Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

"Is this all?" Gu Sheng asked indifferently.

Wu Dewang cursed inwardly but, unwilling to give up, reluctantly pulled out one last treasure from his storage pouch. It was a small jade bottle containing a golden pill.

"This is the Golden Body Pill. After consumption, it can significantly strengthen one's physical body—an extraordinary treasure." Wu Dewang said, his voice tinged with reluctance.

Looking at the treasures, Gu Sheng's heart wavered slightly. However, he knew he couldn't agree to Wu Dewang's offer so easily. His gaze fell upon Wu Dewang, a cunning gleam flashing in his eyes.

"These treasures are good, but compared to the Green Bronze Fragment and the Devil Emperor's Heart that I hold, they fall short." Gu Sheng said slowly.

Wu Dewang's heart tightened upon hearing this. He knew Gu Sheng was a difficult adversary. Without sufficient sincerity, it would be nearly impossible to sway him. Bracing himself, he gritted his teeth and retrieved another item from his storage pouch.

It was a black stone stele engraved with ancient runes. Wu Dewang spoke with a hint of mystery, "This is the Demon Suppression Stele, capable of subduing all evil forces. I acquired it from an ancient site."

Gu Sheng gazed at the stele, a trace of astonishment flashing in his heart. He could sense the mysterious power emanating from the artifact, seemingly capable of suppressing all evils.

Yet, Gu Sheng refrained from showing too much surprise, instead looking at Wu Dewang with an air of calmness. "These treasures are indeed valuable, but compared to the Green Bronze Fragment and the Devil Emperor's Heart that I hold…"

"I know, I know!" Wu Dewang interrupted hastily. "I'm willing to give you all these treasures if you trade me just one supreme item!"

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, knowing Wu Dewang was growing desperate. But he wasn't about to agree so easily. Fixing his gaze on Wu Dewang, he said slowly, "These treasures are indeed precious, but if you wish to trade them for my supreme items, I fear they're still not enough."

Wu Dewang's face fell upon hearing this. He knew Gu Sheng was shrewd and not easily deceived. Taking a deep breath, he looked straight at Gu Sheng and asked, "So tell me, what conditions would make you agree to the exchange?"

Watching Wu Dewang's anxious demeanor, Gu Sheng chuckled inwardly. After contemplating for a moment, he said, "Unless you reveal the origins and secrets of these treasures, I won't consider the trade lightly."

Wu Dewang froze at those words, a chill running down his spine. The origins and secrets of the treasures were his trump cards. If he didn't disclose them, he wouldn't gain Gu Sheng's supreme items. After hesitating briefly, he gritted his teeth and resolved, "Fine! I'll tell you the origins and secrets of these treasures!"

But just as Wu Dewang was about to speak, Gu Sheng suddenly unleashed the Grass Vine Demon Soul to bind Wu Dewang tightly once again.

"Ah! What are you doing?!" Wu Dewang cried out in terror. But it was too late—Gu Sheng began meticulously searching Wu Dewang's entire body, extracting every treasure, including the Demon Suppression Stele.

"How…how could you do this?!" Wu Dewang shouted furiously. But Gu Sheng ignored him, only giving him a cold glance as he said, "Did you truly think I'd believe you that easily? I'll take these treasures, and as for your terms…"

"Ah——!" Wu Dewang's roar echoed through the Turquoise Pool, filled with rage and indignation. His eyes burned like fire, as he helplessly watched Gu Sheng's departing silhouette fade into the distance.

Gu Sheng, meanwhile, wore a sly smile on his face and felt triumphant inwardly. With a light leap, he disappeared into the dense forest, silently celebrating his success—not only had he acquired all of Wu Dewang's treasures, but he'd also taught the greedy Taoist a hard lesson.

"Hmph, greedy fool, this is your fate!" Gu Sheng mocked inwardly.

Wu Dewang's wrath was indescribable. He felt as though he'd been completely used and humiliated by Gu Sheng. His greed had cost him all his treasures and left him in an embarrassing predicament.

"How could I be so stupid as to fall for that brat's trickery!" Wu Dewang cursed bitterly, his eyes flickering with regret. But now, it was too late.

