Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1131 - 589: Audience with Wang Chunshi (Part 2)

They obeyed Gu Sheng's commands with utmost respect, refusing to stir even as they neared their breaking points, enduring suffering that outsiders could scarcely imagine.

Witnessing their struggle, the Kunming Mountain inhabitants felt beads of sweat form for them in sympathy.

Gu Sheng picked up on this and experienced a stir in his heart.

He gazed upward at the entrance, probing the energy within, then clenched his teeth, snapped his fingers, and dispatched multiple threads of aura that struck Shi Lou and his group directly.

Bolstered by Gu Sheng's aura, Shi Lou and the rest instantly sensed a wave of relief, with more than half their discomfort vanishing, and even the perspiration on their brows ceasing.

In this manner, they persevered right up to the onset of night.

As the area fell quiet once more, visible pulses throbbed on Lan Yao's forehead.

"Gu Sheng..."

Catching the edge in his tone, Gu Sheng feared an outburst and swiftly lifted his hand to silence him.

"We've endured this far; we can't waste it all at this stage."

Lan Yao's fury bubbled right to the surface, yet Gu Sheng's reminder forced him to swallow it down.

Thus, they spent yet another complete night in waiting.

Dawn broke once again, leaving the Kunming Mountain people stunned.

It was unbelievable that Gu Sheng and his companions had withstood Wang Chunshi's aura suppression for a full two days and nights!

Truth be told, no matter their own power level, they couldn't handle such dominance from a figure like that! Yet Gu Sheng and the others bore it with apparent ease!

Suddenly, gazes turned toward them with traces of respect.

While murmurs spread among the crowd, the door before Gu Sheng creaked open abruptly.

At the noise, Gu Sheng snapped his head up.

The interior appeared empty, though the energy pressed heavily.

"Enter."

A gravelly voice echoed, prompting Gu Sheng to exhale deeply in relief.

As he stepped forward to enter, a feeble call arose from behind.

Glancing back, he spotted Shi Lou and the others tottering, propped up solely by Divine Power.

Their vitality had drained completely across the two days and nights, and after holding still for so long, their forms rebelled against any motion.

Observing their determination, Gu Sheng extended Spiritual Power anew to steady the group.

"You alright?"

He inquired softly, and they responded at once, "We're okay, feeling much improved."

Gu Sheng scanned their expressions and, seeing genuine recovery, only then guided them inside.

Crossing a protective barrier, Gu Sheng and his party at last beheld Wang Chunshi's actual form.

"Greetings, Mr. Wang."

With the group bowing, Wang Chunshi shifted to face them.

"Did Wushuang Taoist dispatch you?"

Straight to the matter, Gu Sheng matched his directness.

"Indeed, Wushuang Taoist tasked us with paying respects to Mr. Wang."

"Why send you all? We haven't crossed paths in ages; I doubt she's just sending visitors out of goodwill."

This revelation clarified his infamous prickliness.

"Mr. Wang, Wushuang Taoist directed us to Kunming Mountain seeking High-level Xuan Iron."

"Hah, as if she'd dispatch folks here without ulterior motives. Does she view our Kunming Mountain as her personal domain, free to plunder at will?"

"Mr. Wang, Wushuang Taoist had no alternative but to send us. Lately, the wicked sect families have grown bold, and King Luo alongside Saint Ya have assembled Death Soldiers. Each dons Mystic Iron Soft Armor. Lacking High-level Xuan Iron to oppose them, the entire Martial World faces upheaval."

Gu Sheng hoped this plea might soften him, but Wang Chunshi merely scoffed disdainfully upon hearing it.

"Why should that concern me? Kunming Mountain stands as a haven; we steer clear of Martial World entanglements, be they virtuous or vile—they're irrelevant to us. Barging in for High-level Xuan Iron over trivial Martial World squabbles? You treat my domain like a common stall? In plain terms, you're akin to mendicants."

Such bluntness ignited rage in the group.

Sensing the rising tension from them, Gu Sheng swiftly quelled it.

"Mr. Wang speaks wisely; arriving without tribute to demand items was improper on our part, yet Martial World matters bind us all. We earnestly request Mr. Wang consider bending the rules."

"Bending rules equates to surrendering my valuables to you? Think your silver tongue sways me? I've steered Kunming Mountain to prosperity for years; a scheming youth won't dupe me!"

"I had no aim to deceive you, Senior—merely pondering if you'd spare some High-level Xuan Iron, or rather, trade for it."

The mention of "trade" sparked a flicker of curiosity in Wang Chunshi.

"Trade? What value do you bring to barter with me?"

"Truthfully, I lack items to entice Senior, but I possess some prowess. Should Senior require aid, we're willing to lend our capabilities."

Gu Sheng spoke earnestly, yet it drew only mocking chuckles.

"After two days and nights outdoors, you haven't grasped Kunming Mountain's might? Hundreds of disciples dwell here. What task eludes us that demands your assistance? Fantasizing High-level Xuan Iron for mere muscle—your ambitions outstrip even Wushuang Taoist's!"

His cutting remarks nearly pushed Lan Yao and the rest over the edge.

Gu Sheng restrained them again and met Wang Chunshi's eyes.

"Senior commands a host of talents, far beyond our league, but the energy atop this peak swirls in disorder. Certain challenges might surpass what your followers can resolve."

These words shifted Wang Chunshi's face, igniting ire within.

"Our Kunming Mountain's state is no concern of yours to critique—you lack the authority! Know this: only deference to Wushuang Taoist spares you; otherwise, I'd have ejected you ages ago! Cease testing me—depart immediately!"

Gu Sheng had voiced mere fact, provoking Wang Chunshi's furious rebuke and expulsion demand, leaving him without recourse.

Undoubtedly, Wang Chunshi ranked as the toughest foe he'd faced.

While Gu Sheng pondered de-escalation, his ally from that prior clash rushed in.

"Master, these very individuals aided in repelling the evil sects that day—please, exercise leniency."

His unexpected advocacy caught Gu Sheng off guard.

Wang Chunshi responded with a derisive snort.

"I've lavished you with elite provisions, yet you falter against mere evil sects and beg outsiders' aid. And you plead clemency?"

At this, the man dropped to his knees hastily.

"My failure is undeniable, but their intervention was crucial—without it, disaster might have struck..."

Wang Chunshi cut him off with a dismissive gesture, unleashing a surge of aura that hurled him back several paces.

"Silence! So inept and yet you defend yourself. Face seclusion in the rear peaks for a month as penalty!"

"I submit to the discipline, yet regarding them..."

"Out!"

Wang Chunshi's commanding presence overwhelmed his followers, silencing them completely, though one cast a meaningful look toward Gu Sheng.

Their glance exchanged unspoken intent, and Gu Sheng replied with silent gratitude.

With a heavy breath, the disciple held his tongue and withdrew swiftly.

Once gone, as Gu Sheng's group readied their goodbyes, Wang Chunshi interjected, "Given your aid to Kunming Mountain, I won't appear churlish. You may remain three days here, but harbor no illusions of claiming any goods from Kunming Mountain! Discovery means pursuit even to Wushuang Taoist for restitution! Provoke me not to shatter pretenses!"

With that, he flicked his sleeves in dismissal and departed.

Clearly, he wished them gone, but his disciple's plea compelled him to avoid blame, granting permission grudgingly.

Gu Sheng grasped this and felt a weight lift in relief.