Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 767: Chapter 407: The Stronger We Encounter, The Stronger We Become_2

Li Ruoyu pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Ling Mu and the others.

Then, Li Ruoyu looked at Gu Sheng, as if seeking his opinion.

Gu Sheng slightly nodded, indicating agreement.

He understood there was no need for the competition to continue.

If they did not show respect to the two elders, it would be difficult for Li Ruoyu to intervene.

"Since Elder Jin and Elder Mu have stepped forward, I’ll show you some face."

Li Ruoyu said slowly, then gave Gu Sheng a subtle glance: "Gu Sheng, you may stand down."

"Yes."

Gu Sheng answered respectfully, then slowly retreated to the side.

But his vigilant gaze remained fixed on Ling Mu and the others.

Both Elder Jin and Elder Mu turned toward Ling Mu, their eyes filled with reproach: "Ling Mu, the rest of you, hurry up and apologize to Uncle Li and Gu Sheng!"

"Apologize?"

Ling Mu and his companions froze momentarily.

Though unwilling, under the imposing authority of the two elders, they lowered their heads.

"Uncle Li, Gu Sheng, we were reckless earlier, please forgive us."

Ling Mu and the others bowed deeply to Li Ruoyu and Gu Sheng.

"Hmm..."

Li Ruoyu nodded slightly, indicating he accepted their apology.

"Since you’ve recognized your mistakes, I’ll let this slide. Zhuo Peak will not accept you this time. Leave now."

Li Ruoyu waved his hand dismissively.

"Yes, we understand."

Ling Mu and the others replied in unison.

Then, under the leadership of Elder Jin and Elder Mu, Ling Mu and his companions left Zhuo Peak.

Gu Sheng stood where he was and took a deep breath.

At that moment, Gu Sheng felt a sense of weariness within.

Coming to Zhuo Peak, he never intended to compete for fame or fortune.

But now, it seemed all the hostility was directed toward him.

Especially among the cultivators on Ling Peak, almost all of them regarded Gu Sheng as a thorn in their side.

This feeling was unbearable.

At this moment, Li Ruoyu looked at Gu Sheng, seemingly unaware of Gu Sheng’s inner turmoil.

With words filled with praise, he said, "Gu Sheng, your performance today was outstanding. Your strength and temperament both give me great satisfaction. Continue to work hard; your future is limitless."

"Yes, senior."

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, saying no more.

After Ling Mu and his companions had left, only a dozen disciples remained.

Since Li Ruoyu rarely accepted disciples, the arrival of these individuals at Zhuo Peak created a sense of anxious busyness for him.

But this also gave Gu Sheng a bit of leisure time.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Gu Sheng delved deep into the Daoist Scripture, and simultaneously, used the power of the Spiritual Spring and the Mystic Yellow Qi to reforged the green copper block.

For several days, Ji Ziyue did not see any trace of Gu Sheng.

Frustrated, Ji Ziyue began secretly tracking him.

The real reason Ji Ziyue couldn’t find Gu Sheng was that he wasn’t even at Zhuo Peak.

He wandered among the ninety-nine main peaks.

Simply put, he wanted to escape this place.

Just as Gu Sheng was traversing other main peaks, he suddenly noticed someone seemed to be following him.

With a quick evasion, he immediately concealed his presence.

"This Gu Sheng... Why is he running?"

Ji Ziyue arrived at the spot where Gu Sheng had just disappeared, her face full of exasperation.

"Why are you following me?"

Gu Sheng’s voice suddenly rang out.

Ji Ziyue turned her head and, seeing him, broke into a cheeky smile. "Ah, sharp indeed. You even noticed me tracking you."

"Tch! With tracking skills as poor as yours, even a dog would do better!"

Gu Sheng’s face showed clear disdain.

Ji Ziyue, hearing his mockery, was instantly indignant.

She straightened her posture, ready to argue with Gu Sheng.

"What did you just say?!"

Ji Ziyue glared, "My tracking skills are top-notch. Don’t underestimate me!"

Gu Sheng couldn’t help but laugh at her earnest expression.

"Haha... Fine, fine, I was wrong. But why are you following me?"

"Hmph!"

Ji Ziyue snorted, "I just wanted to see what you’re up to. These past few days, you’ve been completely missing."

Gu Sheng shook his head, "I don’t want to encounter people like Ling Mu again. Honestly, I’d prefer to avoid all of them."

