Chapter 150: The Raging Demons and the Legend of the Demon Ancestor

"Is the Seven Stars Spirit Realm really that amazing? Then you can just wait for me to beg you to join later," Wu Jue replied stubbornly.

Hearing this, Wei Tiangong merely chuckled and shook his head, showing no signs of anger.

Over the next few minutes, Gu An watched as Wei Tiangong continued to boast about how incredible the Seven Stars Spirit Realm was. Unfortunately for him, no matter how eloquent his words, he failed to convince Wu Jue.

Wu Jue's attitude amused Gu An.

What would Wu Jue's reaction be if he knew Wei Tiangong was actually at the Profound Heart Realm?

Suddenly, a figure appeared behind Wei Tiangong. Gu An looked up and saw it was none other than Wu Jue's current master, Zhou Yu.

[Zhou Yu (Body Fusion Realm Ninth Layer): 864/2000/3100]

As one of the Supreme Council members, Zhou Yu was not only powerful in cultivation but also incredibly talented, on par with Lü Baitian.

Zhou Yu glanced at Wei Tiangong and said, "Senior Tiangong, Wu Jue is my disciple. Why don't we find a more appropriate place to talk?"

Wei Tiangong turned his head, squinting slightly. "Ah, you're Zhou Yu, aren't you?"

"That's correct. Five hundred years ago, I trained under your guidance for several years," Zhou Yu replied respectfully.

Wu Jue immediately stood up, bowing to his master.

Recognition dawned on Wei Tiangong's face, and he smiled. "So that's how it is. Well then, let's discuss this somewhere more private."

With many disciples in the tavern, it wasn't the right place for further conversation.

Before Wu Jue could say goodbye to Gu An, Zhou Yu placed a hand on his shoulder, and the two disappeared from sight.

Meanwhile, Wei Tiangong gave Gu An a polite nod before vanishing as well.

Once they were gone, Gu An couldn't help but grin.

He picked up the wine jug, refilling both his own and Wu Jue's cups, then lifted his bowl and clinked it gently against Wu Jue's untouched drink. "Here's to your bright future, may you soon be known across the world."

After that, he drained his cup in one gulp.

With that farewell toast, Gu An stood up, descended the stairs, settled the bill, and left the tavern.

Instead of heading straight back to the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An made his way toward the Library Pavilion.

Since borrowing the Record of Lands and Map of the Continent from the Library Pavilion, Gu An had developed a close relationship with Elder Xu Lu, often exchanging insights about The Adventures of Green Hero, leading to a deep friendship across generations.

It was also through this connection that Gu An had met Elder Kusong.

Elder Kusong, hiding his true identity as a Supreme Elder, had befriended Gu An under the guise of a regular disciple. Gu An, of course, hadn't exposed him.

Reaching the third floor of the Library Pavilion, Gu An found Xu Lu and handed over the books he had borrowed. Smiling, he asked, "Elder Xu, do you happen to have any other books by Daoist Xunchun?"

Daoist Xunchun was an author Xu Lu had introduced to Gu An. His works weren't sold in the Library Pavilion, but came from one of Xu Lu's friends who had traveled abroad. According to rumors, Daoist Xunchun's books were highly popular on an overseas continent.

Gu An, after reading one of Daoist Xunchun's works, found the writing style to be quite impressive. He even noticed influences from The Adventures of Green Hero in the prose.

Later, Xu Lu revealed that The Adventures of Green Hero was inspired by Daoist Xunchun's books.

Xu Lu took the books from Gu An and gave him a half-joking look. "You brat, don't get too obsessed with reading. You're supposed to be cultivating."

Gu An chuckled. "With my mediocre talent, no matter how hard I try, I'll probably only ever reach the Core Formation Realm. As the head of the Medicine Valley, I can rely on pills to boost my cultivation. Why waste time on grueling practice when I can enjoy life and savor every moment?"

Xu Lu, who had long accepted his own fate, nodded in agreement, finding Gu An's words quite reasonable.

"There's actually another book by Daoist Xunchun," Xu Lu said with a smile. "You'll find it with that person upstairs. Go ask him."

Gu An quickly bowed and made his way upstairs.

There were only two people on the fourth floor: Elder Kusong and a powerful cultivator at the Crossing the Void Realm. The two were engrossed in their reading and didn't disturb each other.

Gu An headed straight to Elder Kusong, who was sitting by the window, engrossed in a book titled Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign.

Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign was a popular fantasy novel written by Pan An. In recent years, Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign and Investiture of the Gods had spread to the other eight dynasties through the Tai Xuan Sect, gaining massive popularity. Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign was particularly beloved, especially among lower-level cultivators, while Investiture of the Gods had become a favorite among the elite.

There was even a popular saying in the cultivation world: "Those of higher realms read Investiture of the Gods, while those of lower realms read Immortal Sovereign."

Gu An was surprised to see Elder Kusong reading Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign.

"Elder, Xu Lu sent me. Could I borrow the book by Daoist Xunchun?" Gu An asked politely.

Without looking up, Elder Kusong reached into his robes, pulled out a book, and tossed it to Gu An.

Gu An caught it, flipped through a few pages, and smiled in satisfaction.

Then, Elder Kusong suddenly asked, "Gu An, have you read Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign?"

Though Pan An's identity remained a secret within the sect, Elder Kusong hadn't pried into the author's true identity.

"I've read it. It's… alright," Gu An responded casually.

Though he was the author of Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign, it wasn't a book he enjoyed revisiting. After all, it was his own creation, and there was no novelty left in rereading it.

Elder Kusong chuckled, "You don't seem to understand the brilliance of Tai Xuan Immortal Sovereign. In my view, it surpasses Investiture of the Gods. The fact that so many people can relate to it shows that the author truly understands the human condition."

Gu An replied, "I still prefer Investiture of the Gods. Its depth and imaginative scope make it more compelling."

The two began to argue over which book was superior.

Since Gu An didn't know Elder Kusong's true identity, he treated him like any other friend. Had Gu An simply flattered him or tried to curry favor, Elder Kusong would have found it boring.

After a long debate, Gu An finally had the upper hand, leaving the room with a satisfied grin.

Elder Kusong, who had been fuming, watched Gu An descend the stairs before his anger faded, replaced by a playful smile.

At that moment, the Crossing the Void Realm cultivator approached, a man dressed in gray robes. He smiled at Elder Kusong and asked, "Elder, why do you bother arguing with a mere Core Formation disciple?"

Elder Kusong chuckled and said, "Though he's only at the Core Formation Realm, do you think someone who can access the inner sect library is that simple?"

The gray-robed man shook his head. "Perhaps he has some backing, but cultivation doesn't lie."

Elder Kusong smiled mysteriously and returned to his book.

The gray-robed man then asked, "The nine dynasties' sects are preparing to explore the land of the demons to uncover the cause of the demon calamity. Will you be going?"

Elder Kusong nodded. "Yes, but not yet. I'll enjoy my peaceful days a bit longer before heading to the demon lands."

The gray-robed man grinned. "Then take me with you."

"Don't be ridiculous. It's a perilous journey. Even though I've reached the Profound Heart Realm, I can't guarantee your safety."

"Is it really that dangerous?"

"Why do you think the Ephemeral Blossom Sect only dared to wreak havoc in the nine dynasties?"

"Could there be a Mahayana Realm demon hidden in the demon lands?"

Elder Kusong remained silent, gazing out the window at the tranquil scene below, where disciples flew to and fro under the bright sky.

...

Late at night.

In Tianhuang Mountain's Nian Chu Cave, Gu An was instructing Tian Yao'er on the Infinite Free Step.

Tian Yao'er was the only one to inherit this technique, and combined with her innate celestial physique, she would become incredibly formidable within a thousand years. Though she might not be invincible, few would be able to capture her.

Tian Yao'er was thrilled to be learning from Gu An. This was the first time he had personally taught her a technique.

The Infinite Free Step was highly complex, and Tian Yao'er struggled with it. But Gu An wasn't in a hurry; the technique required years of practice before it would yield results. If she mastered it immediately before truly investing time, then something would be amiss, and he would have to reconsider how capable she truly was.

Five years had passed since Gu An began contemplating when to assist Tian Yao'er in reaching the Core Formation Realm.

Tian Yao'er, having been raised on various medicinal remedies, had already reached the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment Realm when they first met. Now, with the additional benefit of cultivating the Innate Celestial Immortal Art, her breakthrough to the Core Formation Realm was just around the corner.

Gu An watched her practice, her graceful form flitting across the training grounds, and began pondering the best time to help her advance. Suddenly, he sensed something unusual and released his divine sense.

