https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-83-The-Battle-Between-Righteous-and-Demonic-Paths-Guarding-the-Medicine-Valley/12575224/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-85-Overshadowing-the-Sky-the-Swallowing-Heaven-Hellbird-/12575226/
Chapter 84: Spirit Gathering Divine Finger, You Are My Man
Chapter 84: Spirit Gathering Divine Finger, You Are My Man
Fifty Core Formation cultivators?
Gu An would not refuse such an offer. After all, he couldn't stay in the Third Medicine Valley forever, and so he immediately expressed his gratitude to the two elders of the Gu Clan.
Half an hour later, after seeing the two elders off, Gu An returned to the house.
Once they were gone, Elder Tian approached, his curiosity getting the better of him as he asked, "Valley Master, what did they want with you?"
In the past, Elder Tian would never have dared to ask such a question, but now, with his cultivation rising, he felt bold enough to inquire about the valley master's affairs. It seemed he was truly making a comeback.
Gu An pretended to hesitate before revealing what he had learned. He spoke of how Chu Tianqi's crimes had been exposed by the Demon Path, and how the news had spread like wildfire through the Tai Xuan Gate. The five major sects of the Demon Path were now planning to join forces with the Demon Beast Clan to besiege the Tai Xuan Gate.
As he recounted these events, his worried expression made it seem as if the Tai Xuan Gate was about to face a dire crisis.
Elder Tian tried to reassure him, "Valley Master, there's no need to worry. The Tai Xuan Gate has stood firm on this land for thousands of years, enduring countless dynastic changes. There have been several recorded instances in history where we were besieged by the Demon Path, but we always managed to turn the tide."
Hearing these words, Gu An felt a sense of relief.
"That's true. If the sky falls, there will be tall people to hold it up. As for me, I'll just focus on cultivating medicinal herbs and providing the sect with the ingredients they need for pill refining. That's the only contribution I can make," Gu An said with a shake of his head and a laugh.
Elder Tian nodded in agreement, appreciating Gu An's attitude.
"However, with the Demon Path on its way, danger is still hard to avoid. Valley Master, I know a set of finger techniques that are both fierce and tricky. If our enemies are careless, we might even be able to defeat them despite the difference in our cultivation levels. Let me teach you," Elder Tian continued.
Gu An had never learned any finger techniques before, so he was naturally intrigued. He asked curiously, "Elder Tian, I have a feeling your background isn't as simple as it seems. You know a lot and have a wide range of skills."
"Haha, I've just lived a long life, so I've picked up a thing or two," Elder Tian replied with a hearty laugh, no longer exuding the timid air he once had. Gu An could sense the aura of a sect master emanating from him.
Following Elder Tian, Gu An ventured into the nearby forest. As Elder Tian explained, this technique was not to be shared with outsiders, and he was making an exception by teaching it to Gu An.
Once they were in the depths of the forest, Elder Tian began to explain the might of this finger technique.
Spirit Gathering Divine Finger!
This technique allowed one to gather spiritual power and spiritual energy in their fingers, storing it up for a powerful release. The longer the compression, the stronger the attack, and in theory, there was no limit to its destructive potential.
Gu An's interest in the Spirit Gathering Divine Finger grew as he listened.
...
The Gu Clan and Ji Hantian acted swiftly, and two days later, fifty Core Formation cultivators arrived, including Gu Yu, the son of the Gu Clan elder.
Gu Yu was the first to find Gu An in his pavilion.
"You've got quite the pull, getting the Gu Clan and the Ji Clan to each send twenty-five Core Formation disciples to protect you. And these aren't just any Tai Xuan Gate disciples, they're all young masters and young ladies from influential families," Gu Yu teased after taking a seat.
Gu An replied, "I don't think they're here to protect me, but rather, this medicine valley. Does the Tai Xuan Gate have another valley like this?"
"There are others, but not in the outer or inner gates. Your status as a pretty boy is probably what caught the attention of the higher-ups," Gu Yu said.
"If it's because of my looks, then wouldn't such a public display expose me?" Gu An asked.
"I suppose so," Gu Yu conceded.
