In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An glanced up from his task of planting herbs, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually calm gaze.
"Xuan Tianyi is quite something!"
The aura radiating from Xuan Tianyi almost matched the Nirvana Realm!
It was astonishing. After all, Xuan Tianyi was only at the sixth level of the Mahayana Realm. At this stage, even a minor difference in realms was an insurmountable gap. Yet Xuan Tianyi managed to release an aura comparable to that of the Nirvana Realm—what kind of unimaginable cultivation technique could enable this?
Gu An's curiosity about Xuan Tianyi's cultivation technique was piqued.
Although Xuan Tianyi had once offered him the technique, Gu An had never bothered to look at it.
Meanwhile, atop the Heaven Mending Platform, Xuan Tianyi, who had resorted to using a secret art, still couldn't move the Heaven-Sundering Axe. Veins bulged visibly on his forehead, and his expression grew darker with effort.
The surrounding observers were utterly stunned, including Xuanquan Ancestor and Lu Lingjun.
The sheer power Xuan Tianyi displayed was overwhelming, yet it still wasn't enough to move the Heaven-Sundering Axe.
Just how powerful was the Sword Master of the Dao?
The more they thought about it, the more shocked they became.
Lu Lingjun's reverence for Tai Xuan Sect deepened. She had previously believed that achieving the Profound Heart Realm would grant her untouchable status within the sect. However, after today, she realized how far she still had to go. From now on, she decided to tread carefully, lest she offend someone as formidable as the Sword Master of the Dao.
After several tense moments, Xuan Tianyi's aura dissipated. He slowly straightened, releasing his grip on the axe.
A deafening silence blanketed the scene. No one dared disturb him.
Everyone could sense his pride and simmering frustration, and none wanted to provoke him further.
Xuan Tianyi had always prided himself as the foremost cultivator of Tai Xuan Sect and even the world. Yet today, he couldn't even lift a weapon wielded by the Sword Master of the Dao. Such a defeat was bound to sting.
Just as the tension reached its peak, Xuan Tianyi suddenly burst into laughter.
His laughter grew louder and louder, until he was throwing his head back in a full-throated guffaw.
Spreading his arms wide, he declared, "I never imagined Tai Xuan Sect harbored such a remarkable cultivator. I underestimated the world—my respect, my admiration!"
His open acceptance of his failure brought relief to the onlookers.
Even if Xuan Tianyi was outclassed by the Sword Master of the Dao, he was still a revered figure in Tai Xuan Sect and someone they all looked up to.
Xuanquan Ancestor stepped forward, offering words of encouragement. "Tianyi, you represent the future of Tai Xuan Sect. I am heartened to see you take this in stride."
Other elders echoed similar sentiments, voicing their support.
Xuan Tianyi turned with a dramatic wave of his sleeve, his smile undiminished. "Do not worry. To lose to one of our own is no shame. However, mark my words, one day I shall challenge the Sword Master of the Dao. Until then, our priority is to eradicate this Great Demon Catastrophe!"
A wave of cheers erupted. More voices joined in, praising Xuan Tianyi for his resilience and spirit.
Buoyed by the admiration, Xuan Tianyi stood tall, his confidence and charisma reaffirmed as befitting of a peerless prodigy.
Night fell swiftly.
Within a small pavilion in the Third Medicine Valley, a loud bang shattered the quiet.
"Damn it all! That was beyond humiliating!"
Xuan Tianyi slammed the table, one hand covering his face in frustration.
Across from him, Gu An struggled to suppress his amusement. "Isn't it a good thing someone stronger exists? At least it takes some of the pressure off you."
Still covering his face, Xuan Tianyi groaned, "I know that, but I can't help regretting my impulsiveness. I should've tried when fewer people were around. No, wait—I should've just tested it briefly and stopped. But instead, I went all out with a secret technique and caused such a commotion. How am I supposed to save face after that?"
The more he spoke, the more dejected he became.
Gu An, enjoying his companion's rare vulnerability, poured him a cup of spirit wine. "How about drowning your sorrows in wine?"
"Fine. But mark my words, when I ascend to immortality, I'll make sure to reclaim my dignity!" Xuan Tianyi downed the drink in one gulp.
Looking up at Gu An, he added, "And don't you dare tell anyone about this. I'm only confiding in you because we're brothers."
