If I become a saint, a celestial official will summon me to raise horses.

Chapter 122 The Battle for the Number One in the World
An Hao's Tai Cang Jing Shen Sword Intent shocked the entire Tai Xuan Sect, causing countless disciples to discuss it. This sword intent lasted for several hours before dissipating.

In the following days, various rumors emerged, but the only certainty was that the oppressive aura came from a sword intent, which led to an increasing number of sword cultivators gathering on the Heaven-Mending Platform.

Gu An's life was quite peaceful. He traveled between the three medicine valleys, occasionally went to the Xuan Tian Cave at night, and spent the rest of the time enjoying life.

In the blink of an eye, half a year has passed.

Gu Anda is sixty-two years old.

The news of the Sword Master Fudao's extermination of the demon of the Tanhua Sect has only now truly spread throughout the cultivation world. When Gu An went to the outer sect, he often heard people talking about it. The Sword Master Fudao had already gained the reputation of being the number one sword cultivator in the Taicang Dynasty.

Some people even think he is the best in the world!

At noon that day, Gu An stood on the edge of the Heaven-Mending Platform, looking at the hundred-foot-tall stone statue in front of him, feeling happy.

This hundred-foot-tall stone statue is the divine image of the Sword Master Fudao. It is the posture of Gu An using the Nine Extremes Yin Yang Body. The demonic energy around him has been transformed into flames. The stone statue points diagonally with one hand and holds a sword with the other, which is very domineering.

At this moment, Gu An was not the only one gazing at the statue of the Sword Master; there were also more than a dozen other people looking up at it, each discussing their own thoughts.

Hearing those people's words of admiration for the Sword Master Fudao, Gu An felt even more cheerful.

Who wouldn't want to be famous?

Gu An also wanted to, but he was afraid that others would discover his ability to take lives, so he kept a low profile. However, being able to become famous throughout the world under another identity was enough to satisfy his vanity.

"Sword Master Fudao may indeed be considered the number one swordsman in the Taicang Dynasty, but he may not be the number one swordsman in the world!"

A voice caught Gu An's attention, as well as the gazes of many disciples around him.

The speaker was a man dressed in blue, holding a folding fan. He was elegant and his handsome face was calm, as if the arrogant words just now did not come from his mouth.

A burly inner disciple looked at the man in blue and said in a deep voice, "Oh? Tell me, sir, who is the number one swordsman in the world?"

Today, the Sword Master Fudao is the pride of all Taixuan Sect disciples, and no one is allowed to question him.

The man in blue replied, “In the far west, in the Tianwei region, there is a sword cultivator known as the Heavenly Sword Daoist. Seven hundred years ago, he was the number one sword cultivator in Tianwei. Later, he went into seclusion in the deep mountains to focus on comprehending the sword. Not long ago, his sword intent erupted in Tianwei, proving that he is still alive. If it weren’t for the swift action of the Sword Venerable Fudao, this senior would probably be the one to end the Ephemeral Flower Sect.”

Tianwei, one of the nine dynasties, was located in the far west and was constantly plagued by demons. Yet its territory was even more vast than that of Taicang, which was enough to prove how strong Tianwei was.

Gu An sensed that this person was hiding his cultivation level. On the surface, he only appeared to be at the Core Formation stage, but in reality, he had already reached the Divine Transformation stage.

He discarded a lifespan probe.

[Si Zhe (Second Level of Nascent Soul Realm): 289/800/1300]

Concealing his cultivation level and boasting about being a cultivator from Tianwei, this guy is probably not a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect.

Gu An remained silent, watching as the surrounding disciples verbally attacked Si Zhe.

Si Zhe remained calm and composed in the face of the slander and insults from the crowd.

"The Heavenly Sword Daoist was indeed powerful, and was once famous throughout the world, but that is ancient history. As a prince of the Tianwei royal family, possessing the bloodline of the Fire God, how dare you speak so recklessly in the Tai Xuan Sect? Are you trying to provoke a war?"

A voice rang out, and everyone turned to look. They saw Han Ming, the Sword Madman of the Great Yu Dynasty, striding over.

