Steadily becoming a saint, the immortal officials hired me to tend the horses - Chapter 83

Chapter 83: Chapter 83 Gathering Spirit Divine Finger, You Are Mine

“Fifty Core Formation Realm cultivators?”

Gu An naturally did not refuse, after all, he couldn’t always guard the Third Medicine Valley himself. He immediately bowed to thank the two from the ancient sect.

An hour later.

The two from the ancient sect departed, and Gu An saw them off outside the building.

After they left, Elder Tian walked over, curiously asked, “Valley Master, what did they come to see you for?”

In the past, Elder Tian would not have asked. Now, not only was his cultivation level rising, but he also dared to inquire about the Valley Master’s important matters. It seemed he was indeed making a comeback.

Gu An feigned hesitation and then divulged what he had learned.

Chu Tianqi’s crimes were exposed by the Demon Path and spread like wildfire through the Supreme Sect. The five great sects of the Demon Path prepared to join forces with the Demon Clan to besiege the Supreme Sect.

Various incidents came out of his mouth, paired with his worried expression, it seemed as if the Supreme Sect was facing imminent disaster.

Elder Tian comforted him, “Valley Master, no need to worry. The Supreme Sect has stood on this land for thousands of years, enduring countless dynastic changes. Historical records show several instances of being besieged by the Demon Path, yet they have always survived the danger.”

Upon hearing his words, Gu An indeed felt reassured.

“True, if the sky were to fall, there would be taller people to hold it up. I am just here to plant medicinal herbs well and provide alchemical materials for the sect. That is the only contribution I can make.” Gu An shook his head and laughed.

Elder Tian nodded with a smile. He appreciated Gu An’s temperament.

“Still, since the Demon Path is coming, danger is inevitable. Valley Master, I have a set of finger techniques, sharp and cunning. If the enemy is careless, it may even allow you to kill opponents above your level. Let me teach you.” Elder Tian continued.

Gu An had never learned any finger techniques before, so naturally, he was interested. He asked curiously, “Elder Tian, why do I feel like your background is not simple, knowing and capable of so much?”

“Haha, an old man who has lived long, naturally has some knowledge.”

Elder Tian laughed heartily, no longer had the timid demeanor of the past. Gu An felt a sense of authority from him, fit for the head of a sect.

Then, Gu An followed Elder Tian into the nearby forest. According to Elder Tian, this technique should not be transmitted. He was making an exception to teach it to Gu An.

After entering the woods, Elder Tian began to explain the prowess of this finger technique.

Gathering Spirit Divine Finger!

This finger technique could gather spiritual power and spiritual energy onto the fingertip, storing power to be released, the longer the compression time, the greater the destructive power. In theory, it had no limit.

After listening, Gu An became even more interested in the Gathering Spirit Divine Finger.

…

The ancient sect and Ji Hantian moved quickly. Two days later, fifty Core Formation Realm cultivators arrived, including Gu An’s son Gu Yu.

Gu Yu was the first to come to Gu An’s pavilion to look for him.

“Your connections are truly vast, being able to have the Gu Family and Ji Family each send twenty-five Core Formation Realm disciples to protect you. These people are not just Supreme Sect disciples, they’re all noble family offspring.” Gu Yu sat down, teasingly remarked.

Gu An replied, “It’s probably not to protect me, but to protect this Medicine Valley. Is there another such large Medicine Valley in the Supreme Sect?”

“There is, but not as large, and definitely not in the outer or inner sects. Mainly, it’s because your identity as Pan An makes the higher-ups take notice.”

“If it’s because of Pan An’s identity, such ostentation exposes me, doesn’t it?”

“True.”

In truth, Gu An believed that the Supreme Sect was not protecting the Medicine Valley, but the seventh-grade spirit tree within it, the Mystic Pure Tree.

Gu Yu did not dwell on this, he mysteriously took out a book and said, “Gu An, you must read this book, it’s too wonderful, and even has illustrations!”

Gu An glanced at it, feeling speechless.

Supreme Secret Records!

Gu Yu had changed; he no longer pursued the latest updates on the Supreme Immortal Venerable.

Gu An felt a surge of frustration, restraining his displeasure, he took the Supreme Secret Records.

After flipping through a few pages, he was captivated.

Goodness, Shen Zhen had actually stolen techniques!

The illustrations used comic-like action strokes, allowing one to imagine an entire sequence of movements, sparking endless thoughts.

He faked a cough, closed the Supreme Secret Records, and tucked it into his chest, saying, “I’ll read it later. With the Demon Path about to invade, I don’t have the mind to read right now.”

Gu Yu secretly despised him, but outwardly said, “True, but keep this book safe. The Supreme Sect has been conducting strict inspections lately, making it hard to get this book.”

“Rest assured.”

After a few more words, they went downstairs.

Gu Yu flew to his designated post, while Gu An began patrolling the medicinal herbs along the way.

The Third Medicine Valley was vast, and now he could harvest almost every day, but he preferred to collect once a week. After all, even if the herbs matured, leaving them for a week wouldn’t affect them much.

An hour later, as Gu An walked through the forest path, he sensed Ji Xiaoyu’s presence. After some hesitation, he decided to pay a visit.

Ji Xiaoyu had saved him, given him talisman treasures, formations, and a batch of medicinal herbs, it wouldn’t be right not to greet her.

After another half-hour of wandering, Gu An arrived at a mountaintop.

Ji Xiaoyu, in a purple robe, was meditating at the edge of the cliff, facing away from the Third Medicine Valley, with formations set around her, making Gu An hesitant to cross the boundary.

“Greetings, Third Miss.” Gu An cupped his hands in salute.

He directly cast a Life Span Detection.