Gu An smirked. "Relax. We're sworn brothers, after all. Your pride is my pride, so of course I'll keep it under wraps."
Xuan Tianyi sighed. "I can't help but wonder who the Sword Master of the Dao really is. I'd love to meet him, just to understand him better."
Gu An teased, "If you met him, would you swear brotherhood with him too?"
"It's not out of the question. It'd give you an additional backer," Xuan Tianyi quipped, his mood lightening.
"Then could you acknowledge the Sword Master of the Dao as your elder brother?"
"Of course. What kind of face would I have to demand he be my junior? And surely he's far older than me."
"Perfect! From now on, the Sword Master of the Dao will be our eldest brother, you'll be the second, and I'll be the third."
"Hahaha, done! That sounds perfect!"
The two clinked their bowls together, laughter echoing in the room.
Gu An, for his part, was secretly delighted. Finally, he had ascended from the position of "junior brother" to "eldest brother."
Although Xuan Tianyi was more than five centuries older, Gu An had never been entirely comfortable being seen as subordinate. Now, at last, he had gained the status of elder brother.
As Xuan Tianyi vented the last of his frustrations, he turned to enthusiastically recount the incredible weight of the Heaven-Sundering Axe.
"You have no idea," Xuan Tianyi began dramatically, his tone exaggerated. "I gave it everything I had, but that axe felt as heavy as if the heavens themselves were bearing down on it!"
The more Xuan Tianyi embellished his story, the more entertained Gu An felt. He showed no signs of being inconvenienced, secretly hoping for even more dramatics.
By the time dawn broke the next day, Xuan Tianyi had left, heading for the front lines. He couldn't afford to linger at Tai Xuan Sect for long.
Gu An strolled down from his pavilion, stretching under the morning sun. The warmth on his skin felt invigorating, and he couldn't help but smile.
The satisfaction of slaying the Demon Master paled compared to the joy of listening to Xuan Tianyi unwittingly praise him.
If Xuan Tianyi could keep praising him for three days and nights, Gu An felt he'd gladly listen.
Feeling cheerful, Gu An wandered through the Medicine Valley, occasionally offering advice to the disciples working there. His pleasant demeanor didn't go unnoticed; the disciples could all sense that their master was in an excellent mood.
At one point, Anxin approached him and asked earnestly, "Master, I've been practicing sword techniques lately. Could I spar with you and have you guide me?"
Her tone was sincere, devoid of challenge. She truly sought his guidance, knowing full well that her master, though the last-ranked genius on the Golden List, was still leagues above her.
Gu An agreed immediately. He led her to a nearby open space and began sparring with her.
The sun climbed higher into the sky, casting its light over the valley, as if symbolizing a rising tide of hope.
Time passed steadily.
Since the Demon Master's demise, no other demon dared infiltrate Tai Xuan Sect. Meanwhile, Emperor Xie had returned to the Heaven Mending Platform, seemingly having been fully integrated into the sect.
At year's end, a shocking revelation swept across the land:
The Sword Master of the Dao was an immortal!
This startling claim had come from Xuan Tianyi himself. According to his investigations, the mysterious demon killed by the Sword Master of the Dao was none other than the Demon Master, a being of immense power surpassing even the Mahayana Realm.
This revelation left the world reeling in shock and delight.
The morale of the Three Dynasties surged as news spread. Even the cultivators fighting across various fronts against the demons were inspired to new heights.
With an immortal standing behind humanity, there was no doubt that they would weather this catastrophe.
When Gu An heard the news within Tai Xuan Sect, however, his reaction was far from joyful. Instead, a deep sense of foreboding settled over him.
This would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Demon Emperor, the Demon Ancestor, and the Seven Stars Spirit Realm directly to the Sword Master of the Dao.
Fortunately, no one knew that the Sword Master of the Dao was him.
As the winter snow began to melt, Gu An made his way to the Third Medicine Valley. Looking back at his pavilion, he noticed someone standing at its base.
Ji Xiaoya.
Dressed in black, her elegant and ethereal demeanor stood out sharply. Even without extravagant clothing, she exuded a celestial grace, drawing the eyes of countless disciples nearby.
Gu An walked over to her and greeted her warmly, "Third Miss, it's been a while. What brings you here?"
