Chapter 185: Kindred Spirits, Su Han's Desperate Situation
Chapter 185: Kindred Spirits, Su Han's Desperate Situation
Deep within the Tianya Valley, Gu An curved the corners of his mouth into a subtle smile as he heard Zhang Bukou's words. A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment washed over him.
Elder Zhang, did you ever imagine that I would become your son's pillar of support?
Gu An's thoughts wandered back several decades to when Cheng Xuandan was still around, constantly refining pills and rarely leaving her quarters. It was Zhang Chunqiu who led him, Li Ya, and Meng Lang in their daily chores.
Now, many years later, of the original group of disciples, only Gu An and Li Ya remained.
As time flowed relentlessly forward, some people and events were carried away by the currents of time, their traces gradually erased.
Amidst the falling autumn leaves, Sun Da, Sun Er, and Sun San followed Gu An, occasionally asking him questions.
Usually, Luohun, Luxian, and Jiruolai didn't pay much attention to them, but Gu An would always take the time to chat with the three monkeys and even bring them gifts, so they had grown very fond of him.
This time, Gu An had brought them some spirit fruits, which they found absolutely delicious.
Although the three monkey demons were technically demon slaves, Gu An held no discriminatory thoughts towards them. Just like with Tianya'er, he approached all life with a sense of equality.
Moreover, in his opinion, even ordinary monkey demons had their unique personalities and interesting qualities.
Perhaps one day, these three monkey demons would also encounter their own opportunities for growth?
Gu An proceeded to tell them about the current demon calamity, describing the evil deeds of the demons and humans alike, guiding the monkeys towards compassion.
Upon hearing about the dangers beyond the valley, the three monkeys abandoned any thoughts of venturing out. They trusted that Gu An wouldn't scare them unnecessarily and believed that he was telling the truth.
Luxian suddenly appeared beside Gu An and asked, "Valley Master, do you think humans and demons can coexist harmoniously?"
Squatting on the ground, Gu An replied, "Why not? Before the demon calamity, there was constant strife within the human race as well. There will always be struggles for survival between individuals, but when it comes to the collective, it is ultimately decided by a small number of those in power."
Luxian's interest was piqued, and he asked, "Do you mean that the calamity between humans and demons is not a heavenly-ordained disaster?"
The three monkey demons also turned to look at him, awaiting his answer.
Gu An asked, "If in a stretch of mountain forest, there were no cultivators, no demons, just a group of ordinary creatures, would they unleash a calamity that sweeps across the entire forest? No, there would be killings, but they wouldn't shake the environment."
Luxian found this reasoning convincing and followed up with another question, "So, you're saying that as long as the higher-ups of the two races make peace, there can be peace?"
"Even with peace, the struggle for survival among all creatures will continue. But at least it won't be as terrifying as it is now. However, these thoughts are meaningless. We can't change the course of the world, so there's no use in overthinking it. Let's just make the most of the present," Gu An said as he stood up and turned to look at Luxian, asking, "Is there something you need?"
Clearing his throat, Luxian said, "Lately, I've been having some doubts about the Xuanwu Jingtao Palm. I was hoping you could provide me with some guidance."
"How can I guide you when your palm technique is the one you taught me?" Gu An replied, his eyes flashing with a hint of coldness as he looked at Luxian.
Luxian quickly explained, "Precisely because the palm technique is my own creation, I want to hear your thoughts on it. It doesn't necessarily require you to be stronger than me to offer guidance. Different people have different perspectives, and you might be able to provide me with some unexpected insights."
That's a reasonable argument, quite thoughtful.
"Then we can discuss it later. Let me finish up here first," Gu An said.
"Of course!" Luxian immediately stepped aside.
After a while, Gu An handed over the medicinal herbs to the three monkey demons and then led Luxian into the pavilion.
Without needing to be instructed, Luxian began setting up restrictions.
Neither Luohun nor Jiruolai thought much of this. Even though they both served Li Xuandao, they each had their own secrets, especially when it came to matters of cultivation, which they wouldn't dare to pry into casually.
Half a hour later, Luxian emerged from the room, and Gu An had to leave as well.
Watching Gu An's retreating figure as he flew away on his sword, Luxian's heart was filled with emotion.
This man is truly remarkable.
Despite possessing the cultivation of a Transformation Realm and extraordinary insight, he chooses to conceal his talents and live an ordinary life as a valley master.
Luxian had investigated Gu An's background and found no deep grudges or enmities. He even had the support of the Ji family.
This indicated that Gu An possessed an extraordinary level of patience and had his own ambitions.
Luxian's admiration for Gu An grew, and he aspired to become someone like him.
What's the point of momentary glory? Becoming an immortal is the true goal!
Luxian's thoughts turned to Li Xuandao. He was the only one who knew Li Xuandao's true cultivation level, and it was no wonder that Li Xuandao held Gu An in such high regard.
It was a case of kindred spirits recognizing each other's greatness!
Luxian found it amusing that neither of them knew the other's true cultivation level.
He looked forward to the day when they would discover each other's true strength.
...
As autumn gave way to winter, a significant event occurred in the cultivation world, shocking the entire realm.
To everyone's surprise, the Tai Xuan Sect had sent a demon army to the northern border to provide support. Among them was a Great Vehicle Realm Demon King, causing an uproar throughout the land. Countless people questioned the Tai Xuan Sect's motives and accused them of colluding with the demons. However, as this demon army tore through the battlefield, the doubts faded away, replaced by a surge of elation.
A series of victories were reported back to the Tai Xuan Sect, boosting the morale of its disciples.
