Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1191 - 619: Hard Not to Be Tempted (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World...
Filled with fury, he retreated swiftly while glaring murderously at Daoist Xiushan, obviously ready to battle him to the death. Without reclaiming his dignity today, the prestige he had accumulated over years in Tianlan Sacred Land would evaporate completely.
Daoist Xiushan displayed a composed look, showing no concern whatsoever for the Second Elder’s rage.
Observing the worsening tension, the Great Elder rushed ahead to restrain the Second Elder: "Second Elder, that’s enough. The Holy Master and Holy Mother will return shortly. If this blows up further, it’ll be difficult for us both to manage."
The Second Elder gazed at the Great Elder in confusion and hesitation. Tracing the Great Elder’s glance, he noticed Shou Xiangwen’s corpse lying close by and comprehended the profound intent in the Great Elder’s warning.
The Great Elder likely knew portions of the truth already. Persisting in this confrontation could truly drag him into an irreversible doom.
After a bitter mental tussle, the Second Elder fixed a chilly stare on Daoist Xiushan and declared coldly, "I’ll overlook today’s incident for the moment. But remember, I’ll seize a chance to duel you later."
He stooped to hoist Shou Xiangwen’s body, whirled around, and departed alongside the Seventh Elder.
As they withdrew, the Seventh Elder couldn’t resist glancing back at Daoist Xiushan, his gaze blending terror and intrigue.
With the Second Elder and his companions gone, Daoist Xiushan descended beside Gu Sheng. He meticulously inspected Gu Sheng’s state, verifying no harm, and his strained features softened marginally.
Gazing at Gu Sheng, he questioned, "Boy, what precisely transpired? Recount it fully."
Gu Sheng concisely narrated the entire sequence of events.
Daoist Xiushan’s expression darkened profoundly, and he fumed indignantly, "That Second Elder actually devised such a vile trap for you."
The Great Elder lingered nearby, immersed in contemplation.
Shortly after, he declared, "This affair bears immense gravity. I must confer with the Holy Master prior to any verdict."
Daoist Xiushan scoffed disdainfully, "Confer? For the Second Elder’s outrageous crime, harsh punishment is warranted—what’s there to confer about?"
The Great Elder shook his head in resignation, "Xiushan, the Second Elder commands a pivotal role in the Holy Land, and certain issues lie beyond our authority."
Though displeased, Daoist Xiushan recognized the Great Elder’s validity, thus reining in his fury.
Noting the group’s tempers cooling slightly, the Great Elder announced, "I’ll proceed ahead to ready for the Holy Master and Holy Mother’s arrival." He morphed into a beam of light and vanished from sight.
Daoist Xiushan eyed the Great Elder’s departure path and instructed, "Boy, I need to inspect matters at the Heavenly Hall. Remain here until my return."
Gu Sheng nodded affirmatively, "Fear not, Senior Xiushan. The Second Elder harbors reservations, so he won’t dare act rashly again."
Daoist Xiushan grunted in acknowledgment, then activated his movement art, soaring towards the Heavenly Hall.
Daoist Xiushan’s departure prompted Gu Sheng to think of his mistress, leading him and sister Gu Yu to seek her out.
They reached her cultivation site, finding her immersed in profound meditation inside an Array. The Array’s barrier muffled outside noises, keeping her ignorant of external chaos.
Gu Sheng extended his hand to shatter the Array, at last rousing his mistress from cultivation.
Spotting Gu Sheng and Gu Yu, the mistress inquired, "Why are you two here? What occurred?"
Gu Sheng advanced and detailed all the happenings.
The mistress’s visage grew exceedingly somber; she sighed deeply, "Tianshan Residence seems unsafe any longer."
Gu Sheng eyed his mistress, "Mistress, do you believe the Holy Master will penalize the Second Elder?"
"The Holy Master will punish him accordingly, yet mildly," the mistress replied. "The Second Elder wields vast power and roots deep in the Holy Land; excessive discipline would inflict severe damage on Tianlan Sacred Land."
Gu Sheng’s mood plummeted, affirming this spot unfit for extended residence.
Daoist Xiushan hurtled forth rapidly, vanishing instantly towards Tianshan Residence.
