Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1217 - 632: The Ceremony of Three Kowtows (Part 2)

Tianlan Saint Master gave a faint nod before addressing Gu Sheng, "Gu Sheng, are you aware that I scoured the Treasure Pavilion for ages yet failed to discover a Spirit Sword perfectly suited for you?

That said, I am aware of a location harboring a Supreme Treasure Sword of unmatched might. Should you claim it, your powers would soar dramatically."

Gu Sheng’s gaze sparkled with eagerness as he hurriedly inquired, "Saint Master, where can this treasure sword be found?"

"Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge," Tianlan Saint Master replied. "It falls under Qinghe Holy Land’s domain, an ancient battlefield where a Divine entity perished, and it stands as the deadliest Death Forbidden Zone in all of Qinghe Holy Land.

Legends whisper that buried deep inside this forbidden area rests the Supreme Treasure Sword, but claiming it demands not just braving the depths but also possessing the destined fate for it."

Daoist Xiushan’s face drained of color at the mention of "Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge," and he exclaimed, "Saint Master, no way! That Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge is a death trap of the highest order—scarcely anyone who steps in ever emerges alive. You’d be dooming Gu Sheng to certain death!"

The Great Elder caressed his beard contemplatively before speaking, "Saint Master, are you suggesting Gu Sheng head to Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge due to his exceptional fortune, confident he won’t meet calamity easily?"

Tianlan Saint Master curved her lips into a subtle smile, "A treacherous spot like Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge hinges entirely on luck. With Gu Sheng’s remarkable fortune, he just might seize that treasure sword.

From what I’ve gathered, its might surpasses every Spirit Sword in the Xinghong Spirit Domain and may even match the Wooden Sword of Qiankun Venerate King."

Gu Sheng declared firmly, "Saint Master, I’m ready to venture into Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge! Regardless of the perils, I have to give it a shot."

Tianlan Saint Master beamed with approval at Gu Sheng’s resolve and nodded, "Excellent! Get yourself ready. Above all, keep this secret—make sure no word of it slips out."

Daoist Xiushan departed the Heavenly Hall alongside Gu Sheng. The Great Elder observed their retreating forms, brimming with concern, and couldn’t resist questioning Tianlan Saint Master, "Saint Master, are you really comfortable sending Gu Sheng on this solo ordeal? What if disaster strikes him beyond our reach..."

Tianlan Saint Master flashed an enigmatic grin and murmured, "He won’t be traveling solo."

Dressed in simple robes with a grave look, Daoist Xiushan presented Gu Sheng with a softly glowing Information Jade Scroll.

"Gu Sheng, this Jade Scroll holds details on the nine prime cultivation sites our sect has uncovered through the years, plus the five notorious Death Forbidden Zones, Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge among them."

His tone resonated deeply, laced with sincere worry, "Heed this: Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge is a realm of utmost peril; don’t rush in blindly. Hone yourself in safer spots first, build your power, then plot your move."

Gu Sheng accepted the Jade Scroll respectfully with both hands, giving a light nod. Deep down, he’d already resolved to target Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge as his initial training ground.

The greater the hazard, the higher the odds of unearthing hidden opportunities that could propel his cultivation forward.

He kept his plans from Daoist Xiushan, responding steadily instead, "My thanks, Uncle Xiushan, for your advice. I understand perfectly what needs doing."

Daoist Xiushan gazed at Gu Sheng with eyes full of reluctance, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder as if channeling every ounce of his well-wishes. "Young one, come back in one piece. Your uncle longs to witness your union with the Goddess."

Gu Sheng assured him, "Don’t worry, Uncle—I’ll return safe and sound."

With firm steps, he strode out of the Book Collection Pavilion.

Once outside the Book Collection Pavilion, Gu Sheng made for the Water Spirit Pavilion. A crucial task weighed on his mind: completing the last phase of the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate by wedding Gongsun Yue.

Tianlan Saint Mother and Gongsun Yue had awaited him there patiently.

Spotting Gu Sheng’s approach, Gongsun Yue’s eyes brightened, and she hastened to his side, exclaiming eagerly, "Gu Sheng, take me training with you!"

Tianlan Saint Mother interjected sharply, "Yue’er, that’s impossible. Joining Gu Sheng on training would only slow him down with your current strength."

