Damn it, I'm your uncle

Gu Xian'er was still dressed in her white long dress, but her entire demeanor had undergone a complete transformation.

The subtle and elegant aura she once had had disappeared, replaced by a radiance that was dazzling and impossible to ignore.

Although her appearance hadn't changed drastically, there was an undeniable refinement, as if she had become even more exquisite.

And the more striking she became, the more aggrieved Xuan Wudao felt!

Chen Chang'an! What gives you the right?

"Xian'er is deeply grateful to the young master for his transformative favor."

Although Gu Xian'er appeared outwardly calm at the moment, the excitement surging in her heart was known only to herself.

The Phoenix Immortal Physique—a constitution that countless people had dreamed of attaining. Gu Xian'er had never imagined she would awaken such a powerful gift.

Not only had her cultivation skyrocketed to the pinnacle of the Ninth Level of the True Qi Realm, but a cultivation technique harmonizing perfectly with her physique now existed within her mind.

Chen Chang'an glanced at Gu Xian'er, clearly surprised as well. Perhaps this was a pleasant surprise.

"This is your destiny."

"Not everyone gets the chance to awaken such a remarkable physique."

"Maybe it has something to do with your ancestry. Does your Gu family… have any ancestral records or such?"

"Have there ever been strong figures in your lineage?" Chen Chang'an asked curiously.

"This… I am unaware of such matters."

Given that Gu Xian'er was a woman, even if there were ancestral records, they were not something she would have access to.

"Never mind, it's a done deal, and there’s no need to inquire too much."

"Is it truly the Phoenix Immortal Physique?"

"Yes, Young Master. It is indeed the Phoenix Immortal Physique, and what's more…" Gu Xian'er hesitated, her tone laced with awe. "A cultivation technique has appeared in my mind. It is called the Phoenix True Art."

"It must be a technique specifically designed for the Phoenix Immortal Physique!"

Hmm? Even a cultivation technique came with it?

This development astonished Chen Chang'an even further, though it was a relief nonetheless. Otherwise, he hadn’t yet decided on which technique he might teach Gu Xian'er.

"In that case, you should contend for a place on the Human Rankings."

The Human Rankings had only recently commenced, offering a full three years for participants. Although Gu Xian'er’s starting point was a bit delayed, now that she had awakened the Phoenix Immortal Physique and acquired the Phoenix True Art, achieving a rank would likely be within reach.

"The Human Rankings?"

Gu Xian'er looked at Chen Chang'an in surprise. This matter was already known throughout the entire Tai Xuan Realm.

But Gu Xian'er had never entertained the notion of participating—let alone qualifying to compete for a position.

"Young Master, I… Can I truly do it?" Gu Xian'er clearly lacked confidence in herself.

"You carry the Phoenix Immortal Physique, a rarity in the Tai Xuan Realm that may emerge once in tens of thousands of years."

"If even you cannot, then who can?" Chen Chang'an said with a smile.

"Alright. Since it is the Young Master’s command, Xian'er will give her all to contest the Human Rankings."

Gu Xian'er took a deep breath, a resolute determination settling within her. She had secretly set her goal, vowing never to let Chen Chang'an down.

The Human Rankings? She would seize that spot—no matter what.

"Someone’s coming. Should we leave now, or what’s your plan?" Xuan Wudao asked as he looked at Chen Chang'an.

The commotion they had caused earlier was far too great, prompting those with some power in Langya Cloudchuan to naturally come and investigate the situation.

Chen Chang'an glanced at Xuan Wudao with a hint of puzzlement. This kid—had he been a beggar for so long that he now felt the need to avoid people at every turn?

"Have you developed a psychological shadow from this already?"

“You weren’t the type to avoid confrontation back in the day."

“And now you're asking questions like this?” Chen Chang'an said with a laugh.

Hearing Chen Chang'an’s words, Xuan Wudao was stunned for a moment. Yeah, since when did I ever hide from anyone back in the day?

“Damn it, isn’t it because of you? In these three thousand years, I’ve wanted to avoid everyone I meet, scared I might run into someone I know.”

“In the past, I…”

“Enough, stop dwelling on the past. Look over there—someone’s coming.”

“I want to see what they’re here for.”

Chen Chang'an, whether during the days when he had no cultivation ability or now when he could already practice his arts, had never been one to shy away from trouble. After all, he couldn’t die.

Most importantly, avoiding trouble doesn’t help stir up excitement.

Before his voice had faded, several figures flew swiftly toward Hua Blossom Tower.

