Faced with Lü Xian's inquiry, Gu An raised an eyebrow. "So, the news has reached your ears already?"
Lü Xian crossed his arms over his chest with a smug smile. "Naturally!"
"That's pretty slow," Gu An remarked casually.
"What?" Lü Xian's smile froze, leaving him at a loss for words. If it were someone else, he would have kicked them outright. But against Gu An, what could he do? Endure.
Gu An found Lü Xian's expression amusing and deliberately feigned an air of mystery. "That's right. I am the Sword Master of the Dao. However, many people don't believe it and assume I'm merely his disciple. Keep this between us. Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know."
Hearing this, Lü Xian trembled with excitement. He could barely keep his composure as he cautiously asked, "Really? Why let me in on such a secret?"
Gu An's gaze deepened. "Although you're not my equal, in my eyes, you're the only one whose talent poses a potential threat to me. An Hao doesn't qualify. He's had things too easy and will inevitably face a downfall. Only those who survive are true geniuses."
Lü Xian was thoroughly moved. His fists clenched tightly, and his chest swelled with a fervent determination.
Gu An was satisfied with his reaction. Winning someone over with just a few words was effortless and worthwhile. He then walked over to a stone table nearby and sat down. Lü Xian snapped out of his daze and quickly followed.
Sitting across from Gu An, Lü Xian nervously asked, "Are you a naturally gifted prodigy, a reincarnated powerhouse, or someone who has concealed your true age?"
Gu An glanced at him and replied, "Once you reach the Immortal Dao Realm, you'll come to understand a phase known as the Samsara Tribulation."
"Samsara Tribulation?" Lü Xian murmured, enraptured by the term alone.
Gu An then asked, "You didn't come here just to confirm this, did you?"
While Gu An could already surmise Lü Xian's purpose, he wanted to hear him say it aloud.
Lü Xian took a deep breath and said, "The Xuan You Divine Dynasty has extended an invitation for me to join them. I've been contemplating leaving His Majesty's side. In your opinion, would the Xuan You Divine Dynasty be a good choice?"
Gu An was well aware of Lü Xian's strained relationship with Li Xuandao. As Li Xuandao grew increasingly powerful, he began to reveal his true nature. Much like Gu An, Li Xuandao had become domineering, putting immense pressure on those around him.
Gu An replied, "If it's just a stepping stone, then yes, it's a good choice. But if you intend to remain in the Xuan You Divine Dynasty long-term, you'll perish along with them."
Lü Xian's eyes widened in shock. "The Xuan You Divine Dynasty will be destroyed?"
Gu An smiled faintly. "To be precise, all the forces in this world will eventually turn to dust. The old powers will crumble into nothingness."
"Including Tai Xuan Sect and the Tai Cang Dynasty?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because the world evolves, and the Heavenly Dao has its decrees."
"This… doesn't that render all my efforts meaningless?" Lü Xian's face turned pale, and he appeared utterly dejected.
Gu An shook his head and said meaningfully, "Some will survive. But think about it—if all the powers in this world disappear, and ninety-nine percent of living beings turn to dust, those who survive and endure through the years will hold unparalleled status in this world."
A glimmer of excitement appeared on Lü Xian's face. The more he thought about it, the more exhilarated he became. He even overlooked the question of how to survive the calamity. Merely imagining himself as one of the supreme beings of the future world filled him with an uncontrollable thrill.
The way he looked at Gu An changed. His eyes now brimmed with admiration and awe.
What kind of cultivation level was required to foresee the ultimate fate of the world?
He did not doubt Gu An's words, as he had heard similar legends about the evolution of heaven and earth. Throughout history, catastrophes that swept across the entire world were not uncommon.
From the current situation, it seemed that the destruction of the heavens and earth was still far off. At least, he could see no signs of such calamity.
Indeed, the Sword Master of the Dao was the most formidable existence. Figures like the Sun Immortal Emperor couldn't compare.
Lü Xian's excitement grew, and he began asking more questions.
Gu An refrained from divulging the grand workings of the heavens but was willing to share some insignificant insights. After all, it was also a way of looking out for Lü Baitian's son.
Half an hour later.
Gu An stepped out of the cave dwelling, accompanied by Lü Xian. Luo Hun observed Lü Xian's respectful demeanor and found it amusing.
Lü Xian was naturally proud and had never displayed such reverence, not even toward the Emperor. Yet here he was, treating Gu An with such deference.
Luo Hun watched from afar before stepping forward to meet them.
"Gu An, the book?" Luo Hun asked as he approached.
Gu An casually pulled out Dream of the Red Chamber and handed it over. "The Adventures of the Green Hero will take a while; the author is out seeking a breakthrough."
Luo Hun's face turned slightly red. "What Adventures of the Green Hero? I only enjoy Dream of the Red Chamber!"
Lü Xian asked curiously, "What kind of book is The Adventures of the Green Hero?"
He was familiar with Dream of the Red Chamber, having read all of Gu An's written works out of interest in the man.
An Xin walked over and, upon hearing the conversation, gave Luo Hun a strange look, making Luo Hun feel incredibly awkward. He wished he could find a hole to crawl into.
After Gu An left Tianya Valley with An Xin and the Blood Prison Saint, An Xin began ridiculing Luo Hun. She never expected someone like Luo Hun to enjoy such improper books.
Gu An remained focused on the path ahead, silently displeased.
This brat dares to make veiled jabs?
He decided that the next time he guided her cultivation, he'd make sure she learned her lesson.
In the wilderness, a gentle breeze swept through the mountain path.
An Hao, dressed in a traveler's garb, strolled leisurely along the mountain trail. He carried his sword sheath over his shoulder, propped against the crook of his arm, his head tilted back and expression relaxed.
Since achieving the Nirvana Realm, he had shed his youthful naivety. His aura now radiated profundity and mastery, exuding the demeanor of a seasoned cultivator.
Whoosh—
A mountain breeze blew, ruffling An Hao's hair. His half-lidded eyes suddenly opened.
At the peak of the slope ahead stood a towering figure. The figure's black robe fluttered in the wind.
The Annihilation God Emperor.
An Hao realized he couldn't clearly discern the figure's features. This could only mean one of two things: either the man's cultivation far surpassed his own, or he was shrouded by a supreme treasure.
An Hao suspected the former was more likely.
Having traveled far and wide, he had encountered countless powerful beings. Yet none had ever been as enigmatic and formidable as the person before him.
Unfazed, he continued walking forward.
The Annihilation God Emperor remained motionless on the slope.
As An Hao passed by, the figure suddenly spoke. "Your destiny is extraordinary. You are fated to transcend this realm."
An Hao halted but did not turn his head. Instead, he looked out at the towering mountains in the distance and asked, "Oh? To which realm do I belong?"
"To a higher realm. Once you surpass the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Dao, you will be able to ascend there."
"Is that so? May I ask if you are from that realm?" An Hao's tone remained calm, devoid of surprise or excitement.
The Annihilation God Emperor turned around. An Hao followed suit, and the two stood face to face, separated by only five steps.
Gazing into the darkness beneath the emperor's helmet, An Hao felt a sense of foreboding but no fear.
Before reaching Nirvana, An Hao had faced many foes whose cultivation far exceeded his own. No matter where he was, he had never feared death. Life and death were concepts he had long come to terms with.
Suddenly, a violet vortex emerged beneath the helmet of the Annihilation God Emperor. An Hao instinctively looked at it, his gaze shifting and losing its luster.