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

Out of respect for social interaction, Shen Xinzi had refrained from using his divine sense, so he was unaware of the content of the book in Gu An's hands. Even when Gu An refused him, he did not entertain any impolite thoughts.

He inquired why, and Gu An replied that Buddhism Sect did not deem it suitable to read secular books, and then he handed Shen Xinzi a copy of "Righteous Path and Demon Path."

"Righteous Path and Demon Path" told the story of how Sword Venerable Fudao inscribed the characters for 'righteous path' at the Heavenly Repair Platform, revealing the dark secrets of the Supreme Sect. Instead of tarnishing the Supreme Sect's reputation, the book made more people aware of the Sect's pursuit of righteousness, encouraging them to actively correct their errors.

Although the book was not as popular as "Journey to the West" or "Investiture of the Gods," many within the sects still favored it, studying it repeatedly.

Shen Xinzi took the book, and upon seeing the title on the cover, his interest was piqued. He thanked Gu An and left.

After he left, Gu An finally took out the "Supreme Secret Records" and continued reading.

He found it difficult to concern himself with the troubles of others' lives. When asked, he would speak his true thoughts without imposing.

He had his own life to live; why worry more than necessary?

Gu An liked to consider himself an observer in others' lives, acting as he pleased, but without becoming overly fixated, lest it turn into regret.

...

After arriving at the Third Medicine Valley, Shen Xinzi decided not to leave, and Gu An did not turn away this Nine Layers Wandering Immortal Realm Great Cultivator.

Today's Third Medicine Valley was undoubtedly the strongest place in the Supreme Sect, even on the continent, with Shen Xinzi and Nine-Finger Divine Lord there, Gu An was not concerned for the safety of Medicine Valley and was more at ease when venturing out.

Five years passed quickly.

That year's summer was not as hot as previous ones. Gu An descended the stairs and saw many cultivators flying across the sky.

This year, the Supreme Sect was preparing to host another Alchemy Conference, and it promised to be lively.

Gu An also planned to go and enjoy the bustle. After descending the stairs, he rode off on the Blood Prison Great Saint.

Just as the Blood Prison Great Saint stood up, Ji Xiaoyu caught up.

Seeing this, Gu An had no choice but to dismount and pat the back of the Blood Prison Great Saint, saying, "You're free to roam around today."

With Ji Xiaoyu present, it wasn't appropriate for Gu An to ride a mount. Both of them riding together? What would that look like?

Gu An valued his reputation and integrity.

The Blood Prison Great Saint left with a joyful expression, and Ji Xiaoyu asked, "Why not continue to ride?"

Gu An rolled his eyes at her and said, "I was already riding it, and you came to find me, obviously wanting to follow. If that's the case, I can only bring you along."

This girl was playing coy, just trying to gauge his thoughts.

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Ji Xiaoyu's lips curved into a slight smile, and a charming smile brightened her face.

"Let's go. Let's take a stroll around the Outer Gate City."

"Okay."

The two of them leapt up and flew towards the Outer Gate City.

30 minutes later, Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu arrived below the Heavenly Repair Platform. Looking up, the platform was swarming with people, a magnificent sight.

Gu An felt the presence of many in the Immortal Path Realm, and although his days passed year by year in sameness, the Supreme Sect was growing stronger each year.

It was said that the Hall of Elders in the Sect had changed a lot of members, and the overall Cultivation Realm had elevated.

Clan families within the gate would recruit cultivators from overseas, so those who stepped down were not suppressed. Instead, they became stronger and gained greater benefits.

As Gu An surveyed the scene, he employed Life Span Detection; he liked to see the maximum life spans of people, something even Divine Immortals of Wondrous Dharma could not detect.

Ji Xiaoyu initiated, "I heard you know another Ji Xiaoyu?"

Gu An responded, "Yes, the Third Miss I mentioned before."

"Is she me?" Ji Xiaoyu suddenly asked.

Gu An looked at her in surprise. Had the girl already awakened past life memories?

Ji Xiaoyu explained, "I've had my name since birth, and I feel a strong identification with it, unlike a habit acquired later in life. Plus, not long after that Ji Xiaoyu died, I was born."

"The first time I met you, I felt a closeness to you, and coincidentally, you knew the other Ji Xiaoyu. I don't think it's a coincidence."

With a steady gaze, she looked at Gu An, waiting for his answer.

Gu An couldn't help but raise his hand to touch her forehead, then retracted it and spoke softly, "You don't have a fever, do you?"

Ji Xiaoyu glared at him and said, "I'm serious!"

Gu An spread his hands helplessly, "Why are you asking me? I'm just a Core Formation Realm Cultivator. Can I see through reincarnation?"

"But since I've known you, you don't seem curious about my name."

"That's because I was shocked before you arrived. You can ask the Vice Sect Leader."

"Is that so?"

"What else, Miss? Even if it's true, I don't want to delve into it. If you truly are the same person as her, just thinking about it is frightening. What kind of conspiracies and vortices lie behind it? Me, with my Core Formation Cultivation Level dabbling in it, am likely to turn to dust."

Gu An spoke with a face full of fear, and as he did, he even stepped to the side.

After listening, Ji Xiaoyu found his reasoning sound, but seeing his expressions and gestures, she couldn't help but feel both aggravated and amused.

"Brother Gu, you've arrived."

A figure descended from the Heavenly Repair Platform, it was Wu Jue.

