Steadily becoming a saint, the immortal officials hired me to tend the horses

Chapter 1028: Chapter 1020: The Existence That Devours Life Span

Beyond Chaos?

The Ghost Mother of Ephemera followed Gu An’s words and tried to imagine, but she found herself unable to picture what lay beyond Chaos.

If Chaos is the convergence of the endless universe and planes, then how might the universe beyond present itself?

The more she pondered, the smaller she felt. Though seemingly possessing powerful mana, what does her strength count for compared to the vast boundlessness of Chaos?

With this thought, a strong curiosity arose in her heart; she wanted to explore Chaos, to cultivate a lifetime, and if she could traverse Chaos, then her life would truly be without regret.

Gu An walked ahead, not disturbing the Ghost Mother’s contemplation; his gaze had already leapt out of Central Heaven, overlooking Chaos.

In his vision, Chaos resembled a grand chessboard, with pieces continuously shifting and an ever-changing situation.

After a long while.

“It’s almost complete.”

Gu An whispered to himself, his expression calm, his tone void of any emotion.

The Ghost Mother of Ephemera snapped back to reality and looked at Gu An, curiously asking, “What is almost complete?”

“The Nine Great Dao.”

“What is that?”

“It’s the true cause of the Heavenly Dao and Chaos going to war; it can decide the fate of the Heavenly Dao and Chaos, making everything turn into illusion or bringing all fantasies to reality.”

Gu An’s answer changed the Ghost Mother’s gaze; she yearned for such power.

The two walked onward, discussing the fate of Chaos and the Heavenly Dao, expanding the Ghost Mother’s vision.

Silently grateful, the Ghost Mother understood that her master was guiding her, so she listened attentively.

Only after Gu An had finished gathering medicinal herbs did he leave the Daoist Field of the Beginningless and arrive at Inch Island.

To keep Xuanwu occupied, Gu An had him cultivate a medicinal field on the island; besides planting herbs, he would also foster some sea demons.

Over the years, Xuanwu had raised batches of demons, some of which had grown formidable, dominating the seas, which made the name of Inch Island widely known, revered as a mythical Immortal Island.

With those powerful demons guarding it, ill-intentioned cultivators had found it hard to locate.

Gu An appeared on the island and walked along the beach; sitting and cultivating on the rocks, Xuanwu heard the footsteps, opened his eyes, and upon seeing Gu An, rose immediately, landing on the sand and bowing from afar.

Only when Gu An reached him did he straighten his back and ask, “Master, what brings you here today?”

“If I hadn’t come, would you have been more at ease, claiming dominance and being the master of Inch Island?” Gu An tilted his head, watching the waves on the sea, and asked softly.

Xuanwu immediately grinned and said, “That’s impossible, I’m just playing with the minor demons, nothing serious.”

He knew that even without the master’s presence, his actions were well-understood, so he never acted recklessly.

Gu An chuckled softly, not pressing him further, but asked, “How is your cultivation going recently?”

Upon hearing this, Xuanwu’s face fell into a wry expression, venting his grievances.

Previously, he simply disliked cultivation; now he’s been struck by his own talent because some minor demons he fostered have become more formidable than him, dealing a heavy blow to him.

After this setback, he began to cultivate diligently, yet he couldn’t catch up with those minor demons, and a rebellious one even mocked him for not striving to improve, infuriating him.

Gu An found it amusing after listening. He understood that although Xuanwu frequently bickered with those minor demons, their relationship was genuinely good; those minor demons, despite surpassing Xuanwu, still cared for him, otherwise, they wouldn’t remain in this sea, having the talent to venture into the broader world.

Sometimes, watching Xuanwu foster demons, cultivating them, and then clashing with them, Gu An found it quite entertaining.

There was warmth amidst the calmness; witnessing those earth-shaking battles, these scenes offered a unique charm.

Xuanwu grew more indignant in his talk until a glow of light flew from the horizon, interrupting him, prompting him to turn and exclaim, “The True Yuan Ancestor has returned.”

His expression soon fell, realizing his master hadn’t come for him.

These years, Gu An spent less time on Inch Island, so Xuanwu worried about being abandoned; thus, seeing Gu An today made him very happy, seemingly complaining, but in truth, wanting to converse more with Gu An.

The light quickly arrived before Gu An and Xuanwu, revealing the form of the True Yuan Ancestor.

The current True Yuan Ancestor bore an extraordinary aura, with the air of a great power on full display, bewildering Xuanwu who hadn’t seen him for a long time.

Xuanwu suddenly understood what those minor demons meant about the outside world being truly different.

After True Yuan Ancestor’s long absence and return, his presence compelled awe from Xuanwu, who couldn’t help but feel reverence and even hesitate to lower his head.

His cultivation realm surely far surpassed that…

Xuanwu felt envy towards the True Yuan Ancestor for the first time.

The True Yuan Ancestor respectfully greeted Gu An, then smiled and nodded at Xuanwu, although speaking little, the True Yuan Ancestor was always mindful of Xuanwu, whose importance ranked just below Gu An.

“Master, I have urgent matters to discuss with you alone.”

The True Yuan Ancestor said earnestly, and Gu An nodded, then turned to leave, with the True Yuan Ancestor quickly following.

Watching them depart, Xuanwu felt forlorn, experiencing an unprecedented desire to grow stronger.

Meanwhile.

Gu An led the True Yuan Ancestor to the island’s mountain forest, inquiring about the matter as they walked.

The True Yuan Ancestor’s face turned somber, and after taking a deep breath, he said, “Master, the Heavenly Dao’s catastrophe has arrived.”

Gu An laughed, saying, “Hasn’t it come early? Don’t forget, I am the Merit Immortal of the Celestial Court, and I’ve participated in Heavenly Dao’s external warfare.”

True Yuan Ancestor shook his head, saying, “No, the current enemies faced by the Celestial Court are far less terrifying than this being we speak of; he’s devouring the Great Dao, unnoticed by the Celestial Court and the chaotic factions, but I have seen certain scenes…”

As he spoke, fear and dread emerged in his eyes.

Gu An collected his smile, awaiting further explanation.

The True Yuan Ancestor hesitated then continued, “I saw him killing non-stop in the future and past, absorbing some power from the slain. My Dao told me he’s devouring life spans, quickly growing stronger through slaughter, possibly taking living life spans to enhance his cultivation.”

Gu An remained composed, asking, “How do you determine it’s devouring life spans, not mana?”

“Because those killed by him aged rapidly until death, yet their bones remained. If it were mana consumption, I could see through it.”

The True Yuan Ancestor struggled to calm his emotions—what he saw far exceeded his description in terror.

Moreover…

He felt that the terrifying existence noticed his divination!