Chapter 153: Get Out!

The one who placed his hand on An Hao's shoulder was none other than Gu An. An Hao cautiously turned his head, and upon seeing Gu An, the joy in his heart exploded in full force.

"Master!"

Unable to control himself, An Hao rushed forward and embraced Gu An.

Even though Gu An was still wearing a mask and his attire was different from the past, An Hao immediately recognized that this was indeed his master.

Gu An suddenly vanished, causing An Hao to stumble forward a step.

When he looked back, he saw Gu An standing seven steps away, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.

For a brief moment, when Gu An disappeared, An Hao thought he had been caught in an illusion.

"Tell me, what happened?" Gu An asked calmly.

The mountain continued to tremble, but with Gu An's presence, An Hao felt no fear. Instead, he was excited as he began recounting the entire situation.

Gu An listened attentively.

Not far from them, Si Yan'er widened her eyes in astonishment as she looked at Gu An with awe.

Was this really An Hao's master?

How did he manage to get inside?

As An Hao narrated his story, he couldn't help but use his spiritual sense to probe into Gu An's true appearance. However, the power of the mask instantly repelled his spiritual sense, making his heart race.

Gu An remained silent, causing An Hao to feel embarrassed. He dared not probe any further and instead focused on finishing his explanation of his grudge with the prince of Tian Wei, Si Zong.

Two months ago, An Hao had followed the map given to him by Xuanmiao Zhenren and found this ancient cave abode. However, he couldn't get inside. After struggling for a month, he left for some training and met Si Zong and Si Yan'er.

Si Zong had also participated in the Hidden Dragon Ranking and made it to the top ten. The two had been opponents before, and upon meeting again, they got along well. An Hao thought he had found another good friend, like Xuanmiao Zhenren. So, the three of them traveled together happily for some time. Eventually, An Hao mentioned the cave abode opportunity to Si Zong.

Who could have known that Si Zong, holding a grudge over losing to An Hao in the past, would try to capture him after learning about the opportunity?

After a fierce battle, both sides were heavily injured, and An Hao took Si Yan'er as a hostage.

An Hao brought Si Yan'er back to the cave, and during a quarrel, they accidentally activated a mechanism, revealing the entrance to the cave.

Just as they were about to enter, Si Zong arrived with reinforcements, including a Void Crossing Realm expert.

An Hao had barely managed to escape into the cave with Si Yan'er and was gravely injured in the process.

After finishing his account, An Hao was furious, cursing, "That bastard Si Zong! I trusted him so much! How could I have been so blind?"

Si Yan'er pursed her lips but didn't defend her brother, as she too was displeased with Si Zong's actions.

Boom!

A loud explosion echoed from the cave's entrance, followed by a gust of wind that blew through the chamber, ruffling their robes.

Gu An, however, turned his gaze toward the stone statue in the center of the chamber, seemingly lost in thought.

The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. An Hao remained unfazed. He moved closer to Si Yan'er, prepared to use her as a hostage again.

"Let her go. There's no point in using a woman as leverage," Gu An's calm voice echoed through the chamber.

Si Yan'er, upon hearing this, was elated and quickly chimed in, "Thank you, senior! You are indeed wise and fair!"

An Hao glared at her but obediently tore off the talisman that had been restraining her.

As soon as the talisman was removed, Si Yan'er regained control of her body and let out a sigh of relief. She didn't run but chose to stand still beside An Hao.

At that moment, a group of cultivators appeared at the cave's entrance. Leading them was Si Zong, and standing behind him was a man dressed in a black robe with golden patterns. The man had a powerful aura, half of his hair had turned white, and his handsome face bore a cold and oppressive expression.

Si Zong's gaze immediately landed on Gu An, his brows furrowed. He clasped his hands in greeting and asked, "May I ask who you are, Daoist? And why are you here?"

Si Yan'er interjected, "Brother, he's An Hao's master. Let's end this here."

"Master?"

Si Zong's frown deepened, and he asked, "Is the sect master, Lü Baitian, here?"

Gu An's attention shifted to the black-robed man behind Si Zong, and he used his lifespan ability to investigate.

[Xing Yan Laozu (Profound Heart Realm, Second Layer): 1904/4400/4600]

It seemed the Nine Dynasties region was indeed full of hidden experts. Whether Xing Yan Laozu had been hiding in Tian Wei all this time or had returned from overseas after the Ephemeral Blossom Sect's downfall, Gu An wasn't sure.

