Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1241 - 644: Let’s See Where You Run

"Makes sense."

The two continued their journey, Gu Sheng’s attention unswervingly fixed on the distant Divine Sword.

As they drew nearer, the immense power emanating from the sword became increasingly palpable.

"Almost there..."

Gu Sheng murmured to himself.

Ling Xiao observed him and then inquired.

"You appear quite fixated on that sword?"

Gu Sheng offered no denial.

"It rightly belongs to me."

The wind howled, and the mist within the depths of Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge swirled and writhed.

The pair lagged considerably behind the contingent of cultivators from the Luotian Sect.

"Can we truly contend with Long Yi?"

Gu Sheng voiced his concern in a hushed tone.

The Qi flow within his body felt sluggish, and the pervasive sinister aura of Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge sent shivers down his spine.

Ling Xiao’s lips curved into a confident smirk.

"Worry not, for even within the Tribulation Crossing Realm, sheer strength doesn’t dictate the outcome of life and death in this place."

"Moreover, I have made ample preparations."

Further ahead, the Luotian Sect’s vanguard abruptly halted.

Long Yi raised his right hand, motioning for his companions to adopt a defensive posture.

"Something feels amiss."

Long Yi stated gravely, his sharp gaze sweeping across the immediate vicinity.

"It’s far too quiet here."

Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao paused their advance, seeking cover behind an outcropping of rock.

Gu Sheng held his breath, sensing the unsettling energy radiating from the basin ahead, as though countless unseen eyes were scrutinizing them from the encroaching shadows.

"Brother, what is that place?"

Gu Sheng inquired softly, gesturing towards the basin encircled by stone pillars.

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes.

"Ancient texts speak of the ’Ten Thousand Beasts Graveyard’ within Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge, said to be a resting place for primordial beasts from eras long past. Those stone pillars… they are unlikely to be mere adornments."

The cultivators of the Luotian Sect had clearly perceived the abnormality as well. A young disciple nervously approached Long Yi.

"Brother Long, are we truly proceeding? Our mission is merely to apprehend Gu Sheng, there’s no need to court unnecessary danger..."

"Silence!"

Long Yi interjected curtly.

"Do you believe the Sect Master dispatched us solely for a mere Foundation Establishment Stage fledgling?"

"That Supreme Treasure Sword is our true objective."

Another female cultivator chimed in, her brow furrowed.

"However, the Yin Qi here… it’s more than tenfold denser than in the outer regions. My Qi flow is significantly impeded."

Long Yi let out a dismissive snort.

"Assemble the ’Heaven and Earth Net Array.’ No one is to deviate from their post. Should we face peril, we shall retreat without hesitation."

"Remember, if any individual is left behind, do not fault me for any ruthlessness shown."

The Luotian Sect disciples swiftly arranged themselves into a circular formation, channeling their spiritual power, and began a measured advance into the basin.

"They have entered."

Ling Xiao whispered.

"We shall follow, maintaining a prudent distance."

Gu Sheng gulped audibly.

"I have an unsettling feeling that those stone pillars… are observing us."

Ling Xiao placed a hand on Gu Sheng’s shoulder, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

"This basin is an ancient, mystical formation known as the ’Soul Refining Tomb,’ a hallowed ground for ancient soul refiners. The inscriptions on those stone pillars are integral components of the array, not mere decorations."

A comforting warmth spread from Ling Xiao’s hand on his shoulder, helping Gu Sheng counteract the chilling ambiance of the basin.

Gazing at the lifelike depictions of primordial beasts, his throat constricted.

"So, that sensation of being watched…"

"The formation is actively assessing the soul power strength of any who enter."

Ling Xiao’s eyes gleamed with evident admiration.

"Your sensitivity to it indicates a considerable soul talent. Those deficient in soul power within this domain risk mental affliction at best, or complete annihilation at worst."

Gu Sheng nodded in understanding, a measure of his apprehension subsiding.

He surveyed the surroundings, noting how the arrangement of the stone pillars seemed to follow a distinct pattern, subtly outlining a magnificent array.

"I require your assistance."

Ling Xiao suddenly declared, his gaze intensifying.

"Guide the Luotian Sect disciples towards that Taotie Stone Pillar."

Gu Sheng’s expression shifted to a frown.

"You intend to utilize the array against them?"

"Astute."

Ling Xiao’s lips curved in a faint smile.

"That Taotie Pillar serves as one of the array’s crucial nodes. The moment anyone crosses within a five-meter radius of it, the ’Devouring Spirit’ effect will be activated. Even for an individual in the Tribulation Crossing Realm, it would prove a formidable challenge."

Gu Sheng remained silent for a beat, his eyes searching Ling Xiao’s face.

"What is your level of confidence?"

"Seventy to eighty percent."

Ling Xiao responded with composure.

"The array is ancient; its potency might have diminished over time. However, it should suffice to deal with a cultivator who has only recently entered the Tribulation Crossing Realm."

A flicker of resolve ignited in Gu Sheng’s eyes.

"Very well, I place my trust in you this time. How precisely shall we proceed?"

