Chapter 639: The Determination to be the Strongest

The sun was setting over Wushi Dao Field, casting long shadows across the mountain path.

Gu An strolled leisurely along the stone-paved trail, humming a tune, his fingers occasionally brushing against the flowers and grass lining the path.

After half a day of contemplation, he had come to a decision—not to intervene in Zhang Buku’s predicament. Instead, he would let Zhang Buku find his own way out of his troubles. His only responsibility was ensuring Zhang Buku’s survival.

He was also curious to see how Xu You planned to help Zhang Buku ascend to the ranks of the Heavenly Court’s immortals.

As he entered the courtyard at the peak, Tianqing and Tianbai immediately approached him. Apart from them, the only ones present were Shen Zhen and the White Spirit Mouse.

"Master, the Tianhong Emperor wishes to join Wushi Dao Field. What do you think?" Tianqing was the first to speak.

Tianbai, standing beside her, looked at Gu An expectantly.

Earlier that morning, Tianhong Emperor had arrived at Qiankun Sect, making a grand declaration—he wanted to become a disciple of Wushi Dao Field. His arrival shocked the entire sect, prompting its leaders to summon Tianqing and Tianbai.

20,000 years ago, disciples of Wushi emerged and saved the world. Though it was ultimately Sword Master of the Dao who turned the tide, the disciples of Wushi had still made an indelible mark.

Each disciple wielded mysterious Dao treasures, undefeated in every battle, leaving a deep impression on major sects and factions across the world.

It wasn’t difficult to deduce the location of Wushi Dao Field, so it wasn’t surprising that Tianhong Emperor had found his way there.

However, the fact that he, the most prominent figure since the calamity of the Xiantian Human Race, sought to enter Wushi Dao Field was a monumental event—one that had shaken Qiankun Sect to its core.

The Qiankun Sect was originally founded under Wushi’s protection, so they naturally held a favorable impression of Wushi.

To them, if Tianhong Emperor joined Wushi, it would be a great advantage, potentially strengthening their own ties with the strongest Dao Field in existence.

Gu An casually replied, "Not accepting. Also, spread the word—Wushi Dao Field does not take in disciples. Those fated to join will find their own way in."

Even if Tianhong Emperor was not a pawn of Tai Yi Immortal Lord, Gu An would not accept him.

He chose disciples based on his own whims, not their talent.

The world was vast, filled with countless prodigies.

Even though Blood Prison Saint was currently the undisputed strongest disciple in Wushi Dao Field, there were many out there whose talent far exceeded his.

In this new era, every so often, a genius carrying the fortune of the heavens would emerge.

Even mortal beings with a lifespan limit of 9,999 years could be found all over the world.

Gu An had seen many of them while traveling—he had merely given them a second glance, never once considering them as potential disciples.

"Master, Tianhong Emperor has an unparalleled reputation. Since Tian Hao left, no one in the world can compare to him. If we take him in, Wushi Dao Field will undoubtedly rise in fame. Even if you don’t wish to personally teach him, we could accept him as a disciple instead."

Tianqing pressed on.

Ever since she and Tianbai had begun handling Qiankun Sect’s affairs, they had interacted with many influential figures.

Their exposure to fame and prestige had subtly changed their perspectives.

They now wanted Wushi Dao Field to shake the world—to become the undisputed number one holy land.

In their eyes, Wushi Dao Field—with Gu An at its helm—was beyond comparison to any mere Dao Court.

Gu An walked past them, heading toward his dwelling.

Without pausing, he said, "I have no need for fame. If you two desire reputation so much, you can establish your own sects in the future."

Tianqing and Tianbai exchanged glances, no longer daring to insist.

Shen Zhen, seated before a refining cauldron, shot them a glance and shook her head slightly, but she remained silent.

Even disciples of Wushi Dao Field were now chasing fame and status—this world was on the verge of another great upheaval.

Shen Zhen thought to herself, her years spent studying the Dao of Karma had given her a profound understanding of the flow of fate.

For nearly 100,000 years, the world had enjoyed peace—except for the previous calamity caused by the Xiantian Human Race.

