After inheriting Yang Xian's memories, Gu An gained more than just insights into his experiences; he also inherited Yang Xian's lifelong mastery of the Sword Dao.
The Sacred Heart Sword Dao!
This Sword Dao was unique, taking the heart as the foundation. Whatever the heart envisioned could be turned into a sword.
Grass and flowers could become swords. Mountains and rivers, oceans and skies, all could become swords. Even the living beings of the world, the sun, moon, and stars, could serve as swords.
Yang Xian had even dreamed of harnessing the Three Thousand Grand Daos as part of his Sword Dao. However, since his comprehension had not yet fully ascended to the level of the Grand Dao itself, this remained an unrealized vision.
When Gu An finished assimilating Yang Xian's memories, a full day had passed.
Though it seemed like only a day, the memories felt as vivid and immersive as if Gu An had lived through an entire cycle of reincarnation.
He was Yang Xian, and yet, he wasn't fully Yang Xian. To be more precise, Yang Xian had become a part of him. This subtle feeling was difficult to describe, yet it carried profound significance.
Yang Xian's legacy to Gu An wasn't limited to the Sacred Heart Sword Dao. He also left an unparalleled understanding of various Grand Daos.
Gu An himself was astonished by Yang Xian's genius. Without using the Lifespan Evolution ability, Yang Xian had achieved an extraordinary depth of Dao comprehension, surpassing all his previous reincarnations.
Glancing at the Lifespan Barrier, Gu An noted that it had consumed only a small amount of his lifespan. Rising to his feet, he took a single step, returning to Qianling Palace.
The Deep Sea Dragon Koi was in the midst of cultivation. Hearing Gu An's footsteps, the koi opened its eyes and was visibly delighted to see his return. Standing quickly, it respectfully asked, "Master, what brings you back so soon?"
Gu An cast his gaze upon the koi and said, "Weren't you asking for some combat techniques? How about I teach you a sword technique?"
"Of course! Thank you, Master!"
The Deep Sea Dragon Koi bowed immediately, excitement and anticipation radiating from its expression.
Without further elaboration, Gu An began teaching the koi. Starting with basic sword techniques, he gradually guided it toward comprehending the Sacred Heart Sword Dao.
As the lesson progressed, the koi couldn't help but notice a subtle change in Gu An's demeanor. Though it couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed, it found itself feeling an even deeper respect for him.
This shift was due to the influence of Yang Xian's memories on Gu An.
Yang Xian, often revered as the Sword Dao Patriarch, had exuded an innate aura of sagely wisdom during his lectures. That demeanor had now begun to shape Gu An as well.
The fusion of reincarnation memories invariably altered Gu An's presence.
An hour later, Gu An left the Deep Sea Dragon Koi and returned to the Third Medicine Valley. Stepping off the Transmission Array Platform, he was immediately greeted by disciples who respectfully bowed and greeted him.
"Do you think Master's aura has changed?"
"You noticed it too?"
"It's unmistakable. Could it be that he's broken through again?"
"Master's Dao cultivation is beyond our comprehension. Don't forget who supports him from behind."
The disciples whispered among themselves, their voices filled with awe and reverence. Some even deliberately flattered Gu An, hoping their comments would reach his ears.
When Gu An reached the pavilion, the Blood Prison Saint standing guard was visibly startled by the changes in his aura.
"Master's cultivation has advanced again?"
A sense of admiration welled up within the Blood Prison Saint. The stronger Gu An became, the more secure the saint felt in his decision to remain loyal to him.
"It doesn't necessarily have to take another thousand years. Be ready," Gu An said suddenly as he paused in his steps, addressing the Blood Prison Saint.
The words left the saint momentarily stunned. His bovine fur seemed to ripple as though set alight by a blood-red flame.
Without waiting for a reply, Gu An ascended the stairs and entered his study. Sitting at his desk, he retrieved paper and a brush, meticulously recording the sword techniques and cultivation methods embedded in Yang Xian's memories.
It wasn't that Gu An feared forgetting them; he simply wanted to document them for future use.
Perhaps, one day, he could build a dedicated tower to store these secrets—a treasury of opportunities to share with others.
Not for profit, of course.
Purely for prestige.
Cough…
To demonstrate his might!
Half an hour later, a knock at the door interrupted him. Gu An called out for the visitor to enter, and An Xin stepped in quietly, closing the door behind her.
Approaching the desk, she said nothing at first, instead observing Gu An with a curious gaze.
Gu An continued writing, not even looking up. "What do you want?" he asked.
An Xin grinned mischievously. "I heard some disciples saying your aura feels different now. They're all guessing you've had another breakthrough, so I came to see for myself. There's definitely a change—you're even more imposing than before, Master."
Gu An smiled faintly, not responding further.
A thought suddenly struck him, prompted by Yang Xian's experiences. Looking up, he asked, "Would you ever give in to emotions?"
