When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!-Chapter 232: The First Prodigy

Chapter 232 The First Prodigy

Watching the old man rant like a madman about the "Apocalypse Calamity," the passing cultivators on the street began to murmur among themselves. Most of them didn’t take it seriously and were simply curious about where this old man had come from—daring to act so recklessly in Taixuan Sect.

Gu An, however, was half-convinced.

The ocean would swallow everything?

He had heard similar legends before. In the vast seas, such rumors were not uncommon. And with the recent appearance of an inexplicable oceanic rift, it was hard not to give it some thought.

"I’m only 127 years old… why is my life so full of disasters?"

Gu An sighed internally. However, the previous Demonic Cataclysm wasn’t exactly a catastrophe for humanity—it was merely the result of scheming between cultivation factions. Events like that were hardly rare in this world.

This time, though, if the Oceanic Calamity was truly coming and it was specifically targeting either him or the Three Dynasties, then he would have no choice but to suspect that the Heavenly Dao was plotting against him.

Perhaps he had involved himself too deeply in the affairs of the mortal world? His method of growing stronger without undergoing tribulations—could it be seen as an anomaly in the eyes of the Heavenly Dao?

To eliminate such an "anomaly," yet without knowing where the anomaly was, the Heavenly Dao might as well trigger an Apocalypse Calamity.

A so-called calamity—while it was a disaster for all beings, for the heavens and earth itself, it was nothing more than a grand cleansing.

Gu An’s thoughts wandered, but soon enough, he saw the old man being seized by Law Enforcement Hall disciples. Even as he was dragged away, the old man continued shouting:

"The ocean will swallow everything…!"

This little episode quickly faded from people’s minds. Compared to such crazy ramblings, the disciples were more interested in the Heavenly Rankings Tournament.

The title "Number One Under Heaven" was enough to stir the hearts of countless cultivators.

Gu An wasn’t particularly concerned. That old man had neither an exceptional lifespan nor a hidden cultivation level—he was merely at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

He took Yang to the Alchemy Hall, instructing him to observe carefully and learn well so that he could assist him in the future.

Yang was both excited and nervous—afraid that if he made a mistake, he would disappoint Gu An.

By the time they returned to Medicine Valley, it was already evening.

Spring passed, and summer arrived. Gu An stepped into his 128th year.

News of the Heavenly Rankings Tournament had spread across the land, but its exact start date had yet to be decided. Thanks to the efforts of Taixuan Sect, nearly 90% of cultivators in the Three Dynasties had already heard of it.

Who was the strongest under heaven?

This had become the most popular topic of conversation among cultivators during their leisure time.

On this day.

Gu An arrived at Seeker’s Island.

As soon as he arrived, he overheard people discussing the Ten-Thousand-Year Oceanic Tide.

According to legend, every ten thousand years, the ocean would rise, submerging entire continents. The tides would last for hundreds of years before finally receding.

Not every Oceanic Tide was the same. In the most severe cases, the entire mortal world would be submerged—though such an event was said to occur only once in a million years.

Today’s cultivators had no way of calculating how long it had been since the last Apocalyptic Oceanic Tide. But it was precisely because they couldn’t calculate it that they were afraid.

Everywhere across the sea, there were people preaching that the Apocalyptic Oceanic Tide was imminent. These individuals came from various sects, claiming that they had received heavenly premonitions—seeing visions of destruction during their cultivation. The weaker ones even went insane or suffered Qi Deviation from the overwhelming fear.

Some had even begun to connect it to the appearance of the oceanic rift, believing it to be the first sign of the impending disaster!

When Gu An met Hu Xiaojian, the latter immediately brought it up, his face filled with concern.

"The world is truly falling into chaos. First, the Seven Star Spirit Realm and the Starsea Sect Alliance are at war, slaughtering each other. And now, there's talk of an Apocalyptic Oceanic Tide coming. We’re really living in the worst era!" Hu Xiaojian complained angrily.

Gu An reassured him, "Nothing is certain yet—don’t overthink it."

Though the rumors were everywhere, the sea level had not actually risen. At least for now, the continent where the Three Dynasties resided remained unaffected.

