Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 951: Chapter 499: Divine Wood Forest (Part 2)

"Tomorrow morning."

The elder said, "Tonight, you all should rest well and get ready."

"Alright."

Gu Sheng and Master Zhang nodded.

As night fell, Stone Village returned to tranquility.

Gu Sheng, Shi Lou, and Er Gou were all preparing for tomorrow’s journey.

At this moment, their families were together, feeling a mix of emotions, unsure whether it was joy or worry.

"Er Gou, when you reach the Divine Wood Forest, take care of each other with Shi Lou and Xiao Sheng, understood?"

Er Gou’s mother advised somewhat despondently.

"Don’t worry, Shi Lou and I know what to do."

Er Gou smiled.

Just then, Shi Lou’s mom suddenly spoke up, "By the way, I heard from Master Zhang that Stone Village might rely on you in the future, train well, don’t bring shame to our Stone Village."

"Understood, yeah..."

Shi Lou sighed, seemingly a little impatient.

That night, the two pairs of mother and child talked at length until late at night.

The next morning, at the break of dawn.

Gu Sheng, Shi Lou, Er Gou, and Master Zhang set off.

They passed through the village and embarked on the path leading to the Divine Wood Forest.

Sunlight filtered through the treetops, sprinkling on them, adding a bit of warmth to their journey.

The Divine Wood Forest is situated to the north of Stone Village, a forest covered by thousand-year-old trees.

These trees are tall and sturdy, their trunks marked by the traces of time.

In the forest, a faint aroma of vegetation permeates, making one feel relaxed.

"This place is really special."

Gu Sheng exclaimed.

As soon as he entered the Divine Wood Forest, he could sense the distinctive aura of Divine Power here, unlike anywhere else.

"Yes, the divine trees here can absorb Divine Power, stabilizing the fluctuations of Divine Power."

Master Zhang explained.

"Hmm, training here yields twice the results with half the effort."

Gu Sheng nodded with satisfaction.

Soon, Master Zhang led them to a rundown hut deep within the dense forest.

Upon entry, cobwebs and dust enveloped the place.

"Achoo!"

Er Gou couldn’t help but sneeze loudly.

He rubbed his nose, "How long has it been since anyone came here?"

"At least twenty years."

Master Zhang said, patting the door panel, "Hmm, this elm wood is still quite solid, hasn’t deteriorated, you three will stay here for now."

"Well... alright."

Although Shi Lou was somewhat reluctant, there was no other place to reside along the journey.

"What? Unwilling?"

Master Zhang turned around, asking sternly.

"No, no, we’re very willing."

Er Gou smiled and began tidying up the room.

About an hour later, Master Zhang arranged for Gu Sheng and the others to spruce up the room thoroughly.

At least it ensured no leaks during rain, and kept mosquitoes from freely buzzing.

After arranging everything, Master Zhang looked at the newly refreshed hut and nodded, saying, "Hmm, it’s alright."

"Old Zhang, it’s getting late, you should head back."

Gu Sheng reminded.

Master Zhang looked at the sun about to set over Luoshan, nodded, and said, "Alright, there’s basically nothing left, take care of yourselves."

Subsequently, Gu Sheng escorted Master Zhang out of the Divine Wood Forest back to Stone Village.

Returning to the Divine Wood Forest, the sky had already darkened.

But Gu Sheng did not directly enter the Divine Wood Forest, instead, he set up a Barrier along the forest’s edge.

In case anyone discovered them, Gu Sheng could detect it timely through the barrier.

Over the following month, Gu Sheng taught Er Gou and Shi Lou some methods of using Divine Power while studying the contents of the Seeking Origin Heavenly Book.

With the Divine Ability bloodline within Shi Lou and Er Gou, they quickly learned to fly off the ground, reaching heights of several tens of meters.

Moreover, they could wield power, breaking rocks with a single punch.

Though not completely shattering them, this strength was ample to protect Stone Village.

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng acquired some Small Origin Skills, enabling him to shift forms and shadows, but hadn’t reached the realm-altering level of Great Source Skills.