Gu Sheng and sister Gu Yu awaited tidings tensely, as their mistress paced anxiously across the courtyard.
Ere long, a faintly exhausted Daoist Xiushan emerged overhead at Tianshan Residence and alighted.
Gu Sheng dashed up, demanding urgently, "Uncle Xiushan, what ruling did the Holy Master pass on the Second Elder?"
In a solemn tone, Daoist Xiushan disclosed, "The Holy Master prolonged the Second Elder’s seclusion from one year to ten, strictly prohibiting any exit from confinement during that decade."
Dissatisfaction flooded Gu Sheng’s face; he erupted furiously, "What? Simply lengthening the confinement? My sister and I nearly perished by his hand—this chastisement is overly lenient!"
Beside him, Gu Yu’s eyes brimmed red, her lip caught between teeth, countenance rife with injustice and wrath.
The mistress tenderly patted Gu Sheng’s shoulder, consoling gently, "Child, the Holy Master weighs his own factors."
Daoist Xiushan regarded Gu Sheng gravely, "Gu Sheng, you must realize the Second Elder occupies lofty status in Tianlan Sacred Land and has rendered major merits to the Holy Land.
He proves vital to Tianlan Sacred Land. Absent your prodigious talent and the Holy Master’s esteem for you, even this minor penalty wouldn’t befall him. Ten years suffices for your growth."
Though resentment lingered, Gu Sheng grasped Daoist Xiushan’s rationale, gnashing his teeth: "I comprehend. This realm embodies the law of the jungle, victors reigning supreme. I’ll cultivate relentlessly to evade future bullying."
Daoist Xiushan composed his demeanor, eyeing Gu Sheng: "Gu Sheng, my visit holds another purpose. The Holy Master tasked me with escorting you to Divine Wind Thunder Mountain for tempering."
Gu Sheng glanced reluctantly at his sister and mistress, waving adieu: "Sister, mistress, worry not. I’ll cultivate diligently and return safely."
Gu Yu stifled sobs, "Brother, stay cautious."
The mistress’s eyes reddened too, imploring, "Child, exercise care in every endeavor."
Gu Sheng and Daoist Xiushan commenced their voyage to Divine Wind Thunder Mountain.
During travel, Gu Sheng brimmed with intrigue over the Tianxuan Divine Girl’s fiancé quest, prompting, "Uncle Xiushan, rumors say the Tianxuan Divine Girl seeks a fiancé—what prompts this? Why do hordes claim the title?"
Daoist Xiushan elucidated, "The Tianxuan Divine Girl possesses solely one legitimate fiancé. Yet the rewards of that union prove so vast that imposters abound. Before such enticement, many defy death itself."
Skepticism gripped Gu Sheng; he pursued, "What gains lure such multitudes?"
Yearning flickered in Daoist Xiushan’s eyes as he expounded, "Attaining the Tianxuan Divine Girl’s fiancé status yields staggering boons. He’d roam unbound in Xinghong Spirit Domain, access the mythic Upper Realm, and claim kinship as Purple Spirit Realm Master’s son-in-law.
This leap rivals a carp vaulting the dragon gate—profoundly alluring."
Gu Sheng clucked appreciatively, deeming Daoist Xiushan’s insight profound, even envying the Goddess’s intended faintly.
Something dawning on him, Daoist Xiushan grinned playfully, "Gu Sheng, your master bequeathed several betrothals, yet none match the Tianxuan Divine Girl’s fiancé prestige, by my reckoning."
Gu Sheng reddened abashedly, rubbing his head sheepishly, "Uncle, my master... lacks such influence."
Daoist Xiushan bellowed laughter, jesting additionally before they resumed towards Divine Wind Thunder Mountain.
Approaching Divine Wind Thunder Mountain, Gu Sheng increasingly perceived a cataclysmic lightning might, annihilating all to pulverized remnants.
Noting Gu Sheng’s reaction, Daoist Xiushan elaborated, "Divine Wind Thunder Mountain stands foremost among Body Refiner training havens in Xinghong Spirit Domain. Abundant natural spiritual energy permeates here, fortifying the physique via cultivation while possibly elevating your realm."