Chapter 151: Myriad Demon Ridge, The Chosen One of Fate

Listening to the legend of the Demon Ancestor, Gu An couldn't help but feel a sense of oddity.

"So the nine dynasties on this continent are actually the invaders?" he thought.

No wonder the Sacred Lands didn't assist the Nine Dynasties.

Gu An didn't dwell too much on it; he wouldn't sympathize with the demon race or condemn the Nine Dynasties just because of this revelation.

The struggle for survival has never been defined by righteousness or evil. Moreover, before the demon race emerged on this continent, there were likely other races that existed.

The evolution of the world follows the natural law of survival of the fittest, the new replacing the old.

As a human, Gu An naturally stood on the side of humanity.

If there is justice in his heart, it is simply to avoid annihilating the demon race entirely.

In truth, humans and demons could coexist. Throughout the cultivation world, traces of demons can be seen everywhere. Demonic pets have become a crucial element for most cultivators, and in some sects, powerful demons are even revered as protectors, worshipped by cultivators.

When Tian Yao'er finished her story, she looked nervously at Gu An and suddenly grabbed his left hand, asking, "Master, can't humans and demons coexist? Why must we fight until one side is destroyed?"

Though she feared humans, she didn't loathe them because she had never interacted with humans before. Ironically, it was demons who had persecuted her.

Gu An pulled his hand away and said, "The world doesn't just see races in conflict. In the pursuit of strength, you'll inevitably walk the path of struggle. Instead of worrying and feeling sorrowful, focus on cultivating. Your enemies won't pity you. If you want to pity others, you must first become strong enough."

With memories of his previous life, Gu An always viewed the world with a certain detachment, save for those few friends he genuinely cared for.

When the outer sect of the Tai Xuan Sect fell into chaos, although he inscribed the words 'righteousness' and 'justice,' he didn't feel any deep hatred toward those responsible.

Likewise, when the Ephemeral Blossom Sect ravaged the world, he didn't harbor an intense loathing.

Gu An could blend into the mundane world, but deep within his heart, there was always a sense of loneliness that allowed him to see everything clearly without being emotionally swayed by the world around him.

After hearing his words, Tian Yao'er nodded seriously, then added, "If the Demon Ancestor revives and humans are driven away, Master, wherever you go, you must take me with you!"

Gu An chuckled, "Is the Demon Ancestor really that powerful? Do you think humans will definitely be driven away?"

"I heard the Demon Mother say that once the Demon Ancestor revives, this entire continent will become demon territory, and the human cultivators of today won't be able to compete with the Demon Ancestor," Tian Yao'er said, tilting her head.

"That strong?" Gu An was now even more intrigued by the Demon Ancestor.

If all went as expected, once the Demon Catastrophe erupts, the task of dealing with the Demon Ancestor would likely fall to him.

Besides, Gu An was only half-convinced by Tian Yao'er's words. He suspected that the continent harbored far more secrets than this legend could explain.

If this continent truly belonged to the demon race alone, then where did the devils and ghosts come from?

Devils weren't just another term for demons; they were a distinct force.

Human cultivators who practiced demonic arts became demon cultivators, and demons who practiced demonic arts became demon fiends. So why did this demonic power exist?

Moreover, Gu An felt that the resentment within the demonic lands was much stronger than in the Nine Dynasties' territories. Human cultivators were rarely seen there—surely the resentment wasn't all caused by humans?

Afterward, Gu An instructed Tian Yao'er to continue practicing the Infinite Free Step. Meanwhile, he used his divine sense to track the movements of the rushing demons and monsters.

Under the cover of night, all manner of demons raced across the mountains and wilderness. Many demonic birds soared over the mountain peaks, and amidst the demons, there were shadowy figures of devils and ghosts.

The difference between devils and ghosts lay in the fact that the devils emitted thick demonic energy, resembling clusters of black mist as they flew by.

Gu An's divine sense followed the horde of demons and devils for millions of miles, witnessing a number so vast that even a Nirvana Realm expert like him felt his scalp tingle. If this Demon Catastrophe erupted without his intervention, the Nine Dynasties would be wiped out in no time.

As he approached the depths of the demon lands, Gu An sensed the presence of Body Fusion Realm and Profound Heart Realm demonic beings. These entities, however, weren't swayed by the tide of demons and remained within their caves.

Finally, Gu An's divine sense arrived at a group of volcanoes. Lava flowed everywhere, and the night sky was blanketed in scorching smoke. Some of the volcanoes were still erupting, a sight both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

According to the map provided by Elder Xu, this place was the Myriad Demon Ridge, deep within the continent.

The ridge contained over ten thousand volcanoes, housing more than ten thousand demon kings. The number of demons was impossible to estimate.

The author of Records of the World's Lands dared not venture deep into the ridge, as the overwhelming demonic aura scared him off. He learned about the ridge by capturing and interrogating a demon.

Gu An could sense the presence of more than a thousand Body Fusion Realm demons, over twenty Profound Heart Realm demons, and even the aura of a Mahayana Realm demon!

At this moment, countless demons from the Myriad Demon Ridge were also rushing northward.

Gu An didn't continue to explore further north, not because his divine sense couldn't reach, but because if there was already a Mahayana Realm demon here, the Demon Ancestor was almost certainly beyond that level.

Reflecting on the legend Tian Yao'er had shared, it seemed entirely plausible.

Mahayana Realm blood wouldn't have such a profound effect, but the blood of a Nirvana Realm being could be different. A being like Gu An had already transcended the limitations of mortal blood.

Not wanting to alert the enemy, Gu An retracted his divine sense. The Demon Catastrophe wasn't happening tomorrow anyway.

