Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 277: Chapter 159: Great Elder Lu Junyi of the Holy Pill Sect_2

”Who wishes to see me?”

Just as Gu Sheng was conversing with Lin Miaomiao, a resonant voice exploded near their ears.

The two of them raised their heads to see the restrictions in front dissolve, revealing an elderly man stepping forward, clad in a white long robe trimmed with golden edges. His hair was streaked with gray, but his spirit was vigorous and imposing.

Lin Miaomiao’s eyes were filled with shock upon seeing the old man. She quickly saluted Lu Junyi with deep respect, ”Outer disciple of War God Peak, Lin Miaomiao, greets the Great Elder!”

Gu Sheng, upon hearing this, also hurriedly clasped his hands and bowed to the elder.

Lu Junyi’s gaze fell squarely on Gu Sheng. His cultivation far exceeded that of Chen Ke and the others. Although he couldn’t penetrate the Snake Breath Skill to discern Gu Sheng’s true cultivation level, he did notice that Gu Sheng’s breath was long and profound, his physical strength far surpassing those of the same level.

”This boy is a rare talent!”

Seeing Gu Sheng, Lu Junyi couldn’t help but marvel internally. He looked at Gu Sheng and asked, ”Are there elders in your family who are acquainted with me? What is your name, and where are you from? Why do I have no memory of you?”

Gu Sheng had originally been just the son of a tenant farmer in Gu’s Manor. It would indeed be strange if Lu Junyi had any recollection of him. Gu Sheng respectfully replied, ”Great Elder, my name is Gu Sheng, I come from Canghe County. Before I came here, my family elder simply handed me this token and told me nothing more. He said you would understand its significance as soon as you saw it.”

As he spoke, Gu Sheng presented Ge Qing’s token to Lu Junyi.

Lu Junyi accepted the token, immediately sensing the familiar warmth characteristic of Molten Lava Layered Stone. His eyes fell on the token. When he saw the emblem on its front, his pupils contracted, his expression filled with astonishment.

”The Dragon Phoenix Pill Cauldron!”

Lu Junyi, somewhat losing his composure, leaned in closer to scrutinize the intricate patterns on the token’s emblem. His fingers gently traced every line on its surface, his expression growing increasingly shocked. When he flipped the token over and saw the unadorned character ”Ge,” a crazed smile suddenly broke across his face.

Lu Junyi grasped Gu Sheng’s arm firmly, saying, ”Come with me! We’ll talk further upstairs!”

Before his words were fully spoken, he pulled Gu Sheng along without giving him any chance to resist, heading directly for Cloud Saint Peak. Lu Junyi’s speed was astonishing—incredibly fast. Even if Gu Sheng used First-Level Swift Movement, he would be unable to keep up. Eventually, Gu Sheng had no choice but to stop struggling and let himself be dragged along. Thankfully, Lu Junyi was no ordinary man; his strength was formidable. Even with only one hand holding Gu Sheng, he could effortlessly lift him, preventing his legs from being injured on the treacherous path. Otherwise, climbing thousands of steps to the summit would surely cripple Gu Sheng’s legs or require months of recovery.

Chen Ke, lacking Lu Junyi’s pace, had just returned to the entrance of the restriction when he felt a gust of wind sweep past him. A shadow flashed before his eyes. When he turned to Lin Miaomiao, Gu Sheng had already disappeared from sight.

”He... He was taken by the Great Elder?”

Lin Miaomiao nodded, ”Yes! Judging by the Great Elder’s expression earlier, he seemed to be in quite a hurry.”

Chen Ke’s thoughts whirled as he approached Lin Miaomiao, ”Junior Sister Lin, are you sure that young man truly comes from that kind of barren place like Canghe County?”

Lin Miaomiao shook her head, ”That’s what he claimed. As for whether it’s true or not, I wouldn’t know. My task is complete; Senior Brother, you may focus on your duties. I’ll take my leave now.”

Seeing Lin Miaomiao preparing to leave, Chen Ke hurriedly stopped her, ”Hey! Junior Sister, don’t rush off so quickly! Don’t hold the earlier incident against me—I was merely acting under orders. Since you are familiar with that young man, should you meet him again, please explain on my behalf.”

Lu Junyi held an esteemed position within the Holy Pill Sect. Typically, when the Sect Master was in secluded cultivation, all major decisions were made by Lu Junyi. In many instances, Lu Junyi’s power seemed even more tangible than the Sect Master’s. As a core disciple, Chen Ke had often encountered Lu Junyi, but the impression he’d received was always of an unflappable, steadfast presence—unshaken even in the face of great calamities. Yet, this was the first time he had seen Lu Junyi act so urgently since joining the sect. Chen Ke suspected this was due to Gu Sheng’s extraordinary background!

