Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1280 - 664: Expelled from the Holy Land

"Brother Ling Xiao, your performance is truly astonishing! You've brought immense honor to us all!"

Ling Xiao puffed out his chest with pride, though his gaze couldn't help but seek out Gu Sheng's figure.

Upon seeing Gu Sheng still standing in his original spot, his face devoid of any joy, a ripple of unease spread through Ling Xiao's heart.

Gu Sheng observed Ling Xiao, who had suddenly become the center of attention, from a distance, his brows furrowed deeply.

Matters had veered wildly off course—not only had Ling Xiao failed to manipulate the timeline as planned, but he had also thoroughly provoked the Holy Land Disciples of Qinghe.

"It seems trouble is brewing," Gu Sheng murmured to himself, his eyes scanning the bustling plaza.

He noticed Mo Qianjun, the youth in purple robes, narrowing his eyes as he assessed Ling Xiao. Nearby, several Holy Land Disciples were huddled together, whispering amongst themselves and casting envious glances.

Amidst this palpable tension, the voice of the black-robed elder resonated once more.

"Next, Liang Yu."

The voice of the Deacon Elder echoed, signaling the next participant.

A lanky young man emerged from the crowd, making his way towards the Assessment Array.

Liang Yu's assessment commenced. While his speed wasn't comparable to Ling Xiao's, his performance was nevertheless smooth and competent.

After a duration equivalent to burning a single stick of incense, Liang Yu successfully completed his assessment. His name appeared, securing the fourth position on the leaderboard.

"Fourth place!"

Standing upon the promotion platform, Liang Yu surveyed the assembled crowd with evident pride.

A subtle weight settled in Gu Sheng's heart.

Liang Yu's innate talent was undeniable, achieving such a ranking in his very first assessment was remarkable.

"Next, Gu Sheng!"

Hearing his name called, Gu Sheng adjusted his robe and proceeded with determined steps towards the entrance of the Array.

He could sense the myriad gazes fixed upon him from behind—some filled with expectation, others with doubt, but the majority remained indifferent.

In a gathering of such extraordinary talents, a cultivator of his modest background was hardly ever the focus of attention.

"Another one seeking death."

One of the Holy Land Disciples scoffed dismissively.

Gu Sheng paid no heed to the comment. Standing at the threshold of the array, he cast one final glance at Ling Xiao's name displayed on the leaderboard before stepping into the Array's confines.

The surrounding scenery dissolved and reformed instantly. The brightly lit sky was replaced by an oppressive, grey mist.

Gu Sheng grew alert immediately, recognizing that the assessment had truly begun.

"Swish!"

A swift shadow launched an attack from his left flank. Gu Sheng reacted instinctively, sidestepping to evade the assault while simultaneously forming his right hand into a fist and striking at the incoming threat.

"Bang!"

The anticipated solid impact failed to materialize. The puppet disintegrated under his blow, dissolving into specks of spiritual light that quickly faded into the ethereal surroundings.

Gu Sheng found himself momentarily bewildered.

Since when had his strength become so formidable?

These puppets, though merely the lowest tier of assessment tools, should not have been so easily destroyed.

With no time for further contemplation, more puppets surged from every direction.

Gu Sheng quickly regained his composure, weaving through the onslaught of puppets with agile movements.

His actions, though appearing simple, possessed an underlying rhythm. Each precise strike targeted the puppets' vulnerable points flawlessly.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

A rapid succession of explosive sounds echoed through the chamber. Wherever Gu Sheng moved, puppets shattered and dissolved.

He was employing only a fraction of his true power, yet these puppets were succumbing with such alarming ease.

"So weak?"

Gu Sheng mused, a frown creasing his brow unconsciously.

He had anticipated that the entry-level assessment at Qinghe Holy Land, renowned as one of the premier cultivation sanctuaries in the Eastern Domain, would present a certain level of challenge.

However, the combat puppets before him were crumbling at the slightest touch, vanishing into countless shimmering fragments.

"It appears I must further suppress my strength."

Gu Sheng calculated inwardly, casting a glance towards the now-ruined Killing Array.

Rumble——

As the last puppet collapsed, the entire Killing Array disintegrated. A brilliant, multicolored bridge materialized from the Void, extending directly before Gu Sheng.

The bridge shimmered with an ethereal light, faint runes gliding across its surface. This marked the commencement of the second trial—the speed trial.

"Speed trial..."

A faint smile touched Gu Sheng's lips.

He could have traversed the bridge in a single bound, but such an feat would be far too conspicuous and draw undue attention.

Gu Sheng deliberately contained the surging True Yuan within his body. He stepped onto the multicolored bridge, adopting a pace akin to that of ordinary cultivators.

Indeed, the bridge exerted a palpable suppressive force, making each step feel as though he were wading through thick mud.

Yet, for Gu Sheng, this resistance was no more than a minor inconvenience.

He intentionally modulated his speed, feigning exertion as he advanced, his mind remaining completely at ease.

"Is this sufficient?"

Gu Sheng gauged the passage of time in his mind, finally reaching the end of the bridge with a show of deliberate effort.

As he set foot on the other side, he thought he detected a hushed gasp of surprise.

Without looking back, Gu Sheng was fully aware that eyes were upon him from beyond the assessment area, scrutinizing every competitor's actions.

The stage for the third trial materialized instantly, revealing a volcano erupting with fiery inferno before him.

Blistering lava erupted from the peak, and the atmosphere became thick with a scorching aura.

"A test of the physical body..."

Gu Sheng advanced into the fiery deluge.

Flames, potent enough to liquefy metal, struck him, yet merely faint wisps of white smoke ascended, leaving his skin completely untouched.

Perceiving the heat of the inferno, a wave of dissatisfaction washed over Gu Sheng – this challenge was far too simple for his capabilities.

"Still moving too quickly..."

Gu Sheng inwardly lamented, intentionally prolonging his stay within the inferno's embrace.

As he finally emerged from the volcano's fiery reach, his brow furrowed even deeper.

Despite his deliberate efforts to slow his pace, his performance had still massively outshone the standard.

Gu Sheng began to harbor concerns that maintaining this current pace might draw unwanted scrutiny.

"I absolutely must procrastinate during the willpower assessment."

Gu Sheng made up his mind, shifting his focus toward the colossal guillotine hanging suspended over a starry expanse ahead.

The guillotine was cloaked entirely in black, its sharp edge reflecting a sinister gleam, enveloped by an oppressive aura of Evil Qi.

Regular cultivators who ventured near it could find their minds besieged by this malevolent Qi.

Gu Sheng approached with deliberate slowness, immediately sensing a formidable pressure bearing down upon his Divine Soul.