He still had time to accumulate lifespan. Once he reached ten million years, his strength would undergo a massive leap.

"Stay calm!"

"The advantage is mine!"

Gu An withdrew his divine sense and continued to guide Tian Yao'er in her cultivation.

...

Seasons came and went. Another three years passed.

On an afternoon in the spring, Gu An, now eighty-two years old, took the form of the small white-clad figure and visited the Northern Sea mountain range to check on Xuanmiao Zhenren.

Gu An hadn't been visiting frequently, leaving Xuanmiao Zhenren to his own devices, but the latter had grown accustomed to it, living a peaceful life cultivating at the Mountain God Temple.

As Gu An arrived, he noticed someone else outside the temple—a familiar face.

An Hao!

An Hao and Xuanmiao Zhenren stood together at the edge of the mountain, gazing at the vast expanse of the Northern Sea.

It seemed the two had become good friends after their not-so-friendly encounter at the Gold Ranking Tournament.

An Hao had broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm, and he wasn't even fifty yet...

At this pace, An Hao might very well surpass Li Xuandao's cultivation speed!

"You've been progressing quickly, but now what you need is some time to reflect and calm your mind," Xuanmiao Zhenren advised, with a tone that conveyed helplessness.

Before the Gold Ranking Tournament, he had thought of himself as unmatched in talent.

After being defeated by An Hao, he wasn't discouraged but rather relieved, realizing that he had encountered someone even more talented, allowing him to adjust his mindset and cultivate better.

An Hao, tall and handsome, his long hair casually tied back, exuded both elegance and the aura of a prodigy. With a blade of grass in his mouth, he chuckled lightly, "I don't think my progress is fast enough. Ever since I started cultivating, I've felt like I'm constantly racing against time, as if disaster awaits if I don't push forward."

He stared out at the Northern Sea, his gaze distant.

Seeing the once-small child, who barely reached his shoulder, grow into such a remarkable young man filled Gu An with a sense of pride.

Without Gu An, An Hao would have perished in the jaws of a demon long ago, and it was Gu An who had guided him in cultivation. That sense of accomplishment was well-deserved.

Hearing An Hao's words, Gu An thought about his lifespan theory.

Could geniuses like An Hao have an innate sense of their destiny?

If he didn't reach Nirvana within ten thousand years, he would die.

Xuanmiao Zhenren sighed and said, "If that's the case, then allow me to guide you. I once passed through the Tian Wei region, and a treasure of mine led me to the ruins of a great cultivator's abode. However, the restrictions within were too complex for me to decipher at the time. Perhaps you could give it a try; the opportunities there are immense."

An Hao's eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked for the exact location of the ruins.

Xuanmiao Zhenren handed him a map from his storage bag.

An Hao took the map, his eyes shining with excitement. After chatting with Xuanmiao Zhenren for a bit longer, he decided it was time to leave. As he prepared to go, he gave a reminder to Xuanmiao Zhenren, "Recently, there has been much commotion in the cultivation world regarding the Heaven-Hating Divine Sword. The wielder of that sword has already fallen into the demonic path and is practicing an evil art. The number of people who have perished by his hands is growing. You should be careful here in the mountains. If he happens to catch you unawares, and the Mountain God is in deep sleep, no one will be able to save you."

Xuanmiao Zhenren smiled and replied, "I'm already at the fifth level of the Divine Transformation Realm. The wielder of the Heaven-Hating Divine Sword has yet to slay anyone at my level."

An Hao chuckled and waved his hand dismissively as he turned to leave.

With a leap, a sword shot out from his waist. He stepped onto the flying sword and swiftly vanished into the horizon over the Northern Sea.

Xuanmiao Zhenren watched for a moment, then turned to head back toward the temple.

Just as he entered the courtyard, the voice of the Mountain God, Gu An, echoed from above, "This boy has remarkable potential, and his fate is extraordinary."

Startled, Xuanmiao Zhenren looked up to see the Mountain God seated on the eaves of the temple, his gaze following the disappearing silhouette of An Hao in the distance.

With a smile on his face, Xuanmiao Zhenren responded, "Indeed, his talent is unparalleled. My master once said that the Tai Xuan Sect would one day produce a genius capable of changing the world. Perhaps that person is An Hao."

Gu An chuckled softly, "Is the Three Purities Mountain really that powerful?"

Xuanmiao Zhenren explained, "Three Purities Mountain may not compare to you, but its Dao lineage has existed for over ten thousand years. My elders have mastered various divination arts. In truth, Three Purities Mountain originally came from overseas. However, our ancestors were unable to return and thus took root on this continent."

He continued to share more details about the history and abilities of Three Purities Mountain, which piqued Gu An's interest.

Even the Tongshen Mystical Gate alone was enough to ensure Gu An wouldn't underestimate them.

"Oh, by the way, my Li Family has also produced a 'Chosen One of Fate' with immense fortune. This person should be a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect as well, though they haven't yet shown their full talent. But when they encounter a great opportunity, they might rise to prominence and rival An Hao. I'm eagerly awaiting that day," Xuanmiao Zhenren said, looking up at Gu An with excitement.

Gu An, curious, asked, "A 'Chosen One of Fate'? Are you sure you've identified the right person?"

"Such things are difficult to pinpoint, but I believe it's him. No other member of the Li Family possesses such outstanding potential," Xuanmiao Zhenren answered, shaking his head.

Gu An knew exactly who he was referring to—the most talented member of the Li Family in the Tai Xuan Sect could only be Li Ya.

However, in truth, Li Xuandao's talent was even more terrifying!

Perhaps Li Xuandao was actually the true Chosen One of the Li Family. Based on everything so far, Li Xuandao certainly had the talent to rival An Hao.