Gu Sheng strolled along the path, feeling elated. As he inspected the treasures one by one, each item brought him satisfaction. Yet he knew these treasures, while valuable, could not compare to the Green Bronze Fragment and Devil Emperor's Heart.

"Those two supreme items are the true treasures. These? Just delightful extras," Gu Sheng mused inwardly.

Meanwhile, at the Turquoise Pool, Wu Dewang struggled desperately to break free from his bindings. Yet all his efforts were in vain, leaving him consumed with rage and hopelessness.

"That bastard!" Wu Dewang gritted his teeth, swearing, "I'll never let him off!"

But as his anger subsided, Wu Dewang began to reflect soberly.

"I need to retrain and restore myself," he resolved inwardly. "Only true strength matters in the end."

By now, Gu Sheng was entirely absorbed in his triumph, never imagining that Wu Dewang would undergo a profound shift in understanding and determination.

"Everyone has their own path to follow. Wu Dewang, I hope you can learn from this experience." Gu Sheng thought to himself.

Night fell, stars dotted the sky. Gu Sheng took refuge in a mountain cave far from the Turquoise Pool. He lit a campfire, the firelight reflecting his satisfied expression. One by one, he examined Wu Dewang's treasures, his heart brimming with delight.

"This time, I've hit the jackpot," Gu Sheng muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Back at the Turquoise Pool, Wu Dewang remained bound to a tree. Under the night sky, his eyes shone with resolute determination.

"I've been far too greedy before," Wu Dewang admitted silently. "To pursue these external possessions, I was willing to pay any price. How foolish of me!"

"I mustn't stay trapped in this failure." Wu Dewang gritted his teeth. "I'll retrain myself and reclaim everything I've lost!"

"Tweet-tweet—" The chirping of morning birds awakened Gu Sheng from his slumber. Rubbing his bleary eyes, he rose from his stone bed, stretching lazily. A new day beckoned, and for Wu Dewang, it signaled the start of his rebirth.

After a night of struggle and effort, Wu Dewang finally broke free from his restraints. Standing on the edge of the Turquoise Pool, he stared at the shimmering water, his heart surging with resolve.

"Gu Sheng, the humiliation and torment you've dealt me—I, Wu Dewang, will never forget." He murmured to himself, "One day, I'll make you pay!"

His eyes flashed with a fierce chill, as if already envisioning the scenes of vengeance to come.

Under a foggy night sky, with stars faintly visible, Gu Sheng wandered alone into the Observatory. His purposeful footsteps echoed softly through the tranquil courtyard. This time, he had one clear goal—to meet the Yaochi Saintess and present her with the priceless Dream Butterfly Atlas.

Within the Observatory's depths stood a graceful pavilion, its warm lights spilling through delicate latticed windows. Gu Sheng gently knocked on the door, which soon opened to reveal the ethereal figure of the Yaochi Saintess.

"Young Master Gu, visiting in the late hours—is there something urgent?" The Yaochi Saintess asked, her melodious voice as captivating as celestial music.

Gu Sheng smiled faintly and withdrew the Dream Butterfly Atlas from his robe. Offering it with both hands, he said, "Saintess, I've come to present this atlas to you."

The Yaochi Saintess's eyes brightened momentarily as she received the atlas. Upon opening it, her expression shifted to astonishment. Within its pages, butterflies seemed to flutter to life, so vividly rendered they appeared ready to take flight from the parchment. She lightly touched the butterflies, her fingertips tingling as if a mysterious energy flowed through the atlas.

"The Dream Butterfly Atlas is indeed exceptional," she murmured in admiration. Lifting her gaze to Gu Sheng, she asked, "Such a precious item—is the young master truly willing to part with it?"

"In my hands, this atlas is wasted." Gu Sheng shook his head. "Your mystical cultivation might unlock its hidden secrets."

The two exchanged smiles, a trace of subtle chemistry weaving through the air. Closing the atlas, the Yaochi Saintess returned it to Gu Sheng's hands. "Your generosity touches me, but such an invaluable treasure—it's not appropriate for me to accept."