Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1317 - 682: Next Destination (Part 2)

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Previously on Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World...
Ling Xiao and Gu Sheng defy warnings to descend into the fiery depths of the Golden Crow Volcano. Gu Sheng cultivates intensely, battling the overwhelming Yang Qi with his Yin Attribute techniques, while Ling Xiao also achieves a breakthrough. Meanwhile, powerful cultivators beyond the fourth barrier observe the events, deeming Gu Sheng's struggle a mere scuffle but noting Ling Xiao's potential.
“It’s now!” Gu Sheng’s eyes snapped open, nine miniature dragons coiling within his pupils. Without a moment’s delay, he consumed the final portion of Holy Infant Grass, unleashing the vast Yin Qi that had dwelled within his body for so long. A crisp sound, audible only to Gu Sheng, emanated from his Dantian. The nine dragon-shaped True Yuan that had previously occupied the space there coalesced into a single entity, transforming into a colossal, entirely black Profound Yin Giant Dragon. This colossal dragon unleashed a skyward roar, and the Yin Qi enveloping Gu Sheng instantly solidified, forming a delicate Ice Crystal Armor. “Success!” Gu Sheng stood tall, the Ice Crystal Armor shimmering as it met the potent Yang Qi, emitting a distinct sizzling sound. A faint smile touched his lips as he reveled in the surging power coursing through him. Perched upon an outcrop of rock, Ling Xiao’s gaze remained fixed on the figure seated in the distance, his jaw tightly clenched. “How is this possible…” Ling Xiao’s words were barely a whisper, forced out through gritted teeth, visible veins throbbing on his forehead betraying his inner turmoil. Merely a dozen days prior, he had attained the mid Earth Palace Realm, believing he was finally narrowing the gap with Gu Sheng. However, the current spectacle rendered all his efforts utterly futile. Gu Sheng was enveloped in an almost palpable concentration of Yang Qi, his aura escalating and pushing towards the late Heavenly Palace Realm! “His foundation was clearly shattered; how did he recover so swiftly?” Ling Xiao balled his fists, his fingernails digging into his palms without his notice. He distinctly recalled Gu Sheng’s dire condition, yet now the opponent’s presence was overwhelmingly powerful, almost suffocating. At the heart of the Magma Lake, Gu Sheng levitated in mid-air, the seething magma churning far below. His eyes were closed, his pores wide open, voraciously absorbing the unique Pure Yang Qi of Golden Crow Mountain. These crimson energies flowed like converging rivers, continuously pouring into his being. “A dominant physique… could this be the legendary Innate Daoist Body?” Ling Xiao shook his head bitterly, his gaze a mixture of envy and resignation. He considered himself exceptionally talented, a prominent figure among the younger generation of Qinghe Holy Land, yet when compared to Gu Sheng, he felt like a mere firefly attempting to rival a brilliant moon. At this precise moment, the Yang Qi surrounding Gu Sheng surged with unexpected intensity, initiating the formation of a massive vortex. Ling Xiao’s pupils constricted; he recognized this sign all too well – it heralded an impending breakthrough! “Damn it!” Ling Xiao slammed his foot down forcefully, shattering the rock beneath him. He had striven so hard to reach this point, anticipating he would finally catch up to Gu Sheng, only for his rival to once again pull far ahead. Within the epicenter of the magma vortex, Gu Sheng’s eyes suddenly opened, golden flames seemingly dancing within their depths. He formed hand seals, his Spiritual Power surging like a torrential flood, crushing the barriers of his current realm. “Break!” A deep exhalation echoed through the magma-filled space as Gu Sheng’s aura abruptly intensified, his robes fluttering as if caught in a gale. The surrounding Yang Qi appeared to respond to his will, flowing into his body with even greater ferocity. Ling Xiao’s complexion paled; he could distinctly sense Gu Sheng’s aura undergoing a profound metamorphosis – achieving the late Heavenly Palace Realm! “This guy…” Ling Xiao gnashed his teeth. “No matter where he ventures, he stumbles upon fortuitous encounters; his destiny is truly extraordinary!” He recollected the immense hardships he endured and the vast resources he expended to achieve his own realm breakthrough. Yet Gu Sheng? It seemed the heavens themselves conspired to aid him, transforming even a perilous locale like Golden Crow Mountain into his personal training ground. “No, I cannot simply await my doom!” A ruthless glint flashed in Ling Xiao’s eyes. His muscles tensed, Spiritual Power raging through his meridians. If Gu Sheng could achieve a breakthrough here, why couldn’t Ling Xiao? “Ha!” With a resounding shout, Ling Xiao plunged deeper into the Magma Lake. An unseen barrier demarcated distinct training zones within Golden Crow Mountain; the further one ventured, the more concentrated the Yang Qi and the greater the oppressive force. “Open for me!” Ling Xiao channeled his mental techniques at their peak and unleashed a punch towards the barrier. The barrier rippled, and a fissure appeared. Without hesitation, he charged through— *Poof!* Upon entering, an overwhelming pressure immediately caused Ling Xiao’s expression to contort drastically. He felt as if an immense mountain bore down upon him, his internal organs groaning under the strain. Before he could even begin to adapt, an even more ferocious surge of Yang Qi assaulted him, instantly overwhelming his defenses. “Ah!”