Si Zhe turned around, raised his hand in greeting, and said, "So it's Senior Sword Maniac. I heard you've been in the Tai Xuan Sect for many years. Are you looking to join the Tai Xuan Sect?"

He smiled and spoke in a gentle tone, but what he said was very uncomfortable.

"Hmph, brat, if it weren't for the kindness I received from your father, you would already be a corpse. Do you really think your Nascent Soul Realm cultivation can withstand a single sword strike from me?" Han Ming sneered.

The state of transformation!
Upon hearing this, the disciples who had previously insulted Si Zhe changed their expressions drastically and retreated.

"Since that's the case, then I won't pretend anymore."

Si Zhe smiled, then looked around and shouted, "I am Si Zhe, a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Daoist and a prince of the Heavenly Wei Dynasty. Today, I come to challenge you on behalf of my master. Three months from now, my master will personally descend upon the Heaven-Mending Platform to learn the sword techniques of the Sword Venerable Fudao!"

His voice echoed under the sky, and everyone in the city could hear it.

Someone wants to challenge the Sword Master of the Path?
Han Ming smiled. He was the first sword cultivator to ask the Sword Master Fudao for guidance. He reminded him, "The Ephemeral Flower Sect has great cultivators who have surpassed the Integration Realm. Does your master have such a level?"

Si Zhe closed his fan and laughed, "Of course. My father originally wanted to ask him to take action against the Ephemeral Flower Sect, but he was a step too late."

His tone was arrogant, as if Tianjian Daoren was certain to defeat Fudao Jianzun, which made the Taixuan Sect disciples even more unhappy.

An old man appeared out of thin air beside Si Zhe and said a few words through telepathy. Si Zhe's expression changed slightly, and he snorted, "Then let's go. Anyway, the message has been delivered. Whether or not to accept the battle is up to Sword Master Fudao."

After saying this, he followed the old man away.

Gu An watched his retreating figure, secretly on guard.

The Sword Master Fudao has just thwarted the conspiracy of the Ephemeral Flower Sect and is enjoying great prestige. If someone dares to step forward at this time, they must be very powerful.

Gu An didn't think much of it, turned around and left the Heaven-Mending Platform, preparing to go and see the Martial Arts Manual.

A month ago, Wu Jue's lifespan limit increased again, which made Gu An even more interested in him, curious about how much his lifespan limit could increase.

……

Inside the attic of the Third Medicine Valley.

Lu Baitian scoffed, "Tianwei is truly ambitious, wanting to suppress Taixuan Sect in order to seize control of the Nine Nether Path. Although Tianjian Daoist is strong, daring to come to Taixuan Sect is truly courting death!"

A month has passed since Si Zhe issued his challenge, and the news of the duel has spread throughout the cultivation world of Taicang, attracting cultivators from various sects and regions to come and watch.

Lu Baitian was very cunning and took the opportunity to spread the news of the Golden List in various cities.

The so-called Golden List is a ranking of the most talented people in the world, launched by the Tai Xuan Sect. It only records geniuses under five hundred years old, encompassing nine dynasties. It's a huge gimmick and has been widely circulated. Gu An asked worriedly, "Won't the nine dynasties' sects fight amongst themselves?"

"Then you can rest assured. With the calamity of demons imminent, no one will dare to act recklessly. Moreover, the main lineage of the Tanhua Sect may cause trouble on the Nine Netherworld Road. At that time, the sects of the Nine Dynasties must join forces. Otherwise, in a one-on-one fight, no one can be absolutely certain of defeating the main lineage of the Tanhua Sect. That is why Tianwei asked Tianjian Daoist to take action, under the guise of sparring, to carry out suppression." Lu Baitian waved his hand and said.

Gu An asked again, "If the Sword Master Fudao kills the Heavenly Sword Daoist, will it trigger a war?"

Han Ming was one thing, but now he's here again!
Gu An really couldn't stand it anymore. This time, he was going to kill him to prevent such trouble from continuing.

“Of course not. With even the Heavenly Sword Daoist dead, Tianwei will only be more wary of the Tai Xuan Sect! It would be best if the Sword Venerable Fudao killed the Heavenly Sword Daoist!” Lu Baitian snorted, a fierce expression on his face.

