Long Teng stared at Gu An before him, feeling an overwhelming sense of unreality.
He still vividly remembered the day when his Master Ancestor raised his hand on the Heaven Mending Platform, effortlessly suppressing Ancestor Qingtian. That scene was forever imprinted in his mind.
Even though he had encountered many powerful figures since then, he had never forgotten Master Ancestor.
Moreover, the Divine Aspect that Long Qing summoned that day bore an uncanny resemblance to Master Ancestor. Though his father never explicitly confirmed it, he had always harbored that suspicion deep inside.
Gu An smiled as he looked at the visibly excited Long Teng and asked, "Not in a hurry to go back, are you? Let's find a place to sit."
The moment Long Teng left the city, trouble would surely follow.
Hurriedly, Long Teng replied, "No rush! No rush at all…"
He was at a loss, unsure of how to face Master Ancestor.
The blue-robed young man beside him was equally astonished. It was the first time he had ever seen Long Teng so flustered. Realizing the significance of Gu An, he dared not act carelessly and silently bowed in respect.
The three of them proceeded into Dao City, where there were plenty of places to sit and talk.
They eventually settled in an inn, choosing a window-side table on the fourth floor. After Long Teng ordered some food and wine, he eagerly looked at Gu An.
Was Master Ancestor in the Dao Court just to see him?
Even if not, his presence here undoubtedly meant he had something important to discuss.
He knew himself well enough to understand that he was of no great use to Master Ancestor, so the only logical explanation was that Master Ancestor had taken notice of his comprehension talent.
As they ate, Gu An casually asked Long Teng about his experiences over the years.
Long Teng answered every question honestly, showing neither arrogance nor exaggeration.
The blue-robed young man became even more curious about Gu An. After finding an opportunity, he couldn't help but ask, "Senior, may I ask what relationship you have with Long Teng?"
Gu An smiled and replied, "He is my descendant."
Hearing this, the blue-robed young man's eyes widened in realization, but at the same time, he was filled with confusion.
Wasn't the strongest figure in the Long Clan the Sect Master of Tai Xuan Sect?
The Tai Xuan Sect Master was Long Teng's father. Could it be that there was an even more powerful ancestor hidden within the clan?
Long Teng's eyes widened, his entire body trembling with excitement.
It was true!
Master Ancestor really was his forefather!
And he had acknowledged it! This was not a dream, was it?
Seeing his excitement, Gu An turned to the blue-robed young man and said with a smile, "Don't mention our meeting to anyone. Not even your Emperor."
The blue-robed young man was startled. "You know the Emperor?"
Gu An casually lifted his wine cup and said, "We've known each other for twenty thousand years. My name is Gu An. You probably haven't heard of me."
The young man's expression instantly changed.
"Gu An… What? Your name is Gu An?"
He abruptly stood up, far more agitated than Long Teng had been.
The moment he spoke, he immediately regretted it. Glancing around, he was relieved to find that none of the other cultivators in the inn seemed to have noticed their conversation.
Quickly sitting back down, he respectfully cupped his hands and, despite his trembling hands, performed a proper bow.
Gu An chuckled. "No need for formalities. I don't care for the etiquette of the mortal world."
"Sword Master, rest assured! I will never speak of this!"
The blue-robed young man was visibly ecstatic. His name was Li Yu, a member of the royal family, though not from Li Xuandao's direct lineage. However, he was highly regarded by Li Xuandao, and thus knew of the connection between the Emperor and the Sword Master of the Dao.
At this moment, Long Teng also solemnly vowed to keep silent, his gaze locked onto Gu An, afraid that if he looked away, Master Ancestor would disappear.
Finishing his cup of wine, Gu An said, "Since fate has brought us together, I'll give you two some guidance."
Just as Long Teng and Li Yu were about to speak, Gu An lightly set his wine cup down. In an instant, an overwhelming Dao Intent enveloped them, causing their minds to blur as they sank into a trance.
Gu An gazed out the window, looking over Dao City—its grand expanse, its towering structures, its boundless majesty.
He had to admit, the Dao Court was truly extraordinary.
To establish such a profound foundation within just twenty thousand years—even surpassing the former Sacred Court—was a feat beyond compare.
For a long time to come, the Dao Court would play a crucial role in shaping the world.
Until the day when Li Ya rose to become the strongest cultivator in the Heavenly Spirit Great World, the Dao Court would remain at the center of history.
But that was a far-off future.
Time passed rapidly.
No one knew how long had gone by when Long Teng finally awakened, as if he had just experienced a dream.
Beside him, Li Yu was still dazed. Meanwhile, a server stood by their table, watching them nervously.
Snapping back to reality, Long Teng quickly reassured him, "We're fine. You can go."
The server hesitated but, seeing Long Teng toss him a pouch of spirit stones, he immediately accepted it, bowed, and left.
