Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1301 674: Is That Really True? (Part 2)

"Holy Infant Herb?"

Gu Sheng arched an eyebrow.

With a secret delight, Pan Zhuang continued his explanation.

"Precisely. Though the Blood-striped Python is wounded, it remains an Early Stage Earth Palace realm demon beast. Together, we stand a fighting chance. If you two lend your strength, our odds will surely improve, and the spirit grass shall be divided equally."

Gu Sheng observed Ling Xiao, who subtly shook his head, a clear warning in his eyes.

"The Holy Infant Herb holds significant value for me," Gu Sheng communicated secretly.

"It's capable of aiding my breakthrough to the perfection stage of the Nine Dragons Universe Technique's first level."

Ling Xiao's brow furrowed.

"These individuals clearly harbor ill intentions."

"It's alright, let's proceed and gauge the situation."

Noticing their hesitation, Pan Zhuang added.

"If you two harbor concerns, feel free to depart at any moment. We core disciples wouldn't impose upon our own."

Gu Sheng reached a decision.

"Very well, we shall accompany you and ascertain the circumstances."

A satisfied smile graced Pan Zhuang's features.

"Excellent! Then let us not tarry and depart immediately."

As their approach to Xuanming Divine Mountain commenced, an unseen force seemed to consume all surroundings.

The entire mountain range was enshrouded in a somber, eerie darkness.

"Exercise caution, for this is where the true peril escalates," Pan Zhuang cautioned, his voice lowered.

He held aloft a luminous pearl, its faint glow barely penetrating the gloom a few steps ahead.

Gu Sheng narrowed his eyes, sensing the ebb and flow of spiritual power in the vicinity.

His fingers instinctively found the hilt of his sword, poised for any unforeseen event.

Beside him, Ling Xiao's posture conveyed heightened tension.

"Pan, are you absolutely certain that beast is gravely wounded?" Ling Xiao felt compelled to confirm once more, his voice suppressed, almost a growl.

Pan Zhuang shot him a stern look.

"I witnessed it with my own eyes; how could it be false? Last night's clash reverberated throughout the entire valley. If I hadn't seized the opportune moment, I wouldn't have summoned you."

"A demon beast nearing the Heavenly Palace realm..." Gu Sheng murmured, his eyes gleaming.

"Even in its injured state, it's not a foe we can easily overcome."

"That is precisely why we must strike while it is weakened!" A cultivator, tall and gaunt, positioned behind Pan Zhuang, interjected. He was known as Zhao Wuhen, a close confidant of Pan Zhuang.

"The treasures within that beast's den are more than enough to facilitate a minor realm breakthrough for every one of us!"

The group pressed onward through the oppressive darkness, each individual consciously suppressing their presence, rendering even the sound of their footsteps almost imperceptible.

Gu Sheng's divine sense quietly unfurled, attempting to discern any movement within a hundred-foot radius.

"Wait!" Gu Sheng suddenly raised a hand, signaling an abrupt halt to the team, causing everyone to instantly adopt a defensive stance.

"What is it?" Pan Zhuang inquired with palpable nervousness.

Gu Sheng offered no immediate reply, instead closing his eyes to focus intently on his perception. After a brief moment, he spoke in a low tone.

"A presence is approaching from the northeast."

Upon hearing this, all occupants held their breath and hastily concealed themselves within the roadside thicket.

Ling Xiao reacted a fraction of a second late, only managing to be yanked into the bushes by Pan Zhuang.

"Conceal your vital energy!" Pan Zhuang's telepathic message conveyed an undeniable urgency.

Heavy footsteps grew nearer, punctuated by labored, ragged breaths.

Peering through the foliage, Gu Sheng discerned a massive shadow advancing slowly.

It was a colossal wolf-like demon beast, entirely black, save for its eyes, which blazed with malevolent red light.

With every stride it took, the very ground seemed to tremble.

"Peak Earth Palace realm..." Gu Sheng assessed internally, feeling a surge of gratitude for his timely detection.

The beast paused less than ten meters from their concealed position, its enormous head swiveling left and right as if seeking a scent.

Ling Xiao's breathing grew erratic, and Gu Sheng could clearly sense his burgeoning fear.

"Remain calm," Gu Sheng transmitted to Ling Xiao, simultaneously channeling a measure of spiritual power to help stabilize his breathing.

Abruptly, the beast took a step directly towards their hiding spot, stretching everyone's nerves to their absolute limit.

Pan Zhuang's hand hovered over his storage pouch, prepared to deploy a life-saving talisman at a moment's notice.

In this intensely critical juncture, a sharp, piercing shriek echoed from a distance.

The massive wolf beast instantly redirected its attention and surged towards the source of the sound, vanishing into the oppressive darkness with astonishing speed.

"Whew—"

Zhao Wuhen exhaled a profound sigh, his body nearly buckling with relief.

" That was a close call; we nearly met our demise here."

"Silence!" Pan Zhuang's sharp rebuke cut through the air.

"Do you wish to draw the attention of other demon beasts?"

