"Big brother, can you take me flying?" Tingting blinked her large eyes, looking at Gu Sheng with anticipation.
Gu Sheng smiled and patted Tingting’s head, "Of course I can. When you one day step on the path of cultivation, I’ll take you to fly across the ends of the earth."
The time spent together had made Gu Sheng feel a long-lost warmth and tranquility. He knew well that he couldn’t stay here for long, yet the attachment in his heart made him reluctant to leave.
As night fell, Gu Sheng sat quietly on the rooftop, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with longing for home. "Home, that’s an embrace under the distant starry sky, the warm embrace of parents," he murmured to himself, a determined light flickering in his eyes.
Moonlight like water fell on this ancient little town and on Gu Sheng’s resolute face. His thoughts drifted afar, yet his heart always lingered on this town that gave him warmth, the kind old man, and the lovely little girl, Tingting.
"Big brother, why aren’t you resting yet?" Tingting’s childish voice broke the night’s silence. She looked up at Gu Sheng on the rooftop, her eyes full of concern.
Gu Sheng smiled slightly, leapt off the rooftop, and gently patted Tingting’s head, "I was thinking about something. How come you aren’t asleep either?"
"I can’t sleep. I want to talk to big brother," Tingting said innocently, blinking her big eyes.
The two sat on the stone steps in front of the house, chatting about everyday things. Tingting recounted stories of living with her grandfather, while Gu Sheng shared his cultivation experiences and tales of his distant hometown. In the quiet night, their hearts were closely connected.
The peace of the next morning was shattered by a commotion. Gu Sheng got up early to hunt in the mountains, preparing food for the old man and Tingting. Utilizing the Gale Nine Swords, a flash of his sword sent a roe deer and a muntjac to the ground.
When Gu Sheng returned loaded, he found the town crowded with people. His heart tightened as he quickly squeezed through the crowd, only to see the old man and Tingting being attacked by several ruffians.
"Old man, pay up! Or don’t blame us for being rude!" a thug shouted viciously. They were clearly local bullies, oppressing the people and committing all sorts of evil.
Seeing this, Gu Sheng’s heart burned with anger. He strode forward, pushing the thugs aside and shielding the old man and Tingting behind him, "What do you think you’re doing?!"
"Kid, who are you? Dare to meddle in our business!" the thug glared at Gu Sheng, disdainfully speaking.
"Who I am doesn’t matter," Gu Sheng coldly replied, "What matters is that you shouldn’t bully this innocent grandfather and granddaughter."
"Haha, a hero saving the damsel in distress! But who do you think you are, daring to stand against us?" the thugs exclaimed, drawing their weapons and charging at Gu Sheng.
A cold light flashed in Gu Sheng’s eyes as he activated his cultivation technique. In the secret realm of the Wheel Sea, the bitter sea churned with golden waves, his aura imposing and overwhelming. His Ancient Sacred Body shimmered with golden light, as if a War God had descended to the mortal realm.
"Gale Nine Swords!" Gu Sheng shouted lowly, the sword light like a dragon, instantly repelling the thug at the forefront by several steps.
The thugs were shocked and frightened, never having seen such powerful cultivation before. Gu Sheng gave them no time to think, his figure like the wind, suddenly appearing in front of a thug, a handprint slapping out, the golden palm imprint sending the thug flying away.
"Ah—" the thug screamed, hitting the ground, unable to get back up.
In this process, Gu Sheng’s cultivation techniques and Martial Techniques gradually merged with the Ancient Sacred Body. The Gale Nine Swords, Shadow Concealment Skill, Carefree Ascension Step... these techniques exhibited unprecedented power in his hands. His Grass Vine Demon Soul also became more agile, stretching over ten thousand meters, easily corroding his enemies.
In his cultivation, Gu Sheng seemed to merge with the whole world, feeling the breath of heaven and earth, sensing the rhythm of all things. His heart was filled with power, power sourced from his Ancient Sacred Body and his unwavering belief.
Before he knew it, Gu Sheng slowly opened his eyes. A sharp light flickered in his eyes, as if able to pierce through all illusions. He felt his strength had increased significantly, and his heart was full of confidence.
"Now, it’s time to settle the accounts with the Li family," Gu Sheng stood up, stretched, his bones crackling. He walked out of the small inn, heading towards the Li family.
At this moment, the old man and Tingting also sensed the change in Gu Sheng. They watched his back with eyes full of gratitude and awe. They knew this young man not only saved their lives but also gave them new hope. At this moment, Gu Sheng seemed to them like an invincible War God, leading them to a new life.
"Big brother, you must be careful!" Tingting couldn’t help but shout.
"Don’t worry, Tingting. I will be careful," Gu Sheng turned back and smiled, then turned and strode away. His heart was full of determination and belief, knowing well he was about to face a tough battle. Yet he also firmly believed that as long as he had enough strength, he could overcome all difficulties and protect the innocent people.
Gu Sheng sat cross-legged in the quiet room, eyes tightly closed, his mind fully immersed in the Wheel Sea secret realm within his body. His heartbeat resonated with the rhythm of heaven and earth, as if able to hear the distant sound of the Great Dao.
During his cultivation, he gradually comprehended the four realms of the Sea Wheel Scroll from the Daoist Scripture: the Bitter Sea, Life Spring, Divine Bridge, and the Other Shore. These realms seemed like four towering peaks, each representing a milestone on the path of cultivation.

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