Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1313 - 680: Mission Board (Part 2)

Two hours later, Gu Sheng’s eyes fluttered open. Though his complexion remained pale, a hint of color had returned to his face.

He expelled a long breath, releasing a mouthful of clotted blood.

"How are you feeling?" Ling Xiao inquired, leaning in with concern.

"I won't die," Gu Sheng replied with a weak smile, his eyes shadowed.

"We cannot remain here; we must depart immediately."

Ling Xiao concurred. "I agree. However, Long Teng has undoubtedly posted lookouts outside. How shall we escape?"

Gu Sheng pushed himself up, stretching his stiffened limbs. "We shall devise a plan as we proceed. It is far better than waiting here to meet our demise."

Following their preparations of basic necessities, Ling Xiao exerted considerable effort to dislodge the Golden Alms Bowl from the stone wall.

The surface of the bowl displayed numerous cracks, indicating a significant depletion of its Spiritual Energy.

Ling Xiao meticulously cleaned it before carefully stowing it away.

Upon exiting the cave, a startling sight greeted them both — the entrance was enveloped in an ethereal Spiritual Mist, within which a slender figure was faintly discernible.

Long Teng and his cronies were nowhere in sight.

"Who is there?" Ling Xiao instinctively shielded Gu Sheng, his hand already poised to unleash a technique.

As the Spiritual Mist gradually dissipated, it revealed a woman clad in a moon-white gown.

Her back was to them, her long tresses flowing like a cascade, and she was encircled by a subtle aura of Spiritual Power, appearing as one with the very fabric of the world.

Gu Sheng’s pupils constricted sharply, his body tensing involuntarily.

Even from her silhouette alone, he recognized her — Su Muxue, an individual from Qinghe Holy Land whose presence was best avoided.

"Su… Senior Sister," Gu Sheng stammered, his voice unusually strained.

The woman slowly turned, unveiling a countenance of unparalleled beauty.

Her brows resembled distant mountains, her eyes twinkled like stars, her skin possessed the smoothness of fine jade, and her lips were as delicate as red dots. Yet, the most captivating aspect was her transcendent aura, seemingly untouched by the mundane realm.

"Junior Brother Gu, it has been some time," Su Muxue’s voice resonated, crisp and clear as a mountain spring, yet devoid of any discernible emotion.

Gu Sheng suppressed the turmoil within and addressed her directly. "What brings you here, Senior Sister Su?"

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Ling Xiao swiftly stepped forward and offered a respectful bow. "Senior Sister Su’s presence is an honor. Might we inquire about the guidance you bring? Should any task require undertaking, I am willing to serve."

Su Muxue’s gaze briefly rested on Ling Xiao before returning to Gu Sheng. "You intend to depart from Qinghe Holy Land?"

Gu Sheng’s heart skipped a beat—how could she possibly know? Nevertheless, he betrayed no sign of surprise.

"Why would Senior Sister say such a thing?"

"The Dragon Palace has recently announced an external training mission," Su Muxue stated, seemingly indifferent to Gu Sheng’s evasiveness.

"By accepting this mission, you may leave openly."

With her words concluded, she turned to depart, her moon-white skirt swirling in an elegant arc, leaving behind only a faint, refreshing scent.

Gu Sheng suddenly took two steps forward. "Wait!"

Su Muxue halted her movement but did not turn back.

"You recognized me long ago, did you not?" Gu Sheng’s voice quivered slightly.

"Why did you not expose me?"

At that instant, the Spiritual Mist swirled intensely, as if stirred by an unseen emotion.

Su Muxue finally turned, her eyes holding a radiant, unreadable quality.

"And if I had?" Her reply was chillingly straightforward.

Gu Sheng’s chest heaved, and a question burst forth. "Why?"

"Uncertain, unwilling." Su Muxue’s response remained terse, yet Gu Sheng keenly observed her slender fingers subtly clenching.

Just as Su Muxue prepared to depart once more, an image flashed through Gu Sheng's mind—a fleeting memory of his mysterious rescuer during the Holy Road trial.

"The one on the Holy Road… it was you!" Gu Sheng exclaimed, almost shouting.

"That Sword Qi… it was yours!"

Su Muxue’s body stiffened visibly. In the next moment, her Spiritual Power surged, and with a delicate hand, she tore open the Void, her figure vanishing instantaneously.

Her abrupt departure was a stark contrast to her previously composed demeanor.

Ling Xiao stared at the scene, utterly stunned, only regaining his senses after a considerable pause.

"Are you out of your mind? Why would you suddenly shout about the Holy Road Sword Qi?"

Gu Sheng stood motionless, a wry smile gracing his lips. "Let's proceed to the Dragon Palace."

"What is going on with you?" Ling Xiao caught Gu Sheng’s arm.

