Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1691 - 858: One and Only (Part 2)

This spiritual power was not aimed at destruction, but carried an undeniable sense of pressure and inducement, as if it were prying open the defenses of his mind, forcing him to blurt out the thing he worried about most in the depths of his heart!

Situ Qingfeng only felt a "buzz" in his head, his Consciousness instantly becoming somewhat hazy, as though a great mountain had pressed down upon his soul, leaving him unable to breathe, almost blurting out his worries about Gu Sheng’s identity! "I’m worried that Gu..."

At this critical juncture!

A steady, powerful hand gently pressed down on Situ Qingfeng’s shoulder.

It was Gu Sheng!

He still maintained that dull, adviser-like appearance, but at the very instant his palm touched Situ Qingfeng’s shoulder, a stream of pure and condensed Soul Power, infused with indomitable will, surged into Situ Qingfeng’s Sea of Consciousness like warm sunlight dispersing gloom!

That powerful spiritual oppression from the outside world, under the impact of this soul force which did not seem strong yet was of extremely high quality, actually melted away and receded like ice and snow meeting the sun!

Situ Qingfeng jolted violently, instantly regaining clarity, cold sweat breaking out all over his back! He realized he had almost misspoken just now, hurriedly shut his mouth, a trace of lingering fear still in his eyes.

Almost at the same time, deep within that Flying Boat belonging to the Longevity Divine Sect moored not far away, an aged Shadow sitting cross-legged with rich vitality swirling around him suddenly opened his closed eyes, a flash of surprise and doubt in them!

"Oh? Someone can actually break this old man’s mental suggestion so easily?"

The Longevity Ancestor’s gaze was like two invisible bolts of lightning, instantly piercing the obstruction of the Flying Boat and locking firmly onto that seemingly ordinary "Yun Qing" adviser whose hand rested on Situ Qingfeng’s shoulder. "This boy... is by no means a simple Golden Body Cultivator! The essence of his soul is exceptionally tenacious!"

On the Flying Boat’s deck, a solemn silence fell.

Everyone had felt that subtle and tense clash of spiritual power just now, and their gazes involuntarily converged on Gu Sheng and Situ Qingfeng.

At this moment, the Longevity Ancestor’s aged yet imposing voice came from all directions, echoing in everyone’s ears, carrying an air of indifference as if he cared little.

"Hehe, Situ, don’t take offense. This old man was merely playing a small joke with you a moment ago, to test how firm your mind and will are. It seems Situ Ling has indeed sired a good son; his resolve is fairly steadfast. Since I’ve startled you, I’ll give you this little trinket to calm your nerves."

Before his voice had faded, a streak of emerald-green light shot out from within the Flying Boat of the Longevity Divine Sect, drifting lightly to land before Situ Qingfeng, transforming into a Jade Pendant carved with intricate vine patterns, brimming with vigorous vitality—obviously no common item.

Seeing this, everyone felt even more chilled at heart.

This Longevity Ancestor was not only terrifying in strength, his actions were equally unfathomable; that spiritual oppression just now was definitely not "just a joke", but clearly carried probing intent! What shocked them even more was that the unremarkable-looking "Yun Qing" adviser had actually been able to so easily dispel the mental suggestion of a Venerable, even provoking the Longevity Ancestor to personally offer a gift in "appeasement"? This was practically an invisible provocation toward the Longevity Ancestor!

Situ Qingfeng accepted the Jade Pendant and, feeling the pure Life Energy contained within, calmed slightly in his heart, then hurriedly bowed deeply in the direction of the Flying Boat of the Longevity Divine Sect.

"This junior thanks Ancestor for the generous gift!"

Gu Sheng, however, remained expressionless, merely withdrawing the hand pressed on Situ Qingfeng’s shoulder, as though he had just done a trivial little thing.

He spoke lightly; his voice was not loud, yet carried clearly to everyone’s ears.

"Someone moved against Young Master Situ in secret. As Protector, I am duty-bound. If there is a next time, perhaps we should invite the Situ Family Head to come personally and ’have a talk’ with you."

His words were nothing short of directly exposing and warning the Longevity Ancestor!

Everyone who heard this involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air! This fellow was far too audacious! He actually dared to speak to a Venerable like this?!

There was silence within the Flying Boat of the Longevity Divine Sect for a moment, then the Longevity Ancestor’s voice came, with no discernible joy or anger.

"Young man, don’t be so hot-tempered.

