"Three thousand years as the lifespan limit?"
Gu An was stunned by the information about the other’s lifespan. It was the first time he had encountered someone with such extraordinary potential.
Moreover, this person was in the Divine Transformation Realm, at the eighth level!
But the lifespan seemed oddly low—far below what Gu An expected for someone at the Divine Transformation Realm. Could it be that Divine Transformation cultivators could only live for 899 years?
Gu An guessed that this person must have suffered some injury that shortened his lifespan.
As Gu An approached, his mind raced. He speculated that the man might be a high-ranking member of the Tai Xuan Sect, but he couldn't act too respectful. After all, the man was suppressing his aura.
If Gu An showed he could perceive this man’s cultivation level, it could lead to endless trouble, perhaps even being mistaken for a spy from the demonic path.
Li Xuandao walked deeper into the valley, his gaze sweeping over the gardens.
Gu An came forward, clasped his hands, and said, “I am Gu An, the valley master of Xuan Valley. May I ask for your name and purpose in coming here?”
Li Xuandao turned his gaze to Gu An, his eyes cold and imposing.
But then he smiled, and the pressure vanished as if it had never been there. It was disorienting. With a gentle smile, he said, "I am Xuandao, from Changluo. I’ve come to visit my child in the Tai Xuan Sect. After a long journey, I’m quite fatigued and would like to rest in your valley for a few days to recover my spiritual energy. Would the valley master be kind enough to grant me shelter?"
Hearing this, Gu An had no reason to refuse. He immediately agreed and called Xiao Chuan, instructing him to arrange accommodations for Li Xuandao.
Gu An avoided staring at Li Xuandao to avoid suspicion.
“His surname is Li, and he’s here to visit his child. Could he be part of the royal family?” Gu An wondered.
Of all the medicine valleys in the Outer Sect, why did he come to Xuan Valley? It likely had something to do with Li Ya.
Gu An continued inspecting the gardens, keeping everything as usual.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chuan led Li Xuandao to an empty house. "The place is simple, but I hope you won’t mind. If you need anything, feel free to ask me or the other disciples."
Li Xuandao nodded and asked, “I noticed some sheep in the mountains and disciples tending to them. Isn’t this a medicine valley? Why are there so many sheep?”
Xiao Chuan didn’t hold back, explaining, "Originally, the valley only grew medicinal herbs. But my spiritual roots are limited, so I gave up on joining the Outer Sect. My senior brother knows I enjoy raising animals, so he allowed me to raise them here to help earn some spirit stones, which in turn helps more disciples cultivate and reach the Outer Sect earlier."
“Oh? Your senior brother is the valley master?”
“Yes.”
“He must be a good person to think so much of you.”
“Of course! My senior brother is the best person in the world...”
Hearing Li Xuandao praise Gu An, Xiao Chuan became animated, launching into a stream of compliments about his senior brother.
This piqued Li Xuandao’s interest in Gu An, and he continued asking about his deeds. Xiao Chuan, not suspecting anything, enthusiastically shared stories, even pulling Li Xuandao to sit down and chat at length.
While inspecting the gardens, Gu An smiled, thinking he hadn't pampered Xiao Chuan for nothing.
Whether Li Xuandao was connected to Li Ya or a high-ranking figure from the Tai Xuan Sect, it wouldn’t hurt to leave a good impression.
Surely, Li Xuandao couldn’t be from Thousand Autumn Pavillion, right?
Wait!
Thousand Autumn Pavillion!
Suddenly, Gu An felt a chill down his spine, his smile freezing.
Better to be cautious than regretful!
When dealing with Li Xuandao, Gu An would have to be extremely careful, just in case.
Li Xuandao’s arrival aroused the curiosity of the other disciples, as visitors were a rare sight in Xuan Valley.
“In life, when we look back and then ahead, there are only four words: ‘find joy in hardship,’” Gu An shrugged.
