The boundless sea churned violently, and dark thunderclouds blotted out the sky. Lightning flashed endlessly along the horizon, filling the space between heaven and sea with a suffocating tension.
Suspended in midair, Zhang Buku wore dark red battle armor and gripped a long spear tightly in his hand. Behind him stood Divine Anomaly World Lord, their backs pressed together as they faced the vast sky ahead. No matter where they looked, powerful figures loomed in all directions, maintaining a careful distance while forming an intricate formation.
Not far from Zhang Buku, another figure stood five zhang away. This man was clad in ragged, filthy robes, his face smeared with grime, and his unkempt hair tangled like a beggar's. His frail frame was starkly different from the grim determination on Zhang Buku and Divine Anomaly World Lord's faces. Instead, a playful grin adorned his features, as though he were completely at ease despite the encirclement.
"Hey, Zhang Buku, you see? You might as well hand over the treasure to me. At least that way, you won't die. Regret it yet?" The frail-looking man smirked at Zhang Buku, his tone teasing.
Zhang Buku remained silent, but Divine Anomaly World Lord snorted coldly. "Xu You, do you think you won't die either?"
The man named Xu You spread his hands nonchalantly. "Doesn't matter if I die. I'm merely undergoing a cycle of Reincarnation Tribulation. If I die, I'll just move on to the next life. But you two? You are your true selves. If you die, that's it."
Hearing this, Divine Anomaly World Lord's eyes darkened with an icy glare.
"You dare harm my son? None of you will leave here alive!"
A thunderous roar shook the sky beneath the storm clouds. The sheer force of the fury sent the distant sea of clouds scattering, revealing an enormous bronze colossus, far larger than any mountain.
This eight-armed colossus was clad in war armor, each of its hands gripping a different divine weapon. Atop its head stood a man dressed in flowing white robes, his white hair dancing like flames. His face twisted with rage, his eyes burning with killing intent so intense it seemed nearly tangible.
Zhang Buku eyed the approaching bronze colossus and spoke calmly, "Even if you are merely a reincarnation, you wouldn't want to die here either. Fight with us. If we break out of this, I'll give you a fair chance to compete for the treasure."
At these words, Xu You's lips curled into a grin, revealing rows of blackened, yellowed teeth. Chuckling, he said, "You're quite the reasonable guy. Alright, let's break through together. Just don't fall behind—I won't be looking back for you."
With that, he turned and flew off in the opposite direction of the bronze colossus, heading toward another group of cultivators who had gathered in the sky to block their escape.
Countless powerful figures were watching this battle unfold from afar, their expressions grave.
Among them, the one observing from the farthest distance was none other than Gu An, who remained within the Heavenly Spirit Grand World.
While refining a Dao Treasure, Gu An also kept his gaze fixed on the battle, particularly on Xu You.
Xu You had not lied to Zhang Buku—he truly was a reincarnation body.
But his original self was no ordinary figure. Gu An could sense that his true body possessed cultivation comparable to his own and was even imbued with Heavenly Dao Fortune.
In other words, Xu You was very likely an immortal deity of the Heavenly Court.
Had Gu An not broken through to the Heaven-Opening Grand Luo Immortal Realm, he might not have been able to perceive Xu You's true karmic ties at all.
His meeting with Zhang Buku was no coincidence. After all, Zhang Buku was the inheritor of the Buddha Immortal, and the Buddha Immortal had ties to the Heavenly Court.
Fortunately, judging from Zhang Buku's fate, Xu You harbored no ill intentions toward him. On the contrary, it seemed he intended to support him.
Although Gu An was curious, he had no intention of investigating further.
Xu You was unaware of his existence, so why should he provoke him?
Even among the apex powerhouses of the Grand Thousand Worlds, the Heavenly Court remained an enigma—mysterious and elusive.
Yet throughout the Three Thousand Grand Worlds, numerous immortal deities wandered freely. Some were known by name, but mortals could only pretend not to recognize them.
The karma of immortal deities was too immense. Even within the Heavenly Spirit Grand World, where Heavenly Spirit God was the only deity overseeing it, few dared to trespass recklessly.
There seemed to exist some unknown place where, upon acquiring a certain level of authority, one could communicate directly with the immortal deities guarding the Grand Thousand Worlds.
After observing for a while, Gu An withdrew his attention.
His life was peaceful now, and he had no desire to entangle himself with the Heavenly Court too soon.
Unless absolutely necessary, Gu An would never provoke the Heavenly Court. He intended to stay low within the Heavenly Spirit Grand World for as long as possible.
His thoughts drifted to Heavenly Spirit God.
In this lifetime, Bai Sheng, with Su Jin's guidance, had already embarked on the path of cultivation. Gu An hoped he would develop compassion in his heart, for if he did, then the Heavenly Spirit Grand World could produce a Heavenly God.
A Heavenly God not only safeguarded the universe but also served as a stabilizing force within the Heavenly Court itself.
Gu An was considering whether to draw Heavenly Spirit God to his side, for the deity had once defied Heavenly Court principles in his quest for an immortal palace treasure—a sign that his loyalty to the Heavenly Court was not absolute.
Even though Heavenly Spirit God had once contemplated destroying the Heavenly Spirit Grand World, that was simply a task assigned by the Heavenly Court, one he had delayed for countless years.
Throughout the long ages, whenever something threatened the Heavenly Spirit Grand World, Heavenly Spirit God had never listened to explanations—he simply eliminated the threat on sight.
