Out of courtesy when interacting with others, Shen Xinzi had never used his divine sense, so he had no idea what book Gu An was holding. Even when Gu An refused his request, he did not take offense.

He asked for the reason, and Gu An replied, “Buddhists shouldn’t read secular books.” Then, he handed Shen Xinzi a book titled Righteousness and Demons.

Righteousness and Demons told the story of how the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path had carved the words “Righteous Path” onto the Heavenly Mending Platform, exposing the past darkness of the Taixuan Sect. However, rather than damaging the sect’s reputation, the book actually strengthened people’s belief in its pursuit of righteousness and its willingness to correct past mistakes.

Although it wasn’t as popular as Journey to the West or Romance of the Gods, it still had many devoted readers among the various sects, who studied it repeatedly.

Shen Xinzi took the book, glanced at the title on the cover, and immediately became interested. After thanking Gu An, he turned and left.

Once he was gone, Gu An took out The Secrets of Taixuan and continued reading.

Other people’s troubles were difficult for him to interfere with. If they asked for his opinion, he would give an honest answer, but he wouldn’t insist on anything.

After all, he had his own life to live—why worry too much?

Gu An preferred to see himself as a spectator in other people’s lives. He acted according to his own will but never clung too tightly to anything, lest it lead to regret.

After arriving at the Third Medicine Valley, Shen Xinzi decided to stay. Gu An did not object to having a Roving Immortal Stage, Ninth-Level Grandmaster in the valley.

Nowadays, the Third Medicine Valley was undoubtedly the strongest place within the Taixuan Sect, and perhaps even on the entire continent. With Shen Xinzi and Nine-Fingered Divine Lord overseeing it, Gu An had no concerns about the valley’s safety, and he felt much more at ease when traveling.

Five years passed in the blink of an eye.

That summer was noticeably cooler than usual. As Gu An descended the stairs, he noticed numerous cultivators soaring across the sky.

The Taixuan Sect was once again preparing to host the Alchemy Tournament, making the sect bustling with excitement.

Gu An was also interested in seeing the event. After stepping outside, he mounted the Blood Prison Great Saint and prepared to leave.

However, just as the Blood Prison Great Saint began to rise, Ji Xuanyu caught up with him.

Seeing this, Gu An could only dismount, pat the Blood Prison Great Saint on the back, and say, “Go wander around on your own today.”

With Ji Xuanyu here, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Gu An to ride his mount. The two of them riding together would surely cause a scandal.

Gu An cared deeply about his reputation and integrity.

The Blood Prison Great Saint grinned widely before turning and leaving.

Ji Xuanyu asked, “Why didn’t you keep riding?”

Gu An rolled his eyes. “I was already on it, and then you came looking for me. Clearly, you wanted to tag along. Since that’s the case, I had no choice but to bring you along instead.”

This girl was obviously testing him, acting as if she didn’t already know the answer.

As expected, Ji Xuanyu’s lips curled into a smile upon hearing his words, her expression bright and captivating.

“Let’s go check out the Outer Sect.”

“Alright.”

The two of them leaped into the air and flew toward the Outer Sect City.

After a stick of incense’s time, Gu An and Ji Xuanyu arrived at the foot of the Heavenly Mending Platform.

Looking around, they saw a massive crowd filling the platform—it was a spectacular sight.

Gu An could sense the presence of many cultivators at the Immortal Dao Realm. Although his days passed uneventfully year after year, the Taixuan Sect was different—it grew stronger with each passing year.

It was said that most of the elders in the Elder Hall had already been replaced, and the overall cultivation level of the sect had significantly improved.

The noble families within the sect actively recruited cultivators from overseas, and their retirement wasn’t due to suppression but rather a strategic choice that made them even stronger and granted them greater benefits.

As Gu An scanned the crowd, he casually activated his Lifespan Perception ability. He enjoyed observing people’s maximum lifespan—something even Mystic Law Immortals couldn’t detect.

At that moment, Ji Xuanyu suddenly asked, “I heard you know another Ji Xuanyu?”

Gu An casually replied, “Yeah, the Third Young Miss I mentioned before.”

“Could it be… that she’s me? My past life?” Ji Xuanyu asked abruptly.

Gu An looked at her in surprise.

Had this girl already awakened her past-life memories?

Ji Xuanyu continued, “I was born with this name, and I’ve always felt deeply connected to it—it doesn’t feel like something I simply grew accustomed to. Moreover, the previous Ji Xuanyu died only a few years before I was born.”

“When I first met you, I immediately felt a sense of familiarity. And you, coincidentally, were close to the previous Ji Xuanyu. I don’t think this is just a coincidence.”

She stared at Gu An, waiting for his answer.

Gu An reached out, placed a hand on her forehead, then withdrew it and muttered, “No fever…”

Ji Xuanyu glared at him. “I’m being serious!”

Gu An shrugged. “Why ask me? I’m just a Core Formation Stage cultivator—do you think I can see through reincarnation?”

“But from the moment we met, you never seemed curious about my name.”

“That’s because I was already shocked before you even arrived. You can ask the Vice Sect Master.”

“Really?”

“What else would it be, Young Miss? Even if it’s true, I’d rather not dig too deep. If you really are the same person as her, that would be terrifying. Just think about the level of conspiracy behind something like this. With my Core Formation cultivation, I’d be reduced to ashes if I got involved.”

Gu An put on a terrified expression and even took a step back.

Ji Xuanyu found his reasoning somewhat convincing. Watching his exaggerated reaction, she didn’t know whether to laugh or be annoyed.

“Brother Gu, you’re here!”

A voice called from the Heavenly Mending Platform, and a figure descended—it was Wu Jue.