With a pained cry, Ling Xiao was violently sent flying backward, crashing heavily onto the ground not far from Gu Sheng and spitting out blood that stained the front of his robes.

"Cough, cough..."

Ling Xiao managed to sit up with great difficulty, his face ashen.

He cast his gaze toward the deeper regions within the barrier, his eyes brimming with unwillingness yet tinged with helplessness.

The disparity in strength was simply too immense.

From the center of the Magma Lake, Gu Sheng seemed to detect something and turned his head to look in Ling Xiao’s direction.

Their gazes locked across the space, one exuding tranquility like still water, the other holding a complex, unfathomable depth.

"You are too impatient."

Gu Sheng's voice drifted over faintly.

Ling Xiao let out a cold snort.

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he settled into a cross-legged position and commenced regulating his breathing.

"I just... wanted to see what the deeper part looks like."

Gu Sheng merely shook his head, uttering no further words.

He closed his eyes once more, sinking into contemplation of the surging power within him. The Late Heavenly Palace Realm had been attained, yet this was far from sufficient.

"Long Teng..."

Gu Sheng silently mouthed the name in his heart.

That individual was the formidable adversary he was destined to confront, the true apex among the younger generation of the Qinghe Holy Land.

Perhaps with his current might, he could contend with him, but to vanquish his opponent was still a distant prospect.

"Within ten years, I must reach the Dao Palace Realm."

Gu Sheng formed a resolute vow.

He was acutely aware of the perilous nature of his circumstances—the Killing Order issued by the Six Great Holy Lands was not to be taken lightly.

Without adequate strength, even basic self-preservation would prove to be a significant challenge.

The intense heat radiating from the magma washed over Gu Sheng's face, yet he remained utterly unfazed.

He began to meticulously organize the Spiritual Power circulating within him, solidifying the realm he had just ascended to.

Concurrently, his mind delved into the profound mysteries of the Yang Dao as taught by Golden Crow Mountain.

"Nine Dragon Heaven and Earth Technique Second Level..."

Gu Sheng softly recited the incantation for the mental cultivation method in his mind. This supreme technique boasted a total of nine levels, with each progression representing a qualitative leap in power.

He had now achieved a rough mastery of the Second Level, but a considerable chasm remained before reaching Small Success.

"Yang Dao..."

Gu Sheng reflected deeply. Golden Crow Mountain, being a Land of Ultimate Yang, was exceptionally conducive to comprehending the Yang Dao.

If he could glean further insights here, it would undoubtedly accelerate the cultivation of the Nine Dragon Heaven and Earth Technique.

Time trickled by, minute by minute, as Gu Sheng remained completely absorbed in his cultivation.

The surrounding Yang Qi, which had initially been a deep crimson, gradually began to shimmer with a faint golden hue.

Not far away, Ling Xiao, having concluded his breathing exercises, opened his eyes and witnessed this transformation, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

"This fellow... he's actually comprehending the Yang Dao?"

A tempest of shock erupted within Ling Xiao's heart. The Yang Dao stood as one of the most formidable paths among the Three Thousand Great Paths, a domain that ordinary cultivators typically dared not tread, let alone attempt to comprehend.

Yet, Gu Sheng not only ventured into it but appeared to be making substantial progress.

"Monster..."

Ling Xiao muttered under his breath, a curse escaping his lips, though he could not deny the ever-widening gulf between them.

He compelled himself to regain composure and recommitted his focus to his own cultivation.

Three days vanished in the blink of an eye.

The Yang Qi within the magma chamber suddenly began to churn violently, its source emanating from Gu Sheng's location.

He slowly opened his eyes, a golden luminescence gleaming within his gaze, each movement radiating a formidable aura.

"Late Heavenly Palace Realm, stabilized."

Gu Sheng perceived the surging power within him and nodded with evident satisfaction.

The three days of strenuous training had not only served to consolidate his current realm but had also yielded minor breakthroughs in his comprehension of the Yang Dao.

He rose to his feet, his gaze now directed toward the more profound depths of the Magma Lake.

That area represented the core region of Golden Crow Mountain, where the Yang Qi concentration was several times greater than his current position, and consequently, the ambient pressure was also significantly amplified.

"It is time to advance to the next stage."

Gu Sheng whispered softly to himself.

That location served as the training grounds for Qinghe Holy Land's most powerful Body Refiners, including two individuals among the legendary Five Great Body Refiners.

Gu Sheng stood before the barrier, the magma churning around him, the sound of bursting bubbles reverberating like the roars of some ancient, ferocious beast.

The scorching air seared his lungs, yet his mind felt remarkably clear.

"Does that guy truly dare to enter?"

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes, unconsciously clenching the fabric of his clothes.