Yet, human hearts were restless, and sooner or later, conflict would arise.

But then again, what did a world at war have to do with her?

Shen Zhen withdrew her thoughts and continued contemplating the Dao.

Tianqing and Tianbai lingered for a while before making their way to Qiankun Sect, preparing to reject Tianhong Emperor.

By the time night had fallen, the two women returned, walking through the forest. They stopped by a small river, and Tianqing slightly tilted her head, catching a glimpse of a figure behind them from the corner of her eye.

"Turn back," she said calmly. "If you go any further, you’ll be trespassing into Wushi Dao Field."

A figure emerged from the depths of the forest—a young man in blue robes, handsome and imposing, his brows exuding an aura of arrogance that could not be concealed.

He was the strongest prodigy of Dao Court, Tianhong Emperor!

Tianhong Emperor looked at the two women and said, "I won’t force my way in. I just want to prove my determination to Sword Master of the Dao."

Tianqing and Tianbai stepped across the river, then turned to face him.

Tianhong Emperor, standing at the riverbank, lifted his robe and knelt down on the spot.

Seeing this, a flicker of joy flashed through the eyes of the two women.

Although they had rejected Tianhong Emperor, deep down, they still hoped for Wushi Dao Field to have such a peerless genius.

If someone like Tianhong Emperor were to join, Wushi Dao Field’s reputation would spread even further.

They didn’t dare to defy Gu An, but they could only hope that Tianhong Emperor’s persistence might move him.

Tianbai reminded him, "If you cross this river without permission, not only will you lose any chance of joining Wushi Dao Field, but you may also face utter annihilation."

Kneeling by the river, Tianhong Emperor remained upright, his face unwavering.

Though he did not respond, his determination was clear.

Tianqing and Tianbai turned and left, vanishing into the darkness of the night.

Under the night sky, the mountain forest was quiet, the occasional chirping of insects echoing through the air.

Yet, Tianhong Emperor’s heart remained tranquil.

Despite being the number one prodigy in the world, he felt no humiliation—because this was his own choice.

His mind drifted back to events of several thousand years ago.

He had once traveled the world and arrived at a place called Tai Cang Continent.

There, he heard rumors that Tai Xuan Sect had once been favored by an immortal, so he decided to take a look.

Until one day, he stepped onto the Heaven Mending Platform and laid his hands upon an axe.

After a moment of shock, a thought solidified in his heart.

He had to obtain this inheritance!

But he couldn’t even lift the Heaven-Sundering Divine Axe.

Thus, he chose to pursue Sword Master of the Dao instead.

Returning to Dao Court, he mobilized its vast resources, and after years of searching, he finally traced Sword Master of the Dao to Nine Spirits Continent.

However, instead of rushing there immediately, he spent thousands of years completing mission after mission for Dao Court, repaying his debt to his sect.

His unyielding will eventually caught the attention of Dao Court’s leader, Yuan Songzi.

Yuan Songzi summoned him privately, and after hearing his resolve, Yuan Songzi gave him his full support.

Yuan Songzi understood Sword Master of the Dao’s terrifying strength far more than Tianhong Emperor did.

In his eyes, if Tianhong Emperor could train under Sword Master of the Dao, he would awaken even greater talent, truly surpassing Tian Hao.

With the support of his sect, Tianhong Emperor set off with a lighter heart.

He had expected rejection, so he was not in a hurry.

Waiting, for him, was a joyful anticipation.

That entire night, Tianhong Emperor felt a deep sense of contentment.

Days passed.

Tianqing, Tianbai, and the White Spirit Mouse occasionally walked past him.

He remained unmoved, kneeling at the riverbank without faltering.

Ten years passed, yet his state of mind remained unshaken.

But after a hundred years, having never once glimpsed Sword Master of the Dao, a hint of unease crept into his heart.

He had abandoned everything, bringing only his determination—but if he failed to become Sword Master of the Dao’s disciple, how could he return to Dao Court?

How could he stand tall in this world?

Doubts began to cloud his thoughts.

His fingers clenched slightly around his knees.