Ji Ziyue listened and seemed to understand Gu Sheng’s sentiment.

"I get it. In that case, it’s not a bad idea. You can avoid unnecessary trouble."

The two walked and chatted, their conversation light and cheerful.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the foot of Star Peak Mountain.

Star Peak was majestic and splendid, shrouded in clouds and mist, giving an impression of profound mystery.

Gu Sheng looked up, a hint of yearning flashing in his eyes.

"The scenery here at Star Peak is truly breathtaking—far better than the barren peaks of Zhuo Peak."

Gu Sheng couldn’t help but remark in awe.

Ji Ziyue also looked up, "Indeed, Star Peak Mountain is an ideal place for cultivation, with its abundant Spiritual Energy. Many experts choose to train here."

Gu Sheng nodded, "I’ve heard there’s a mysterious figure on Star Peak Mountain whose cultivation is unfathomable. If I could receive guidance from them, it would surely greatly enhance my progress."

"Oh? Do you know who this mysterious figure is?"

Ji Ziyue asked curiously.

"I’ve only heard rumors, so I’m not sure. But I plan to explore the mountain and find out for myself."

Gu Sheng shook his head and said.

Ji Ziyue’s eyes lit up with excitement, "Let’s go together!"

"Alright."

The two exchanged smiles and ventured towards Star Peak Mountain side by side.

As soon as Gu Sheng and Ji Ziyue stepped through the gates of Star Peak Mountain, they were captivated by what they saw.

Inside the gates, layers of mist swirled, the Spiritual Energy was overwhelming.

Within this dreamlike environment, stood a woman dressed in white, serene and timeless, seemingly one with the surrounding nature.

"It’s...her..."

Gu Sheng’s gaze froze, instantly recognizing the woman.

She was his first love from years ago—Li Xiaoman.

The passage of time appeared to have left no mark on her. She was just as stunning as ever, elegant and radiant.

Ji Ziyue noticed the change in Gu Sheng’s expression. She smiled knowingly, appearing to have guessed Li Xiaoman’s identity.

Without much ado, she approached directly.

"Hello, I’m Ji Ziyue, and this is my friend Gu Sheng. We’ve heard there’s a master here at Star Peak Mountain, so we’ve come especially to pay our respects."

Ji Ziyue said with a friendly smile.

Li Xiaoman turned around, her gaze clear as water.

Her brow furrowed lightly as she looked at Gu Sheng.

Li Xiaoman suddenly seemed at a loss, unsure of how to respond.

Gu Sheng stepped forward, looking at Li Xiaoman with a surge of complex emotions.

"Xiaoman, it’s been years. You’re still as beautiful as ever."

"Why are you here as well?"

Li Xiaoman’s breath became slightly uneven.

Ji Ziyue noticed the subtle tension in their gazes and suddenly felt a pang of jealousy.

Unable to resist, she stepped forward, positioning herself between the two.

"Miss Xiaoman, don’t underestimate Gu Sheng. He’s grown immensely in power—he’s no longer the naive boy he once was."

Ji Ziyue spoke with a hint of playfulness, though her words carried a subtly provocative tone.

Li Xiaoman’s beautiful eyes showed a trace of surprise.

"Oh? Really? Gu Sheng, have you already..."

Her voice faltered, as though remembering something.

Gu Sheng sensed Ji Ziyue’s subtle shift in mood but kept his expression indifferent.

"Xiaoman, I’ve indeed grown over the years and faced numerous trials."

Gu Sheng responded to Li Xiaoman calmly.

"Then were you...one of those who injured Ling Mu’s group?"

Li Xiaoman’s tone held a hint of uncertainty.

She recalled the rumors of powerful figures involved, and Gu Sheng seemed to fit this profile.

Gu Sheng nodded lightly, "That’s correct, I was part of that battle."

"Part of it?!"

Ji Ziyue stepped forward and exclaimed, "Gu Sheng took them on single-handedly! Single-handedly!"

"What? That..."

Li Xiaoman’s eyes flashed with astonishment.

She hadn’t expected Gu Sheng to reach such heights, leading her to re-evaluate him.

"Gu Sheng, your rapid progress truly astounds me, but..."

Li Xiaoman’s voice trailed off deliberately.

"But what?"

Gu Sheng noticed Li Xiaoman’s tense demeanor and asked urgently.