Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1296 672: Someone Is Coming

"Ling Xiao, you absolutely must rein in your words and actions. If you happen to offend someone you shouldn't, even I won't be able to rescue you in time."

Ling Xiao pouted, though he still managed a nod.

"Elder Su, please be assured, I am aware of my own limitations."

"Hmph, I certainly hope so."

Su Yongchang let out a cold snort and then turned his gaze towards Gu Sheng.

"You have a meticulous nature, keep a close watch on him."

Gu Sheng gave a slight nod, offering no verbal reply.

His fingers absentmindedly traced the Azure Dragon Token secured at his waist – a token of pure jade, intricately carved with a coiled azure dragon, serving as the necessary certification for entry into Xuanming Divine Mountain.

The profound meaning in Daoist Yong'an's eyes when he had bestowed these tokens upon them still lingered deeply in Gu Sheng's mind.

"Remember this,"

Su Yongchang continued his instructions.

"Xuanming Divine Mountain is completely enveloped in dark clouds each night, which significantly impedes the efficacy of divine thought and spiritual sense, yet it is precisely during this time that various miraculous creations manifest.

By day, when the clouds dissipate, the mountain's numerous caves become ideal sanctuaries for cultivation; the closer one ascends towards the summit, the more concentrated the spiritual energy becomes."

Ling Xiao's eyes brightened instantly.

"Then shouldn't we simply head straight for the summit?"

"Utterly foolish!"

Su Yongchang admonished him sternly.

"With your present cultivation level, venturing near the summit is tantamount to inviting death! The sheer density of spiritual energy there could easily rupture your meridians! Seek out a cave at the mountain's base and cultivate diligently; do not entertain overly ambitious notions!"

Gu Sheng gently pulled the still-protesting Ling Xiao aside and stated with firm resolve.

"We shall heed Elder Su's counsel."

Su Yongchang's expression softened slightly, and he added further directives.

"Should you find yourselves in peril, immediately shatter the Azure Dragon Token, and the formidable guardian spirit dwelling within Xuanming Divine Mountain will offer aid. However, be warned, you possess but a single chance, and you must emerge precisely after one month; fail to do so, and..."

"And we shall be unceremoniously expelled; we understand."

Ling Xiao responded with a touch of levity, but quickly shrank back under Su Yongchang's stern glare.

The trio pressed onward and soon arrived at the precipice of a seemingly bottomless abyss.

Beyond this chasm lay the true domain of Xuanming Divine Mountain.

Gu Sheng leaned precariously to peer down, only to see a swirling vortex of black fog within the abyss, accompanied by faint, unsettling howls emanating from its depths, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Stay close to me."

Su Yongchang grasped each of them firmly by a hand and, with a powerful leap reminiscent of a great roc taking flight, soared across the vast expanse of the abyss.

Just as they neared the opposite edge, an intense, piercing coldness suddenly descended upon them.

Gu Sheng felt as though his very blood was on the verge of freezing solid, delicate frost crystals danced before his eyes, and he inhaled an air tinged with an ancient, desolate aroma.

Even more alarmingly, a deep, muffled roar echoed from the abyss's unseen depths, causing his internal organs to tremble violently from the sheer vibration.

"Hmph!"

A cold snort suddenly cut through the air, like a clap of thunder erupting directly in their ears.

Gu Sheng's vision momentarily blurred, and then, a silhouette materialized from thin air directly before them.

The figure was enveloped entirely in a flowing black robe, concealing their face, save for a pair of eyes that radiated a coldness capable of chilling the very soul.

"Greetings, Xuanming Envoy."

Su Yongchang immediately bowed, displaying the utmost deference.

Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao swiftly followed suit. The Xuanming Envoy cast a brief glance at the two youths, and Gu Sheng felt an overwhelming divine sense sweep over him, meticulously probing every corner of his being.

The sensation of being completely laid bare sent a chill coursing through his spine, yet he dared not offer any resistance.

"Azure Dragon Token."

The Xuanming Envoy's voice was a low, rasping murmur.

Su Yongchang made a swift gesture, and Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao presented their Azure Dragon Tokens with both hands.

The envoy merely cast a cursory glance at the tokens, and they promptly levitated back into their respective owners' hands.

"One month."

The Xuanming Envoy stated, his voice devoid of any warmth.

"Those who exceed this period shall perish."

As the final word fell, Gu Sheng felt an icy dread surge from his feet all the way to his head, as if Death himself had placed a chilling scythe against his neck.

He harbored no doubt whatsoever that if they dared to overstay their welcome, this Xuanming Envoy would unhesitatingly claim their lives.

"We shall dutifully adhere to the Xuanming Envoy's command."

Su Yongchang bowed once more, then addressed Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao.

"Guard your Azure Dragon Tokens well and bear my words firmly in mind."

Gu Sheng nodded with utmost sincerity, tucking the Azure Dragon Token securely away.

Ling Xiao, too, adopted an uncharacteristic air of solemnity, carefully concealing the token within his chest.

Su Yongchang offered a final bow to the Xuanming Envoy before turning to depart.

His figure rapidly dissolved into the swirling mists on the far side of the abyss, leaving Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao to face the enigmatic Xuanming Divine Mountain alone.

"Phew—finally rid of him."

Ling Xiao let out a profound sigh, his face quickly regaining its characteristic expression of playful disdain.

"That old geezer droned on and on; my ears are practically worn out."

Gu Sheng, however, furrowed his brow and whispered sternly.

"Watch your tone! That Xuanming Envoy might still be within earshot."

Ling Xiao carelessly flicked his hand.

"Why should we be afraid? We're official disciples, blessed with Azure Dragon Tokens; he wouldn't dare harm us."

"You..."

Gu Sheng was about to retort, but a chilling stare from behind silenced him instantly.

He turned discreetly, seeing that the Xuanming Envoy had already disappeared. However, the sensation of being observed lingered.

"Let's go."

Without another word, Gu Sheng took the lead towards the base of the mountain.

The ground was yielding and moist, accepting shallow impressions with each stride. Yet, inexplicably, these footprints would soon be erased by an unseen force, as if no one had ever passed through.

Ling Xiao hastened to catch up, his gaze sweeping the vicinity with intrigue.

"This place is truly peculiar; one can't even leave tracks. Say, Gu Sheng, do you reckon those caves might hold hidden treasures?"

"Elder Su mentioned that daytime is for cultivating our Qi, and nighttime is when mystical creations manifest," Gu Sheng responded, not bothering to look back.

"Our immediate goal is to locate a suitable cave for shelter."

"Tsk, how dull."

Ling Xiao grumbled, though he continued to follow Gu Sheng.

As they neared the foot of the mountain, the surrounding spiritual energy became noticeably denser, with every inhalation refreshing their minds and spirits.