Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1293 - 671: Arrangements Are Already Made

Regarding the categorization of the colors, Ling Xiao inquired with palpable interest, "What colors correspond to what levels?"

Su Yongchang proceeded to elucidate the system. "Black signifies the lowest tier, designated for Outer Disciples. Blue indicates a superior standing, granting entry into the Inner Sect. Green, however, represents the pinnacle, directly bestowing the status of a Core Disciple."

As Gu Sheng absorbed this information, a distinct sense of unease began to stir within him. He found himself instinctively reaching for his chest, where he had concealed a Jade Scroll, a gift from Ling Xiao. This scroll contained an Ancient Secret Technique, designed to mask certain aspects of one's innate talent. Yet, faced with the legendary "Ancient Eye," his confidence wavered.

Noticing Gu Sheng's altered demeanor, Ling Xiao's voice materialized through a mental transmission, asking, "What is wrong?"

Gu Sheng's brow furrowed slightly as he replied, "This Ancient Eye... can your secret technique truly deceive it?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Ling Xiao's eyes as he averted his gaze from Gu Sheng. "It... it should be able to."

Gu Sheng's heart sank further. Ling Xiao's uncertain response amplified his growing apprehension. He knew his companion intimately; such evasive glances were invariably signs of guilt.

Within the hall, a vibrant green luminescence permeated the air, reminiscent of the ephemeral aurora dancing at the universe's edge, casting the entire chamber in an almost illusory, dreamlike quality. The light itself seemed imbued with an profound sense of antiquity, as if it had journeyed through untold epochs, bridging the ancient past with the present moment.

Standing amidst the throng, Gu Sheng felt an immense, ancient pressure bearing down upon him, causing cold sweat to bead on his back. His gaze was fixed upon the colossal, floating eyeball at the hall's center—an orb as large as a millstone, its pupil a peculiar shade of grey-green. It opened and closed with a slow, unnerving rhythm, each blink accompanied by a grating, creaking sound akin to the protest of ancient, decaying door hinges.

"Ugh—"

Suddenly, the eyeball unleashed a piercing wail, a sound so desolate it evoked the simultaneous cries of countless tormented spirits. Gu Sheng's heart constricted abruptly, an overwhelming wave of sorrow washing over him, threatening to bring him to tears on the spot. He quickly invoked the secret technique Ling Xiao had taught him, desperately fighting to suppress the alien emotion.

"This infernal thing..." Gu Sheng muttered inwardly, stealing a glance at Ling Xiao beside him. While Ling Xiao's outward expression remained composed, Gu Sheng observed the subtle tremor in his fingers at his side. A brief exchange of glances passed between them, revealing a shared depth of unease.

Gu Sheng initiated a secret message transmission. "Senior Brother, this eyeball..."

Ling Xiao's reply was swift, though laden with a chilling gravity. "It is the Ancient Eye, a treasured artifact of the Qinghe Holy Land."

"Legend claims it can pierce all illusions, revealing the true nature of any cultivator. I never anticipated they would employ it for testing new disciples..."

Gu Sheng's apprehension intensified. "Then, our deception..."

"It's not guaranteed," Ling Xiao transmitted, his message pausing. "The risk involved is immense. Should we be exposed, we would face the full fury of the entire Qinghe Holy Land."

Gu Sheng's throat tightened as he swallowed, his gaze sweeping across the hall. He noted the dozens of Holy Land Disciples, clad in emerald robes, each exuding an aura of profound power. The presence of unseen, ancient powerhouses was also a chilling possibility.

"Is there no alternative?" Gu Sheng questioned, a note of desperation in his voice.

Ling Xiao remained silent for a moment, his subsequent transmission conveying a sense of profound helplessness. "This is their main stronghold; we... stand no chance."

While their secret communication continued, Su Yongchang, positioned at the forefront, suddenly turned around. Gu Sheng's heart leaped, and he swiftly reined in his thoughts.

However, Su Yongchang merely cast a glance his way, his eyes briefly lingering on Gu Sheng's blood-stained attire before moving on. He spoke calmly, "Gu."

"The bloodstains on your clothes..."

It was then Gu Sheng realized his robe bore the dried, dark red marks of blood from his earlier competition. He hastily clasped his hands in apology. "Senior, I..."

"There is no need for explanation," Su Yongchang said, waving a dismissive hand. He produced a new, green robe from his Storage Bag and presented it to Gu Sheng. "Put this on; the test is about to commence."

Gu Sheng accepted the garment, offering his thanks before quickly changing. The fabric felt remarkably soft and cool to the touch, unmistakably of high quality. He observed subtle runes intricately embroidered near the collar, faintly discernible under the ambient green light.

"This is..."

