Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1269 658: Keep Your Distance (Part 2)

Concealing his Buddhist Magical Artifact, he then donned simple linen robes, his presence masked to appear as an ordinary person, much like a wandering monk.

Without any delay, the two departed the vicinity of Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge at their utmost speed.

While crossing a desolate desert expanse, Gu Sheng couldn't resist a backward glance—

Far in the distance, immense auras descended rapidly towards the direction of Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge.

Among them, a few auras radiated such formidable power that even now, his heart pounded erratically.

"It appears individuals from the Seven Great Sacred Lands..."

Gu Sheng let out a wry chuckle, shaking his head.

"Half the world has descended upon this place."

Ling Xiao wiped the perspiration from his brow.

"Gu, we must increase our pace. Should they discover your absence from Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge..."

Before he could finish, a contingent of cultivators, moving with great urgency, materialized in the distance.

Instantly, Gu Sheng became alert, his hand instinctively reaching for the Divine Sword concealed beneath cloth on his back.

However, the group paid them no heed, passing by at a distance of a hundred yards, their trajectory set directly for Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge.

"Phew..." Ling Xiao exhaled a lengthy sigh.

"It seems our disguise has proven effective."

Gu Sheng gave a nod, and the pair resumed their hurried journey.

About half a day later, the silhouettes of several cities became visible on the desert's fringe, but they dared not halt their progress.

"Those ancient powerhouses are capable of leveling an entire city just to apprehend someone,"

Gu Sheng's voice was somber.

Throughout their ceaseless flight, the disturbance originating from Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge intensified with each passing moment.

Even across hundreds of miles, they could intermittently feel the faint tremors reverberating through the earth.

Hovering above the devastation of Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge, the formidable experts of the Seven Great Sacred Lands remained suspended in the air.

The mountains, once exuding an eerie and terrifying aura, were now rent by deep ravines, the central chasm appearing as though cleaved by a celestial deity, revealing an unfathomable depth.

"Locate him! Excavate the grounds thoroughly until he is found— Gu Sheng!" The Fifth Elder of Qinghe Holy Land commanded with authority.

Shortly thereafter, a disciple arrived with a report.

"Elder, we have discovered a few survivors!"

The Fifth Elder's eyes gleamed.

"Bring them forth!"

The experts from the other sacred lands also dispatched their people, eager to glean any firsthand accounts.

When Dragon Palace arrived, accompanied by the Saintess of Qinghe, an immediate hush fell over the assembled crowd.

"Speak!"

The Fifth Elder fixed his gaze upon Dragon Palace.

"What precisely transpired?"

Dragon Palace, his complexion ashen, spoke with a trembling voice.

"All those who entered the Blood River in pursuit of Gu Sheng have perished. Only the Saintess and I managed to survive."

"What?!"

The Fifth Elder's beard and hair seemed to stand on end.

"Wang Xiu Jie also..."

"Dead."

Dragon Palace swallowed audibly.

"Gu Sheng not only advanced to the Heavenly Palace Realm but also drew forth the Ancient Divine Sword."

Surrounding him, sounds of astonished gasps echoed.

"What is even more terrifying is..."

Dragon Palace's voice diminished further.

"He can harness the energy sealed within the sword without suffering any repercussions; with a single strike..."

The Fifth Elder suddenly recalled the Sword Qi that had rent the sky, and his aged visage contorted.

"Are you suggesting that Sword Qi was unleashed by Gu Sheng?"

Dragon Palace conveyed his affirmation with a forceful nod.

"Absurd!"

The furious roar of the Qinghe Fifth Elder erupted above the desolate remnants of Ten Thousand Ghost Ridge.

His beard and hair bristled, the sheer intensity of his fury almost palpable.

"How could a mere youth in the Heavenly Palace Realm possibly exert full control over the Ancient Divine Sword? It must have been the residual energy within the blade erupting spontaneously!"

The Eighth Elder frowned, his brow furrowed.

"Fifth Brother, Dragon Palace witnessed it with his own eyes..."

"Dragon Palace?"

The Fifth Elder interjected with a cold, derisive laugh.

"Merely a craven who lost his nerve!"

He surveyed the gathered elites from each sacred land, his voice booming like thunder.

"Consider this carefully, everyone. If Gu Sheng genuinely possessed the ability to wield the Divine Sword's might at will, why would he have fled?"

His words prompted the assembly into deep reflection.

Indeed, with the Ancient Divine Sword fully unleashed, one would be an insurmountable force within the Xinghong Spirit Domain; fleeing in haste would seem entirely unnecessary.

"Fifth Elder's discerning observation is most astute."

A middle-aged man clad in purple robes concurred.

"The sword's power must be depleted, rendering it merely a sharper implement now."

"Precisely!" A beautiful woman idly twirled a jade hairpin between her fingers.

"Now presents the opportune moment to seize the Divine Sword while he is weakened."

The Eighth Elder faltered, choosing to remain silent with his head bowed under the Fifth Elder's penetrating gaze.

Within the rigid hierarchy of Qinghe Holy Land, once the Fifth Elder had rendered a decision, any further dissent would constitute insubordination.

The Grand Elder of Tianlan observed the unfolding scene with a detached air, a sigh escaping him internally.

These short-sighted fools remain oblivious to the fact that Gu Sheng, capable of harmonizing with the Divine Sword, far surpasses any cultivator in the common Heavenly Palace Realm.

"Grand Elder, should we perhaps..." A Tianlan disciple inquired softly beside him.

"We shall shadow them," the Grand Elder commanded, his emotions carefully concealed.

"However, maintain a considerable distance."

His utmost priority was to confirm Gu Sheng's well-being with his own sight, all while concealing their connection. A greater concern festered within him: what if the esteemed Qinghe Saint Master decided to personally intercede...