He was increasingly convinced that Li Xuandao was from Thousand Autumn Pavillion, testing his views on Xuan Valley.
Setting down his cup, Li Xuandao asked, “What do you think of the current emperor? Do you think he is like King Zhou?”
Gu An froze.
That’s quite the awkward transition!
How did we go from King Zhou to discussing the Emperor of Tai Cang Dynasty?
Could it be that he isn’t from Thousand Autumn Pavillion but is truly related to Li Ya?
Thoughts swirling, Gu An cautiously replied, “I don’t know much. Before joining the Tai Xuan Sect, I was just a servant. Now, living in this valley, I hardly hear news of the outside world. Has something happened with the Emperor?”
Li Xuandao chuckled. “Not particularly. It’s just that he’s been on the throne for a long time, and there are many rumors both in court and among the people. Some believe an emperor shouldn’t rule for too long, as a long reign inevitably leads to corruption. Meanwhile, those in the cultivation world fear an emperor who cultivates might let imperial power overshadow the cultivation world.”
Gu An grew anxious.
This conversation was starting to touch on many sensitive topics. He had to tread carefully.
Seeing Gu An’s hesitation, Li Xuandao smiled mischievously. “In your opinion, is it better for an emperor to rule for a long time, or should the throne change hands every few decades?”
Knowing that Li Xuandao was in the Divine Transformation Realm at the eighth level, Gu An dared not avoid the question.
After a moment’s thought, Gu An replied, “I think it depends on the character of the emperor. If he is virtuous and capable of ruling the land, a long reign shouldn’t be an issue. However, if a good emperor still has many years to live but abdicates to a foolish son, that would be a disaster for the people. The common folk don’t care about dynasties lasting for thousands of years. They only live a century. If their lives are bitter, they will curse the emperor for abdicating.”
Li Xuandao laughed again, and Gu An could sense his mood improving.
Wait a minute!
Li Ya’s relative, surname Li, asking about King Zhou and then the current emperor...
Gu An recalled hearing from the Ji family that the Emperor of Tai Cang had been cultivating and had reigned for over two hundred years.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t listen to all those voices. I should go out and see how the people are living,” Li Xuandao said, smiling.
The moment those words left his mouth, Gu An’s expression changed dramatically. He exclaimed in shock, “You... you’re the current Emperor?”
As he spoke, he tried to stand up.
Li Xuandao raised his hand, and an overwhelming pressure forced Gu An to sit back down. Gu An didn’t resist, fearing the emperor might see through his cultivation level.
“Keep your voice down. No need to treat me like an emperor. Just think of me as Li Ya’s father. You can call me uncle,” Li Xuandao said with a gentle smile, showing none of the authority of an emperor.
Gu An, however, was at a loss for words.
A Divine Transformation Realm emperor!
This was a serious situation!
Li Xuandao then said, “Take out Heavenly Solemn.”
Hearing this, Gu An quickly retrieved the Heavenly Solemn Sword from his storage bag.
The moment Li Xuandao saw the sword, his expression grew complicated. He gently stroked the sheath.
Gu An remembered what Li Ya had told him—the Heavenly Solemn Sword was a gift from his father to his mother. After her death, the sword was passed to him...
Now, seeing Li Xuandao’s expression, Gu An couldn’t help but imagine the complex emotions and history between Li Xuandao and Li Ya’s mother.
After a long while, Li Xuandao set the sword down and pushed it toward Gu An, saying, “In the Tai Xuan Sect, Li Ya is closest to you. I heard you even saved his life. This sword now belongs to you. Consider it a gift from me. From now on, you are the rightful owner of the Heavenly Solemn Sword.”
“In addition, I plan to establish a new medicine valley near the Tai Xuan Sect, where many high-level herbs will be grown. I want you to manage it. Don’t worry, I won’t treat you unfairly. In time, I’ll help you reach Foundation Establishment, perhaps even Core Formation. But you must remember one thing: while you may appear to be a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect, your loyalty will belong to me.”