Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1185 - 616: You Care a Lot About This Matter (Part 2)

Gu Sheng bowed deeply to Daoist Xiushan and declared, "Thank you, Master, for your guidance!"

Daoist Xiushan waved it off and stated, "No need for formalities. Here's a suggestion: head to Divine Wind Thunder Mountain to forge your body. That place's conditions will immensely aid your cultivation."

Gongsun Yue blurted out, "Divine Wind Thunder Mountain? It's a premier cultivation holy site in Tianlan Sacred Land, typically reserved for elders and the Holy Master!"

Daoist Xiushan eyed Gongsun Yue, nodded, and replied, "Exactly because it aids Gu Sheng's cultivation so much. Rest easy—I'll request a spot from the Tianlan Saint Master."

Gu Sheng and Gongsun Yue bowed again to Daoist Xiushan before exiting the Book Collection Pavilion.

Outside, Gongsun Yue guided Gu Sheng toward the Water Spirit Pavilion.

On the path, Gongsun Yue informed Gu Sheng, "The Holy Mother wants to see you; we must hurry."

As they proceeded, the Tianlan Saint Master's silhouette appeared from the Water Spirit Pavilion direction, proceeding to the Heavenly Hall.

Gongsun Yue paused and commented, "This Saint Master's attitude flips so fast—it's baffling. Maybe the Holy Mother went to set him straight."

Gu Sheng peered at the Saint Master's retreating form, shook his head, and suggested, "Leave the Saint Master's affairs aside; let's go to the Water Spirit Pavilion first."

They soon reached the Water Spirit Pavilion.

Within the Water Spirit Pavilion, elegant furnishings surrounded diverse rare flowers and plants, releasing a gentle scent. The Holy Mother stood there, smiling warmly as Gu Sheng and Gongsun Yue stepped in.

Spotting the Holy Mother, Gongsun Yue hurried forward eagerly and asked, "Holy Mother, what did the Saint Master say earlier?"

The Holy Mother glanced at Gongsun Yue, smiled, and explained, "The Saint Master came specifically about Gu Sheng's issues, revealing why his attitude changed."

Gongsun Yue lit up with excitement and pressed urgently, "What reason? Tell us now!"

The Holy Mother noted Gongsun Yue's impatient face, smiled wryly, and said, "You child, always so hasty."

Standing nearby, Gu Sheng tilted his head to listen, equally mystified by the Saint Master's erratic mindset.

Should the Saint Master truly resent him, Gu Sheng's prowess would make fleeing the Sacred Land with his sister and master's wife straightforward. Still, the treacherous road ahead made him unwilling to expose them to peril. He'd avoid that choice unless forced.

The Tianlan Saint Mother started, "The Saint Master first fell for the Second Elder and Seventh Elder's false accusations, doubting Gu Sheng's feats on the Holy Road, so he tacitly allowed the Second Elder's disciple to confront Gu Sheng in the Book Collection Pavilion.

If Gu Sheng fails to display overwhelming power, the Saint Master won't antagonize other Sacred Lands or the exalted Supreme Immortal Sect for him."

Gongsun Yue's eyes gleamed as she asked, "Did Father's recognition validate Gu Sheng's performance?"

Relief crossed the Tianlan Saint Mother's features: "Yes, Gu Sheng's achievements vastly outstripped the Saint Master's expectations. Now he commits to full backing, nurturing him like the Young Master."

But the Tianlan Saint Mother's look grew nuanced as she added, "However, the Young Master position isn't for Gu Sheng; it's destined for another."

Confusion etched Gongsun Yue's face as she queried, "If set to groom Gu Sheng as Young Master, why deny him the title?"

The Tianlan Saint Mother clarified steadily, "The Saint Master feels the Young Master role fits the Tianxuan Divine Girl's fiancé best. Only thus can Tianlan Sacred Land affirm its marriage pledge.

Besides, bonding through the Tianxuan Divine Girl would deter other Sacred Lands and the Supreme Immortal Sect from rash moves against Gu Sheng or Tianlan Sacred Land."

