Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 1629: Chapter 827: No Need for Formalities (Part 2)

"Blood-colored Branch... truly brimming with Spiritual agility, and astonishing in its speed."

She twined a strand of gentle radiance around her fingertip, lightly brushing over the menacing barbs of the vine’s surface. The vine, like a tamed venomous serpent, instantly grew docile, even affectionately nudging her fingertip.

"Although it doesn’t match the main vine’s vast might, it excels in agility and unpredictability, compensating for the shortcomings of close combat, perfectly suited for my needs. Gu Sheng, I truly like this gift."

She looked up at Gu Sheng, genuine mirth blossoming in her cool eyes, like ice melting into spring waters gently rippling.

With a lotus-like grace, she moved lightly in front of Gu Sheng and suddenly extended her arms, softly embracing him.

This was a brief yet gentle embrace, suffused with a cool fragrance, yet imbued with an indescribable intimacy and trust.

"Thank you."

Tantai Xueling’s voice sounded in Gu Sheng’s ear, still as clear and melodious, yet now tinged with a subtle warmth.

Gu Sheng’s body stiffened slightly, then relaxed, not pushing away.

He could feel Tantai Xueling’s complete and unguarded trust at this moment.

This Blood-colored Branch was indeed extraordinary to her.

Tantai Xueling quickly released her hold, stepping back, her face reverted to its usual coolness, as if that moment of closeness was just an illusion.

She looked toward Shadow, standing a short distance away, and gave her orders.

"Shadow, at dawn tomorrow, head to the Mystic Sect of the Holy Academy to support Shen Qingtan and her group. Escort them safely to the Transmission Array, ensuring their smooth departure from Great Wilderness City."

"Yes, Pavilion Master."

Shadow bowed to accept the command, his voice cold and unwavering.

At that moment, Shadow’s body paused almost imperceptibly, then turned to Gu Sheng, his voice still flat.

"Master, outside the pavilion, a strange woman seeks an audience, claiming to be... Situ Qingyue. Her cultivation is at the peak of the Earth Martial Realm, her aura is unfamiliar, not from any known force of Great Wilderness City."

"Situ Qingyue?"

Gu Sheng frowned slightly.

That name... Situ? His heart skipped a beat, could it be...

"Earth Martial Realm peak?"

Tantai Xueling’s eyes carried surprise, then she understood.

"It seems she’s come for you. Do you wish to see her?"

Gu Sheng pondered briefly and nodded.

"Let her in."

Shadow withdrew in silence.

Moments later, Shadow led a young woman into the underground layer.

The woman was about seventeen or eighteen years old, clad in a well-worn, pale cyan dress, her figure slender, her face delicate, showing traces of travel and weariness, yet her eyes were clear and bright, full of stubbornness and resilience.

Her cultivation, as Shadow said, was at the peak of the Earth Martial Realm, her aura pure, yet carrying an imperceptible... Sword Intent?

Stepping into this underground space rich with Spiritual Energy and faint oppression, she seemed somewhat uneasy, nervously twisting the hem of her garment, but when her gaze landed on Gu Sheng, her eyes exploded with indescribable excitement and hope!

"Are you... Senior Gu Sheng?"

The girl’s voice trembled as she quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply to Gu Sheng.

"I am Situ Qingyue, disciple of Situ Qingfeng... he is my brother!"

Indeed! Gu Sheng understood. Situ Qingfeng’s sister!

"Rise and speak."

Gu Sheng’s voice was calm.

"How did you find this place? And how do you know my name?"

Situ Qingyue straightened, her eyes slightly red, holding back tears.

"It was... an Immortal named Xia who told me! She said my brother is trapped in a Secret Realm, and you... you have a way to save him! She gave me a talisman, saying if I followed its guidance, I could find you!

I... I followed the talisman all the way from the Southern Border for more than half a month to reach here!"

Xia Fuqu! Gu Sheng’s gaze turned slightly cold.

This woman truly knew how to make things convenient, directly pushing Situ Qingfeng’s sister to his door.

However, that Situ Qingyue could traverse alone from the edge of the Southern Border to Great Wilderness City, such determination and perseverance were indeed remarkable.

"I’m already aware of your brother’s situation."

Gu Sheng looked at the stubborn young girl before him.

"I will rescue him. You... stay here and wait for news."

"Senior!"

Hearing this, Situ Qingyue could no longer hold back her tears, they fell unchecked as she bowed deeply again.

