When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!

Chapter 88: Become My Disciple, and You’ll Be the Next Sect Master

What a show-off! Gu An thought, staring blankly at the haughty Lü Baitian.

Lü Baitian tilted his chin even higher, mistaking Gu An’s silence for awe.

“Wait… are you the ex-sect master who went mad from Qi deviation?” Gu An feigned shock as he asked.

Qi deviation…

Lü Baitian’s face twitched. With a snort, he replied, “That was intentional.”

“But you’re only at the Qi Refining Stage now. How do you plan to eradicate the demonic sects?”

“Kid, I’ve simply compressed my spiritual energy into my Primordial Spirit, disguising it as Qi deviation. I wanted those people to see what happens to Taixuan Sect without me.”

His tone was dripping with contempt, clearly directed at the Elder Hall.

The conflict between Lü Baitian and the Elder Hall… how many innocent disciples would have to die because of it?

“Let’s go,” Lü Baitian said, reaching out to grab Gu An’s shoulder. Startled, Gu An quickly backed away.

“No thanks, it’s too dangerous…” Gu An shook his head. He had to stay and protect the Medicine Valley!

Lü Baitian smirked mockingly. “Don’t you want to see how the battle between righteous and demonic cultivators ends?”

Gu An shook his head frantically like a drum, waving his hand. “I’d rather stay and guard the Medicine Valley.”

“Don’t worry about it. I released my aura earlier, and a grandmaster is already on their way.” Lü Baitian’s tone softened, and he stopped referring to himself in the grandiose “this seat.”

Indeed, Gu An sensed a powerful Void Transformation aura approaching rapidly.

Just how deep is Taixuan Sect’s foundation? How many Void Transformation cultivators are they hiding?

Lü Baitian reached out again. This time, Gu An could see his movement but had no way to evade it. He could only comply.

Grabbing Gu An’s shoulder, Lü Baitian vanished into thin air with him.

During the journey, Gu An ran the Hidden Dragon Divine Energy Art at full capacity, concealing his Core Formation and Primordial Spirit cultivation, making himself appear to be a genuine Foundation Establishment cultivator.

In reality, he was being overly cautious—Lü Baitian didn’t attempt to inspect his physical body.

Ten breaths later, Lü Baitian stopped, bringing Gu An to a grand hall.

The hall was spacious, with stone pillars coiled with carvings of true dragons, phoenixes, qilins, and other divine beasts unfamiliar to Gu An.

Lü Baitian released his grip and walked ahead, leaving behind a casual remark: “Wait here. My cultivation hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

Using Lifespan Probe, Gu An could tell that Lü Baitian had yet to regain his peak state. But hearing such words from Lü Baitian made it sound utterly preposterous.

You’re not at full strength, and you’re still showing off? Recklessly broadcasting your aura—aren’t you afraid your enemies might seize the opportunity to take you out?

Wait… could this guy have figured out that I’m the Sword Sovereign of the Righteous Path?

The thought sent a cold sweat down Gu An’s back.

He watched Lü Baitian ascend the steps and sit cross-legged on a golden throne, exuding an air of supremacy.

It was clear that Lü Baitian was genuinely cultivating—spiritual energy was rapidly surging within him.

As silence enveloped the hall, Gu An began contemplating Lü Baitian’s motives.

Moments later, Gu An sensed two auras approaching quickly. One of them felt familiar.

An Hao!

The other aura had already reached the Integration Stage!

Gu An didn’t turn around but moved to stand near a stone pillar and waited.

A few breaths later, two figures flew into the hall.

Gu An looked up and immediately cast Lifespan Probe.

【Lei Zhen (First Level Integration Stage): 1465/2700/2750】

Lei Zhen?

Gu An had never heard of him and initially thought it might be Sect Master Chu Tianqi. If this wasn’t Chu Tianqi, then his cultivation must be even higher.

Gu An began doubting his own Ninth-Level Integration Stage cultivation. After this crisis, he resolved to work harder to stockpile lifespan.

Being the strongest in Taixuan Sect isn’t enough—I’ll need to survive the upcoming demonic calamity.

The pressure weighed heavily on him.

“Lü Baitian, so you’re still alive!” Lei Zhen’s voice boomed as he approached Lü Baitian. His burly figure was draped in an embroidered black robe, with a menacing beast head on the back. The beast’s mouth held azure lightning, amplifying Lei Zhen’s imposing presence.

Sixteen-year-old An Hao had grown taller, wearing a fitted blue robe. His long hair was tied high, with two strands fluttering like sword edges. His sharp brows and handsome features exuded an undeniable edge.

Gu An felt a surge of pride as he looked at him.

Handsome. Just like me.

Noticing Gu An’s gaze, An Hao turned to him and nodded slightly.

“Lei Zhen, do you hope this seat is alive, or do you wish me dead?” Lü Baitian’s calm voice rang out. He still hadn’t opened his eyes, but his tone carried far more weight than it had with Gu An.

Lei Zhen stood on the dais, scrutinizing Lü Baitian with narrowed eyes. “Void Transformation Stage… it seems you’re still affected.”

Lü Baitian didn’t reply.

The atmosphere grew tense.

An Hao approached Gu An and sent him a voice transmission. “Brother, who is this Lü Baitian?”

Gu An gave him a surprised look.

You don’t even know and you came here?

An Hao explained via voice transmission, “I was brought here. My master told Elder Lei to protect me during our retreat, but Elder Lei suddenly changed his stance and brought me here.”

Gu An couldn’t help but reply in the same manner: “Do you think our voice transmissions will work in front of them?”

Startled, An Hao glanced at Lei Zhen.

