Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

A pained look immediately appeared on Zhang Yuheng’s face, his brow furrowed with struggle.

At the critical moment, Zhang Yuheng suddenly bit the tip of his tongue. The sharp pain instantly cleared his mind.

Pushed into a disadvantage the moment they clashed, Zhang Yuheng was both shocked and enraged. He rapidly formed a seal technique and shouted, ”Sever!”

The Cyan Blade, cutting across the sky, suddenly transformed into a long, cyan rainbow and slashed down.

Yinn Shang continued to play his flute, his footwork constantly shifting as he dodged every single attack.

The intense pain throbbing in his mind told Zhang Yuheng that he couldn’t let Yinn Shang keep playing. With a wave of his hand, the long sword returned to his grasp, and he charged straight for Yinn Shang’s heart.

”Little Divine Technique: Spirit Transformation Palm!”

A faint Qi Vortex appeared in Yinn Shang’s palm. He slapped it against the flat of the sword. Zhang Yuheng immediately felt a strange power travel from the long sword into his body, and his Spiritual Power suddenly stagnated.

Seizing the opportunity, Yinn Shang sent his Jade Flute flying toward Zhang Yuheng’s forehead.

”Little Divine Technique: Bright King’s Golden Light Shield!”

Bursts of golden light erupted from Zhang Yuheng’s body, sacred and solemn.

The Jade Flute struck the golden light but couldn’t advance an inch.

Seeing this, Yinn Shang swiped a hand over his Storage Bag, and a Jade Zither appeared before him. His slender fingers quickly plucked the strings, sending waves of musical notes, sharp as blades, surging toward Zhang Yuheng.

”Insignificant tricks!” Zhang Yuheng’s voice boomed like spring thunder. He strode upon the Celestial Spirit stars, his body shifting rapidly as his long sword swept out, releasing a rainbow of Sword Qi.

The battle quickly reached a fever pitch. As expected of experts at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage, they unleashed an endless stream of Divine Techniques and Mysterious Techniques. With their superhuman reflexes and combat awareness, neither could gain the upper hand for a time.

Below the arena, Song Changsheng watched the two fight, a sense of anxiety growing in his heart. ’I thought that after I defeated Jin Yue, our victory was assured. Who knew there’d be a twist here?’

’First Brother, you have to hold on!’ Using the Inconstant Killing Array had consumed all of Song Changsheng’s Spiritual Power, so he could only pray silently that Yinn Shang could last a little longer.

There were less than two ancient hours until the end of the arena matches. As long as they still held the arena at midnight, Luoxia City would secure a spot in the finals.

Now, it was up to Yinn Shang to fight for that chance. If he was defeated, allowing the Golden Crow Sect to occupy two arenas, it would mean Luoxia City had lost its qualification for the finals. All their previous efforts would have been for nothing.

The wait was agonizing. That short period of time felt longer than a year.

After an ancient hour of fierce combat, the two finally reached their final confrontation.

Three clusters of light circled Yinn Shang: a Jade Flute, a Jade Zither, and a pipa. The music from each was distinct, yet they did not interfere with one another.

Zhang Yuheng held the Cyan Blade, a Golden Cauldron suspended above his head. Wisps of Profound Yellow Qi drifted down from it, making him appear both solemn and mysterious.

”Little Divine Technique: Celestial Sound Frenzy!”

The Jade Flute, Jade Zither, and pipa began to play on their own, sending a tsunami of musical notes surging toward Zhang Yuheng.

”Little Divine Technique: Sunset Golden Crow!”

”SCREEE—”

A lifelike Three-legged Golden Crow emerged from the Golden Cauldron. It spread its wings, let out a long cry, and unleashed a searing wave of heat as it charged violently into the frenzy of sound.

”BOOM—”

The Fine Iron Arena, already under immense strain, developed a web of spider-like cracks across its surface before collapsing with a tremendous roar. Dust filled the air. Two figures were sent flying backward simultaneously. Zhang Yuheng landed completely outside the original arena’s boundaries, while Yinn Shang landed on its very edge.

The spectator stands erupted in an instant. Zhang Yuheng was defeated! Yinn Shang had defeated Zhang Yuheng!

Public opinion at the scene was already unfavorable toward the Golden Crow Sect. With Zhang Yuheng’s defeat, it became completely one-sided.

Hearing the cheers around him, Bai Zimo’s expression turned ugly. He now understood how Bai Yan had felt earlier. Fortunately, he still had a chance.

He gave a subtle look, and a Golden Crow Sect disciple reluctantly stepped onto the ruins of the Fine Iron Arena. He bowed and said, ”Du Yu of the Golden Crow Sect. Fellow Daoist Yinn, I ask for your guidance.”

Yinn Shang struggled to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. ”Bring it on.”

”First Brother, let me go!” Shen Shishi shouted anxiously.

