Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1292 - 671: Arrangements Will Be Made

"I heard about a new disciple who managed to defeat Wang Yuchen this year?"

"That's right, they say his name is Ling Xiao, and he's quite arrogant."

"Hmph, Wang Yuchen was probably just not paying attention. How strong can a newcomer truly be?"

Whispers carried on the breeze, snippets of conversation reaching his ears.

Ling Xiao's ears twitched, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.

Just as he prepared to move closer and catch more of the chatter, an unfamiliar name snagged his attention.

"... After that incident involving Gu Sheng, does Gu Sheng even dare to show his face around here again?"

"Shush, speak softer. But that guy, he truly has a thick skin, causing Senior Brother Gu Sheng's demise and still having the audacity..."

Ling Xiao’s gaze snapped towards Gu Sheng, who appeared utterly unperturbed, as if none of it registered.

He was about to question him when Gu Sheng’s voice echoed in his mind.

"Don't get involved."

"Hey, who were they talking about when the name Gu Sheng came up?" Ling Xiao persisted through voice transmission.

Gu Sheng paused briefly, a flicker of complex emotion in his eyes before it settled back into calm.

"It's none of your concern."

At that precise moment, a group of youths clad in Inner Sect disciple uniforms materialized, blocking their way.

At the forefront stood a man with a severe countenance, a sword strapped to his waist emitting a faint hum.

"Where is Ling Xiao?" he demanded, his sharp eyes sweeping over the gathered individuals like blades.

Ling Xiao arched an eyebrow, about to step forward, but Su Yongchang interjected.

"Li Su, what is the meaning of this?"

"Elder Su." Li Su executed a fist-and-palm salute, though his tone remained frigid.

"I merely wish to observe firsthand the capabilities of the newcomer who defeated Wang Yuchen."

"Nonsense!" Su Yongchang’s expression darkened.

"The introductory test for newcomers hasn't even commenced, and you Inner Sect disciples are eager to make a move? What about the rules of the Holy Land?"

Li Su's countenance stiffened, and the Inner Sect disciples behind him stirred with discontent. One of them grumbled under his breath.

"Senior Brother Wang was defeated by a newcomer, making us Inner Sect disciples a laughingstock everywhere we go..."

"That is because his techniques were insufficiently honed," Su Yongchang cut in, his voice sharp.

"If you are unconvinced, you shall have your opportunity to compete once the talent assessment concludes. Now, stand aside!"

Li Su clenched his jaw but complied, stepping aside. Yet, as Ling Xiao passed, he spoke in a low, menacing tone.

"Do not presume that defeating Wang Yuchen makes you significant. The depths of the Inner Sect are far beyond your comprehension."

Ling Xiao responded with a grin, deliberately amplifying his voice.

"Deep waters are excellent for fishing!"

"You!" Li Su was instantly incensed, but his companions restrained him.

Su Yongchang sighed, shaking his head in resignation, and continued leading the group forward.

"The testing platform lies just ahead."

Su Yongchang gestured towards a weathered stone platform situated a short distance away.

The platform was circular, encircled by twelve ancient stone pillars. Each pillar bore intricate carvings of various mythical beasts, emitting a subtle azure luminescence under the sun's rays.

Wang Yun cautiously approached Ling Xiao, whispering.

"Ling, those Inner Sect disciples were glaring at you as if they wanted to tear you apart. Aren't you the least bit fearful?"

Ling Xiao let out a disdainful scoff, his voice deliberately raised.

"Afraid? That rabble? I could handle every one of them with just one hand!"

Wang Yun's face turned ashen, and he frantically tugged at Ling Xiao's sleeve.

"Ling, be careful with your words! They can hear you perfectly clearly!"

As if on cue, several Inner Sect disciples nearby turned their heads in unison, their gazes burning with palpable fury.

One among them gritted his teeth and spat out the words.

"Arrogant whelp! Once the test concludes, I'll demonstrate precisely what it means to be utterly vanquished!"

Su Yongchang frowned, casting a stern look at Ling Xiao.

"Exercise restraint! There are exceptionally gifted individuals among the Inner Sect disciples. While you bested Wang Yuchen, many are considerably more formidable than he."

Ling Xiao raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Oh? Then why is it that they haven't ventured onto the Holy Road?"

"Silence!" Su Yongchang's expression shifted dramatically, his voice becoming sharp and commanding.

"Do not utter the words 'Holy Road' again!"

Liang Yu, filled with curiosity, edged closer.

"Senior, what transpired during the Holy Road training expedition?"

Su Yongchang surveyed his surroundings, confirming the absence of other Holy Land disciples, before lowering his voice conspiratorially.

"You newcomers are unaware. Roughly six months ago, the Six Great Holy Lands jointly opened the path to the Holy Road, dispatching their most exceptional disciples for rigorous training. However, then..."

His eyes widened, filled with a profound dread.

"A figure emerged from the Tianlan Sacred Land whose power shook the very heavens and caused the spirits of the underworld to wail! This individual nearly annihilated the prodigies of all Six Great Holy Lands, including the Saint Heir and the Holy Daughter themselves!"

"What?!" The assembled crowd collectively gasped.

"The Great Elder of the Qinghe Holy Land has personally undertaken the pursuit of this individual." Su Yongchang stated, his tone grave.

"That the Grand Elder himself has intervened signifies the gravity of this situation."

Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng's body tensed almost imperceptibly.

A peculiar glint flickered in Ling Xiao's eyes, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"What is the Grand Elder's cultivation realm?" Liang Yu cautiously inquired.

Su Yongchang responded with a stern expression.

"The Grand Elder is the pillar of Qinghe Holy Land, his cultivation nigh celestial. He rarely emerges from seclusion; the last time he acted was to subdue a Great Demon that had terrorized for a millennium."

The assembled group exchanged looks, rendered speechless by the revelation.

Su Yongchang omitted the fact that not only the Grand Elder but also the Holy Master had personally mobilized. The repercussions of this event for the Six Great Holy Lands ran far deeper than anyone outside could possibly imagine.

Ling Xiao's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile, his eyes alight with a subtle arrogance.

Gu Sheng lowered his gaze, masking the turmoil of emotions within him.

He had never anticipated leaving such a significant imprint upon the Six Great Holy Lands.

"Enough, these affairs are no longer of concern to you," Su Yongchang declared, waving a dismissive hand.

"Now, accompany me to the Earth Spirit Palace for your talent assessment."

The Earth Spirit Palace, a structure of obsidian black, stood majestically behind the stone platform.

Suspended above its imposing gateway was an artifact of ancient jade, intricately set with an eye so lifelike it seemed to possess sentience, radiating an uncanny luminescence.

"This is the Earth Spirit Palace, where Qinghe Holy Land evaluates the innate potential of its disciples," Su Yongchang explained.

"Within resides the Spiritual Ancient Jade, housing the Ancient Eye, which possesses the ability to perceive the true essence of all things. You need only stand before the Ancient Eye, and it will manifest colors corresponding to your unique talents."