Gu An suddenly remembered that this guy had been impeached by the Elders' Hall because of his domineering behavior.

Lu Baitian changed the subject, saying, "An Hao is the disciple of the Sword Master Fudao. Tell me, isn't his appearance in front of me a reminder from the Sword Master Fudao?"

"What am I reminding you of?"

"It reminds me that my position as sect leader is not secure."

When Lü Baitian said this, his eyes became deep and his tone became elusive, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.

Gu An was both amused and exasperated, and said helplessly, "If that's the case, then wouldn't Chu Tianqi be dead already?"

Lu Baitian asked, "You don't think so?"

“An Haotian is exceptionally talented and will surely be favored by the Sword Master Fudao. If it were you, would you let your most beloved disciple become a sword next to your enemy?” Gu An felt that Lü Baitian was a bit obsessed.

“You’re right,” Lü Baitian said with a smile.

Seeing his smile, Gu An's heart skipped a beat.

and many more!

Why ask him about something like that?

Lu Baitian continued, "An Haotian is too talented. Once he fully matures, he will easily gain the respect of everyone in the Tai Xuan Sect, just like that true disciple. Kid, if you don't become the sect leader, the position will be his."

"Wouldn't that be better? I don't want to be one anyway."

Gu An shook his head, and Lü Baitian smiled and said no more.

Afterwards, Gu An inquired about Ye Lan's situation, and learned that the first team heading to the Nine Netherworld Road had already set off.

Lu Baitian said, "Don't worry, I personally instructed the elder in charge to take care of her."

With the Qinghong Sword, Gu An could sense Ye Lan's situation at any time, but he could only help her when she was in danger. He didn't want Ye Lan to be neglected or bullied normally.

The two chatted for a while longer, and before leaving, Lü Baitian left behind a book.

Gu An picked it up and read it after he left.

Fate-defying magic!

……

Dusk.

Li Ya, carrying the Beihai Heavy Sword, walked to the edge of the Heaven-Mending Platform and looked at the statue of the Sword Master Fudao. He could not hide his excitement.

"Ancestor, the progenitor really is the Sword Master Fudao!" Li Ya roared in his heart.

The old ancestor was also shocked, and exclaimed, "I thought he was..."

"Is it the demon lord of Qianqiu Pavilion?"

"Ah."

"Hahaha, I knew it! Our ancestor couldn't possibly be a demonic cultivator!"

Li Ya was very happy. On his way here, he had already heard about the challenge from Tianjian Daoren, so he came to Butiantai to pay homage to the image of Fudao Sword Venerable. As a result, he discovered that Fudao Sword Venerable was indeed the ancestor of the Li family.

He began to look forward to the great battle that was about to take place!
"Why don't you go and see your junior brother Gu?" the old patriarch's voice rang out, his tone mocking.

Li Ya replied in his heart, "I won't bother him. My recent experiences are nothing to brag about. I'll wait until I've mastered the Tai Cang Jing Shen Sword. It just so happens that the Tai Xuan Sect is about to launch the Golden Ranking, and I will definitely make a name for myself in the Golden Ranking Tournament!"

His tone was full of confidence.

Having consumed the Dragon Elephant Divine Essence and mastered the Tai Cang Shocking Divine Sword, his confidence soared.

Seven steps away, a figure walked over and also began to look up at the statue of the Sword Master Fudao.

A decisive battle!

He looked at the statue of the Sword Master Fudao with a sorrowful expression.

“Master, you respected Sword Master Fudao the most when you were alive. It’s a pity you won’t be able to witness the great battle that is about to begin.”

Wu Jue thought to himself, then fell silent, his thoughts drifting.

Gradually, he began to understand the Tao.

Li Ya watched for a while, then turned to leave.

"Wait!" the old ancestor's voice suddenly rang out.

Thank you to "Neighbor That Little Someone" for the 100 Qidian Coins, Xue Rengui for the 100 Reading Coins, and "Only Seeking Great Freedom" for the 100 Qidian Coins!
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(End of this chapter)