Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1325 - 686: Another Breakthrough? (2)

"Break through for me!"

Gu Sheng bellowed, unleashing the power surging within him like an erupting volcano.

Instantly, his form ignited with a brilliant silver luminescence, manifesting as a magnificent pillar that pierced the sky, soaring above the overwhelming crimson tide of energy.

"What is that phenomenon?!"

At the perimeter of the protective barrier, every disciple watched with mouths agape as the celestial pillar reached upwards.

Even Hong Yun, typically composed, exhibited wide-eyed astonishment, his gaze fixed in disbelief.

"A phenomenon of the body... could this be the legendary physical phenomenon?"

An elder disciple uttered in sheer amazement.

Ling Xiao's Jade Token slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground, yet he remained oblivious, his attention solely captivated by the radiant pillar, a soft murmur escaping his lips.

"Indeed... it is truly that very thing..."

The luminous column lingered for a brief moment before gradually fading away.

As the turbulent energy tide subsided, Gu Sheng's figure had vanished without a trace.

"Where... where did he go?"

A question trembled from someone's lips.

Silence answered. The onlookers remained lost in the spectacle they had just witnessed, the profound impact leaving them stunned for a considerable duration.

Hong Yun and Mi Yingzong exchanged a significant glance, an uncharacteristic seriousness clearly reflected in their eyes.

From this day forward, a profound transformation was destined to reshape the hierarchy of the Qinghe Holy Land.

Meanwhile, enveloped by the unseen depths of the energy tide, Gu Sheng found himself suspended within an extraordinary realm.

The immense pressure present was more than sufficient to obliterate a cultivator at the Heavenly Palace stage in an instant.

Yet, Gu Sheng radiated a smile, keenly aware of the potent energy coursing through his being.

"Finally... the second stage is complete!"

His gaze descended to his chest, where an emblem resembling a Jade Pendant emanated a soft, ethereal glow.

This fortuitously acquired Jade Pendant had not only altered the course of his destiny but also unveiled a pathway toward reaching the absolute zenith.

"It's still not enough..."

Gu Sheng clenched his fist, an unyielding ambition blazing within his eyes.

"I must venture into the core of Golden Crow Mountain!"

Within the deepest parts of Golden Crow Mountain, molten magma churned and surged like a furious leviathan.

Flames writhed and danced, casting an infernal glow upon the cavern walls, transforming the entire space into a hellish panorama. The air itself was thick with a searing heat, each inhalation feeling akin to swallowing embers, searing the lungs.

Hong Yun stood at the precipice of the fiery pool, sweat beading on his exposed torso, only to instantly evaporate under the oppressive temperature.

His gaze remained locked upon a wavering silhouette in the distance, his expression tinged with resentment.

"Mi Yingzong, what is the limit of your endurance?"

Hong Yun's voice resonated with considerable weight against the deafening roar of the magma.

Several yards away, Mi Yingzong knelt on a single knee, his hands gripping the searing rocks, his knuckles stark white from the strain.

He lifted his head, his features flushed crimson by the extreme heat.

"Hong Yun, do not presume too much. I will undoubtedly surpass you in time."

"Hah!"

Hong Yun scoffed derisively.

"Given your current state? You can barely remain upright."

Mi Yingzong gritted his teeth, summoning the resolve to rise.

His legs threatened to buckle, yet he resolutely took another step forward.

The radiant heat radiating from the magma intensified, seemingly intent on consuming him entirely.

"I, Mi Yingzong, refuse to yield!"

He growled deeply, his cultivation technique pushed to its absolute limit, a faint golden aura manifesting across his skin.

Hong Yun's eyebrows lifted in surprise, followed by another mocking smile.

"Excellent, truly excellent. Let us see how long you can sustain this."

The atmosphere between them crackled with tension, the incessant roar of the magma forming a backdrop to their silent confrontation.

This mere handful of yards represented a chasm in their physical prowess.

Another step could signify an irreversible, crushing defeat.

Suddenly, violent tremors emanated from the heart of the magma.

A solitary figure navigated the incandescent liquid as if it were water, plunging ever deeper.

"It's Gu Sheng once more!"

Mi Yingzong clenched his jaw.

"How can he possibly venture so much further?"

Hong Yun narrowed his eyes, observing the receding form as it vanished into the magma's abyss, a profound wave of envy washing over him.

Both of them had been recognized as among the five most promising Body Refiners within the Qinghe Holy Land, enjoying resources that far surpassed those of regular Core Disciples.

Yet, here they were, completely outstripped by an individual previously unknown.

"I heard that Daoist Yong'an bestowed a treasure upon him."

Hong Yun spoke in a hushed tone.

"Otherwise, with his inherent strength, how could he possibly venture deeper than ourselves?"

"Hmph!"

Mi Yingzong let out a cold snort.