Gu An calmly said, "I'm not Lü Baitian. My disciple found this cave first. I advise you all to leave now."

Si Zong's followers were visibly shocked, not expecting this person to be so direct.

An Hao, on the other hand, was thrilled and stared defiantly at Si Zong.

Xing Yan Laozu stepped forward, standing in front of Si Zong. He scrutinized Gu An before asking, "May I know your esteemed name, Daoist? Why hide behind a mask?"

His spiritual sense couldn't penetrate Gu An's mask, which made him feel a slight sense of caution.

But only a slight one—after all, he was a Profound Heart Realm expert.

During the battle against the Ephemeral Blossom Sect, he had faced several other Profound Heart Realm experts and had victories and defeats. He was confident that no one at this level could kill him.

Unless, of course, the person in front of him had reached the legendary Mahayana Realm, like the Ephemeral Blossom Sect's sect leader.

The Mahayana Realm?

Xing Yan Laozu didn't believe it. If such a powerful being existed, how come he had never heard of them before?

Gu An turned to face Xing Yan Laozu, and with a single word, he spoke:

"Get out."

"Get out!"

Everyone's faces changed drastically, especially Si Zong's group, who were well aware of Xing Yan Laozu's terrifying power.

"How dare you speak such disrespect to a Profound Heart Realm master!" an old cultivator shouted angrily. Xing Yan Laozu, however, simply laughed—a cold, menacing laugh.

An Hao was beyond excited. This was his master, so bold and powerful!

Si Yan'er, too, looked at Gu An, somehow sensing that his arrogance was not unfounded.

Xing Yan Laozu was about to speak when Gu An sighed and muttered, "How troublesome."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Gu An waved his sleeve, and a burst of energy erupted from his body, transforming into a gust of wind that rushed toward Xing Yan Laozu, Si Zong, and the others.

He moved so swiftly that no one had time to react.

As the wind passed over them, Xing Yan Laozu and the others disintegrated into dust, leaving behind only storage bags and rings that fell to the ground.

The cave fell silent.

An Hao's eyes widened in disbelief, while Si Yan'er stood frozen, rubbing her eyes as if she couldn't believe what had just happened.

A series of notifications appeared before Gu An, indicating that killing fifty-seven cultivators had granted him over twelve hundred years of lifespan.

Gu An ignored the shocked expressions of An Hao and Si Yan'er and walked toward the stone statue.

"Profound Heart Realm... dead?" Si Yan'er muttered, sweat dripping from her forehead as fear gripped her heart.

An Hao was stunned for a moment, then burst into cheers. He ran to Gu An's side and excitedly asked, "Master! How are you so powerful? What realm are you in? Could you be in the Mahayana Realm that the Ephemeral Blossom Sect leader spoke of?"

"Mahayana Realm!"

The mention of these three words made Si Yan'er's heart race.

She had already forgotten about her brother's death. All that remained in her heart was fear and awe.

She quickly ran out of the cave, but instead of fleeing, she urged the remaining cultivators outside to leave, fearing they too would meet the same fate as her brother.

She then returned to the cave and quietly stood beside An Hao.

An Hao frowned at her but said nothing. Si Yan'er raised her chin slightly and shot him a defiant look.

At that moment, Gu An raised his hand and struck the stone statue with a powerful palm. Under his control, the statue began to rotate. The turtle's mouth opened, releasing a stream of water.

As the statue completed half a rotation, a beam of white light shot from the turtle's mouth, striking the cave wall.

An Hao and Si Yan'er watched in awe as the wall was illuminated with ancient, intricate characters, each one seemingly alive, writhing and shifting as if trying to escape the surface of the wall.

The light reflected on their faces, and it was as though a miniature sun was expanding before their eyes.

The cave wall began to glow, revealing an otherworldly door. The ancient characters swirled, forming a gateway to another realm.

The glowing ancient characters formed a gateway, and the radiance began to fill the cave with a divine aura. An Hao and Si Yan'er could feel the powerful energy pulsating from the door as it slowly expanded, opening up to a mysterious new world.

