Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1326 - 687: It’s Done!

"Hong Yun! What do you mean by this? Are you looking down on me?"

Hong Yun shook his head, a tired smile gracing his lips.

"No, I’m truly at my limit. To persist further would only damage my foundation."

He paused briefly.

"However, you’re not in much better shape, are you?"

Mi Yingzong remained silent for a moment before finally letting out a sigh.

"Hmph! At least you have some discerning eyes."

The two exchanged a look and a smile, and the palpable tension in the air finally began to dissipate.

Despite their rivalry, as prodigies of the Qinghe Holy Land, a mutual respect existed between them.

"I’m taking my leave first."

Hong Yun turned and began walking towards the exit, his steps lacking their usual steadiness.

"Mi Yingzong, when we meet again, I will surpass you."

"In your dreams!"

Mi Yingzong’s shout followed him.

"Next time, you won’t even catch a glimpse of my shadow!"

Hong Yun did not look back, merely raising a hand in farewell as his figure gradually faded into the misty depths of the magma.

Mi Yingzong gazed in the direction Hong Yun had gone, then his eyes drifted down into the magma’s depths, a complex mixture of emotions swirling within him.

"Gu Sheng..."

He softly uttered the name.

"What secrets do you hold?"

Deep within the magma, Gu Sheng was completely engrossed in his cultivation.

He remained unaware that he had become the subject of others’ attention, nor was he privy to the conspiracy that was beginning to take shape against him.

Outside Golden Crow Mountain, a solitary figure was concealed within the thick grass, their gaze intensely fixed upon the activities at the mountain’s entrance.

"Why hasn’t he emerged yet..."

Long Teng grumbled under his breath, a cold glint flickering in his eyes.

As a Core Disciple, he knew he should not be lurking in such a clandestine manner.

Yet, in order to uncover Gu Sheng’s secrets, he felt compelled to stoop to waiting like a predator.

"What kind of treasure did Daoist Yong’an bestow upon him?"

Long Teng’s teeth clenched.

"How could a mere disciple linger in the depths of Golden Crow Mountain for such an extended period..."

Abruptly, a stir arose at the mountain’s entrance.

Long Teng instantly held his breath, his entire body tensing.

However, the individual emerging was not Gu Sheng, but rather Hong Yun, one of the five prominent Body Refiners.

"Damn it!"

Long Teng cursed internally, his gaze involuntarily darting away as he sank deeper into the concealing grass.

Hong Yun stepped out from the mountain’s entrance, drawing in a refreshing breath of air, his face alight with satisfaction.

Though utterly depleted, a spark of exhilaration shone in his eyes—this arduous training had propelled his physical prowess to unprecedented heights.

Long Teng observed Hong Yun from his hidden vantage point, a nascent sense of awe stirring within him.

As a Core Disciple, he was well acquainted with Hong Yun’s name—a rising star among Qinghe Holy Land’s five exemplary Body Refiners, who had already attained the Heavenly Palace Realm.

"How could such a formidable individual emerge from Golden Crow Mountain?"

Long Teng’s mind was awash with bewilderment.

"Could he also be acquainted with Gu Sheng?"

While Long Teng was lost in contemplation, Hong Yun seemed to detect something, his sharp gaze briefly sweeping over the patch of bushes where Long Teng lay hidden.

Long Teng’s body stiffened completely, his heart threatening to cease its beat.

Fortunately, Hong Yun’s scrutiny was brief and casual; he soon turned away, apparently unconcerned with the small creatures concealed within the undergrowth.

Within a humble wooden dwelling, an oil lamp cast a feeble, flickering light, projecting two elongated shadows onto the timeworn walls.

Hong Yun knelt upon a meditation cushion.

"Master, your disciple witnessed firsthand, that individual reached the final zone and..."

Hong Yun’s voice wavered slightly.

"And he surpassed me."

Luomu Taoist, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them open, twin beams of intense light piercing the dimness like lightning.

The jade bead he had been idly turning in his hand came to an abrupt halt, producing a distinct clinking sound.

"What did you say?"

Luomu Taoist’s voice was deep and rough.

"The Heavenly Palace Realm?"

"Absolutely, your disciple would not dare to deceive you."

Hong Yun lowered his head.

"That person’s aura is indeed only at the Heavenly Palace Realm, yet he managed to remain in the final area for over three hours, even..."

"Even what?"

"Even cultivating there."

Hong Yun looked up, his eyes filled with incredulity.

"Master, you know, even I could only endure for an hour in that place."

Luomu Taoist slowly rose to his feet, his voluminous Daoist robe billowing as if stirred by an unseen wind.

He proceeded to the window, his gaze fixed in the direction of Golden Crow Mountain, remaining silent for a considerable duration.

"It is not impossible to rely on a Magical Treasure..."

Luomu Taoist mused aloud.

"But to simultaneously withstand the pressure, absorb the spiritual energy, and temper the physical body..."

He turned back to face Hong Yun.

"Are you certain he did not employ some extraordinary technique?"

Hong Yun gritted his teeth.

"This disciple witnessed firsthand how that individual was enveloped by an unusual aura, something far beyond typical Protective Gang Qi. Furthermore..."

He paused, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

"This disciple surmises it could very well be a treasure bestowed by Master Yong’an."

"Yong’an?"

Taoist Luomu's brow furrowed in thought.

"He has, it is true, been seen frequently around Golden Crow Mountain as of late..."

"Master, perhaps we should seek out Master Yong’an?"

Hong Yun offered his suggestion.

"If it is indeed a treasure from him, he would likely not keep it concealed."

Taoist Luomu considered the proposal for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Very well. That old rascal Yong’an has been attempting to lure out the riverbed monster recently; let us go find him now."

After making their necessary preparations, the two stepped out into the night.

The darkness was profound, like thick ink spilled across the sky, with only the distant peak of Golden Crow Mountain faintly discernible. It glowed with a crimson hue, resembling the solitary eye of a colossal, slumbering beast.

Meanwhile, deep within the secluded reaches of Golden Crow Mountain.

Gu Sheng's eyelids slowly fluttered open, a spark resembling a golden flame dancing within his irises.

A powerful surge of strength coursed through him, and the corners of his lips turned up in a smile of deep satisfaction.

"At last... I have reached the absolute limit."

He balled his hand into a fist, the sound of his knuckles cracking echoing like popping beans.

"This Golden Crow Mountain Yang Qi truly lives up to its formidable reputation."

He rose to his feet, a slight stretch rippling through his muscles.

His formerly fair complexion now radiated a subtle golden sheen, his muscle definition became strikingly apparent, and every inch of his physique pulsed with latent, explosive power.