Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1277 - 662: Endure It (Part 2)

The initial qualification tests had progressed past their halfway point.

Disqualified participants were continuously being expelled from the enormous Light Gate situated at the square's center.

Those who successfully passed congregated on the opposite side, their countenances displaying either elation or profound relief.

"At this present pace, I reckon the first stage will conclude by nightfall," Gu Sheng mused quietly, observing the lengthy queue of remaining contestants.

"The number of participants seems diminished this year; typically, the first round requires two full days to complete."

A clear voice emanated from behind them.

Both Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao swiveled around in unison. They found a tall, sword-bearing man approaching, his eyes like distant stars and his eyebrows sharp as blades.

Clad in pristine white attire, he wore a token as smooth as jade at his waist, inscribed with the characters "Huatian."

"I am Liang Yu, a disciple of the Huatian Sect," the man announced, offering a graceful and natural fist-and-palm salute.

Gu Sheng's gaze held a measure of caution, though his expression remained impassive.

"Qing Feng, a rogue cultivator."

"Ling Xiao, also a rogue cultivator!"

Ling Xiao, with effusive enthusiasm, extended his hand, nearly thrusting his half-consumed Spirit Fruit into Liang Yu's grasp before quickly retracting it, wiping his hand, and offering it once more.

Amused by the gesture, Liang Yu jovially shook his hand.

"You are both quite remarkable; I have no doubt you will proceed into the Qinghe Holy Land without issue."

Gu Sheng harbored reservations about this affable disciple from the Huatian Sect, yet Ling Xiao had already slung an arm around Liang Yu's shoulder.

"Liang, is it? You mentioned previous years took two days; you must be quite familiar with the proceedings here?"

Liang Yu chuckled.

"This marks my third attempt. While I faltered in the second round on my previous two tries, I have prepared meticulously this time."

Lowering his voice, he continued,

"Seeing as you two appear unfamiliar, likely participating for the first time, would you permit me to elucidate the rules and finer points?"

Gu Sheng was poised to politely refuse, but Ling Xiao was already nodding vigorously.

"Certainly, certainly! I was just apprehensive about lacking guidance!"

Liang Yu surveyed their surroundings and guided them toward a less congested area.

"The initial stage consumes the most time and eliminates the largest number of aspirants. The second round involves navigating formations devised by the Qinghe Holy Land, with the ten fastest individuals advancing to the third stage..."

As Liang Yu unfolded the details, Gu Sheng gradually let down his guard.

This disciple from the Huatian Sect indeed possessed extensive knowledge of the competition, even privy to obscure particulars.

"...The third round entails a contest across the three designated plazas, culminating in the selection of representatives for the grand tournament, with ten additional positions awarded based on accumulated points."

Having concluded his explanation, Liang Yu produced two Jade Scrolls from his Storage Bag.

"Please accept these notes I've compiled; they are a gift for both of you."

Gu Sheng accepted a Jade Scroll and examined it with his Divine Sense. He discovered its contents to be exceptionally thorough, even detailing solutions to various formations.

His heart stirred, and he cupped his hands in gratitude.

"Thank you, Liang; we shall not forget this kindness."

Ling Xiao, without hesitation, enveloped Liang Yu in a hearty embrace.

"You're amazing, Liang! Once we're accepted into the Holy Land, drinks are on me!"

Liang Yu found himself somewhat taken aback by Ling Xiao's boisterous affection. Just as he was about to respond, his demeanor shifted abruptly, and his gaze snapped skyward.

Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao simultaneously perceived an anomaly. They observed over a dozen luminous streaks cleaving the heavens, their formidable Spiritual Pressure engulfing the entire square.

"They are Inner Sect Disciples from the Qinghe Holy Land!" Liang Yu exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency.

The figures hovered in the air, balanced upon ethereal Spirit Swords, their robes billowing as they descended swiftly above the square.

At their forefront was a man garbed in teal, his countenance resolute. A Purple Gold Token, glinting brilliantly in the sunlight, adorned his person.

"By the command of the Elders, I have arrived to oversee this selection," the teal-clad man declared.

Though his voice was not overtly loud, it resonated clearly with everyone present, imbued with an undeniable aura of authority.

A wave of astonishment rippled through the square.

These Inner Sect Disciples maintained their aerial position, casting disdainful glances down upon the contestants.

One female disciple even pinched her nose, her brow furrowed as if offended by the perceived miasma below.

"Such arrogance!"

A bare-chested warrior, muscles rippling, bellowed in indignation.

"Descend and face me in combat if you dare!"

The teal-clad man’s gaze swept over him coldly.

"Are you even worthy?"

"You!"

The shirtless combatant roared, his fury palpable as he launched himself several feet into the air, his fist wreathed in a ferocious wind, aimed directly at the teal-clad man's face.

The teal-clad man remained motionless, offering only a frigid snort.

"Boom!"

An overwhelming, terrifying aura suddenly erupted.