According to legend, before an Apocalyptic Oceanic Tide erupted, it would undergo centuries of buildup—something mortals could detect.

It was said that during this buildup period, spiritual energy surged from the ocean depths, increasing the overall spiritual density of the world. This accelerated cultivation across the board, as if the heavens were offering a sliver of mercy.

If one could ascend beyond this world before the disaster struck, they would escape the calamity.

But this only applied to high-level cultivators. To reach the Celestial Ascension Stage within a few centuries, one would need to be at least at the Roving Immortal Stage.

Gu An and Hu Xiaojian strolled through the streets, chatting as they went.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of them.

It was a woman dressed in yellow, with a dignified posture, an extraordinary presence, and striking features. Her cultivation had already reached the Profound Mind Realm.

"May I ask if you are Senior Meng Lang? My lord invites you as a guest. My lord is True Person Tang Hai," the woman said respectfully.

A Profound Mind Realm female cultivator acting as a mere servant?

What an extravagant display!

Gu An was about to respond when Hu Xiaojian whispered, "True Person Tang Hai is an honorary elder of the Seeker’s Island Sea Protectorate. He is known for his integrity and has a sterling reputation."

The implication was—he could be trusted.

Gu An glanced at Hu Xiaojian before turning to the woman. "Lead the way."

He discreetly activated Lifespan Perception, scanning the yellow-robed woman—her lifespan limit was just over two thousand years. On the mainland, she would be a peerless genius, yet on Seeker’s Island, she was just a servant.

The woman bowed gracefully and turned to lead the way.

Half an incense stick later.

They arrived at Tang Hai Manor.

Hu Xiaojian did not enter, choosing instead to wait at the entrance.

The manor was enormous, filled with many attendants, all of whom were at least at the Nascent Soul Stage.

Under the guidance of the yellow-robed woman, Gu An entered a courtyard, where he saw a blue-robed man sipping tea at a table. He had a refined, scholarly air, like a learned gentleman.

[True Person Tang Hai (Roving Immortal Stage, Level 5): 8908/27000/27500]

The yellow-robed woman stopped at a distance, bowed, and quietly took her leave.

Tang Hai looked at Gu An, stood up, and cupped his hands. "Daoist friend, I hope I haven’t disturbed you by inviting you here. Please forgive the intrusion."

Gu An stepped forward, returning the gesture. "No worries, I was free anyway."

They sat down and began chatting.

After some pleasantries, Tang Hai finally said, "Daoist friend, you've been purchasing Natural Treasures at an astonishing rate these past years. Many have taken notice. But rest assured, within Seeker’s Island, no one dares to cause trouble. I’ve even helped deflect some attention."

Gu An wasn’t sure what he meant but politely thanked him regardless.

Seeker’s Island’s strongest cultivators were merely Roving Immortals—he hadn’t paid them much mind.

Tang Hai took a sip of tea and smiled. “Lately, the rumors about the Apocalyptic Oceanic Tide have been spreading like wildfire. Regardless of whether they are true, the world is becoming increasingly unstable.

“For us cultivators, it would be wise to band together for mutual benefit. Ten years from now, I plan to host a private auction here in my manor. There will even be Immortal Dao Spirit Trees up for bid. If you're interested, you’re welcome to participate.

“As a gesture of goodwill, I’ll let you purchase anything at 70% of the final price.”

Tang Hai stroked his beard as he spoke, his smile as warm as a spring breeze.

Immortal Dao Spirit Tree?

Gu An's interest was immediately piqued!

The highest-grade Spirit Tree he had in his possession was only ninth-grade. He couldn’t help but wonder—what kind of wonders could an Immortal Dao Spirit Tree possess?

Seeing Gu An’s interest, Tang Hai became even more enthusiastic.

The two chatted for a long time. Eventually, Tang Hai revealed that he wanted to form a circle of Roving Immortals, so they could venture into ancient Immortal Dao ruins together in the future.

After a full hour of conversation, Gu An finally left Tang Hai Manor.

Hu Xiaojian had been waiting outside the entire time. Without asking any questions, he silently followed behind Gu An as they departed.

