Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1322 - 685: Going Deeper

At this moment, Gu Sheng had already entered a mystical state.

He deliberately manufactured a deceptive illusion for Hong Yun, which consumed a considerable amount of his energy, but it also refined his control over his Cultivation Technique to an exquisite level.

As the barrier of spiritual power weakened, he found himself capable of utilizing his pure physical body to endure seventy percent of the immense pressure, maintaining only a thin film of spiritual power on his exterior as a façade.

"Still not enough..."

Gu Sheng murmured silently in his heart.

He could sense his body was akin to a piece of refined steel undergoing relentless tempering, with each instance of overcoming the pressure threshold ushering in a qualitative advancement in his physique.

Skin, muscles, bones, internal organs – every component of his being was undergoing a continuous process of restructuring and metamorphosis under the terrifying intensity of the pressure.

Gu Sheng even experienced an illusory sensation, as if he were evolving into a superior form of life.

"Crack!"

An almost imperceptible sound emanated from within his body.

Gu Sheng’s heart jolted – this was an indicator of a breakthrough in the First Layer Heaven of the Nine Revolutions Profound Yang Technique!

He had not anticipated that cultivating under such extreme duress would lead to overcoming the bottleneck that had stalled his progress for so long.

Gu Sheng immediately refocused his consciousness and fully channeled his Cultivation Technique.

The previously subtle, faint golden lines on his surface re-emerged, now more distinct, vaguely coalescing into a form resembling ancient totem patterns.

The surrounding magma appeared to be drawn in, beginning a slow rotation around Gu Sheng as the central point.

Hong Yun’s consciousness surged towards Gu Sheng, his intention to probe utterly undisguised.

Such an action within the Cultivation World was akin to unveiling someone’s innermost secrets, yet he paid it no mind – the principle of the strong preying on the weak was an eternal verity.

"Hmm?"

Hong Yun’s brow furrowed.

When his consciousness brushed against Gu Sheng’s spiritual power barrier, it was met with unyielding resistance, akin to striking a solid copper wall, rendering any penetration impossible.

Unconvinced, Hong Yun amplified his probe, injecting more spiritual power into the attempt.

His consciousness transformed into minuscule needles, meticulously searching for any vulnerabilities within the barrier. Nevertheless, the seemingly delicate shield remained immaculately intact, completely thwarting his invasive scrutiny from the outside.

"Such formidable defense!"

Hong Yun was secretly taken aback.

"This is certainly not achievable at the Earth Palace Stage!"

He narrowed his eyes, observing Gu Sheng’s condition with intense scrutiny.

The young man’s countenance was ashen, with a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth, giving the appearance of being on the verge of collapse at any moment.

Yet, paradoxically, his respiration was remarkably steady, the rise and fall of his chest exhibiting a precise rhythm, entirely uncharacteristic of someone at their absolute limit.

"Quite the performance..."

Hong Yun scoffed internally, but was soon overcome by a surge of envy.

"It must be due to that Exotic Treasure!"

Upon contemplating the mention of an "Exotic Treasure," Hong Yun’s heart ignited with fervent desire.

An artifact capable of withstanding the crushing pressures found deep within Heaven-Burning Valley while at the Earth Palace Stage could only be, at minimum, a Top-grade Earth Rank artifact, potentially even Heaven Rank!

Such a treasure would be considered a Sect’s ultimate artifact within the entirety of the Qinghe Holy Land.

"If only I could acquire it..."

Hong Yun’s throat constricted, his gaze shimmering with avarice. However, reason swiftly asserted dominance over his covetous urges.

No, he is a disciple of Daoist Yong’an. That old monster is notoriously protective of his own...

Hong Yun’s expression grew uncertain. Daoist Yong’an was renowned for his merciless nature within the Qinghe Holy Land; his Cultivation reached the pinnacle of the Earth Palace, merely a single step away from the Void Refinement Realm.

More critically, this ancient Daoist harbored an unforgiving disposition, having once relentlessly pursued a Heavenly Palace Cultivator for three years merely to avenge a wronged disciple, ultimately reducing them to dust.

"However..."

A cold glint flickered in Hong Yun’s eyes.

"If it can be executed flawlessly..."

"Hong Tu, did you perceive anything unusual?"

Mi Yingzong’s voice intruded upon Hong Yun’s contemplation.

Hong Yun retracted his thoughts and adopted an air of feigned composure.

"It’s merely a competent Defensive Magical Treasure. The youth’s Cultivation is unremarkable, relying entirely on external aids."

"Indeed?"

Mi Yingzong inquired with a knowing smile.

"Then elucidate, why is his aura so exceedingly stable? Regardless of how magnificent a Magical Treasure may be, the wielder requires sufficient strength to activate its full potential."

Hong Yun found himself momentarily at a loss for words. This was precisely the enigma that perplexed him – the quality of spiritual power Gu Sheng exhibited was entirely incongruent with his stated Cultivation Realm.

"Hmph!"

Hong Yun felt a mixture of embarrassment and indignation.

"If you doubt my words, verify it yourself!"

Mi Yingzong casually shrugged, proceeding to extend his consciousness to probe Gu Sheng.

A short while later, he withdrew his probing thoughts, a look of amusement gracing his features.

"Intriguing, most intriguing..."

"What is it?"

Hong Yun frowned inquisitively.

"Nothing of consequence."

Mi Yingzong offered a grin, revealing his yellowish teeth.

"I suddenly feel that we so-called geniuses are like toddlers when compared to him."

Hong Yun's expression turned extremely displeased.

His intention was to salvage his own reputation by causing Gu Sheng to lose face, yet the plan had backfired spectacularly, leaving him in a far more embarrassing situation.

To his further chagrin, Gu Sheng had, in fact, managed to stabilize himself at a depth of one hundred meters, making all of Hong Yun's earlier boasts seem utterly ridiculous.

"Can such a mere Earth Palace realm truly be compared to us?"

Hong Yun abruptly stood, his spiritual power flaring around him.

"Today, I shall demonstrate the meaning of true power!"

To the utter astonishment of all onlookers, Hong Yun boldly plunged deeper, the surging magma parting before his every step.

His objective was unambiguous—to descend further than Gu Sheng!

"Brother Hong is truly awe-inspiring!"

"Now THAT is the bearing of a genuine expert!"

"Relying on mere Magical Treasures, what kind of accomplishment is that?"

The sycophantic praise provided a slight balm to Hong Yun's wounded pride.

He halted his descent thirty meters deeper than Gu Sheng.

The instant he stopped, a pressure, several times more formidable than what he had experienced above, slammed into his chest like a monstrous hammer, nearly forcing him to spew blood.

"Damn it..."

Hong Yun inwardly cursed, gritting his teeth against the discomfort as he settled into a cross-legged position.

The pressure at this depth far surpassed all anticipation; each inhalation felt as though thousands of needle-sharp steel shards were piercing his very lungs.