Now at the Second Level of the Transformation Stage, Wu Jue was one of the Taixuan Sect’s most renowned geniuses, receiving vast resources from the sect. He carried himself with confidence, a stark contrast to his once-timid demeanor.

Gu An greeted him with a smile.

Wu Jue glanced at Ji Xuanyu, looking somewhat puzzled.

Why does Brother Gu have another woman by his side?

This was… too…

Gu An immediately introduced Ji Xuanyu, and realization dawned on Wu Jue. “So, you’re Ji Xuanyu, the most talented member of the Ji Family in recent years?”

Ji Xuanyu nodded slightly. After Gu An introduced Wu Jue, she didn’t seem particularly surprised.

Wu Jue was famous, but the Third Medicine Valley housed many powerful cultivators. Even the Sect Master occasionally visited, so she had grown accustomed to interacting with experts.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Wu Jue left, and they planned to meet for drinks later.

But Gu An knew this appointment would likely be missed again.

He had the time, but Wu Jue didn’t—either he was busy cultivating or on missions.

Geniuses like Wu Jue often trained for years at a time.

As Gu An watched Wu Jue’s departing figure, he sighed. Being too comfortable wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

Wu Jue’s maximum lifespan had remained unchanged for decades.

Of course, with a lifespan of 7,600 years, surpassing the Grand Ascension Stage wouldn’t be difficult for him. But Gu An still felt a little regretful—he had initially thought Wu Jue could compete with An Hao.

Ji Xuanyu noticed his expression and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Gu An smiled. “I just think he could achieve even more.”

“Isn’t he already accomplished? Without An Hao, he’s the number one genius in the Taixuan Sect.” Ji Xuanyu was puzzled.

“Haha, that’s true.”

Gu An said no more and led Ji Xuanyu up the Heavenly Mending Platform.

“Back then, the Third Young Miss also attempted to lift the Heaven-Splitting Axe. You can try it too once your cultivation improves,” Gu An casually remarked.

Hearing this, Ji Xuanyu became intrigued by the Heaven-Splitting Axe.

The two of them wove through the crowd, making their way toward the Heaven-Splitting Axe.

At that moment, Zuo Yijian was angrily scolding people. With the massive crowd gathered here, there were always those who accidentally stepped into the ritual boundary around the Heaven-Splitting Axe.

This so-called ritual boundary was something Zuo Yijian had personally marked. He insisted that aside from challengers, no one should step within a certain distance of the Heaven-Splitting Axe, as doing so would be disrespectful to the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path. His proposal had even been officially recognized by the Taixuan Sect—when it came to the Sword Sovereign, they had to be cautious and respectful.

Gu An’s gaze swept over the crowd, and suddenly, his eyes landed on one particular person.

【Qiè Wǔxíng (Celestial Ascension Stage, Ninth-Level): 0/0/0】

The Divine Anomaly Wraith King!

This guy… now this was interesting. His technique for concealing his aura was incredibly profound. When Gu An arrived at the Heavenly Mending Platform, he hadn’t even noticed him at first—he had to actively sweep the Outer Sect City with his divine sense to pick up on his presence.

Qiè Wǔxíng had disguised himself as a scholar, wearing a scholar’s cap and holding a folding fan. He blended in with the crowd, watching others attempt to lift the Heaven-Splitting Axe with an expression of idle curiosity, but he never stepped forward himself.

Gu An only spared him a glance before shifting his gaze away—he didn’t want to draw any unnecessary attention.

Back in the Divine Anomaly Realm, he had encountered Qiè Wǔxíng before, and back then, his aura was far more imposing. Yet now, he was deliberately suppressing himself. What was this guy doing here?

Could he be investigating him?

Gu An decided to observe him quietly and see what he was up to.

Not long after, the Alchemy Tournament in the city was about to begin. Many people left the Heavenly Mending Platform, heading off to watch the competition.

The Alchemy Tournament was held in various cities, functioning as a regional competition. The final round would be held elsewhere, with formations broadcasting the matches to disciples and cultivators in different cities.

Zuo Yijian noticed Gu An and greeted him warmly. His son, Zuo Lin, was a close friend of Gu An’s, and Gu An had always been tactful and well-mannered in dealing with others, leaving a good impression.

“Want to give it a try? Test your recent progress,” Zuo Yijian said with a chuckle.

Gu An turned to Ji Xuanyu and said, “There’s no better time than now. It’s not like you only get one chance—go ahead.”

Ji Xuanyu nodded and stepped forward to stand before the Heaven-Splitting Axe.

Meanwhile, Qiè Wǔxíng’s gaze locked onto Ji Xuanyu. His eyes flickered with a strange glint, and for a brief moment, he seemed visibly agitated—though he quickly masked his emotions.

But his reaction did not escape Gu An’s notice.

Gu An pretended not to see anything.

In the end, Ji Xuanyu was unable to lift the Heaven-Splitting Axe, but no one laughed at her—after all, the axe had been there for countless years, and no one had ever succeeded.

After exchanging a few words with Zuo Yijian, Gu An and Ji Xuanyu turned to leave.

Just as they stepped out of the crowd and into an open space, Qiè Wǔxíng suddenly quickened his pace and called out to them.

“Wait, please!”

Gu An and Ji Xuanyu stopped and turned to look at him, their expressions curious.

He halted in front of them, clasped his hands together in greeting, and said, “My name is Wu Xing. I come from the sea and have traveled far and wide. Just now, I noticed that this young lady possesses extraordinary fortune—she is likely a reincarnation of a great destiny. I wonder if the two of you would be interested in discussing this further?”

At the mention of reincarnation, Ji Xuanyu’s brow immediately furrowed.

She instinctively glanced at Gu An. She was curious about what Qiè Wǔxíng had to say, but at the same time, she was worried it might upset Gu An.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep