forest abruptly stopped, and the flora ceased their swaying.

Gu An widened his eyes and asked incredulously, "Me? Can I really do it? I'm just a mediocre talent!"

"What does talent matter? Heaven Sect has its own legacy that can help you break free from your shackles. You have been recognized by the Immortal King Crown; there must be something extraordinary about you, either an Ancient Treasure Body or your soul harboring greater power. The Dao Patterns on your forehead are the best proof," Heaven Sect stated, his eyes blazing as he gazed at Gu An.

Gu An hesitated, "But I don't understand what being Heaven Sect entails, what are your ideals?"

"Heaven Sect is about complying with the Heavenly Dao. What you need to do is to follow the Heavenly Dao. As long as you adhere to this, you will constantly surpass your limits and might even achieve immortality."

"If immortality is attainable, why do you want to pass it on to me?"

"Because I have regrets and no longer wish to comply with the Heavenly Dao."

These words from Heaven Sect only added to Gu An's confusion. Are you trying to trap me, or just deceive me?

Seeing through Gu An's doubts, Heaven Sect looked up at the bright moon and explained, "I have lived for 780,000 years. In my life, every choice made was in compliance with the Heavenly Dao. For the Heavenly Dao, I have forsaken my family and dear friends. I have attained immortality and earned a revered holy name; but over time, I also grew regretful. I no longer yearn for immortality, but you probably still desire it."

After hearing this, Gu An's first thought was to pass on the legacy to those close to him.

Heaven Sect continued, "My time is limited. After this Heavenly List Conference concludes, I will relinquish the position of Heaven Sect. You have no choice, but you need to spend the remaining time adjusting your Daoist Heart."

With that, he vanished into the forest.

Gu An frowned, staying in his spot.

"Don't tell anyone else, lest you reveal the fate and bring misfortune upon them."

Muttering to himself.

Gu An scoffed internally, but he indeed felt a mysterious and familiar aura from Heaven Sect, similar to the light layer enveloping the Great Heavenly Spirit Land.

Could the Heavenly Dao really exist?

Gu An pondered awhile in his place before finally leaving.

In the following days, several Great Cultivators made their names known at the Heavenly List Conference, with the most dominant being Heaven Sect, who self-proclaimed the title. Besides that, nobody knew much about his origins.

The Nine-Finger Divine Lord also performed strongly, but he lacked the aura of being the foremost.
Read exclusive content at empire

Time flew swiftly.

Two months passed rapidly, and the Heavenly List Conference continued. During this time, Supreme Sect was as lively as a festival every day.

On this day.

Sensing something while reading under a tree, Shen Xinzi looked up and saw an old man with white hair approaching from the valley entrance.

"Hm? That presence…"

Shen Xinzi frowned thoughtfully.

Heaven Sect felt his gaze and glanced at him.

Their eyes met and in an instant, Shen Xinzi felt an immense terror, instinctively bowing his head.

Heaven Sect withdrew his gaze and proceeded forward.

His eyes swept Medicine Valley and soon locked onto Yang Jian, who was interacting with a disciple.

Yang Jian, sensing something, turned his head and instinctively frowned when he saw Heaven Sect.

This newcomer was no ordinary figure!

Yang Jian, already at the Void Crossing Realm, had sharper senses than others at his level.

From the first glance at Heaven Sect, he knew he was no match for the other.

He wasn't panicked, for his master was still within Medicine Valley.

Heaven Sect approached Yang Jian, with Shen Xinzi watching him closely, debating whether to intervene.

"Mystic Gang Dominator Body, have you felt the thickness of your soul?" Heaven Sect's first question startled Yang Jian.

Yang Jian instinctively looked around.

"The others can't hear our conversation, nor can they see me, except for that Heavenly Demon from Bitter Sea Buddha Sect, whom I intentionally allowed to see," Heaven Sect stated emotionlessly.