Gu Sheng traced the runes with a curious finger. "Outer Sect Disciple attire of the Qinghe Holy Land," Su Yongchang explained. "Once you successfully pass the assessment, you will officially be inducted as a disciple of the Holy Land."

A forced smile touched Gu Sheng's lips, but his internal disquiet grew more profound. He subtly glanced back at the Ancient Eye dominating the hall's center. The colossal pupil seemed fixed upon him, instilling a chilling sensation of being utterly transparent.

"The test commences!"

A Holy Land Disciple, positioned atop a high platform, declared loudly.

"New disciples, come forward in sequence. Place your hands upon the Spirit Testing Platform, and the Ancient Eye shall reveal your innate talent and aptitude."

Leading the charge were three slender young men.

They approached the Spirit Testing Platform with evident nervousness, placing their hands atop the Crystal Ball, one after another.

"Hum—"

The Ancient Eye twitched slightly, and three dark beams of light shot forth from its pupil, engulfing the Crystal Ball.

Instantly, the Crystal Ball emitted a dull, black luminescence, appearing as though it had been steeped in ink.

"Low aptitude, Outer Sect Disciple."

The announcing disciple's voice was devoid of emotion, as if relaying a trivial piece of information.

A wave of disappointment washed over the three youths, yet they bowed respectfully before stepping aside.

However, the Holy Land Disciples observing the proceedings began to murmur amongst themselves.

"Another black result, this influx of newcomers is truly subpar!"

"I heard two individuals who secured spots are quite formidable; why haven't they come up for testing yet?"

"Could they be all hype and no substance?"

These whispers reached Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao, who exchanged a knowing glance, each detecting a flicker of hesitation in the other's eyes.

Both harbored their own apprehensions, neither eager to be the first to step forward.

Su Yongchang seemed to notice their reluctance but offered no immediate pressure, calmly stating instead,

"There is no need for haste. Let the others undergo the examination first."

Next to take the platform was Xu Guangzhi, a tall youth with resolute features.

As his hand made contact with the Crystal Ball, the light emanating from the Ancient Eye deepened to a profound blue.

"Medium aptitude, Inner Sect Disciple!"

The announcer's tone gained a slight elevation.

A look of triumph graced Xu Guangzhi's face as he bowed respectfully and moved to the side.

Liu Qingshan also produced a blue glow, consequently earning the status of an Inner Sect Disciple.

Other new disciples underwent the test sequentially, but invariably, all their results were a dark hue, qualifying them only as Outer Sect Disciples.

Curiously, these individuals did not express discontent. Instead, they cast looks of gratitude towards Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao.

"Had you two not claimed those spots, we would not even have had the opportunity to become Outer Sect Disciples."

A youth murmured to Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng offered a faint smile, though his internal anxiety intensified.

The testing was drawing to a close, with only himself and Ling Xiao remaining.

As if sensing the impending conclusion, the Ancient Eye's rotation accelerated abruptly, emitting a more piercingly sharp creaking sound.

"The final two, step forward for your assessment!"

The announcing disciple's voice boomed, his gaze fixed intently on Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao.

Every eye in the hall turned towards them.

Gu Sheng felt a constriction in his throat, his legs growing leaden.

Just as he wavered, Su Yongchang's voice cut through the tension.

"Gu Sheng, Ling Xiao, you are exempt from testing."

This declaration was akin to a massive stone dropped into still waters, instantly igniting a furious uproar.

"What? Exempt from testing? On what grounds!"

"Elder Su, this is a clear violation of the established rules!"

" Do they possess some unique qualifications?"

The Holy Land Disciples reacted with palpable vehemence, with one even stepping forward to lodge a direct challenge.

A Core Disciple named Liang Yu approached Su Yongchang, his expression darkening considerably.

"Master Su, the Ancient Eye assessment is a long-standing tradition of our Holy Land. Never before has anyone been excused from this initial entry-level evaluation. Such an exemption might prove difficult to justify to others."

Su Yongchang's demeanor remained unruffled as he simply raised a hand, gesturing for calm.

"Silence."

Two terse words, yet they carried an undeniable weight of authority, causing the clamor in the hall to subside dramatically.

"I have my reasons for this decision."

Su Yongchang continued, his gaze sweeping across the assembled individuals.

"Liang Yu, escort Liu Qingshan and Xu Guangzhi to Qingluan Peak to settle their Inner Sect Disciple accommodations. Zhao Ming, you will guide the remaining disciples to Outer Sect Spirit Mountain."

The two disciples thus named, despite their evident displeasure, dared not disobey an Elder's command and could only accede respectfully.

"Yes, Master."

Before long, the new disciples present in the hall were separated into two distinct groups and led away.