The stone statue's turtle lowered its head slightly, and with a gentle strike of the staff it held, the brightness of the gateway increased, illuminating the entire cave. Moments later, a burst of dense spiritual energy surged out, washing over Gu An, An Hao, and Si Yan'er.

Gu An was the first to move toward the glowing entrance, his steps steady and confident. An Hao, brimming with excitement, followed closely behind. Si Yan'er hesitated only for a moment before quickly chasing after them, her heart filled with both awe and anticipation.

As they stepped into the light, the overwhelming sensation of spiritual energy surrounded them, making it difficult to see anything beyond the glow. An Hao squinted, trying to make sense of their surroundings. He attempted to cast a spell to enhance his sight, but to his surprise, his spiritual energy was suppressed. His connection to the outside world, even his spiritual sense, was completely cut off.

With no other choice, they pressed forward. After walking a dozen steps, An Hao suddenly bumped into someone. Startled, he stopped, realizing he had collided with Gu An, who had halted in front of him. Just as An Hao was about to speak, the brilliant light faded, revealing a breathtaking scene.

Before them was a grand expanse of verdant mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. The sky above was a clear blue, dotted with patches of fluffy white clouds. The place was brimming with spiritual energy, so thick that one could practically see it swirling through the air.

"This... the spiritual energy here is so rich!" An Hao exclaimed, breathing in deeply and feeling his body immediately respond to the surge of vitality. The place was unlike anything he had ever encountered.

Si Yan'er, standing next to him, pointed toward the distant mountains. "What... what is that?" she asked, her voice filled with astonishment.

An Hao followed her gaze, and sure enough, something was moving through the distant forest. The trees swayed violently, indicating the presence of something massive—perhaps a powerful creature traversing the woods.

Suddenly, a voice boomed across the skies, deep and ancient, reverberating through the landscape: "Welcome, fated ones. You have entered the domain of this ancient cave. If you can pass my trials, you will inherit my legacy. Perhaps, one day, you may even glimpse the mysteries of the Mahayana Realm."

"The Mahayana Realm!" An Hao's heart skipped a beat. The voice's words echoed in his mind, and he turned toward Gu An, eyes wide with excitement.

Even Si Yan'er, who had been somewhat aloof earlier, now felt her pulse quicken. The promise of inheriting a legacy that could lead to the Mahayana Realm was too tempting to ignore.

However, Gu An remained composed. He had already sensed that this small world concealed several powerful entities, including four spirit beasts that were as strong as Body Fusion Realm cultivators. There was also a faint presence—an ancient remnant soul of someone who had once reached the Mahayana Realm—hidden within a statue deep within the mountains, though it was now incredibly weak.

Gu An looked at An Hao and Si Yan'er and calmly said, "Go ahead. Test your fate. See if you can earn this opportunity."

Without hesitation, An Hao leaped off the cliffside, descending swiftly into the forest below. Si Yan'er followed closely behind, nodding respectfully to Gu An before taking off in pursuit of An Hao.

"Wait for me!" Si Yan'er called out, her figure soon disappearing into the dense forest.

Meanwhile, Gu An's figure flickered, and he reappeared hundreds of miles away, standing on the slope of a mountain. There, a stone statue identical to the one they had encountered in the cave stood, its presence ancient and powerful.

In the lush forest below, An Hao moved swiftly, navigating the dense trees with ease. The spiritual energy in the air seemed to invigorate his every step. Behind him, Si Yan'er struggled to keep up, her breath labored as she called out to him.

As they raced deeper into the forest, they became aware of the presence of the immense creature they had spotted earlier. The ground shook with each step the beast took, and the rustling of trees grew louder.

Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed over them.

An Hao and Si Yan'er came to an abrupt halt, staring up in awe at the creature before them. It was an enormous spirit beast, towering over the trees, its eyes glowing with intelligence. Its body was covered in dark scales, and it radiated an aura of immense power—clearly a creature of the Body Fusion Realm.

"We need to fight it to pass the trial, don't we?" Si Yan'er asked, her voice trembling slightly, though she tried to sound brave.

An Hao nodded, summoning his sword as his expression turned serious. "Be careful," he warned, his spiritual energy gathering around him.

Far away, Gu An stood in front of the stone statue on the mountain. He reached out his hand and pressed it gently against the stone figure. The moment his hand made contact, the entire statue began to hum with energy.

