When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!-Chapter 287: The Promise of Immortality

Chapter 287 The Promise of Immortality

End of the Year, Snowflakes Dancing in the Wind

Inside the attic, Gu An was pouring tea for Ye Lan while she recounted her experiences at the branch sect.

After years apart, Ye Lan now exuded the aura of a grand cultivator. As a Transformation Stage cultivator, she could hold positions of power anywhere on the continent, and her presence had only grown more imposing.

This made Gu An find her even more captivating.

The little girl who used to trail behind him, clinging to him all the time, had now become a figure standing above countless others. While he felt sentimental about it, his heart was also filled with pride.

Her experiences at the branch sect were nothing more than the usual power struggles. With Lü Baitian having spoken on her behalf, she had managed to secure victory in every battle. Overall, her journey had been smooth sailing.

After finishing her story, she asked Gu An how he had been these years.

"Tending to flowers, playing chess, and teasing my disciples when I have nothing better to do—life has been quite carefree," Gu An said with a smile as he looked at Ye Lan.

Ye Lan raised an eyebrow. "Who's that girl downstairs?"

I knew you wanted to ask that!

Gu An thought to himself but said aloud, "Her identity is not simple. I'll tell only you, but you mustn't spread it around!"

The attic was protected by restrictive formations, shielding their conversation from anyone below the Transformation Stage. He wasn’t worried about Ji Xuanyu overhearing.

Ye Lan gave an expressionless nod.

Taking a deep breath, Gu An said, "Her name is Ji Xuanyu. You understand now, right?"

Ye Lan frowned. "But Ji Xuanyu is supposed to be dead."

Ji Xuanyu had once been a world-renowned genius, and with her peerless beauty, her death had caused much discussion within Taixuan Sect. Ye Lan had heard of it, too.

"She did die, but she was also reborn…" Gu An explained, recounting the information he had learned from Qie Wuxing, a look of amazement on his face.

Ye Lan was equally stunned. Such a phenomenon was unheard of, and Ji Xuanyu's background was far beyond anything she had imagined—it even shattered her previous understanding of the world.

Gu An carefully added, "Junior Sister, this must not get out. If word spreads, we could bring unimaginable trouble upon ourselves. Anything related to reincarnation would provoke enemies beyond measure. Before such beings, even Taixuan Sect would either submit or be wiped out."

Ye Lan nodded, then sighed. "To be honest, I was feeling jealous of her just now. But now, I don’t dare. The difference between us is too vast. Even if she does take an interest in you, Senior Brother, I think that’s a good thing. You always say your talent is mediocre, and your ties with that old senior are severed. If you get close to her, maybe she could change your fate."

Her expression was incredibly serious as she spoke.

Gu An was moved by her words.

Perhaps due to his past experiences, Gu An never believed that anyone would think purely for his sake. Even love, in the end, was always rooted in personal desires.

He had rejected Ye Lan countless times, yet she had remained the same. He didn’t want her to suffer, so he had always helped her. Of course, he was also touched by her persistence. She had already become irreplaceable in his heart.

But he never expected that she would, for the sake of his future, hope he would pursue another woman.

This foolish girl…

Gu An shot Ye Lan a glare and said irritably, "Cherish what? There's nothing between me and her beyond being fellow cultivators. Besides, she has no interest in romance—only the Dao."

That was the truth. He could sense Ji Xuanyu’s unwavering pursuit of immortality.

In both her past life and this one, she had never been a woman who indulged in matters of the heart. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have chosen death to resist her family's arranged marriage in her previous life.

Ye Lan rolled her eyes at Gu An. "Senior Brother, a woman staying in your place, and someone with such an immense background at that—do you really think she has no feelings for you? Even if you can’t truly win her heart, forming a stronger bond with her would only benefit you."

Though Ye Lan had reached the Transformation Stage, she felt her path to immortality had already reached its limits. At the very least, she no longer dared to dream of eternal life.

But she hoped Gu An had the chance.

Why? She couldn’t quite explain. She just wanted him to live better, to seize the best opportunities.

Since childhood, she had always believed that her Senior Brother deserved all the fortune the world could offer. Even though he had rejected her, she had never resented him. She liked him—why should he be forced to reciprocate just because of that?

"Forget it," Gu An shook his head. "I only seek a peaceful life. If she wishes to stay in Third Medicine Valley, I won’t treat her unfairly. If she chooses to leave, I won’t stop her either. In the end, we are not from the same world. We should not hinder each other’s path."

That was his honest thought.

His goal was immortality, not marriage.

Ye Lan blinked, uncertain whether to be happy or to sigh.

"Senior Brother, if you never attain immortality, would you accept me?" she asked.

Gu An thought for a moment before answering, "If neither of us reach immortality, then let’s spend our final hundred years living as mortals together. A mortal life is only a century long, after all. Until then, we will keep striving for the Dao—who knows, there might still be hope. I may seek stability, but I have not given up cultivation."

Ye Lan smiled. Gazing at Gu An, she murmured, "Senior Brother, hearing you say that makes the fear of lifespan limits seem insignificant."

Gu An reached out and ruffled her hair, messing it up until she pouted in protest.

Then, they talked about the Great Cold Demon Sect.

Ye Lan had gathered significant intelligence, and it worried her deeply.

She feared the continent would not survive the catastrophe, so she had returned early to see Gu An—just in case.

Of course, she also held onto hope.

That hope was the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path.

It was the same belief that kept most Taixuan Sect disciples from panicking. For years, the Sword Sovereign’s protection had given them confidence in facing any tribulation.

As long as he did not abandon them or suffer defeat, they believed they could weather the storm.

By the end of their talk, Gu An invited Ye Lan to stay. She naturally agreed.

As night fell, he took her for a stroll around the valley, even bringing her to watch a chess match.

He also summoned Yang Jian and had him pay respects to Ye Lan.

Yang Jian showed great reverence. He sensed that his master treated Ye Lan differently. Since his master had personally introduced them, surely there was a deeper meaning.

Could she be… not just Martial Uncle, but also Martial Mother?

At this thought, Yang Jian grinned. His master suddenly felt more human and less like an untouchable figure.

That night, Ye Lan stayed in Third Medicine Valley, in Gu An’s residence.

Gu An read while Ye Lan cultivated.

When it grew late, she opened her eyes, watching him under the flickering candlelight.

A blissful smile spread across her face.

This is enough.

She watched him for a while longer before closing her eyes.

But as dawn neared, the situation changed.

"Senior Brother, you must be tired. Let me massage your shoulders."

"Tired? You’re the one who’s been cultivating all night."

"It’s fine. I’m strong—I don’t get tired."

"Wait, what are you—"

"Just checking your condition! I need to make sure you’re not developing any bad habits!"

"Hey, wait! That’s enough! Stop right there!"

…

At sunrise, Gu An walked downstairs, looking somewhat dazed.

Ye Lan followed, beaming.

Ji Xuanyu emerged from her room, glancing at them with a slight frown.

Gu An introduced the two women but kept the conversation brief. Then, he and Ye Lan left for morning exercises.

Ji Xuanyu stood there watching.

After a moment, her frown disappeared.

Ye Lan decided to stay until after the Spring Festival.

Gu An took her along whenever he went to the Outer Sect City or Xuan Valley, but not when he traveled to Horizon Valley or elsewhere.

She didn’t ask questions.

She was glad her Senior Brother still had secrets—because it meant he was far more than he appeared to be.