Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1278 663: Passed

"A little haste can indeed ruin great plans."

Ling Xiao drew a deep breath, struggling to contain his irritation, his gaze however remained locked onto the cohort of Holy Land Disciples, particularly the individual clad in green at the forefront.

The selection process spanned the entirety of a single day.

Soon, the elder clad in black robes reappeared.

"The initial phase has concluded! Five hundred and thirty-seven individuals have successfully passed. The subsequent stage is scheduled for tomorrow at the Chen Shi hour, and any who arrive past this time will be deemed to have forfeited!"

This outcome left the assembled crowd in a state of astonishment.

From a vast assembly of one hundred thousand cultivators, a mere fraction exceeding five hundred had managed to advance!

The standards set by the Holy Land were, without question, exceptionally rigorous.

As the multitude gradually dispersed, Liang Yu, accompanied by Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao, proceeded to seek lodging at a nearby inn.

Within the confines of their room, Liang Yu was still palpably reeling from the shock of the day's events.

"It's truly daunting; to think that ten thousand were selected from merely five hundred... I recall hearing that in years past, at least a thousand individuals typically advanced."

Liang Yu spoke, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Ling Xiao, reclining on the bed with his legs crossed, responded with an air of nonchalance.

"What is there to be apprehensive about? Observe my performance tomorrow."

Liang Yu offered a mirthless chuckle.

"Ling, the second round presents the true crucible. It is rumored to be an Array trial, fraught with peril within its depths, where past participants have sustained grievous injuries and, in some instances..."

"An Array?"

Gu Sheng’s interest was piqued instantly.

"What manner of Array is it?"

"This..."

Liang Yu ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncertain.

"I am not entirely certain of the specifics, beyond the fact that one must navigate through five distinct smaller arrays. These arrays are designed to assess one's combat prowess, swiftness, comprehension abilities, willpower, and physical fortitude. Word has it that only the ten individuals who complete it with the utmost speed will be granted passage to the third round."

Upon hearing this description, Ling Xiao's expression grew animated.

"That sounds quite intriguing."

Gu Sheng cast a stern look in Ling Xiao's direction.

"Do not become overly excited. Remember our objective: we merely need to demonstrate a performance slightly superior to that of ordinary cultivators. Avoid drawing undue attention to yourselves."

"Understood, understood."

Ling Xiao gestured dismissively, his tone conveying impatience.

"Concealing one's true strength, is it not? That is precisely where my expertise lies."

Liang Yu, overhearing this exchange, appeared utterly perplexed.

"What exactly are the two of you discussing? 'Concealing one's true strength'?"

"Nothing of consequence."

Gu Sheng offered a subtle, knowing smile.

"Liang, it would be best for you to rest early. We shall be counting on your guidance when the time comes tomorrow."

By the following morning, all the cultivators who had successfully navigated the initial trial had convened within the three expansive public squares.

The elder, still attired in his black robes, made his appearance precisely on schedule, proceeding to articulate the stipulated rules without any preamble or unnecessary embellishment.

"The second round commences now: an Array trial! All participants will enter the Array sequentially and must proceed through it with the utmost celerity! Only the ten swiftest individuals will be permitted to advance to the third round!"

With a mere flick of his sleeve, the very ground beneath them began to tremble.

Three colossal Arrays materialized from the center of each square, each emanating an aura of profound antiquity and formidable power.

The surfaces of these Arrays pulsed with a shimmering luminescence, revealing intricate and subtle patterns etched within their depths.

"Behold, the legendary Five-Gate Array!"

Liang Yu proclaimed, his voice filled with awe and excitement.

"It is said to rigorously test every facet of a cultivator's capabilities!"

Gu Sheng, his attention focused, meticulously examined the Array's intricate design, a look of profound astonishment gracing his features.

This Array was undeniably a masterful creation, its complexity and design capable of impressing even those who had attained the Heavenly Palace Realm.

"Remember this.

Liang Yu cautioned, his voice laced with anxiety.

"A luminous screen will materialize above the Array, displaying the names and completion times of all who pass, ranked from fastest to slowest. You must exert yourselves fully; do not hold back your true capabilities, lest you face elimination!"

Ling Xiao flashed a wide grin.

"Fear not, we shall certainly not hold back."

Gu Sheng, shaking his head in a manner that conveyed his helplessness, issued another warning through the clandestine channels of secret transmission.

"Exercise restraint, and refrain from creating an excessive spectacle."

"I understand."

Ling Xiao sighed, his acceptance seemingly grudging.

Adjacent to them, Liang Yu was engrossed in a thoughtful observation of both the trial Array and the surrounding assembled participants.

A burly cultivator, his physique imposing, stepped forward from the ranks of the crowd, his voice resonating with confidence.

"Allow me the honor of being the first to attempt this Array!"

He advanced with the grace of a dragon and the power of a tiger towards the central ancient stone platform, which was adorned with intricate runes that glinted with a faint blue hue under the sun's rays.

The instant his foot made contact with the platform, the Array sprang to life. Dense, inky mist billowed forth from all directions, rapidly engulfing the entire platform in a suffocating shroud.

"It appears only one individual may challenge it at a time..."

Ling Xiao’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he eagerly rubbed his hands together.

"Gu Sheng, when shall we make our attempt?"

Gu Sheng did not respond immediately, his gaze narrowed as he studied the pervasive black mist. He cautiously extended his Divine Sense, only for it to be repelled upon contact.

This Array was indeed potent, effectively nullifying any external attempts at investigation.

"Let us observe for a while longer."

Gu Sheng advised in a low tone.

Liang Yu, having overheard the exchange, leaned in closer.

"My fellow Daoists, I propose that we undertake the test sooner rather than later, to perhaps set a precedent for the others. What say you?"

"Haha, what aspect of this is truly difficult!"

Ling Xiao puffed out his chest, a clear expression of arrogance etched upon his features.

"It is but a simple trial Array..."

"Ling Xiao."

Gu Sheng's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, utilizing the arcane technique of secret transmission.

"Don't get cocky. First, watch how fast the others go. Remember, don't go all out."

Ling Xiao responded with some reluctance.

"Why? With our power..."

"The tallest tree in the forest gets felled by the wind first."

Gu Sheng's tone was steady and measured.

"Now is not the time to show our true capabilities."

As the two conversed discreetly, a sudden, pained cry erupted from the shadowy expanse.

"Ah—"

A figure was violently propelled backward from the darkness, slamming hard onto the ground about ten feet away. Blood erupted from their mouth, drenching the front of their robes.

The individual convulsed briefly before succumbing to unconsciousness.

"Failed."

The elder clad in black robes, standing impassively by the formation, made the announcement.

"Next."

The crowd collectively drew in a sharp breath, stunned.

Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly; he hadn't anticipated the formation to be quite so treacherous.

Shortly after, another cultivator summoned their courage and stepped into the dark mist.

This time, the formation didn't immediately expel the entrant.

Moments ticked by, and after approximately the duration it takes an incense stick to burn, the formation suddenly pulsed with a green luminescence, and the black mist dissipated.