"The Wind Sword Intent! I understand now!"
Gu Sheng immediately stood up and walked to the edge of the Sword Qi Wind Cave. He picked up the wooden sword beside his robe, his gaze blazing. He closed his eyes again, recalling the wind sword intent he had just comprehended. The wooden sword in his hand began to sway gently.
As the wooden sword danced, a trace of breeze emanated from it. The grass nearby bent low, and the tree leaves swayed, making soft rustling sounds. Suddenly, the wooden sword in his hand trembled. With another slash, the breeze intensified tenfold. A gust of wind immediately took shape. When Gu Sheng opened his eyes, a surge of killing intent radiated. As the sword qi enveloped the wooden sword, he swung it again.
"Gale Nine Swords!"
With a low shout, Gu Sheng struck with his sword. Under the surge of sword qi, the violent wind carried an immense destructive force. As he slashed forward, the fury of the wind swept through, raising clouds of dust. The small plants on the ground were instantly shredded, and even the trees nearby were uprooted and pulverized into splinters!
The power of this single strike was immense, directly destroying over ten massive trees that required a person to wrap their arms around. Though the spectacle couldn’t compare to Wen Mingyan’s prowess, Gu Sheng had finally mastered the basics.
Opening the system panel, Gu Sheng could now see Gale Nine Swords listed within. He couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
To Gu Sheng, no matter the level of martial arts, the most challenging part was the entry-level mastery. Beyond that, the subsequent training didn’t concern him. With the system panel, there would be no bottlenecks in the future. It was all a matter of diligence; achieving special effects was just a matter of time.
As a top-grade Yellow Level martial art, Gale Nine Swords already possessed astonishing power. Gu Sheng didn’t dare to imagine how terrifyingly powerful it would become upon reaching the special effects level!
Wen Mingyan, upon learning that Gu Sheng had mastered the basics of Gale Nine Swords, was elated.
"Good lad! As expected of my disciple, to master it so quickly! Now that you’ve grasped the sword qi and have Gale Nine Swords as a trump card, you’ll have the strength to contend even with the top prodigies from other factions!"
Though Gu Sheng had yet to break through to the Golden Bone Realm, he felt that with his current strength, an average Golden Bone Realm opponent wouldn’t last twenty moves against him. However, Wen Mingyan’s words implied that there were still formidable individuals within other factions.
Come to think of it, Gu Sheng had been solely focused on cultivation for a while and hadn’t fought anyone in quite some time. At this moment, he suddenly felt a yearning for battle!
"Master, you mentioned the top prodigies from other factions. Are they truly that formidable? Could you tell me more about them?"
"Of course! When the Red Cloud Secret Domain opens, they will represent their respective factions to compete. They’ll be your rivals then, so it’s important for you to know about them. But simply telling you isn’t enough. According to tradition, half a month before the domain opens, the Mu Trading House will host a grand auction event in the Governor Mansion of the Red Cloud Prefecture. All the region’s major and minor factions will send representatives to attend. Naturally, the elders from the Two Sects and Three Gates will bring those prodigies along to purchase suitable equipment. I’ll take you there to broaden your horizons and introduce you to those formidable figures."
"Counting the days, there’s less than two months before the Red Cloud Secret Domain opens. You’ve been diligently cultivating, so for the remaining time, arrange it as you see fit. Take some time to relax and unwind. Recently, that fellow Wu Gui has also been keeping a low profile. If you want to visit Holy Pill City for some leisure, feel free. But remember, take proper care of yourself; don’t harm your body just because you’re having too much fun."
As Wen Mingyan spoke, a meaningful smile appeared on his face, causing Gu Sheng to blush in embarrassment.
"Understood! I’ll be careful!"
After tidying up briefly, Gu Sheng grabbed a brush and ink to sketch diligently.
Speaking of which, the items he confiscated from Mu Qinghe and his brothers last time were still with Elder Huang. He had promised to draw a diagram not inferior to the silencer for him. Now that he planned to visit Holy Pill City, he could fulfill his promise.
The Three-Pattern Iron Thunder Wood and Thunder Fruit were classified as low-grade Yellow Level materials, but with Gu Sheng’s rising status, such items were no longer particularly enticing for him.
There was no helping it; Wen Mingyan had spoiled him with remarkably high-end resources!
After Gu Sheng’s Fire Cloud Sword was damaged, Wen Mingyan had given him one of the three swords atop the great stone.
That sword was named Po Jun, a low-grade Mystical Level treasure. Additionally, all the pills Gu Sheng currently used for cultivation were acquired by Wen Mingyan shamelessly pestering Lu Junyi. At the very least, these pills were mid-grade Yellow Level!
The Iron Thunder Wood and Thunder Fruit were no longer of use to Gu Sheng, but Lin Miaomiao and the others could still benefit from them.
It was still the same underground forging chamber.
When Elder Huang saw Gu Sheng, he teased with a grin, "Not seeing you for so long, I thought those Thousand Poison Sect fellows might have killed you. I was even thinking of selling your belongings for a small profit. Good timing on your part, kid."
Gu Sheng, of course, knew Elder Huang was just joking.
As both a Pill Master and Artifact Refiner, Huang didn’t lack money. Gu Sheng’s possessions were hardly worth his attention.
Gu Sheng cupped his hands in greeting with a smile. "I’m not one to die so easily, Elder. I’m tough as nails."
As he spoke, he waved the blueprint in his hand. "This time, I’m here to trouble you with something."
Seeing the blueprint in Gu Sheng’s hand, Elder Huang’s eyes lit up.
The silencer Gu Sheng had designed earlier was a groundbreaking concept. After modifying it, Elder Huang had sparked a crossbow arrow craze. Recently, Mu Trading House’s sales of crossbow treasures had skyrocketed, and Elder Huang had made a fortune.
Now, seeing Gu Sheng produce another blueprint, Elder Huang couldn’t help but feel eager. After all, Gu Sheng had promised this one would rival the silencer!
"What new contraption have you come up with this time, kid? Quick, show it to me!"
Seeing Elder Huang’s impatient manner, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but chuckle. "Calm down, Elder Huang. But let me make it clear first: I only provide the blueprint. Whether or not it can be crafted, that’s entirely up to you!"
Elder Huang, well aware of Gu Sheng’s limited forging skills, snorted. "Of course! Now stop dawdling and show me what it is! As usual, if I can craft it, I’ll gift you an item as labor compensation!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World