Ji Xiaoya turned, her clear and intelligent gaze scanning Gu An thoroughly before she spoke. "You've reached the seventh level of Foundation Establishment Realm. Not bad, your progress is steady. You might even reach Core Formation soon."
Gu An chuckled. "With such a bountiful Medicine Valley at my disposal, even a pig could reach Core Formation. If anything, my speed might be considered slow."
Ji Xiaoya smiled faintly but didn't comment. Instead, she said, "The Ji Family has completely withdrawn from Tai Xuan Sect. Are you sure you won't regret staying behind?"
"Regret what? Haven't you heard? The Sword Master of the Dao is an immortal. With him here, Tai Xuan Sect will surely survive this calamity," Gu An replied with confidence, adopting a look of reverence as he spoke.
Of course, this wasn't self-praise. It was crucial to align with the current mindset of Tai Xuan Sect's disciples.
The Sword Master of the Dao had become the pride of the sect, and it was nearly impossible to have a conversation without someone bringing him up.
Ji Xiaoya's smile widened. "The Sword Master of the Dao is indeed remarkable. I hold him in great esteem as well."
"By the way, Third Miss, what brings you back?" Gu An asked, shifting the topic.
Hadn't she been tasked with investigating the Seven Stars Spirit Realm? Why was she back so soon?
Ji Xiaoya replied calmly, "I've returned to meet the Sword Master of the Dao."
Gu An's eyes widened in surprise. "You've met him before?"
Ji Xiaoya nodded. "He once saved my life. He is my benefactor."
Before Gu An could press for details, she continued, "I'd like to visit the Heaven Mending Platform. Will you accompany me?"
Gu An agreed without hesitation. Ji Xiaoya, with a wave of her sleeve, used her spiritual power to lift them both into the air.
As they flew past the Qingxin Tree, Lu Lingjun glanced upward, her brows furrowing slightly.
"An innate Dao rune..."
Her thoughts turned inward as if recalling something distant and profound.
Soon after, Gu An and Ji Xiaoya arrived at the outer city and made their way to the Heaven Mending Platform.
A small crowd had gathered around the Heaven-Sundering Axe. Among them stood Zuo Yijian, stationed by the axe.
Zuo Yijian's voice rang out firmly, "Each person may only attempt once. Do not offend the Sword Master of the Dao, or you'll face the harshest penalties under sect law!"
He raised his sword slightly, and the crowd quickly dispersed.
His sword, imbued with the Sword Master of the Dao's sword intent, had made his name known far and wide. The sect believed that Zuo Yijian was favored by the Sword Master of the Dao, especially since he had once been personally rescued by him. Thus, Zuo Yijian had been entrusted with guarding the Heaven-Sundering Axe, a duty he considered an honor.
Even his son, Zuo Lin, was scolded harshly if he dared approach.
Once the crowd thinned, Zuo Yijian pulled out a copy of Investiture of the Gods and began reading.
When Gu An and Ji Xiaoya arrived at the Heaven-Sundering Axe, Zuo Yijian glanced at them. "Nephew Gu, remember, only one attempt."
His tone was indifferent, but Gu An found it amusing rather than offensive.
This guy was a character, through and through.
Ji Xiaoya didn't immediately attempt to lift the axe. Instead, she remarked, "The Heaven-Sundering Axe was forged by Xuantian Ancestor. It was designed to complement a set of axe techniques called the Heaven-Sundering Divine Axe. Once mastered, these techniques can cleave the heavens themselves. This is one of the nine great inheritances of the Sacred Land. Perhaps lifting the axe unlocks its inheritance."
Her words drew a curious glance from Zuo Lin, who was standing nearby.
Zuo Lin recognized Ji Xiaoya. He had once attended a banquet at the Ji Family. However, ever since the Ji Family withdrew from Tai Xuan Sect, his opinion of them had soured. He hadn't even bothered to greet her earlier.
Gu An, on the other hand, was astonished.
She figured it out.
But did she really have to say it aloud? What if there were spies from the Seven Stars Spirit Realm nearby?
Ji Xiaoya then reached for the Heaven-Sundering Axe, her hand gripping the handle.
At that moment, Gu An sensed a mysterious force stirring within her.
An innate Dao rune?
She's trying to cheat?!