As a core disciple, Chen Ke was keenly aware of the clout relationships could yield. Reflecting on the words he’d said to Gu Sheng earlier, a chill ran down his spine. Although he had an uncle who held a position as an elder in the Holy Pill Sect, that elder’s standing was worlds apart from Lu Junyi’s. Further complicating matters, his uncle wasn’t particularly close to him. If Gu Sheng decided to bring this up, it was uncertain whether his uncle would be inclined to intervene.

Lin Miaomiao harbored intense disdain for individuals like Chen Ke, but she did not let it show too much. Maintaining a cold demeanor, she replied, ”Alright. If I happen to encounter Brother Gu again in the future, I’ll pass on your message.” Finished speaking, she descended the mountain.

Watching Lin Miaomiao’s departing figure, an expression of malice flashed across Chen Ke’s face. ”Hmph! An outer disciple dares to put on airs with me? If it weren’t for your luck in meeting such a connected person beforehand, see if I wouldn’t put you in your place!”

Chen Ke turned his gaze to the peak of Cloud Saint Peak, muttering to himself, ”No, I can’t rely solely on that woman. I need to explain matters personally!” Without hesitation, he deactivated the restriction and rushed towards Lu Junyi’s loft courtyard.

Inside Lu Junyi’s loft, Lu Junyi held the token as if it were a priceless treasure, his gaze fixed on Gu Sheng. ”This token—did your elder give it to you?”

From Lu Junyi’s expressions, Gu Sheng had already deduced that the token Ge Qing had given him was immensely significant. With no earlier opportunity to meet Lu Junyi personally, he had fabricated a story, but now that the moment had come, he opted for the truth.

”The elder who gave me the token isn’t a family member. I’ve only met him a few times. When handing me the token, he simply told me that if I had nowhere to secure a foothold in Red Cloud Prefecture, I should come find you.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Junyi’s eyes gleamed with delight. ”Where is the one who gave you this token now? What is their name?”

After Gu Sheng disclosed Ge Qing’s name and location, Lu Junyi nearly leapt with excitement—his reaction comparable to a scholar receiving news of passing the imperial exam, utterly losing his composure.

”Wait here for me!”

Lu Junyi activated the restrictions on his loft and stepped into the courtyard. Producing a sharp whistle, he was answered by a crisp, resonant bird cry from a distance.

Moments later, an enormous bird—over two meters in length with dazzling feathers—landed before the courtyard. Climbing onto the bird’s back, Lu Junyi emitted a unique tonal signal, prompting the bird to spread its wings and take flight, vanishing into the sky.

Watching Lu Junyi ride away on the bird, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy.

”Tch, having a mount truly is convenient. Although riding a bird seems somewhat lacking in flair, flying on a sword would be the pinnacle of style!”

Gu Sheng gazed into the sky, lost in thought. In his past life, he had read countless xianxia novels and watched fantasy dramas. He had always viewed sword-flight and monster-slaying as the epitome of cool. In his youth, he often fantasized about becoming someone like the Alcohol Sword Immortal—a lone figure, wielding a sword, riding the winds to vanquish evil—truly unparalleled!

While Gu Sheng was still immersed in his daydreams, Lu Junyi had already flown dozens of miles away.

The bird beneath Lu Junyi, known as the Five-Colored Bird, possessed a sliver of the esteemed bloodline of the Seven-Colored Phoenix, marking it as an extraordinarily noble beast. This particular bird was but a juvenile, hatched from an egg Lu Junyi had found years ago in the Red Cloud Mountain Range. Through years of careful nurturing, he had succeeded in taming it. Otherwise, given its regal nature, it would never have allowed anyone to ride it.

Despite only possessing a trace of Phoenix blood, the Five-Colored Bird was among the top-tier beasts with monster blood. Even in its juvenile form, its power rivaled a Martial Artist of Refining Marrow First Level. Fully grown, it would be strong enough to defeat even a Refining Marrow Ninth-Level expert!

Its speed was phenomenal—covering a thousand miles was a matter of mere hours.

The Five-Colored Bird’s imposing size and fierce aura caused a panic among the guard troops stationed on the Canghe County walls as it approached.

”Enemy attack! Enemy attack!”

The soldiers immediately raised the alarm, and chaos erupted among the city’s defenders at the sight of the Five-Colored Bird soaring through the skies.

At the same time, Zhang Guangqun, who happened to be on patrol, sensed the overwhelming pressure emanating from the bird and turned pale.

”A monster blood beast is attacking the city! Send for Lord Liu and Lord Mo immediately!”