Struck as if by a lightning bolt, the shirtless man spewed a mouthful of fresh blood high in the air before crashing heavily onto the ground, carving out a significant crater.

An immediate hush fell over the entire area; one could hear a pin drop.

Liang Yu’s complexion turned ashen, his voice laced with a tremor.

"Half... Half a step from the Earth Palace Realm!"

Gu Sheng’s pupils narrowed slightly. This man clad in teal, appearing no older than his early twenties, had already brushed against the threshold of the Earth Palace Realm; such innate talent was truly formidable.

Ling Xiao merely pressed his lips together, relaying a thought privately.

"Putting on a show. With just one finger I could..."

"Silence!"

Gu Sheng interjected sharply, fearing this 'ancestor' might impulsively instigate a confrontation.

"Shh!"

Liang Yu's expression grew grimmer as he urgently clutched Ling Xiao’s sleeve.

"Are you insane? That's half a step into the Earth Palace Realm!"

He lowered his voice, speaking with palpable awe.

"When a Cultivator transcends from the Nascent Soul stage to the Earth Palace Realm, the Nascent Soul residing within their Dantian transforms into a veritable palace. This dramatically amplifies their capacity to absorb and refine spiritual energy from nature, and their combat prowess utterly overwhelms all standard Nascent Soul Cultivators!"

As Liang Yu elaborated, his gaze involuntarily shifted towards the contingent of Holy Land Disciples.

"The teal-clothed senior brother reached the half-step Earth Palace Realm in his early thirties; he's merely one significant step away from achieving the full Earth Palace Realm. Such rapid Cultivation progress is nearly on par with the Holy Land's Core Disciples!"

Ling Xiao listened, the corner of his mouth twitching uncontrollably. He swiftly lowered his head, his shoulders shaking subtly—he was struggling to contain his laughter.

A Heavenly Palace Realm expert facing someone merely half a step into the Earth Palace Realm? It was akin to a majestic dragon observing an ant arrogantly boasting of its might!

Misinterpreting Ling Xiao’s reaction as fear, Liang Yu quickly attempted to comfort him.

"Don't fret; they can't possibly overhear our conversation. While Holy Land Disciples are undeniably powerful, they typically refrain from attacking ordinary cultivators without adequate provocation."

At that precise moment, a hand darted from the side, covering Ling Xiao’s mouth.

Gu Sheng’s eyes conveyed a stern warning as he transmitted his thoughts secretly.

"Guard your tongue. If you dare reveal your true identity, I'll personally toss you out of here!"

Ling Xiao rolled his eyes but, remarkably, nodded obediently.

Gu Sheng then withdrew his hand, his gaze accidentally brushing across Liang Yu’s face. He noticed, however, within the timid guide's eyes, a barely perceptible flicker of yearning mingling with his palpable fear as he gazed upon the Holy Land Disciples.

"Silence!"

A commanding decree echoed from the elevated platform. An elder, shrouded in a black cloak, gestured with his sleeve, imposing instant silence upon the three plazas.

Every cultivator’s attention was now riveted upon the high platform.

"The initial stage of the qualification assessment commences without delay!"

The black-cloaked elder’s voice thundered like a tempest.

"All participants shall proceed through the designated Light Gates in an orderly fashion. Those who pass through unobstructed are deemed successful; any individuals forcefully expelled are immediately disqualified!"

As the final word was uttered, three colossal Light Gates materialized simultaneously across the plazas. Their ornate frames were intricately inscribed with ancient runes, emanating vibrations that caused the very heart to palpitate.

"These Light Gates possess the capability to ascertain a cultivator's Spirit Root quality and their inherent potential,"

Liang Yu whispered, providing an explanation.

"It is even rumored that they can detect concealed, extraordinary constitutions."

Ling Xiao let out a dismissive snort, but Gu Sheng silenced him with a pointed glance.

The assessment officially began.

Tens of thousands of cultivators formed an immense queue, advancing towards the Light Gates in successive waves.

The vast majority merely brushed against the ethereal Light Screen before being violently repelled by an unseen force, collapsing onto the ground in disarray.

On rare occasions, a select few managed to barely pass through, instantly drawing envious stares from the onlookers.

"Hahaha, just look at that plump fellow; he was flung away before even touching the gate!"

"Tsk tsk, the sheer abundance of such useless trash is truly astounding!"

The disciples of the Qinghe Holy Land occupied specially designated seating, indulging in drinks while freely mocking the cultivators who failed the assessment.

Their derisive laughter cut through the air, yet no one dared to offer a retort. Ordinary cultivators regarded Holy Land Disciples as beings of an elevated status; even their Outer Sect Disciples were individuals not to be trifled with.

Ling Xiao’s fists clenched involuntarily.

Gu Sheng immediately placed a hand on his shoulder, transmitting a warning through their mental link.

"Do not stir up trouble. Our primary objective is to infiltrate the Holy Land for reconnaissance, not to engage in pointless brawls."

"But they are—"

"Restrain yourself."

Gu Sheng’s voice conveyed an undeniable finality.