When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!

Chapter 111: The Arrival of Xuanxin!

The sky stretched endlessly without a cloud in sight, and below lay an expansive wasteland riddled with intersecting fissures. At closer glance, these fissures formed deep gorges.

On a flat expanse of the wasteland, a massive shroud of black mist hovered, resembling a crack in the air. Beneath the mist was a circular array platform, over three zhang in diameter. Intricate and mysterious runes were carved into its surface, radiating a faint glow as spiritual energy flowed through them.

In front of the array stood over a thousand members of the Nightshade Sect, including Jiang Qiong and Su Han. Leading them was an elderly man in a gray robe, hunched and clutching a wooden staff. He gazed at the black mist above with anticipation glimmering in his eyes.

“The Nightshade Sect’s main bloodline...”

Jiang Qiong nervously observed the spatial fluctuations within the mist. She had joined the Nightshade Sect some time ago and understood its internal workings. The branch within the Land of the Nine Dynasties was insignificant compared to the main bloodline.

Suddenly—

A sharp crack of thunder erupted from the black mist, followed by its rapid expansion. Within, a dark red sky began to manifest, faintly swirling with ominous clouds.

The gray-robed elder immediately knelt and shouted, “We welcome the arrival of the esteemed lord of the main bloodline!”

Under their watchful gaze, a figure emerged from the mist, stepping out against the backdrop of the crimson sky.

It was a man dressed in a fitted purple robe, his waist wrapped with a red sash embroidered with golden edges. His robe was adorned with blooming nightshade flowers, and a nightshade tree was intricately embroidered across his back. His handsome features were set in a cold and arrogant expression, and his snow-white hair was coiled under an amethyst crown, crowned with a ruby resembling a menacing eye.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he looked down at the gathering below and spoke slowly:

“Who is Elder Chihan?”

The gray-robed elder quickly responded, “Reporting to the esteemed lord, that would be me!”

The man in purple, high above, did not descend but continued calmly, “Find someone to lead me to the Taixuan Sect. The rest of you are to remain here and await the arrival of more elders from the main bloodline.”

Elder Chihan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Are there more seniors from the main bloodline coming?”

“Indeed,” the man said. “It is time for the nightshade to bloom.”

Far away, the mysterious aura was beyond the Taixuan Sect’s detection range, even for divine senses at the Grand Ascension Stage. Gu An refrained from acting rashly, trusting his intuition that the aura was linked to the main bloodline of the Nightshade Sect.

Given his limited knowledge of the Nightshade Sect’s true strength, Gu An chose caution. From the memories of Zhong Liang and Su Shan, he knew they were awaiting a Nascent Profound Grandmaster from the main bloodline. However, after destroying the nightshade tree, he worried that the situation might escalate—what if more than one grandmaster arrived?

Moreover, with the Taixuan Sect’s formidable foundation, they might not even need his intervention. Perhaps the Supreme Elders would return, and even the Ji and Gu families, whose hidden strength was unfathomable, could respond if needed.

On the second day after Lü Baitian’s departure, tension gripped the Taixuan Sect.

Numerous Core Formation Stage and Nascent Soul Stage disciples flew over the Third Medicine Valley, heading toward the outer sect. Even the nine prodigies meditating within the valley were summoned, bidding Gu An farewell.

Each disciple carried their identification token, through which the Taixuan Sect issued commands. This system even reached disciples on missions outside the sect.

Xiao Chuan approached Gu An nervously, “Senior Brother, has something serious happened again? Could it be the Nightshade Sect attacking?”

Whenever Xiao Chuan visited the outer sect city, he overheard discussions about the Nightshade Sect. With their undefeated streak against the demonic path and the trouble they caused the Taixuan Sect two hundred years ago, disciples naturally felt threatened.

“I’m not sure. Don’t overthink it. Let’s focus on tending to our medicinal herbs. If a battle starts, there’s little you and I can do. Trust the sect,” Gu An reassured him.

Xiao Chuan found the reasoning sound, though his mind still wandered toward the outer sect.

Gu An turned and left to harvest the mature herbs. After all, if the sky collapsed, the Taixuan Sect would bear the brunt. Harvesting herbs and gathering flowers were the priorities!

An hour later, Gu An returned to the pavilion and drew his Qinghong Sword, practicing sword forms.

This rare sight drew attention from many disciples. They assumed Gu An sensed impending danger, prompting them to follow his lead and practice their techniques.

Even Lu Lingjun couldn’t help but glance at Gu An, shaking her head.

His sword moves appeared strange—more like saber techniques than swordsmanship. Perhaps the valley master was simply calming his nerves.

After watching briefly, Lu Lingjun shifted her focus and walked toward a distant mountain, intending to survey the outer sect from its peak.

Unbeknownst to her, Gu An wasn’t practicing swordsmanship. He was refining the Heaven-Splitting Divine Axe, using the sword to conceal his true intent. After all, the axe technique was unknown within the Taixuan Sect.

Three days passed quickly.

On this day, after settling matters in Xuan Valley, Gu An went to the Third Medicine Valley to continue harvesting herbs.

The valley spanned a hundred li, with countless medicinal plants maturing daily. Gu An always left some behind during harvests to ensure a steady supply of lifespan gains.

After collecting five thousand years’ worth of lifespan, Gu An instructed an errand disciple to store the herbs in the warehouse. Then, he sought out Lu Lingjun.

“I plan to visit the outer sect. Are you coming?” he asked. Lu Lingjun had previously requested to be included the next time he ventured out.