The term "Heavenly Demon" alarmed Shen Xinzi, who immediately bowed his head.

Yang Jian, however, was not distracted by the mention of the Heavenly Demon; suppressing his nervousness, he asked, "What exactly do you want?"

Heaven Sect raised his right hand, revealing a golden jade stone in his palm, and said, "This object is for you. Just crush it, and you will recall past life memories, regaining your true identity. You have reincarnated a hundred times—it's rare for someone to help you awaken the Mystic Gang Dominator Body. You might not get such a chance in future reincarnations."

Yang Jian instinctively caught the golden jade stone, pressing further, "Who are you really? What do you want?"

"We fought side by side before; I was severely injured, and you perished along with your path. I would never harm you. Once you awaken your past memories, I will appear," said Heaven Sect before turning to leave.

Yang Jian looked at the golden jade stone in his hand, his mind in turmoil.

Past life?

Having read Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, he naturally believed in reincarnation, but now that it directly affected him, he couldn't help but feel unsettled.

He took a deep breath, looked up, and saw Heaven Sect heading towards his master's attic.

He wondered if his master had noticed this person's approach.

Previously, he believed his master was invincible, but Heaven Sect's methods were beyond his comprehension. Except for him and Shen Xinzi, no one in the valley could see his movements.

What kind of Divine Skill was this?

Yang Jian couldn't understand and his wariness of Heaven Sect peaked.

He hesitated whether to warn his master, fearing he might ruin his master's plans if he had already noticed.

After considering, he used his Divine Sense to follow.

When his Divine Sense reached the attic, Gu An showed no reaction, which reassured him, and he withdrew his Divine Sense.

Heaven Sect reached the attic. Stepping into the first-floor room, he muttered to himself, "Reincarnation Path Emperor? Great karmic bonds, untouchable. I didn't expect this place to have so many significant karmic bonds. Could Sword Venerable Fudao be nearby?"

He then ascended the stairs.

Walking through the door, Heaven Sect appeared before Gu An, who was at his desk, and then revealed his true form. His gaze fell on the Supreme Secret Records in Gu An's hand.

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

He suddenly regretted choosing Gu An.

But by now, he had no other options.

"Ahem," Heaven Sect feigned a cough, causing Gu An to instinctively look up, and then he stood up abruptly as though he had seen a ghost.

"You… how did you appear…" Gu An asked fearfully.

Heaven Sect replied irritably, "You are soon to be the next Heaven Sect, destined to wield the Heavenly Will. Stop reading books that corrupt the mind."

Gu An closed the Supreme Secret Records, explaining, "This book is different…"

"Enough," Heaven Sect cut him off, his gaze returning to the Immortal King Crown, "You roam around wearing the Immortal King Crown all day, aren't you afraid of trouble? Not everyone is like me, without greed for Immortal Path Supreme Treasures, especially since the Immortal King Crown is special, being one of the rare treasures not bound by the Qi Fortune of the Holy Court."

"The Holy Court manipulates? What do you mean?" Gu An asked, puzzled.

Considering that nearly all Immortal Path Supreme Treasures were presented by the Holy Court to help various congregations better manage the populace, Gu An had obtained the Seven Stars Mirror from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm, and the Star Sea Congregations also had their own Supreme Treasure.

Yet almost no one attempted to steal their Supreme Treasures, indicating that some powerful force was balancing the greed of the Great Powers.

Heaven Sect explained, "The vast majority of Supreme Treasures in the world are dispatched by the Holy Court, aiding the various sects in governing the populace. Of course, some treasures aren't under their control, and your Immortal King Crown is one such example."

"The Holy Court can trace all Supreme Treasures linked to Qi Fortune, which is why they are more wary of those they can't control. If someone discovers your Immortal King Crown, you're in major trouble, and even the Qi Fortune of Heaven Sect can't protect you."

Gu An thought, I have another Supreme Treasure in my possession, and you haven't recognized it either!