However, despite these triumphs, the crisis facing the world remained unresolved.
The number of demons and monsters in the Demon Region seemed endless, as if they could never be eradicated.
Aside from gathering herbs, Gu An spent most of his time going down the mountain to slay demons and eliminate evil, and his lifespan had now surpassed six million years.
During that winter, an increasing number of disciples were sent down from the mountain, reducing the number of disciples in the outer and inner gates.
Gu An could sense an astonishing demonic aura brewing in the north.
The Scatter Immortal Realm!
It must be that Demon Ancestor!
A Grand Master of the Seven Star Spirit Realm might be hiding deep within the Demon Region, so Gu An did not immediately take action.
As soon as the Demon Ancestor headed south, he would act if they dared to step into the human border.
The Seven Star Spirit Realm boasted itself as a holy land and would definitely not directly attack the humans.
One night.
Gu An habitually scanned the world with his divine sense and was drawn to a particular forest.
In that forest, Su Han was hiding in the grass. He had a treasure that could conceal his aura, and even as the Nine Fiends of the Thirteenth Calamity searched back and forth within a hundred miles, they couldn't find him.
Su Han's aura was unstable, and it was clear that he was severely injured.
Had he fallen out with the Magnolia Ghost Mother?
Gu An had no intention of intervening and quietly observed.
After a full seven days, Su Han quietly left the forest.
During Gu An's journey among humans, he would occasionally check in on Su Han.
Su Han was actually inquiring about Zhen Qin.
What was he up to? Gu An would never allow Su Han to harm Zhen Qin. If Su Han dared to lay a finger on her, he would definitely not stand idly by.
...
Heavy snowfall covered the earth, blanketing everything in sight.
In a mountain gorge, Ye Lan, Zhen Qin, and a group of Law Enforcement Hall disciples rested, each absorbing qi and practicing their spiritual powers.
Zhen Qin suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze sweeping the surroundings.
She hesitated for a moment, stood up, and walked to Ye Lan, whispering, "Master, I encountered a problem while cultivating. I need to undress, so I want to go into the woods alone for a while."
Ye Lan opened her eyes and looked at her, concern etched on her face as she asked, "Do you need my help?"
"It's fine. You know my cultivation technique is unique." Zhen Qin smiled, and seeing that she didn't seem to be in any danger, Ye Lan nodded in agreement.
After that, Zhen Qin left the encampment.
She didn't stop walking after entering the woods and continued for several miles. She paused and looked ahead.
Under a tree in front of her stood a figure with his back turned.
"Su Han, is that you?" Zhen Qin asked cautiously.
Su Han turned around, his face devoid of blood, his hair turned white, and his bone sword was gone.
He forced a smile and said, "It's me. Come here."
Zhen Qin hesitated but moved closer to Su Han.
When she was just seven steps away, she clearly felt that she had stepped into some kind of restriction, causing her face to change.
"Don't panic. This is my magic weapon. It can block divine sense and prevent the Magnolia Ghost Mother and the Nine Nether Fiends from finding me." Su Han explained.
Zhen Qin breathed a sigh of relief and maintained her distance as she asked, "Senior Brother, is there really no way to turn back?"
Su Han's face twitched into a smile, and he said sadly, "Turn back? Where is the way back? My hands are already stained with blood. Even if I give up my cultivation, those enemies will not let me go."
Seeing his condition, Zhen Qin quickly asked, "Do you need medicine for your injuries?"
"No need. I came to find you because there's something I want to ask of you." Su Han shook his head.
Zhen Qin asked, "What is it?"
At this moment, Su Han suddenly moved closer and placed his right hand on her forehead. Her eyes widened in fear as she realized she couldn't move.
At this moment, Su Han's face turned icy cold.
"Senior... Brother..."
Zhen Qin could only utter two words before a surge of powerful spiritual power entered her body, rendering her unable to speak further.
Far away.
In a town, Gu An was swinging his sword to slay demons, his eyebrows furrowed, his eyes filled with complexity.
He turned and continued to fight the demons, joining other cultivators in the town.
In the woods, Su Han looked at Zhen Qin's panic-stricken expression and said softly, "Junior Sister, don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. Senior Brother has reached the end of his rope and will undoubtedly die. Before I die, I will pass on all my cultivation to you to help you change your fate."
Hearing this, Zhen Qin's pupils dilated.
The memories of the outer gate city flooded back to her. Back then, the outer gate had wanted to sacrifice disciples, and Su Han had risked his life to protect her, helping her escape the city.
It was because of this debt of gratitude that she always worried about Su Han.
Su Han's infamy spread throughout the world, and while he may have wronged many, he had never wronged her. Everyone could criticize him except her.
"The Magnolia Ghost Mother imparted the Reverse Life Divine Art to me, intending for me to tread the Nine Abyssal Road, although I remain uncertain about her ultimate objective. However, I am certain that I won't meet a favorable end, so I seized a Great Vehicle magical artifact in a hidden realm and fled from them. But in doing so, I suffered severe injuries, and my life force is dwindling..."
"Let the Hate God Sword end with me. I wanted to take revenge in this life, but I couldn't determine who my true enemy was. However, along the way, I also realized that cultivating the Hate God Sword would inevitably lead to countless enemies. Perhaps I have already completed my revenge."
"Junior Sister, our talents are mediocre, and in the cultivation world, we are like ants. Cultivating the Hate God Sword was my only chance to break free from fate, but even though I failed, this life has been exciting..."
"...and now it's your turn to continue the rest of my life."
(End of Chapter)
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