Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

The emperor's eyes flickered with a hint of regret, but he did not push further. He sighed lightly and said, "I understand your aspirations. Yet, I still wish to express Longyun Country's gratitude."

As he spoke, the emperor clapped his hands, and several palace maids entered with trays. Each tray held a treasure glowing brightly.

"Here are three items, each extremely precious." The emperor pointed to the first tray containing purple spirit stones. "These are one thousand Purple Spirit Stones, which will greatly benefit your cultivation. I hope they help you reach new heights."

Gu Sheng's eyes flashed with surprise. Purple Spirit Stones are rare treasures in the cultivation world, offering immense support for cultivation. He took a deep breath and respectfully accepted the tray. "Thank you for your gracious gift, Your Majesty."

The emperor then gestured toward the second tray, which contained a jade-green pill. "This is the Heavenly Calculation Wood Spirit Pill. It greatly aids the growth of Grass Vine Demon Souls. I know you have such a companion, and I hope this can lend you a hand."

Gu Sheng's heart was stirred. He had long heard of the Heavenly Calculation Wood Spirit Pill's legendary reputation. For the little Grass Vine that had always accompanied him, this was undoubtedly an invaluable gift. He bowed again in gratitude. "Your Majesty, I will forever remember your kindness."

The emperor nodded with a smile, then pointed to the third tray holding an ancient scroll. "This is the Dream Butterfly Atlas, said to contain profound secrets of martial arts and the Illusion Realm. You may share it with your friends; it might bring them some inspiration."

As Gu Sheng received the scroll, he felt its mysterious aura and couldn't help but be deeply moved. He bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty's generosity is beyond measure, and I am at a loss for words to repay it."

The emperor, Long Aoyu, waved his hand lightly. "Young friend Gu Sheng, what you have done for Longyun Country has already exceeded the value of these treasures. I only hope you continue moving forward in your path and become a legendary figure of your era."

Gu Sheng's heart was filled with gratitude and respect. He understood that these gifts were not just rewards but also recognition of his strength and potential. Taking a deep breath, he said firmly, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Gu Sheng will not disappoint your expectations."

The emperor nodded again with a smile, and afterward, he and Gu Sheng chatted about everyday matters, their atmosphere growing increasingly amicable.

Time waits for no one. Gu Sheng knew he could not linger here for long. He stood up and bid farewell to the emperor. "Your Majesty, it's getting late, and I must set off now."

Emperor Long Aoyu also stood up and patted Gu Sheng's shoulder. "Go ahead, fulfill your destiny. Remember, no matter when or where, the gates of Longyun Country will always be open for you."

Gu Sheng nodded heavily before turning and walking out of the grand hall.

Once Gu Sheng had left, silence fell upon the hall. Emperor Long Aoyu gazed at Gu Sheng's departing silhouette, his eyes gleaming with admiration and expectation. He knew that this young man was destined to achieve greatness and become a legendary figure in the cultivation world!

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng's heart was brimming with hope and anticipation for the future. Holding the three treasures, feeling their immense power, he knew they would serve as vital assets in his journey ahead. He took a deep breath and quickened his pace toward the unknown future!

"Your Majesty, this Gu Sheng is truly no ordinary individual," remarked an old minister beside him.

"Indeed," Emperor Long Aoyu nodded. "Only such people can lead an era to shine brilliantly once more."

Their dialogue gradually faded with the wind.

"Beyond the pavilion, the fragrant grass stretches endlessly…" Long Youguang softly recited, his gaze fixed on Gu Sheng's fading figure.

"Elder brother, do you think Gu Sheng will return someday?" Princess Jing Yin asked softly, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Long Youguang turned to look at Jing Yin, smiling gently. "He will return, because he is someone who values loyalty."

The two stood in the pavilion, watching Gu Sheng leave. Not until his figure completely disappeared from sight did they finally retract their gazes.

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng had already found a breathtaking location to begin his cultivation. Holding the Purple Spirit Stones in his hands, he felt a sense of calm. Over the past month, he tirelessly cultivated, absorbing the spiritual energy within the Purple Spirit Stones, with his strength steadily increasing.

