Steadily becoming a saint, the immortal officials hired me to tend the horses - Chapter 70

Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Righteousness and Demons, I Read Fengshen [Fifth Update]

Following Gu An’s gaze, he saw a man in plain clothes sitting cross-legged above the “Dao” character. His figure and appearance were unremarkable, and even his aura was ordinary.

If it weren’t for Gu An constantly using lifespan detection, he wouldn’t have noticed anything extraordinary about this person.

[Underworld Demon Emperor (Void Crossing Realm Ninth Layer): 3847/5700/14000]

Turns out he’s a demon!

Gu An knew that demons of the same realm tend to have longer lifespans than cultivators of the human race, but seeing the opponent’s fourteen-thousand-year lifespan, he couldn’t help but be shocked.

What cultivation technique has this guy practiced to completely conceal any demon energy, so much so that even he, a great cultivator in the Unification Realm, couldn’t see through it?

And most importantly, do demons like to practice swordsmanship?

Gu An couldn’t help but think of his Sky Dragon, who was also obsessed with the Sword Dao.

He didn’t keep staring at the Underworld Demon Emperor but continued to scan the other figures on the Heavenly Repair Platform.

Those who dared to sit and attain sword enlightenment had high cultivations, after all, those in the Energy Cultivation Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm were busy with energy absorption and hadn’t reached the point of prolonged meditation and enlightenment.

Gu An realized he had underestimated the influence of Sword Venerable Fudao.

Although he hadn’t heard of Chu Xian before, with Chu Xian’s cultivation, he must be famous among the major forces in the Immortal Cultivation World, especially among great cultivators who were well aware of him.

The fall of a Void Crossing Realm cultivator would undoubtedly shake the dynasty!

It seemed he had to keep a low profile for the time being. With the spread of reputation, who knew how many troublesome entities might be attracted?

After thoroughly looking at all the people on the Heavenly Repair Platform, Gu An left.

He had developed the habit of using lifespan detection on anyone he met. Without checking the other’s background, he felt uneasy.

For the next few years, he planned to farm in peace until the Immortal Cultivation World forgot about Sword Venerable Fudao!

He had already written the book about Sword Venerable Fudao and the Outer Sect scandal. Ji Hantian had been pushing him, and he finished writing it last month. This book wasn’t a long novel, just a single volume was enough.

…

Spring warmth blanketed the earth, and everything thrived.

In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An and Gu Yu were drinking inside.

“Your ‘Righteousness and Demons’ has spread throughout the Taicang Dynasty. Now, no one discusses the Supreme Immortal Venerable; they’re all talking about the Supreme Sect and Sword Venerable Fudao,” Gu Yu remarked jealously.

Gu An laughed: “After all, the Supreme Sect is the number one righteous sect. With such an incident, anyone would be curious. Don’t worry, in a few years, the Immortal Cultivation World will lose interest. By then, people will still chase after your legendary battle against the Demon Emperor of the Exotic Realm.”

Hearing this, Gu Yu’s expression brightened instantly, and he started praising how well Gu An had written it while eagerly asking about the next part of the plot.

Gu An wouldn’t reveal anything, making Gu Yu itch with curiosity.

“By the way, I’ve recently gotten hold of a book, and the protagonist is named Gu An. It’s quite interesting,” Gu Yu suddenly said, taking a book out of his storage bag.

The Supreme Secret Records!

Seeing the title, Gu An’s heart skipped a beat.

Darn it!

It actually made its way out!

My reputation is ruined!

Gu Yu shook the Supreme Secret Records in his hand, snickering: “Brother Gu, have you read this book?”

Gu An curiously asked: “What’s this book about?”

“It’s a good book. Be honest, did you write it?” Gu Yu asked with a smile.

“How could that be possible? Let me take a look; is it really that good?”

Gu An snatched the Supreme Secret Records from his hand and began flipping through it.

Gu Yu raised an eyebrow and asked: “Are you sure you didn’t write it? Or did someone close to you write it?”

After reading the first page, Gu An frowned as if he was genuinely seeing it for the first time.

Seeing him frown, Gu Yu refrained from teasing him and instead poured himself a drink.

As Gu An’s expression grew increasingly unpleasant, Gu Yu thought for a while and said: “This book started circulating in the Inner Sect. You don’t seem to know many Inner Sect disciples, so it must be a coincidence. After all, the name Gu An isn’t uncommon.”

Gu An closed the Supreme Secret Records, took a deep breath, and asked: “Does the Book Collection Hall allow such a book to circulate?”

“This book didn’t go through the Book Collection Hall; it’s being passed around privately by the disciples,” Gu Yu replied helplessly.

Gu An remained silent.

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, Gu Yu got up to leave, consoling Gu An a few more times before departing.

After he left, Gu An began to ponder the Supreme Secret Records.

He had to admit that Shen Zhen had indeed studied the Green Hero Travelogue thoroughly. At least this book, in his opinion, surpassed the original.

Although some content was unsightly, the character of Gu An in the book was full of a chivalrous spirit, with a carefree and unfettered personality, which was quite endearing and did not tarnish his name.

After reading for an hour, Gu An finally closed the Supreme Secret Records and then stepped out of the pavilion to continue his work.

His goal was to plant medicinal herbs over an area of a hundred miles as soon as possible. Today, he planned to fence off the area to prevent Inner Sect disciples from trespassing.

…

Inner Sect City, Ji Mansion.

Ji Xiaoyu sat upright at the table, holding a book. Across from her sat Ji Hantian.

“How is it? How is this ‘Righteousness and Demons’ written?” Ji Hantian asked, putting down his teacup.

