When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!-Chapter 288: Nine Mysterious True Fire, Disaster from the Sky

Chapter 288 Nine Mysterious True Fire, Disaster from the Sky

That year’s Spring Festival felt warmer to Gu An than usual, all thanks to Ye Lan’s company. However, on the second day after the celebrations ended, Ye Lan left. She didn’t want to get too attached to staying by her senior brother’s side—cultivation was the true priority in her life. At this stage, putting in the effort to cultivate was her most important task.

Although the threatening proclamation from the Grand Cold Demon Sect’s Life-Reaping Immortal had cast a shadow over the continent, it had not disrupted the world’s balance. By the start of the new year, the cultivation world had returned to normal, with sects sending more disciples to explore the overseas regions.

Year after year passed. The sun rose and set, and the Third Medicine Valley continued to train new disciples while welcoming fresh recruits, causing its overall numbers to grow. As the Taixuan Sect became stronger, the number of errand disciples increased as well, and they needed positions to earn spirit stones.

In the blink of an eye, a decade had passed.

Gu An stood by the window, using his divine sense to observe a fierce battle unfolding in the distance.

A Grandmaster Cultivator had come forward to challenge the Life-Reaping Immortal, and not just any cultivator—this was someone who had reached the Celestial Ascension Realm. Unfortunately, he didn’t even get to meet the Life-Reaping Immortal in person; he was completely overpowered by the Life-Reaping Immortal’s disciple.

Countless cultivators and demonic beasts watched the battle unfold. Not all living beings were willing to flee this mortal realm, especially those sects that upheld the Righteous Path—they had a duty to protect the common people.

Over the past ten years, there had been multiple challenges from Celestial Ascension Realm cultivators, but without exception, they had all been defeated by the Life-Reaping Immortal’s disciple. Entering the tower had become an unattainable dream.

The tower of the Life-Reaping Immortal had gained a reputation—it was called the Soul-Suppressing Tower, an immortal dao treasure.

Gu An shook his head. The Celestial Ascension Realm cultivator was already showing signs of defeat, proving he was not the savior of this mortal realm.

Turning away, Gu An headed downstairs—he had sensed an unfamiliar presence entering the valley.

It was Western Spirit Mother from the Bitter Sea Buddhist Sect.

Western Spirit Mother had already found Shen Xinzi, pulling him aside to speak privately. To ensure their conversation remained secret, Shen Xinzi even set up a restrictive barrier.

Within the Taixuan Sect, aside from Gu An, no one’s divine sense could penetrate Shen Xinzi’s barriers.

"Did you find out everything?" Shen Xinzi asked, referring to the Grand Cold Demon Sect.

Western Spirit Mother took a deep breath and replied, "This matter involves a Holy King from the Holy Court. While he doesn’t represent the entire Holy Court, this Holy King’s influence is far-reaching. Even the Buddhist sects do not wish to offend him, especially since Saint Heaven has yet to emerge from seclusion."

Holy King!

Shen Xinzi frowned. He continued, "What in this mortal realm could possibly interest an existence of that level?"

Western Spirit Mother answered, "I haven't uncovered all the details, but it seems related to the reincarnation of a great cultivator from the Holy Court. That great cultivator was likely an enemy of the Holy King and has been reborn somewhere in this mortal realm."

Shen Xinzi’s frown deepened.

Western Spirit Mother continued, "There’s no stopping this now. The Buddhist sects don’t want to get involved. We should return."

Shen Xinzi scoffed. "The Buddhist sects don’t want to get involved? What a joke. So much for 'saving all sentient beings.'"

Western Spirit Mother was taken aback by his sarcasm.

Something felt off.

Shen Xinzi had always taken pride in the Bitter Sea Buddhist Sect—he had never spoken like this before.

"You go back. I'm staying in the Taixuan Sect," Shen Xinzi said firmly.

Western Spirit Mother wanted to persuade him, but Shen Xinzi turned and left before she could say anything.

