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

Upon hearing Shen Xinzi's words, the disciples of Medicine Valley all cheered, yet Shen Xinzi hesitated as if he wanted to say more.

He intended to say one thing, that it seemed no continent had been chosen.

To obliterate a continent, what immense power it must require, he, being from the ninth layer of the Wandering Immortal Realm, could surely sense it.

However, he could not openly mention this, for fear that these mortals would be terrified.

Even if they knew what would happen next, what could they do?

Better to enjoy this surprise and live the remaining days as carefree as possible.

Time continued to pass.

With the moon setting and the sun rising, only when the next day's sunlight swept across the Great Heaven and Earth did the creatures of the continent finally breathe a sigh of relief, for the Life-Seizing Immortal had said that each day, one continent would be chosen, and they had survived the first day.

The situation at the Supreme Sect also settled down; although many noble families began to retreat, the core foundation remained unshaken.

When Gu An returned to the Third Medicine Valley, normalcy had returned to Medicine Valley. After Xiaochuan left and An Xin began to manage Medicine Valley, and because of her gentle nature, most disciples liked her, so there had been no issues under her management.

Shen Zhen found him soon after he returned.

"Do you want a place to hide?" Shen Zhen asked with a smug smile, her eyes gleaming behind her veil.

While walking toward a distant garden, Gu An casually asked, "How would we hide?"

Following his steps, Shen Zhen explained, "I can hide you inside a painting or scroll, and then keep it hidden. Wouldn't that be a refuge?"

"People are trying to obliterate continents; where could you hide?"

"Underground, of course. He said he would obliterate continents, sure he meant to demolish the mortals and shatter the land, not obliterate the earth completely."

"That makes sense. Are you a genius by any chance?"

Gu An suddenly realized, looking at Shen Zhen with amazed eyes.

A twitch appeared at the corner of Shen Zhen's veiled mouth, clearly perceiving the sarcasm in Gu An's tone.

Gu An continued, "Don't overthink it. I always feel that yesterday our continent was not excluded. That mysterious pressure was no lie. Also, haven't you noticed how calm today has been?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhen narrowed her eyes, "Are you suggesting that the Great Cold Demon Sect's offensive was thwarted?"

"Very likely. After all, I trust that the heavens are just. There must be Great Cultivators out there with a heart for the mortals. A heretical path like the Great Cold Demon Sect cannot last forever!"

Gu An declared with conviction, his face full of determination.

Shen Zhen suddenly found it hard to judge him; calling him foolish wouldn't explain his current stature, and calling him naive wouldn't explain how he could write something as unique as 'Journey to the West.'

"You say the heavens are just. Tell me, do you believe that real Immortals exist, beyond those with great cultivation levels?" Shen Zhen suddenly asked, curious.

She had always believed that 'Investiture of the Gods' and 'Journey to the West' were not fabricated but were inspired by something Gu An had seen, elaborated with decorative imagination and fantasy.

Perhaps, as Gu An claimed, an Immortal guided him in his dreams.

Gu An and Shen Zhen chatted casually, a microcosm of the wider world, where everywhere people discussed the Life-Seizing Immortal.

Without his demise, the catastrophe would not end.

Two days later.

Nine-Finger Divine Lord and Stealing the Five Elements returned to the Third Medicine Valley, almost as if they had planned it.

Sitting before a chessboard, they exchanged a look, their eyes heavy with gravity.

"Did you feel it too?" Stealing the Five Elements asked.

The Divine Lord made his move, saying, "A net of heaven and earth, no escape."

Stealing the Five Elements then played his piece, "How come you have no escape? I'm the one who's bound by fate."

Continuing to glance towards a distant pavilion.

Ji Xiaoyu was his hope.

The Divine Lord fell silent, sighing deeply.

Stealing the Five Elements looked at him, curiously asking, "Speaking of which, I've always wondered, what exactly are you looking for?"

The Divine Lord didn't respond, leaving Stealing the Five Elements contemplative, a subtle look crossing his face.

...

In the Divine Exotic Realm.

By the sea.

The Master of Divine Exotic Realm stood before the Divine Exotic Life Tablet, surrounded by seven Divine Exotic Ghost Kings, all of them looking up into the sky.

Beneath the blood-red sky hung a swirling horsetail whisk.

Compared to the calm demeanor of the Master of Divine Exotic Realm, the other Divine Exotic Ghost Kings looked uneasy, knowing whom they faced.

"Master of Divine Exotic Realm, prepare to join us in an expedition."

A cold voice resounded, echoing through the entire Great Heaven and Earth.

In a distant cave, Zhang Buku also heard this voice and inadvertently opened his eyes, his brow furrowed in worry for the Master of Divine Exotic Realm.

With an expressionless face, the Master of Divine Exotic Realm asked, "An expedition to where?"

"To avenge Divine Exotic Impermanence."

The cold voice spoke again, causing the faces of the Divine Exotic Ghost Kings and the Realm Master to shift.

The Great Cold Demon Sect and that entity were indeed going to clash!

This battle might determine the fate of this Mortal World region!

...

In the Star Sea Congregations, a small Heaven and Earth.

An Hao stood before the palace gates, observing disciples constantly entering and exiting the floating islands, his brows deeply furrowed.

