Gu An turned around to see Zuo Lin, an old friend of Li Ya, walking toward him.
After so many years, Zuo Lin's cultivation had only reached the third layer of the Foundation Establishment realm, likely because he was still obsessed with sword training.
Gu An turned to greet him with a fist salute. "My family summoned me for a task, so I came."
"You have a family? Aren't you a servant by birth?" Zuo Lin asked, surprised.
Gu An replied, "Indeed, I am a servant, a servant of the Ji family. Our Third Miss is hosting a banquet, and I've come with the other servants to assist."
"What? You're from the Ji family?" Zuo Lin widened his eyes.
Gu An asked in return, "Didn't Senior Brother Li tell you?"
Zuo Lin shook his head. "No, he didn't mention it. What a coincidence though, my father was also invited by the Ji family, and I'm just here to tag along. Isn't the Ji Mansion over there? Where are you heading?"
Zuo Lin had always been intrigued by Gu An, feeling there was something more to him. Now that they had met, he wasn't about to let the opportunity slip by.
"I'm planning to take a look around the Inner Sect city."
"Then I'll accompany you. Though I'm not an Inner Sect disciple, I've been here many times thanks to my father." Zuo Lin offered enthusiastically, and Gu An didn't refuse.
As they walked, they chatted about Zuo Lin's father. Through their conversation, Gu An gained a deeper understanding of the hierarchy within Tai Xuan Sect.
Typically, when disciples reached certain cultivation levels, they would rise to higher positions. However, some chose a path of power, like Zuo Yi Jian, who had entered the Elder's Hall.
Unlike other divisions, the Elder's Hall held the central authority within each city. In the Outer Sect, the minimum requirement for entry was Core Formation, while the Inner Sect's threshold was Divine Transformation.
The Elder's Hall wielded absolute power in each city, and it was said that in the Sect's main city, its authority was even higher, to the point where it could influence the position of the Sect Master. That's why some Nascent Soul cultivators preferred to stay in the Outer Sect as elders, seeking more benefits for themselves.
Zuo Yi Jian had joined the Inner Sect but hadn't yet entered the Elder's Hall. Instead, he became the head of the Inner Sect's Scripture Pavilion, a role that came with considerable benefits.
"It's all because of that Flying Leaf Sword Immortal! Ever since he appeared, my father has become obsessed, spending his days reading Investiture of the Gods instead of training with his sword!" Zuo Lin complained bitterly.
Gu An asked, "Do you think Investiture of the Gods isn't a good book?"
"Oh no, it's a great book! I especially love Yang Jian, but why couldn't he have been a sword cultivator..." Once Zuo Lin started talking about Investiture of the Gods, he wouldn't stop.
Gu An silently marveled at how much he had underestimated the impact of Investiture of the Gods on the cultivation world.
As Zuo Lin continued to praise Pan An's work, Gu An initially found it amusing, but after a while, the enthusiasm wore thin. After all, he wasn't the real author, and he had only written the book to earn spirit stones.
Soon, Gu An asked Zuo Lin to take him to the Scripture Pavilion.
The main difference between the Scripture Pavilion and the Library Pavilion was that the former housed cultivation techniques and spells.
On their way, Gu An inquired if there were any five-element cultivation techniques, only to be met with a look of disdain from Zuo Lin.
In the world of cultivation, techniques usually focused on a single element. Even those with multiple spiritual roots still followed this approach unless they wanted to start over from scratch.
Rebuilding one's foundation was not as simple as reaching a new level of cultivation. Reaccumulating spiritual energy could be enough to drive most cultivators to despair.
Cultivation was not like martial arts; it required years, if not centuries, of accumulation. No one would willingly retrace their steps, especially those old monsters who had been cultivating for thousands of years. They would rather bite the bullet and delve deeper into their single path. This was why the world of cultivation was so diverse and full of different approaches.
Upon arriving at the Scripture Pavilion, Gu An indeed didn't find any five-element techniques. However, he still bought the basic techniques for the other four elements, opting for the cheapest ones, knowing he could use his lifespan to enhance them.
Spirit stones were better spent on buying seeds!
