Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1180 - 614: The Critical Moment

"Have Gu Sheng duel Mu Zhiyong. Should Gu Sheng show weak performance, it would confirm he lacks the prowess rumored in legends. At that point, our Holy Land has no cause to create numerous foes over him."

Though reluctant, the Tianlan Saint Mother sensed the unfairness to Gu Sheng in this method, yet she understood that the Tianlan Saint Master’s choices were tough to overturn.

After a brief hesitation, she gave her nod of consent. Noticing the Saint Mother’s approval, the Tianlan Saint Master wasted no time, rose promptly, and departed the Water Spirit Pavilion swiftly, making for the Book Collection Pavilion.

Worry filled the Tianlan Saint Mother as she gazed at the Saint Master’s departing figure. A clash between Gu Sheng and Mu Zhiyong could spell grave danger, and should the Tianlan Saint Master harbor ill intent toward Gu Sheng, the fallout would be unthinkable.

Following deep reflection, she resolved to seek out the Tianxuan Divine Girl, hoping she might intervene to prevent the Saint Master from harming Gu Sheng.

The Tianlan Saint Mother also swiftly exited the Water Spirit Pavilion.

Beyond the Book Collection Pavilion, over a hundred disciples had assembled, encircling the structure completely without any openings.

Mu Zhiyong, his face twisted in savage fury, advanced and bellowed at Gongsun Yue before him: "Gongsun Yue, cease shielding that punk Gu Sheng! His actions on the Holy Road gravely insulted our Tianlan Sacred Land!"

Gongsun Yue, typically icy and aloof, reddened with rage from Mu Zhiyong’s baseless harassment.

She glared at Mu Zhiyong and shot back forcefully: "Mu Zhiyong, quit your nonsense! Your hostile demeanor makes it obvious you’re seeking payback for Murong Qingcheng! We see through your schemes!"

"This Gongsun Yue remains enigmatic within our Tianlan Sacred Land; why such fierce backing for Gu Sheng all of a sudden?"

"Indeed, she seldom voices open support for anyone. Something secretive must be at play!"

As the Tianlan Saint Master arrived, the boisterous throng fell silent, and Mu Zhiyong’s smug arrogance softened at the sight of the Saint Master.

Spotting her father, Gongsun Yue detailed the full incident to the Tianlan Saint Master, then jabbed a finger at Mu Zhiyong, declaring: "Father, he’s purely after vengeance for Murong Qingcheng—don’t buy his biased tale alone!"

The Tianlan Saint Master heard Gongsun Yue out calmly, lifted a hand to silence the protesting Mu Zhiyong, and intoned gravely: "Your sole account of Gu Sheng’s Holy Road feats, Mu Zhiyong, strikes me as dubious."

He halted briefly, scanned the assembled faces, and pressed on: "Far better to have Gu Sheng face Mu Zhiyong right here; observing their bout will expose Gu Sheng’s true might."

=

Disbelief etched Gongsun Yue’s features as she pondered inwardly: What’s come over Father? Why the sudden shift in stance?

Recovering from his astonishment, Mu Zhiyong gloated silently: Gu Sheng’s doomed now, trapped in my scheme—he’s as good as dead!

Gongsun Yue faced the Tianlan Saint Master and urged: "Father, Mu Zhiyong’s cultivation sits at half-step Earth Palace Realm, and as the Second Elder’s pupil, he likely holds hidden backing from him. Gu Sheng, however..."

Mu Zhiyong cut in before Gongsun Yue could conclude, leaping to retort fervently: "Gongsun Yue, don’t falsely accuse me! I’ve gotten no aid from the Second Elder!"

Despite his vehement denial, anxiety churned within him, fully aware he’d secured a potent item from the Second Elder.

Gongsun Yue pressed on: "Hmph, still denying it! Consider Murong Qingcheng—even as the Second Elder’s disciple, he turned traitor. Judge the Second Elder by his pupils; what sort of character is he?"

Her words struck a raw nerve.

The Tianlan Saint Master’s visage darkened ominously, unleashing a crushing aura that bore down on Gongsun Yue.

Under the oppressive force, Gongsun Yue gasped for air, her form teetering on the verge of collapse.

Shock overwhelmed her; she couldn’t fathom her father wielding such intimidating pressure against her.

At the peak of mounting conflict, a relaxed voice wafted from inside the Book Collection Pavilion: "Gongsun Yue, cease clashing with your father; defying his ruling only invites greater woes."

All present identified it as Daoist Xiushan’s tone.

Though a hundredfold reluctant, Gongsun Yue yielded in resignation, opting to obey for the moment.

Mu Zhiyong observed the scene with malicious delight, scheming inwardly: Gu Sheng, you wretched fool, see if you slip my clutches this time!

Within the fifth floor of the Book Collection Pavilion, Gu Sheng immersed himself utterly in practicing the "Heaven-breaking Fist."

The chaos brewing outside escaped his notice entirely.

Sweat soaked his garments as he occupied the vast practice chamber of the pavilion.

Eyes shut tight, his hands flowed relentlessly through intricate fist forms.

"The opening strike of the ’Heaven-breaking Fist’ demands channeling full power into the fist, striking as though cleaving the skies apart."

Gu Sheng mentally rehearsed the fist technique’s key principles while lifting his right arm, sinews coiling taut.

Abruptly, he unleashed a punch ahead, wind whistling fiercely in its wake. Yet dissatisfaction marked Gu Sheng’s face at the strike’s force.

"No, the might remains too dispersed, velocity insufficient."

Gu Sheng grumbled softly. Eyes snapping open, he strode about the chamber, mulling over the flaw’s location.

Enlightenment dawning, he resumed his posture anew.

Rather than haste this round, he regulated his breath first, steadying his pulsing heart.

All focus converged in his Dantian—energy and will alike—sensing the surging vigor coursing through his frame.