Beneath the statue, a hidden chamber was revealed, its entrance glowing with a soft light. Gu An stepped forward, descending into the unknown depths.

Inside the chamber, the air was thick with ancient spiritual energy. Gu An could sense the lingering presence of the Mahayana Realm remnant soul. It was weak, but its existence had not entirely faded.

As he delved deeper into the chamber, the faint voice of the remnant soul spoke to him: "To reach the Mahayana Realm... to transcend the limits of the mortal world... you must pass the ultimate test of fate."

Gu An remained silent, his eyes fixed ahead as he ventured further into the mysterious chamber.

Back in the forest, An Hao and Si Yan'er faced the massive spirit beast, ready to fight for their chance at inheritance. The air around them crackled with energy as they prepared for the battle of their lives.

An Hao's grip on his sword tightened as he stared at the enormous spirit beast. The air around them was tense, with the beast's powerful aura pressing down on both him and Si Yan'er. This creature was no ordinary opponent, and the battle ahead would be fierce.

The beast roared, shaking the forest around them. Trees swayed violently, and debris flew everywhere as it began to move forward, each step causing tremors beneath their feet.

"Stay focused," An Hao called out, his voice calm but filled with determination. "This is no ordinary spirit beast—it's at least in the Body Fusion Realm."

Si Yan'er nodded, though her heart raced with fear. She could feel the immense pressure radiating from the creature, but there was no room for hesitation. This was the trial they needed to pass, and she wasn't about to give up now.

In an instant, the beast charged, its massive body bulldozing through the forest like a landslide. An Hao moved first, dashing forward with incredible speed, his sword glowing with spiritual energy. He slashed at the beast's legs, trying to find a weak point in its defenses.

The sword struck the beast's scales with a sharp clang, sending sparks flying, but the creature barely flinched. It let out another deafening roar, swinging its tail toward An Hao in retaliation.

"Watch out!" Si Yan'er shouted, her eyes wide as she saw the tail coming. An Hao barely managed to dodge, rolling out of the way just in time as the ground where he had stood moments before exploded in a shower of dirt and rock.

Si Yan'er raised her hands, forming complex seals as she summoned her spiritual energy. She chanted a spell under her breath, and moments later, a powerful gust of wind gathered at her command, launching sharp blades of air toward the creature.

The wind blades struck the spirit beast, creating deep gashes along its side, but even this wasn't enough to stop the massive creature. It turned its attention toward Si Yan'er, its eyes glowing red with fury.

An Hao leaped into action again, this time using his sword technique to summon a storm of spiritual energy. His sword glowed brighter as he slashed at the beast's tail, trying to sever it.

This time, his attack made contact, slicing through a section of the beast's tail and drawing black blood. The beast let out a pained roar, thrashing violently and sending a shockwave through the forest.

Si Yan'er staggered back, barely able to maintain her balance as the force of the beast's roar reverberated through the ground. "We need to aim for its core!" she shouted, her voice strained from the exertion of maintaining her spell.

An Hao nodded. He knew they couldn't waste time. The longer the battle dragged on, the more dangerous the situation would become. "I'll distract it," he called out, readying his sword for another strike. "You find an opening and hit it with everything you've got!"

Si Yan'er didn't hesitate. She gathered all of her spiritual energy, focusing it into a single point. Her body glowed with a soft light as she began to channel her most powerful technique, the Gale Phantom Kick.

An Hao darted forward again, his sword flashing as he engaged the spirit beast head-on. He dodged and weaved through its attacks, his agility and speed allowing him to avoid the beast's devastating blows. His movements were precise, each strike aimed at weakening the creature, buying time for Si Yan'er to prepare her final attack.

Finally, Si Yan'er was ready. Her entire body pulsed with spiritual energy, and with a loud shout, she launched herself into the air. Her leg glowed with intense power as she descended toward the beast, aiming directly for its chest.

"Now!" An Hao shouted, stepping aside at the last moment to give her a clear path.

Si Yan'er's Gale Phantom Kick struck the beast with the force of a hurricane, slamming into its core. The impact created a massive shockwave that shook the forest, and the spirit beast let out one final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash.

For a moment, everything was still. The dust settled around them, and the forest grew quiet once again. An Hao and Si Yan'er stood there, breathing heavily, their bodies trembling from the intense battle.