Zuo Lin was puzzled as to why Gu An bought different elemental techniques, but Gu An simply explained that they were for his disciples. This explanation earned Zuo Lin's admiration.
Back when they were in Xuan Valley, Zuo Lin had already noticed how well Gu An treated the servant disciples.
Gu An wasn't just trying to please Li Ya, a royal-born disciple. He was equally kind to those of lower status. Perhaps Li Ya was right—Gu An really was a good person.
Zuo Lin thought as he looked at Gu An's profile.
"Zuo, can you take me to see some formations?" Gu An asked with a smile.
Zuo Lin immediately agreed without hesitation.
The results, however, were disappointing.
There were indeed teleportation arrays available, but they were all priced outrageously high—far beyond Gu An's budget!
He could only think about it for another day. Though he was now a Void Crossing cultivator, robbing someone wasn't an option.
After arriving in the Inner Sect, Gu An realized that Tai Xuan Sect definitely had Void Crossing elders hidden away. After all, the minimum requirement for an Inner Sect elder was Divine Transformation, and beyond that was the Sect's main city.
Looking deeper, Tai Xuan Sect was indeed mighty. Despite the deaths of so many demonic cultivators in the Outer Sect, the demonic sects didn't dare launch a full-scale attack on Tai Xuan Sect. Even Jiang Qiong, a spy in the Core Formation realm, only dared operate outside the Outer Sect.
If Tai Xuan Sect were a grand map, Gu An had only explored a small corner.
By nightfall, Gu An bid Zuo Lin farewell and returned to the gates of Ji Mansion, where Du Ye was still waiting, which touched Gu An a little.
"Why are you back so late? Without me, you wouldn't even be able to get inside!" Du Ye grumbled.
Gu An smiled and patted his shoulder. Without saying much, the two of them entered Ji Mansion.
As soon as he entered, Gu An felt many powerful auras. It turned out Ji Mansion had a formation to isolate these energies, and he even detected Divine Transformation cultivators.
Along the way, Gu An used his Lifespan Investigation technique on everyone he passed.
There were quite a few people in Ji Mansion, and many of them were geniuses.
Although Ji Xiaoyu had only brought five people into Tai Xuan Sect, the Ji family wasn't limited to just one branch, and every year, new disciples joined various sects.
After the time it took to burn an incense stick, Du Ye introduced Gu An to Ji Lin, a genius famous throughout the Outer Sect.
[Ji Lin (Foundation Establishment, Ninth Layer): 36/330/900]
Thirty-six years old and already at the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment—impressive!
He must have consumed many pills along the way.
Gu An thought this as he presented the prepared herbs to Ji Lin.
Ji Lin, however, didn't show arrogance. His attitude toward Gu An was relatively pleasant. He painted a glorious picture for Gu An's future, and Gu An pretended to be excited, making the meeting go smoothly.
Afterward, Du Ye took Gu An to their living quarters. They were to share a courtyard, but fortunately, they each had their own room.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, at the crack of dawn, Du Ye dragged Gu An out of the courtyard.
The two of them stood at the main gate, along with a dozen other cultivators. Under the instructions of the supervisor, they lined up in two rows, ready to greet the honored guests of the day's banquet.
Half an hour later, the guests began to arrive.
The first guest to arrive was a Nascent Soul cultivator!
After the guest entered the mansion, Gu An overheard the other servants talking about how that man was from the Inner Sect's Law Enforcement Hall and wielded considerable power.
As time went on, more and more guests arrived. The leader of each group was at least in the Nascent Soul realm, and there were quite a few Divine Transformation cultivators too.
No wonder Li Xuandao had to hide his strength. Even at the eighth layer of Divine Transformation, he was far from invincible.
One guest, in particular, caught Gu An's attention: Fu Xiong's master, Luo Xun Ye. Gu An had memorized his face after searching Fu Xiong's soul.
[Luo Xun Ye (Nascent Soul, Ninth Layer): 254/804/1300]
A two-hundred-fifty-year-old Nascent Soul cultivator at the ninth layer—definitely a genius.