"Thank you, Senior, for your immense kindness! Qingyue... Qingyue is willing to toil day and night to repay this debt!"

"No need."

Gu Sheng gently lifted his hand emptily.

"Your brother once aided me; saving him is only right. You just need to comfort yourself here and wait."

He turned to Tantai Xueling.

"Xueling, about this girl..."

"Leave it to me."

Tantai Xueling’s gaze swept over Situ Qingyue, her cool eyes carrying a hint of subtle warmth.

"This little girl’s potential is promising, the form of Sword Intent is emerging, she’s a good seed. Keeping her at my Linyin Pavilion, we’re in need of someone to help manage the herb garden, meanwhile... she can also learn a thing or two."

Situ Qingyue, hearing this, was both surprised and delighted, immediately bowing deeply to Tantai Xueling as well.

"Thank you, Pavilion Master, for accepting me! Qingyue will definitely give her utmost!"

Tantai Xueling nodded slightly and instructed the maid at her side.

"Take Miss Qingyue down, arrange her accommodations, and get her acquainted with the herb garden’s affairs."

The maid obeyed, leading the grateful Situ Qingyue away from the underground layer.

Once they were gone, Tantai Xueling looked at Gu Sheng, her gaze carrying an inquiry.

"Xia Fuqu... sure knows how to give you tasks. Yet, this little girl certainly is something. How do you plan to handle it?"

"First, let’s get Situ Qingfeng out."

Gu Sheng’s gaze was solemn.

"Tomorrow, I will go with Xia Fuqu to that Secret Realm. Shadow..."

"Rest assured, Master."

Shadow’s cold voice rang out.

"I will follow in secret to ensure everything is flawless."

Gu Sheng nodded. With Shadow, a newly ascended King Realm cultivator providing covert support, along with Xia Fuqu leading the way, rescuing Situ Qingfeng should not pose much of a problem.

"You’re to set off tomorrow, so spend today recovering here."

Tantai Xueling pointed to the White Jade Platform.

"The Spiritual Energy here might be beneficial to you."

Gu Sheng did not refuse.

He sat cross-legged on the White Jade Platform, eyes closed to meditate.

Within his body, True Yuan slowly circulated, blending with the rich moonlit Spiritual Energy surrounding him, mending the subtle fatigues brought by continuous traveling and battles, while also preparing for the possible fierce battles of tomorrow.

Tantai Xueling stood aside, taking out a Communication Jade Talisman, her fingertips glimmered with a clear glow as she began writing.

She had to relay details about Gu Ningshuang and the others’ journey to Central Province, and arrangements for aiding Situ Qingfeng, thoroughly informing her clan members far away in Central Province.

Quietude returned to the underground layer once more, only the faint sound of Spiritual Energy flowing and the calm presence of the two individuals retained.

Shadow, like the most loyal guardian, disappeared into the shadows in the corner, his presence concealed as if non-existent.

Time passed slowly in tranquility.

Gu Sheng’s mind sank into himself, sensing the flow of True Yuan and the pulse of the Heavenly Demon Vine.

The golden main vine and the crimson branch, having progressed by absorbing a massive amount of Life Force, became more refined and powerful, their connection to his mind growing closer.

Especially the Blood-colored Branch, though its Spirituality was less than the main vine’s, its pure bloodthirsty instinct and terrifying speed might unleash unexpected power in specific environments.

After an indefinite calm, Gu Sheng slowly opened his eyes, concealing the bright depth within, his aura well-harmonized.

He turned to Tantai Xueling, who seemed to have just finished sending messages, putting away the Jade Talisman.

"Are all arrangements settled?"

Gu Sheng asked.

"Mm."

Tantai Xueling nodded.

"In Central Province, they will have supporters to receive Ningshuang and the others. I’ve informed them about Situ Qingfeng as well, once rescued, someone will escort the siblings to reunite in Central Province."

"Thank you for your efforts."

Gu Sheng stood up.

"Between you and me, there is no need for formalities."

Tantai Xueling regarded him, the depth within her cold eyes revealing a subtle meaning.

"Take great care journeying to the Secret Realm. The woman, Xia Fuqu, is deep in thought and cannot be wholly trusted."

"I am aware."

Gu Sheng’s gaze was sharp.

"She seeks something, as do I. It is merely mutual exploitation."

He said no more, nodding slightly to Tantai Xueling before turning to the exit. Shadow silently followed.