”Sixth Sister, you need to conserve your strength. We might have to rely on you later,” Yinn Shang said, shaking his head slightly.

He knew his own condition best. Although he had defeated Zhang Yuheng, his own injuries were not light. Even if he were to step down now, he definitely wouldn’t be able to participate in the finals.

It was better to use what little strength he had left to stall for the remaining time. Regardless of the final outcome, he had to at least ensure they made it into the finals first.

”Fellow Daoist Yinn, must you do this?” Du Yu felt a pang of reluctance. He genuinely admired Yinn Shang for being able to defeat a hypocrite like Zhang Yuheng. If he had a choice, he wouldn’t want to take advantage of someone’s vulnerability, but alas, he could not disobey his master’s orders.

”Fellow Daoist Du, enough talk. Just bring it on.” Yinn Shang recalled his three Spiritual Artifacts, his face devoid of fear.

Du Yu sighed, took out an iron ruler, and attacked Yinn Shang.

Between the two of them, one had no will to fight, and the other was solely focused on stalling. The match was completely incomparable to the last one, and more than half an ancient hour quickly passed.

Seeing this, Lu Yuming appeared above the arena and announced in a deep voice, ”Midnight has arrived! The Golden Crow Sect and Luoxia City will advance. The final battle will take place in seven days!”

As his voice fell, the disciples of Luoxia City and Du Yu all breathed a sigh of relief.

”Fellow Daoist Yinn, my apologies.” Du Yu clasped his hands in a salute and turned to leave. He knew he would inevitably be punished upon his return, but he was not afraid. A gentleman has his principles.

Watching his departing figure, Yinn Shang gave a slight bow. If Du Yu had been relentless in his attacks, he might not have been able to last until now.

”First Brother, how are you?” Shen Shishi asked, her face filled with pain as she looked at Yinn Shang’s weakened state.

”I’m fine...”

Just as he finished speaking, Yinn Shang opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood before fainting.

Shen Shishi’s beautiful face turned pale with fright. As she panicked, Zhan Tianxia’s figure appeared beside her. He picked up Yinn Shang and quickly departed.

The crowd in the spectator stands sighed at the sight. Luoxia City’s performance today had exceeded everyone’s expectations. Whether it was Niu Dazhuang, who had defeated two opponents in a row; Song Changsheng, who had heavily injured Jin Yue; or Yinn Shang, who had served as their anchor, they had all been exceptionally brilliant.

Unfortunately, all three were now severely injured and would probably be unable to participate in the upcoming finals.

Of the two remaining members, Li Ru was grievously wounded, and Shen Shishi was not well-known. Compared to the other members of the Golden Crow Sect, their chances of victory were simply too slim.

At this moment, almost no one favored Luoxia City anymore, not even Sect Leader Huaa Ruoxi of the Huansha Sect or Hall Master Fengg Zhongyi of the Demon Suppression Hall...

Inside the inn, the members of Luoxia City gathered together. The acrid smell of blood and medicine filled the air.

Five had gone out to fight. Three were unconscious, and one was severely injured.

This outcome cast a shadow over everyone’s hearts.

”I’ll go for the final battle. Even if I die, I won’t let them have an easy time,” Shen Shishi said, her tone filled with grim determination.

Hearing Shen Shishi’s words, Zhan Tianxia didn’t answer but instead looked at Song Changsheng, one of the only two people in the group who were still conscious. ”How are your injuries?”

”Some minor internal injuries. It’s mainly the massive consumption of Spiritual Power.” After resting for a while, Song Changsheng’s condition had recovered somewhat, though his internal organs still ached.

”Are you confident you can recover to your peak state before the finals?”

”Martial Uncle?” Zhuang Yuechan’s face fell. She knew exactly what Zhan Tianxia’s question implied.

Song Changsheng pondered for a moment before nodding. ”As long as I have enough resources, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

”Good. Then the finals in seven days are up to you. I will do everything in my power to help you heal.” Zhan Tianxia made the final decision, placing the heavy burden on Song Changsheng’s shoulders.

It was a decision born of helplessness. The injuries Niu Dazhuang and Yinn Shang had sustained were not light; they would need at least a month or two to recuperate. Seven days was simply too short.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have placed his final hopes on Song Changsheng. After all, strictly speaking, Song Changsheng wasn’t even a disciple of Luoxia City.

”Understood.” Song Changsheng didn’t hesitate, nodding in agreement. He was never one to back down.

”Regardless of the final outcome, Luoxia City will not treat you unfairly.” Zhan Tianxia patted Song Changsheng’s shoulder and then left the room. He had to go prepare healing supplies for Song Changsheng. Time was too precious; not a single second could be wasted!

...

PS: I managed to get it out after all. If there are any typos or anything, please feel free to kick me~