Ji Xiaoyu flipped through the pages as she replied: “It’s quite good. The narration is immersive and doesn’t cover up the Supreme Sect’s sins, depicting Chu Xian’s hideous face in great detail. But the Outer Sect disciples’ unity is also very moving. At least, after reading it, I don’t think the Supreme Sect is utterly rotten; I can still feel the foundation and spirit of Taicang’s number one orthodox sect.”

Ji Hantian’s lips curled into a smile: “Do you know who Pan An is?”

Ji Xiaoyu remained silent.

“It’s the house servant under your command, Gu An. Unexpected, isn’t it?” Ji Hantian asked with a smile.

Ji Xiaoyu said quietly: “Actually, I already knew, but I didn’t expect you to know as well. Grandfather, you didn’t make him write this book, did you? It will cause him a lot of trouble.”

Ji Hantian feigned a cough and said: “No worries, I will protect him. Thanks to this book, my influence in the Hall of Elders has increased. Overturning Chu Tianqi might not be impossible in the future.”

Ji Xiaoyu turned her attention back to the book in her hand, absentmindedly saying: “I actually think the Ji Family shouldn’t covet the position of Sect Leader; things are quite good as they are, dispersed among various sects, not becoming a target.”

“That’s because you don’t understand how hard it was for me under Lv Baitian’s pressure before. Otherwise, why would I let you join the Supreme Sect? It’s to use your talent to gain face for me,” Ji Hantian grumbled, getting agitated at the mention of Lv Baitian.

“You’ve caused Gu An so much trouble; do you have any compensation for him?”

“Of course I do. I’ve expanded his Medicine Valley to a hundred miles. Also, you can bring Ji Family’s high-rank medicinal herbs to him for planting. I’ve investigated; this kid indeed has a knack for managing the valley. Moreover, if you get closer to him, he might beautify the Ji Family in the future. I’ve read the Investiture of the Gods; his portrayal of Ji Fa shows he holds the Ji Family in his heart.”

Ji Hantian spoke earnestly, causing Ji Xiaoyu to frown.

Ji Xiaoyu showed a look of dissatisfaction and said: “Grandfather, dealing with people and matters shouldn’t be overly calculative.”

“Silly child, this isn’t being calculative; it’s a win-win situation. Why not?”

Ji Xiaoyu lowered her head, continuing to read, which made Ji Hantian shake his head.

Ji Hantian stood up and said: “The Hundred Tribes Conference is approaching; you should prepare to secure the top spot on the Hidden Dragon List.”

After saying that, he took a step and disappeared into thin air within the room.

Ji Xiaoyu didn’t get up and kept staring at the book in her hand.

…

March, the spring breeze was cool.

One day in the early days of the month, someone from the Ji Family came to the Third Medicine Valley, delivering a large batch of medicinal herb seeds to Gu An. The lowest grade was rank four, which made Gu An very happy.

Before leaving, the Ji Family cultivator explicitly and implicitly conveyed that the Third Miss thought highly of him. These seeds were personally selected by her, and for any future needs, he could approach her.

Gu An naturally wouldn’t refuse and expressed that he would never forget the Third Miss’s kindness. Hearing this, the cultivator left satisfied.

The Ji Family, Gu Zong, and Jiang Qiong were all giving him seeds, which saved Gu An quite a bit in costs. He planned to recruit more servant disciples, filling up at least twenty positions, providing each with a demon beast and top-notch treatment.

That day, Gu An took Elder Tian to the Outer Sect City. Elder Tian had volunteered to come, saying he wanted to see the “Righteous Path” characters on the Heavenly Repair Platform.

Upon arriving at the Outer Sect City, the two parted ways.

As Gu An approached the entrance of the Chores Hall, a male disciple came up to him, whispering: “Daoist friend, I have a treasure here, just two low-grade spirit stones.”

“Two? Why don’t you just go rob someone?”

Gu An said irritably, bypassing him directly.

That disciple blocked him again, then took a book out of his storage bag, saying mysteriously: “Take a good look; do you recognize this book? Many Inner Sect disciples read it after exiting seclusion. It holds great opportunities within.”

Gu An glanced at it and saw four words.

The Supreme Secret Records.

He directly pushed the other aside, leaving with a word: “Sorry, I read the Investiture of the Gods.”

The disciple looked at his departing figure, cursing quietly, then sought other people to sell to.

An hour later, Gu An emerged from the Chores Hall with eleven people in tow, both men and women, all young and looking excited.

Gu An’s ability to recruit so many servant disciples at once indicated his unusual status. Following such a senior, their path in immortal cultivation would surely broaden.

He led the servant disciples grandly to the Heavenly Repair Platform.

The servant disciples had been curious about the platform for a long time. However, due to their low cultivation, they hadn’t dared to come, fearing it would irritate the great cultivators.

Gu An quickly spotted Elder Tian, who stood below the “Righteous Path” characters, watching intently.

He glanced in another direction.

The Underworld Demon Emperor in the Ninth Layer of the Void Crossing Realm was still there, currently making some gestures with his right hand.

Gu An watched for two breaths and thought to himself.

This isn’t the sword move of the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword?

This guy can comprehend sword moves just with sword intent?

Too monstrous!

No, I need to deepen my connection with the Taicang Divine-Shocking Sword. Next time, I’ll invest one or two thousand years of lifespan to maintain my standing in the Sword Dao.

Gu An withdrew his gaze and walked towards Elder Tian.

“Hahaha, I’ve comprehended it! I’ve comprehended it!”

Suddenly, a loud laugh resounded from the Heavenly Repair Platform, drawing the attention of the tens of thousands on the platform.

The speaker was an old man wearing a Taoist robe, although his white hair was a bit messy.

He then leaped into the sky, reaching out with two fingers, pointing at the “Righteous Path” characters on the platform.