A figure appeared beside him, his Master, Sage Fuchen.

An Hao quickly said, "Master, it's good you're here, I need to speak with you..."

"Let's talk while on the way. Prepare for retreat, we must withdraw today!" Sage Fuchen said in a grave tone.

"Why?" An Hao couldn't help but ask.

"The Great Cold Demon Sect is making a major descent, targeting the continent where the Sword Venerable Fudao resides. They appear to be intent on sieging your master," Sage Fuchen explained.

On hearing this, An Hao became anxious.

Before he could reply, Sage Fuchen continued, "Your cultivation level won't assist your master. It's best to leave early. Your master, although strong, can't withstand the full assault of the Great Cold Demon Sect, otherwise, he wouldn't be on the defensive."

An Hao gritted his teeth, "My concern isn't for my master. I must go back!"

An Xin was still within the Supreme Sect; how could he abandon her?

He immediately leaped up, intending to forcefully break out of the Star Sea Congregation's realm. Suddenly, long hair wrapped around him, surprisingly Sage Fuchen's horsetail whisk.

"Master!" An Hao cried out in anguish, startling the other disciples.

Sage Fuchen held the horsetail whisk, chanting incantations. The whisk's hairs quickly extended, gagging An Hao.

"I'm sorry, disciple!"

Sage Fuchen's eyes became resolute.

This scene left the other disciples silent; without discussion, they all understood and felt the heaviness in their hearts, likewise having people they couldn't leave behind.

The Star Sea Congregations were about to flee!

In another realm.

Li Ya, leveraging Divine Exotic City, forcefully broke free, unobstructed by anyone.

He quickly flew out over the Star Sea, heading towards the horizon.

"Disciple, think carefully, once you go, there is no turning back."

An old voice sounded, and as Li Ya turned his head, he didn't see his master's figure.

He did not answer but instructed the Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit on his shoulder to move forward.

The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit howled, and the Divine Exotic City immediately displayed extraordinary speed, streaking towards the horizon.

After flying for a while and seeing no one pursued, Li Ya relaxed, his gaze hardened.

"Junior Brother Gu, wait for me!"

"And the old ancestor, I wonder if you're still thinking of me!"

Li Ya thought silently, his face heavy.

Initially, his emotions weren't profoundly impacted, fueled only by fury as Zhang Buku became a Divine Exotic Resentful Ghost. However, the moment the Star Sea Congregations announced their departure, he panicked.

The Star Sea Congregations were a major force at sea; if there was any chance of victory, they wouldn't be abandoning their domain.

Hearing that the Great Cold Demon Sect aimed to target the Sword Venerable Fudao, he couldn't contain himself.

The Sword Venerable Fudao was his Primordial Ancestor; he was less worried about him, as the ancestor could escape if he couldn't fight, but he feared for the others who might not escape.

He had to be quick.

Li Ya clenched his teeth, fearing the continent had already fallen.

The Divine Exotic Immortal Spirit, however, was not panicked, leaping joyfully in the air, which both irritated and envied Li Ya.

This creature seemed to fear nothing, its confidence was unknown.

Time rapidly passed.

Two Ancient Hours later.

Li Ya, sitting atop the tower meditating, suddenly sensed something, opening his eyes to find the Divine Exotic City enveloped in darkness. Instinctively, he looked up, then his eyes widened in disbelief.

"How... how... possible..."

Li Ya murmured to himself, his voice trembling, his eyes full of despair.

...

In the Third Medicine Valley.

At the garden fence, Gu An was stretching his muscles.

Passing by, You Yingying curiously asked, "What are you doing? Isn't there exercise in the morning?"

Gu An replied, "Just felt like moving. Is that not allowed?"

What followed was sure to be a great battle!

It must be said, the Great Cold Demon Sect was indeed frightening!

The dense auras attacking from all directions were overwhelmingly oppressive, and once they arrived, if seen by the denizens of the continent, it would surely cause legs to tremble.

You Yingying looked at him, unable to resist asking, "Everyone is worried about the calamity, why aren't you afraid?"

"Because I'm not afraid, so I'm not frightened," Gu An responded casually, his words leading You Yingying to glare, feeling the urge to punch him.

She couldn't understand Gu An at all; out for experience, he feared death, yet, with calamity impending, he seemed not to fear it.

Truly a baffling person.

Yet, somehow, the more anxious she felt, the more she wanted to talk to Gu An, perhaps it was his fearless demeanor.

Gu An guessed her thoughts and smiled, "Whether you worry or fear, it won't change anything, will it?"

You Yingying opened her mouth, unsure how to respond.

Gu An drew his Heavenly Residence Sword, suddenly unsheathing it.

The sword's light gleamed in You Yingying's face, snapping her out of her trance.

Looking at Gu An holding the sword, You Yingying's earlier illusion reemerged, his forehead marked with golden patterns, appearing extraordinary as if an Immortal Lord on Earth.

She had to admit, although Gu An's cultivation level wasn't impressive, his appearance and bearing were truly out of this world, unlike a mortal.

Gu An raised his sword towards You Yingying, the blade's tip reflecting in her pupils, causing her to shiver.

"If only this sword could slash away the fear in your hearts, how wonderful would that be?" Gu An said wistfully.

You Yingying was left in a daze.