"Reliance on external aid signifies nothing. A true Body Refiner must depend solely on their own capabilities!"

Despite these words, both individuals were acutely aware that Gu Sheng's progression was nothing short of astonishing.

In a remarkably short period, the resilience of his physical body had escalated to an almost incomprehensible degree.

Deep within the magma's fiery embrace, Gu Sheng perceived the escalating density of the surrounding energy, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

His skin took on a peculiar burnished gold hue under the intense heat, appearing to meld seamlessly with the molten flow.

"The Yang Qi within this place... it's absolutely perfect for the Nine Dragon Heaven and Earth Technique."

Gu Sheng mused to himself, his eyes gleaming with fervent excitement.

His gaze drifted upwards toward the deeper reaches, where a colossal sun seemed to hang suspended, emitting a light so brilliant it dazzled the eyes.

The Yang Qi cascaded outwards, almost as if it were a tangible substance, and with every breath Gu Sheng took, the Cultivation Technique circulating within him intensified its pace.

"If only I could venture a bit further in..."

A powerful urge swept over Gu Sheng, yet he quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought.

"No, my physical body's current resilience isn't quite enough to withstand the pressure found at greater depths."

Closing his eyes, he initiated the Nine Dragon Heaven and Earth Technique. The internal energy surged dramatically, flowing like mighty rivers through his meridians.

With each completed cycle, he became acutely aware of the subtle yet significant transformations occurring within his body—it felt more robust, more stable, and far better equipped to endure the punishing environment.

"Long Teng, that fellow must be getting quite restless by now, wouldn't you say?"

Gu Sheng's thoughts drifted to that troublesome Core Disciple who consistently sought to provoke him, and a subtle, cold smile graced his lips.

As his strength continued to grow, his feelings of apprehension towards Long Teng began to wane considerably.

In fact, a part of him eagerly anticipated a confrontation with Long Teng, curious to gauge the present disparity between their abilities and those of the Core disciples.

"Just grant me a little more time..."

Gu Sheng resolutely continued his descent.

Hovering above the churning magma, Hong Yun and Mi Yingzong had abandoned any notion of pursuing Gu Sheng.

Their focus shifted entirely to each other, engaging in a silent, intense rivalry.

"Mi Yingzong, I suspect your reserves are nearly depleted, aren't they?"

Hong Yun attempted to provoke him, his words laced with challenge.

"Perhaps you should concede now and preserve what little dignity you have left?"

"Preposterous!"

Mi Yingzong's eyes blazed fiercely in response.

"When has Mi Yingzong ever retreated from a challenge? Rather, looking at you, your face is quite pale. Haven't you already reached your very limit?"

Hong Yun's expression hardened. Truth be told, he was indeed precariously close to his limit. His spiritual energy was nearly exhausted, and pushing any further might jeopardize his cultivation foundation.

However, his pride, deeply ingrained, would never allow him to display such weakness before Mi Yingzong.

"Then let us see who succumbs first!"

Hong Yun let out a guttural yell, forcefully channeling his Cultivation Technique, and took another resolute half-step forward.

This single step had consumed nearly the entirety of his remaining strength.

The searing heat radiating from the magma surged, striking him as if it were igniting him from within. His skin screamed in agony from the intense burn, but he clenched his teeth, refusing to yield or retreat.

Witnessing this, a ruthless glint flashed within Mi Yingzong's eyes.

With fierce determination, he internally drove his Cultivation Technique with renewed fervor, boldly stepping forward a half-step himself.

The two found themselves locked in a stalemate once more, neither willing to be the first to break.

As the seconds ticked by, the roar of the magma seemed to intensify, growing increasingly ferocious.

Hong Yun's vision began to waver, his body swaying precariously.

"I can't hold on any longer..."

Hong Yun thought desperately to himself.

"If this continues, I might very well perish here."

He struggled to turn his head towards Mi Yingzong, only to discover that the other man's condition was scarcely better.

Their eyes met, and in that shared glance, they recognized the same nascent thought: surrender.

Yet, neither possessed the resolve to voice it first.

At that precise moment, an exceptionally violent fluctuation erupted from the deepest parts of the magma.

A searing beam of golden light shot upwards, instantly illuminating the entire cavern.

Gu Sheng's form flickered in and out of existence amidst the golden radiance, appearing much like a divine deity descending from the heavens.

"That brat... he's broken through again?"

Hong Yun's eyes widened in utter astonishment.

Mi Yingzong, too, was left dumbfounded.

"How is this possible... such rapid advancement..."

The intense golden light gradually faded, and Gu Sheng's figure once again vanished into the magma's depths.

However, the sheer shock of that brief revelation had already been seared irrevocably into their minds.

Hong Yun finally made a definitive decision.

"Mi Yingzong, this time the victory is yours. I must depart immediately."

"What?"

Mi Yingzong, taken aback by the sudden concession, responded with indignant surprise.