Naturally, Gu An’s deeper motive was to bolster the Taixuan Sect’s strength.

Lu Lingjun immediately agreed, having spent the past three days observing the situation and itching for a closer look.

Upon reaching the outer sect, Gu An and Lu Lingjun agreed to meet at the Heavenly Mending Platform in the evening. Gu An then went off on his own.

“Such thoughtfulness,” Lu Lingjun mused as she watched him leave.

She turned her gaze to the southern gate. Above it, hundreds of high-ranking cultivators floated, each carrying a grand banner behind them. Their presence encircled the outer sect city entirely.

Every one of them was at least Nascent Soul Stage, and the sight left Lu Lingjun marveling at the Taixuan Sect’s profound foundation.

With the Taixuan Sect’s current display of strength, Lu Lingjun felt it could easily dominate the mortal world from which she hailed.

Meanwhile.

Gu An sought out Zhen Qin from the Law Enforcement Hall.

The Law Enforcement Hall had not been assigned to battle duties but was tasked with patrolling the city to prevent Nightshade Sect cultivators from infiltrating.

Pulling Zhen Qin aside to a quiet street, Gu An retrieved a copy of the Dao Yan Technique from his storage bag and handed it to her. “Keep this safe. Study it well when you return, and don’t tell anyone about it—not even your Uncle-Master Ye.”

Zhen Qin glanced at the book and, realizing it was a cultivation manual, was thrilled. She nodded quickly, her excitement barely contained.

She knew that Gu An, with his position in the inner sect and his ties to the Medicine Valley, was far above her in standing. A technique he provided was undoubtedly extraordinary.

Although she had been cultivating a technique from Jiang Qiong, her progress had slowed significantly in recent years, leaving her frustrated.

After a brief conversation, the two parted ways.

Gu An did not approach Ye Lan, as she was attending an Outer Sect Council at the Grand Elder’s residence.

The Taixuan Sect had entered full war preparation mode!

Gu An chose this day to visit the outer sect city because he sensed a presence far beyond the Integration Stage approaching the Taicang Empire, heading straight for the Taixuan Sect.

Nascent Profound Stage!

The individual’s flight was not hurried, as they were being guided. It was also possible that the slow pace was a deliberate show of dominance, with their overwhelming aura blatantly pressing down. Even Transformation Stage and Void Transformation Stage cultivators could sense it, which explained the tense atmosphere gripping the Taixuan Sect.

Gu An had no intention of acting rashly. He was curious to see how the sect’s reserves would respond.

After all, he couldn’t personally resolve every enemy threat.

While killing enemy cultivators could grant him additional lifespan, the gains were minimal—comparable to harvesting medicinal herbs. Thus, he had little desire for combat unless the numbers presented an opportunity for easy kills.

At the Heavenly Mending Platform, Gu An moved behind the Nightshade Ghost Mother, feigning interest in the sword intent emanating from the platform.

“Gu An, my young friend, what brings you here?” A warm voice interrupted him. Turning, Gu An saw Han Ming, the Da Yu Sword Maniac, walking over with a smile.

Han Ming stopped beside the Nightshade Ghost Mother, exchanging pleasantries with Gu An.

The Nightshade Ghost Mother remained unresponsive, her eyes closed in meditation.

Despite the looming battle with the Nightshade Sect, the platform was still occupied by hundreds of cultivators deep in their enlightenment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Han Ming, at the fifth level of the Void Transformation Stage, didn’t realize the seemingly meditating female disciple beside him was actually an old monster at the second level of the Integration Stage.

After some polite conversation, Gu An curiously asked, “With the Nightshade Sect attacking, Senior, why haven’t you left? Aren’t you afraid of being caught up in the battle?”

Han Ming chuckled. “The Nightshade Sect? They’ve already lost to the Taixuan Sect before, and I expect the same outcome this time. The sect hides too many powerful grandmasters and ancient monsters. Stick around—you’ll get a better understanding of the Taixuan Sect’s true strength.”

Hearing this, Gu An’s curiosity grew. He began to ask Han Ming about the sect’s most powerful cultivators, and even the nearby disciples couldn’t help but eavesdrop.

In truth, most disciples knew little about the sect’s full strength due to its sheer size and complexity.

The Nightshade Ghost Mother, seemingly irritated by the disturbance, stood up to relocate.

Gu An, pretending to be distracted, stepped back and bumped into her.

Realizing the collision, he quickly turned around and apologized, “Miss, I’m sorry.”

The Nightshade Ghost Mother frowned but only shook her head slightly without saying anything. She brushed past Gu An.

“Stop!”

Han Ming’s voice suddenly rang out, drawing attention. His gaze was locked on the Nightshade Ghost Mother’s back.

She froze mid-step.

Disciples in the area turned to look, puzzled. As a prominent figure on the Heavenly Mending Platform, Han Ming’s actions naturally garnered attention.

Gu An quickly spoke up, “It was my fault for bumping into her!”

Han Ming ignored him, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the Nightshade Ghost Mother. “Who exactly are you? You’ve hidden yourself well, but just now, you slipped and revealed a trace of your aura.”

“You’re not human. You’re a ghost, aren’t you?”

A ghost?

His words sent a ripple of shock through the surrounding disciples. Some immediately stood up, and others even drew their magical tools.

Gu An feigned shock, taking a step back as he stared at the Nightshade Ghost Mother.

She turned to face Han Ming, her expression indifferent. Without even glancing at Gu An, she coldly replied, “You are not of the Taixuan Sect, so why meddle in its affairs?”