Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1128 - 588: A War Sparked by a Medicinal Herb

During the trek toward Kunming Mountain, Gu Sheng and his group had depleted nearly all their stamina.

Once they drew near the base of Kunming Mountain, he came to a sudden halt.

"Kunming Mountain lies right ahead, roughly half a day’s travel away. Let's take a break first and venture into the mountain after we've restored our vigor."

The group all concurred with his suggestion and quickly paused to recuperate.

Restless as always, Lan Yao spotted a large rock, jumped atop it, and scanned the direction of Kunming Mountain.

Bai Yu, positioned below him, chuckled lightly and inquired, "You've been staring for some time now; have you spotted anything?"

"It looks like folks are watching over Kunming Mountain, and a good many of them too."

At these words, the grins faded from their faces, and they all clambered up onto the rock.

Gu Sheng snapped his finger, sending forth a thread of Divine Power.

Observing this, Lan Yao rubbed his head in confusion and questioned, "Gu Sheng, was my eyesight playing tricks on me?"

Instead of replying right away, Gu Sheng concentrated on detecting that strand of energy.

Moments stretched on before the energy returned, prompting him to exhale deeply in relief.

Noticing his expression, Lan Yao urged, "So, what's the situation? Are there guards there?"

"It's not guarded. Those individuals aren't part of Kunming Mountain."

"How's that possible? They're standing right out in the open on Kunming Mountain, but they don't belong there?"

"Actually, the energy from these folks feels utterly peculiar, unlike anything I've ever detected."

"A peculiar energy? Maybe it's from the Evil Sect?"

Gu Sheng pressed his lips together without saying a word.

He lacked a definite reply since his perception remained fuzzy.

With tension rising among the group, Gu Sheng spoke gravely, "We won't fret over them yet. Focus on rebuilding our own power first; if issues arise as we near the mountain tomorrow, we'd be vulnerable otherwise."

His words spurred them all to rally and settle down for energy restoration.

In their meditative state, Gu Sheng called forth the small tripod, positioning it over the heads of the group.

After verifying no energy leaked out, Gu Sheng cast another glance.

Now, he picked up on the energy emanating from Kunming Mountain's inhabitants.

Witnessing the two sides repeatedly testing one another, he knitted his brows in concern.

The intruders' energy struck him as distinctly odd, yet Kunming Mountain's people kept probing. Had they also strayed off course?

This notion sent a shiver racing through Gu Sheng's core.

Should Wang Chunshi have indeed deviated, their safety hung in peril...

Still, they bore a vital mission: securing High-level Xuan Iron to shatter the Death Soldier’s soft armor; venturing into this mountain was essential.

As these conflicting ideas clashed in his mind, Gu Sheng descended from the rock and assumed a cross-legged meditation pose.

Now that they've arrived, why not test the waters?

With resolution prevailing, Gu Sheng steadied himself and concentrated on replenishing his energy.

Throughout the entire night, the group remained seated in cross-legged meditation.

The following morning, as dawn's rays touched their forms, Gu Sheng's eyes fluttered open.

Leaping back onto the rock, he detected the energies lingering, though the people had vanished.

A thorough scan revealed no signs of anyone, deepening his frown.

After pondering briefly, he resolved to examine matters himself.

Acting on that, he roused the others swiftly.

Responding to his summons, the group awoke one by one.

Lan Yao, impatient, blurted out, "Gu Sheng, has something occurred?"

"Nothing's wrong; dawn has broken. Time to proceed into the mountain."

"What about those figures from last night? Still there?"

"They've vanished, but the energy persists."

Grasping the implication, Lan Yao rallied the Elf Clan to rise.

"Aura or no aura, we're undaunted. With our numbers, what have we to fear from them? Onward!"

Gu Sheng gave a nod and guided the party toward Kunming Mountain.

In merely half a day's hike, they arrived at Kunming Mountain's base.

The sight of the violated barrier before them evoked mixed emotions across their faces.

"Gu Sheng, do you reckon those we spotted yesterday breached it, or was it damaged earlier?"

"Unclear, but the energy within feels turbulent. Stay alert, everyone."

Heeding him, they clustered nearer together.

True to form, Gu Sheng took the lead, with the rest trailing right on his heels.

Noting their vigilant scans, Gu Sheng advised Lan Yao, "Watch for medicinal plants."

The cue struck Lan Yao, reminding him of the Elf Clan's herb-gathering purpose!

"Understood."

Pressing forward, Gu Sheng tracked the energy trail.

En route, the Elf Clan amassed numerous herbs, while Hong Mei collected several as well.

As evening shadows lengthened, the Elf Clan halted abruptly, their eyes sparkling toward an elevated spot.

"Second Young Master, that's the herb patch we've sought!"

The announcement made Lan Yao's gaze ignite, and he pivoted to Gu Sheng at once.

"Gu Sheng, may we harvest them?"

Eyeing the elevated area, Gu Sheng felt a pang of hesitation.

The turbulent energy loomed nearby. Concealment would keep them hidden, yet ascending for the herbs would expose them for sure. Prior to linking with Wang Chunshi, stirring conflict was unwise. Yet, these plants were crucial for the Elf Clan; he couldn't ignore that.

Amid Gu Sheng's inner turmoil, Lan Yao perceived his conflict and interjected, "No rush. Knowing the location means we can return later when conditions favor it."

His statement drew vigorous nods from the rest of the Elf Clan.

Observing their deference, Gu Sheng compressed his lips, weighed the options, and declared, "We've located them, so let's gather what we can."

"However..."

"It's fine; we'll handle whatever arises. Kunming Mountain's folk are over that way too. Moving through here won't escape their notice."