Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Song Changsheng didn’t hesitate for a moment. He said in a low voice, ”I will do everything in my power!”

He knew Zhan Tianxia was sacrificing him to protect Yinn Shang, but Song Changsheng had no complaints. If their roles were reversed, he would have done the same. It was the best option they had.

”I’m counting on you.” Zhan Tianxia’s expression finally softened a little.

”Alright, everyone go and get ready. Tomorrow, we’ll see how it all plays out.”

At his words, the group dispersed.

Song Changsheng returned to his room, took out a long sword that gleamed with a cold light, and began to wipe it meticulously.

Magical artifacts of the Tier Three Level were forbidden in the arena competition, so he couldn’t use his Demon-Binding Rope or the Supreme Profound Thundercloud Pot.

This effectively deprived Song Changsheng of his two most powerful magical artifacts. Aside from those, the only magical artifacts he had left were the Middle-Grade Spiritual Artifacts: the Celestial Measuring Ruler, the Heaven-Encompassing Net, and the Void-Breaking Ring, as well as the High-Grade Spiritual Artifact, the Yin Yang Spirit-Slaying Gourd.

Although he had quite a few, their grades weren’t particularly high. They certainly couldn’t compare to the equipment of the direct lineage disciples from the major sects.

So, Song Changsheng took the opportunity to refine the Book Language Sword.

It was originally the Array Hub for the Guardian Array outside the Martial Spirit Sect’s Scripture Pavilion. After Song Changsheng broke the array, it fell into his hands.

This sword was forged from Deep Sea Meteorite Iron and was incomparably sharp. It was a perfect match for the Seven Extremes Swordsmanship that Song Changsheng cultivated. With this sword in hand, he could slightly close the equipment gap between him and his opponents.

After carefully wiping the Book Language Sword from hilt to tip, Song Changsheng placed it in his Middle Dantian to nurture it. He then sat cross-legged by the window and began to cultivate under the moonlight...

The next day, dawn broke, painting the clouds on the horizon like an oil painting.

Song Changsheng opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them for an instant before disappearing.

After a night of regulation, he had brought his condition to its absolute peak. He was fully confident about the upcoming battle.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

A knock came at the door. Song Changsheng swept the area with his Divine Sense and a smile immediately broke out on his face. He opened the door to see Zhuang Yuechan standing there gracefully.

She wasn’t wearing her veil today. She had on light makeup, which added a touch of charming allure to her already breathtaking beauty. Song Changsheng was so captivated that he momentarily forgot to speak.

Zhuang Yuechan felt a little shy under his intense gaze. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, ”I heard from Sixth Senior Sister that Martial Uncle is making you face Jin Yue. You... just do your best. Don’t feel too much pressure. If you can’t win, just concede.”

”You don’t have faith in me?” Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow, reaching out to pull Zhuang Yuechan into his arms.

Zhuang Yuechan pressed her cheek against his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart. She whispered, ”Of course I have faith in you. I’ve just heard that Jin Yue is ruthless and despicable. I’m afraid he’ll use some dirty tricks on you.”

Sensing the worry in her words, Song Changsheng held her delicate shoulders and smiled slightly. ”Many people have wanted me dead, but I’m still alive and well. Don’t worry. He can’t touch me.”

”I’ll be in the crowd watching you the whole time. Don’t make me worry.” Zhuang Yuechan looked up and gave Song Changsheng a light peck on his thin lips. Then, she broke free from his embrace and ran away, her face beet red, as if she’d just done something she shouldn’t have.

Zhuang Yuechan’s surprise attack left Song Changsheng stunned for a moment. By the time he came to his senses, she had already run far away. He subconsciously licked his lips. They were sweet, with a hint of fragrance. It was just too short; he hadn’t had time to savor it.

’Is this my pre-battle reward?’ Song Changsheng rubbed his nose, a brilliant smile spreading across his face.

”Brother Song, what are you grinning foolishly about? Hurry up and assemble! It’s time to enter the arena,” Niu Dazhuang said, waving a hand as large as a cattail fan in front of Song Changsheng’s face.

”Er... right. There’s no time to lose, let’s go,” Song Changsheng quickly wiped the smile from his face and headed to the arena with Niu Dazhuang.

In the waiting room, everyone had already gathered. Muu Guibai looked at Song Changsheng and the others with a solemn expression. ”The future of Luoxia City rests on your shoulders.”

