Gu Yu's arrival disrupted the chess game between Gu An and Lu Lingjun. Lu Lingjun, curious about Xuan Tianyi, began asking Gu Yu questions.
After chatting for a while, Gu Yu finally left.
Gu An noticed Lu Lingjun's distracted demeanor and knew her thoughts were on Xuan Tianyi.
He stood up and turned to leave.
Lu Lingjun suddenly said, "After the New Year, you should go listen to the lecture too. Opportunities to hear a Mahayana Realm cultivator speak are rare."
Gu An turned back to look at her. Her face was full of anticipation. He chuckled lightly but didn't respond.
The prospect of a Mahayana cultivator lecturing created a massive ripple effect. Throughout the winter, more and more disciples returned to the sect, along with cultivators from other sects.
The name of Xuan Tianyi spread like wildfire through the cultivation world, and his legendary achievements were revealed and widely discussed.
He was said to be the most talented genius in Tai Xuan Sect's history: achieving Core Formation at twenty, forming his Nascent Soul at forty-two, entering the Divine Transformation Realm at seventy, and reaching Void Crossing by a hundred. By the age of two hundred, he had reached the Body Fusion Realm.
Due to his overwhelming talent, the Tai Xuan Sect had concealed his real age before his ascension to the Body Fusion Realm. Once he reached the ninth level of the Body Fusion Realm, he ventured southward to seek immortal opportunities. Fearing that his monstrous talent would attract trouble, the sect continued to suppress details about him.
After three centuries of seeking immortality overseas, Xuan Tianyi returned as a Mahayana cultivator.
With Tai Xuan Sect promoting his legend far and wide, Xuan Tianyi's fame shook the cultivation world, overshadowing the reputations of the top nine cultivators.
Most cultivators who heard of his feats found them unbelievable, suspecting that Tai Xuan Sect had exaggerated the claims.
Gu An, hearing these stories in the outer sect's city, also found them a bit far-fetched.
But upon reflection, it made sense. It was no wonder some within the sect had said that if the True Disciple desired the sect master position, Lü Baitian would have to step down without hesitation.
In the face of such extraordinary talent, Lü Baitian's achievements, no matter how significant, would pale in comparison.
Although Xuan Tianyi's rapid rise defied conventional understanding, his return undeniably bolstered the morale of Tai Xuan Sect. Even before the Spring Festival, the city in the outer sect was already in a celebratory mood.
As snow blanketed the land, Gu An traveled from Xuan Valley to the Third Medicine Valley.
As soon as he arrived, he sensed two distinct auras, one of which clearly belonged to a Mahayana Realm cultivator.
Xuan Tianyi had arrived.
Gu An's expression remained calm as he made his way to his pavilion.
Upon entering and pushing open the door, he saw two individuals inside. One was Ji Hantian, the deputy sect master, and the other was a young man dressed in green.
Xuan Tianyi, in his simple green robes, appeared youthful, resembling a junior disciple more than a Mahayana cultivator.
"Gu An, you're finally here. Close the door and join us," Ji Hantian said with a smile, acting as though he were the owner of the pavilion.
Gu An, unfazed, closed the door and stepped forward to bow respectfully.
Before Ji Hantian could introduce them, Xuan Tianyi spoke first, "So, you're Pan An?"
[Xuan Tianyi (Mahayana Realm, Sixth Layer): 598/4800/5000]
Observing Xuan Tianyi's lifespan, Gu An was inwardly astonished.
"A maximum lifespan of five thousand years, and he's progressed so quickly?"
Based on this, it was almost certain that Xuan Tianyi would reach Nirvana within four thousand five hundred years, shattering the limits of his destiny and gaining a new extended lifespan.
From Gu An's perspective, Xuan Tianyi's spiritual root likely fell within the five-thousand-year lifespan grade. While his physical talent might not match that of Ji Xiaoya or An Hao, his extraordinary comprehension and fortuitous encounters had shaped him into what he was today.
Feigning hesitation, Gu An glanced at Ji Hantian.
Ji Hantian smiled. "Speak freely. This is Xuan Tianyi, our True Disciple. He's not an outsider but our sect's greatest pride."
Xuan Tianyi ignored the praise, studying Gu An with curiosity and bright eyes.
Gu An replied, "I do have a pen name, Pan An."
Hearing this, Xuan Tianyi smiled. "Your Investiture of the Gods is impressive. Someone passed a copy to me some time ago, and I loved it. I even had it mass-produced and spread overseas. Your book is immensely popular on the seas, far more so than anything I've written."
"Thank you, Senior, for your kind words. May I ask, what kind of book have you written?" Gu An asked, bowing in thanks.
Xuan Tianyi cleared his throat awkwardly. "It's just something I wrote casually, nothing comparable to Investiture of the Gods."
"His book isn't worth mentioning," Ji Hantian interjected with a chuckle.
This piqued Gu An's curiosity about Xuan Tianyi's work.
However, Xuan Tianyi avoided discussing his own book, instead pulling Gu An into a conversation about Investiture of the Gods.
Faced with Xuan Tianyi's questions, Gu An answered one by one. Ji Hantian excused himself and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Xuan Tianyi lacked the arrogance typical of Mahayana cultivators. As they discussed certain plot points, he grew indignant, especially over the story of Nezha cutting off his bones and flesh to repay his parents.
Gu An, unable to perfectly recall every detail of Investiture of the Gods, had expanded the narrative significantly when adapting it, incorporating legends like Nezha's self-sacrifice and Yang Jian's rescue of his mother at Peach Mountain. These additions gave the characters more depth, contributing to the book's immense popularity.
Xuan Tianyi was fascinated by how Gu An had crafted such a masterpiece.
Gu An humbly claimed, "I dreamt of an immortal who enlightened me, and everything clicked all at once."