[Ji Xiaoyu (Core Formation Realm Fifth Layer): 50/1400/8900]

Core Formation Realm Fifth Layer!

Truly quick!

With her back to him, Ji Xiaoyu said, “No need to come visit me in the future, you are the Valley Master of this Medicine Valley, formalities are unnecessary.”

“If Third Miss needs anything, you can always find me, or tell the disciples in the valley,” Gu An replied.

“Hmm.”

Ji Xiaoyu responded.

Gu An suddenly didn’t know what to say, so he prepared to take his leave.

Ji Xiaoyu suddenly said, “Ji Hantian is my great-grandfather. If he makes unreasonable demands on you, you can come to me. After all, you belong to me.”

Gu An hurriedly replied, “The Vice Sect Leader hasn’t troubled me.”

“I know him too well. Since childhood, he used me to build momentum. Knowing you are Pan An, he certainly won’t miss the chance to use you. In the Supreme Sect, you can use my name to refuse any request you find difficult to turn down.”

Ji Xiaoyu’s words brought a smile to Gu An’s face.

Another patron!

“Write another Investiture of the Gods. I find your writings the most enjoyable.” Ji Xiaoyu suddenly said.

So, she was also a reader?

Gu An replied, saying he was already preparing it.

“You may leave now.”

Upon hearing this, Gu An immediately saluted and departed.

…

By evening, Gu An arrived in Tianya Valley, for the harvest day, expecting to collect five or six thousand years of life span.

Upon entering the valley, he felt a long-missed presence.

Li Xuandao!

Why was he here?

Was there not a demon rebellion in Changluo, Cangzhou?

“Valley Master, His Majesty is here, quickly go meet him inside.” Luo Hun called from halfway up the mountain.

Gu An nodded and then hurried toward the cluster of pavilions.

Li Xuandao was staying in his pavilion, with Lv Xian and Yi Liuyun accompanying him.

Upon seeing Gu An enter, Li Xuandao smiled, motioned for Lv Xian to be silent, and then smiled at Gu An, “Gu An, long time no see. How is your cultivation progressing?”

After respectfully saluting, Gu An replied, “It’s progressing well. Thanks to Your Majesty dividing so many herbal materials for me, I have now reached the third layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.”

“The third layer is not enough, you must work harder. As long as you reach the ninth layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, I can help you form a Core.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will certainly work hard.”

As Gu An answered, he deliberately avoided looking at Lv Xian. Lv Xian glared at him, as if wanting to devour him, his expression both angry and resentful.

Having taught Gu An for so long, Gu An had learned nothing. If it were not for Gu An only coming once or twice a month, he would have suspected Gu An was deliberately messing with him.

Li Xuandao gestured for Gu An to sit at the table, and Gu An did so without hesitation.

Lv Xian and Yi Liuyun remained standing, making Lv Xian even more dissatisfied.

Li Xuandao looked at Gu An, examined him briefly, and softly asked, “Has anything significant happened in the Supreme Sect recently?”

Gu An frowned, hesitated, and said, “I heard the Demon Path plans to besiege the Supreme Sect, and there are unfavorable rumors about the Sect Leader within the sect.”

He recounted what he had heard in detail, but did not mention his Third Medicine Valley.

After Gu An finished, Li Xuandao’s smile deepened, he laughed, “Chu Tianqi is proud and arrogant, looks down on everyone, even his kin are seen as pawns. It’s not surprising he did these things.”

“My informant in the Demon Path also sent word. At the end of the year, the Demon Path will launch a full-scale attack on the Supreme Sect.”

Gu An began to ponder Li Xuandao’s attitude toward the Supreme Sect.

He asked confusedly, “Doesn’t the Demon Path fear Sword Venerable Fudao? They say Sword Venerable Fudao is the world’s foremost sword cultivator.”

Li Xuandao shook his head, “Of course they fear him, that’s why they have waited until now to act. The true identity of Sword Venerable Fudao has been revealed within the Demon Path. While that person is strong, he is not invincible.”

That person?

Gu An was astonished, someone was impersonating Laozi’s fame?

Li Xuandao again looked at Gu An, earnestly said, “A great battle between righteous and demonic forces is about to erupt. By rights, I should have you withdraw, but with Li Ya still there, I need you to keep an eye on the Supreme Sect for me. I will arrange for a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator to protect you, how about that?”

Gu An thanked him repeatedly, then said, “Uncle, there’s no need. I am just an outer sect disciple, unknown to the Demon Path. Assigning me a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator would instead attract high-level attention from the Demon Path.”

“Don’t worry. This person is adept at concealing their energy. Even if their cultivation level is far above, they won’t be detected.” Li Xuandao waved his hand dismissively.

Can’t refuse?

Gu An looked at Li Xuandao, weighing his options.

Li Xuandao continued, “You are my man, I naturally can’t let anything happen to you. Besides, this person has a very good relationship with Li Ya; you could introduce them to Li Ya later.”

With it said to such an extent, Gu An certainly couldn’t refuse.

Half an hour later, Gu An took his leave and began to harvest the mature medicinal herbs.

Li Xuandao, from within the pavilion, could see Gu An working diligently. He sighed, “This youngster is steady in his work, very much to my liking. You must take good care of him.”

Lv Xian couldn’t help but say, “Your Majesty, are you hinting at me? I just want to ask, who is more important to you among Li Ya and the Crown Prince?”

Yi Liuyun frowned but did not stop Lv Xian.

Li Xuandao chuckled, “They are both important. What are you worried about? Li Ya isn’t staying in Changluo, he poses no threat to the Crown Prince, unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless Li Ya masters the Emperor-Level Sword Technique.”