Chapter 228: Nine Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Years of Lifespan

Gu An's initially gloomy mood gradually lightened as he watched Ye Lan's excitement. No matter how difficult things seemed, he had managed to extend her lifespan by an additional 470 years and helped her cultivation advance from the Foundation Establishment stage to the Nascent Soul stage. Her future would undoubtedly be more vibrant and fulfilling.

Nearly five more centuries of life lay ahead for Ye Lan. Perhaps, in that time, she might even encounter fortuitous opportunities on her own.

Gu An smiled faintly, occasionally chiming in with Ye Lan's chatter.

When she finally finished talking, Gu An suggested, "I think you should consider moving to the inner sect."

Ye Lan nodded with eagerness. Her eyes sparkled with hope as she said, "If I can't achieve further breakthroughs in this lifetime, at least I'll have had the chance to experience the world of great cultivators. That would be enough for me."

From the moment Gu An had entered her room, Ye Lan had noticed something was off about him. Thinking back to his previous reminders and concerns, she guessed at several possibilities. One thing was certain: her senior brother was deeply worried about her lifespan.

However, Ye Lan did not feel afraid or dejected. Instead, she felt deeply content.

Without Gu An's help, she might never have progressed beyond the Foundation Establishment stage and would have spent her entire life as a menial disciple. Everything she had now felt like a dream come true.

"If my life truly only spans a few hundred years, Senior Brother, you don't need to feel regret. If we're fated, we'll meet again in the next life, won't we?" Ye Lan smiled softly, her voice carrying a comforting warmth.

Gu An froze for a moment, then returned her smile. "Yes, if fate allows it, even reincarnation cannot keep us apart."

They talked about everything—future plans, past memories. For once, Gu An chose not to leave that night. Instead, he stayed at Ye Lan's residence, and the two spent the entire night talking without a hint of fatigue.

The following morning, Gu An left.

Ye Lan escorted him to the gate, her eyes lingering on his departing figure. That familiar sense of longing and melancholy washed over her again.

With her cultivation now at a higher level, Ye Lan found her senior brother's demeanor increasingly enigmatic. It was as if he had already ascended to an extraordinary realm. After all, he had earned the respect of Sword Master of Dao—a fact she couldn't overlook.

Ye Lan was certain of one thing: if Gu An and the Sword Sovereign had only shared a passing acquaintance, the Sword Sovereign would never have intervened with the Azure Swan Sword back then.

Gu An had likely chosen to downplay their relationship to avoid unnecessary trouble. This was something Ye Lan could understand and accept.

"Senior Brother, I'll cherish every moment we have left together."

A serene smile spread across Ye Lan's face, her eyes brimming with anticipation for the days to come. The future was vast and uncertain, but she didn't want to dwell on it too much. Instead, she resolved to focus on the present.

With Ye Lan's situation temporarily settled, Gu An turned his attention elsewhere. Unlike the Dao Yan Technique, which allowed only a single release of suppressed cultivation, the Innate Reincarnation Technique could be repeatedly cultivated. Ye Lan could continue suppressing her cultivation and release it again centuries later, potentially further increasing her lifespan. Whether subsequent releases would be as effective as the first remained uncertain, but it offered a glimmer of hope.

In a few hundred years, Gu An's own cultivation would likely undergo transformative advancements. Perhaps by then, he could find a way to rewrite Ye Lan's destiny entirely.

Comparatively, Gu An was more worried about Xiao Chuan.

Xiao Chuan showed little dedication to cultivation, often slacking off. Even if he released his suppressed cultivation, his progress would be limited, far inferior to Ye Lan's achievements.

However, Xiao Chuan had long come to terms with the transient nature of life and death, which eased Gu An's concerns somewhat.

Every individual made their own choices, and farewells were an inevitable part of life. Gu An wasn't the type to dwell on things he couldn't change. If there was nothing he could do, he would simply strive to cultivate diligently and witness the pinnacle of the immortal path on behalf of his departed loved ones.

That year's summer was milder than usual.

