Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1320 - 684: Seeing Ghosts

At this moment, Gu Sheng had already relinquished seventy percent of his defenses, his entire being akin to iron plunged into molten lava, every fiber of his flesh enduring torment beyond comprehension.

Yet, his eyes blazed with increasing intensity—under such extreme duress, he could distinctly perceive subtle transformations occurring within his physical form.

Muscle fibers were tearing and then re- Knitting under the immense pressure, becoming more resilient.

Impurities embedded within his bones were gradually purged, their density steadily augmenting; even his blood circulation quickened, circulating vital Qi more powerfully throughout his entire body.

"It's succeeding!"

A wave of elation washed over Gu Sheng, bolstering his resolve to persist ever further.

Just as Gu Sheng found himself engrossed in the throes of this excruciating yet rewarding cultivation, an abrupt surge of energy fluctuations emanated from the barrier's confines.

"Boom!"

A resplendent golden light cleaved through the barrier, illuminating a vast expanse within the treacherous depths of Heaven-Burning Valley.

A collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the onlookers as a golden alms bowl, spinning rhythmically, was revealed, radiating an aura of potent suppression.

Underneath the radiant bowl, Ling Xiao’s countenance was flushed, his hands weaving intricate sealing signs as he painstakingly advanced inch by agonizing inch.

"Shatter for me!"

Ling Xiao bellowed, and the golden bowl’s luminescence intensified, forcefully carving a passage through the barrier's crushing pressure.

"Bang!"

Ling Xiao finally breached the barrier, stumbling forward a few paces before regaining his steadiness. The golden bowl retreated into his body, and he drew in ragged breaths, his face alight with the triumphant glow of victory.

"Another reckless soul arrives."

Hong Yun's brow furrowed.

However, Mi Yingzong’s eyes sparkled with interest.

"Oh, could this be that brat who got sent flying earlier? Not bad at all!"

Ling Xiao’s gaze swept across the surroundings, swiftly zeroing in on Gu Sheng, who was positioned in a secluded corner.

Upon witnessing Gu Sheng's ravaged appearance, his entire body a mess of scabs, Ling Xiao was initially taken aback, which quickly morphed into an expression of grudging admiration.

"Esteemed fellow Daoist."

A lanky cultivator approached, his eyes appraising Ling Xiao intently.

"Who might your master be?"

Ling Xiao straightened his posture, his voice resonating loud and clear.

"My master is Daoist Yong’an!"

"Daoist Yong’an?"

The tall, slender cultivator blinked in surprise before casting a curious glance toward Gu Sheng's location.

"Another disciple of Daoist Yong’an?"

A murmur of conjecture immediately swept through the assembled crowd.

"What an auspicious day! Two disciples of Daoist Yong’an venturing into the perilous depths of Heaven-Burning Valley?"

"Wasn't Daoist Yong’an known to be in seclusion for many years? When did he accept so many disciples?"

"Tsk tsk, it is no wonder he is nearing Elder status; the disciples he cultivates are indeed exceptional."

Stirred by the sudden hubbub, Gu Sheng was compelled to interrupt his cultivation and open his eyes, turning his attention towards Ling Xiao.

Their gazes locked; Ling Xiao arched an eyebrow with an air of pride, while Gu Sheng offered a helpless shake of his head.

"Gu Sheng!"

Ling Xiao strode forward, but his expression shifted dramatically upon approaching within three zhang of Gu Sheng.

"This oppressive force... how are you enduring it?"

He swiftly conjured the golden alms bowl to envelop himself, a palpable sense of relief washing over him.

Gu Sheng offered no explanation, merely murmuring softly.

"You should not have come here."

"If you could venture forth, why should I be barred?"

Ling Xiao retorted with a hint of petulance, then lowered his voice.

"Moreover, are we not fellow disciples?"

Gu Sheng’s lips twitched involuntarily.

He had, in a moment of pure desperation, claimed to be a disciple of Daoist Yong’an, never anticipating that Ling Xiao would employ the very same falsehood.

Now, by sheer coincidence, they were both unwittingly branded as 'fellow disciples.'

"Two disciples of Daoist Yong’an? How intriguing..."

Meanwhile, in the distance, Mi Yingzong stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with nascent curiosity.

Hong Yun, however, maintained a somber expression, lost in deep contemplation.

Ling Xiao surveyed his immediate surroundings and selected a spot not far from Gu Sheng to sit in a cross-legged posture.

The golden alms bowl hovered serenely above his head, projecting beams of golden light that formed a protective canopy around his entire form. This ostentatious display certainly outshone Gu Sheng’s more discreet posture.

"Ling Xiao."

Gu Sheng found himself compelled to initiate telepathic communication.

"Your golden alms bowl..."

"Magnificent, is it not?"

Ling Xiao blinked proudly, his chest puffed out.

"This is the Mountain Suppressing Golden Alms Bowl, a gift bestowed by my master—a genuine Spiritual Artifact!"

Gu Sheng was rendered momentarily speechless.

Ling Xiao's fabrications were becoming increasingly elaborate, even inventing a provenance for the treasure.

However, upon further reflection, Gu Sheng considered that such a bold claim might serve as a deterrent to those harboring malicious intent, and thus, he chose to remain silent.

Hong Yun slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing, fixated upon the resplendent golden alms bowl circling above Ling Xiao's head.

The runes etched upon the bowl's surface pulsed rhythmically, emitting waves of suppressive energy that transmuted the violent magma's raw power into a gentle stream of Spiritual Power.

"Daoist Yong’an's standing may be elevated, but from whence did he procure such an abundance of treasures to bestow so casually upon his disciples?"

Hong Yun murmured to himself, his bronzed features etched with a palpable sense of suspicion.

"Could these two scoundrels possibly have swiped their identities from elsewhere?"

His gaze narrowed, intently observing the cultivating Gu Sheng and Ling Xiao.

Gu Sheng, afflicted with scabs all over, presented an utterly disheveled appearance.

Ling Xiao, conversely, pulsed with vibrant energy, progressing smoothly in his cultivation shielded by the golden alms bowl.

"I haven't encountered either of them at the Qinghe Holy Land..."

Hong Yun mulled this over internally.

"They are either newcomers, or perhaps reclusive cultivators who have been in deep seclusion for many years."

He made a firm decision; upon exiting the Heaven-Burning Valley, he would meticulously investigate the origins of these two individuals.

Deep within the molten magma, Ling Xiao luxuriated in the pure Qi meticulously filtered by the golden alms bowl as it coursed into his being.

The sensation was overwhelmingly invigorating, as if every single pore within his body had burst open.

"How refreshing!"

Unable to contain himself, Ling Xiao exclaimed, casting a glance towards Gu Sheng who was positioned not far away.

"Despite the immense pressure, a single day of cultivation here is equivalent to an entire month spent cultivating elsewhere!"

However, upon witnessing Gu Sheng's current state, a burst of laughter escaped him.

"Gu Sheng, you truly look quite wretched! As if you've been torn limb from limb."

Gu Sheng offered no response, remaining in his cross-legged posture with eyes shut tight.

The scabs adorning his body had become dry and cracked, revealing the new skin beneath, which shimmered with a peculiar, light golden hue.

Though he appeared frail externally, his breathing was remarkably steady, each inhale causing the surrounding magma to gently ripple.

Ling Xiao's laughter began to fade away, ceasing altogether.