This old man already said, it was merely a joke."

By now Situ Qingfeng had fully recovered his reason, and hastily sent a secret transmission to Gu Sheng.

"Gu, mind your tongue! That is the Longevity Ancestor!"

Gu Sheng replied by transmission, his tone calm.

"It’s fine.

If he truly intended to act, he wouldn’t have merely probed just now.

His strength far surpasses ours, but precisely because of this, he is more mindful of his status and the power behind the Situ Family. Your mind wavered just now and you nearly exposed yourself—if I don’t respond strongly, it will only arouse more suspicion."

Only then did Situ Qingfeng come to a sudden realization, secretly rejoicing that Gu Sheng had handled it properly.

Everyone, their minds each occupied with different thoughts, left the Flying Boat and came to the center of that open ground.

There stood a gigantic Ancient sculpture shaped like a Golden-winged Roc, which was presumably the entrance to the Secret Realm.

The Great Elder of the Heavenly Fire Divine Sect, as one of the hosts of this place, stepped forward to represent the major Divine Sects in negotiating with Situ Qingfeng, politely asking.

"Young Master Situ, since everyone is here, shall we open the Secret Realm now?"

Situ Qingfeng took a deep breath, cast a glance at Gu Sheng, and secretly inquired by transmission.

"Gu, shall we open it now?"

Gu Sheng replied by transmission.

"Accept the gift and open the Secret Realm. Remember, from this moment on, unless absolutely necessary, don’t transmit to me again. The Longevity Ancestor has already taken note of me; any slightest spiritual fluctuation could be sensed by him."

Situ Qingfeng’s heart tightened, and he nodded solemnly.

He turned to face the crowd, his face once more bearing that composed smile of a scion of a great Family, and spoke in a clear voice.

"Everyone, since you are all prepared, let us not delay any longer."

He strode toward the gigantic Golden-winged Roc sculpture, all eyes focusing on him.

"This sculpture is both the ’keyhole’ and ’gate’ for opening that Secret Realm."

As Situ Qingfeng spoke, he took from his breast a palm-sized Blood-colored Jade Token that exuded an Ancient, savage aura.

With utmost care he precisely embedded this Blood-colored Jade Token into a inconspicuous recess at the brow of the Golden-winged Roc sculpture.

Hum—!

At the instant the Jade Token was embedded, the entire sculpture quivered slightly, emitting a low hum. Immediately, a dull sound of mechanisms turning came from the earth beneath everyone’s feet, as though some long-sealed construction had been reactivated!

The gigantic Golden-winged Roc sculpture’s eyes suddenly shone with two dazzling beams of golden light! Its previously stiff wings seemed to tremble slightly as well, releasing a majestic oppressive aura!

Situ Qingfeng stepped back a few paces, faced the crowd, and began to explain the intelligence he possessed regarding the Secret Realm.

"According to the fragmented map and my father’s deductions, this Secret Realm is called the ’Golden Roc Nest’. It was formed from one of the dwelling places of the Ancient Strange Beast, the Golden-winged Roc. The Secret Realm has special restrictions—each person can enter only once.

Each activation allows a maximum stay of seven days. The Space Law within the Secret Realm is unusual; all transmission-type talismans and Magical Treasures cannot be used.

And this Transmission Light Gate, once opened, can only be maintained for 24 hours. When the hours are up, no matter where you are, you will be automatically expelled from the Secret Realm, and the Light Gate will close accordingly. You must await the next opportunity of fate before it can be opened again."

Just as his words fell, the Golden-winged Roc sculpture shook violently, its wings suddenly spreading wide as it let out a piercing cry that seemed able to shatter metal and stone! Then the entire sculpture transformed into a bolt of golden lightning, shooting skyward, circling once in the air before crashing down onto a patch of ground not far ahead of the crowd!

Boom!

Golden light exploded, energy surging in all directions! When the radiance receded slightly, they saw that on that patch of ground there now stood a Transmission Light Gate, three zhang tall and about two zhang wide, formed from countless golden runes and slowly rotating! Within the gate, lights flowed and shifted, emanating powerful spatial fluctuations that led to the unknown Secret Realm.

"The Secret Realm is open. Everyone, please."

Situ Qingfeng announced loudly, then, without the slightest hesitation, grabbed Gu Sheng by the arm beside him and took the lead, stepping into that golden Transmission Light Gate. His figure vanished in an instant.