Gongsun Yue nodded faintly, conceding the strategy's wisdom.

Intrigue flashed in Gongsun Yue's gaze, and she asked keenly, "Holy Mother, who is this Tianxuan Divine Girl's fiancé exactly?"

The Tianlan Saint Mother ignored her, instead fixing an appraising stare on Gu Sheng and inquiring, "Gu Sheng, any qualms about this?"

Gu Sheng kept his composure, bowed, and replied, "I have no objections. The Saint Master assessed my potential and decided after careful deliberation—it makes sense."

The Tianlan Saint Mother seemed startled, surprise flickering, as though Gu Sheng's insight caught her off guard.

Gu Sheng smiled modestly and added, "I learned these lessons only after numerous trials."

The Tianlan Saint Mother's face sobered further; she coughed softly, "To the matter at hand. While you two honed yourselves on the Holy Road, unrest gripped the Xinghong Spirit Domain.

The Seven Great Sacred Lands suffered relentless disasters—disciples plagued by dire sicknesses, some even dying, with natural upheavals striking often.

Tianlan Sacred Land took heavy hits too; the Hidden Dragon Mountain Range erupted mysteriously, shattering several Dragon Veins. Gu Sheng, do you think this stems from the Heavenly Dao Curse?"

Gu Sheng answered, "Holy Mother, do you accept it? I warned earlier: the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate isn't lightly discarded, and breakers face harsh retribution. Pity none trusted me then."

The Tianlan Saint Mother's visage darkened, nodding gravely, "I do now. The Saint Master half-believes too, so he tasked me with asking if you can end it."

Gu Sheng dipped his head slightly, tone profound, "Actually, the Heavenly Dao Curse, once triggered, proves unchangeable."

The Tianlan Saint Mother and Gongsun Yue blanched.

Gongsun Yue rushed ahead in distress, "Gu Sheng, consider it well—is there really no solution?"

Gu Sheng lifted his gaze firmly, elaborating, "Before, I only mildly softened the Heavenly Dao Curse's blows, unable to erase it fully.

In the Seven Great Sacred Lands, each Holy Daughter's demise eases the curse's pace briefly, but danger persists."

The Tianlan Saint Mother demanded anxiously, "Gu Sheng, then how to lift the Heavenly Dao Curse?"

Gongsun Yue urged, "Yes, Gu Sheng, speak up quick."

Gu Sheng declared, "Resolving the Heavenly Dao Curse demands re-signing the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate."

"Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate? What's that?" Gongsun Yue wondered, baffled.

Gu Sheng detailed patiently, "The Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate forms a pact with the Heavenly Dao. Sign it, state a wish—if possible—the curse could lift."

First dazed, then enlightened, the Tianlan Saint Mother and Gongsun Yue grasped it.

Gongsun Yue voiced her skepticism next, "If the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate helps so much, why not sign it yourself?"

Sorrow shadowed Gu Sheng's eyes as he said, "Signing isn't trivial. After, no redo for a hundred years, and it risks draining essence, cultivation, or life.

My master, for instance, depleted his lifespan chasing an impossible wish, collapsing in the Elder Hall. Yet the Seven Great Sacred Lands offered no gratitude, instead canceling the marriage and ripping the certificate—pure folly."

Gongsun Yue stirred with emotion yet probed further, "Surely signing yields rewards too?"

Gu Sheng reminisced, "Master shared that success boosts cultivation and grants extras. He omitted the details, though."

The Tianlan Saint Mother questioned, "Gu Sheng, what terms for re-signing?"

Gu Sheng reflected briefly, "I just seek kind care for my sister and master's wife."

"Agreed, I pledge it," the Tianlan Saint Mother affirmed.

Gongsun Yue nodded firmly, "I'll care for them properly."

Securing their vows, Gu Sheng thanked them, "Then, my gratitude to you both." He turned and departed the Water Spirit Pavilion.

As Gu Sheng's figure faded, Gongsun Yue remarked, "Who knows who'll sign the certificate with him."

The Tianlan Saint Mother smiled faintly at Gongsun Yue and teased, "What, so invested in this?"