The Third Medicine Valley

The first breeze of autumn swept through the valley.

Yang stood by a wooden railing, staring at the pavilion where Gu An resided, lost in thought.

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He had already been Gu An’s disciple for some time now, yet his life had not changed in any significant way. Gu An had not taught him any cultivation techniques or spells, which left him feeling restless.

He was already twenty-one years old, yet his cultivation remained stuck at Qi Refining Stage, Level Three.

He was anxious.

Rumor had it that Taixuan Sect’s number one genius, An Hao, had already reached Foundation Establishment at his age!

Time slipped away as Yang continued to stare in a daze.

As dusk settled over the valley, Yang washed a batch of spiritual fruits, arranged them on a Heavenly Wood Plate, and brought them to Blood Prison Great Saint.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, a voice drifted down from the pavilion above—

"Come see me downstairs after dark."

Yang's body stiffened, then excitement surged through him. He quickly bowed toward the pavilion in silent acknowledgment, too afraid to shout out loud lest he draw attention.

An hour later, Yang stood at the foot of the stairs, freshly bathed and dressed in clean robes. His eyes frequently darted toward the windows of the pavilion above.

Watching him fidget, Blood Prison Great Saint couldn’t help but chuckle, occasionally teasing him, making Yang flush red with embarrassment.

Suddenly, the pavilion door swung open.

Yang immediately straightened his posture.

Gu An descended the stairs and walked toward the Teleportation Platform. Yang hurriedly followed, and Blood Prison Great Saint came along as well.

The three of them passed through the teleportation array, arriving in Xuan Valley. From there, they continued into a secluded mountain forest.

Yang rode on the back of Blood Prison Great Saint, feeling both nervous and expectant. He wanted to ask when his master would start teaching him cultivation techniques, but he was afraid of being rude.

They walked through the night.

By the time dawn broke, Yang was beginning to feel a little dazed.

Gu An finally gestured for Blood Prison Great Saint to stop. Beside them, a great river stretched before them, its waters crystal clear, revealing fish and crabs swimming below.

Facing the rising sun, Gu An asked, "Yang, do you desire a supreme cultivation technique?"

Yang scratched his head awkwardly and replied, "If such an opportunity exists, of course I would like one…"

Gu An didn’t mind his straightforwardness.

He turned to Yang and asked, "What are you willing to sacrifice for the path of cultivation?"

This wasn’t just an ordinary lesson. Gu An was preparing to nurture Yang personally—to keep him close by as a true disciple. Even An Hao had never received such treatment.

Yang hesitated for a moment before answering, "I have nothing, but my only wish in this life is to cultivate—even if it costs me everything."

Gu An nodded calmly and said, "Your constitution is unique. You struggle to absorb Qi, and you should have already noticed it yourself."

Hearing this, Yang’s face darkened instantly.

Indeed, his aptitude was terrible.

Even among the disciples in the Third Medicine Valley, he was considered one of the lowest-ranking. Despite spending years there, he had barely advanced a single minor realm.

It was precisely because of this that he so desperately longed for a higher-level cultivation technique.

Gu An’s voice remained indifferent.

"I can turn you into a genius—but you’ll have to endure excruciating pain, a pain beyond anything a normal person could bear. It could even shatter your body to pieces. Do you dare?"

Yang's heart pounded wildly under Gu An’s gaze.

"Master… you’re not trying to scare me, are you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Defying fate is never easy," Gu An said. "If you’re afraid, I won’t force you. I’ll still pass on cultivation techniques and spells to you, but your path will be much slower."

Yang bit his lip before cautiously asking, "Master… have any of your other disciples succeeded?"

Gu An shook his head.

"I have only ever accepted two true disciples. The others are merely recipients of my alchemical aid. Your senior brother, however, is already a peerless genius renowned across the world."

Renowned across the world?!

Yang’s mouth fell open, utterly shocked.

Wasn’t his master only at the Core Formation Stage?

How could he have a disciple so powerful?

Could his senior brother be stronger than Taixuan Sect’s greatest genius, An Hao?!