Lei Zhen’s robe swayed slightly as a terrifying aura brewed around him, ready to erupt at any moment.

“Lü Baitian, since you’ve already faked your death, don’t return. Taixuan Sect doesn’t need you.”

As Lei Zhen’s words fell, the grand hall’s doors slammed shut, and a vast pressure enveloped the hall. An Hao’s breathing hitched under the weight.

“In front of the younger generation, you dare strike your former sect master?” Lü Baitian’s voice was still calm, his eyes still shut.

Lei Zhen stepped forward. “It’s the perfect opportunity to show them the harsh realities of the cultivation world!”

He surged toward Lü Baitian, his right palm aiming for his crown.

Boom!

Two powerful spiritual forces collided, unleashing a violent windstorm that shook the hall. Gu An pretended to struggle under the pressure.

An Hao stepped forward to shield him, using his own spiritual energy to protect Gu An.

This kid…

He’s growing stronger…

Gu An watched An Hao’s back with pride. Despite being only sixteen, An Hao had already reached the Fifth Level of the Foundation Establishment Stage. In terms of presence, he didn’t lose to even an Eighth-Level Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Unfortunately, the force he faced was the oppressive might of an Integration Stage cultivator.

An Hao gritted his teeth but was still pushed backward by the combined pressure of Lei Zhen and Lü Baitian.

Gu An’s eyes narrowed as he sensed something unusual. He looked ahead and saw Lei Zhen, who had launched the attack, trembling. His aura rapidly diminished, while another presence surged explosively.

Lü Baitian!

“You… this can’t be…” Lei Zhen’s voice quivered with disbelief and despair.

Sitting before him, Lü Baitian slowly rose into the air, hovering and staring down at him coldly.

Void Transformation Ninth Level!

Lü Baitian’s cultivation had skyrocketed several levels, and he was now breaking into the Integration Stage. To be precise, he wasn’t advancing but simply revealing his true strength.

Even An Hao, captivated by Lü Baitian’s display, couldn’t hide his amazement.

“You tricked me… Reverse Fate Divine Art!” Lei Zhen’s voice trembled with a mix of fury and dread.

Lü Baitian’s expression was scornful. “Lei Zhen, you’re as reckless as ever. How many people have died because of your impulsiveness? You’ve never learned your lesson. Today, it’s your turn to face the consequences.”

He continued with icy disdain, “I had hoped to wait for Chu Tianqi to arrive, but you came courting death first. Very well, I’ll take your cultivation. Don’t go too far in the afterlife—Chu Tianqi will be joining you soon.”

As his words fell, Lü Baitian raised his right hand and pressed it against Lei Zhen’s forehead.

Lei Zhen struggled desperately, but he couldn’t break free. Gu An could even see Lei Zhen’s Primordial Spirit thrashing in resistance.

Lü Baitian was using an incomprehensible technique to suppress Lei Zhen’s body and spirit, siphoning away his spiritual energy.

Gu An’s heart pounded as he watched.

What kind of technique is this?

Boom!

Lü Baitian’s aura surged to even greater heights, while Lei Zhen collapsed to his knees. His body visibly shriveled, his wild black hair turning stark white in mere moments.

Integration First Level!n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

At the same time, Gu An and An Hao felt the overwhelming pressure ease as Lü Baitian restrained his aura to avoid harming them.

An Hao exhaled in relief, standing quietly in front of Gu An, watching the scene unfold.

Gu An felt helpless. I’ve clearly taught this kid too little. In a situation like this, shouldn’t he be thinking about escape? Instead, he’s just standing here watching, as if this is some kind of play…

Lü Baitian’s aura continued to climb, while Lei Zhen’s presence dwindled. The tremors shaking the hall began to subside.

After a long moment, Lei Zhen’s spiritual energy was completely drained. When Lü Baitian finally withdrew his hand, Lei Zhen’s body collapsed backward, rolling down the stairs.

He struggled to lift his head, his face pale and etched with pain. Weakly, he reached a trembling hand toward Lü Baitian, as though pleading for mercy.

Lü Baitian raised his right hand, flicking his forefinger. A burst of crimson energy shot forth, piercing Lei Zhen’s forehead and shattering his Primordial Spirit.

Spirit Gathering Divine Finger!

Gu An felt the vast power within Lü Baitian swell to the Third Level of the Integration Stage. Even so, the spiritual energy in his body continued to surge, indicating that his cultivation far exceeded what he was currently displaying.

This man… no wonder the entire demonic path fears him.

Gu An grew increasingly wary, silently preparing for the possibility that Lü Baitian might turn on him.

After all, Lü Baitian’s son, Lü Xian, isn’t exactly known for being sane either…

Lü Baitian ignored An Hao and turned his attention to Gu An. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he asked, “Well? Do you think I’m qualified to eradicate the demonic sects now?”

Feigning nervousness, Gu An replied, “You’re the Sect Master—of course you are…”

Stepping forward, Lü Baitian stood before Gu An and declared, “Gu An, become my disciple. You will be the next Sect Master!” His tone brooked no argument.

Hearing this, Gu An’s head throbbed. He forced a bitter smile and said, “Sect Master, my aptitude is mediocre. No matter how much you cultivate me, I could never reach the level needed to convince the sect to follow me. If you pass the mantle to me, Taixuan Sect will fall into chaos.”

Lü Baitian sneered. “What if I transfer my cultivation to you before my time is up?”

Gu An was momentarily stunned by the proposal.

Even so, I can’t accept becoming Sect Master!

Even someone as strong as Lü Baitian was forced to fake his death to pass on the title. Gu An had no desire to take on such trouble. Besides, by the time Lü Baitian’s end drew near, his cultivation might not be of much use to Gu An anymore.