Wu Jue, now at the second layer of the Divinity Transformation Realm, was a renowned prodigy of the Supreme Sect, cultivated with vast resources from the Sect, exuding an air of confidence and vigor, a far cry from his timid past.

Gu An greeted him with a smile.

Wu Jue looked at Ji Xiaoyu with a puzzled expression.

Why has Brother Gu changed his female companion again?

That's a bit too...

Gu An immediately introduced Ji Xiaoyu to Wu Jue, who suddenly realized, "You are the Ji Xiaoyu with the strongest talent from the Ji Family in recent years?"

Ji Xiaoyu nodded slightly, and once Gu An finished introducing him, she wasn't too surprised.

Wu Jue was merely a famous prodigy, but the Third Medicine Valley hid many Great Cultivators, and even the Sect Leader occasionally visited.

Afterwards, Wu Jue exchanged pleasantries with Gu An and then left. They had made previous plans to drink together after some time.

But Gu An knew they would probably miss that appointment.

He indeed had time, but Wu Jue did not; he was either busy cultivating or on missions.

For a talent like Wu Jue, cultivation could last for years.

Gu An watched Wu Jue's departing figure, reflecting inwardly that too much leisure was not a good thing.

Wu Jue's maximum life span remained unchanged, just as it had been decades ago.

Of course, with his current maximum life span of 7,600 years, surpassing the Mahayana Realm shouldn't be a problem. Gu An simply felt a bit regretful because he initially believed Wu Jue could compete with An Hao.

Ji Xiaoyu noticed the regret in his eyes and couldn't help asking, "What's wrong?"

Gu An replied with a smile, "I feel a bit sorry for him. I think his achievements could have been even higher."

"His achievements are not high enough? Without An Hao returning, he is already the Supreme Sect's number one prodigy," Ji Xiaoyu said, confused.

"Hahaha, indeed."

Gu An said no more, leading Ji Xiaoyu to the Heavenly Repair Platform.

"Miss Third once attempted to lift the Heaven-Cutting Axe; you can also try when your Cultivation Level is higher," Gu An casually mentioned.

Ji Xiaoyu became interested in the Heaven-Cutting Axe.

They made their way through the crowds, arriving near the Axe.

Zuo Yijian was reprimanding someone at the moment due to the crowd; someone had stepped into the Axe's ceremonial area.

The so-called ceremonial area was marked by Zuo Yijian. Aside from challengers, no one was allowed to enter a certain range to show respect towards Sword Venerable Fudao, and his proposal was acknowledged by the Supreme Sect, necessitating careful consideration in their treatment of Sword Venerable Fudao.

Gu An's gaze landed on someone in the crowd.

[Stealing the Five Elements (Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm Nine Layers): 0/0/0]

Divine Exotic Ghost King!

This guy was something else, with a very mysterious method of concealing his aura. Had Gu An not used his divine sense to scan the Outer Gate City upon arriving, he would not have noticed him.

Stealing the Five Elements appeared as a scholar, wearing a scholar's hat, holding a folding fan, indistinct among the crowd, displaying curiosity while watching others challenge the Heaven-Cutting Axe, without stepping forward himself.

Gu An only glanced at him before passing by, so as not to draw his attention.

Back in the Divine Exotic Realm, he had seen Stealing the Five Elements, who certainly did not have the subdued aura he had now. This fellow daring to come to his turf, Gu An wondered about his motives.

Was he here to investigate him?

Gu An was curious to see what he would do next.

Before long, the Alchemy Conference was about to begin in the city, prompting many to descend from the Heavenly Repair Platform and head for the excitement.

The Alchemy Conference was held in various cities, like a regional contest, with the final competition being held elsewhere, using formations to display the event to disciples and cultivators in all cities.

Seeing Gu An, Zuo Yijian cheerfully greeted him; his son Zuo Lin was a good friend of Gu An's. Gu An was known for his thoughtful conduct, leaving a good impression.

"Care to try? Test how your cultivation has progressed recently," Zuo Yijian invited with a jovial tone.

Gu An looked at Ji Xiaoyu and said, "Any day is as good as today, and it's not a one-time opportunity. You go ahead."

Ji Xiaoyu nodded, stepping forward toward the Heaven-Cutting Axe.

Stealing the Five Elements' gaze fell on Ji Xiaoyu, and all of a sudden, his expression changed, revealing some excitement, which he quickly suppressed.

His fluctuating demeanor didn't escape Gu An's divine sense, but Gu An pretended not to notice.

In the end, Ji Xiaoyu failed, but no one laughed at her; after all, over the many years, no one had ever succeeded with the Heaven-Cutting Axe.

After exchanging a few words with Zuo Yijian, Gu An left.

As they stepped out of the crowd and into a more open space, Stealing the Five Elements approached them rapidly.

"Wait, both of you!"

Stealing the Five Elements called out, prompting Gu An and Ji Xiaoyu to stop and turn to look at him, their eyes questioning.

He stopped in front of them and greeted them with a salute, saying, "My name is Wu Xing, and I have traveled here from overseas; I've seen quite a bit and can say I'm rather worldly. I noticed that this young lady carries exceptional qi fortune, no doubt the incarnation of someone with Great Fortune of Energy Movement. If you're interested, perhaps we could find a place to talk further."

Hearing the word incarnation, Ji Xiaoyu frowned.

She instinctively looked at Gu An, eager to hear what Stealing the Five Elements had to say, but wary of displeasing Gu An.