When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!-Chapter 278: Lord of All Realms, Chief of All Immortals
Shen Xinzi stood under the tree, lost in thought.
Unlike You Yingying, who had already let go of her worries, his mind was still clouded with doubt.
He was shocked by the strength of the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path, but at the same time, he questioned his own beliefs.
From his investigations over the past few days, he was certain that the Sword Sovereign was a great cultivator who cared deeply for all beings, capable of reforming sects and even stepping in to save the world.
With the Sword Sovereign's cultivation, he could undoubtedly see through You Yingying’s karma.
Was it that he simply didn’t want bloodshed within the Taixuan Sect, or did he truly believe You Yingying shouldn’t be killed?
Shen Xinzi’s mind was in turmoil until the arrival of the Nine-Fingered Divine Lord, who came to Medicine Valley for a game of Go. Only then did he snap out of his daze.
"Why do you look like that? Don’t tell me you ran into the Sword Sovereign?" The Nine-Fingered Divine Lord stood before him, smiling as he asked.
Shen Xinzi closed his eyes and softly murmured, "Amitabha."
The smile disappeared from the Nine-Fingered Divine Lord’s face. He furrowed his brows, his expression growing serious as he said in a low voice, "You really dared to make a move? Are you out of your mind? I heard that the Divine Anomaly Wraith King, Tian Wuchang, was directly crushed by the Sword Sovereign. And Tian Wuchang had supposedly reached the peak of the Celestial Ascension Realm!"
Shen Xinzi remained silent, his eyes still closed, seemingly unfazed.
The Nine-Fingered Divine Lord, however, noticed that Shen Xinzi’s left hand—hidden in his sleeve—was trembling.
Was this brat scared out of his wits?
The Nine-Fingered Divine Lord found the thought amusing.
It was rare to see him this shaken.
"Come on, let's play a game of Go. The wisdom within black and white stones might help you find clarity."
The Nine-Fingered Divine Lord pulled Shen Xinzi along, chattering as they walked.
"I have to say, that kid Gu An has a certain divine spark. To create such an intricate game like this… Either he has a master guiding him, or he’s receiving enlightenment from an immortal in his dreams."
Shen Xinzi remained dazed, not really listening.
However, in the days that followed, through playing Go, his anxiety and confusion gradually dissipated. He also began to understand the Nine-Fingered Divine Lord’s words.
This game of Go… was no simple thing!
— freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Winter eventually passed, and the Taixuan Sect’s Spring Festival arrived once more.
Notably, thanks to Li Xuandao’s promotion, the festival had spread across the world.
Inside the Third Medicine Valley—
Li Lingtian stood next to Yang Jian, hands on his hips, frowning as he looked toward Shen Xinzi, who was sitting beneath a tree.
"Why is that monk still here? Is he planning to freeload forever?"
Yang Jian was making lanterns beside him, responding absentmindedly, "If he wants to stay, let him stay. Why do you care? My master hasn’t even kicked you out."
Li Lingtian rolled his eyes. "That’s different! I’m your master’s junior brother, and my royal brother has the best relationship with your master."
Yang Jian suddenly looked at him and asked, "Speaking of which, has your royal brother contacted you? He’s cultivating in the Starsea Sect. He should know An Hao, right?"
"We haven’t been in touch, but yeah, he and An Hao are close. Those two are already considered legendary geniuses of the Taixuan Sect. Come to think of it, I’ve never even met him. He probably doesn’t even know I exist."
There was a hint of envy in Li Lingtian’s voice when he mentioned Li Ya.
"You could always follow in your royal brother’s footsteps. I heard the Taicang Empire has established friendly relations with the Starsea Sect. Your father must have a way."
"Forget it. I’d rather cultivate with you. To be honest, I think you’re the strongest genius in the world. My royal brother and An Hao? They don’t compare."
Li Lingtian looked at Yang Jian seriously. This was his heartfelt belief.
In his lifetime, the only person he truly admired was Yang Jian.
Not only was Yang Jian peerless in talent, but he also had the patience to focus on cultivation, rather than chasing after empty fame.
"I’m not the strongest. Besides, I have my own goals to pursue." Yang Jian shook his head with a smile.
"Your own goals?"
Li Lingtian’s curiosity was piqued, and he pressed for details.
Unfortunately, Yang Jian refused to say more.
—
Elsewhere.
Gu An approached Shen Xinzi, who was sitting on the ground, engrossed in a copy of Journey to the West.
"Daoist friend, the festival is about to begin. Would you like to join us?" Gu An asked with a smile.
Shen Xinzi snapped out of his trance, hurriedly stood up, and bowed to Gu An.
"Amitabha, thank you for your invitation, benefactor. I dare not refuse. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Gu An waved his hand with a chuckle. "You’re a guest. There’s nothing you need to do. Of course, if you’re in the mood and have the time to guide my disciples in cultivation, I’d be even more grateful."
Shen Xinzi couldn’t help but ask, "Benefactor, what do you wish to learn?"
"Not me—I meant my disciples."
"Does benefactor not seek great Buddhist teachings or the path to immortality?"
"Me? Forget it. My life is fine as it is. I don’t want to get involved in all that fighting and killing. I have a senior brother, Li Ya, who wields an immortal treasure. He’s incredibly powerful, but only I know how often he gets injured. The hardships behind his glory—who else could understand? I’m a coward by nature. I don’t dare kill. Hiding in Medicine Valley suits me just fine."
Gu An laughed freely.
Shen Xinzi gave him a newfound look of respect.
After chatting for a while, Gu An left.
Shen Xinzi watched him go, feeling deeply moved.
Medicine Valley was small, yet filled with wonders.
It housed grandmasters who could shake the heavens, prodigies of unparalleled talent, ill-fated stars of misfortune, and a valley master who had seen through the illusions of life.
If he could cultivate Buddhism here, perhaps he would gain even greater enlightenment.
Unfortunately, he still had to journey to the Severed Sea Rift.
If he survived, he could return and cultivate here for centuries.
Shen Xinzi silently pondered.
As for eliminating You Yingying… He no longer cared.
With a powerhouse like the Sword Sovereign watching over her, she wouldn’t be able to cause any real trouble.
—
Inside a palace.
An Hao stood up and bowed to his master, Floating Dust Zhenren.
Floating Dust Zhenren looked at An Hao with emotion and sighed, "Hao’er, I never expected you to have such a powerful master. I suppose I’ve benefited from your good fortune."
He had already heard about Tian Wuchang’s attack on the Starsea Sect and was utterly shocked by An Hao’s hidden background.
"Master, you’ve guided my cultivation and cared for me. I will always remember your kindness." An Hao spoke earnestly.
Since the Sword Sovereign’s intervention, his status in the Starsea Sect had completely transformed. Grandmasters frequently visited him, nobles tried to match him with talented female disciples for marriage, but he politely declined them all.
An Hao already had someone in his heart.
Yet, to him, romance could never compare to the path of cultivation.
His master had saved him from the jaws of demons—not so he could indulge in love, but so he could reach the pinnacle of immortality!
—
Time flew by.
Twelve years passed in the blink of an eye.
In the midst of summer—
In a bustling city, Gu An walked through the streets, dressed in a green robe. Beside him was a woman clad in white, wearing a veiled bamboo hat that obscured her features.
She was Ji Xuanyu.
Just as they entered an inn, a thunderous voice echoed from the sky—
"Move aside! Move aside!"
They turned to see a massive flood dragon soaring low through the city, kicking up rubble in its wake.
And standing atop its head was a young man!