”We will not fail our mission!” the five of them shouted in unison.

”Good. Luoxia City never mistreats its heroes. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, you are all heroes of Luoxia. Go!” A look of gratification showed in Muu Guibai’s eyes.

”Move out.”

Led by Yinn Shang, the five of them walked into the arena in single file. The surrounding spectator stands were already packed; all the major powers had sent representatives.

In the second row of the central section, Song Changsheng spotted Grand Elder Song Xianyun, as well as Song Qingxi, Song Qinghong, and other junior members of the clan. They were waving large banners and shouting his name in support.

He also saw a gloomy, gray-bearded old man staring at him with a venomous expression.

A glance at where the man was seated told Song Changsheng exactly who he was: the Supreme Elder of the Lieyang Sect, Hex Tai!

A cold sneer appeared on Song Changsheng’s face. ’The Song Clan isn’t what it used to be. The Martial Spirit Sect has already been swept into the trash heap. The Lieyang Sect is next!’

Just then, the disciples from the Golden Crow Sect and the Celestial Vein Sect also entered the arena one after another.

The Golden Crow Sect’s group consisted of four men and one woman. Xia Qingxue, dressed in a simple gown, stood out like a crane among chickens. Her stunning beauty and cold demeanor quickly captured the attention of the entire audience.

But Xia Qingxue remained expressionless, merely glancing in Song Changsheng’s direction.

The Celestial Vein Sect sent three men and two women. The burly cultivator at their lead was particularly eye-catching because he had short hair, almost a buzz cut, a style that was exceptionally unusual in this world.

After all, even Song Changsheng, a transmigrator, had gone with the flow and kept his hair long.

The moment he saw this person, a name popped into Song Changsheng’s mind: Jin Yue.

’This is my greatest opponent in this battle. As long as I can defeat him, reaching the finals is practically guaranteed.’

Perhaps sensing Song Changsheng’s gaze, Jin Yue turned his head, shot him a glance, and gave him a bloodthirsty smile, mouthing some silent words.

Although Song Changsheng couldn’t read lips, he could guess with his eyes closed that it was some kind of taunt. He disdained to waste his breath on such things and calmly looked away.

”Heh, interesting.” Jin Yue ran a hand through his hair, his eyes turning icy cold.

Similar exchanges were happening among the other contestants. The competition hadn’t even started, but the air was already thick with tension.

At that moment, an elderly figure appeared in the center of the arena and announced in a loud voice, ”I am Luu Yuming, and I have been invited to serve as the chief referee for this competition.”

”In addition to myself, there are three deputy referees: Celestial Sword Master Bai Zimo of the Golden Crow Sect, Master Wuxin, Bai Yan, of the Celestial Vein Sect, and Great City Lord Muu Guibai of Luoxia City.”

”You should all be clear on the rules of this competition, so I will not repeat them. However, I must emphasize one point: all bouts must stop once a victor is clear. You are not to take a life, and you are not to cripple anyone’s cultivation. Otherwise, you will be punished as if you had committed the crime itself!”

Luu Yuming’s words were carried in all directions by his Spiritual Power, and all who heard them felt a chill in their hearts.

As the only Tier Four Alchemist in the entire Daqi Cultivation World, no one dared to ignore Luu Yuming’s words.

”Now, I invite the contestants from the three parties to take their positions. The contest for the arenas will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. The party that still holds an arena at midnight will be victorious.”

The fifteen people from the two sects and one city formed three distinct lines.

DONG...

A deep, resonant bell toll echoed. In an instant, a man in a red robe from the Golden Crow Sect and a slender woman from the Celestial Vein Sect each rushed toward an arena. Only the participants from Luoxia City remained standing in place.

”Qii Shuheng of the Golden Crow Sect. I await your instruction,” the man in red said with a calm expression, cupping his fist to the crowd below the stage. His voice was clear and bright.

”Wun Qianqian of the Celestial Vein Sect! I await instruction from my fellow Daoists of Luoxia City!” Compared to Qii Shuheng, Wun Qianqian was far more direct, aiming her challenge squarely at the Luoxia City group.

The two had outstanding temperaments and radiated vigor. Every movement they made was filled with powerful self-confidence. The moment they spoke, the tens of thousands of spectators in the audience erupted.

All eyes fell on Song Changsheng and his team. They wanted to know how Luoxia City would respond to the challenge from these formidable opponents from two long-established Golden Core Sects.

...