"We did it," Si Yan'er said, her voice barely more than a whisper as she looked down at the fallen beast.

An Hao nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. "We passed the first trial."

Just as the words left his mouth, the deep, ancient voice echoed through the air once again: "You have proven your strength, but the path ahead remains perilous. Continue forward if you dare to seek my legacy."

The voice faded, leaving them in silence once more.

An Hao sheathed his sword, glancing at Si Yan'er. "We need to keep moving. There's no telling what other trials await us."

Si Yan'er took a deep breath and nodded. Together, they pressed onward, deeper into the unknown world.

Meanwhile, high above the forest, Gu An stood before the second stone statue, deep in thought. He had already sensed the residual energy of the Mahayana Realm within this small world, and now that the first trial was over, he could feel the ancient power stirring.

His eyes narrowed as he gazed into the distance, toward the place where the remnant soul of the ancient cultivator resided. "The Mahayana Realm... so, this is where your legacy lies."

Without hesitation, Gu An took a step forward, his figure vanishing into the wind as he moved toward the heart of the trial grounds.

Gu An's figure disappeared as he moved swiftly toward the heart of the ancient cultivator's legacy grounds. The air around him was filled with dense spiritual energy, far more potent than anything found in the outer world. As he crossed the threshold of the trial grounds, he could feel the presence of the remnant soul growing stronger, its aura looming like a shadow over the entire realm.

"This is the power left behind by a Mahayana Realm cultivator..." Gu An thought to himself, his expression calm but focused. He knew that this trial would not be easy, even for someone like him.

As he made his way deeper into the realm, the terrain around him shifted dramatically. The once serene mountains and forests gave way to jagged cliffs and turbulent rivers, the air thick with the tension of impending danger. Every step felt heavier, as if the very atmosphere itself was resisting his progress.

Suddenly, Gu An stopped, his gaze sharp as he felt a powerful energy surge ahead of him. His senses honed in on the source of the disturbance—a large, towering figure emerged from the shadows, its body cloaked in black mist. The figure's presence was overwhelming, and its power radiated across the land like a dark tide.

"A guardian?" Gu An muttered under his breath, recognizing the ancient mechanism at play. This wasn't just a simple trial. The remnant soul had left behind powerful guardians to protect its legacy from unworthy challengers.

The guardian let out a low growl, its massive form shifting as it prepared to attack. Its eyes gleamed with malice as it locked onto Gu An, sensing the immense power contained within him. Without warning, it charged, the ground shaking beneath its enormous weight.

Gu An's eyes narrowed, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. "So, this is my first challenge," he said softly. His grip tightened around the sword's hilt as he prepared to meet the guardian head-on.

In a flash, Gu An drew his sword, the blade glowing with an ethereal light as it sliced through the air. His movements were fluid, precise, and incredibly fast, as if he had become one with the sword itself. The guardian's massive claws swung down toward him, but Gu An sidestepped the attack with ease, his body moving like a phantom.

With a single stroke, Gu An's sword cut through the black mist surrounding the guardian, dispersing it momentarily. The guardian roared in anger, but Gu An remained calm, his eyes never leaving his opponent. He could feel the flow of energy within the guardian, and he knew exactly where to strike.

"End it quickly," Gu An thought, raising his sword. In an instant, he surged forward, his sword blazing with spiritual energy as he delivered a devastating slash directly to the guardian's core.

The guardian let out a final, deafening roar before its massive body crumbled into dust, the black mist dissipating into the air. Gu An stood still, his sword lowered as he watched the remains of the guardian fade away.

"That was a formidable guardian, but not enough to stop me," Gu An said quietly, sheathing his sword. He turned his attention forward, his senses still alert for any signs of danger. The path ahead was long, and he knew there were likely more trials to come.

As Gu An continued his journey through the trial grounds, he could feel the presence of the ancient cultivator's remnant soul growing ever closer. Each step brought him deeper into the heart of the legacy, and with it, the intensity of the spiritual energy increased.

Suddenly, Gu An stopped again. This time, he wasn't alone.

A figure appeared before him, shrouded in a faint golden light. It was the remnant soul of the Mahayana Realm cultivator, a shadow of its former self, but still brimming with immense power.