At this moment, the vicinity of Hua Blossom Tower wasn’t particularly crowded. The three—Chen Chang'an, Xuan Wudao, and their companion—stood out very clearly.

“Have you all been standing here the whole time?"

“What just happened here?”

One of the flying men, pride written all over his face, asked aloofly as he gazed at the trio.

“Huh?”

“Our Sect Master is asking you a question. Are the lot of you mute?”

Seeing that none of the three answered, another man’s eyes widened instantly, a fierce glint flashing in his gaze.

“Speak while kneeling!”

Xuan Wudao’s expression darkened, and an overwhelming aura burst forth from his body.

Faced with the oppressive power of Xuan Wudao, the incoming man immediately fell to his knees, terror spilling from his eyes.

“Forgive us... we didn’t know a senior was present here. We deeply apologize and beg for your forgiveness.”

“Senior, we were blind, unable to recognize the towering presence before us. We are… we are…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Xuan Wudao snorted coldly, causing sweat to pour from the man's brow. His body collapsed entirely onto the ground, unable to utter another word.

“Who you are isn’t my concern.”

“Get lost!”

With that, Xuan Wudao waved his hand, sending the group flying away with a flick.

“Damn it, with skills this pathetic, they're even better at showing off than me,” Xuan Wudao said contemptuously.

“This is Langya; true experts here are far and few between, particularly in a place like Yunchuan.”

“The strongest here at best would only fall within the Divine Transformation Realm, far weaker than what you were in your youth,” Chen Chang'an commented with a faint smile.

“This chapter isn’t over yet; click to the next page to continue reading the exciting progression ahead!”

“What’s the point of all this?”

“Are you asking me to play the role of your enforcer?”

“Why waste effort dealing with idiots like them? Let’s leave this place instead.” Xuan Wudao said, slightly exasperated.

“You acted too quickly.”

“I originally wanted to ask them a few questions.”

“And now look what happened—you scared them all off.”

Chen Chang'an chuckled helplessly. With Xuan Wudao’s imposing aura, even those originally intending to investigate the commotion had turned tail and fled. Hesitating even slightly would seem like disrespect to Xuan Wudao.

“Ask them about what? What do you want to know?” Xuan Wudao asked inquisitively.

“Nothing important, just some personal matters.”

Chen Chang'an shook his head, not revealing much.

This time, they had traveled to Langya primarily to search for the Pearl Womb.

Back in the day, the Chen Clan’s location within Langya wasn’t clearly detailed in the family records. However, if they asked some local elders, they might be able to gather some clues about the Chen Clan’s whereabouts.

The Langya region was simply massive, and Chen Chang'an had no idea just how powerful the Chen family had been back in the day. If their influence was underwhelming, it might be hard for him to find any useful information.

“So, you came all the way to Langya this time just to deal with some personal matters?”

“Hmm, that’s right. I might need to stay in Langya for a while. What about you?”

Hearing this, Xuan Wudao suddenly looked a bit lost. After wandering and begging for three thousand years, drifting aimlessly for another three thousand years, he now had freedom—but he had no clue what to do with it.

“Guess what I’m planning to do?” Xuan Wudao asked, staring at Chen Chang’an.

Guess?

Chen Chang'an shot him a look as if he were staring at a fool. “Do you think I care enough to guess?”

“Er… cough cough, just kidding, just kidding!”

“Forget it,” Xuan Wudao said with a sigh. “It’s been three thousand years. I guess it’s time for me to go back and take a look.”

“I wonder if anyone at the sect still remembers me.” Xuan Wudao chuckled lightly, a hint of melancholy in his tone.

“Alright, cut it out with the self-pity.”

“Your father is the Supreme Elder of the Wuji Sect. You think he’s going to forget about his own son?” Chen Chang'an said with disdain.

Hmm?

“What the hell?! How do you know who my father is?”

“Hardly anyone knows this, even in the Wuji Sect!” Xuan Wudao stared at Chen Chang'an, utterly shocked. How did this guy know literally everything?

Chen Chang'an cast a mischievous glance at Xuan Wudao, his lips curling into an impish grin. In a deliberately low voice, he said, “Why don’t you ask your dad when you go home?”

"There’s something I never told you."

“Back in the day, your dad chased me all over the place, begging to be sworn brothers.”

“Wudao, I nearly ended up becoming your elder uncle.”

Elder uncle?

“Chen Chang'an, uncle my ass! Stop messing with me!”

“Don’t believe me? Go home and ask your father!”