Gongsun Yue’s lips pursed in rebellion at those words, her expression defiant, "Mother, I won’t drag him down. I want to grow stronger too."

"Silly girl, this protects both you and Gu Sheng," Tianlan Saint Mother replied.

Gu Sheng cupped his hands lightly in salute and declared, "Holy Mother, Miss Gongsun. Let’s first accomplish this final step of the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate."

Tianlan Saint Mother restored a trace of her dignified poise, "No need for politeness; with things as they stand, let’s directly enact the marriage pact."

Gu Sheng cleared his throat before elaborating, "Fulfilling the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate isn’t truly complex. The pair of us must channel Spiritual Power to nourish this marriage certificate and strive to harmonize with the will of the Heavenly Dao.

Once the will of the Heavenly Dao descends, three kowtows to it will render the marriage certificate completely valid."

Surprise flashed in Gongsun Yue’s eyes, "Is it really that simple?"

Gu Sheng nodded with a smile, "It looks straightforward, but success demands our total concentration."

With those words, he produced the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate radiating an enigmatic glow and placed it softly on the stone table before them. Following Gu Sheng’s instructions, Gongsun Yue reached out her hands, pouring Spiritual Power into the marriage certificate.

Simultaneously, Gu Sheng directed his Spiritual Power into it. In that instant, their Spiritual Powers intertwined, swirling around the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate.

Continuous infusion of Spiritual Power made the runes on the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate stir to life, as a profound and formidable aura slowly emanated outward.

Gongsun Yue squeezed her eyes shut, a faint sweat glistening on her forehead while she focused on perceiving the elusive will of the Heavenly Dao.

In her senses, the Heavenly Dao’s will began to faintly materialize. "I sense it!" Gongsun Yue cried out in delight, her eyes flying open toward Gu Sheng. Joy gleamed in Gu Sheng’s gaze too, "Great, hold steady."

At the same time, Tianlan Saint Mother felt the Heavenly Dao’s will descending, an invisible pressure weighing upon her entire form. She felt profound gratitude that she had never crossed Gu Sheng before.

Any rash offense against one so bound to the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate could unleash inconceivable catastrophe upon the sect. She inclined her head slightly, showing deep respect to the vaguely discernible will of the Heavenly Dao.

While all in the Water Spirit Pavilion fixated on the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate, a tempest gathered in the Purple Spirit Realm. The Supreme Immortal Sect’s Young Master, normally an overlord in the Purple Spirit Realm, endured a crushing defeat in the Xinghong Spirit Domain, sparking massive turmoil across the Purple Spirit Realm.

Even more startling news swiftly propagated: Luo Xi, the prized daughter of the Purple Spirit Realm Master, was betrothed to an individual from the Xinghong Spirit Domain—Gu Sheng himself. This revelation ignited frenzy throughout the Purple Spirit Realm, with hordes debating it fervently.

But there was more. Word soon circulated that the Azure Dragon Realm Son was poised to wed Luo Xi, stoking the chaos engulfing the entire Purple Spirit Realm.

Upon hearing Gu Sheng had forfeited his role as Luo Xi’s fiancé, Qiankun Venerate King’s arrogance surged. Already nursing deep animosity toward Gu Sheng, he now saw his moment had come.

"Hmph, Gu Sheng, stripped of your link to Luo Xi, how will you endure in this world? This time, I’ll descend to the Lower Realm once more and end your life!"

Time flowed on, and inside the Water Spirit Pavilion, Gu Sheng and Gongsun Yue poured their full attention into nourishing the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate. After a day elapsed, their ceaseless Spiritual Power circulation birthed a wondrous harmony.

Amid a subtle buzzing hum, the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate’s glow crested to its height. Gu Sheng and Gongsun Yue simultaneously opened their eyes, shared a look, then rose to deliver three pious kowtows to the supreme will of the Heavenly Dao.

Mere moments after their kowtows as Gu Sheng moved to rise, a colossal energy burst forth from nowhere. It barreled toward Gu Sheng, surging into his body unchecked.

Gu Sheng felt his frame turn into a colossal container, endlessly filling with this mighty energy. Beneath its onslaught, his meridians resounded with persistent deep thrums.

With the energy relentlessly amassing and densifying, his cultivation realm abruptly vaulted upward, shattering into the late stage of the Earth Palace Realm in a flash.