In the Third Medicine Valley, Gu An descended from his loft, his gaze sweeping over the bustling activity of the valley. The sight brought a warm smile to his face.

In the distance, You Yingying was instructing An Xin and a group of female disciples in various spellcasting techniques. Although her cultivation level was low, her knowledge of spells was surprisingly vast.

Meanwhile, the Blood Prison Saint was chasing after the White Spirit Mouse yet again. The two seemed evenly matched. Every time he was about to catch the mouse, it would deftly slip away, leaving him fuming in frustration but unwilling to give up. He continued the pursuit tirelessly.

Ten years had passed, and Lu Lingjun had yet to return.

Using his divine sense, Gu An observed that Lu Lingjun's Ascension Sect was gradually taking shape. However, one of the sect's ascenders had provoked a prominent overseas family, sparking years of bitter conflict between the two factions.

Gu An chose to remain a spectator, uninterested in involving himself.

Though Lu Lingjun had sustained injuries multiple times, none were life-threatening.

It had to be said: ascenders were extraordinarily resilient. Despite the formidable power of their opponents, they showed no signs of backing down. They were prepared to fight to the death, refusing to rest until they had exacted justice.

At that moment, Xiao Chuan approached Gu An. "Senior Brother, I've just recruited a hundred new menial disciples. Would you like to meet them?"

Over the past decade, disciples who had advanced to Foundation Establishment had left the valley, while new recruits continued to fill their ranks. The total number of disciples in the Third Medicine Valley had now surpassed 900.

With no pressing matters to attend to, Gu An nodded in agreement.

Following Xiao Chuan, he arrived at a grassy area near the edge of the lofts. There, a group of 100 menial disciples was gathered, anxiously whispering among themselves.

"Do you think the Valley Master will accept us?"

"He should, right? The Senior Disciple brought us here."

"The Third Medicine Valley isn't just any place. Every year, it produces several Foundation Establishment disciples, helping them qualify for the outer sect."

"I heard something too—they say the Valley Master is a personal disciple of the Sect Master."

"Most importantly, the Valley Master is very generous."

Among the gathered disciples, some were excited, others nervous, and a few so tense they were trembling. As soon as they saw Xiao Chuan and Gu An approaching, the group fell silent, their chatter abruptly stopping.

All eyes turned to Gu An, and many were stunned by his appearance and demeanor.

So young! So handsome!

Gu An's gaze swept over the crowd of menial disciples as he used Lifespan Investigation. Over the decades, Xiao Chuan had recruited many disciples, some with hidden potential. However, none had surpassed the thousand-year lifespan threshold, and Gu An had rarely chosen to personally mentor anyone, keeping relationships distant.

As his divine sense scanned the group, most had lifespans ranging between one or two hundred years, with the occasional standout reaching three hundred.

Until—

[Yang Jian (Qi Refining Stage, Third Layer): 15/97/9999]

Hmm? Yang Jian?

Gu An's brows lifted. Was the legendary Er-Lang Shen actually here? Moreover, this youth had the same awe-inspiring maximum lifespan as An Hao.

Gu An's attention locked onto Yang Jian. He gestured toward the boy and sent a voice transmission to Xiao Chuan. "Bring that one over."

Yang Jian, clad in plain gray robes, stood out in no way. His tanned skin hinted at a life of hard labor, though his facial structure was well-defined. If properly groomed, he could look rather refined. Yet in the group, he remained almost invisible.

As Xiao Chuan made his way toward him, the other disciples watched with bated breath, tense with both apprehension and anticipation.

When Xiao Chuan reached Yang Jian, he clapped the boy on the shoulder and motioned for him to step forward.

Yang Jian froze momentarily before hesitantly stepping out, his heart racing with fear. He worried the Valley Master might have taken a disliking to him.

Standing before Gu An, Yang Jian nervously awaited instruction.

"Introduce yourself," Gu An said calmly.

Snapping back to his senses, Yang Jian stammered, "My name is Yang Jian. I'm from Longhu Town in Xu Province. I'm fifteen years old, and there are nine people in my family…"

Before Gu An could say anything, Xiao Chuan interjected, "Yang Jian? Which 'Yang' and which 'Jian'?"