In truth, Gu An felt that the Tai Xuan Gate wasn't protecting the medicine valley, but rather, the seventh-rank spirit tree within it—the Xuan Qing Tree.
Gu Yu dropped the subject and pulled out a book, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Gu An, you have to read this book, it's amazing! It even has illustrations!"
Gu An glanced at the book and rolled his eyes.
Tai Xuan Secret Manual!
Gu Yu had changed the subject, no longer pressing for the latest news about the Tai Xuan Immortal.
Gu An felt an urge to leave the Tai Xuan Immortal's story unfinished, but he suppressed his annoyance and took the manual.
Flipping through a few pages, he found himself drawn in.
This Shen Zhen was quite something! He had stolen techniques from others!
The illustrations actually employed manga-style action lines, allowing readers to envision the full set of movements and sparking their imaginations.
Clearing his throat, Gu An closed the manual and tucked it into his robe. "I'll read it later. With the Demon Path about to invade, I don't have the peace of mind to focus on it right now."
Gu Yu secretly thought him dull, but he said, "That's true. But make sure you keep this book safe. It's hard to come by these days with the Tai Xuan Gate cracking down on its distribution."
"Don't worry," Gu An assured him.
After a few more exchanges, the two headed downstairs.
Gu Yu flew off to his post, while Gu An began inspecting the medicinal herbs along the way.
The Third Medicine Valley was vast, and these days, he could practically harvest herbs every day. However, he preferred to collect them once a week, as even if the herbs matured, leaving them for a week didn't affect their quality much.
An hour later, as Gu An walked along a mountain path, he sensed the presence of Ji Xiaoyu. After hesitating for a moment, he decided it would be polite to pay her a visit.
Ji Xiaoyu had saved him, given him a talisman and an array, and even sent him a batch of medicinal herbs. It wouldn't do to not greet her.
After wandering for another half-hour, Gu An finally arrived at a mountaintop.
There, dressed in purple, Ji Xiaoyu sat in meditation at the edge of a cliff, her back to the Third Medicine Valley. She had set up an array around herself, preventing Gu An from approaching too closely.
"Greetings, Third Miss," Gu An said, cupping his fist in a respectful salute.
He immediately sent out a lifespan probe.
【Ji Xiaoyu (5th Layer of Core Formation): 50/1400/8900】
Fifth Layer of Core Formation!
She was fast!
Without turning around, Ji Xiaoyu said, "There's no need to come and greet me in the future. You are the valley master of this medicine valley, so there's no need for such formalities.
"If there's anything you need, you can find me at any time, or send a message to the disciples in the valley," Gu An replied.
"Mhm."
Ji Xiaoyu acknowledged with a soft sound.
Not knowing what else to say, Gu An prepared to take his leave.
Suddenly, Ji Xiaoyu spoke up. "Ji Hantian is my great-grandfather. If he makes things difficult for you, you can come to me. After all, you are my man."
"The Deputy Sect Master hasn't given me any trouble," Gu An quickly replied.
"I know him too well. He's been using me to make a scene since I was young. Knowing that you're a pretty boy, he definitely won't give up on exploiting you. In the future, if there's anything in the Tai Xuan Gate that's hard to refuse, you can use my name to get out of it." Ji Xiaoyu's words brought a smile to Gu An's face.
Another backer!
"Write another 'Investiture of the Gods', I think you write this kind of book the best." Ji Xiaoyu said coldly.
So she's a reader too?
Gu An agreed, saying that he was already preparing to do so.
"Off you go, then."
Hearing this, Gu An immediately bid farewell and left.
...
In the evening, Gu An arrived at Tianya Valley. Today was another harvest day, and he expected to gain five to six thousand years of lifespan worth of herbs.
As soon as he entered the valley, he sensed a long-unfelt presence.
Li Xuandao! Why is he here?
I thought there was a demon disturbance in Cangzhou Changluo?
"Valley Master, His Majesty is here. Go and meet him in the house." Luo Hun stood halfway up the mountain and shouted.
Gu An nodded to him and then quickly walked towards the pavilion buildings.
