Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 385: Chapter 216: Four Symbols Demon Suppression Array_2

Kang Tai had been well-known for some time, and naturally harbored a sense of superiority toward Gu Sheng, a rising star like him.

”Brother Kang, don’t forget, his master is none other than Wen Mingyan! Currently, Wen Mingyan is the only individual in the Red Cloud Prefecture to have comprehended Sword Intent. Who can say for sure if he hasn’t devised some special method to help Gu Sheng swiftly grasp the essence of sword techniques? The Holy Pill Sect’s conflicts with us have been escalating in recent years, and we’ve slain quite a few of their core disciples. This has led to a generational gap in their disciples, creating a significant enmity between us. Wen Mingyan has been proclaiming for some time that Gu Sheng would restore the Holy Pill Sect’s morale within the Red Cloud Secret Realm. Furthermore, Ding Xingbo’s head was severed, and all signs indicate Gu Sheng was the one who struck!”

Upon hearing Lan Liu’s analysis, Kang Tai’s heart sank.

”Brother Kang, the Second Elder specifically warned us before entering not to treat Gu Sheng as an ordinary case. This individual surely has exceptional qualities! If we don’t eliminate him here, he might become a future disaster for us!”

Kang Tai thought for a moment before nodding. ”You’re right! We must keep a close eye on Gu Sheng! But before that, let’s first secure the items the Second Elder instructed us to retrieve. Once that’s done, we’ll act together—Gu Sheng must be slain within the Red Cloud Secret Realm!”

Hidden in the shadows, Gu Sheng overheard their conversation, a surge of killing intent rising in his heart.

The Thousand Poison Sect had brought nineteen people here, including Kang Tai. Gu Sheng was confident he could severely wound or kill them through a single volley from the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow.

However, Gu Sheng did not choose to act yet. After all, he was curious about what exactly Wu Gui was seeking, and the so-called sect ruins intrigued him greatly.

Treasure hunting was an exhilarating endeavor. While Gu Sheng often stayed cautious, that didn’t mean he didn’t relish excitement. Besides, with the Thousand Poison Sect ahead to trigger traps, if things truly became untenable, he could always retreat.

After making his decision, Kang Tai produced a Qiankun Bag. From within it, he retrieved a palm-sized golden Token.

As soon as the Token appeared, ripples resembling water waves emanated from it. Moments later, dazzling golden light erupted from the Token, and it floated out of Kang Tai’s hand, drifting above the lake.

Once the Token reached the water’s surface, the initially calm lake began to churn into a massive whirlpool, rapidly drawing in the surrounding Spiritual Energy.

The Spiritual Energy within the Red Cloud Secret Realm was extremely abundant. As it concentrated into the whirlpool, a dense streak of Spiritual Energy snaked downward into it.

With the infusion of Spiritual Power, the light on the lake’s surface began to distort. Through the illusory, shifting space, faint glimpses of ancient grand halls and towering mountain peaks could be seen.

These mirage-like structures gradually grew clearer. Yet just as they were about to fully emerge, the Spiritual-Energy serpent in the whirlpool disappeared, and the solidifying portal began to dissipate again.

Kang Tai immediately reached into his storage pouch and fished out Spirit Stones, throwing piles of them into the whirlpool.

As large quantities of Spirit Stones were cast into the whirlpool, the portal—already fading—steadily grew distinct again, though its stabilization was far slower than before.

Frustrated, Kang Tai simply upended his storage pouch. Spirit Stones poured out in heaps, forming a small hill—an estimated three to four hundred pieces!

”Hurry and help me throw these Spirit Stones in!”

At Kang Tai’s command, the other disciples of the Thousand Poison Sect rushed over to assist. Within two or three minutes, every single Spirit Stone was thrown into the whirlpool.

The massive quantity of Spirit Stones was soon devoured, and concentrated Spiritual Power surged forth once more. The portal gradually solidified, and the scene within grew increasingly vivid.

After half an hour, the portal finally stabilized completely, even extending a radiant, golden staircase downward.

”Let’s go!”

With one commanding shout, Kang Tai walked up the staircase into the portal first.