He extended his consciousness high above the skies, surveying the entirety of Tianhuang Mountain. His divine sense revealed a truly shocking sight.

Endless waves of demons and monsters were surging northward, a massive tide of creatures that covered the land and mountains. Under the shroud of night, dark clouds of demonic mist swirled, unable to fully obscure the terrifying mass of beings advancing forward.

Gu An's sweeping gaze revealed an enormous variety of creatures. There were demons, monsters, and even ghosts among them. The tremors they caused as they moved forward shook the earth, and the disturbance grew larger by the moment.

Before long, the very ground beneath the Nian Chu Cave began to tremble. Startled, Tian Yao'er paused her training, her eyes wide with fear.

She quickly rushed over to Gu An's side, clinging to his arm, her face pale with terror. "It's happening again..." she whispered.

Gu An looked down at her and asked, "What do you mean?"

Tian Yao'er, still trembling, answered, "When I was young, I saw this once before. A vast number of demons and monsters traveled north, and even the Demon Mother went with them. They said it was to visit the Demon Ancestor."

"The Demon Ancestor?" Gu An's interest piqued. He led her to the stone table nearby and sat down, his curiosity growing. "Tell me more about this Demon Ancestor."

Tian Yao'er took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and began recounting the ancient tale she had heard.

"Long ago, it's said that the first demon was born into the world, and that demon became known as the Demon Ancestor. He was born with immense power, reigning supreme over all living beings. But as the years went by, the Demon Ancestor grew lonely. In his solitude, he spread his blood across the earth, baptizing the creatures of the world, turning them into demons and monsters."

She hesitated before continuing, stealing a glance at Gu An, who remained calm, listening intently despite his human identity. To a demon like Tian Yao'er, humans were traditionally seen as terrifying and dangerous. If Gu An hadn't saved her life, she would have long fled from him.

Seeing no reaction from him, she gathered her courage and went on. "Later, a new race appeared on the land—humans. They were incredibly powerful, slaughtering demons en masse and stealing their demonic cores and treasures. It wasn't long before the Demon Ancestor was enraged and personally confronted the human invaders."

"The Demon Ancestor fought back?" Gu An asked, his interest deepening.

Tian Yao'er nodded. "Yes, the Demon Ancestor repelled the human cultivators, but the real disaster was yet to come. Years later, the humans returned, and this time, there were even more of them. In his effort to protect his kin, the Demon Ancestor ultimately perished, his body and soul dissipating."

"Afterward, humans spread across the land, and the demons entered an age of suppression. But the legend says that the demons never gave up on the idea of reviving the Demon Ancestor. Every few decades, demons and monsters from all over the world gather to pay homage to the Demon Ancestor, offering their blood in a ritual meant to bring him back."

Gu An remained silent for a long moment, pondering this. The idea that the demons sought to resurrect their progenitor was intriguing, but also worrisome. If such a powerful figure returned, it could indeed lead to another catastrophic war between humans and demons.

Tian Yao'er, noticing his silence, anxiously clutched his sleeve tighter. "Master, do you think... do you think the Demon Ancestor will truly come back?"

Gu An glanced at her, his expression unreadable behind his mask. He finally replied, "Whether the Demon Ancestor returns or not, you needn't worry. I'm here. No matter what happens, I will protect you."

Hearing his reassuring words, Tian Yao'er relaxed slightly, but the weight of the Demon Ancestor's legend still pressed heavily on her heart.

...

Elsewhere, deep within the demon lands.

A sea of demons marched under the darkened sky, moving as one toward a vast, desolate valley. At the forefront of this endless procession, the most powerful of the demon race—ancient and formidable beings—strode forward with grim determination.

In the distance, a great altar loomed, carved from black stone, towering high into the sky. This was the place where the demons would attempt to revive the Demon Ancestor. Dark energies swirled ominously around the altar, and the scent of blood filled the air.

At the very heart of the gathering, the Demon Mother, who had once terrorized Tianhuang Mountain, stood silently, her eyes fixed on the altar.

As the procession reached its destination, the Demon Mother raised her hands high, her voice booming across the valley. "Brothers and sisters, the time has come! The blood of our kin shall awaken the one who created us—the mighty Demon Ancestor!"

A deafening roar of approval erupted from the gathered demons. The air crackled with anticipation as they prepared to begin the ancient ritual, one that had been passed down for countless generations.

The long-forgotten legend was about to unfold once again.