Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

An immense sense of crisis washed over Song Changsheng, making his scalp crawl. He could smell the scent of destruction and death.

The Tree Demon had died under the Celestial Thunder, so the blood-colored barrier that trapped Song Changsheng and the others, as well as the menacing army of treants on the periphery, naturally dissipated into nothingness.

But now, they were locked onto by the tribulation clouds, with no way to escape.

Thunder Serpents surged within the tribulation clouds, and peals of thunder cast a shadow over their hearts. Their faces were grim. This was a Celestial Punishment from the Celestial Dao.

BOOM—

A purple Thunderbolt burst from the tribulation clouds, like a roaring thunderous python, and plummeted straight toward Xu Yunhe’s position.

Xu Yunhe’s Cultivation was only at the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment. As a Sword Cultivator, although his attacks were sharp and deadly, his defenses were somewhat lacking.

Judging by the power displayed by the Thunder Tribulation, there was no way Xu Yunhe could block this strike. Even if he were lucky enough to survive, he would be gravely injured.

Facing the magnificent Thunderbolt, Xu Yunhe stood tall and proud, with no fear of death in his eyes. For years, he had been prepared to face it.

Xu Yunhe had already put life and death aside, but Song Changsheng couldn’t just stand by and watch him turn to ash under the Thunder Tribulation. The [Luwu Bell] in his palm expanded rapidly, blocking the space above Xu Yunhe a moment before the Thunder Tribulation descended.

The Luwu Divine Beast carved onto the Copper Bell seemed to come alive, letting out a heaven-shaking roar at the tribulation clouds in the sky.

RUMBLE—

The Thunderous Python smashed into the [Luwu Bell]. Electrical light surged and arcs of lightning flew in all directions. For a moment, more than half of Celestial Sinking Valley was illuminated by the brilliant radiance of the lightning.

The [Luwu Bell] was a High-Grade Spiritual Artifact. Its powerful defenses had blocked countless fatal blows for Song Changsheng. After nearly ten years of him nurturing it, its quality was not far from that of a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact.

Even so, it still paled in comparison to the Celestial Thunder. The instant the two made contact, the Luwu let out a mournful cry. The Spiritual Light on its surface dimmed instantly, and cracks even began to spread from top to bottom.

The [Luwu Bell] blocked the rampaging Thunderbolt head-on, but Xu Yunhe, who was underneath it, was still caught in the aftermath. Two of his Tier Two Level Magical Artifacts shattered like tofu, and he was struck in the heart by the overflowing Thunder Power, falling to the ground, his life or death unknown.

When the Spiritual Artifact was severely damaged, the backlash struck its master. An unnatural flush appeared on Song Changsheng’s face, and a mouthful of blood surged up his throat.

Song Changsheng bit his lip hard, forcing the blood back down. Still, his body swayed uncontrollably, and he nearly fell off his flying sword.

"Changsheng, are you alright?" A trace of panic flashed in Zhuang Yuechan’s eyes.

Song Changsheng stopped Zhuang Yuechan from coming over to support him and said through gritted teeth, "I’m fine. Just protect yourself."

BOOM—

The words had barely left his mouth when another Thunderbolt crashed down, this time targeting Song Changsheng.

Seeing this, Zhuang Yuechan, desperate to protect him, didn’t hesitate. She tore the Talisman in her hand. It was the only Tier Three Middle Grade Defense Talisman she had left, made by a Talisman Master and powerful enough to block a strike from the Thunder Tribulation.

A brilliant golden light enveloped Song Changsheng. The Thunder Serpent seemed to lose its target for a moment, striking the ground beside him instead.

In an instant, an area over a dozen li wide was turned to scorched earth, all vegetation reduced to tribulation ash. Only Xu Yunhe, sheltered by the [Luwu Bell], was unharmed. The price, however, was several new cracks appearing on the [Luwu Bell]’s surface.

BOOM—

BOOM—

As if not giving them a moment’s respite, two more Thunderbolts descended in quick succession. The magnificent roar of thunder echoed through the valley like the bellow of the Thunder God, striking fear into their hearts.

The two Thunderbolts, one to the left and one to the right, fell toward Song Changsheng and Zhuang Yuechan respectively.

Zhuang Yuechan had already used her last protective Tier Three Talisman on Song Changsheng. Facing the whistling Celestial Thunder, countless images flashed through her mind. She slowly closed her eyes. At this moment, she felt no regret, only endless sorrow...

Song Changsheng’s eyes were nearly splitting with rage and desperation. He knew there was no way Zhuang Yuechan could withstand this Celestial Thunder; she didn’t possess any remarkable defensive Spiritual Artifacts.

He was frantic with anxiety, but he too was locked on by the Celestial Thunder. The Space around him seemed to have frozen, imprisoning him where he stood.

Just at that critical moment, a copper ring he wore on his right index finger suddenly radiated a strange power, causing faint ripples in the Space.

Song Changsheng immediately felt the restraint on his body loosen...

BOOM

CRASH

The two Thunderbolts struck one after another, but death did not arrive as expected. All she heard was a nearly inaudible grunt next to her ear.

Opening her eyes, she saw Song Changsheng hunched over, shielding her tightly beneath him. Behind his back was a Tai Chi Diagram, its light somewhat dim.

His face was now terrifyingly pale, completely drained of color.

Although the Tai Chi Diagram had blocked the brunt of the two Thunderbolts, the overflowing Thunder Power was not to be underestimated. It all landed on Song Changsheng’s back, instantly tearing his skin and flesh apart.

This was only because his Physical Body was incredibly strong. If it had been anyone else, their fate might have been even worse than Xu Yunhe’s.

"Changsheng..."

Gratitude shone in Zhuang Yuechan’s eyes, but it was quickly overwhelmed by worry and guilt.

"I told you to protect yourself. You shouldn’t have used that Talisman on me. Have you forgotten? My physique is as tough as a Spiritual Artifact. That thing couldn’t have hurt me."