Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 396: Chapter 222: The Contest

Qian Duoduo sneered at the remark: ”Ha! What’s this? Someone calls you ’elder sister’ twice and you lose all sense of direction? Just because he says he has it, then he really has it? He’s merely someone who has just entered the Golden Bone Realm; what gives him the courage to spew such wild boasts?”

Zhou Xing nodded in agreement and said, ”Lu Shu and Lin Tianhao may also be at Golden Bone Realm Perfect like us, but the gap between them and us is crystal clear. Even for us, lasting twenty moves against them would be extremely difficult, let alone Gu Sheng. In my view, Gu Sheng is blinded by arrogance because of his overwhelming talent. I admit his potential is exceptional, even surpassing Lu Shu and Lin Tianhao, but right now, it’s not about who has better talent—it’s about who has the bigger fists!”

Wu Chen also nodded in agreement: ”The matter is of great consequence; it’s imperative to deliberate further!”

Mu Yuanyuan snorted and said, ”Do you take me, Mu Yuanyuan, as someone with a simple mind? Ridiculous! My Mu family established itself through business; in terms of cunning, even if the three of you combined forces, you wouldn’t match me in the slightest! If it weren’t for Gu Sheng demonstrating his strength to me, would I be so easily swayed?”

Zhou Xing and Wu Chen detected Mu Yuanyuan’s underlying meaning and instantly grew serious, urgently asking, ”Does he truly have it?”

After a brief silence, Mu Yuanyuan replied, ”His sword momentum isn’t weaker than Lu Shu’s, and he has already mastered the Gale Nine Swords technique.”

Upon hearing this, Qian Duoduo instantly challenged, ”That’s impossible! As far as I know, he only began training in swordsmanship after becoming Peak Master Wen’s disciple, and that was no more than half a year ago. How could he possibly reach Lu Shu’s level in such a short time?”

Zhou Xing and Wu Chen fell deep into thought.

”You’ve already said it—his master is Wen Mingyan! That’s the sole person in the Red Cloud Prefecture Domain who has comprehended Sword Intent! Think what you want. Regardless, my Mu family is willing to join hands with the Holy Pill Sect. If your families don’t wish to cooperate, then just withdraw. Considering the collaboration our four Powerful Families have had over the years, I’ll remind you: if any one of us splits off, it wouldn’t just be the Governor Mansion or Haotian Sect that could overpower us; even the Mad Saber Sect could crush us. If you plan to withdraw, do so quickly to prevent unnecessary casualties.”

Faced with Mu Yuanyuan’s declaration, Qian Duoduo, Zhou Xing, and Wu Chen hesitated, unable to counter her statement. After returning to her Mu family’s group, Qian Duoduo looked toward Zhou Xing and Wu Chen and asked, ”What’s your take on this?”

Zhou Xing and Wu Chen exchanged glances and said, ”Our families will not withdraw.”

”You!”

Clearly still unconvinced by Gu Sheng, Qian Duoduo became visibly angry upon seeing Zhou Xing and Wu Chen choose to side with Mu Yuanyuan. He pointed at the two of them and cursed, ”You two really are idiots! Just one statement from her, and you believe her? Fine, do what you like. Rather than join forces with the Holy Pill Sect, I’d rather align with the Mad Saber Sect—it’s far more reliable!”

With his temper flaring, Qian Duoduo stormed off toward Zhu Hong of the Mad Saber Sect.

Zhu Hong, who was worrying about how to deal with the already-solidified alliances of the other factions, suddenly lit up with glee as he saw Qian Duoduo approach: ”Brother Qian, are you here to propose an alliance with my Mad Saber Sect to fight for the Bell and Scroll?”

Even though Zhu Hong was slightly stronger than Qian Duoduo, his usual demeanor wouldn’t have been nearly so welcoming. However, given the dire circumstances, Zhu Hong had no choice but to act amiably. Without Qian Duoduo joining forces with them, the Mad Saber Sect was too weak; they wouldn’t even have the chance to snatch leftovers.

Qian Duoduo was slightly unaccustomed to Zhu Hong’s enthusiasm but, after pausing momentarily, responded with surprise and delight: ”Yes, yes! I’ve long admired Brother Zhu’s esteemed name. To work hand-in-hand with you today would surely be an excellent event!”

Gu Sheng, observing Qian Duoduo’s actions, did not attempt to intervene. To him, whether or not the Qian family cooperated made no difference. The sole reason he joined forces with the other families was to minimize casualties among the Holy Pill Sect’s disciples. Otherwise, given his abilities, operating solo to steal the treasures would have been far easier.

After returning to the Holy Pill Sect’s group, Gu Sheng addressed Yun Tianyi: ”Brother Yun, the Mu family, Wu family, and Zhou family have all agreed to cooperate with us. When the time comes, lead the senior and junior disciples to coordinate with them. There’s no need to risk too much—preserving yourselves is most important! As for the matter of fighting for the Bell and Scroll, leave it to me!”

Yun Tianyi, realizing no convincing words would change Gu Sheng’s mind, could only nod in agreement.

A day later, the barrier began to tremble and deteriorate.

The scattered forces of various major factions instantly grew tense.

”Crack! Crack!”

A series of shattering noises echoed as spiderweb-like cracks spread quickly across the surface of the barrier. Within just a quarter-hour, it was completely covered in fractures. Moments later, with a deafening boom, the barrier disintegrated entirely!

As soon as the barrier shattered, numerous figures darted out from various directions. Most rushed toward the Demon Suppression Golden Scroll, while only a few headed for the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell.

The smaller families and sects acted first, while the alliances formed by the Governor Mansion, Haoyang Sect, Holy Pill Sect, and Mad Saber Sect merely watched coldly.

”Haha! I’ve got the Scroll! I’ve got it!”

A short and diminutive Silver Bone Realm cultivator, moving faster than anyone else, reached the Demon Suppression Golden Scroll first and seized it.

As the Scroll came into his hands, nothing unusual occurred. Overjoyed, he was ecstatic. Born into a small clan whose strongest member had merely reached the third level of marrow refinement, his clan lacked substantial resources. Though he didn’t know the specific grade or function of the Scroll, he was confident that bringing it back to his clan would earn him abundant rewards, perhaps even the favor of the clan leader, paving the way for his bright future.