When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!

Chapter 93: Gu An’s Connections

"The Crown Prince isn’t quite noble? Senior Brother Li speaks highly of him, which suggests they get along well," Gu An asked via sound transmission, sounding puzzled.

Yang Ni scoffed. "That’s just because Li Ya is naïve. Over the years, the Crown Prince has sent numerous assassins after him. I even blocked one attempt myself."

"Why didn’t you warn Senior Brother Li to be more vigilant?"

"It’s his father’s decision. He fears alarming the Crown Prince. If things escalate, the Crown Prince might forcefully seize the throne. Li Ya’s father has mediocre cultivation and is no match for the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince ascends, it’ll only make things more dangerous for Li Ya," Yang Ni explained.

Her response made Gu An want to laugh.

Li Xuandao was nearly at the Void Transformation Stage, yet he was supposedly no match for the Crown Prince?

In that sense, Li Xuandao was just like Gu An—both hiding their true cultivation levels.

Gu An only knew of Li Xuandao’s real power thanks to his special abilities.

"I see. I’ll be careful of the Crown Prince," Gu An replied via sound transmission.

Yang Ni nodded and didn’t stop him further.

Watching Gu An leave, she shook her head slightly.

"Why am I starting to genuinely care about this kid’s safety?"

Ever since learning that Gu An had his own Medicine Valley within the inner sect, Yang Ni had suspected he wasn’t as simple as he seemed. At least within Taixuan Sect, he was well-protected and unlikely to encounter real danger.

She pushed the thought aside. The Twilight Flowers she had planted would bloom in a few days, and she was looking forward to the sight.

Meanwhile, Gu An arrived at the Third Medicine Valley and walked straight to the Sevenfold Purity Tree.

The tree had already grown tall and lush, with dense branches and leaves. Beneath it, a White Spirit Mouse dozed lazily in the shade. Ever since the Sevenfold Purity Tree provided shelter, the mouse rarely wandered and instead spent its days sleeping beneath it.

Gu An didn’t mind; in fact, he found it promising.

Lü Baitian had once told him that the Sevenfold Purity Tree could not only enhance spiritual energy in its vicinity but also improve comprehension for those meditating beneath it.

Could the White Spirit Mouse achieve enlightenment while dreaming? Time to test it out!

If it worked, Gu An planned to take naps under the tree himself.

From his waist pouch, he released a Primeval Gold-Eating Beetle, letting it fly onto the tree. Then, he summoned Xiao Chuan, instructing him to place 100 pounds of iron ore under the tree every month to feed the beetle.

Xiao Chuan’s greatest trait was that he never asked questions, merely nodding in agreement.

After checking on the Sevenfold Purity Tree, Gu An went to inspect the Human-Face Tree and Purple Mist Bamboo, ensuring everything was growing well. Satisfied, he began patrolling the Third Medicine Valley.

The valley now hosted numerous high-grade medicinal herbs. Last year, when Lü Baitian visited, Gu An had requested an increase in errand disciples, which Lü Baitian approved without hesitation, raising the number to 300.

Even with 300 disciples, Gu An felt it wasn’t enough. However, to request further expansion, he’d need to produce more results to justify it.

By evening, Gu An finally returned to his pavilion.

That day, he harvested another batch of medicinal herbs, earning several thousand years of lifespan—bringing him ever closer to the million-year mark.

One month later, early morning.

After leading the disciples of Xuan Valley in their daily exercises, Gu An returned to his pavilion and spread a map across his desk.

The map, drawn by a Taixuan Sect Grandmaster, contained enchantments. With spiritual sense, it displayed detailed topography, giving Gu An the impression of using a VR map from his previous life.

No wonder it cost five high-grade Spirit Stones—worth every bit.

Immersed in the map, Gu An searched for an ideal location to break through.

By noon, someone arrived at Xuan Valley. Yang Ni transmitted a warning to Gu An:

"The Crown Prince is here. Handle him carefully—I can’t show myself."

Gu An calmly folded the map and walked out of the pavilion.

At the entrance, he spotted a man in white, holding a folding fan. With his elegant demeanor and warm smile, he looked like a gentle scholar.

Gu An immediately used his lifespan probe.

[Li Dai (Nascent Soul Stage, Level 1): 189/960/1250]

No special techniques. His cultivation was as it appeared.

A Nascent Soul cultivator under 200 years old—undeniably a genius.

Instead of approaching Gu An directly, Li Dai walked toward Chu Jingfeng, who was inspecting a garden near the wooden fence.

"Chu Jingfeng, it’s been a long time," Li Dai called out warmly.

Chu Jingfeng turned, frowning at the sight of him.

The two exchanged pleasantries. Li Dai’s hearty laughter drew the attention of other disciples in the valley.

Chu Jingfeng, however, remained tense, mostly letting Li Dai recount old stories while he offered minimal responses.

After chatting for a while, Li Dai finally approached Gu An.

Standing outside the pavilion, he bowed and said, "I am Li Dai from Cangzhou. May I ask if you are Valley Master Gu An?"

Gu An returned the gesture. "Greetings, Your Highness. I am indeed Gu An. Would you like to come upstairs for a chat?"

Li Dai nodded with a smile and ascended the stairs.

The errand disciples below grew excited. They hadn’t expected the visitor to be the Crown Prince himself. While they were cultivators, their curiosity about the Crown Prince remained unabated. Why had he come to see their Valley Master?

