Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1302 675: How Is That Possible?

"Indeed. A senior brother from my Sect perished because of that last time."

Gu Sheng's brow furrowed slightly; the Azure Dragon Token attracting Demon Beasts was something he had never heard of before.

However, observing Pan Zhuang's confident expression, it didn't appear as though he was fabricating the story.

Gu Sheng subtly assessed Pan Zhuang's demeanor and noted that while his words sounded earnest, his eyes darted about nervously.

"In that case, it would be best to simply discard it."

As Gu Sheng spoke, he casually flung the Azure Dragon Token into the dense bushes nearby.

Witnessing this action, Ling Xiao emulated his decision and did the same.

A look of satisfaction spread across Pan Zhuang's face as he promptly began orchestrating their next move.

"I propose we split our forces. I shall remain to guard the rear, while Gu Sheng and Junior Brother Ling advance towards the cave's opening from the front. Brother Yu, your group of five should take positions on the flanks to prevent any surprise attacks from individuals or Demon Beasts."

Yu Tianyi's expression shifted to a frown.

"Why should we split up in such a manner? Wouldn't it be safer to proceed as a cohesive unit?"

Pan Zhuang shook his head, offering a counterpoint.

"The terrain within the cave is intricate; moving as one might inadvertently alert whatever lies within. Dispersing and maintaining vigilance for one another is the most prudent strategy."

Gu Sheng observed Pan Zhuang unconsciously rub the Jade Pendant adorning his waist as he spoke, a subtle indication of his underlying anxiety.

A sense of unease stirred within Gu Sheng, yet he maintained a calm facade.

"Let us proceed according to Junior Brother Pan's suggestion."

With no further objections raised, the group began to divide and position themselves as planned.

Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao advanced cautiously toward the cave's entrance, the dry branches and fallen leaves rustling softly beneath their feet.

Gu Sheng moved with utmost care, his senses keenly attuned to the surrounding environment.

The mountain peak was enveloped in a thick mist, vaguely emanating a powerful aura that seemed to permeate the very air—this was the presence of the mysterious Great Power overseeing Xuanming Divine Mountain.

Gu Sheng felt a prickle of apprehension, fearing that his hidden secrets might be exposed to this formidable entity.

"Exercise caution."

Gu Sheng imparted this softly to Ling Xiao.

"I sense that something is amiss."

Ling Xiao was about to reply when his foot suddenly slipped on a loose stone, snapping a dry branch underfoot. He stumbled forward a few paces before regaining his balance.

"Shh!"

Pan Zhuang hissed urgently from the rear.

"Be quiet!"

Observing this mishap from a distance, Yu Tianyi's eyes glinted with contempt, inwardly denouncing Ling Xiao as incompetent.

Gu Sheng steadied Ling Xiao, his hand finding Ling Xiao's palm to be unnaturally cold and clammy.

"What is troubling you?"

Ling Xiao shook his head, his complexion appearing somewhat pale.

"I know not, I merely felt a sudden wave of... profound unease."

Gu Sheng narrowed his eyes, directing his gaze towards the cave entrance looming not far ahead. The dark aperture resembled a gaping maw, poised to engulf, radiating a chilling aura.

At long last, the trio arrived at the threshold of the cave.

Pan Zhuang gestured into the cave's murky depths, his voice tinged with barely suppressed excitement.

"Look closely; does something appear to be emitting a glow?"

Gu Sheng followed the direction indicated by Pan Zhuang but was met only by impenetrable darkness.

As confusion began to set in, a sudden, forceful gust of wind struck him from behind!

"Take cover!"

With lightning-fast reflexes, Gu Sheng shoved Ling Xiao out of harm's way, absorbing the brunt of the powerful impact himself and being propelled forward.

"Pan Zhuang, you—"

Ling Xiao's indignant outcry was abruptly silenced as he too was sent hurtling into the depths of the cave.

Pan Zhuang remained at the cave's entrance, the placid demeanor he had previously displayed now replaced by a fervent, almost crazed fanaticism.

He rapidly executed a series of sealing hand gestures, causing streaks of Spiritual Patterns to erupt from his fingertips, interweaving to form an expansive net sealing the entrance.

"Seal!"

At Pan Zhuang's guttural command, the Spiritual Patterns instantly solidified, coalescing into a shimmering, transparent barrier that sealed the cave's opening.

From within the cave, a loud crashing sound echoed, followed closely by Ling Xiao's enraged bellow.

"Pan Zhuang! What is the meaning of this treacherous act?"

Pan Zhuang remained deaf to the pleas, removing a blood-red Jade Pendant. He bit his finger, allowing a droplet of blood to fall upon its surface.

The Jade Pendant pulsed with a crimson light, resonating with the seal at the entrance and strengthening the Array.

"Junior Brother Pan! What has transpired here?"

Yu Tianyi's voice carried from a distance as he and Jin Xianyun, accompanied by the others, hastened their approach.

Pan Zhuang swiftly concealed the Jade Pendant, his countenance once again portraying an air of urgent concern.

"It is dire news! A rampaging Demon Beast suddenly appeared, dragging Gu Sheng and Junior Brother Ling into the cave! I... I did all within my power, but I was unable to rescue them!"

"What?"

Yu Tianyi's face turned ashen with shock.

"What course of action should we take now?"

Pan Zhuang responded with a deeply sorrowful shake of his head.

"The Demon Beast has imposed a formidable restriction upon the entrance, which cannot be breached quickly. We... we have no recourse but to retreat and seek assistance."

Jin Xianyun's expression was pale, his voice trembling slightly.

"And what of Gu Sheng and the others...?"

"Their fate is sealed by destiny,"

Pan Zhuang declared with gravitas, a hidden gleam of triumph visible in his eyes.

"Lingering here serves no purpose; we must return immediately to summon reinforcements."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Yu Tianyi eventually offered a nod.

"That is the only course of action available to us."

The group departed with haste, their attention completely diverted, failing to notice the chilling, malevolent grin that stretched across Pan Zhuang's face as he turned away.

Deep within the confines of the cave, Gu Sheng rose from the floor, meticulously brushing the dust from his person.

"Gu Sheng, are you unharmed?"

Ling Xiao's voice emanated from his side.

"I am quite well."

Gu Sheng responded in a low tone, his gaze piercing the oppressive darkness to fix upon the seal barring the cave's entrance.

"The Seven Extremes Sealing Spirit Array... Pan Zhuang was indeed exceedingly well-prepared."

Ling Xiao clenched his teeth, his frustration evident.

"That despicable wretch! I should have perceived his sinister intentions far sooner!"

Gu Sheng remained silent, his attention fully occupied with a thorough examination of their immediate surroundings.

The cavern proved to be considerably more expansive than initially apparent. Faintly luminous moss clung to the rocky surfaces of the walls, casting a dim, ethereal glow.

A pervasive scent of decay hung in the air, curiously interwoven with a distinct... medicinal aroma?

"Holy Infant Grass..."

A sudden realization dawned upon Gu Sheng, prompting a cold, mirthless laugh.

"So, that was his true objective."

Ling Xiao, bewildered, inquired,

"What do you mean?"

"Pan Zhuang's true quarry was not Jin Xianyun, but rather the Holy Infant Grass," Gu Sheng explained with calm deduction.

"He deliberately orchestrated the discarding of our Azure Dragon Token and positioned us to face the brunt of the danger, all for this precise moment."

Pan Zhuang's form vanished into the dense forest before he halted, leaning heavily against an ancient, gnarled tree, his chest heaving with exertion.

"Could it be that I was genuinely intimidated by the mere gaze of an Outer Disciple?"