Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Gu Sheng piloted the Premium Butterfly Shadow Flying Car, tracing an elegant arc across the sky before landing steadily in an unknown realm. Here, ancient trees towered to the heavens, surrounded by auspicious mist—a clear indication of a paradise on earth.

Just as he stepped out of the flying car, a silvery laughter echoed from afar. Turning his head, he saw a young girl dressed as a nun skipping toward him. Though she wore a nun's robe, her ethereal beauty could not be concealed. Her large, lively eyes sparkled as if they could speak.

"Are you Brother Gu Sheng?" the young nun asked curiously, eyeing Gu Sheng as she approached.

Gu Sheng was momentarily taken aback but quickly smiled and nodded. "You must be… Jing Yin the little nun?"

The young nun giggled and placed her palms together in greeting. "I was meditating yesterday and sensed Divine Skills. I knew Brother Gu Sheng would come to Longyun Country today, and sure enough! Jing Yin is here especially to invite you to participate in our Spell Battle Tournament."

Hearing this, Gu Sheng felt a spark of interest. He had long heard of the fame surrounding Longyun Country's Spell Battle Tournament. Since the timing was right, it was an opportunity he could not miss. He nodded in agreement, saying, "Such a grand event is not to be missed. Princess Jing Yin, lead the way."

Princess Jing Yin was overjoyed at his words and led Gu Sheng toward the royal palace of Longyun Country. Along the way, the two conversed and laughed with an air of camaraderie, as if they had been friends for years.

Soon, they arrived at the palace. The Spell Battle Tournament had already begun. Gu Sheng scanned the surroundings, where masters of all kinds displayed an array of spells and Divine Skills, dazzling to behold.

Princess Jing Yin led Gu Sheng to a prominent seat and whispered, "The winner of this year's tournament will have the chance to receive personal guidance and rewards from our emperor."

Gu Sheng nodded in understanding and sat quietly at the edge of the arena, observing the battles. He noticed that all participants were quite formidable, each boasting unique spells and Divine Skills.

Finally, it was Gu Sheng's turn to take the stage. With steady steps, he walked to the center of the arena and sat cross-legged after taking a deep breath. His opponent was a strong middle-aged cultivator, yet Gu Sheng felt no trace of tension.

The match began, and Gu Sheng activated his Mana. A golden clock appeared in the air, slowly rotating. This was one of his defensive spells and could block most attacks. Simultaneously, he began reciting mental method incantations from the Great Prajñā Sutra, intending to disrupt his opponent's Mana flow.

Soon, the middle-aged cultivator sensed something amiss—his Mana circulation became exceedingly difficult, as if an invisible force were suppressing him. Alarmed, he began deploying spells in an effort to break free from the suppression.

"Bong…"

Gu Sheng, however, did not give him a chance. The golden clock abruptly sped up, emitting a thunderous sound. Amid the resonating chime, the middle-aged cultivator felt dizziness, his mind unsettled, and shortly thereafter, he lost his ability to resist, conceding defeat.

"Bravo!" Cheers erupted from the crowd, applause resounding in celebration of Gu Sheng's spectacular performance. Even the First Divine Monk nodded slightly in approval.

Princess Jing Yin jumped up excitedly. "Brother Gu Sheng, you were amazing! You didn't disappoint me!" She then dashed over and gave Gu Sheng a heartfelt hug to express her congratulations. Though caught off guard, Gu Sheng felt warmth and delight.

The crowd looked on with envy—receiving such a hug from the princess was a dream for many noble scions.

Following this, Gu Sheng became a guest of honor in Longyun Country, personally hosted and entertained by Emperor Long Aoyu and Empress. His reputation soared.

While at the palace, Gu Sheng encountered someone familiar from the Western Xiwu Mountains—the young man Long Youguang. It turned out he was Princess Jing Yin's older brother and the Crown Prince of Longyun Country. The two hit it off immediately, exchanging conversation with fervent enthusiasm.

When news reached the Yu Clan's territory, Clan Leader Yu Qingyang was left aghast. He had never expected that Gu Sheng, whom he had once belittled, would shine so brightly at the Longyun Country's tournament, leaving him embarrassed and uneasy.

Meanwhile, Princess Yu Die felt deeply ashamed. She had once told her father that Gu Sheng was an extraordinary individual, but he hadn't taken her seriously. Now it was clear that she had been right.

