Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1306 - 677: Capture Them

"Let's go."

Gu Sheng flicked the Blood Pearl off his sword, his brow suddenly furrowing. "Someone is approaching." At the cave's mouth, two figures materialized against the light. Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao advanced slowly toward the entrance. Sunlight streamed through the narrow opening, casting shifting patterns on the ground. Gu Sheng spoke with a hint of amusement, "Remember our arrangement." Ling Xiao's lips thinned into a nod. Oddly, whenever he met Gu Sheng's gaze, as profound as ancient wells, his inner anxiety would inexplicably subside. As the pair emerged from the cave, two shadows darted from the sides, obstructing their path. "Well, if it isn't Junior Brother Gu and Ling Xiao?" Ke Yucheng's sharp, gaunt face twisted into a sneer, his eyes gleaming with avarice. "What, planning to slip away?" Tang Zhiyuan stood slightly behind, his gaze assessing them with a solemn air. He was considerably taller than Ke Yucheng, his gray robes fluttering unnaturally, the latent power of the mid-Earth Palace Realm subtly permeating the surroundings, making the air feel thick. "Where is Pan Zhuang?" Tang Zhiyuan demanded directly, his voice resonating like distant thunder. Gu Sheng offered a faint smile, meeting Tang Zhiyuan's gaze with composure. "Senior Brother Tang, that's a curious question. How would I know the whereabouts of Pan and the others?" "Nonsense!" Ke Yucheng bellowed. "We saw all eight of you enter the cave together; how is it that only the two of you have emerged?" Gu Sheng leisurely adjusted his sleeve, seemingly unfazed by Ke Yucheng's tirade. Ling Xiao stood by Gu Sheng's side, feeling the oppressive aura from Tang Zhiyuan making his breathing labored. Tang Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes, suspicion clouding his features. Typically, a cultivator of the Earth Palace Realm would be trembling under his pressure, yet Gu Sheng appeared unaffected, a slight smile gracing his lips. "Junior Brother Gu." Tang Zhiyuan decided to probe further. "What transpired within the cave? Why have only the two of you exited?" He deliberately intensified his pressure to its zenith, causing nearby pebbles to vibrate faintly. Ling Xiao gasped, his face paling, but Gu Sheng remained steadfast, not even a ripple disturbing his attire. "Why all the commotion, Senior Brother Tang?" Gu Sheng chuckled softly. "We simply parted ways. Pan and the others had pressing matters and permitted us to depart first." Ke Yucheng, witnessing this, seethed. "Senior Brother Tang, why waste breath on this fellow? Let's capture them and conduct a Soul Search!" Tang Zhiyuan raised a hand, halting Ke Yucheng. He peered into Gu Sheng's eyes, seeking any sign of weakness, but found only an abyss of unnerving calm. "Junior Brother Gu." Tang Zhiyuan stated gravely. "I urge you to speak truthfully. Did Pan Zhuang discover some kind of Treasure within the cave?" Hearing this, a subtle sneer flickered across Gu Sheng's countenance. He had anticipated this very question. "Senior Brother Tang, your perception is indeed keen." Gu Sheng responded enigmatically in a low tone. "Indeed, there is something... remarkable within the cave. However—" He deliberately paused, surveying their expressions. "I fear it is beyond your capabilities." "Presumptuous!" Ke Yucheng roared, conjuring dark green Spiritual Power in his palm. "Senior Brother Tang, this brat is clearly mocking us!" Tang Zhiyuan, however, grew more wary. Gu Sheng's demeanor was exceptionally peculiar; he was either mad or possessed some hidden strength. Given his composure under extreme pressure, the latter seemed more plausible. "Junior Brother Gu." Tang Zhiyuan softened his tone. "We are fellow disciples; why maintain such distance? If a Treasure is present, we can share it amicably." Gu Sheng inwardly scoffed but maintained his outward composure. "Senior Brother Tang jokes. Treasures are meant for those fated to receive them; seeking them by force invites only misfortune." The two began to retreat slowly back into the cave. Ke Yucheng, observing this, grew agitated. "Senior Brother Tang! They are escaping!" Tang Zhiyuan hesitated. Prudence advised caution, yet the hint of a major find implied by Gu Sheng's words ignited his curiosity. If there truly was a significant Treasure inside... In that moment of indecision, Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao had already re-entered the cave, their forms dissolving into the enveloping darkness. "Damn it!" Ke Yucheng slammed his foot in frustration. "Senior Brother Tang, what are you waiting for? Are you intimidated by a mere Earth Palace Realm brat?" Tang Zhiyuan's expression darkened. "Doesn't it strike you as unusual? That boy was entirely unfazed by my pressure." "Perhaps he possesses a Protective Dharma Treasure!" Ke Yucheng retorted impatiently. "We have tracked them all this way, finally seizing this opportunity, are we simply going to abandon it?"

Tang Zhiyuan’s gaze was fixed upon the cave’s dark opening, his brow creasing in thought.

A faint aroma of blood drifted out, mingling with an unsettling aura that stirred his instincts, creating a sense of unease.

Within the cavern’s depths, Ling Xiao inquired in a hushed tone.

"Gu Sheng, why not confront them directly outside? Given your formidable cultivation…"

Gu Sheng merely shook his head, his finger delicately touching Ling Xiao’s lips, signaling her to remain quiet.

His Divine Sense had already permeated the entire cave entrance, allowing him to overhear their conversation with perfect clarity.

"The exterior is too exposed," Gu Sheng communicated through a secret transmission.

"Once we engage, the disturbance will be immense. Moreover…" His eyes drifted upwards, scanning the cave’s shadowed ceiling.

"That significant presence is still observing us."

Ling Xiao followed his line of sight but perceived only impenetrable darkness.

Yet, she trusted Gu Sheng’s Divine Sense implicitly, knowing it surpassed that of ordinary cultivators; if he stated someone was watching, it was undeniably so.

"What course of action should we take now?" Ling Xiao asked, her voice laced with worry.