A few disciples crowded around Chu Jingfeng, asking how the two knew each other.

Gu An and Li Dai talked in private for a full half-hour. When Gu An escorted him downstairs, he wore a smile, though he felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Before leaving, Li Dai clasped Gu An’s hand warmly, much to Gu An’s dismay.

"Junior Brother Gu, we really hit it off! Next time I return to Taixuan Sect, I must visit you again," Li Dai said with an enthusiastic smile, appearing utterly sincere.

Gu An agreed to Li Dai’s parting words and watched as the Crown Prince flew away from Xuan Valley.

Their earlier conversation had been casual, as though Li Dai had come simply to make friends. They even talked about Li Ya, and Li Dai’s tone was full of concern. If not for Yang Ni’s prior warning, Gu An might have genuinely believed they were close brothers.

Li Dai didn’t make any requests or attempt to recruit Gu An. However, Gu An had sensed a Transformation Stage cultivator hiding in the forest nearby, likely someone protecting the Crown Prince.

About ten miles away from Xuan Valley, the smile on Li Dai’s face vanished, replaced by a dark expression.

A blue-robed elder flew up beside him and spoke softly, "Your Highness, there’s a Nascent Soul cultivator in the valley."

"Yes, I sensed it. It’s Yang Ni. That Father would station her to guard him shows that Gu An must have some deep connection. Investigate his background thoroughly. Find out what his true identity is within Taixuan Sect," Li Dai replied coldly, his eyes gleaming with killing intent as he mentioned Yang Ni.

The elder asked, "If he has no significant backing, should we capture him?"

"We’ll wait until I meet the Sect Master. His stance will be crucial. If the Sect Master supports me, we’ll kill both Li Ya and Gu An to cut off Father’s spies and chess pieces," Li Dai said.

What they didn’t know was that their conversation had been overheard by Gu An.

To Gu An, a Transformation Stage cultivator was no different from an ant on the roadside.

"Want to kill me? Interesting," Gu An thought, smiling to himself.

He wasn’t concerned in the slightest. Even if he stood still and didn’t fight back, Li Dai and the elder wouldn’t be able to kill him.

Gu An turned and went back upstairs to his pavilion. Before long, Yang Ni entered through the window, her expression grim.

"He must have noticed me. His cultivation technique seems to have reached a profound level," Yang Ni said.

Gu An looked puzzled. "Do you have a grudge against him?"

"Of course! My sister’s death is tied to his mother. How could I not?"

"Does Senior Brother Li know about this?"

"No, because it’s just my suspicion. I don’t have any evidence. His presence in Taixuan Sect is likely an attempt to establish connections with the Venerable Pavilion or the Sect Master. His previous backer, Chu Tianqi, has already fled. He’s desperate to find a new pillar of support."

"Let him be," Gu An said as he took out a book and began to read.

Yang Ni stood beside him, surprised. "Aren’t you afraid he’ll capture you to manipulate Li Ya?"

"What can I do about it? I’m not his match. His Majesty tasked you with watching over me, and I can’t refuse. If he wants to kill me, I can’t stop him. I might as well act like nothing’s wrong and enjoy my days in peace," Gu An replied casually.

His nonchalant attitude made Yang Ni regard him with newfound respect.

"Don’t worry. If he dares to make a move on you, I’ll protect you—as long as you don’t run around recklessly," Yang Ni assured him.

Gu An’s tendency to wander made things difficult for her. One day he’d be in the outer sect city, the next in his inner sect Medicine Valley, both places she couldn’t easily enter.

"Thank you for your protection. Don’t worry, under Taixuan Sect’s watch, he probably won’t act rashly," Gu An said with a smile.

Yang Ni nodded and left without saying more. She retreated to the woods to cultivate. Her sense of urgency was palpable—after years in Xuan Valley, she still only practiced her skills late at night in secret.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Meanwhile, Gu An wanted to grow stronger as well. Checking his lifespan, a grin spread across his face.

He was getting closer.

Elsewhere, in a tranquil estate surrounded by chirping birds and blooming flowers, a small stream encircled a pavilion. Inside, Lü Baitian and Li Dai sat across from each other.

Li Dai picked up a wine jug and poured for Lü Baitian.

"A century as the Crown Prince must have been difficult for you. I’ve heard whispers from the common folk over the years," Lü Baitian said nonchalantly, taking the cup.

Li Dai sighed. "Father has done his best, but his cultivation is too weak to suppress the regional governors and noble clans. Beneath the Taicang Empire’s facade of strength lies hardship and darkness. I want to bring prosperity to all. My mother’s family has already pledged their full support."

Lü Baitian gazed at the stream rather than Li Dai, his tone indifferent. "Who sits on the throne doesn’t matter to Taixuan Sect. What matters is that the emperor must uphold the sect’s trust."

Li Dai quickly assured him, "Taixuan Sect is the righteous orthodox of the world. If I become emperor, the sect can monitor my actions as they see fit!"

"Tell your people to stop investigating Gu An. No matter how your royal family’s struggles unfold, Gu An is not to be involved," Lü Baitian said, his casual tone carrying an undeniable authority.

Li Dai’s face changed drastically.

In that moment, countless possibilities raced through his mind.

Cautiously, he asked, "What family does Gu An come from?"

"Gu An has no family background. His only connection is me. Is that enough?"

As Lü Baitian spoke, his gaze finally met Li Dai’s, sending cold sweat running down the Crown Prince’s back.