Looking out the window, Long Teng extended his divine sense—but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find Gu An anywhere.
However, within his mind, new memories had surfaced.
"Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Divine Aspect…"
Long Teng's eyes gleamed as excitement surged in his heart, overflowing with gratitude toward Gu An.
Unlike his father's Heavenly Dragon Divine Aspect, the Heavenly Dragon Reincarnation Divine Aspect summoned his past incarnations, requiring no cost to use.
With this, he had finally found the true path of cultivation he had been searching for.
The Path of Reincarnation!
Warring for a hundred lifetimes, ten thousand lifetimes, forging the strongest Divine Aspect!
As Long Teng thought of his father summoning the Heavenly Dragon Divine Aspect, his heart burned with excitement.
At that moment, Li Yu also awoke. After a brief moment of shock, he looked at Long Teng, his eyes gleaming with exhilaration. "Long Teng, I've received Sword Master's inheritance! It's called the Seven Divine Golden Bodies. Have you heard of this technique?"
Long Teng shook his head and said, "Since it was bestowed by my forefather, it must be an extraordinary inheritance. I received a divine ability."
"That's right! The Seven Divine Golden Bodies is incredibly domineering! I feel that once I master it, I'll be qualified to stand against Heaven's Chosen!" Li Yu spoke excitedly, barely able to contain his joy. He raised his wine cup, taking a deep drink to calm himself.
Long Teng didn't respond further but turned his gaze outside the window.
A thought suddenly struck him—why had Forefather appeared in the Dao Court?
Could it be that the force behind the Dao Court was Forefather himself?
The Dao Court's rapid rise had always been a mystery in the Heavenly Spirit Great World.
But if it was Forefather, then it all made sense!
Li Yu was still rambling about the Seven Divine Golden Bodies, as he always did. Even when Long Teng didn't respond, he could talk endlessly.
Elsewhere.
Gu An had already met Xiao Lan, and the two of them were heading back to their cave dwelling together.
On the way, Xiao Lan excitedly told Gu An about how the Dao Court's Main Branch had shown great appreciation for her talent. She would soon be moving to a new cave dwelling, and she insisted that she would bring Gu An along. No matter where she went, she wouldn't be separated from him.
The Dao Court permitted Heaven's Chosen to bring others into the Main Branch, as long as the number wasn't excessive.
Gu An had no objections to Xiao Lan's arrangements. He simply listened attentively as she expressed her joy.
Months passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, guided by a Main Branch disciple, Gu An and Xiao Lan arrived at her new cave dwelling.
After the disciple left, Xiao Lan looked around at the world before her, overwhelmed with excitement.
This small world was vast, spanning one hundred thousand miles in every direction. The spiritual energy was dense and abundant, and everything here belonged to Xiao Lan alone.
"Lan'er."
Suddenly, Gu An called out.
Hearing him, Xiao Lan instinctively turned around—only for a sword to fly toward her. On reflex, she caught it. Lowering her gaze, she realized it was the White Spirit Sword, the one Gu An always carried with him.
"This sword is my gift to you. Congratulations on becoming a True Disciple of the Dao Court."
Standing not far away, Gu An smiled warmly as he spoke.
Holding the White Spirit Sword, Xiao Lan beamed with joy. Curiously, she asked, "I've always wanted to ask—what is the origin of the Azure Swan Sword and the White Spirit Sword? Why have you always kept them by your side?"
Gu An answered softly, "These two swords were given to me by the most important person in my life. She has long since passed away. Now that I'm giving it to you, it means that you are now the most important person in my life."
Hearing this, Xiao Lan's heart felt as sweet as honey. She immediately rushed toward Gu An, throwing her arms around him.
Gu An shook his head helplessly.
This girl was even more clingy than in her past life.
Always wanting to hug him, touch him.
"This sword holds extraordinary power. You must not tell anyone about it." Gu An gently stroked Xiao Lan's head, whispering his warning.
The White Spirit Sword was no longer what it once was. Gu An had infused a newly refined Dao Treasure into it, merging the two. Now, the White Spirit Sword was a Dao Treasure, capable of overturning even the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Dao. Moreover, the Dao Truths within the sword would aid Xiao Lan in her cultivation.
Nestled in Gu An's embrace, Xiao Lan nodded.
She had never once doubted Gu An.
She buried her face in his chest, feeling utterly content.
Her cultivation path was smooth, and the person she loved most had always stayed by her side.
She must cultivate diligently, to protect everything she had.
"Alright, it's time to start setting up this small world." Gu An patted Xiao Lan's back, speaking with a light chuckle.
Reluctantly, Xiao Lan loosened her grip.
She took Gu An's hand and led him forward, describing all the ideas she had for how she wanted this small world to look.