"You've come far, challenger," the remnant soul said, its voice echoing through the realm. "Many have sought my legacy, but few have made it this far. You must prove yourself worthy to claim what I have left behind."

Gu An stood tall, his expression calm as he faced the remnant soul. "I seek your legacy, but not for power alone. My path requires more than strength—I seek understanding."

The remnant soul paused, its gaze scrutinizing Gu An. "Understanding, you say? Many have sought understanding, yet all they found was destruction. The path to power is filled with trials and tribulations. What makes you think you are different?"

Gu An met the remnant soul's gaze, his voice steady. "Because I have walked the path between life and death. I have seen the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of stars. I have faced trials that would have broken lesser men. But through it all, I have remained true to my path."

The remnant soul was silent for a moment, as if contemplating Gu An's words. Then, slowly, it nodded. "Very well, then. If you are to inherit my legacy, you must face one final trial."

With that, the remnant soul raised its hand, and the sky above Gu An darkened. The ground beneath him rumbled as the land around him began to warp and shift. In the distance, towering mountains rose from the earth, and the very air crackled with spiritual energy.

Gu An remained still, his gaze unwavering as he prepared for the final trial. He could feel the weight of the ancient cultivator's power pressing down on him, but he stood firm.

"This is the final test," the remnant soul said, its voice booming across the land. "If you can survive this, my legacy is yours."

Without hesitation, Gu An drew his sword once more, his body surrounded by a faint aura of spiritual energy. He knew that this would be the most difficult trial yet, but he was ready. His path had led him here, and he would not turn back now.

As the trial began, Gu An's eyes gleamed with determination.

"Let's finish this."

Elsewhere, An Hao and Si Yan'er continued their own journey through the trial grounds. The spirit beasts and challenges they faced were relentless, but they pressed forward, their determination unwavering. An Hao's mind, however, remained on his master, Gu An.

"He's always watching over me," An Hao thought, a small smile forming on his lips as he slashed through yet another beast. "I won't let him down."

Si Yan'er glanced at him, noticing the newfound resolve in his eyes. "What's gotten into you?" she asked, slightly out of breath after the battle.

"Nothing," An Hao replied with a grin. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have a master like him."

Si Yan'er chuckled. "You're not wrong there. Now, let's keep moving. We still have a long way to go."

With that, the two of them continued forward, unaware of the immense power that was gathering in the heart of the trial grounds where Gu An was about to face his greatest challenge yet.

The final trial began as the landscape around Gu An twisted and transformed. The sky, once clear, now churned with dark clouds, and the earth beneath him trembled with an unseen force. A fierce wind swept through the trial grounds, carrying with it a powerful and ancient energy that felt both oppressive and commanding.

From the swirling chaos, four figures emerged, each radiating immense power. They were the four spirit beasts, guardians of the trial, and they exuded an aura that rivaled even the strongest of cultivators. Their forms were majestic and terrifying, standing as towering symbols of the Mahayana Realm's former glory.

The first was a massive qilin, its golden scales shimmering as it stepped forward, its eyes burning with the intensity of the sun. The second was a great phoenix, its feathers blazing with a fierce, otherworldly fire that flickered in the darkened sky. The third was a black tortoise, its shell as hard as stone and its gaze as ancient as time itself. Finally, the fourth was an azure dragon, its serpentine body coiling through the air, its scales glistening like the surface of a stormy sea.

Each of the beasts represented an element—fire, water, earth, and air—and together, they embodied the full power of the natural world. They were beings of balance and destruction, created to test the worthiness of any who sought to claim the Mahayana cultivator's legacy.

"You must face them," the voice of the remnant soul echoed across the realm. "These four beasts will judge your strength and resolve. Only by overcoming them will you be deemed worthy of my inheritance."

Gu An's eyes flicked between the four spirit beasts, his heart calm despite the overwhelming power before him. He had expected this final trial to be more than just a test of strength. It was a test of his very essence—his will, his determination, and his mastery over the elements.

With a deep breath, Gu An drew his sword, its blade gleaming with ethereal energy. He took a single step forward, his focus entirely on the task at hand. There was no room for hesitation, no place for doubt. He had come too far to falter now.

The qilin was the first to strike, its golden body surging forward like a comet. Flames erupted around it as it charged, the ground beneath its hooves turning to molten lava. Gu An responded instantly, leaping into the air as his sword slashed through the fiery onslaught. His movements were precise, his energy focused, and with a swift swing of his sword, he deflected the qilin's attack, sending a wave of spiritual energy crashing into the beast.

