Li An decided to seek out Gu Hong for two main reasons.
First, he needed to avoid the catastrophe that was about to hit the Clear Sun Sect. If he got caught in it, he would almost certainly die.
Second, after leaving the Clear Sun Sect, he needed to plan a fallback route for himself in advance.
Truthfully, surviving under the Clear Sun Sect’s massive umbrella was the most comfortable option.
There were monthly stipends, a stable storefront in the market district for selling spirit talismans, and protection.
These were luxuries he couldn’t easily find elsewhere.
If he really became a wandering cultivator, his income from talisman sales alone would plummet!
A single storefront in a market district was worth a fortune. Even those cultivating clans outside often only managed to hold a few. The fact that Li An could sell talismans using a storefront tied to the Clear Sun Sect was one of the key reasons he had been able to cultivate steadily for so many years.
He had no shortage of spirit stones.
And having lived through a past life, Li An knew just how miserable the life of a wandering cultivator could be.
Constant fighting, constant upheaval, never knowing if you’d live to see tomorrow—not even a stable place to cultivate.
It burned through your life.
If the Clear Sun Sect really did fall and he hadn’t prepared a backup plan, he’d be completely cornered.
The sect was located in the northern part of the Great Dawn Dynasty. Aside from three Core Formation forces, most other powers were merely Foundation Establishment families. Would they dare take him in?
The Yin-Yang Demonic Sect had already wiped out many Foundation Establishment families. If any of them dared shelter someone like Li An, who had a deep grudge with the Demonic Sect, they might as well write their own death warrant.
And the great sects like the Hundred Beast Sect and Divine Sword Sect—if they even accepted the “remnants” of the Clear Sun Sect—they’d treat them like outsiders, squeezing every last drop out of them. No way would they risk a head-on conflict with the Demonic Sect for someone like him.
The more he thought about it, the more hopeless it seemed.
But a plan had already formed in his heart.
One that still needed testing.
That was why he decided to go to Gu Hong.
In all his years, this was his first true journey “afar.”
Still, he was experienced. He disguised himself in plain clothing, took on an ugly appearance, and used his life seed to simulate a volatile and sinister aura. One look at him and people would think he was a bottom-tier cultivator not to be provoked.
He kept to himself and steered clear of trouble, so his journey went safely and smoothly.
Tempered Moon Valley was nearly two hundred miles from Bright Sun Market District. Three days later, Li An finally arrived.
Before him stretched a quiet and elegant valley, with beautiful scenery and abundant spiritual energy—just slightly less than that of the market district.
A protective array covered the valley.
Li An, having returned to his true appearance, called out from a distance.
Not long after, a familiar figure emerged—it was Gu Hong!
Her face lit up with joy when she saw Li An!
Despite her excitement, she still checked carefully through the array to ensure there was no trace of demonic aura on him. Only then did she lower the barrier and let him in.
“Fellow Daoist Li, what brings you here?”
She approached quickly.
“Fellow Daoist Gu, that matter you mentioned a few months ago. I’ve thought it over and decided to join you on this trip to the Cloud Mirage Mountains!”
Li An smiled.
A strange glimmer of emotion flickered in Gu Hong’s eyes. The truth was, she had delayed her departure because she had been waiting to find someone she could trust.
She had written to a senior martial brother ages ago, but he still hadn’t returned. The wait had left her increasingly anxious.
Now that Li An had come, she could finally depart.
“Brother Li, come quickly. I want you to meet my master. He’s wanted to see you for over a decade.”
Gu Hong led him to meet her master, Gu Songxi.
Despite being only a little over a hundred years old—with at least another hundred left by normal standards—Gu Songxi had graying hair and a pale, emaciated face. Still, he personally came out to greet Li An and poured him tea with his own hands.
Li An was startled by the honor.
“Young friend, you once saved Hong’er from demonic hands, then crafted talismans for me, and now you’re even willing to risk your life for me… I am truly grateful beyond words!”
Gu Songxi sighed emotionally. “Young friend, have you ever considered studying alchemy?”
Li An’s heart stirred. “I’ve had the thought, but I fear my talent is lacking…”
“Even if talent is lacking, with your temperament, there’s still hope!”
Gu Songxi waved his hand. “If you’re willing, once you return from this trip, I shall pass on all my knowledge of alchemy to you. What do you say?”
Li An immediately rose and bowed. “Li An would be honored beyond words!”
He knew clearly that Gu Songxi’s offer was likely half sincere and half an incentive—to encourage him to give his all on this journey with Gu Hong.
Still, it was a good thing.
Gu Songxi burst into hearty laughter, and Gu Hong smiled happily at the side.
They chatted a while longer.
Li An learned that Gu Songxi had been wounded years ago by one of his own senior martial sisters—part of an old feud within their sect.
The next morning, Li An and Gu Hong set out for the Cloud Mirage Mountains.
…
The Cloud Mirage Mountains stretched endlessly—tens of thousands of miles long—spanning almost the entire northern border.
Half a month later, the two finally reached the outskirts of the range.
The mountains were rich with resources: spiritual herbs, ore veins, spirit beasts, but also filled with danger. Rumor had it that even Core Formation cultivators had to tread carefully in the core regions. Most only dared explore the outer areas.
Along the way, Gu Hong laid everything out for Li An. For this journey, besides pills, talismans, and magical tools, her greatest trump card was a mobile array that could be activated at any time!
However, it required two people to operate. That was the real reason she had delayed her journey—waiting for someone to assist.
Her preparations put Li An at ease.
Once inside the Cloud Mirage Mountains, they encountered more and more spirit herbs and spirit beasts. Within three days, Li An had already collected three First-Grade spirit herbs.
They also came across several beasts at mid- or late-stage Qi Refining. With Gu Hong being at Foundation Establishment, Li An rarely had to act.
On the fourth day, they were attacked by a First-Stage Second-Grade Thunder Leopard. After a fierce battle, the beast retreated, but they expended many talismans and resources in the process.
On the sixth day, they finally arrived at Gu Hong’s destination—
A barren, rocky peak that stood out among the lush green mountains. It was covered only in strange yellow weeds and shrubs. Halfway up the mountain, there was a pitch-black cave.
“There should be a spring of Yellow Spring Water inside this mountain. And the Soulcore Beast is likely guarding it.”
Gu Hong explained, “This beast has an extremely powerful divine soul—sharp senses—and excels at soul attacks. We’ll need to use Soul Suppression Talismans to protect ourselves, and Thunderstrike Talismans to fend off its attacks. Once we close in, we’ll activate the array to kill it—”
Li An nodded.
But then, he suddenly turned his head toward a certain spot in the forest.
Gu Hong was only a moment behind him. She also turned her gaze, and saw a man and woman emerging from the woods.
The woman looked to be in her forties, wearing a bright red dress, exuding mature charm and sharpness. The man looked much younger, in his early twenties, his eyes sunken from clear overexertion.
“Fellow Daoists, are you here to hunt the Soulcore Beast as well?”
The woman spoke first, smiling. “We have the same goal. Why not join forces?”
…
(End of Chapter)