Chapter 950 - 413: Aiming for Daluo

Chapter 950: Chapter 413: Aiming for Daluo

"Senior Sister Xue Ning, who is this?"

Xu Ao’s gaze fell on Li An, and the scrutiny in his eyes was unmistakable, with a hint of hostility.

"Xue Sword, my direct disciple."

Gu Xuening spoke calmly, following the plan she had discussed with Li An: "Qingyuan Mountain has fallen, and my lineage has only him left as a disciple."

"Xue Sword, quickly pay your respects to your Junior Martial Uncle Xu."

Li An immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully, "Greetings, Martial Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ao was relieved, and seeing Li An’s respectful demeanor toward Gu Xuening indicated he was a well-behaved disciple, dispelling all doubts in his mind. He smiled immediately:

"I see! It’s truly delightful that Senior Sister has accepted such a fine disciple. Please, follow me into the mountain; I have already prepared a cave abode for you."

Immediately, Xu Ao led the two into the domain of Yunluo Palace, where many were on guard and patrol, but with Xu Ao by their side, they passed unobstructed, without being questioned.

Li An secretly marveled, realizing that now, within the Deceit Realm, all forces had to mobilize entirely, ancient Immortal Palaces and powerful Immortal ancestors were transformed into foot soldiers, sent to the front lines as if forcibly conscripted.

As Li An and Gu Xuening traveled, they saw renowned mountains vacant and Holy Lands suspended, yet Yunluo Palace, the perpetrator of all these events, remained tranquil.

Individuals like Gu Xuening, with some connections, could find shelter under its protection and enjoy peace.

Xu Ao was very attentive to Gu Xuening, having retained several beautiful, deceitful peaks within a famous mountain under Yunluo Palace’s jurisdiction as a cultivation place for her.

Additionally, the cave abode was fully equipped with Deceit Crystals, Blood Medicine, medicinal fields, and Protective Arrays, the Spirit Vein supporting this cave abode was of Taiyi Golden Immortal level indeed.

It was evident that Xu Ao must be esteemed within Yunluo Palace to control such resources.

"Is Senior Sister satisfied?"

Xu Ao smiled slightly, clearly very proud, as the place was originally reserved for his own cultivation. Now, with Gu Xuening’s arrival, it seemed there was a hostess, truly exquisite and perfectly ideal.

"Thank you for your kindness, Junior Brother; the world is in chaos now, with people displaced, for the time being, I will temporarily reside here. I will remember this great kindness and virtue, Xue Ning will keep it in mind."

Gu Xuening spoke gracefully, then offered a jade tablet, "This is the Qingyuan Mystic Technique from Qingyuan Mountain, which Junior Brother once sought but never obtained, today let it fulfill that wish."

"Moreover, when Junior Brother breaks through to Daluo in the future, I will have an additional grand gift to offer."

After all, as fellow disciples, it’s inappropriate to receive help without reciprocating; offering a legacy of Secret Technique was only for the moment, Gu Xuening was prepared, when Xu Ao strived to Daluo in future, the Longevity White Mist she possessed wouldn’t be inappropriate to gift him.

Her obsession with longevity had dissipated due to Li An, now she only wished to live safely with Li An for the rest of her life.

"Why discuss such things between us."

Xu Ao didn’t accept the Qingyuan Mystic Technique she offered, smiling: "Senior Sister, settle in first; I have urgent matters in the palace and must return. During this period, try not to go out, should you need anything, feel free to contact me."

He was preparing to leave, but suddenly said:

"By the way, this place has an even more intense eerie aura. I see Nephew Xue’s cultivation is only at Immortal level; cultivating here might be indescribably challenging. I know a cave abode with a gentler atmosphere near the foot of the peak; how about Nephew follow me?"

Though Gu Xuening and Li An appeared to be merely master and disciple, Xu Ao also understood the natural tendency of affection over time, leaving him uneasy about them alone together.

Hence, separating the two would be better.

"This..."

Gu Xuening was about to say something, but Li An had already replied: "Precisely, I intend to breakthrough to Profound Immortal realm soon, having a suitable cave abode would be excellent. Thank you for your kindness, Martial Uncle!"

Xu Ao smiled immediately, taking Li An and leaving promptly, settling him at the foot of a peak not far from Gu Xuening.

"Nephew, take your time cultivating; I’ve left this old turtle to protect your path. Should you require anything, you can tell it."

Xu Ao waved his hand; from his spatial ring, emerged a gigantic mountain turtle keeping watch outside Li An’s cave abode, surprisingly at Celestial Immortal level.

Placed here supposedly to protect Li An’s path, but actually also to guard Li An, preventing him from wandering off.

Li An internally scoffed, realizing that Xu Ao indeed harbored intentions toward Gu Xuening while keeping a tight watch on him.

However, Xu Ao’s esteemed status within Yunluo Palace meant it wasn’t the time to eliminate him yet.

Li An settled in, and by dusk, pretended to be cultivating as his Divine Sense subtly unleashed, unbeknownst to the old turtle outside who had already dozed off.

Li An, being a Taiyi Golden Immortal, found controlling such an old turtle exceedingly simple.

Exiting the cave abode, he saw arrays densely spread around, finely tuned to obstruct external exploration of this mountain range and prevent approaching Gu Xuening.

The array was of Golden Immortal level and contained Xu Ao’s understanding and application of the Bone Transformation Array—an obstruction even for a Taiyi Golden Immortal; yet, to Li An, it appeared completely insipid.

He traversed as if on flat ground, soon reaching the door of Gu Xuening, tapping gently as the door opened, Gu Xuening pulled him inside briskly.

"Xue Lang, it seems now, Junior Brother Xu Ao supports us so well, yet likely with ulterior motives. We’ve fallen into the tiger’s den; I dared not indicate today, but now it appears we need to seek another place..."

Upon meeting, Gu Xuening dove into Li An’s arms, tightly holding him, eyes full of concern.