The qilin roared, but Gu An was already moving, shifting his stance as the phoenix descended upon him. Its wings spread wide, and with a single beat, it unleashed a torrent of flames that scorched the air. The heat was unbearable, but Gu An's sword glowed brighter as he called upon the full extent of his power. With a shout, he unleashed a wave of spiritual energy, parting the flames and driving the phoenix back.

"Not enough," Gu An thought, his gaze shifting to the black tortoise and the azure dragon. The two remaining beasts had yet to make their move, but he knew they were watching, waiting for their moment to strike.

The tortoise, slow but unyielding, began to move, its massive body shaking the ground with every step. Its shell gleamed in the dim light, and Gu An could feel the immense power hidden within it. Meanwhile, the dragon circled above, its eyes locked onto him, its serpentine form cutting through the clouds like a blade through water.

Gu An knew he had to act quickly. The longer this battle dragged on, the more dangerous it would become. With a sudden burst of speed, he dashed toward the tortoise, his sword aimed at its weakest point—the space between its armored plates. The tortoise reacted, raising its massive head as it prepared to strike, but Gu An was faster. His sword pierced through its defenses, releasing a surge of spiritual energy that sent the massive creature crashing to the ground.

One down, three to go.

But there was no time to celebrate. The azure dragon let out a deafening roar, its body coiling as it unleashed a violent storm of wind and lightning. The skies crackled with energy, and the winds howled as they whipped around Gu An, threatening to tear him apart.

"Come on," Gu An muttered to himself, raising his sword to block the incoming assault. His aura flared as he summoned every ounce of his strength, channeling his spiritual energy into his blade. With a mighty swing, he cleaved through the storm, dispersing the dragon's attack in a brilliant flash of light.

But the dragon was relentless. It lunged at him, its fangs bared, its claws extended. Gu An sidestepped the attack, moving with incredible speed as he brought his sword down onto the dragon's back. The beast let out a roar of pain, but it wasn't enough to bring it down.

Just as the dragon prepared to strike again, a sudden burst of flames from the phoenix forced Gu An to retreat. He was surrounded on all sides, the phoenix and dragon working in unison to keep him on the defensive. It was a relentless assault, and even with his strength, Gu An could feel the weight of the battle beginning to take its toll.

But he couldn't give up. Not now. Not when he was so close.

With a deep breath, Gu An gathered his energy once more, his sword glowing with a brilliant, otherworldly light. He could feel the power of the Mahayana Realm surging through him, guiding his movements, amplifying his strength. This was the moment. This was his chance.

"Enough!" Gu An shouted, his voice echoing across the trial grounds.

With a single, powerful strike, Gu An unleashed a devastating wave of spiritual energy that engulfed the phoenix and the dragon. The sheer force of the attack sent the two beasts crashing to the ground, their bodies dissolving into nothingness as the remnants of their power faded into the air.

Silence fell over the realm.

Gu An stood amidst the ruins of the trial grounds, his sword lowered, his breath heavy but steady. The four spirit beasts had been defeated, and the path to the Mahayana cultivator's legacy now lay open before him.

As the last remnants of the beasts' energy dissipated, the voice of the remnant soul echoed once more.

"You have proven yourself worthy," it said, its tone filled with both respect and finality. "The legacy of the Mahayana Realm is now yours to claim."

With those words, a brilliant light filled the sky, and Gu An felt a surge of power unlike anything he had ever experienced before. It was as if the entire universe had opened up before him, revealing the mysteries of the Dao, the secrets of the heavens.

But even as he stood at the precipice of this newfound power, Gu An remained calm. He knew that this was just the beginning. There were still greater challenges ahead, and more secrets to uncover.

As the light began to fade, Gu An turned and looked out across the realm. Somewhere in the distance, An Hao and Si Yan'er were still making their way through the trial grounds, unaware of the battles that had taken place here.

A small smile crossed his face.

"The path continues," he said softly, before vanishing into the light.

Meanwhile, An Hao and Si Yan'er pressed on, their resolve unshaken as they faced the challenges ahead. Little did they know, their master had already completed his trial and was waiting for them on the other side.