He clarified, "It happened only once, though. I was never able to replicate that success."
"Your Tai Xuan Immortal Lord and Shattering the Void are good, but they can't compare to Investiture of the Gods," Xuan Tianyi remarked, still captivated.
Gu An didn't argue but instead asked Xuan Tianyi what book he had written.
Xuan Tianyi immediately grew embarrassed, stammering in response.
Sensing an opportunity, Gu An pressed him persistently until Xuan Tianyi finally admitted the title.
"What? The Adventures of Green Hero was written by you?" Gu An exclaimed, slamming the table in excitement.
For a moment, Xuan Tianyi felt an inexplicable sense of unease. Whether it was Gu An's intense reaction or his own guilty conscience, he wasn't sure.
Nodding stiffly, Xuan Tianyi braced himself.
Gu An raised a hand, pulling several copies of The Adventures of Green Hero from his storage bag. Xuan Tianyi's eyes widened in astonishment.
"I absolutely love The Adventures of Green Hero! I've read each volume at least a hundred times…" Gu An gushed, launching into an enthusiastic monologue about his admiration for the series.
Listening to Gu An's effusive praise, Xuan Tianyi felt deeply moved for the first time in his life.
Finally, someone appreciated his talent!
A profound sense of camaraderie washed over him, making him feel as though they were long-lost brothers.
On his journey back to the sect, Xuan Tianyi had lain on the ship's deck, rereading Investiture of the Gods. Each time he finished a passage, he felt a stronger connection to its author, Pan An. This anticipation of meeting Gu An surpassed even his excitement about saving the sect.
And now, he was certain—Pan An was his kindred spirit!
Growing increasingly emotional, Xuan Tianyi suddenly grabbed Gu An's shoulders. "Pan An—no, Gu An—let's become sworn brothers! From now on, I'll be your elder brother!"
Gu An froze in place.
What kind of logic was this?
This escalation was absurdly fast!
Seeing Gu An hesitate, Xuan Tianyi's demeanor became more fervent. "Brother, let me tell you, with my cultivation, I'm invincible across this continent. If you acknowledge me as your elder brother, no one will dare bully you again. I heard Lü Baitian wants to take you as his disciple? Don't listen to him! His Inverse Life Divine Art is dubious at best—practically demonic! I'll teach you my techniques instead. With our brotherly bond, I won't just help you defy destiny; I'll guide you into the Body Fusion Realm without breaking a sweat!"
Gu An initially wanted to refuse. The idea of a Wandering Immortal like him becoming someone's "younger brother" was laughable.
But Xuan Tianyi's offer piqued his interest.
Gu An had been wondering how to extend his lifespan beyond the usual path. If he reached the Divine Transformation Realm through conventional means, he'd no longer be seen as average.
However, if he were perceived as reaching the Body Fusion Realm solely due to Xuan Tianyi's support, others might only envy his connections without seeing him as a threat.
Still, Gu An couldn't agree too quickly. He needed to maintain appearances.
Feigning reluctance, Gu An put up token resistance. But Xuan Tianyi's persistence won out after repeated appeals, forcing Gu An to "reluctantly" agree.
"Well, since you insist, I'll call you Brother Xuan from now on," Gu An said with a sigh.
Beaming with delight, Xuan Tianyi immediately produced a jade slip. "Here's my cultivation technique. Start practicing it. After the New Year, I'll send you a batch of resources to help you progress."
"This… feels improper," Gu An said hesitantly, holding the jade slip.
Xuan Tianyi glared at him. "If you feel guilty, write a second Investiture of the Gods. And no more of that Shattering the Void nonsense—it's too outlandish and tasteless!"
Feeling indebted, Gu An could only smile and nod. "Fine, I'll write it."
"Oh? Do you already have a plan?"
"Yes. The title will be Journey to the West."
"Journey to the West? That name doesn't sound appealing. It won't top Investiture of the Gods. You should rethink it," Xuan Tianyi remarked dismissively.
Gu An smirked. "You don't understand. Just wait and see."
Xuan Tianyi refrained from further critique, shifting the topic instead. He pulled out a book, saying, "The Adventures of Green Hero was inspired by this."
Holding the book aloft, he looked smug.
Gu An glanced at it and blinked in surprise. Reaching into his storage bag, he retrieved an identical volume.
Xuan Tianyi was stunned.
"You have a copy of Daoist Seeking Spring(Daoist Xunchun) too?" Xuan Tianyi asked, eyes wide with excitement.
"Elder Xu Lu from the Scripture Pavilion gave it to me."
"So you're the junior who's been pestering him for this book! Ha! We're truly fated. I had this brought back specifically for him!"
Ecstatic, Xuan Tianyi launched into a passionate discussion about Daoist Seeking Spring.
The two talked for hours, stretching into the evening. Even when Ji Hantian knocked on the door, Xuan Tianyi chased him away.
By dawn, Gu An finally escorted Xuan Tianyi downstairs.
Watching Xuan Tianyi's departing figure, Gu An wore a genuine smile.
Despite talking through the night, he felt no fatigue. Both had so much more to discuss, and if not for Xuan Tianyi's pressing duties, their conversation could have continued indefinitely.
Lu Lingjun approached, eyeing the departing figure. "So, that's the True Disciple?"
Gu An nodded.
Lu Lingjun gave him an odd look. "You spent the whole night together. Don't tell me…"
"Don't tell you what?"
"There's a rumor that some powerful cultivators, after experiencing all worldly pleasures, seek… alternative interests. Like relationships with the same gender…" She trailed off, but her implication was clear.
Gu An rolled his eyes. "Oh? So you guessed it? Then don't bother asking me to be your Dao partner in the future!"
Lu Lingjun chuckled at his reaction, smiling knowingly. "It seems I worried too much."