Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1300 674: Is There Such a Thing?

"A master of the Great Success Sword Intent, at the very least... no, perhaps even stronger."

A single glance passed between the two, their eyes reflecting a shared astonishment.

They had once believed themselves to be at the pinnacle of the younger generation, but this encounter revealed the terrifying might of a true expert.

"Careful!"

A low exclamation from Ling Xiao preceded him swiftly pulling Gu Sheng back.

In that exact moment, a shadowy figure burst from the treeline, its razor-sharp claws raking through the space Gu Sheng had occupied moments before, gouging three deep marks into the earth.

"Roar—"

A colossal black tiger materialized before them.

Ling Xiao narrowed his gaze, his eyes intently studying the gigantic beast.

The Mo Yuan Tiger stood at three zhang tall, its ebony fur adorned with peculiar dark swirls. Its amber eyes fixed upon them, a low growl rumbling from its chest.

"Peak Earth Palace realm; its aura is indeed formidable, even among demonic beasts," Ling Xiao remarked, a hint of disdain coloring his tone.

Gu Sheng, standing beside him, offered a slight nod.

"Comparable to a Core Disciple. Even one of the same cultivation realm might struggle against it."

The Spiritual Energy within the Xuanming Divine Mountain was so dense it felt nearly tangible, manifesting as a faint mist drifting through the forest.

Gu Sheng felt the Spiritual Power coursing through him become more invigorated, a subtle smile of appreciation gracing his lips.

The quality of this cultivation environment was exceptional, clearly accounting for the potency of the demonic beasts dwelling here.

"Do you wish to engage, or shall I?"

Ling Xiao stretched, an indifferent yawn escaping him, showing little interest in this mere Earth Palace Peak demonic beast.

A faint smile touched Gu Sheng's lips.

"Excellent. I shall test the new Martial Technique I have recently acquired."

He stepped forward, deliberately suppressing his cultivation to the late Earth Palace realm, as Spiritual Power surged within him.

With a subtle flick of his right hand, a sword of pure jade-green hue appeared, its blade possessing a crystalline transparency and a faint azure aura swirling within.

As if sensing their dismissive attitude, the Mo Yuan Tiger let out an ear-splitting roar.

A wave of savage demonic Qi erupted outwards, impacting the colossal trees within dozens of zhang, their trunks cracking under the immense pressure with a horrifying screech.

"Roar—!"

Amidst the tiger's ferocious cry, its massive form became a streak of black lightning, hurtling directly towards Gu Sheng.

Its sharp claws sliced through the air, producing a piercing whistle.

Gu Sheng remained composed, his Green Jade Sword executing a fluid movement.

"Heavenly Sorrow Sword."

Instantly, a burst of azure Sword Qi erupted from the blade's tip. It carried a peculiar cadence, a rhythm that seemed to pierce directly into the very soul.

From his vantage point, Ling Xiao frowned, inexplicably overcome by a sudden wave of melancholy, stirring dormant, long-forgotten memories.

"This Martial Technique..."

Astonishment flickered in Ling Xiao's eyes.

"It can actually influence the emotions of others?"

The Sword Qi met the charging Mo Yuan Tiger. Instead of a violent explosion, it seamlessly integrated into the beast's body.

The Mo Yuan Tiger's charge faltered, its movements abruptly becoming sluggish. Within its predatory vertical pupils, an unexpected, human-like sorrow surfaced.

"Wheeeze..."

A heart-wrenching cry emanated from the Mo Yuan Tiger as its massive frame began to convulse, as if undergoing profound spiritual anguish.

Gu Sheng deftly twisted his wrist, the Green Jade Sword completing an elegant arc.

"Slash."

With a soft, sibilant 'shhh,' the Mo Yuan Tiger's body was bisected with surgical precision. Blood gushed forth, rapidly forming a crimson pool on the ground.

The cleanness of the cut, through both flesh and bone, was as perfect as a mirror's surface, a testament to the strike's incredible sharpness.

"Magnificent swordsmanship."

Ling Xiao delivered his applause with genuine admiration.

"This 'Heavenly Sorrow Sword' truly lives up to its name. To cause an opponent to perish in sorrow is indeed... profoundly ingenious."

Gu Sheng returned the Green Jade Sword to its sheath, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"I have only recently achieved mastery; its full power has yet to be realized."

As they conversed, concealed behind a gnarled ancient tree in the distance, Tang Zhiyuan observed the unfolding scene with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"How can this be..."

He whispered the words, his voice strained.

"The 'Heavenly Sorrow Sword' ranks among the three most challenging sword techniques to master within the Inner Sect. And how long has he been a disciple?"

Tang Zhiyuan's hand instinctively clenched, his fingernails digging deeply into his palm.

As a senior disciple of the Inner Sect, he himself had dedicated three arduous years to the 'Heavenly Sorrow Sword' before barely attaining basic proficiency. Yet, this new recruit, Gu Sheng, could already unleash its emotion-altering capabilities!

"He must possess some secret..."

A spark of avarice ignited in Tang Zhiyuan's eyes.

"Perhaps a treasure that accelerates cultivation..."

The pungent aroma of blood rapidly permeated the dense woods, and the distant, fierce roars of other savage beasts began to echo.

A slight frown creased Gu Sheng's brow.

"Let's depart. Lingering here will only invite further complications."

Ling Xiao gave a nod, and just as they prepared to withdraw, both men simultaneously halted their movements.

"Someone is approaching," Gu Sheng murmured.

Indeed, moments later, five individuals emerged from the treeline.

They were attired in identical dark robes, distinguished by golden mountain emblems intricately woven onto their chests—the unmistakable insignia of Xuanming Divine Mountain's Core Disciples.

At the vanguard strode a strikingly handsome young man, a silver longsword sheathed at his hip. He moved with the imposing presence of a dragon and tiger, radiating an exceptional aura.

His gaze briefly settled upon the fallen Mo Yuan Tiger, his eyes betraying a flicker of astonishment.

"Your combined prowess is quite remarkable."

The young man offered a genial smile, his hands clasped. "I am Pan Zhuang, may I have the honor of knowing your names..."

Gu Sheng mirrored the gesture with a smile of his own. "I am Gu Sheng, and this is Ling Xiao. We are recently inducted disciples under Daoist Yong'an."

"Disciples of Master Yong'an?" A young female disciple accompanying Pan Zhuang inquired with palpable surprise, and the countenances of the others shifted subtly.

Pan Zhuang's eyes gleamed with curiosity, though his smile quickly reasserted itself. "Ah, esteemed disciples of Master Yong'an! It is no wonder you so effortlessly vanquished the Mo Yuan Tiger. Would the two of you care to accompany us?"

Ling Xiao's response was delivered with a cool detachment. "There is no need; we have other matters requiring our attention."

Undeterred, Pan Zhuang continued amiably. "We have just located a rather weakened Blood Pattern Python, and its den may well hold Fourth Grade Spirit Grass, perhaps even a Fifth Grade 'Holy Infant Grass'..."