"What’s going on…?" Western Spirit Mother watched his departing figure, full of confusion.

Her cultivation and status were both beneath his, so she couldn’t force him to return. The only thing she could do was report this back to the Bitter Sea Buddhist Sect.

Meanwhile, Gu An, who was heading toward a garden area, was also deep in thought about the information Western Spirit Mother had brought.

A Holy King. A great cultivator’s reincarnation…

At the mention of reincarnation, the first person who came to his mind was Ji Xuanyu.

But then, he reconsidered. It probably wasn’t Ji Xuanyu. Ji Xuanyu had reincarnated countless times already—if he truly were that Holy King’s nemesis, why hadn’t the Holy King acted sooner?

More importantly, Gu An was curious about the Lord of Divine Anomalies and his role in this conflict.

He needed to find an opportunity to speak with him.

In a dimly lit underground chamber…

Zhang Bukui set down his battle axe, the energy surrounding him gradually dispersing. His long white hair, which had been floating around, finally settled.

Letting out a deep breath, he glanced at the axe in his hand, his brows furrowed.

At that moment, footsteps echoed through the chamber. Zhang Bukui tightened his grip on his battle axe, only to release it when he saw the Lord of Divine Anomalies approaching. The battle axe dissolved into nothingness.

For some reason, Zhang Bukui felt that his master looked even weaker than before.

"Master!" Zhang Bukui raised his hand in greeting.

Over the years, the Lord of Divine Anomalies had guided him earnestly, treating him as a true personal disciple. Not only had he trained Zhang Bukui in cultivation, but he had also gifted him natural treasures to strengthen his ghost body, helping him resist the backlash of divine anomaly energy.

The Lord of Divine Anomalies examined him and nodded slightly. "Not bad. You're beginning to grasp the power of divine anomalies."

Zhang Bukui hesitated before asking, "Master, are you alright?"

The Lord of Divine Anomalies smiled—a smile that sent chills down Zhang Bukui’s spine.

"Of course, I'm fine," he replied. "But I do have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to help me?"

"What is it?" Zhang Bukui didn’t immediately agree, feeling a bit wary. He feared that the Lord of Divine Anomalies was scheming against the mysterious figure who had been secretly assisting him.

The Lord of Divine Anomalies raised his right hand, summoning a golden flame in his palm. Its radiance illuminated the chamber.

Zhang Bukui’s expression changed upon seeing it—he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

"This is the Nine Profound True Flame," the Lord of Divine Anomalies explained. "It belongs to a being far beyond our reach. If you inherit it, you will gain a powerful divine ability that will aid in your survival. More importantly, when you encounter that being’s reincarnation, the Nine Profound True Flame will react, revealing their identity to you."

"Who is this person?" Zhang Bukui couldn’t help but ask.

The Lord of Divine Anomalies sighed. "He is a cultivator whose strength far surpasses my own. In this mortal realm, his status is beyond your imagination. I am giving you this flame because one day, you must protect him. He will be the key to our survival."

Zhang Bukui froze.

Meanwhile, within the Soul-Suppressing Tower, a black-robed elder sat in meditation upon a black lotus throne, surrounded by dark-red flames. His hair was disheveled, his presence oppressive.

This was the Life-Reaping Immortal of the Grand Cold Demon Sect.

Without opening his eyes, he spoke:

"Disciple, apply some pressure on them."

His voice echoed, as if countless voices spoke in unison.

"Yes, Master," came the response from outside the hall.

At twilight, Gu An rode into the Third Medicine Valley atop the Blood Prison Great Saint, with Yang Jian and Li Lingtian following behind.

Li Lingtian looked battered and bruised, like a defeated rooster.

"Master, is this kid going to break?" Blood Prison Great Saint sneered.

Li Lingtian shot him a glare.

Just as he was about to retort, he suddenly sensed something.

His eyes widened.

Gu An, Yang Jian, and the disciples in the valley all looked up—each of their faces filled with shock.