The Ji family representatives clearly had a good relationship with Luo Xun Ye, exchanging pleasantries with him for a while.
Who would have guessed that this man was a demonic cultivator?
Gu An thought silently. Throughout the entire encounter, he remained silent, just standing there, relatively relaxed.
Another half-hour passed, and Gu An spotted another spy from Qianqiu Pavilion.
Jiang Qiong!
[Jiang Qiong (Nascent Soul, First Layer): 192/700/2490]
Seven years had passed, and she had already successfully transcended her tribulation!
Jiang Qiong was wearing the robe of an Inner Sect disciple, her expression cold and distant, a far cry from the playful demeanor she had shown to Gu An years ago. She glanced at Gu An, but there was no communication between them as she walked into Ji Mansion.
"Why is she here? It can't be just to attend the banquet, can it?" Gu An wondered, puzzled.
Could Jiang Qiong be planning something against the Ji family?
Suddenly, a voice, filled with excitement, called out. "Pan..."
Gu An's attention was drawn to Gu Yu, someone he had met once in the Outer Sect's Library Pavilion. Gu Yu was rushing over with a wide smile.
Following behind Gu Yu was a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious clothing. He exuded an extraordinary aura, though his energy seemed faint, as if he were using some sort of technique to conceal it.
Gu An instinctively used his Lifespan Investigation.
[Gu Zong (Void Crossing, Second Layer): 690/1805/2800]
What a powerhouse!
A Void Crossing cultivator!
So Tai Xuan Sect did have Void Crossing experts hidden away!
And this man shared the same surname as Gu Yu, clearly a blood relative. Gu An had always suspected Gu Yu wasn't an ordinary individual.
"Gu An, are you from the Ji family?" Gu Yu excitedly asked as he reached Gu An.
Gu An nodded. "I'm just a servant."
"With your talent, why be a servant? I'll have my father bring you into the Inner Sect!" Gu Yu declared boldly, catching the attention of the surrounding Ji family members.
Gu Yu turned to his father, Gu Zong. "Father, this is the man I've often mentioned. Why don't you take him as a disciple?"
The cultivators accompanying Gu Zong, all Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation experts, turned their gazes toward Gu An.
Damn!
This brat is going to cause trouble for me!
Gu An cursed inwardly.
Gu Zong frowned. "This is hardly the place for such matters."
Gu An sighed with relief. Powerful cultivators knew better than to break rules in public.
But then Gu Zong turned to Gu An, his stern expression softening into a warm smile. "Young friend, I am Gu Zong. Will you take me as your master?"
Everyone's expressions changed instantly, and Du Ye stared at Gu An in disbelief.
Gu An, who had just relaxed, tensed up again.
"Senior, my spiritual roots are mediocre. I fear I am unworthy to be your disciple..." Gu An responded helplessly.
Gu Zong laughed. "I don't care about spiritual roots. I only care about our connection. I enjoy your writing."
With so many eyes on him, Gu An couldn't possibly agree. Besides, he didn't want to take a master of the same cultivation level. When he had apprenticed to Cheng Xuandan, it had been out of necessity.
"I will need to discuss this matter with someone first. I hope you understand, Senior." Gu An took a deep breath and responded as if he were in a difficult situation.
Gu Zong laughed heartily and patted Gu An on the shoulder before walking into Ji Mansion, leaving a parting comment. "After the banquet, we'll talk more. Even if you don't become my disciple, I'll ask you to do something for me, and I'll fulfill any request you have."
Gu Yu winked at Gu An before following his father.
As soon as that group disappeared inside, the Ji family members surrounding Gu An rushed over, asking him what he had written to earn such favor from Gu Zong.
An elder teased, "It wouldn't happen to be Investiture of the Gods that you wrote, would it?"
Gu An smiled. "I wish I were the one who wrote that."
Du Ye snorted. "There's no way he could write something like Investiture of the Gods. It's probably something related to planting herbs."
The others joined in the banter. After this incident, Gu An's presence had suddenly become the center of attention.
Just when Gu An was about to slip away, a Ji family disciple emerged from the mansion and announced, "Who is Gu An? The Third Miss requests your presence!"