"Who is Su Muxue? What is this about the Holy Road?"

Gu Sheng shook his head, clearly not inclined to offer an explanation. "It is getting late; if we delay further, we truly will not make it."

Ling Xiao's anger simmered, his teeth clenched, but observing Gu Sheng's current state, he understood no answers would be forthcoming. With a sigh of resignation, he followed.

"You'll end up suffering from internal injuries sooner or later!"

Under the cloak of the deepening night, the duo swiftly departed Xuanming Divine Mountain. They bypassed several patrolling disciples, cleverly evading detection.

Despite his internal injuries remaining, Gu Sheng's movements were only slightly hampered, his complexion the primary indicator of his poor condition.

"The Dragon Palace is situated in the northwest quadrant of Qinghe Holy Land," Ling Xiao murmured.

"I've learned that new missions are posted there each morning. We must reach it at first light tomorrow," Gu Sheng replied, then halted abruptly, his gaze fixed warily on the dense shrubbery ahead.

"There's someone there."

Ling Xiao instantly tensed, his hand already reaching for his storage bag. However, a mere wild rabbit burst from the bushes, vanishing swiftly into the darkness.

"So many people are making their way to the Dragon Palace," Ling Xiao remarked, observing the unceasing flow of figures along the mountain path, unable to suppress his surprise.

The disciples wore varied attire; some ascended through the air on mystical artifacts, others rode exotic beasts, and many, like them, journeyed on foot.

Gu Sheng responded absently.

"The Dragon Palace is the sole avenue for accumulating points."

His breathing was uneven as he spoke, his spiritual power diligently mending the damaged meridians within his body.

"Cultivation Techniques, Elixir Pills, Magical Treasures – all require points for acquisition, correct?"

Ling Xiao noticed the beads of cold sweat on Gu Sheng's brow, recognizing he was still pushing past his internal injuries.

These injuries, stemming from a cultivation backlash, were the most vexing kind; unseen yet feeling like thousands of ants gnawing relentlessly at his meridians.

"Would you like to rest for a moment?" Ling Xiao inquired softly.

Gu Sheng shook his head, his eyes betraying a sense of urgency.

"Long Teng's forces might already be en route; we have no time to spare."

The two quickened their pace, ascending the winding mountain trail.

Changhe Mountain stood like a slumbering behemoth, its colossal form reaching towards the heavens, exuding an aura of profound desolation amidst the swirling clouds.

As they climbed higher, the ambient spiritual energy grew denser, each breath allowing faint traces of spiritual power to permeate their bodies.

"Look!" Ling Xiao suddenly exclaimed, pointing upwards in astonishment.

Gu Sheng followed his gaze, beholding a magnificent palace partially obscured by the mountain mist.

Even from their distant vantage point, its imposing presence was undeniable.

Most striking was the colossal palace gate, exceeding one hundred feet in height, meticulously crafted from Xuan Iron, its dragon carvings appearing so lifelike they seemed poised to spring forth at any second.

"That must be the Dragon Palace..." Gu Sheng uttered, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

After another hour of walking, they finally reached the summit.

Up close, the Dragon Palace was even more spectacular.

The dragon scales adorned on the gate were sharply defined, and its dragon eyes, inlaid with glistening gemstones, pierced the sunlight with a cold gleam.

"I heard this gate was forged by the Qinghe Ancestor himself in ages past," Ling Xiao shared in a hushed tone.

"The dragon carvings embody the True Dragon Will, possessing the ability to discern righteous from wicked."

Gu Sheng offered no comment, merely adjusting his robes and stepping forward first.

As he passed through the imposing gates, a peculiar energy seemed to wash over him, akin to being assessed by an ancient, unseen entity.

The interior of the palace was astonishingly vast, far exceeding its external appearance, as if they had stepped into an entirely different realm.

Dozens of stone pillars, intricately carved into coiled dragons, supported the high-domed ceiling; each pillar was so immense that it would require ten men to encircle it.

The most captivating feature was the colossal stone tablet dominating the central area, standing several hundred meters tall and appearing to be made of jade, its surface densely inscribed with characters.

"Is that the mission board?" Ling Xiao's eyes widened in wonder.

Gu Sheng nodded, his focus immediately drawn to a line of golden text at the apex of the stone tablet – his name was emblazoned there in prominent letters!

"Gu Sheng, bounty of ten thousand points, dead or alive."

Ling Xiao read the inscription aloud, his voice trailing off in shock. "Ten thousand points! That's enough to exchange for an Earth Rank cultivation technique!"

Several disciples in the vicinity turned their heads, their expressions laced with curiosity.

Gu Sheng promptly guided Ling Xiao towards the edge of the gathering crowd, his voice lowered considerably.