The dense spiritual energy overflowed, attracting numerous Demon Beasts and Martial Artists alike. However, none dared approach, as the Grass Vine Demon Soul devouring the Heavenly Calculation Wood Spirit Pill had transformed into a Corrosive Green Lotus. Its powerful corrosive abilities deterred Martial Artists and Demon Beasts below the Third Level of the Sea Floor Realm.

On this particular day, when an elderly Martial Artist ventured into the area, Gu Sheng suddenly felt his heart stir. He recognized this as a sign of an impending breakthrough.

Indeed, in the next moment, the skies dramatically darkened, lightning interweaved, and a column of light surged toward the heavens.

"Boom——" Thunder roared deafeningly, as if threatening to rend the world itself apart.

The old Martial Artist, consumed by terror, tried to flee but was too late. The lightning and light column struck him instantly, reducing him to sprays of flesh and blood, leaving nothing but a gruesome skeleton lying on the ground.

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng successfully broke through to the Fourth Layer Heaven of the Sea Floor Realm. He opened his eyes, a brilliant light gleaming within. He sensed the turbulent growth of his strength, and the exhilaration fueled his spirit.

"Hahaha!" Gu Sheng laughed heartily, his joy echoing across the heavens and earth, proclaiming his newfound might. The Corrosive Green Lotus behind him glowed brightly, seemingly celebrating alongside him.

At the same time, far away, Long Youguang and Jing Yin felt the intense fluctuations of this powerful aura. They exchanged smiles, understanding that Gu Sheng had achieved a breakthrough.

"How impressive!" Long Youguang exclaimed in admiration. "Gu Sheng's strength has grown yet again."

"Indeed," Princess Jing Yin beamed with delight. "I only hope he returns soon to share this wonderful news with us."

The two turned their gazes back toward the area engulfed by lightning and radiance, their hearts filled with hope and blessings...

Gu Sheng stood amidst the picturesque valley, feeling the surging power within.

Behind him, the Corrosive Green Lotus quietly bloomed, standing as a steadfast guardian and companion on his journey.

After absorbing the Heavenly Calculation Wood Spirit Pill, the Grass Vine Demon Soul grew to over seven thousand meters in length.

Time flew by, and before long, a month had passed. Having completed his tasks while away, Gu Sheng began his journey back to the Yaochi Holy Land. Along the way, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, as if someone was secretly observing him. Remaining composed, he activated the Great Moon Pupil Skill, a mystical technique that unveils all that surrounds him.

Sure enough, Gu Sheng spotted the stalker—a greedy and unscrupulous Taoist named Wu Dewang. Known throughout the cultivation realm for his infamy, Wu Dewang was notorious for exploiting others and seeking personal gain.

"Hah, so it's this old scoundrel," Gu Sheng thought with amusement, a mischievous smile forming at his lips. A plan quickly took shape in his mind; he would give Wu Dewang an unforgettable lesson.

Gu Sheng deliberately altered his path, heading toward the Turquoise Pool where the Seven Fairies often bathed. He passed through groves of blooming peach trees, petals raining down like threads of pink silk. Lush grasses flourished across Parrot Island, where emerald patches glimmered amid captivating lake and mountain scenery, resembling an Immortal Realm.

"Ah, the beauty of this place is truly unparalleled!" Gu Sheng exclaimed deliberately, ensuring that Wu Dewang could hear his words.

Hidden nearby, Wu Dewang's eyes glinted with greed. He chuckled to himself, "So this youngster dares venture alone to the Seven Fairies' bathing spot? Surely, he's walking into his own trap. When the opportunity arises, I'll claim some benefits for myself."

Gu Sheng continued forward, eventually arriving at the poolside. The water was crystal-clear and rippled gently, where seven fairies played and bathed, their melodious laughter ringing like silver bells.

Prepared in advance, Gu Sheng swiftly activated the Shadow Concealment Skill, his presence merging seamlessly with the surrounding shadows, undetectable to the naked eye. Wu Dewang, lacking such expertise, remained hidden in the vicinity, greedily fixating on the fairies in the pool.

At this moment, one of the fairies, with keen eyesight, noticed Wu Dewang spying on them. She cried out in alarm, "Oh no! Someone is watching us!"