"Father, Mother, look how outstanding Gu Sheng is! We must treat him well in Longyun Country!" Princess Jing Yin said, pleadingly tugging at the emperor's and empress's sleeves.

"Alright, alright, as you wish!" Emperor Long Aoyu dotingly patted Princess Jing Yin's head with a laugh. "Gu Sheng is indeed an exceptional talent. I will properly reward him!"

The empress also teasingly remarked, "Jing Yin, seeing how outstanding Gu Sheng is, perhaps you could marry him! Being a nun doesn't seem to have many advantages—wouldn't finding a perfect husband to accompany you be better?"

Princess Jing Yin's face instantly flushed red. She shot the empress an indignant glance, pouting, "Mother! There you go again! I'm a devoted nun—I won't talk of such things!" She then turned and ran off, leaving the emperor and empress smiling knowingly at each other.

Inside the palace, its splendor was awe-inspiring, with intricately carved beams and painted ceilings. The Crown Prince Long Youguang walked side by side with Gu Sheng, traversing a long corridor toward the royal garden. Long Youguang regarded Gu Sheng with admiration, saying, "Brother Gu, you've broadened my horizons. The phenomenon created by your Vajra Demon Suppression Bell was truly awe-inspiring."

Gu Sheng smiled humbly. "You flatter me, Crown Prince—it was merely good fortune."

At this moment, in the royal garden, Emperor Long Aoyu and Empress were leisurely sipping tea, while Princess Jing Yin sat nearby, her head lowered in quiet thought.

"Your son greets Father and Mother," Long Youguang said, bringing Gu Sheng forward to salute them.

Emperor Long Aoyu raised his gaze to Gu Sheng, his eyes flickering with appreciation. "Gu Sheng, I've heard of your performance in the Spell Battle Tournament—excellent work."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty," Gu Sheng replied respectfully.

Suddenly, Yu Qingyang, the Clan Leader of the Yu Clan, strode in anxiously. "Your Majesty, I have pressing matters to discuss."

Emperor Long Aoyu frowned slightly. "Clan Leader Yu, what brings you here in such a hurry?"

Yu Qingyang glanced at Gu Sheng briefly before taking a deep breath. "Your Majesty, I would like to offer my daughter Yu Die in marriage to Gu Sheng and invite him to join the Yu Clan as our esteemed elder."

The crowd stirred in astonishment. Princess Jing Yin also raised her head, curiously observing Gu Sheng.

Emperor Long Aoyu's expression turned playful. "Oh? It seems Clan Leader Yu is indeed generous. But this matter should ultimately depend on Gu Sheng's wishes."

Gu Sheng smiled lightly, neither overbearing nor servile, as he responded, "I am deeply honored by Clan Leader Yu's offer, but I currently have no thoughts on matters of love. I wish only to devote myself to cultivation."

Yu Qingyang's face faltered briefly but soon recovered to his usual composure. "Gu Sheng, do you realize the influence of the Yu Clan in the Western Regions? Joining us means access to boundless resources and protection."

Gu Sheng shook his head slightly. "Clan Leader Yu, I mean no disrespect to the Yu Clan, but my aspirations lie beyond restrictions. I cannot accept."

Yu Qingyang furrowed his brows. He hadn't anticipated Gu Sheng's resolute refusal. He took a deep breath and prepared for further persuasion.

At that moment, the empress interjected, "Clan Leader Yu, a forced union will not bear sweetness. Why insist?"

Emperor Long Aoyu nodded with a chuckle. "Indeed, Clan Leader Yu. Young people have their own visions and paths—we ought to respect them."

Yu Qingyang sighed deeply, despite his unwillingness. He nodded reluctantly. "Be it as it may. However, Gu Sheng, if you ever reconsider, the doors of the Yu Clan will always remain open to you."

Gu Sheng offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Clan Leader Yu."

Although the matter seemed settled, the atmosphere in the palace subtly shifted. Gu Sheng's rejection embarrassed Yu Qingyang, but earned him greater respect among the gathered figures. Meanwhile, Princess Jing Yin's gaze lingered on Gu Sheng, her eyes carrying a newfound complexity.

Just as everyone thought the matter had concluded, a guard suddenly rushed over to report, "Your Majesty, urgent news! A large number of demon beasts have appeared outside the city and are advancing toward the palace!"