Scratching his head awkwardly, Yang Jian replied, "Like Yang Jian in Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West. You know, Er-Lang Shen. I love those books, so after joining Tai Xuan Sect, I changed my name. My old name was Yang Xiaohu, which I thought sounded awful…"

His words triggered a burst of laughter from the menial disciples in the back.

Hearing this, Gu An couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

For a moment, I thought this kid really was the Er-Lang Shen! This near-immortal lifespan almost gave me a heart attack.

So far, Gu An had only encountered three individuals with the staggering lifespan of 9,999 years: An Hao, the Blood Prison Saint, and now Yang Jian.

Studying the boy more closely, Gu An noticed Yang Jian's physique was unique. His spiritual root was a Five Element Mixed Root, yet his muscles and bones possessed extraordinary qualities. Without someone like Gu An's insight, this trait would remain undetected, as it required immense spiritual energy to awaken. Until then, Yang Jian would appear no different from any other menial disciple.

Had Gu An not been here, Yang Jian's extraordinary potential would likely have remained buried forever, especially since the Tai Cang Dynasty had so few truly powerful immortals.

Xiao Chuan scowled and teased, "You really went for that name, huh? Er-Lang Shen is so famous, and you dare compare yourself to him?"

Xiao Chuan, too, was a fan of Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, holding Yang Jian in high esteem.

The other disciples joined in the ribbing, leaving Yang Jian red-faced with embarrassment. He wished he could sink into the ground and disappear.

"Treading the path of immortality and renaming yourself is a way to show your aspirations. From now on, your name will be Yang Jian," Gu An declared, his voice steady and authoritative. With his decree, the crowd fell silent, no one daring to laugh further.

Afterward, Gu An gave the group a brief but encouraging speech. He emphasized the importance of diligence and hard work and reassured them that those who proved themselves would have his full support in breaking into the Foundation Establishment stage and pursuing the immortal path.

Having said his piece, Gu An turned and walked away, leaving the new recruits in Xiao Chuan's hands.

Gu An wasn't the type to hastily take on disciples based solely on lifespan potential. He resolved to observe Yang Jian's character and actions over time. If the boy proved virtuous and dedicated, Gu An would offer him guidance and resources, forging a karmic bond. However, if Yang Jian displayed arrogance or malice, he would be left to squander his extraordinary lifespan alone.

Unsurprisingly, being singled out by Gu An turned Yang Jian into the center of attention. Other disciples crowded around him, eager to make his acquaintance, leaving Yang Jian overwhelmed by the sudden popularity.

Watching Gu An's departing figure, Yang Jian's eyes filled with gratitude. The Valley Master's acknowledgment had protected his chosen name from ridicule.

I must prove myself! Yang Jian resolved silently. One day, I'll earn a Foundation Establishment Pill and show the Valley Master my worth.

Later, back in his quarters, Gu An's thoughts drifted to An Hao. Among all the disciples he had mentored, including Ye Yan, Su Han, and Zhen Qin, An Hao was the one he truly regarded as his successor, having inherited his techniques and legacy. Gu An had always placed high hopes on An Hao.

An Hao's cultivation had already reached Nascent Soul Stage, Ninth Layer. What made this even more astonishing was that An Hao had yet to reach his hundredth birthday.

Currently, An Hao was training on a small island in the middle of the ocean. With him were Chi Jiuxiao and Chi Bei, who were personally guiding his cultivation.

Both Chi Jiuxiao and Chi Bei were amazed by An Hao's exceptional talent. Were it not for the fact that An Hao already had a master of Heaven and Earth Flying Immortal Realm, the two would have vied to take him as their disciple.

However, Gu An noted that Chi Bei's cultivation was steadily declining, likely due to the lingering poison of the Swallowing Immortal Scorpion.

Gu An sighed and made a mental note: it was time to share the advanced version of the Yang Wood Mixed Essence Art with An Hao. Without it, An Hao risked being surpassed by both Li Ya and Zhang Buku.