An Xin froze momentarily, then asked with a puzzled expression, "Give in to emotions? Master, there's no one here who could stir such feelings in me. I've decided never to be entangled by emotional tribulations in my life. My senior brother once told me his greatest regret was forming emotional bonds that hindered his progress. Yet, if he were to abandon them, he'd feel a lingering ache in his heart. I'd never put myself in such a predicament."
An Shengtian and the descendants of the An family still harbored resentment toward An Hao, which only reinforced An Xin's resolve not to marry or bear children.
Moreover, she was already cultivating immortality. She wouldn't be influenced by the instincts of a mere mortal body. Her current life was fulfilling, and she truly had no yearning for romantic love.
Gu An raised his eyes to study her. Seeing that she wasn't just paying lip service, he smiled and said, "Is that so? Matters of the heart aren't as simple as you think. When fate arrives, you might forget all you're saying now."
An Xin lifted her chin proudly and huffed. "I won't forget! Master, you're not thinking of kicking me out, are you?"
"How could that be? It's just that I've been reading a book these past two days, and the love story in it made me reflect a bit."
Gu An's voice carried a trace of complexity, as memories from Yang Xian's life surged through his mind.
One of Yang Xian's greatest regrets in life was rejecting Fang Meng. He had never been involved with a woman, because every time he recalled Fang Meng's feelings for him, that memory alone was enough to sustain him.
Hearing this, An Xin sighed in relief and reminded him, "Master, you should read fewer frivolous books like that."
Gu An glared at her. "Get lost! No respect at all!"
An Xin grinned cheekily, saluted with a flourish, and left the room.
Gu An resumed transcribing the techniques and sword arts from Yang Xian's memories. Outside the window, the sun dipped lower in the sky as time continued its quiet passage.
Three years later, everyone who knew Gu An had grown accustomed to the subtle changes in his demeanor. Through the Sacred Heart Sword Dao, his sword intent had sharpened and elevated, once again making the Sword Dao his most powerful means of combat.
One day, Gu An stood on the edge of a cliff at the boundary of the Third Medicine Valley, gazing into the vast skies.
In the depths of the cosmos near the Desolation Domain, he saw a colossal city emerge. The city was entirely black, as massive as the sun hanging over the Heavenly Spirit God World.
The Annihilation God Emperor was hidden within that black city.
For years, forces from the Sacred Court, Immortal Dynasty, Xuan You Divine Dynasty, and Heavenly Demon Sect had sent investigators to examine the black city. However, anyone who approached it would turn to stone. Looking into the void, one could see hundreds of stone statues suspended in space, the strongest among them having reached the Dao Void Profound Immortal Realm. It was a tragic sight.
"What are you plotting to lure Long Qing here?" Gu An mused silently.
The Annihilation God Emperor was shrouded in a force of karma stronger than even a Free Immortal, making him impossible to deduce or predict. This must have been the true body of the Annihilation God Emperor.
As Gu An pondered, a figure descended from the sky and landed beside him. It was Wu Jue.
In recent years, Wu Jue had broken through to the Mahayana Realm, making a name for himself within the Tai Xuan Sect. To celebrate, he and Gu An had once indulged in a day and night of drinking.
Gu An turned to him and smiled. "What brings you here?"
Wu Jue, visibly excited, said, "I have news about An Hao! He's undergone Nirvana and is now preparing for a duel at sea. The Tai Xuan Sect plans to send a group of cultivators to support him, and I'll be going too."
An Hao!
He was the greatest genius in the history of the Tai Xuan Sect, still spoken of in reverence by countless disciples.
Feigning surprise, Gu An raised an eyebrow and asked, "He's progressing so quickly? Is his opponent formidable?"
"His opponent is a Loose Immortal! He's challenging a Loose Immortal across realms. This duel has caused quite a stir overseas. Your disciple An Xin has a good relationship with him, doesn't she? Want me to pass along a message for her?" Wu Jue grinned, clearly eager to witness the duel.
Gu An pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "No need. Don't tell her—she'll only worry."
"You're right. Still, what do you think? Just how strong is An Hao now? To challenge a Loose Immortal at the Nirvana Realm... They say that as one advances in the immortal path, it becomes increasingly difficult to surpass realms. Even defeating someone within the same realm is like climbing a mountain." Wu Jue's admiration was evident as he spoke.
An Hao's age was younger than Wu Jue's, yet he had already reached such heights. Wu Jue couldn't help but idolize him.
For a long time, Wu Jue had been regarded as the Tai Xuan Sect's greatest genius. But neither he nor anyone else in the sect believed he could hold that title against An Hao.
Gu An pointed to his own face and, feigning confusion, asked, "You're asking me?"
Wu Jue laughed. "Aren't you the self-proclaimed Sword Master of the Dao? By the way, An Hao is your disciple, isn't he? Should I let him know about your connection?"
Gu An rolled his eyes at him. "Didn't you say you didn't believe me? Go ahead, tell him if you want. I'm not afraid."
Wu Jue's enthusiasm only grew. He smirked and said, "Since you're not afraid, I'll definitely tell him. I look forward to seeing how you two react when you meet."