Seeing that the Thousand Poison Sect members had fully entered, Gu Sheng immediately followed behind.

As Gu Sheng crossed the portal, he felt an intense wave of dizziness. However, the sensation was fleeting—only lasting two or three breaths—before everything returned to normal. Unlike entering the Red Cloud Secret Realm, they weren’t separated upon arrival.

”Ah! Such a grand sect!”

Ahead of them stood a massive stone pillar piercing the heavens, with the words ”Demon Suppression Sect” carved gleamingly into its surface.

Behind the pillar lay a cluster of ancient halls, and further beyond stood several sky-scraping mountain peaks.

These peaks were covered in dense forests, brimming with Spiritual Energy. Yet among them, the most majestic peak was shockingly split in half.

The fractured section was smooth as if sheared cleanly by an extraordinarily sharp weapon.

”Whoosh! Such immense power would be required for this! Could such a feat even be humanly possible?”

Gu Sheng was stunned by the sight of the halved mountain. Instinctively, he extended his consciousness toward it.

As soon as Gu Sheng’s perception approached, an overwhelming coldness struck him. His body froze momentarily, and his senses recoiled as though electrified.

”Sword Intent!”

Gu Sheng’s heart trembled. He had just felt an incredibly vast Sword Intent resonating from the fractured peak!

Although Gu Sheng had only brushed against it momentarily, that instant felt as though he had been stared down by death itself. The chilling sensation engulfed his entire being in an instant. He had no doubt that had he lingered longer, he would have perished within that horrifying Sword Intent!

The Red Cloud Secret Realm had existed for tens of thousands of years, and naturally, the Demon Suppression Sect must have as well. After such a long passage of time, the Sword Intent still held such terrifying power. Gu Sheng was awestruck, unable to fathom who could have wielded such an extraordinary sword strike in the past!

How dazzling that single strike must have been!

Having learned his lesson, Gu Sheng dared not recklessly use his consciousness to probe further. Instead, he shifted his focus back to Kang Tai and the others.

Led by Kang Tai, the members of the Thousand Poison Sect stopped before four separate halls.

The four halls were clearly incomplete—their roofs had been torn off by external forces, and even their walls were heavily damaged. On the largely broken lintels hung crumbling plaques with inscriptions reading ”Azure Dragon Hall, Vermilion Bird Hall, White Tiger Hall, and Xuanwu Hall.”

Through the remnants of the structures, massive statues could be seen within each hall.

The appearances of the statues matched the plaques, depicting a great azure dragon, a fiery red bird, a majestic white tiger, and a mystical turtle with a dragon’s head and heavy shell.

These statues embodied the Four Symbols Sacred Beasts: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Xuanwu!

Kang Tai gazed at the four statues with an expression of utmost seriousness.

”The item the Second Elder wanted lies within the Four Symbols Demon Suppression Array. To retrieve it, we must break the formation! Though the array has degraded over time, its origins in ancient times mean its power remains formidable. Once we begin, you must all give your utmost to defend and buy me enough time to dismantle it!”

”Brother Kang, rest assured! We’ve simulated this array back in the sect no fewer than a hundred times before entering. We’ve long memorized the method for breaking it—you can act without hesitation.”

Kang Tai turned livid. ”Simulations within the sect can’t compare to the actual Four Symbols Demon Suppression Array! If it were intact, forget about us—even those who’ve surpassed the ninth layer of Bone Tempering would be crushed outright! Even after countless ages, its power remains terrifying. Stay vigilant! If anyone slips up, I won’t spare them!”

Nervously acknowledging Kang Tai’s reprimand, the disciple’s demeanor quickly turned solemn. ”Your lessons are well taken, Brother Kang. I understand!”

With that, he drew the weapon from his waist, readying himself for battle.

Seeing the other disciples similarly steeled, Kang Tai finally stepped onto the open space between the four halls.

”Buzz!”

As soon as Kang Tai took his first step, a faint hum resonated simultaneously from the four halls.

At the same time, the earth began to shake violently as though an earthquake had struck, and dazzling light surged from each hall.

In that instant, the aura of primordial beasts filled the air.