Gu Sheng rose to his feet, brushing imaginary dust from his attire.

"Junior Brother Pan, how much further to our objective?"

Pan Zhuang surveyed his surroundings, orienting himself before indicating the direction.

"Just beyond the canyon ahead."

He pointed towards the narrow passage situated between two imposing peaks, not far distant.

"Last night, it was near that area where we encountered two demon beasts locked in combat."

Ling Xiao wiped the perspiration from his brow.

"Junior Brother Pan, how did you manage to escape back then? Did the demon beast not pursue you?"

Pan Zhuang appeared quite embarrassed.

"We... we utilized an Earth Escape Talisman. The beast did give chase for a short duration, but it seemed severely wounded and eventually ceased its pursuit."

"You are exceptionally fortunate."

Gu Sheng commented casually, yet his gaze remained fixed upon the direction of the canyon.

"Does the Holy Infant Grass truly reside there?"

"Without a doubt!"

Pan Zhuang emphatically stated, patting his chest for reassurance.

"I observed an entire patch of herbs deep within the cave, containing three stalks of Holy Infant Grass!"

Upon hearing the words "Holy Infant Grass," Gu Sheng's eyes gleamed with intense desire. This particular spiritual medicine possessed unique properties beneficial for mastering certain cultivation techniques, which he desperately required.

The assembled group re-formed their ranks and advanced further into the canyon.

As their journey progressed, the surrounding atmosphere grew increasingly unsettling.

Dark red vines, resembling pulsating blood vessels in the dim luminescence, clung to the rock faces on either side of the canyon.

"Those are Devouring Spirit Vines; do not make contact with them," Gu Sheng cautioned.

"Should one become entangled, these vines can drain a cultivator completely within mere moments."

The party promptly widened their distance from the canyon walls, proceeding through the central path.

Below, a stream trickled softly, its gentle burbling a distinct sound within the profound silence of the canyon.

"We are nearly there!"

Pan Zhuang suddenly cried out in hushed excitement, pointing towards the canyon's terminus.

"Observe that!"

A thin veil of mist drifted around the entrance of the demon beast's lair, carrying a faint, acrid scent upon the air.

"We have finally reached our destination."

Jin Xianyun stood at the van of the expedition, her delicate fingers tracing the jade sash at her waist, anticipation sparkling in her eyes.

"It is rumored that this cave conceals treasures left by ancient cultivators. If we are fortunate enough to discover them..."

Before she could conclude her sentence, Yu Tianyi eagerly stepped forward.

"Fear not, Junior Sister Jin, should any treasures come into my possession, you shall be the very first person I consider."

Jin Xianyun let out a soft laugh, concealing her mouth with her hand, a touch of allure in her gaze.

"Senior Brother Yu is exceedingly kind towards me."

Witnessing this exchange, a flicker of concealed animosity crossed Pan Zhuang's features as he, too, advanced.

"Junior Sister Jin, I have heard whispers that the legendary Holy Infant Grass might flourish within this cave. Should I succeed in procuring it, it would undoubtedly be yours."

"Truly?"

Jin Xianyun's eyes brightened considerably, and she turned her attention towards Pan Zhuang, her voice as sweet as nectar.

"If Senior Brother Pan can indeed secure the Holy Infant Grass for me, I am prepared to offer anything in return."

Yu Tianyi's expression momentarily faltered, his fingers tightening their grip on his sword's hilt. However, he swiftly composed himself, forcing a smile.

"Junior Brother Pan speaks in jest. Such potent spiritual items as the Holy Infant Grass are not readily discovered."

Pan Zhuang met Yu Tianyi's gaze with a subtle smile, offering no verbal reply.

Gu Sheng remained at the periphery of the group, observing the unfolding scene with detached coolness.

He noted that whenever Pan Zhuang engaged with Jin Xianyun, his eyes would inadvertently drift towards the deeper recesses of the cave, betraying a veiled yearning.

"Gu Sheng, what occupies your thoughts?"

Ling Xiao approached Gu Sheng, inquiring in a low tone.

Gu Sheng retracted his gaze and responded quietly.

"Nothing of consequence, merely the feeling that this cave possesses a peculiar aura."

Ling Xiao offered a nod of agreement.

"Indeed, I too have a persistent sensation that we are being observed."

At this precise juncture, Pan Zhuang abruptly raised his voice.

"Everyone, there is a critical matter we must ascertain before venturing into the cave—who among us is in possession of the Azure Dragon Token?"

A round of mutual glances ensued. Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao exchanged a significant look before each drawing a Green Jade Token from their attire.

"I have one," Gu Sheng declared calmly.

"As do I," Ling Xiao added.

Pan Zhuang's face adopted an expression of "as anticipated."

"You must relinquish them immediately. The demon beast inhabiting this cave possesses a particular sensitivity to Azure Dragon Tokens; bringing them into proximity will undoubtedly provoke it."

"Is that indeed the case?"

Yu Tianyi inquired, his tone laced with skepticism.

Pan Zhuang's demeanor remained unyielding and serious.