This alone had spared countless beings from catastrophe.
"Heavenly Spirit God, I'm looking forward to your future. Don't let me down. If you do… I'll have no choice but to slay a god."
A slight smile appeared on Gu An's face.
For now, he would continue enjoying his peaceful life.
Once Xiao Lan naturally awakened her past life memories, he would let her decide whether to stay in Wushi Dao Field or venture forth into the world once more.
From Gu An's perspective, the Heavenly Spirit Grand World was no longer vast—it was merely a domain where he could control everything.
For now, he ruled unchallenged.
The Dao Comprehension Assembly lasted for a full five years, with each Dao Field having a designated Dao Comprehension Platform. Those who achieved exceptional results had their names reported across various cities, becoming famous throughout the world.
Xiao Lan did not disappoint. Her deep comprehension of the Grand Dao resonated with the Dao Monument, making her stand out among all participants. Watching her from the side, Gu An could see True Person Su and her fellow sect members utterly overjoyed.
Normally, True Person Su was calm, even a little cold. But now, witnessing Xiao Lan's extraordinary achievement, she couldn't maintain her composure. Fortunately, Xiao Lan did not see this moment.
The Dao Court was vast, with over ten thousand branches. The Dao Comprehension Assembly was akin to the imperial examinations of the mortal world—an opportunity for disciples to change their fate. Even those with mediocre spiritual roots held onto hope, as the Dao Court valued comprehension of the Grand Dao far more than mere innate talent.
Only when the Dao Comprehension Assembly concluded did Xiao Lan finally awaken.
Gu An accompanied her down the stage, and soon, they were approached by True Person Su and other instructors.
"Come, I'll take you to meet the great figures of the Dao Court. Your comprehension has been recognized by the higher-ups. My disciple, you are truly becoming a Dao Court prodigy!" True Person Su excitedly grasped Xiao Lan's hand.
Xiao Lan hesitated and looked at Gu An. Gu An blinked at her and said with a grin, "Go on. It's not like we're parting ways. Tell me all about it when you get back."
Hearing this, Xiao Lan's face blossomed into a bright smile, and she nodded immediately.
True Person Su pulled Xiao Lan away swiftly, flying off. Other elders and instructors turned their attention to their own disciples, leaving Gu An standing alone. Seeing that no one intended to converse with him, he turned to leave.
"Gu An, was it?" A middle-aged Daoist suddenly called after him. "You should be prepared. Xiao Lan will soar high in the future, becoming someone that even you—and even we—can only look up to."
Gu An did not stop walking. His retreating figure made the Daoists shake their heads, believing him to be stubborn. They thought he was clinging to sentimentality, unaware that emotions were fragile when placed against the tests of time and talent.
Cultivation is the pursuit of the Dao, a process of mastering one's Dao heart and controlling one's instincts. When a cultivator overcomes emotions and desires, they will naturally make the choice that is most beneficial and rational for themselves.
However, Gu An paid no attention to the chatter of these Wandering Immortals. His thoughts had already shifted elsewhere—toward Long Teng.
Long Teng was about to run into trouble, and Gu An planned to intervene.
No matter what, he was Long Zhan, and Long Teng was, in a way, his descendant. Moreover, Long Teng had been placed in the Dao Court by Li Xuandao. If something happened to him, it could lead to a rift between the Li Family and the Long Clan, which would not end well.
Gu An had no interest in testing people's loyalties.
He walked unhurriedly, as combat was forbidden within Dao City.
Over the years, Long Teng's performance had greatly satisfied Gu An. The young man's character was nearly flawless—if there was one flaw, it was that he was too righteous and not selfish enough.
Such a personality was rare within the Long Clan. Not only did Gu An intend to rescue him, but he also planned to support him further.
Meanwhile, in another street of Dao City, Long Teng was walking alongside a young man dressed in blue robes.
"You're incredible! When the Dao Monument lit up before you, the entire audience gasped in astonishment! Everyone is trying to find out who you are!"
The blue-robed man had been assigned by Li Xuandao to accompany Long Teng in his cultivation. After witnessing the grandeur of the Dao Court, he now felt that Tai Cang Continent was far too primitive. Because of this, he had always acted cautiously.
Yet over the years, he had seen Long Teng suppress countless geniuses, including those of the Dao Court itself, and he was overjoyed.
Especially during the Dao Comprehension Assembly, where Long Teng achieved the highest possible comprehension score. The number of people who could match him could be counted on one hand.
Unlike the blue-robed man's excitement, Long Teng remained composed.
He was still reflecting on his insights from the Dao Comprehension.
He felt that he needed to find a path truly suited to himself. Right now, his cultivation techniques were too diverse, leaving him somewhat lost.
The two of them continued toward the city gate. Even though Long Teng remained silent, the blue-robed man kept talking nonstop. He began imagining Long Teng's future thousands of years later, convinced that he would surpass Yang Jian and become the Tai Cang Dynasty's greatest general.
By the time they arrived at the city gate, Long Teng was still deep in thought.
Suddenly, a figure blocked their path.
"Do you need something?" The blue-robed man frowned, sensing something was off.
Long Teng, snapped out of his thoughts, instinctively furrowed his brows. He raised his head to look at the newcomer, intending to speak—but the moment he saw them, his pupils suddenly dilated.
His entire body froze, and even trembled slightly.