Li Xuandao was waiting in his pavilion, accompanied by Lu Xian and Yi Liuyun.
Seeing Gu An enter, Li Xuandao smiled, raised his hand to signal Lu Xian to be quiet, and then smiled at Gu An. "Gu An, it's been a long time. How's your cultivation going?"
Gu An respectfully bowed and replied, "Naturally, it's going well. With the amount of spirit herbs Your Majesty has given me, I've already reached the third layer of the Foundation Establishment realm."
"The third layer isn't enough. You still need to work harder. Once you reach the ninth layer of the Foundation Establishment, I can help you form your Core."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will definitely work hard," Gu An said.
As he replied, Gu An deliberately avoided looking at Lu Xian, who glared at him with eyes that seemed ready to devour him, filled with both anger and resentment.
After teaching Gu An for so long, Lu Xian was frustrated that Gu An hadn't learned anything. If it weren't for the fact that Gu An only came once or twice a month, he would have suspected that Gu An was deliberately messing with him.
Li Xuandao gestured for Gu An to sit at the table, and Gu An complied without hesitation.
Lu Xian and Yi Liuyun remained standing, which only added to Lu Xian's displeasure.
Li Xuandao looked at Gu An, studying him for a moment before asking softly, "Has there been any major news from the Tai Xuan Gate recently?"
Gu An frowned, hesitating as he replied, "I heard that the Demon Path is planning to besiege the Tai Xuan Gate, and there are also rumors about the Sect Master spreading within the sect."
He then went on to detail what he had heard, but he didn't mention his own Third Medicine Valley.
After Gu An finished speaking, Li Xuandao's smile widened. "Chu Tianqi is proud and arrogant. He looks down on everyone, even considering his own clan members as mere pawns. It's not surprising that he would do such things."
"The people I arranged in the Demon Path also sent a message. At the end of the year, the Demon Path will launch a total attack on the Tai Xuan Gate."
Gu An began to ponder Li Xuandao's attitude towards the Tai Xuan Gate.
Confused, he asked, "Don't the Demon Path fear the Fu Dao Sword Master? They say he's the number one sword cultivator in the world."
Li Xuandao shook his head. "Of course, they're afraid. That's why they haven't made a move until now. The true identity of the Fu Dao Sword Master has been spread within the Demon Path, and although he's strong, he's not yet invincible."
That person?
Gu An was taken aback. Someone was impersonating Laozi's fame?
Li Xuandao looked at Gu An again and said earnestly, "The great battle between the righteous and demonic paths is about to break out. In theory, I should have you evacuate, but Li Ya is still there, and I need you to keep an eye on the Tai Xuan Gate for me. I'll arrange for a Nascent Soul realm cultivator to protect you. What do you think?"
Gu An quickly thanked him and then said, "Uncle, it's really not necessary. I'm just an outer sect disciple, and the Demon Path doesn't even know about me. If you arrange for a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, it will only attract the attention of the Demon Path's high-level cultivators."
"There's no need to worry. This person is skilled in the art of concealing their aura. Even if their cultivation is far higher than theirs, they won't be detected." Li Xuandao waved his hand.
Unable to refuse?
Gu An looked at Li Xuandao, weighing his options.
Li Xuandao continued, "You are my man, and I must ensure your safety. This person also has a good relationship with Li Ya, and you can even ask her to introduce you to Li Ya later."
With such an offer, Gu An naturally couldn't refuse.
After staying for the length of an incense stick's burn, Gu An took his leave and began harvesting the mature spirit herbs.
From inside the house, Li Xuandao could see Gu An's diligent figure and sighed, "This kid is steady and considerate. He really understands my heart. You must take good care of him."
Lu Xian couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, are you hinting at me? I want to ask, who is more important to you, Li Ya or the Crown Prince?"
Yi Liuyun frowned but didn't stop Lu Xian.
Li Xuandao smiled and said, "They're both important. What are you worried about? Li Ya isn't even in Changluo, so she doesn't pose a threat to the Crown Prince, unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless Li Ya cultivates the 'Imperial Extreme Sword Art'."
(End of Chapter)
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