The three felt that the month passed by productively.

It was a tough month, while they were leisurely resting, Gu Sheng suddenly felt someone had breached the barrier.

"Not good! Someone’s entered this side of the Divine Wood Forest!"

Having said that, Gu Sheng instantly flew towards the forest’s edge.

Simultaneously, Er Gou and Shi Lou also soared into the air.

When the three reached the forest’s edge, they were taken aback by seeing their friend, Shi Shanlin, not someone else.

His body bore several wounds, clearly from being attacked.

Gu Sheng quickly stepped forward, supporting the staggering Shi Shanlin.

"Shanlin, what happened?"

Gu Sheng asked urgently.

Shi Shanlin’s face was pale, lips trembling, stuttering as he said, "Quick... go save Master Zhang, they... they..."

Before finishing his sentence, Shi Shanlin lost consciousness.

Gu Sheng’s brows furrowed, sensing that something major had occurred in Stone Village.

He immediately told Er Gou and Shi Lou, "Stay here, protect Shanlin, I’m going to save Master Zhang."

"No, I’m going."

"I want to go too!"

Er Gou and Shi Lou said in unison.

Gu Sheng knew their determination, nodded: "Alright, Er Gou come with me, Shi Lou, you stay here with Shanlin."

"Alright... okay!"

Shi Lou agreed, glancing at the fallen Shi Shanlin.

The two promptly set off, flying swiftly along the path Shi Shanlin came.

Following their previous route, they quickly reached the edge of the village.

The village was completely silent, heightening their tension.

They landed in front of Master Zhang’s house, finding many villagers gathered there.

"So everyone is here."

Er Gou said sternly.

Seeing this situation, Gu Sheng grew even more anxious.

Because this scene could only indicate one thing—that Master Zhang had certainly encountered trouble.

These neighbors, seeing Er Gou and Gu Sheng descending from the sky, were amazed, mouths agape.

"It’s Xiao Sheng and Er Gou!"

"They came from the sky."

Someone exclaimed among them.

Er Gou didn’t mind too much and directly rushed into Master Zhang’s room.

Only to find Master Zhang lying weakly on his bed, face pale, lips devoid of color, evidently lacking blood.

"Master Zhang!"

Er Gou cried out, hurriedly checking.

Master Zhang opened his eyes, seeing Gu Sheng and them, revealing a relieved expression.

"Xiao Sheng... you’ve arrived."

Master Zhang’s voice was weak.

"Old Zhang, who came here?"

Gu Sheng asked, somewhat nervously.

At that moment, Elder Shi stood up, sighed lightly, and said, "Those people... they came for the Forest’s Heart."

"The Forest’s Heart?"

Gu Sheng was startled.

He had previously heard from Master Zhang that it was the treasure of the Divine Wood Forest, and whoever possessed it could wield the forest’s entire power.

"Why? Is it just for the power within the forest?"

Gu Sheng asked.

"No."

Elder Shi shook his head, "Those people somehow learned of Shi Lou and Er Gou’s awakened bloodline, aiming to absorb their Divine Ability by controlling the forest’s power, therefore, we must stop them."

Master Zhang said with difficulty.

"Who are these people?"

Er Gou asked, anxious.

"Two groups of bandits."

Someone in the crowd said.

"Bandits?"

Er Gou was infuriated upon hearing this, his eyes brimming with anger.

He clenched his fists, ready to fight fiercely.

"Damn it!"

Er Gou cursed loudly.

Suddenly, the sound of a bronze gong rang out.

The sound was made by villagers at the village entrance.

Faced with danger, the villagers would sound the bronze gong for warning.

"All able-bodied ones, quickly defend the village!"

Upon hearing this sound, Elder Shi swiftly ordered.

"Elder! Watch me!"

Er Gou said, rushing out.

At that moment, Er Gou’s mother suddenly saw her son who hadn’t returned home for a month.

"Er Gou! Er Gou! Where are you going?"

Er Gou’s mother asked anxiously.