Ling Xiao drew near Gu Sheng, his voice a mere whisper, barely audible like a mosquito's drone.

"In precisely fifteen minutes, assume the persona I've assigned you, and emerge on their right flank. Long Yi will undoubtedly pursue you personally. Your sole task is to lure him within five meters of the Taotie Pillar, then make your immediate retreat."

From his chest, Ling Xiao produced a mask, as delicate and thin as a cicada's wing.

"Donning this will mask your aura and outward appearance; its effect persists for one hour."

Gu Sheng accepted the mask, its surface chilling to the touch.

Without a moment's hesitation, he pressed it against his face. An unnatural sensation washed over him as a peculiar energy enveloped his form, even altering the familiar flow of his spiritual power.

"Remember, the Taotie Pillar is situated at the basin's northwest corner; it bears three distinct blood-colored markings upon its body."

Ling Xiao imparted this final vital instruction.

"Upon achieving success, make your way back without delay to the withered Blood Cedar we passed earlier."

Gu Sheng gave a single nod, transforming into a wisp of smoke, and vanished from his position.

Ling Xiao observed the direction of Gu Sheng's departure, a barely discernible fatigue clouding his eyes, and murmured softly.

"I hope this time... it succeeds."

The Luotian Sect contingent advanced cautiously through the basin. Long Yi, clutching the Soul Suppressing Bell, scanned their surroundings with unwavering vigilance.

"Brother Long, this desolate place is excessively saturated with Yin Qi. My spiritual power drains approximately thirty percent faster than under normal circumstances."

A lanky cultivator dabbed cold sweat from his brow, voicing his complaint.

Long Yi shot him a stern look.

"Silence. Keep your thoughts on that Supreme Treasure Sword; its worth justifies the inherent risks."

Amidst the team, a comely female cultivator spoke in hushed tones.

"I've heard the Qinghe Holy Land has already dispatched their disciples here. Do we truly stand a chance of acquiring the treasure sword?"

"Hmph, what of the Qinghe Holy Land?"

Long Yi's gaze ignited with fierce ambition.

"Should we secure this sword, why should our Luotian Sect yield to their dictates? Perhaps... replacing them as a dominant force isn't entirely out of the question."

At these words, covetous glints appeared in every attendant's eyes. In the harsh realities of the Cultivation World, survival hinges upon strength, and a Supreme Divine Weapon is more than enough to rewrite a sect's destiny.

At that precise moment, Gong Xuefeng's body abruptly stiffened, his voice dropping to a low register.

"There's someone to the right!"

A palpable tension seized everyone instantly, their gazes snapping towards the direction Gong Xuefeng indicated.

Among the stone pillars, a hundred meters distant, a silhouetted figure clad in an unusual mask flickered into view.

Long Yi's expression turned predatory.

"Conceal your presence, surround him, and advance cautiously!"

The Luotian Sect members promptly fanned out, stealthily closing in on their quarry.

Long Yi, accompanied by two trusted subordinates, personally led the vanguard, inching forward.

Fifty meters... thirty meters... the gap was rapidly diminishing.

Long Yi finally discerned the individual's features—a young man garbed in a bronze mask, possessing a build remarkably similar to Gu Sheng's, seemingly engrossed in observing something, his back turned towards them.

"Attack!"

Long Yi suddenly bellowed, his voice sharp with command.

Six concentrated beams of spiritual power erupted from disparate angles, converging on the target simultaneously.

The masked individual appeared startled, managing only a panicked evasion of the most lethal thrusts. However, his left arm grazed a tendril of spiritual power, erupting in a gush of blood.

"Gu Sheng! It truly is you!"

Long Yi snarled, launching himself forward.

Gu Sheng feigned terror, casting a fleeting glance at Long Yi before turning to flee.

He deliberately throttled his pace, ensuring Long Yi could keep up without widening the distance excessively.

"Pursue him! Do not let him escape!"

Long Yi exulted, unleashing his full spiritual power in hot pursuit.

Gu Sheng adeptly maneuvered through the labyrinth of stone pillars, periodically glancing back to confirm Long Yi's proximity.

The wound on his left arm throbbed fiercely, yet in this critical moment, Gu Sheng's mind remained remarkably lucid.

"You insignificant pest, let's see where you attempt to flee now!"

Long Yi roared with unbridled fury, unleashing a palm strike that violently shattered three stone pillars midway up their height.

Gu Sheng narrowly dodged the impact, feigning a stumble that was just pronounced enough to incite Long Yi's greater eagerness to accelerate his pursuit.

The two engaged in a relentless chase, soon leaving the other Luotian Sect disciples far behind.

"Gu Sheng! You are powerless to escape!"

Long Yi's enraged shouts reverberated across the Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge, the concussive force causing the surrounding stone pillars to tremble faintly.

His eyes blazed, his breathing heavy as a bull's, unleashing the full might of his Tribulation Crossing Realm cultivation, which forcefully dispersed the surrounding Yin Qi within a hundred-meter radius.

Gu Sheng continued his agile weaving amongst the stone pillars.

The fabric on his right arm, previously torn by Sword Qi, now revealed a limb streaked with blood yet undeniably muscular.